bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunocytochemical expression of E‐cadherin on fine‐needle aspirates from breast carcinomas correlate with the cell dissociation pattern seen on smears
Authors: Sauer Torill , Boudjema Ghania , Jebsen Peter W. , Næss Oddvar
Published: August 2002

Altered E‐cadherin expression has been suggested to be of prognostic significance in breast cancers and to correlate with tumor subtype and grade. A dysfunctional, intercellular adhesion system may be responsible for the tumor cell dissociation pattern seen on fine‐needle aspirate cytology (FNAC). The aim of our study was to determine E‐cadherin expression on direct FNAC smears from breast carcinomas and compare the results with the dyscohesion grade of the tumor cells and the cytological grading. The material consisted of FNAs from 56 breast carcinomas. The degree of cellular cohesion was estimated semiquantitatively. Full expression of E‐cadherin was defined as a complete and strong membrane staining of virtually all tumor cells. All nonductal as well as 85% of the invasive ductal carcinomas revealed reduced expression or negativity for E‐cadherin. In all, 25% of carcinomas with dyscohesion Grade 1 (mainly in groups) revealed full expression of E‐cadherin, in contrast to 12.5% of tumors with dyscohesion Grade 3 (mainly dispersed cells). Nuclear positivity was seen in 21% of the tumors (12 cases) and seven of these were G3 ductal carcinomas. In conclusion, E‐cadherin expression correlated with the cell dissociation pattern seen on direct smears from FNAC of breast carcinomas, but is only one of several markers that modulate this pattern. High‐grade carcinomas rarely revealed full expression and had a high incidence of aberrant nuclear localization of E‐cadherin. Diagn. Cytopathol. 25:382–388, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhinosporidiosis of the parotid duct cyst: Cytomorphological diagnosis of an unusual extranasal presentation
Authors: Kini Usha , Amirtham Usha , Shetty Subhas Chandra , Balasubramanya A.M.
Published: August 2002

This cytology report highlights a case of rhinosporidiosis of the parotid duct cyst not associated with nasal manifestations. In an endemic area, one should be familiar with its morphologic features in fine‐needle aspiration cytology even on scanty material, for it could be one of the investigations in the initial workup of a case. Diagn. Cytopathol. 25:244–247, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serous fluid cytology as a means of detecting hemophagocytosis in Epstein‐Barr virus‐induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Zaharopoulos Paul
Published: August 2002

The case of a 22‐yr‐old male who after a brief febrile episode developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia and right pulmonary infiltrate with pleural effusion is presented. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid revealed lymphocytosis and hemophagocytosis, primarily of red blood cells (RBCs) by mature histiocytes. There was accompanying splenomegaly, laboratory evidence of hepatic dysfunction, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Besides profound reduction of red blood cells in the peripheral blood, there was reduction of lymphocytes and platelets. As a neoplastic process was ruled out by bone marrow and pleural biopsies, the disease was considered to be virus‐induced and was halted and progressively regressed with early institution of vigorous antiinflammatory therapy with adrenocortical steroids. Upon reviewing the case, examination of the bone marrow biopsy disclosed limited hemophagocytosis of RBCs and lymphocytes by histiocytes and considerable viral cytopathic effect on hematopoietic cells (red and white cell precursors and megakaryocytes), which by appropriate immunolabelling was identified as induced by Epstein‐Barr virus. A virus‐related acquired hemophagocytic syndrome in its early stages was probably present, yet an undesirable clinical outcome was averted by early institution of vigorous steroid therapy. The need to recognize early hemophagocytic changes in cytologic specimens for early institution of appropriate therapy is emphasized. The possibility of erythrophagocytosis, also manifested during the course of an autoimmune hemolytic process and unrelated to hemophagocytic syndrome, is discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 25:248–252, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of an intra‐abdominal inflammatory mass secondary to a penetrating duodenal ulcer mimicking neoplasm
Authors: Mai Ann L. , Mai Kien T.
Published: August 2002

Peptic ulcers complicated by penetration into the surrounding tissue and presenting as an intra‐abdominal mass simulating a malignancy are uncommon. We report on a case of a 56‐yr‐old physician with a 40‐yr history of peptic disease. Due to recent and transitory right flank pain, an ultrasound then a computed tomography scan demonstrated a 4‐cm retropancreatic mass. A fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the mass showed an acute and chronic inflammatory exudate. After a course of medical treatment for peptic ulcer disease and 5 mo after the biopsy, the mass remarkably decreased in size. In view of the clinical and FNAB findings, the lesion likely developed as a result of penetration of the duodenal ulcer into the retropancreatic space. Awareness of this uncommon complication of peptic gastroduodenal ulcer disease is helpful in the diagnosis of this benign lesion. A failure in making a firm diagnosis by considering the aspirate material as nonrepresentative may lead to an unnecessary repeat biopsy or an invasive procedure. Diagn. Cytopathol. 25:301–302, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overview of P2Y receptors as therapeutic targets
Authors: Boeynaems Jean‐Marie , Robaye Bernard , Janssens Rodolphe , Suarez‐Huerta Nathalie , Communi Didier
Published: August 2002

Currently the only P2Y receptor subtype targeted by drugs in clinical use is the P2TAC (or P2Y12) receptor, which has been recently cloned and is only distantly related to other P2Y subtypes. It is believed that the active metabolites of thienopyridine antithrombotic agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel) bind covalently to that receptor and inactivate it in an irreversible way. The same receptor is also the target of competitive antagonists derived from ATP, such as AR‐C69931MX. Other subtypes also have potential as pharmacotherapeutic targets. The demonstration that P2Y1–/– mice have a defective platelet aggregation and increased resistance to thromboembolism suggests that P2Y1 antagonists could constitute a new class of antithrombotic agents. Activation of the P2Y2 receptor by aerosolized UTP and derivatives constitutes one strategy for the symptomatic treatment of cystic fibrosis and other obstructive airway diseases. The study of P2Y2–/– mice suggests that P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptors might constitute additional targets in that framework. P2Y6 receptor antagonists might be useful in inflammatory bowel disease in view of their expression on activated T lymphocytes infiltrating the lesions in patients. The P2Y11 receptor mediates the stimulatory effect of ATP on the granulocytic differentiation of HL‐60 promyelocytic leukemia cells, suggesting that P2Y11 agonists might be useful in the treatment of some forms of neutropenia and leukemia. Drug Dev. Res. 52:187–189, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular mechanism of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: role of the insulin receptor variant forms
Authors: Sesti Giorgio , Federici Massimo , Lauro Davide , Sbraccia Paolo , Lauro Renato
Published: August 2002

Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous and polygenic disorder resulting from interaction of genetic factors with environmental influences. Numerous candidate genes for insulin signaling proteins have been screened, but no single major susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes has been identified. Due to its pivotal role in insulin action, the insulin receptor was considered a plausible candidate gene. The insulin receptor exists in two isoforms differing by the absence (Ex11−) or presence (Ex11+) of a 12 amino acid sequence in the COOH‐terminus of the α‐subunit, as a consequence of alternative splicing of exon 11. The Ex11− binds insulin with two‐fold higher affinity than the Ex11+. This difference is paralleled by a decreased sensitivity for metabolic actions of insulin. Some, but not all, studies have reported that expression of the low‐affinity Ex11+ is increased in target tissues from type 2 diabetic patients, thus suggesting that alterations in abundance of the two isoforms might contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin and type 1 IGF receptors have been shown to form hybrid receptors in tissues co‐expressing both molecules. Hybrid receptors bind IGF‐I, but not insulin, with high affinity, and behave as IGF‐I holoreceptors, rather than insulin receptors, in terms of receptor autophosphorylation, and hormone internalization. It has been shown that the abundance of hybrid receptors is increased in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue from type 2 diabetic patients, and is negatively correlated with in vivo insulin sensitivity. Mutations in the insulin receptor gene have been identified in studies which examined an appropriately sized population of patients with type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of mutations in the insulin receptor gene ranged from 0.4%–7.8%. This review will focus on the structural and functional heterogeneity of the insulin receptor, and will discuss the pathogenetic role of insulin receptor variant forms and polymorphisms in the development of the common form of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and expression analysis of the chick DAN gene, an antagonist of the BMP family of growth factors
Authors: Gerlach‐Bank Lisa M. , Ellis Amanda D. , Noonen Bridgette , Barald Kate F.
Published: August 2002

Differential screening‐selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN) is a member of a cystine knot protein family that includes Cerberus and Gremlin. First isolated in a screen to identify genes down‐regulated in transformed rat fibroblasts, DAN has subsequently been cloned in Xenopus, mouse, and human. Overexpression of DAN suppresses the transformed phenotype and retards the cell's entry into S phase. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated DAN's ability to bind bone morphogenetic proteins and antagonize their signaling activity. In this study, chick DAN was cloned and sequenced, revealing a conserved cystine knot region as well as an N‐glycosylation site. A riboprobe was designed from the 3′ chick DAN coding sequence and used for analysis of DAN in the developing chick embryo by in situ hybridization. Chick DAN was expressed beginning at stage 10 in the developing somites and the medial otic epithelium. Expression in the neural layer of the eye became apparent at stage 14. By stage 17, expression had expanded to the base of the hindbrain. Limb bud labeling began at stage 20, whereas expression in the branchial arches appeared at stage 25. Chick DAN expression generally corresponded to that of mouse DAN expression as shown by comparative in situ hybridization. However, chick DAN was found in the otic epithelium and notochord, whereas mouse DAN was restricted to the overlying otic ectomesenchyme and was absent from the notochord. This observation suggests that DAN may play different roles in chick and mouse otic and notochord development. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial and temporal distribution of nerves, ganglia, and smooth muscle during the early pseudoglandular stage of fetal mouse lung development
Authors: Tollet Jenny , Everett Alan W. , Sparrow Malcolm P.
Published: August 2002

Neural tissue and smooth muscle appear early in the developing fetal lung, but little is known of their origin and subsequent distribution. To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of nerves, ganglia, and airway smooth muscle during the early pseudoglandular stage, fetal mouse lungs at embryonic days (E) 11 to 14 were immunostained as whole‐mounts and imaged by confocal microscopy. At E11, the primordial lung consisted of the future trachea and two budding epithelial tubules that were covered in smooth muscle to the base of the growing buds. The vagus and processes entering the lung were positive for the neural markers PGP 9.5 (protein gene product 9.5) and synapsin but no neurons were stained at this stage. An antibody to p75NTR revealed neural crest cells on the future trachea as well as in the vagus and in processes extending from the vagus to the lung. This finding indicates that even though neuronal precursors are already present at this stage, they are still migrating into the lung. By E12, neural tissue was abundant in the proximal part of the lung and nerves followed the smooth muscle‐covered tubules to the base of the growing buds. At E13 and E14, a neural network of interconnected ganglia, innervated by the vagus, covered the trachea. The postganglionic nerves mainly followed the smooth muscle‐covered tubules, but some extended out into the mesenchyme beyond the epithelial buds. Furthermore, we show in a model of cultured lung explants that neural tissue and smooth muscle persist and continue to grow and differentiate in vitro. By using fluorescent markers and confocal microscopy, we present the developing lung as a dynamic structure with smooth muscle and neural tissue in a prime position to influence growth and development. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Becoming glial in the neural retina
Authors: Vetter Monica L. , Moore Kathryn B.
Published: August 2002

During development of the vertebrate neural retina, multipotent stem cells give rise to retinal neurons as well as to Müller cells, the principal glial population in the retina. Recent studies have shed light upon the extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate Müller glial cell genesis. Emerging evidence demonstrates that activation of the Notch signaling pathway can play a role in regulating Müller cell development as well as gliogenesis in other parts of the central nervous system. Cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors of the Cip/Kip subfamily are cell cycle regulators that can regulate progenitor proliferation during retinal development, but also regulate the proliferation of Müller glia when they become activated in response to stress or injury. Surprisingly this class of proteins can also promote the development of Müller glia. In this review we discuss the role of both Notch and the CDK inhibitors in regulating Müller cell development. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal estrogen exposure inhibits steroidogenesis in the developing rat ovary
Authors: Ikeda Yayoi , Nagai Akiko , Ikeda Masa‐Aki , Hayashi Shinji
Published: August 2002

Treatment of newborn female rats with estrogens significantly inhibits the growth and differentiation of the ovary. To understand the molecular mechanism of estrogen action in the induction of abnormal ovary, we examined the expression profiles of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF‐1) and several of its target genes in the developing ovaries after neonatal exposure to synthetic estrogen, estradiol benzoate (EB) by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Morphologic examination indicated inhibitory effects of estrogen on the stratification of follicles and development of theca and interstitial gland during postnatal ovarian differentiation. The expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cholesterol side‐chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450SCC), which are both essential for steroid biosynthesis, markedly decreased in theca and interstitial cells throughout the postnatal development of the EB‐treated ovary. However, expression of the transcriptional activator of the two genes, SF‐1 was unaffected in theca and interstitial cells, although the number of these cells was lower in the EB‐treated ovary than in the control ovary. The expression of the estrogen mediator, estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α), diminished specifically in theca cells at P6 and recovered by P14 in the EB‐treated ovary. These results indicate that the effect of estrogens is mediated by means of ER‐α resulting in the down‐regulation of StAR and P450SCC genes during early postnatal development of the ovary. These results suggest that the abnormal ovarian development by neonatal estrogen treatment is closely correlated with the reduced steroidogenic activity, and the data obtained by using this animal model may account in part the mechanism for aberrant development and function of the ovary in prenatally estrogen‐exposed humans. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGFβ2 activation status during cardiac morphogenesis
Authors: McCormick Kathleen M.
Published: August 2002

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is secreted as a biologically inactive complex by many cell types in vitro, but little is known of TGFβ's activation status in vivo. This study examined the in vivo expression of active and total (active + acid‐activatable) TGFβ2 in embryonic chicken hearts during cardiac morphogenesis (Hamburger‐Hamilton stage 10–24). The concentration of TGFβ2 was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay that recognized active TGFβ2. Whole heart homogenates were either left untreated to measure active TGFβ2 or treated with acid before assay to measure total (active + acid‐activatable) TGFβ2. Total TGFβ2 concentration increased more than 16‐fold between stage 10/11 and stage 24. Active TGFβ2 concentration was highest at stage 14/15, but overall remained relatively constant varying at most by 2.8‐fold. When expressed relative to total TGFβ2, the amount of active TGFβ2 progressively declined from 70% in stage 10/11 hearts to 7% in stage 24 hearts. The distribution of active and total TGFβ2 was examined by immunostaining with an antibody against active TGFβ2. Before immunostaining, sections were either treated with acid or left untreated to determine the distribution of total and active TGFβ2, respectively. Active TGFβ2 immunostaining was first detected in the endothelium, myocardium, and cardiac jelly of stage 14 hearts. Acid treatment had no effect on the distribution or intensity of immunostaining at this stage. Faint, active TGFβ2 immunostaining was restricted to the ventricular myocardium in stage 18 hearts. Acid treatment resulted in a marked increase in staining intensity in the ventricle, but no staining was observed in the atrium or outflow tract. In stage 24 hearts, faint active TGFβ2 staining was detected in the ventricle before acid treatment. After acid treatment, patches of intense punctate stain were found in all regions of the embryonic heart. Increases in TGFβ2 concentration and immunostaining intensity after acidification suggest that a significant amount of TGFβ2 is in the latent form. Stage‐dependent differences in activation status suggest that activation may be a developmentally regulated process in the chick heart and support the notion that activation is an important step in regulating TGFβ actions in vivo. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative axial profiles of retinoic acid in the embryonic mouse spinal cord: 9‐Cis retinoic acid only detected after all‐trans‐retinoic acid levels are super‐elevated experimentally
Authors: Ulven Stine M. , Gundersen Thomas E. , Sakhi Amrit K. , Glover Joel C. , Blomhoff Rune
Published: August 2002

Studies using bioassays in normal mice and gene activation in transgenic reporter mice have demonstrated peaks of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling in the brachial and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. Recently, Solomin et al. (Solomin et al. [1998] Nature 395:398–402) detected a retinoid X receptor (RXR) signal in the same region of the developing spinal cord at a slightly later stage than the RAR signal. This finding raises the question of which retinoid ligands underlie RAR and RXR signaling in this part of the embryo. Quantitative measurements of regional differences in retinoid profiles have not been reported previously due to limitation in the sensitivity and specificity of available retinoid detection methods. Here, by using a recently developed ultrasensitive HPLC technique (Sakhi et al. [1998] J. Chromatogr. A 828:451–460), we address this question in an attempt to identify definitively the endogenous retinoids present in different regions of the spinal cord at the stages when regional differences in RAR and RXR signaling have been reported. We find a bimodal distribution of all‐trans retinoic acid (at‐RA), the ligand for RARs, and relate this to the expression of several retinoid‐synthesizing enzymes. However, we do not detect 9‐cis‐retinoic acid (9‐cis‐RA), the putative RXR ligand, in any region of the spinal cord unless retinoid levels are massively increased experimentally by gavage feeding pregnant mice with teratogenic doses of at‐RA. This study provides for the first time quantitative profiles of endogenous retinoids along the axis of the developing spinal cord, thereby establishing a foundation for more definitive studies of retinoid function in the future. It sets definite limits on how much 9‐cis‐RA potentially is present and demonstrates that at‐RA predominates over 9‐cis‐RA by at least 30‐ to 180‐fold in different spinal cord regions. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Egocentric mental rotation in Hungarian dyslexic children
Authors: Karádi Kázmér , Kovács Beatrix , Szepesi Tímea , Szabó Imre , Kállai János
Published: August 2002

A mental rotation task was given to 27 dyslexic children (mean age 9 years, 2 months) and to 28 non‐dyslexic children (mean age 8 years, 8 months). Pictures of right and left hands were shown at angles of 0, 50, 90 and 180 degrees, and the subjects were required to indicate whether what was shown was a right hand or a left hand. It was found that, in this task, the dyslexics did not show the normal pattern of response times at different angles, and also, that they made more errors than the controls. It is argued that this result is compatible with hypothesis that, in typical cases of dyslexia, there is a malfunctioning in the posterior parietal area. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum beta‐carotene in anorexia nervosa patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Boland Benoît , Beguin Claire , Zech Francis , Desager Jean‐Pierre , Lambert Michel
Published: August 2002

Objective

To study the prevalence of hypercarotenemia in a large cohort of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), to compare serum beta‐carotene (βC) values among restricting and purging AN subjects, and to investigate whether hypercarotenemia is related to an increase in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Method

Retrospective case‐control study including 101 female patients and 95 age‐matched normal controls in whom fasting serum βC and lipid profiles were determined.

Results

The prevalence of hypercarotenemia (>200 μg/dl) in the AN population was 62%. Mean serum βC level was significantly higher in AN patients than in controls (237 ± 103 vs. 160 ± 45 μg/dl, p < .0001). Among AN patients, the level was higher in restricters than in purgers (271 ± 110 vs. 186 ± 78 μg/dl, p < .005). Fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol levels were also significantly higher in patients with AN than in controls, but no correlation was found between serum βC and LDL cholesterol values.

Discussion

Hypercarotenemia is a common finding in AN patients, especially in the restricter subgroup. The high prevalence of elevated serum βC in AN patients supports its diagnostic value in atypical forms of eating disorders. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 299–305, 2001.
System for measurement of the development parameters of electron beam resists
Authors: Sekiguchi Atsushi , Tajima Keiichi , Matsuzawa Toshiharu , Kurihara Masaaki
Published: August 2002

The accuracy of profile simulation calculations depends heavily on the accuracy of the parameters used. In particular, the development parameters, which represent the development characteristics (profile and sensitivity) of the resist, have a significant effect on profile simulation accuracy. However, as yet there have been almost no studies into methods used to calculate the development parameters for electron beam lithography, nor have there been comparisons of simulation results using these development parameters with observed resist profiles. In light of this, the authors have developed a system for the measurement of development parameters for use in simulations of electron beam lithography, and have undertaken study into the methods used to calculate such development parameters. In addition, the authors have also attempted to compare simulation results with observed resist profiles. Specifically, a diazanaphthoquinone–novolac resin positive‐type electron beam resist and a chemically amplified positive‐type electron beam resist were used, to which the Fujino development rate equation and the Mack development rate equation were applied. Trial calculations of the development parameters were performed, and the parameters thus obtained were input into a ProBEAM/3D electron beam lithography simulator. The electron beam resist profiles were simulated and compared with SEM images of actual resist samples. From the results it was found that both the Fujino and Mack development rate equations accurately reproduce resist behavior for the novolac positive‐type electron beam resist, whereas the Mack development rate equation was more accurate than the Fujino equation for the chemically amplified positive‐type electron beam resist. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(4): 16–25, 2001
Development of real‐time diagnostic system for VLBI using public communication lines
Authors: Nishio Masanori , Liu Qinghui , Miyazaki Tomoyuki , Kawaguchi Noriyuki , Sasao Tetuo , Omodaka Toshihiro , Morimoto Masaki
Published: August 2002

In this paper, a real‐time diagnostic system for VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometer) facilities via public communication lines is proposed, and experimental results to check its diagnostic performance are described with a prototype model. In the system, narrow‐band radio waves such as beacons of geostationary satellites or emission from strong cosmic maser sources are used as test input signals, which make it possible to reduce the signal sampling rate and to transmit sampled data via public communication lines. Thus, diagnostic results can be obtained in real time. The prototype model was connected to the 6‐m radio telescope at the Kagoshima VLBI station and the 10‐m radio telescope at the Mizusawa VLBI station, and a test operation was conducted using beacon waves of satellites. It was found that the correlation results of the data transmitted in real time coincide with those obtained by the conventional procedure for VLBI, confirming the effectiveness of the system. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(6): 1–9, 2001
Quality of a‐Si:H/Si3N4 multilayer films fabricated by double tubed coaxial line type MPCVD system and application of the films to optical circuit element
Authors: Kato Isamu , Sagisaka Masahiko , Sugai Takayoshi , Kamigaichi Takeshi
Published: August 2002

The object of this research was the fabrication of high‐quality a‐Si:H/Si3N4 multilayer films with ultrathin multilayered configurations to serve as a new photonic material, as well as the evaluation of the film quality and applications to photonics. The authors have succeeded in controlling the thickness of the multilayer film at subnanometer order as indicated by the X‐ray diffraction peak of the a‐Si:H/Si3N4 multilayer film. The theoretical curve and the experimental results for the optical energy band gap agree well for multilayer films fabricated by varying the thickness of the a‐Si:H layer while the thickness of the Si3N4 layer is kept constant, and hence excellent multilayer films are obtained. These multilayer films are applied to optical waveguides. The optical waveguide with an ultrathin multilayer structure, much thinner than the wavelength λ of the guided light, is expected to exhibit an anomalous propagation characteristic. It is found that the TM mode is transmitted while the TE mode is cut off in the present multilayer slab waveguide. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(12): 1–7, 2001
Application layer access path selection by using mobile proxy agents
Authors: Tomikawa Yuki , Takai Yoshiaki
Published: August 2002

This paper deals with access path selection algorithms at an application layer. We focus on the independent property of proxies. If there is a possibility of choosing a proxy between a server and a client, better communication delay would be achieved by using an appropriate proxy. We propose a mobile proxy agent, which measures the communication delay, moves into an adequate host, and then becomes a proxy used exclusively for a client. The mobile proxy agent acts as a disposable personal proxy. Simulations of a wide‐area network show that the mobile proxy agents are well adaptable to the environmental changes of the network. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(12): 46–53, 2001
Energy tax harmonization in the European Union: a proposal based on the internalization of environmental external costs
Authors: Dorigoni Susanna , Gullí Francesco
Published: August 2002

Energy tax harmonization represents a fundamental target within the European Union. In fact fiscal harmonization is a crucial step towards the creation of a single market. In this article the possibility of achieving such an objective is discussed. The paper consists of two sections. In the first the European taxation on energy products is analysed. This analysis is useful in showing the differences that exist between the European countries that account for the difficulties met so far in the process of harmonization. In this respect we comment on the recent proposal of the Directive of the European Union, which lays down the obligation of minimum levels of taxation in all European member states.

In the second section, after simulating the effects related to the adoption of a common environmental taxation (a first best solution based on the internalization of environmental external costs), we propose, as a second best solution, an excise tax harmonization model taking into consideration the specificity of each country and being, as far as possible, coherent with the environmental objective. This model proposes: the introduction of a minimum level of taxation on all products equal to the external cost due to the greenhouse effect (a common carbon tax); the possibility, given to the member states, of deviating from such minimum levels, in accordance with their specific requirements, internalizing in the price of the different products, by means of taxes additional to that CO2 minimum, the external costs associated with other pollutant agents (the same in all countries); the opportunity, in case it should be necessary to exceed the entire external cost, for the member states to apply increases that are in accordance with the environmental objective. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Russian environmentalism
Authors: Oldfield Jonathan D.
Published: August 2002

This paper provides an overview of developments relating to Russia's environmental policy and environmental legislation since the break‐up of the Soviet Union. It also highlights general trends evident within the country's environmental movement. All three areas have been characterized by significant change during the last decade.

The paper suggests that the effectiveness of environmental policy and legislative change has been undermined by a combination of administrative, financial and operational constraints. These ensure that key policies struggle to extend beyond official rhetoric, a situation similar to that found during the Soviet period. Developments in Russia's environmental policy, particularly since the mid–late 1990s, appear to indicate the emergence of a more utilitarian approach towards the use of natural resources culminating in the removal of the State Committee for the Protection of the Environment during 2000. Russia's environmental movement has been assertive in attempting to keep the environment on the policy agenda in recent years. This is reflected in its efforts to carry out a national referendum during 2000. Nevertheless, its overall influence is limited by a combination of public apathy and political opposition.

In view of Russia's potential to influence the European and global environment, the paper concludes by indicating the need for international assistance and co‐operation in order to address the noted policy and legislative weaknesses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Repair of oxidized purines and damaged pyrimidines by E. coli Fpg protein: Different roles of proline 2 and lysine 57 residues
Authors: Saparbaev Murat , Sidorkina Olga M. , Jurado Juan , Privezentzev Cyril V. , Greenberg Marc M. , Laval Jacques
Published: August 2002

The Escherichia coli Fpg protein is involved in the repair of oxidized purines, including the highly mutagenic 7,8‐dihydro‐8‐oxoguanine (8‐oxoG). The Fpg protein also excises various oxidized pyrimidines with high efficiency. We examined, by targeted mutagenesis, the role of two highly conserved amino acid residues, proline 2 (P2) and lysine 57 (K57), on the catalytic activities of the Fpg protein toward a ring‐fragmentation product of thymine (αRT) and 5,6‐dihydrothymine (dHT). The following E. coli mutant Fpg proteins were investigated: lysine 57 → glycine (FpgK57G), proline 2 → glycine (FpgP2G), and proline 2 → glutamic acid (FpgP2E). The FpgK57G protein had barely detectable αRT and dHT‐DNA glycosylase activities and produced minute amounts of a Schiff‐base complex upon reaction with αRT containing DNA. In contrast, the activity of an FpgP2G mutant toward αRT was comparable to the wild type activity and produced a Schiff‐base complex with this substrate. FpgP2E was completely inactive in all the assays, in contrast, to the other mutants. The crystal structure of a homologous Fpg protein from an extreme thermophile, Thermus thermophilus HB8, reveals that it is composed of two distinct domains connected by a flexible hinge (Sugahara et al. [2000]: EMBO J 19:3857–3869). The N‐terminal proline, one primary residue for enzymatic catalysis, is positioned at the bottom of a cleft in close proximity to lysine 52 (analogous to K57 of the E. coli Fpg). Based on the biochemical assays, together with the crystal structure of T. thermophilus HB8 Fpg protein, we propose a two‐nucleophile model for the enzymatic catalysis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:10–17, 2002 © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constrained multivariate trend analysis applied to water quality variables
Authors: Cooper D. M. , Evans C. D.
Published: August 2002

Constrained multivariate regression analysis is used to model trends and seasonal effects in time series measurements of water quality variables. The constraint used ensures that when identifying trends the scientifically important charge balance of model‐fitted concentrations is maintained, while accounting for between variable dependencies. The analysis is a special case of linear reduction of dimensionality which preserves the integrity of a subset of the original variables, while allowing the remainder to be identified as linear combinations of this subset. The technique is applied to water quality measurements made at the outflow from Loch Grannoch, an acid‐sensitive loch in Scotland.

A reduction in marine ion concentrations is observed in water samples collected four times a year over the period 1988–2000. This is identified with long term variability in the marine component in rainfall. Separation of the non‐marine component of the solute load shows a reduction in non‐marine sulphate and calcium concentrations, and an increase in the non‐marine sodium concentration. There is no significant change in either alkalinity or acid neutralizing capacity over the period. The reduction in non‐marine sulphate is consistent with reductions in atmospheric inputs of sulphate. However, the reduction in sulphate has not been accompanied by a reduction in the acidity of water samples from Loch Grannoch, but with a reduction in calcium concentration and an apparent increase in organic acids, as evidenced by increased dissolved organic carbon concentrations, with possible increases in nitrate and non‐marine sodium concentrations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generic frame model for simulation of earthquake responses of steel moment frames
Authors: Nakashima Masayoshi , Ogawa Koji , Inoue Kazuo
Published: August 2002

This paper presents a generic frame (GF) model useful for the simulation of earthquake responses of steel moment frames. Adopting the assumption that all rotations at joints lying at each floor level are identical, the model requires the solution of significantly fewer degrees of freedom than models with member‐by‐member representation. Procedures to construct a GF model that represents a multi‐storey, multi‐span frame are detailed. The model can allow for panel zone behaviour as well. The accuracy of the GF model in predicting maximum storey drifts and member plastic rotations is calibrated for two example frames against a variety of ground motions. Errors associated with the model are found to be negligible in light of the variability of responses attached to randomness and uncertainties of earthquake ground motions. The GF model is effective in conducting extensive numerical analyses needed for the identification and characterization of primary structural parameters that control the earthquake responses of steel moment frames, thereby contributing to further advancement of performance‐based design. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of tall buildings to weak long distance earthquakes
Authors: Brownjohn James Mark William , Pan Tso Chien
Published: August 2002

In the last decade, two tall buildings in Singapore were instrumented with accelerometers and anemometers for the original purpose of identifying the characteristics and effects of wind loading. During the monitoring it became clear that the largest acceleration responses should result from ground motions due to earthquakes having magnitudes between 6 and 8 and epicentres at least 350 km distant. The paper describes the strategy for identifying and capturing the signals from distant tremors, which depends on tracking the RMS response levels in the second vibration mode. Characteristics of some recorded signals are given. While response levels are generally small, the frequency content coincides with the range of fundamental mode frequencies for high rise residential buildings. The validity of using a tall building as a ‘weak‐motion’ seismograph is discussed by considering the mode shape of the building and the measured transfer function between basement and roof responses. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal displacement feedback control law for active tuned mass damper
Authors: Nagashima Ichiro
Published: August 2002

Optimal displacement feedback control law is derived for a vibration control of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom structure with an active tuned mass damper (ATMD). Analytical expressions of the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) feedback gains for the ATMD are derived by solving the Ricatti equation straightforwardly. Based on these solutions, it is found that if the stiffness of the tuned mass damper (TMD) is calibrated to satisfy a certain condition, the control law is simplified to be composed of the feedback gains only for the displacement of the structure and the velocity of the auxiliary mass stroke, which is referred to as ‘optimal displacement feedback control’. The mean‐square responses of the structure as well as the auxiliary mass against Gaussian white noise excitations are evaluated by solving the Lyapunov equation analytically based on the stochastic optimal control theory. Using these analytical solutions, the optimal damping parameter for the auxiliary mass is also derived. Finally, the optimal displacement feedback control law is presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History of services for eating disorders with regard to political and women's situational changes in the Czech Republic
Authors: Papezova Hana
Published: August 2002

For this paper we examined the transcultural literature on eating disorders to investigate how specific political and cultural factors may have influenced epidemiology, symptoms, outcome and other aspects of eating disorder illnesses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Direct observation of frost wedging in alpine bedrock
Authors: Matsuoka Norikazu
Published: August 2002

Width and temperature of rock joints were automatically monitored in the Japanese Alps. Three years of monitoring on a sandstone rock face shows two seasonal peaks of joint widening in autumn and spring. The autumn events are associated with short‐term freeze–thaw cycles, and the magnitude of widening reflects the freezing intensity and water availability. The short‐term freezing can produce wedging to a depth of at least 20 cm. The spring events follow a rise in the rock surface temperature to 0 °C beneath the seasonal snowcover, and likely originate from refreezing of meltwater entering the joint. Some of these events contribute to permanent enlargement of the joint. Two other joints on nearby rock faces experience only sporadic widening accompanying freeze–thaw cycles and insignificant permanent enlargement. Observations indicate that no single thermal criterion can explain frost weathering. The temperature range at which wedging occurs varies with the bedrock conditions, water availability and duration of freezing. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GRADISTAT: a grain size distribution and statistics package for the analysis of unconsolidated sediments
Authors: Blott Simon J. , Pye Kenneth
Published: August 2002

Grain size analysis is an essential tool for classifying sedimentary environments. The calculation of statistics for many samples can, however, be a laborious process. A computer program called GRADISTAT has been written for the rapid analysis of grain size statistics from any of the standard measuring techniques, such as sieving and laser granulometry. Mean, mode, sorting, skewness and other statistics are calculated arithmetically and geometrically (in metric units) and logarithmically (in phi units) using moment and Folk and Ward graphical methods. Method comparison has allowed Folk and Ward descriptive terms to be assigned to moments statistics. Results indicate that Folk and Ward measures, expressed in metric units, appear to provide the most robust basis for routine comparisons of compositionally variable sediments. The program runs within the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet package and is extremely versatile, accepting standard and non‐standard size data, and producing a range of graphical outputs including frequency and ternary plots. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Responsiveness and everyday life
Authors: Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: August 2002

Responsiveness is not merely a characteristic of a special methodology for evaluation. It is also an epistemic and moral virtue that signals a particular relation to the social world and a distinctive way of being and knowing within that world.
Composition and chemical variability of the needle essential oil of Pinus nigra subsp. laricio from corsica
Authors: Rezzi Serge , Bighelli Ange , Mouillot David , Casanova Joseph
Published: August 2002

The composition of 123 samples of needle essential oil of individual trees of Pinus nigra subsp. laricio from Corsica was investigated by GC and 13C‐NMR. α‐Pinene, manoyl oxide, germacrene‐D, myrcene, (E)‐caryophyllene and limonene were found to be the main constituents. The results were submitted to principal components analysis and K‐means partitioning which allowed two groups of essential oils to be identified with respect to their content of α‐pinene, manoyl oxide and germacrene‐D. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully coupled numerical technique for 2D bed morphology calculations
Authors: Soulis Johannes V.
Published: August 2002

A fully coupled two‐dimensional subcritical and/or supercritical, viscous, free‐surface flow numerical model is developed to calculate bed variations in alluvial channels. Vertically averaged free‐surface flow equations in conjunction with sediment transport equation are numerically solved using an explicit finite‐volume scheme using transformed grid in order to handle complex geometry fluvial problems. Convergence is accelerated with use of a multi‐grid technique. Firstly the capabilities of the proposed method are demonstrated by analyzing subcritical and supercritical hydrodynamic flows. Thereafter, an analysis of one‐ and two‐dimensional flows is performed referring to aggradation and scouring. For all reported test cases the computed results compare reasonably well with measurements as well as with other numerical solutions. The method is stable, reliable and accurate handling a variety of sediment transport equations with rapid changes of sediment transport at the boundaries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Option‐Expiration Effects in Small Markets: The Spanish Stock Exchange
Authors: Corredor P. , Lechón P. , Santamaría R.
Published: August 2002

This study analyzes the effect of the expiration of the Ibex‐35 Index derivatives, as well as the
first four stock options traded in the Spanish Equity Derivatives Exchange, on the return, conditional
volatility, and trading volume of the underlying assets. The analysis covers the period from the introduction of
the various derivatives to December 1995. This period has been divided into two subperiods in order to determine
if there are changes in the conclusions. The expiration of the Ibex‐35 index derivatives is associated
with an increase in the trading volume of the underlying asset, but it has no significant effect on either the
underlying asset prices or on the level of volatility on the expiration day. However, the expiration of the
stock options has significant impact on their underlying assets. We observed a downward pressure on prices and a
reduction of volatility level in the week before the expiration date and a significant increase in trading
volume on the expiration day. The absence of futures contracts on individual stocks, among other possible
causes, may explain these differences. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21:905–928,
2001
Stratified case sampling and the use of family controls
Authors: Siegmund Kimberly D. , Langholz Bryan
Published: August 2002

We compare the asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE) of different study designs for estimating gene and gene‐environment interaction effects using matched case‐control data. In the sampling schemes considered, cases are selected differentially based on their family history of disease. Controls are selected either from unrelated subjects or from among the case’s unaffected siblings and cousins. Parameters are estimated using weighted conditional logistic regression, where the likelihood contributions for each subject are weighted by the fraction of cases sampled sharing the same family history. Results showed that compared to random sampling, over‐sampling cases with a positive family history increased the efficiency for estimating the main effect of a gene for sib‐control designs (103–254% ARE) and decreased efficiency for cousin‐control and population‐control designs (68–94% ARE and 67–84% ARE, respectively). Population controls and random sampling of cases were most efficient for a recessive gene or a dominant gene with an relative risk less than 9. For estimating gene‐environment interactions, over‐sampling positive‐family‐history cases again led to increased efficiency using sib controls (111–180% ARE) and decreased efficiency using population controls (68–87% ARE). Using case‐cousin pairs, the results differed based on the genetic model and the size of the interaction effect; biased sampling was only slightly more efficient than random sampling for large interaction effects under a dominant gene model (relative risk ratio = 8, 106% ARE). Overall, the most efficient study design for studying gene‐environment interaction was the case‐sib‐control design with over‐sampling of positive‐family‐history‐cases. Genet. Epidemiol. 20:316–327, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.