bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population effects of growth hormone transgenic coho salmon depend on food availability and genotype by environment interactions
Authors: Devlin Robert H. , D'Andrade Mark , Uh Mitchell , Biagi Carlo A.
Published: June 2004

Environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms requires determination of their fitness and invasiveness relative to conspecifics and other ecosystem members. Cultured growth hormone transgenic coho salmon (
Oncorhynchus kisutch
) have enhanced feeding capacity and growth, which can result in large enhancements in body size (>7-fold) relative to nontransgenic salmon, but in nature, the ability to compete for available food is a key factor determining survival fitness and invasiveness of a genotype. When transgenic and nontransgenic salmon were cohabitated and competed for different levels of food, transgenic salmon consistently outgrew nontransgenic fish and could affect the growth of nontransgenic cohorts except when food availability was high. When food abundance was low, dominant individuals emerged, invariably transgenic, that directed strong agonistic and cannibalistic behavior to cohorts and dominated the acquisition of limited food resources. When food availability was low, all groups containing transgenic salmon experienced population crashes or complete extinctions, whereas groups containing only nontransgenic salmon had good (72.0 ± 4.3% SE) survival, and their population biomass continued to increase. Thus, effects of growth hormone transgenic salmon on experimental populations were primarily mediated by an interaction between food availability and population structure. These data, while indicative of forces which may act on natural populations, also underscore the importance of genotype by environment interactions in influencing risk assessment data for genetically modified organisms and suggest that, for species such as salmon which are derived from large complex ecosystems, considerable caution is warranted in applying data from individual studies.
Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) for whole-genome profiling of barley
Authors: Wenzl Peter , Carling Jason , Kudrna David , Jaccoud Damian , Huttner Eric , Kleinhofs Andris , Kilian Andrzej
Published: June 2004

Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) can detect and type DNA variation at several hundred genomic loci in parallel without relying on sequence information. Here we show that it can be effectively applied to genetic mapping and diversity analyses of barley, a species with a 5,000-Mbp genome. We tested several complexity reduction methods and selected two that generated the most polymorphic genomic representations. Arrays containing individual fragments from these representations generated DArT fingerprints with a genotype call rate of 98.0% and a scoring reproducibility of at least 99.8%. The fingerprints grouped barley lines according to known genetic relationships. To validate the Mendelian behavior of DArT markers, we constructed a genetic map for a cross between cultivars Steptoe and Morex. Nearly all polymorphic array features could be incorporated into one of seven linkage groups (98.8%). The resulting map comprised ≈385 unique DArT markers and spanned 1,137 centimorgans. A comparison with the restriction fragment length polymorphism-based framework map indicated that the quality of the DArT map was equivalent, if not superior, to that of the framework map. These results highlight the potential of DArT as a generic technique for genome profiling in the context of molecular breeding and genomics.
The IL-6- and lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of hepcidin in
HFE-
, transferrin receptor 2-, and β
2
-microglobulin-deficient hepatocytes
Authors: Lee Pauline , Peng Hongfan , Gelbart Terri , Beutler Ernest
Published: June 2004

The antimicrobial peptide hepcidin appears to play a central role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. In intact animals, iron overload or the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates transcription of
HAMP
, the gene that encodes hepcidin. In isolated hepatocytes, IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine the production of which is stimulated by LPS, up-regulates transcription of hepcidin. In contrast, iron has no stimulatory effect on hepcidin expression in isolated hepatocytes. There is apparently a signaling pathway, activated by iron, that is present in the intact animal but not in isolated hepatocytes. Studies in humans and mice have shown that this iron-dependent pathway requires the presence of Hfe, hemojuvelin, and probably transferrin receptor 2 (tfr-2). To determine whether activation of hepcidin transcription by IL-6 also requires Hfe and tfr-2, we have studied mice homozygous for targeted disruption of
HFE
, β
2
-microglobulin, and for a truncating mutation of
TFR-2
. We show that these mutant mice react normally to injection of endotoxin and that their isolated hepatocytes react normally to IL-6. This indicates that the signaling pathway activated by IL-6 does not require either Hfe or tfr-2. Mice with disruption of the gene encoding IL-6 seem to have a blunted response to LPS, but the statistical significance of the small response documented is borderline. It is therefore not clear whether LPS stimulates secretion of cytokines other than IL-6 that may stimulate hepcidin transcription.
Herpes simplex virus protein kinase U
S
3 activates and functionally overlaps protein kinase A to block apoptosis
Authors: Benetti Luca , Roizman Bernard
Published: June 2004

Herpes simplex virus 1 encodes at least four genes whose functions include blocking apoptosis induced by exogenous agents (e.g., sorbitol, Fas ligand, and BAD protein) or replication-incompetent mutants (e.g., the d120 mutant lacking both copies of the α4 gene). U
S
3, one of these four genes, encodes a serine-threonine kinase that has been demonstrated to block apoptosis induced by proapoptotic cellular proteins or by the d120 mutant. The amino acid context of serine-threonine phosphorylated by U
S
3 is similar to that of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase PKA. We report that (
i
) the pattern of proteins phosphorylated by U
S
3 in transduced cells or in cells infected with WT virus overlaps that of phosphoproteins targeted by PKA, (
ii
) activation of PKA blocks apoptosis induced by d120 mutant or by BAD protein independently of U
S
3, (
iii
) U
S
3 protein kinase phosphorylates peptides containing the serine or threonine targeted by PKA including that present in the regulatory type IIα subunit of PKA, and (
iv
) in WT virus-infected cells the regulatory type IIα subunit is phosphorylated in a U
S
3-dependent manner. We conclude that a major determinant of the antiapoptotic activity of the U
S
3 protein kinase is the phosphorylation of PKA substrates by either or both enzymes.
Points on 𝑦=𝑥² at rational distance
Authors: Campbell Garikai
Published: June 2004

Nathaniel Dean asks the following: Is it possible to find four nonconcyclic points on the parabola

y
=

x
2

y=x^2

such that each of the six distances between pairs of points is rational? We demonstrate that there is a correspondence between all rational points satisfying this condition and orbits under a particular group action of rational points on a fiber product of (three copies of) an elliptic surface. In doing so, we provide a detailed description of the correspondence, the group action and the group structure of the elliptic curves making up the (good) fibers of the surface. We find for example that each elliptic curve must contain a point of order 4. The main result is that there are infinitely many rational distance sets of four nonconcyclic (rational) points on

y
=

x
2

y=x^2

. We begin by giving a brief history of the problem and by placing the problem in the context of a more general, long-standing open problem. We conclude by giving several examples of solutions to the problem and by offering some suggestions for further work.
Reducing the construction cost of the component-by-component construction of good lattice rules
Authors: Dick J. , Kuo F.
Published: June 2004

The construction of randomly shifted rank-

1
1

lattice rules, where the number of points

n
n

is a prime number, has recently been developed by Sloan, Kuo and Joe for integration of functions in weighted Sobolev spaces and was extended by Kuo and Joe and by Dick to composite numbers. To construct

d
d

-dimensional rules, the shifts were generated randomly and the generating vectors were constructed component-by-component at a cost of

O
(

n
2

d
2

)

O(n^2d^2)

operations. Here we consider the situation where

n
n

is the product of two distinct prime numbers

p
p

and

q
q

. We still generate the shifts randomly but we modify the algorithm so that the cost of constructing the, now two, generating vectors component-by-component is only

O
(
n
(
p
+
q
)

d
2

)

O(n(p+q)d^2)

operations. This reduction in cost allows, in practice, construction of rules with millions of points. The rules constructed again achieve a worst-case strong tractability error bound, with a rate of convergence

O
(

p

−
1
+
δ

q

−
1

/

2

)

O(p^{-1+\delta }q^{-1/2})

for

δ
>
0

\delta >0

.
Local results for the Gauss-Newton method on constrained rank-deficient nonlinear least squares
Authors: Eriksson Jerry , Gulliksson Mårten
Published: June 2004

A nonlinear least squares problem with nonlinear constraints may be ill posed or even rank-deficient in two ways. Considering the problem formulated as

min

x

1

/

2
‖

f

2

(
x
)

‖

2

2

\min _{x} 1/2\| f_{2}(x) \|_{2}^{2}

subject to the constraints

f

1

(
x
)
=
0

f_{1}(x) = 0

, the Jacobian

J

1

=
∂

f

1

/

∂
x

J_{1} = \partial f_{1}/ \partial x

and/or the Jacobian

J
=
∂
f

/

∂
x

J = \partial f/ \partial x

,

f
=
[

f

1

;

f

2

]

f = [f_{1};f_{2}]

, may be ill conditioned at the solution. We analyze the important special case when

J

1

J_{1}

and/or

J
J

do not have full rank at the solution. In order to solve such a problem, we formulate a nonlinear least norm problem. Next we describe a truncated Gauss-Newton method. We show that the local convergence rate is determined by the maximum of three independent Rayleigh quotients related to three different spaces in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^{n}

. Another way of solving an ill-posed nonlinear least squares problem is to regularize the problem with some parameter that is reduced as the iterates converge to the minimum. Our approach is a Tikhonov based local linear regularization that converges to a minimum norm problem. This approach may be used both for almost and rank-deficient Jacobians. Finally we present computational tests on constructed problems verifying the local analysis.
𝐿²-estimate for the discrete Plateau Problem
Authors: Pozzi Paola
Published: June 2004

In this paper we prove the

L
2

L^2

convergence rates for a fully discrete finite element procedure for approximating minimal, possibly unstable, surfaces.

Originally this problem was studied by G. Dziuk and J. Hutchinson. First they provided convergence rates in the

H
1

H^1

and

L
2

L^2

norms for the boundary integral method. Subsequently they obtained the

H
1

H^1

convergence estimates using a fully discrete finite element method. We use the latter framework for our investigation.
Criteria for the approximation property for multigrid methods in nonnested spaces
Authors: Neuss Nicolas , Wieners Christian
Published: June 2004

We extend the abstract frameworks for the multigrid analysis for nonconforming finite elements to the case where the assumptions of the second Strang lemma are violated. The consistency error is studied in detail for finite element discretizations on domains with curved boundaries. This is applied to prove the approximation property for conforming elements, stabilized

Q
1

/

P
0

Q_1/P_0

-elements, and nonconforming elements for linear elasticity on nonpolygonal domains.
On strong tractability of weighted multivariate integration
Authors: Hickernell Fred , Sloan Ian , Wasilkowski Grzegorz
Published: June 2004

We prove that for every dimension

s
s

and every number

n
n

of points, there exists a point-set

P

n
,
s

\mathcal {P}_{n,s}

whose

γ
\boldsymbol \gamma

-weighted unanchored

L

∞

L_{\infty }

discrepancy is bounded from above by

C
(
b
)

/

n

1

/

2
−
b

C(b)/n^{1/2-b}

independently of

s
s

provided that the sequence

γ
=
{

γ
k

}

\boldsymbol \gamma =\{\gamma _k\}

has

∑

k
=
1

∞

γ
k
a

>
∞

\sum _{k=1}^\infty \gamma _k^a>\infty

for some (even arbitrarily large)

a
a

. Here

b
b

is a positive number that could be chosen arbitrarily close to zero and

C
(
b
)

C(b)

depends on

b
b

but not on

s
s

or

n
n

. This result yields strong tractability of the corresponding integration problems including approximation of weighted integrals

∫
D

f
(

x

)

ρ
(

x

)

d

x

\int _Df(\mathbf {x})\,\rho (\mathbf {x})\,d\mathbf {x}

over unbounded domains such as

D
=

R

s

D=\mathbb {R}^s

. It also supplements the results that provide an upper bound of the form

C

s

/

n

C\sqrt {s/n}

when

γ
k

≡
1

\gamma _k\equiv 1

.
Spectral-fractional step Runge–Kutta discretizations for initial boundary value problems with time dependent boundary conditions
Authors: Alonso-Mallo I. , Cano B. , Jorge J.
Published: June 2004

In this paper we develop a technique for avoiding the order reduction caused by nonconstant boundary conditions in the methods called splitting, alternating direction or, more generally, fractional step methods. Such methods can be viewed as the combination of a semidiscrete in time procedure with a special type of additive Runge–Kutta method, which is called the fractional step Runge–Kutta method, and a standard space discretization which can be of type finite differences, finite elements or spectral methods among others. Spectral methods have been chosen here to complete the analysis of convergence of a totally discrete scheme of this type of improved fractionary steps. The numerical experiences performed also show the increase of accuracy that this technique provides.
Spectral division methods for block generalized Schur decompositions
Authors: Sun Xiaobai , Quintana-Ortí Enrique
Published: June 2004

We provide a different perspective of the spectral division methods for block generalized Schur decompositions of matrix pairs. The new approach exposes more algebraic structures of the successive matrix pairs in the spectral division iterations and reveals some potential computational difficulties. We present modified algorithms to reduce the arithmetic cost by nearly 50%, remove inconsistency in spectral subspace extraction from different sides (left and right), and improve the accuracy of subspaces. In application problems that only require a single-sided deflating subspace, our algorithms can be used to obtain a posteriori estimates on the backward accuracy of the computed subspaces with little extra cost.
Money and Inflation – A New Macroeconomic Analysis
Authors: Bortis Heinrich
Published: June 2004

Presents a review of Money and Inflation – A New Macroeconomic Analysis (Sergio Rossi (with a Foreword by Mauro Baranzini and Alvaro Cencini) Edward Elgar Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA 2001 li + 238 pp.)
Consumption of children's wear in a big city in Central China: Zhengzhou
Authors: Chen Xiaopeng , Man Au Wai , Li Kejing
Published: June 2004

The paper examines the purchase behaviour (performed by adults) in relation to children's wear in the 0‐14 age group. The importance of product attributes of children's wear was investigated. Data were gathered from both interviews and a questionnaire survey conducted in Zhengzhou, a large city in central China. Two attributes, quality and style, were identified as the most important attributes for children's wear consumers. It was also found that branding had a limited impact on the choice of children's wear. The marketing implication of the results are discussed.
The impact of WTO accession on the Chinese garment industry
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hsun , Shih Hui‐Tzu
Published: June 2004

By the mid‐1990s, China had become the world's largest producer (and exporter) of textiles and garments. It is widely believed that China's textile industry will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of World Trade Organization (WTO) accession, thereby enabling Chinese textile firms to use foreign‐invested enterprises to gain direct access to overseas purchasing networks, and helping to boost China's textile and clothing exports; however, most Chinese garment manufacturers have been in existence for only a relatively short period and are small in size. The Chinese garment industry is made up largely of small enterprises; run‐of‐the‐mill small garment manufacturers suffer because of the incomplete adoption of the market mechanism, restricted access to information and unfair competition. These smaller manufacturers remain dependent on traditional business models, and as a result, their operating costs have remained very high. Concludes that the vast majority of Chinese garment manufacturers are thus engaged in a constant struggle to stay in business.
Markets vs regulators and the battle to determine market structure: evidence from the UK cable industry
Authors: Curwen Peter
Published: June 2004

It is well known that it is difficult to dislodge incumbents if new entrants provide identical services via identical channels. Hence, it was expected that, especially in a broadband world, the main competition for fixed‐wire networks would come from cable operators. The UK was one of the first countries in Europe to develop cable as a practical alternative to fixed‐wire telephony, but in the event not only was the initial structure of the industry seriously flawed but the cost of creating cable networks proved to be a recipe for bankruptcy. However, once restructured post‐bankruptcy, the remaining two cable operators may finally fulfil their destiny.
Multicentre study of validity and interrater reliability of the modified Nursing Care Recording System (NCR11) for assessment of workload in the ICU
Authors: Walther S. M. , Jonasson U. , Karlsson S. , Nordlund P. , Johansson A. , Mälstam J. ,   The south‐eastern Intensive Care Network Of Sweden
Published: June 2004

Background:  Reliable assessment of nursing workload is necessary for the quantitative approach to staffing of intensive care units. The Nursing Care Recording System (NCR11) scores both the nursing contribution to patient care and those related to medical procedures. The purpose of the present work was to compare NCR11 scoring with the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) and Nine Equivalents of Nurse Manpower use Score (NEMS) and to examine the interrater reliability of NCR11 scoring.

Methods:  Bias and precision of workload scores (NCR11 vs. TISS or NEMS) were assessed for 6126 consecutive admissions (23910 ICU‐days) at three intensive care units. Inter‐rater reliability was analyzed by having nurses at nine ICUs score workload using NCR11 for three dummy intensive care patient cases presented over a 3‐year period. Variability in scoring was analyzed using the coefficient of variation.

Results:  Agreement between NCR11 and TISS or NEMS was poor and limits of agreement were wide. Linear relationships between NCR11 and TISS or NEMS scores differed between units. Variability in NCR11 scoring decreased significantly from 10.4% to 5.9% between dummy cases 1 and 2 and remained low for patient case 3.

Conclusion:  The NCR11 does not measure the same elements of workload in the ICU as do TISS and NEMS. Inter‐rater reliability with NCR11 is good, showing little variation in scoring between nurses.
Routine X‐ray control of upper central venous lines: Is it necessary?
Authors: Molgaard O. , Nielsen M. S. , Handberg B. B. , Jensen J. M. , Kjaergaard J. , Juul N.
Published: June 2004

Background:  Insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) is a procedure associated with a varying risk of complications, depending on the setting and the skill of the clinician who undertakes the procedure. The aim of this study was to monitor the complication rate of CVC insertion and evaluate the value of routine chest X‐ray control.

Methods:  Anesthesiologists at eight hospitals filled in a questionnaire immediately after insertion of a CVC. The post‐procedural clinical evaluation, including expected complications, was compared to actual radiological findings. Chest X‐ray was ordered by the anesthesiologist, and described by staff radiologists.

Results:  The clinicians had from 2 months to 30 years of experience as anesthesiologists, and trainees inserted 34% and specialists 66% of the catheters, using landmark techniques. Over a period of 2 months, 473 CVC‐insertion procedures were included in the investigation.Two patients (0.4%) had a pneumothorax: one was among the 11 cases in which the clinician suspected complications after the procedure, and another was found in a high‐risk patient 13 h after CVC insertion. Both patients were treated successfully with chest tubes.The favorite approach was right vena jugularis interna with 324 (69%) catheters; of these patients one had a pneumothorax, catheter‐tip placement was correctly predicted in 317 (97%), and no catheters were repositioned.

Conclusion:  In the hands of trained clinicians, insertion of CVCs is a safe procedure. We found no value of routine X‐ray control and omission of routine chest X‐ray must be considered.
Acute airway obstruction in an infant with Pierre Robin syndrome after palatoplasty
Authors: Dell'Oste C. , Savron F. , Pelizzo G. , Sarti A.
Published: June 2004

This report describes a complication of post‐operative oedema of the palate, tongue and pharynx after a Perko‐revised cleft palate repair, which resulted in a life‐threatening airway obstruction in an infant with Pierre Robin syndrome. Although infants experiencing airway problems after Wardill–Kilner, von Langenbeck and Furlow palatoplasty have been described, airway complications in a group of Perko‐revised repair children have not been previously reported. We speculate that this complication, which occurred in the absence of a history of previous airway problems, is due to prolonged operating time and excessive pressure exerted on the base of the tongue by the Kilner–Doughty retractor. Acknowledgments of this risk permits to identify those patients prior to surgery so that they can be managed appropriately.
Risk‐sensitive foraging theory elucidates risky choices made by heroin addicts
Authors: Bickel Warren K. , Giordano Louis A. , Badger Gary J.
Published: June 2004

Aim  The behavioral process of risk‐sensitive foraging (RSF) speciﬁes that the level of satiation or deprivation determines choice between a constant and variable quantity of food. Specifically, RSF stipulates that organisms experiencing satiation and deprivation prefer constant (risk‐averse) and variable (risk‐prone) choices, respectively. The relevance of this behavioral process to risky choices of opioid‐dependent patients is examined in this study.

Methods  Thirty adult opioid‐dependent out‐patients made hypothetical choices between constant and variable heroin sources with equivalent means. Preferences for constant (e.g. three bags of heroin) and variable heroin sources (e.g. on average produces three bags of heroin, but vary from one to five bags of heroin on any instance) were assessed using questionnaires that manipulated the amount, delay to receipt and drug potency of heroin across approximately 20 levels. Subjects made choices between constant and variable options after hearing scripts describing the signs and symptoms of opioid satiation and opioid deprivation.

Results  Consistent with the prediction of RSF, subjects purchased significantly more hypothetical heroin from a variable source when exposed to an opioid‐deprived script than an opioid‐satiated script. This pattern was observed across manipulations of heroin amount, delay to receipt of heroin and heroin potency. Selection of the variable option increased as a function of magnitude under the deprived conditions. The selection of the variable option generally did not increase as a function of magnitude under the satiated conditions except when delay to heroin delivery increased. As delay increased, selection of the variable option increased under the satiated script, but at a lower level observed with the deprived script.

Conclusions  These data suggest that risky choices of heroin‐dependent individuals can be understood and predicted with the application of RSF theory. This research suggests that an evolutionarily old behavioral process may contribute to the risky behavior of the drug‐dependent.
Ten‐year patterns of alcohol consumption and drinking problems among older women and men
Authors: Moos Rudolf H. , Schutte Kathleen , Brennan Penny , Moos Bernice S.
Published: June 2004

Aims  This study focused on changes in 10‐year patterns of alcohol consumption among older women and men, late‐life and life history predictors of drinking problems, and gender differences in these predictors.

Design, setting, participants  A sample of late‐middle‐aged community residents (N = 1291) who had consumed alcohol in the past year or shortly before was surveyed at baseline and 1 year, 4 years and 10 years later.

Measurements  At each contact point, participants completed an inventory that assessed their alcohol consumption, drinking problems and health‐related and life context factors. Participants also provided information about their life history of drinking.

Results  Over the 10 years, the proportion of individuals who consumed alcohol declined. Among individuals who continued to drink, women and men showed comparable declines in alcohol consumption, minor concomitants of alcohol consumption and drinking problems. In addition to the amount of alcohol consumption, smoking, friends’ approval of drinking and avoidance coping consistently predicted late‐life drinking problems. With respect to life history factors, heavy drinking, drinking problems and increased drinking in response to life events were related to a higher likelihood of late‐life drinking problems; obtaining help from family members and friends and, among men, participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, were related to a lower likelihood of problems.

Conclusion  Older women and men show comparable declines in alcohol consumption and drinking problems. Specific late‐life social context and coping variables, and life history indices, are risk factors for late‐life drinking problems among both women and men.
Efficacy and safety of naltrexone and acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence: a systematic review
Authors: Carmen Bouza , Angeles Magro , Ana Muñoz , María Amate José
Published: June 2004

Aims  To ascertain the efficacy and safety of naltrexone and acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Methods  Systematic review of the literature (1990–2002) and meta‐analysis of full published randomized and controlled clinical trials assessing acamprosate or naltrexone therapy in alcohol dependence. Estimates of effect were calculated according to the fixed‐effects model.

Measurements  Relapse and abstinence rates, cumulative abstinence duration and treatment compliance were considered as primary outcomes.

Findings  Thirty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. Acamprosate was associated with a significant improvement in abstinence rate [odds ratio (OR): 1.88 (1.57, 2.25), P < 0.001] and days of cumulative abstinence [WMD: 26.55 (17.56, 36.54]. Short‐term administration of naltrexone reduced the relapse rate significantly [OR: 0.62 (0.52, 0.75), P < 0.001], but was not associated with a significant modification in the abstinence rate [OR: 1.26 (0.97,1.64), P = 0.08]. There were insufficient data to ascertain naltrexone's efficacy over more prolonged periods. Acamprosate had a good safety pattern and was associated with a significant improvement in treatment compliance [OR: 1.29 (1.13,1.47), P < 0.001]. Naltrexone's side effects were more numerous, yet the drug was nevertheless tolerated acceptably without being associated with a lower adherence to treatment (OR: 0.94 (0.80, 1.1), P = 0.5). However, overall compliance was relatively low with both medications.

Conclusions  Both acamprosate and naltrexone are effective as adjuvant therapies for alcohol dependence in adults. Acamprosate appears to be especially useful in a therapeutic approach targeted at achieving abstinence, whereas naltrexone seems more indicated in programmes geared to controlled consumption. Both drugs are safe and acceptably tolerated but issues of compliance need to be addressed adequately to assure their usefulness in clinical practice.
Direct telemarketing of smoking cessation interventions: will smokers take the call?
Authors: Paul C. L. , Wiggers J. , Daly J. B. , Green S. , Walsh R. A. , Knight J. , Girgis A.
Published: June 2004

Aims  Few smokers currently make use of available and effective cessation strategies, despite their expressed desire to quit and reported interest in cessation support. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a telephone‐based direct‐marketing approach to delivering cessation strategies.

Design, setting, measurements and participants  A community survey was conducted to explore the views of current adult smokers regarding the acceptability, likely uptake and barriers to uptake of smoking cessation services offered by direct telephone marketing.

Findings  Three quarters (73.8%) of smokers contacted agreed to be surveyed. Of the 194 study participants, 75.3% reported that they would utilize vouchers for discount nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), 66.5% would use a mailed self‐help booklet, 57.2% would take up the offer of regular mailings of personalized letters and self‐help materials and 46.4% would utilize a ‘we‐call‐you’ telephone counselling service. The characteristics of those indicating likely uptake of these services were also explored. The two major barriers to uptake of services were preferring to quit without help and a belief that a particular service would not help the participant.

Conclusions  The data suggest strong support for the direct marketing of smoking cessation strategies; they also highlight the need for further study of the cost‐effectiveness of telephone‐based direct marketing of smoking cessation strategies as a population‐based strategy for reducing the prevalence of smoking in the community.
The adolescent behavioral repertoire as a context for drug exposure: behavioral autarcesis at play
Authors: Chen Chuan‐Yu , Dormitzer Catherine M. , Gutiérrez Ulises , Vittetoe Kenneth , González Gonzalo B. , Anthony James C.
Published: June 2004

Aims  The aim of this study is to investigate suspected behavioral autarcesis. Autarcesis refers to a mechanism of non‐specific shielding from or immunity to infection or disease. Here, suspecting that some facets of the adolescent behavioral repertoire (ABR) might shield youths from early drug involvement, we studied recent‐onset occurrence of first chances to try a drug and first actual drug use, expressed as a function of five observed ABR dimensions: religious, socializing, sports‐related, gender socialization, and home‐based activities.

Design and participants  Nationally representative samples of school‐attending youths were drawn in Panama, the five Spanish heritage countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic (n = 12 797).

Measurements  Drug involvement and ABR were assessed via anonymous self‐administered questionnaires.

Findings  A religious activity dimension and a separate sports dimension were associated inversely with recent onset of adolescent drug experiences, and a socializing activity dimension was related to an increased occurrence of these experiences. For example, for each unit increase of the religious activity dimension of the ABR, there was an associated reduced occurrence of the first chance to try tobacco (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63–0.90, P = 0.002). Adolescents at higher levels of sports activities and home‐based activities were less likely to experience recent‐onset actual use of marijuana (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30–0.67, P < 0.001; OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32–0.99, P = 0.048, respectively).

Conclusions  The study evidence lends some support for behavioral autarcesis. Manipulation of selected ABR dimensions might help prevent or reduce adolescent drug involvement, enhancing autarcesis as a protective mechanism.
Efficient and accurate computation of seismic traveltimes and amplitudes
Authors: Buske S. , Kästner U.
Published: June 2004

We describe two practicable approaches for an efficient computation of seismic traveltimes and amplitudes. The first approach is based on a combined finite‐difference solution of the eikonal equation and the transport equation (the ‘FD approach’). These equations are formulated as hyperbolic conservation laws; the eikonal equation is solved numerically by a third‐order ENO–Godunov scheme for the traveltimes whereas the transport equation is solved by a first‐order upwind scheme for the amplitudes. The schemes are implemented in 2D using polar coordinates. The results are first‐arrival traveltimes and the corresponding amplitudes. The second approach uses ray tracing (the ‘ray approach’) and employs a wavefront construction (WFC) method to calculate the traveltimes. Geometrical spreading factors are then computed from these traveltimes via the ray propagator without the need for dynamic ray tracing or numerical differentiation. With this procedure it is also possible to obtain multivalued traveltimes and the corresponding geometrical spreading factors.

Both methods are compared using the Marmousi model. The results show that the FD eikonal traveltimes are highly accurate and perfectly match the WFC traveltimes. The resulting FD amplitudes are smooth and consistent with the geometrical spreading factors obtained from the ray approach. Hence, both approaches can be used for fast and reliable computation of seismic first‐arrival traveltimes and amplitudes in complex models. In addition, the capabilities of the ray approach for computing traveltimes and spreading factors of later arrivals are demonstrated with the help of the Shell benchmark model.
A simple method of magnetic declination fluctuation correction for long single‐streamer positioning in a seismic survey
Authors: Martin Victor , Noble Mark S. , Pascal Georges
Published: June 2004

In single‐streamer acquisition, the use of acoustic transducers to constrain the receiver positions is not possible, thus implying the use of compass birds to gather information on the streamer location. The compasses are, however, sensitive to the declination of the local magnetic field of the earth, and local fluctuations not accounted for can degrade the accuracy of reconstructed positions. In order to correct these small‐scale fluctuations, we propose a simple deterministic method to calculate a spatial correction to apply to the compasses that enhances the positioning accuracy. The local compass declination is calculated after a first reconstruction on the whole survey area. This method was applied with success to navigation data from a 3D survey offshore Japan, and the positioning accuracy was improved to the level of the DGPS accuracy.
Socratic strategies and devil's advocacy in synchronous CMC debate
Authors: Walker S.Aisha
Published: June 2004

AbstractWithin a synchronous computer‐mediated discussion, teachers used a prescriptive framework of Socratic interventions together with dialogue moves which challenged students to justify their opinions or which presented a ‘devil's advocate’ line of counter‐argument. This paper examines the effectiveness of different teacher strategies and presents examples of those strategies in use. The research found that, although teachers used relatively few ‘counter‐argument’ moves, these moves could be particularly successful in encouraging students to develop and defend a line of argument.
It's not so easy: researching the complexity of emergent participant roles and awareness in asynchronous networked learning discussions
Authors: De Laat Maarten , Lally V.
Published: June 2004

Abstract
In this paper, we explore some of the complexities of emergent role development and group awareness among participants in an asynchronous Networked Learning discussion in a higher education context. We used content analysis to provide participant profiles for learning and tutoring processes within a group of collaborating professionals. Using these we selected three distinct student participants with whom we then conducted critical event recall. Our findings suggest how distinct roles emerge, and how they effect the group dynamics. They show the importance of group process awareness, and how this may be used and developed by participants. Some implications for pedagogical and software design are discussed.
To the core of porcine matter: evaluating arguments against producing transgenic pigs
Authors: Ravelingien A. , Braeckman J.
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Background: The production of transgenic pigs for xenotransplantation is based on an urgent human need for transplantable organs. Although the particular genetic modifications are small and do not alter the organism phenotypically, several authors consider it to be morally problematic. In this paper we attempt to establish if there are genuine reasons to refrain from producing ‘humanized’ pigs.

Methods: We distinguish between two types of ethical arguments against transgenesis often confused in debating the matter: consequentialist and inherent arguments. Whereas the first type of argument pertains to the potentially negative effects of the procedure, the second type claims that genetic engineering of animals is ‘inherently’ wrong; that the action itself regardless of the effects – is to be considered immoral. If this is the case, then the discussion need not be taken further. If not, then these arguments do not stand in evaluating the procedure.

Results: We demonstrate that none of the claims asserting inherent wrongness of transgenesis is valid as such.

Conclusion: Sound resistance to producing transgenic pigs is restricted to concerns regarding the concrete effects of the applications.
Tort liability of xenotransplantation centers
Authors: Triller Katja , Bobinski Mary‐Anne
Published: June 2004

Abstract: Background: In the view of future clinical trials, defining possible legal theories under which xenotransplantation center could be held responsible for any adverse effect on public health is becoming increasingly important.

Methods: In order to better define the tort lliability of xenotransplantation center, we reviewed the existing cases and statutes on tort and public health law.

Results: Xenotransplantation center could be sued under various tort actions, including negligence, public nuisance or strict liability for ultrahazardous activity. Prerequisites for each legal action are discussed and possible scope of tort liability is addressed.

Conclusion: The promotion of positive public perception and the development of appropriate insurance system could prevent future class actions to succeed in abating the xenotransplantation industry.
Increased glomerular permeability and pulmonary dysfunction following major surgery: correlation of microalbuminuria and PaO2/FiO2 ratio
Authors: Szakmány T. , Molnár Z.
Published: June 2004

Background:  The aim of our trial was to evaluate the ability of microalbuminuria as an indicator of outcome and to investigate its relationship with the postoperative respiratory dysfunction in the initial postoperative period in a high‐risk patient group.

Methods:  In our prospective, observational study patients were consecutively recruited following elective oesophagectomy, total gastrectomy, Whipple‐resection of the pancreas and liver resection due to tumour removal. Microalbuminuria (expressed as urine albumin:creatinine ratio, M:Cr) was measured before (tp), and after surgery (t0, t6, t24, t48, t72). Multiple Organ Dysfunction Scores were monitored on ICU admission than daily (t1, t2, t3). For statistical analysis, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, Mann–Whitney's U‐test, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Spearman's rho test were used as appropriate.

Results:  One hundred and forty patients (118 survivors and 22 non‐survivors) were recruited. Significantly higher Multiple Organ Dysfunction Scores were observed in non‐survivors throughout the study period (P < 0.001). Microalbuminuria (Cr) increased significantly (P < 0.01) on admission to the ICU (t0) compared with the preoperative levels, but levels returned to normal within 6 h and remained so for the rest of the study. There was a significant difference between survivors and non‐survivors at t0 (P < 0.01). However the ROC curve indicated that M:Cr is not a reliable descriptor of outcome. Comparison of Cr values with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio showed an inverse relationship on admission, which remained so for t24 and t48.

Conclusion:  M:Cr measured on admission to the ICU was significantly higher in non‐survivors than in survivors, and also showed an inverse relationship with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio following extended abdominal surgery. However, on admission, M:Cr did not discriminate survivors from non‐survivors. Further studies are required to evaluate the prognostic value of this test for postoperative patients with risk of respiratory failure.
The Pathology of Love in Contemporary Relationship Manuals
Authors: Hazleden Rebecca
Published: June 2004

This paper addresses Giddens' assertion that self-help books are democratising, and may help to bring about a ‘reconciliation’ of the sexes. It investigates a selection of best-selling relationship manuals for their conceptions of love and their prescriptions and proscriptions for self-formation. It considers Giddens' notion of democracy in the light of these, and suggests that this is a narrow and particular one. It is further argued that, by characterising love as a (biochemical) pathology, and men as being defective or dangerous, the relationship manuals in this study prescribe emotional detachment and self-mastery rather than ‘reconciliation’.
Analysis of a Longitudinal Ordinal Response Clinical Trial Using Dynamic Models
Authors: Lindsey P. J. , Kaufmann J.
Published: June 2004

In many areas of pharmaceutical research, there has been increasing use of categorical data and more specifically ordinal responses. In many cases, complex models are required to account for different types of dependences among the responses. The clinical trial that is considered here involved patients who were required to remain in a particular state to enable the doctors to examine their heart. The aim of this trial was to study the relationship between the dose of the drug administered and the time that was spent by the patient in the state permitting examination. The patient’s state was measured every second by a continuous Doppler signal which was categorized by the doctors into one of four ordered categories. Hence, the response consisted of repeated ordinal series. These series were of different lengths because the drug effect wore off faster (or slower) on certain patients depending on the drug dose administered and the infusion rate, and therefore the length of drug administration. A general method for generating new ordinal distributions is presented which is sufficiently flexible to handle unbalanced ordinal repeated measurements. It consists of obtaining a cumulative mixture distribution from a Laplace transform and introducing into it the integrated intensity of a binary logistic, continuation ratio or proportional odds model. Then, a multivariate distribution is constructed by a procedure that is similar to the updating process of the Kalman filter. Several types of history dependences are proposed.
Estimation and Prediction for Low Degree Polynomial Models Under Measurement Errors with an Application to Forest Harvesters
Authors: Nummi Tapio , Möttönen Jyrki
Published: June 2004

In a modern computer-based forest harvester, tree stems are run in sequence through the measuring equipment root end first, and simultaneously the length and diameter are stored in a computer. These measurements may be utilized for example in the determination of the optimal cutting points of the stems. However, a problem that is often passed over is that these variables are usually measured with error. We consider estimation and prediction of stem curves when the length and diameter measurements are subject to errors. It is shown that only in the simplest case of a first-order model can the estimation be carried out unbiasedly by using standard least squares procedures. However, both the first- and the second-degree models are unbiased in prediction. Also a study on real stem is used to illustrate the models that are discussed.
Detection and Correction of Artificial Shifts in Climate Series
Authors: Caussinus Henri , Mestre Olivier
Published: June 2004

Many long instrumental climate records are available and might provide useful information in climate research. These series are usually affected by artificial shifts, due to changes in the conditions of measurement and various kinds of spurious data. A comparison with surrounding weather-stations by means of a suitable two-factor model allows us to check the reliability of the series. An adapted penalized log-likelihood procedure is used to detect an unknown number of breaks and outliers. An example concerning temperature series from France confirms that a systematic comparison of the series together is valuable and allows us to correct the data even when no reliable series can be taken as a reference.
Semiparametric Mixture Models and Repeated Measures: The Multinomial Cut Point Model
Authors: Cruz-Medina I. R. , Hettmansperger T. P. , Thomas H.
Published: June 2004

Suppose that we have m repeated measures on each subject, and we model the observation vectors with a finite mixture model. We further assume that the repeated measures are conditionally independent. We present methods to estimate the shape of the component distributions along with various features of the component distributions such as the medians, means and variances. We make no distributional assumptions on the components; indeed, we allow different shapes for different components.