bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraneoplastic autoimmune optic neuritis with retinitis defined by CRMP‐5‐IgG
Authors: Cross Shelley A. , Salomao Diva R. , Parisi Joseph E. , Kryzer Thomas J. , Bradley Elizabeth A. , Mines Jonathan A. , Lam Byron L. , Lennon Vanda A.
Published: June 2003

Autoantibodies have defined two paraneoplastic visual disorders related to small‐cell lung carcinoma: retinopathy (“CAR”‐IgG [23kDa, recoverin]) and optic neuritis collapsin response‐mediated protein 5 (CRMP‐5‐IgG [62kDa]). Among 16 patients with CRMP‐5‐IgG and optic neuritis (aged 52–74 years; all smokers, 9 women), we documented coexisting retinitis in 5. None had CAR‐IgG. Fifteen had subacute vision loss, swollen optic discs, and field defects. Vascular leakage was evident at and remote from the disc; 5/5 tested had abnormal electroretinograms. Nine had striking vitreous cells. Vitrectomy showed reactive lymphocytosis (4/4), predominantly CD4+ (1/1). Most patients had multifocal neurological accompaniments. Cerebrospinal fluid contained lymphocytes (7‐32), elevated protein, multiple oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands, and CRMP‐5‐IgG. Three patients superficially resembled Devic's disease at presentation. One autopsied patient had predominantly CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrating optic nerve and spinal cord. Eleven patients had confirmed small‐cell carcinoma; 1 had imaging evidence of lung cancer; 3 had renal or thyroid carcinoma. Full‐length CRMP‐5 protein was identified in normal retina and optic nerve by Western blot analyses. Photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, and nerve fibers exhibited CRMP‐5–specific immunoreactivity. In summary, CRMP‐5‐IgG defines a paraneoplastic ophthalmological entity of combined optic neuritis and retinitis with vitreous inflammatory cells. Positive serology obviates the need for vitreous biopsy and expedites the search for cancer. Ann Neurol 2003
Nonsyndromic mental retardation and cryptogenic epilepsy in women with Doublecortin gene mutations
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Moro Francesca , Andermann Eva , Hughes Elaine , D'Agostino Daniela , Carrozzo Romeo , Bernasconi Andrea , Flinter Frances , Parmeggiani Lucio , Volzone Anna , Parrini Elena , Mei Davide , Jarosz Jozef M. , Morris Robin G. , Pratt Polly , Tortorella Gaetano , Dubeau François , Andermann Frederick , Dobyns William B. , Das Soma
Published: June 2003

DCX mutations cause mental retardation in male subjects with lissencephalypachygyria and in female subjects with subcortical band heterotopia (SBH). We observed four families in which carrier women had normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mild mental retardation, with or without epilepsy. Affected male subjects had SBH or pachygyria‐SBH. In two families, the phenotype was mild in both genders. In the first family, we found a tyr138his mutation that is predicted to result in abnormal folding in the small hinge region. In the second family, we found an arg178cys mutation at the initial portion of R2, in the putative β‐sheet structure. Carrier female subjects with normal MRI showed no somatic mosaicism or altered X‐inactivation in lymphocytes, suggesting a correlation between mild mutations and phenotypes. In the two other families, with severely affected boys, we found arg76ser and arg56gly mutations within the R1 region that are predicted to affect DCX folding, severely modifying its activity. Both carrier mothers showed skewed X‐inactivation, possibly explaining their mild phenotypes. Missense DCX mutations may manifest as non‐syndromic mental retardation with cryptogenic epilepsy in female subjects and SBH in boys. Mutation analysis in mothers of affected children is mandatory, even when brain MRI is normal. Ann Neurol 2003
Immature cortex lesions alter retinotopic maps and interhemispheric connections
Authors: Restrepo C. Ernesto , Manger Paul R. , Spenger Christian , Innocenti Giorgio M.
Published: June 2003

Unilateral lesions of the occipital visual areas performed on postnatal day 5 (P5) in the ferret are not compensated by the appearance, in the lesioned hemisphere, of visual responses at ectopic locations. Instead, when parts of the visual areas are spared, they show abnormal retinotopic organizations; furthermore, callosal connections are abnormally distributed in relation to the retinotopic maps. Lesions that completely eliminate the visual areas including the posterior parietal cortex cause the appearance of abnormal callosal connections from the primary somatosensory cortex on the lesion side to the contralateral, intact, posterior parietal cortex. The occipital visual areas (17, 18, 19, and 21) of the intact hemisphere show a normal retinotopy but lose callosal connections in territories homotopic to the lesions. These findings clarify the nature and limits of structural developmental plasticity in the visual cortex. Early in life, certain regions of cortex have been irreversibly allocated to the visual areas, but two properties defining the areas, that is, retinotopy and connections, remain modifiable. The findings might be relevant for understanding the consequences of early‐onset visual cortical lesions in humans. Ann Neurol 2003
Antiepileptic drug use in nursing home admissions
Authors: Garrard Judith , Harms Susan , Hardie Nancy , Eberly Lynn E. , Nitz Nicole , Bland Patricia , Gross Cynthia R. , Leppik Ilo E.
Published: June 2003

Although 1 of 10 nursing home residents is taking an antiepileptic drug (AED), no study to our knowledge has determined whether most residents are already receiving AED treatment when they are admitted or are given these drugs afterward. That differentiation was the focus of this study. The study group consisted of 10,318 residents, 65 years and older, admitted to 510 nursing homes located throughout the United States during the first quarter of 1999. AED prevalence at admission was 7.7%; three fifths had an epilepsy/seizure indication. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with AED use at admission included epilepsy/seizure, bipolar depression, age group, and cognitive performance. In the follow‐up cohort (N = 9,516), postadmission initiation of AEDs was 2.7%; one fifth had an epilepsy/seizure indication. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with postadmission AED initiation included epilepsy/seizure indication, bipolar depression, age group, peripheral vascular disease, and cognitive performance. This rate of AED postadmission initiation within the first 3 months of admission was much higher than expected, suggesting that new symptoms may develop after admission. Results also show that the rate of AED use in nursing homes is not static. Ann Neurol 2003;54:000–000
Oxidative capacity correlates with muscle mutation load in mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Jeppesen Tina D. , Schwartz Marianne , Olsen David B. , Vissing John
Published: June 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the level of mutated mitochondrial DNA in muscle and oxidative capacity in 24 patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), workload (Wmax), and venous plasma lactate levels were measured during an incremental cycle test to exhaustion in 17 patients with point mutations of mtDNA and in seven with single, large‐scale deletions of mtDNA (chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia [CPEO]). Results were compared with those in 25 healthy matched subjects. The mutation load in MM patients was 67 ± 5% (range, 29 – 99%). VO2max and Wmax correlated with percentage of heteroplasmy (r > 0.82; p < 0.005) and were lower in patients versus healthy subjects (p < 0.000005). Exercise‐induced peak increases in heart rate, ventilation, and resting plasma lactate levels correlated with muscle mutation load (r > 0.71; p < 0.005). Exercise‐induced increases in plasma lactate correlated with muscle mutation load in CPEO patients (r = 0.95; p < 0.005). Impaired oxidative capacity and ragged red muscle fibers were found in CPEO and 3243A→G patients with mutation loads as low as 45 and 57%, respectively. The study indicates that oxidative capacity correlates directly with skeletal muscle mutation load in MM patients, and that the mutation threshold level for impaired oxidative metabolism in MM patients is lower than found in in vitro studies. Ann Neurol 2003
Do CTG expansions at the SCA8 locus cause ataxia?
Authors: Schöls Ludger , Bauer Ingrid , Zühlke Christine , Schulte Thorsten , Kölmel Christina , Bürk Katrin , Topka Helge , Bauer Peter , Przuntek Horst , Riess Olaf
Published: June 2003

To evaluate the significance of expanded CTG repeats at the SCA8 locus, we analyzed the allele distribution in 1,262 German ataxia patients. We found intermediate and expanded CTG repeats with similar frequencies in ataxia patients with and without established genetic diseases. One family linked to the SCA8 locus showed incomplete penetrance and an association of smaller CTG repeats with more severe disease. Our data question the disease‐causing character of CTG expansions for SCA8 and advise great caution in genetic testing. Ann Neurol 2003;54:110–115
Slower progression of Parkinson's disease with ropinirole versus levodopa: The REAL‐PET study
Authors: Whone Alan L. , Watts Ray L. , Stoessl A. Jon , Davis Margaret , Reske Sven , Nahmias Claude , Lang Anthony E. , Rascol Olivier , Ribeiro Maria J. , Remy Philippe , Poewe Werner H. , Hauser Robert A. , Brooks David J. ,   REAL‐PET Study Group
Published: June 2003

Preclinical studies suggest ropinirole (a D2/D3 dopamine agonist) may be neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease (PD), and a pilot clinical study using 18F‐dopa positron emission tomography (PET) suggested a slower loss of striatal dopamine storage with ropinirole compared with levodopa. This prospective, 2‐year, randomized, double‐blind, multinational study compared the rates of loss of dopamine‐terminal function in de novo patients with clinical and 18F‐dopa PET evidence of early PD, randomized 1 to 1 to receive either ropinirole or levodopa. The primary outcome measure was reduction in putamen 18F‐dopa uptake (Ki) between baseline and 2‐year PET. Of 186, 162 randomized patients were eligible for analysis. A blinded, central, region‐of‐interest analysis showed a significantly lower reduction (p = 0.022) in putamen Ki over 2 years with ropinirole (−13.4%; n = 68) compared with levodopa (−20.3%; n = 59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–13.06). Statistical parametric mapping localized lesser reductions in 18F‐dopa uptake in the putamen and substantia nigra with ropinirole. The greatest Ki decrease in each group was in the putamen (ropinirole, −14.1%; levodopa, −22.9%; 95% CI, 4.24–13.3), but the decrease was significantly lower with ropinirole compared with levodopa (p < 0.001). Ropinirole is associated with slower progression of PD than levodopa as assessed by 18F‐dopa PET. Ann Neurol 2003
Genetic interaction of CTLA‐4 with HLA‐DR15 in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Alizadeh Mehdi , Babron Marie‐Claude , Birebent Brigitte , Matsuda Fumihiko , Quelvennec Erwann , Liblau Roland , Cournu‐Rebeix Isabelle , Momigliano‐Richiardi Patricia , Sequeiros Jorge , Yaouanq Jacqueline , Genin Emmanuelle , Vasilescu Alexandre , Bougerie Héloise , Trojano Maria , Martins Silva Berta , Maciel Patricia , Clerget‐Darpoux Françoise , Clanet Michel , Edan Gilles , Fontaine Bertrand , Semana Gilbert
Published: June 2003

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with a genetic component. Until now, the more consistent association with the disease is found with the major histocompatibility complex, especially HLA‐DRB1*1501‐DQB1*0602 haplotype. In this report, we demonstrate the interaction of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4 [CD152]) gene with DRB1*15 haplotype in multiple sclerosis genetic susceptibility. Our data were obtained from two European independent family‐based studies including 610 multiple sclerosis family trios. Ann Neurol 2003;54:119–122
Cerebrospinal fluid sulfatide is decreased in subjects with incipient dementia
Authors: Han Xianlin , Fagan Anne M. , Cheng Hua , Morris John C. , Xiong Chengjie , Holtzman David M.
Published: June 2003

We recently noted a profound decline in brain sulfatides (ST) in subjects who died with incipient dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we measured ST levels in cerebrospinal fluid in cognitively normal elderly and in subjects with mild cognitive impairment due to incipient demenia of the Alzheimer type. There was a significant decrease in cerebrospinal fluid ST and in the ST to phosphatidylinositol ratio in MCI subjects. The ST to phosphatidylinositol ratio accurately differentiated very mildly impaired subjects from controls on an individual basis. The cerebrospinal fluid ST to phosphatidylinositol ratio may be a very useful biomarker for the earliest clinical stage of Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2003;54:115–119
Intraventricular hemorrhage in term neonates caused by sinovenous thrombosis
Authors: Wu Yvonne W. , Hamrick Shannon E. G. , Miller Steven P. , Haward Marlyse F. , Lai Michael C. , Callen Peter W. , Barkovich A. James , Ferriero Donna M.
Published: June 2003

The cause of intraventricular hemorrhage in term neonates is poorly understood. Among 29 neonates of at least 36 weeks' gestation with intraventricular hemorrhage, 9 (31%) had cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. Of the 26 neonates who underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance studies, those with thalamic hemorrhage were more likely to have sinovenous thrombosis than those without thalamic involvement (4/5 vs 5/21, p = 0.03). Term neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage should undergo neuroimaging to evaluate the presence of sinovenous thrombosis. Ann Neurol 2003
Ciliary neurotrophic factor genotype does not influence clinical phenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Al‐Chalabi Ammar , Scheffler Margaret D. , Smith Bradley N. , Parton Matthew J. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Andersen Peter M. , Hayden Douglas L. , Hansen Valerie K. , Turner Martin R. , Shaw Christopher E. , Leigh P. Nigel , Brown Robert H.
Published: June 2003

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) maintains survival of adult motor neurons. Mice lacking the CNTF gene develop mild, progressive motor neuron loss. In the normal human population, 1 to 2.3% are homozygous for a null allele, and reports suggest this mutant is associated with a younger onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have tested this hypothesis in a study of 400 subjects with ALS and 236 controls. There was no difference in age of onset, clinical presentation, rate of progression, or disease duration for those with one or two copies of the null allele, excluding CNTF as a major disease modifier in ALS. Ann Neurol 2003;54:130–134
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with agenesis of the corpus callosum
Authors: Dupré Nicolas , Howard Heidi C. , Mathieu Jean , Karpati George , Vanasse Michel , Bouchard Jean‐Pierre , Carpenter Stirling , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: June 2003

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum (OMIM 218000) is an autosomal recessive disease of early onset characterized by a delay in developmental milestones, a severe sensory‐motor polyneuropathy with areflexia, a variable degree of agenesis of the corpus callosum, amyotrophy, hypotonia, and cognitive impairment. Although this disorder has rarely been reported worldwide, it has a high prevalence in the Saguenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean region of the province of Quebec (Canada) predominantly because of a founder effect. The gene defect responsible for this disorder recently has been identified, and it is a protein‐truncating mutation in the SLC12A6 gene, which codes for a cotransporter protein known as KCC3. Herein, we provide the first extensive review of this disorder, covering epidemiological, clinical, and molecular genetic studies. Ann Neurol 2002;54:9–18
Using aerial photography for identification of marine and coastal habitats under the EU's Habitats Directive
Authors: Ekebom Jan , Erkkilä Anne
Published: June 2003

Implementation of the E.U. Habitats Directive requires information on the distribution, abundance and area covered by the habitats listed in Annex I of the Directive.

In Finland, 21 of these habitats occur in marine and coastal areas. The demand for spatial information of these habitats is increasing, so rapid and relatively inexpensive mapping methods are needed.

This study examines the identification of 15 habitats using high altitude black and white aerial photographs. Our goal was to find out how well these habitats could be identified using these types of photographs. We used a test group of 34 persons who were given only brief instructions on how to identify the habitats prior to the test. Their results were compared to a set of field data from an archipelago area at the entrance of the Gulf of Finland, in August 1999 and autumn 2000.

The test group identified sandy beaches, lagoons, submerged sandbanks and cliffs with an accuracy of 82%, 71%, 66% and 65%, respectively. The main reasons for these high accuracy percentages were apparently the high contrast and/or easy delineation of the habitat from the surrounding areas.

Reefs, wooded dunes and submerged reefs were identified with an accuracy of 39%, 44% and 45%, respectively. The remaining habitats were less precisely identified, apparently due to their small size or poor contrast to the surrounding areas.

High altitude aerial photographs are shown to be a useful tool for identifying several of these habitats and can be used as a complement to field mapping methods, GIS methods and other remote sensing techniques. The use of high altitude photographs for monitoring change is discussed.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marine fish diversity on the Scotian Shelf, Canada
Authors: Shackell Nancy L. , Frank Kenneth T.
Published: June 2003

Marine life in offshore regions has not been fully censused, yet related conservation policy relies on our ability to identify areas of high biodiversity.

We assessed the census of marine finfish on the Scotian Shelf, Northwest Atlantic using data collected during annual research vessel surveys between 1970 and 2000. The species accumulation curve did not reach an asymptote reflecting that new species continued to be discovered throughout the survey period. Only 0.12% of the area of the Scotian Shelf has been sampled since 1970.

Since 1974, when over 50% of the species had been discovered, the community composition has been relatively constant. However, the dominance structure has changed dramatically as reflected in the geographic contraction of the formerly abundant, large‐bodied piscivores concomitant with the geographic expansion of their prey species.

The region is under‐sampled, and species' distribution and abundance are changing. A precise estimate of diversity is elusive. As an alternative, we searched for physical correlates of finfish diversity to identify its possible surrogates. Surrogates have potential both as a method for understanding process and as a tool for conservation management. We examined the effect of area and depth range on species richness. High species richness was associated with larger areas and greater depth range at large spatial scales.

Highly diverse areas include the Bay of Fundy, the Eastern Gully, the slopes, Western Bank and the northeastern shelf. Until now, the northeastern shelf has been under‐appreciated as a highly diverse area. Such information will be important for environmental impact assessments as well as selection of ‘sensitive’ or protected areas.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicator taxa for the conservation of pond invertebrate diversity
Authors: Briers Robert A , Biggs Jeremy
Published: June 2003

Ponds are a valuable resource for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity, but are often extremely numerous in a given area, making assessment of the conservation value of individual sites potentially time consuming.

The use of indicator taxa, the species richness of which is representative of total site species richness, may provide one way to improve the efficiency of survey work. However, such indicators are poorly developed for freshwater systems.

A data set was used describing the occurrence of macroinvertebrate taxa in ponds in Oxfordshire, UK, to assess the extent to which variation in the species richness of selected taxa most consistently represented variation in all other taxa.

Coenagriidae (Odonata) and Limnephilidae (Trichoptera) reflected the variation in species richness of other taxa most consistently, with Coenagriidae showing the best overall performance as an indicator taxon.

For both suggested indicator taxa, selection of sites based solely on the presence of at least one species of indicator would represent over 95% of all species recorded across all sites.

Further investigation in different geographical regions is necessary to establish whether these relationships are consistent over a wider area.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dangerous targets? Unresolved issues and ideological clashes around marine protected areas
Authors: Agardy Tundi , Bridgewater Peter , Crosby Michael P. , Day Jon , Dayton Paul K. , Kenchington Richard , Laffoley Dan , McConney Patrick , Murray Peter A. , Parks John E. , Peau Lelei
Published: June 2003

While conservationists, resource managers, scientists and coastal planners have recognized the broad applicability of marine protected areas (MPAs), they are often implemented without a firm understanding of the conservation science — both ecological and socio‐economic — underlying marine protection. The rush to implement MPAs has set the stage for paradoxical differences of opinions in the marine conservation community.

The enthusiastic prescription of simplistic solutions to marine conservation problems risks polarization of interests and ultimately threatens bona fide progress in marine conservation. The blanket assignment and advocacy of empirically unsubstantiated rules of thumb in marine protection creates potentially dangerous targets for conservation science.

Clarity of definition, systematic testing of assumptions, and adaptive application of diverse MPA management approaches are needed so that the appropriate mix of various management tools can be utilized, depending upon specific goals and conditions. Scientists have a professional and ethical duty to map out those paths that are most likely to lead to improved resource management and understanding of the natural world, including the human element, whether or not they are convenient, politically correct or publicly magnetic.

The use of MPAs as a vehicle for promoting long‐term conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity is in need of focus, and both philosophical and applied tune ups. A new paradigm arising out of integrated, multi‐disciplinary science, management and education/outreach efforts must be adopted to help promote flexible, diverse and effective MPA management strategies. Given scientific uncertainties, MPAs should be designed so one can learn from their application and adjust their management strategies as needed, in the true spirit of adaptive management.

It is critical for the conservation community to examine why honest differences of opinion regarding MPAs have emerged, and recognize that inflexible attitudes and positions are potentially dangerous. We therefore discuss several questions — heretofore taken as implicit assumptions: (a) what are MPAs, (b) what purpose do MPAs serve, (c) are no‐take MPAs the only legitimate MPAs, (d) should a single closed area target be set for all MPAs, and (e) how should policymakers and conservation communities deal with scientific uncertainty?

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of littoral mesohabitats and their macroinvertebrate assemblages in the ecological assessment of lakes
Authors: White J. , Irvine K.
Published: June 2003

Historically, ecological assessment of lakes has depended on open‐water chemical and phytoplankton analysis, with trophic status determined by chlorophyll a and total phosphorus following the general protocol of the OECD lake classification scheme. This has been accompanied by a prevailing opinion that the littoral zone of lakes is too heterogeneous to allow meaningful inter‐lake comparisons.

Council of the European Communities Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework in the field of water policy (the Water Framework Directive) requires a broader approach to ecological assessment, including the need to incorporate a range of biotic variables. This paper describes the results of a monitoring programme designed to determine within‐ and among‐lake variation of macroinvertebrate communities found in defined mesohabitats of 22 lakes incorporating a range of lake types. Three sampling approaches were applied to the study.

Triplicate macroinvertebrate samples from a cobble/pebble mesohabitat of 11 lakes showed that community composition from a standard habitat was robust.

Twinned samples from contrasting habitats of pebble/cobble and macrophyte dominated mesohabitats of 21 lakes had greater similarity within than among lakes. This showed that even across contrasting habitat structure, macroinvertebrate assemblages can provide a reliable lake‐specific indicator.

Multivariate analysis of replicate samples from 15 visually distinct mesohabitats in one lake showed that within‐lake variation could, nevertheless, be identified as distinct clusters of invertebrate assemblages.

Conclusions from the work are that variations within lakes were nested in among‐lake variation across a range of lake types, and that macroinvertebrate assemblages can provide meaningful assessment of ecological differences across lakes. Monitoring can, however, produce a substantial amount of ‘noise’ from the data that reflects the complexity of macroinvertebrate community structure in littoral zones. It is recommended that incorporation of macroinvertebrates in ecological assessment is most useful when confined to well defined mesohabitats rather than attempt to incorporate a complete range of mesohabitats within a single lake.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The concept of relevance in IR
Authors: Borlund Pia
Published: June 2003

This article introduces the concept of relevance as viewed and applied in the context of IR evaluation, by presenting an overview of the multidimensional and dynamic nature of the concept. The literature on relevance reveals how the relevance concept, especially in regard to the
multidimensionality of relevance, is many faceted, and does not just refer to the various relevance criteria users may apply in the process of judging relevance of retrieved information objects. From our point of view, the multidimensionality of relevance explains why some will argue that no
consensus has been reached on the relevance concept. Thus, the objective of this article is to present an overview of the many different views and ways by which the concept of relevance is used—leading to a consistent and compatible understanding of the concept. In addition, special attention
is paid to the type of situational relevance. Many researchers perceive situational relevance as the most realistic type of user relevance, and therefore situational relevance is discussed with reference to its potential dynamic nature, and as a requirement for interactive information retrieval
(IIR) evaluation.
Multidimensional Data Model and Query Language for Informetrics
Authors: Niemi Timo , Hirvonen Lasse , Järvelin Kalervo
Published: June 2003

Multidimensional data analysis or On‐line analytical processing (OLAP) offers a single subject‐oriented source for analyzing summary data based on various dimensions. We demonstrate that the OLAP approach gives a promising starting point for advanced analysis and comparison among summary data in informetrics applications. At the moment there is no single precise, commonly accepted logical/conceptual model for multidimensional analysis. This is because the requirements of applications vary considerably. We develop a conceptual/logical multidimensional model for supporting the complex and unpredictable needs of informetrics. Summary data are considered with respect of some dimensions. By changing dimensions the user may construct other views on the same summary data. We develop a multidimensional query language whose basic idea is to support the definition of views in a way, which is natural and intuitive for lay users in the informetrics area. We show that this view‐oriented query language has a great expressive power and its degree of declarativity is greater than in contemporary operation‐oriented or SQL (Structured Query Language)‐like OLAP query languages.
An emerging view of scientific collaboration: Scientists' perspectives on collaboration and factors that impact collaboration
Authors: Hara Noriko , Solomon Paul , Kim Seung‐Lye , Sonnenwald Diane H.
Published: June 2003

Collaboration is often a critical aspect of scientific research, which is dominated by complex problems, rapidly changing technology, dynamic growth of knowledge, and highly specialized areas of expertise. An individual scientist can seldom provide all of the expertise and resources necessary to address complex research problems. This paper describes collaboration among a group of scientists, and considers how their experiences are socially shaped. The scientists were members of a newly formed distributed, multi‐disciplinary academic research center that was organized into four multi‐disciplinary research groups. Each group had 14 to 34 members, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows and students, at four geographically dispersed universities. To investigate challenges that emerge in establishing scientific collaboration, data were collected about members' previous and current collaborative experiences, perceptions regarding collaboration, and work practices during the center's first year of operation. The data for the study includes interviews with members of the center, observations of videoconferences and meetings, and a center‐wide sociometric survey. Data analysis has led to the development of a framework that identifies forms of collaboration that emerged among scientists (e.g., complementary and integrative collaboration) and associated factors, which influenced collaboration including personal compatibility, work connections, incentives, and infrastructure. These results may inform the specification of social and organizational practices, which are needed to establish collaboration in distributed, multi‐disciplinary research centers.
Multi‐agent information classification using dynamic acquaintance lists
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Snehasis , Peng Shengquan , Raje Rajeev , Palakal Mathew , Mostafa Javed
Published: June 2003

There has been considerable interest in recent years in providing automated information services, such as information classification, by means of a society of collaborative agents. These agents augment each other's knowledge structures (e.g., the vocabularies) and assist each other in providing efficient information services to a human user. However, when the number of agents present in the society increases, exhaustive communication and collaboration among agents result in a large communication overhead and increased delays in response time. This paper introduces a method to achieve selective interaction with a relatively small number of potentially useful agents, based on simple agent modeling and acquaintance lists. The key idea presented here is that the acquaintance list of an agent, representing a small number of other agents to be collaborated with, is dynamically adjusted. The best acquaintances are automatically discovered using a learning algorithm, based on the past history of collaboration. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate that such dynamically learned acquaintance lists can lead to high quality of classification, while significantly reducing the delay in response time.
Reducing assaults on an acute psychiatric unit using a token economy: a 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: LePage James P. , DelBen Kevin , Pollard Scott , McGhee Melanie , VanHorn Linda , Murphy James , Lewis Pamela , Aboraya Ahmed , Mogge Neil
Published: June 2003

Token economies are an effective way of changing various behaviors including acquiring new skills, reducing undesired behaviors, reducing aggression, increasing treatment compliance, and improving psychiatric unit management. This study examines the long‐term effect of a token economy on an acute care, inpatient psychiatric unit. The two years following the implementation of a unit based token economy are compared with the 12 months prior to implementation. The results show a significant reduction in total assaults as well as fewer staff injuries resulting in loss of time from work. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative response training with contingent practice as intervention for pica in a school setting
Authors: Ricciardi Joseph N. , Luiselli James K. , Terrill Shannon , Reardon Kathleen
Published: June 2003

Pica is a serious challenging behavior displayed by some persons with developmental disabilities. We report the near‐elimination of automatically reinforced pica in a 7‐year‐old boy diagnosed with autism by having him practice an alternative response (discarding objects) contingent on attempted or actual pica. Intervention was implemented 6 hours per day, under naturalistic conditions in a school setting, with outcome maintained through a 4 month follow‐up phase of evaluation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of verbal and tangible stimulus preference assessment methods in adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Wilder David A. , Wilson Paige , Ellsworth Carrie , Heering Paul W.
Published: June 2003

Verbal stimulus preference assessments were compared with tangible stimulus preference assessments for four adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In the verbal assessment, participants were asked, ‘Do you want X or Y?’, the items were not present, and the participant chose an item verbally. In the tangible assessment, pairs of items were placed in front of the participant and s/he was asked to choose by approaching the stimuli. The two assessment methods yielded identical highest preference items for three of the four participants and identical lowest preference items for all participants. In addition, the verbal assessment method took less time to complete than the tangible assessment method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid rescheduling for the treatment of rumination
Authors: Heering Paul W. , Wilder David A. , Ladd Clay
Published: June 2003

A pre‐intervention assessment was conducted to determine the conditions under which rumination by a 19‐year‐old man with autism was most and least likely to occur. The results of the assessment suggested that rumination was least likely when the participant did not consume liquids with meals and when he consumed peanut butter during meals. Based upon the results of the assessment, an intervention consisting of rescheduling access to liquids (i.e., no liquids during meals) was evaluated across both breakfast and lunch at the participant's school placement. Results suggest that the intervention was effective in reducing rumination. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing preferred work among adults with autism beginning supported jobs: identification of constant and alternating task preferences
Authors: Lattimore L. Perry , Parsons Marsha B. , Reid Dennis H.
Published: June 2003

We evaluated a multiple‐stimulus assessment for identifying work preferences among adults with autism prior to beginning supported jobs. Initially, a prework assessment focused on identifying preferences across different work tasks. Eight preference assessments involving office‐cleaning tasks were conducted with five supported workers. Results of five assessments involving three individuals indicated respective workers had a strong preference for one work task. On three assessments involving three workers and different cleaning tasks, weak preferences for given tasks were identified. Next, choices between more‐ and less‐preferred tasks were provided during the daily job routine. Workers who had a strong preference on the prework assessment consistently chose the previously assessed, more preferred task during the daily job. Workers who had a weak preference always chose the more preferred task on the first choice of the work day, and then alternated between tasks on 71% of subsequent choice opportunities. Results appear to support the utility of the prework, multiple‐stimulus assessment for predicting preferred tasks among supported workers with autism when the assessment identifies strong preferences. Results also offer some support for predicting a preference to alternate tasks when the assessment identifies weak preferences for respective work tasks. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of developing work routines within community jobs for adults with autism that are more in accordance with their work preferences than traditional job placement practices. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommendations for screening intervals for small aortic aneurysms
Authors: McCarthy R J , Shaw E , Whyman M R , Earnshaw J J , Poskitt K R , Heather B P
Published: July 2003

Background

The aim was to determine the optimum rescreening interval for small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods

Data from 12 years of population screening of 65-year-old men were analysed and 1121 small AAAs (less than 4·0 cm in initial diameter) were divided into groups: group 1 (2·6–2·9 cm; n = 625), group 2 (3·0–3·4 cm; n = 330) and group 3 (3·5–3·9 cm; n = 166). Expansion rate and the cumulative proportions to expand to over 5·5 cm, or require surgery, or rupture were calculated.

Results

Expansion rate was related to initial aortic diameter: 0·09 cm per year in group 1, 0·16 cm per year in group 2 and 0·32 cm per year in group 3 (P < 0·001). Aneurysms in 2·4 per cent of patients in group 1 exceeded a diameter of 5·5 cm or required surgery within 5 years; there were no ruptures. In group 2, no aorta exceeded 5·5 cm but at 3 years 2·1 per cent had reached 5·5 cm and 2·9 per cent had required surgery. The rupture rate at 3 years was zero. In group 3, the aneurysm diameter exceeded 5·5 cm in 1·2 per cent of patients, but no patient required surgery or experienced rupture within 1 year; at 2 years 10·5 per cent of aneurysms had exceeded 5·5 cm in diameter or required surgery and 1·4 per cent had ruptured.

Conclusion

The appropriate rescreening interval can be determined by initial aortic diameter in screened 65-year-old men. AAAs of initial diameter 2·6–2·9 cm should be rescanned at 5 years, those of 3·0–3·4 cm at 3 years and those of 3·5–3·9 cm at 1 year.
The prevention of breast cancer
Authors: Prichard R S , Hill A D K , Dijkstra B , McDermott E W , O'Higgins N J
Published: July 2003

Background

Despite advances in the early detection and treatment of breast carcinoma, the mortality and morbidity rates associated with this disease remain high. Primary prevention, therefore, offers the best chance of making a major impact on outcome.

Methods

The aim was to review the rationale, current stage of development and adverse effects of the strategies involved in the primary prevention of breast carcinoma. A review of the literature was undertaken by searching the MEDLINE database for the period 1966–2002 without language restrictions.

Results and conclusion

Currently, the only agent to have general approval for chemoprevention of breast carcinoma is tamoxifen. Women who derive the greatest benefit in terms of risk reduction from tamoxifen are premenopausal with a 5-year Gail risk factor of more than 1·66 per cent, postmenopausal with a 5-year Gail risk factor of more than 3 per cent, and postmenopausal without a uterus. In these specific subgroups, tamoxifen should be considered for the chemoprevention of breast carcinoma. Raloxifene, retinoids, aromatase inhibitors and cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors require further clinical investigation before adoption in this context. Surgical intervention should largely be limited to those women who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Use of mortality rate after aortic surgery as a performance indicator
Authors: Michaels J A
Published: July 2003

Background

Hospital episode statistics (HES) regarding death after aortic surgery were analysed to evaluate their potential value as a performance indicator.

Methods

HES data for all acute hospitals in England and Wales from 1996 to 2001 were analysed retrospectively. In-hospital mortality was calculated for all patients over 40 years of age who underwent abdominal aortic procedures or died in hospital with a primary diagnosis of aortic aneurysm.

Results

Some 38 319 cases were identified, of which 8·9 per cent were complex, 46·8 per cent were elective and 44·4 per cent were emergencies. The elective mortality rate was 6·4 per cent overall; that after emergency operation was 35·0 per cent, rising to 41·6 per cent if urgent procedures were excluded and 63·1 per cent if unoperated cases were included. Over the 5-year interval a median of 68 (interquartile range 30–108) elective procedures were carried out by individual hospitals. Considerable variation was identified in the proportion of elderly patients, tertiary referrals and the proportion of emergency admissions that had surgery.

Conclusion

The use of mortality data may be misleading owing to identifiable differences in case mix and selection. Some redefinition of groups may help to provide more valid data, but ultimately only high-quality data with clinical information are likely to allow meaningful comparisons of performance.
Optimale Produktionsplanung für verfahrenstechnische Prozesse unter unsicheren Marktbedingungen
Authors: Li P. , Wendt M. , Wozny G.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Modellierung und Simulation des Stabilitätsverhaltens von Flüssigkeitsstrahlen unter Einfluss der Schwerkraft
Authors: Nonnenmacher S. , Piesche M.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Influence of Particles on Fluid Turbulence in Pipe and Diffuser Gas‐Solids Flow
Authors: Bohnet M. , Triesch O.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Einsatz modifizierter ZSM‐5‐Zeolithe zur Entfernung von Ammoniak aus wassergesättigten Gasströmen
Authors: Streich T. , Rauscher M.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Experimentelle Bestimmung der Temperaturabhängigkeit der oberen Explosionsgrenze von Methan/Lachgas‐Gemischen
Authors: Kollmer F. , Hölderich W.F.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Modellierung der Tropfenverdampfung eines Mehrkomponentenbrennstoffs mit detaillierter Betrachtung des Tropfeninneren
Authors: Pagel S. , Merker G.P.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Aufbau und katalytische Aktivität hierarchisch strukturierter Oxid‐Katalysatoren – Teil 1
Authors: Stelzer J.B. , Kosslick H. , Caro J. , Habel D. , Feike E. , Schubert H.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Explosionsgrenzen von Wasserstoff/Sauerstoff‐Gemischen bei Drücken bis 200 bar
Authors: Schröder V. , Emonts B. , Janßen H. , Schulze H.‐P.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Geschwindigkeit der Tropfen in horizontalen Zweiphasen‐Freistrahlen aus Wasser und Luft in ruhender Umgebung
Authors: Surma R. , Friedel L.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Experimentelle Bestimmung des Inert‐ und Brenngaseinflusses auf die Stabilitätsgrenzdrücke von Ethin
Authors: Holtappels K. , Dietlen S. , Schulze H.‐P. , Stickling J. , Schönbucher A.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Einsatz von Data‐Mining zur Analyse eines Polymerprozesses
Authors: Burghaus R. , Leineweber D. , Lippert J.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Controlled Release‐Eigenschaften bei flüssigkeitsgetränkten Pulvern durch Einsatz von ausgewählten Additiven
Authors: Otto F. , Grüner S. , Weinreich B.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Nanofiltration zur Aufarbeitung von schwerflüchtigen Produkten aus Lösungen mit ionischen Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Kröckel J. , Kragl U.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Untersuchungen der Filtratpartikelanzahl von auf Schlitzblechen und Tressengeweben aufgebrachten Precoatschichten
Authors: Rainer M. , Höflinger W.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Verträglichkeitsvermittlung in Polymerblends aus ABS und Polycarbonat
Authors: Becker H. G. , Schmidt‐Naake G.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Untersuchungen des kritischen Auslaufdurchmessers einer Siloanlage für hochdisperse Schüttgüter durch Maßstabsübertragung in einer Silozentrifuge
Authors: Großstück M. , Schwedes J.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Verfahrenskonzepte für die übergangsmetallkatalysierten Synthesen von Ameisensäure und Dimethylformamid auf der Basis von Kohlendioxid
Authors: Behr A. , Ebbinghaus P. , Naendrup F.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Kinetisches Modell der Partialoxidation von Propen zu Acrolein an Bi/Mo‐Mischoxiden
Authors: Drochner A. , Fehlings M. , König D. , Vogel H.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Untersuchungen zur Regeneration von Aktivkohlen durch Mikrowellen
Authors: Mroczek U. , Krüger K.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Größenreduktion partikulärer Materialien durch Ultraschall
Authors: Teipel U. , Mikonsaari I.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Entwicklung einer Methode zur Charakterisierung des Brennverhaltens von Sekundärbrennstoffen
Authors: Kock O.
Published: June 2003

No abstracts.
Nichtlineare stochastische Optimierung unter Unsicherheiten
Authors: Arellano‐Garcia H. , Martini W. , Wendt M. , Li P. , Wozny G.
Published: June 2003

Das Treffen von Entscheidungen unter Berücksichtigung von Unsicherheiten wird in zahlreichen Fachrichtungen und Anwendungsgebieten als grundlegend wichtig erachtet. In dynamischen chemischen Prozessen existieren insbesondere Parameter, die üblicherweise unsicher sind und große Auswirkungen auf die Auslegung von Anlagen, die Betriebsdurchführung sowie auf die wirtschaftliche Analyse haben. Daher ist die Einbeziehung der Stochastik der unsicheren Variablen in die Formulierung eines Optimierungsproblems in Hinblick auf ein optimales Prozessdesign sowie auf eine robuste Prozessführung notwendig. Infolgedessen ist die effiziente Optimierung unter Wahrscheinlichkeitsrestriktionen zu einem wichtigen Forschungsgebiet in der Prozesssystemtechnik geworden. Ein neuer Lösungsansatz für die stochastische Optimierung dynamischer Systeme wird am Beispiel eines diskontinuierlichen Prozesses mit einem rigorosen Modell vorgestellt und angewandt.
Expression and distribution of distinct variants of E‐MAP‐115 during proliferation and differentiation of human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Vanier Marie‐Thérèse , Deck Paula , Stutzmann Jeanne , Gendry Patrick , Arnold Christiane , Dirrig‐Grosch Sylvie , Kedinger Michèle , Launay Jean‐François
Published: July 2003

Epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation occur concomitant with striking remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Microtubules (MTs) play important roles in these processes, during which the MTs themselves are reorganized and stabilized by microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs). Among the proteins classified as structural MAPs, E‐MAP‐115 (also named ensconsin) is preferentially expressed in cells of epithelial origin. The aims of this study were, first, to determine if E‐MAP‐115, like other MAPs, is expressed as different isoforms during differentiation and, second, to perform a detailed analysis of the expression and distribution of any E‐MAP‐115 variants detected in intestinal epithelial cells during their polarization/differentiation. It was our expectation that these data would help us to develop hypotheses concerning the role of this MAP in epithelial development. We report the expression of three E‐MAP‐115 transcripts encoding isoforms of 115, 105, and 95 kDa; two display an expression gradient inverse to the third one as Caco‐2 cells progress from proliferation through the stages of differentiation. To monitor the proteins produced from each transcript, we used purified polyclonal antibodies against synthetic peptides contained within the 115, 105, and 95 kDa isoforms to assay proliferating and differentiating CaCo‐2 cells. Our results indicate that the expression and MT‐binding capacity of the 115, 105, and 95 kDa isoforms vary upon proliferation/differentiation of the cells. E‐MAP‐115 proteins colocalize with MTs in proliferative and differentiated Caco‐2 cells; in vivo, they are expressed in both crypt and villus epithelial cells where they are mainly concentrated at the apical pole of the cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 55:221–231, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.