bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects for Preferences
Authors: Doyle Jon
Published: April 2004

This article examines prospects for theories and methods of preferences, both in the specific sense of the preferences of the ideal rational agents considered in economics and decision theory and in the broader interplay between reasoning and rationality considered in philosophy, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Modern applications seek to employ preferences as means for specifying, designing, and controlling rational behaviors as well as descriptive means for understanding behaviors. We seek to understand the nature and representation of preferences by examining the roles, origins, meaning, structure, evolution, and application of preferences.
A Classification and Survey of Preference Handling Approaches in Nonmonotonic Reasoning
Authors: Delgrande James , Schaub Torsten , Tompits Hans , Wang Kewen
Published: April 2004

In recent years, there has been a large amount of disparate work concerning the representation and reasoning with qualitative preferential information by means of approaches to nonmonotonic reasoning. Given the variety of underlying systems, assumptions, motivations, and intuitions, it is difficult to compare or relate one approach with another. Here, we present an overview and classification for approaches to dealing with preference. A set of criteria for classifying approaches is given, followed by a set of desiderata that an approach might be expected to satisfy. A comprehensive set of approaches is subsequently given and classified with respect to these sets of underlying principles.
Logic Programs with Ordered Disjunction
Authors: Brewka Gerhard , Niemelä Ilkka , Syrjänen Tommi
Published: April 2004

Logic programs with ordered disjunction (LPODs) contain a new connective which allows representing alternative, ranked options for problem solutions in the heads of rules: A×B intuitively means that if possible A, but if A is not possible, then at least B. The semantics of logic programs with ordered disjunction is based on a preference relation on answer sets. We show how LPODs can be implemented using answer set solvers for normal programs. The implementation is based on a generator, which produces candidate answer sets and a tester which checks whether a given candidate is maximally preferred and produces a better candidate if it is not. We also discuss the complexity of reasoning tasks based on LPODs and possible applications.
Falling on Sensitive Ears
Authors: Ju Min , Luce Paul A.
Published: April 2004

Spoken word recognition is characterized by multiple activation of sound patterns that are consistent with the acoustic-phonetic input. Recently, an extreme form of multiple activation was observed: Bilingual listeners activated words from both languages that were consistent with the input. We explored the degree to which bilingual multiple activation may be constrained by fine-grained acoustic-phonetic information. In a head-mounted eyetracking experiment, we presented Spanish-English bilinguals with spoken Spanish words having word-initial stop consonants with either English- or Spanish-appropriate voice onset times. Participants fixated interlingual distractors (nontarget pictures whose English names shared a phonological similarity with the Spanish targets) more frequently than control distractors when the target words contained English-appropriate voice onset times. These results demonstrate that fine-grained acoustic-phonetic information and a precise match between input and representation are critical for parallel activation of two languages.
Looking Forward to Looking Backward
Authors: Gilbert Daniel T. , Morewedge Carey K. , Risen Jane L. , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: April 2004

Decisions are powerfully affected by anticipated regret, and people anticipate feeling more regret when they lose by a narrow margin than when they lose by a wide margin. But research suggests that people are remarkably good at avoiding self-blame, and hence they may be better at avoiding regret than they realize. Four studies measured people's anticipations and experiences of regret and self-blame. In Study 1, students overestimated how much more regret they would feel when they “nearly won” than when they “clearly lost” a contest. In Studies 2, 3a, and 3b, subway riders overestimated how much more regret and self-blame they would feel if they “nearly caught” their trains than if they “clearly missed” their trains. These results suggest that people are less susceptible to regret than they imagine, and that decision makers who pay to avoid future regrets may be buying emotional insurance that they do not actually need.
Implementation of HaemScreen, a workplace‐based genetic screening program for hemochromatosis
Authors: Nisselle AE , Delatycki MB , Collins V , Metcalfe S , Aitken MA , Du Sart D , Halliday J , Macciocca I , Wakefield A , Hill V , Gason A , Warner B , Calabro V , Williamson R , Allen KJ
Published: April 2004

There is debate as to whether community genetic screening for the mutation(s) causing hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) should be implemented, due to issues including disease penetrance, health economic outcomes, and concerns about community acceptance. Hemochromatosis is a common preventable iron overload disease, due in over 90% of cases to C282Y homozygosity in the HFE gene. We are, therefore, piloting C282Y screening to assess understanding of genetic information and screening acceptability in the workplace setting. In this program, HaemScreen, education was by oral or video presentation in a group setting. C282Y status was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and melt‐curve analysis on DNA obtained by cheek‐brush sampling. Of eligible participants, 5.8% (1.5–15.8%) attended information and screening sessions, of whom 97.7% (5571 individuals) chose to be tested. Twenty‐two C282Y (1 : 253) homozygotes were identified and offered clinical follow‐up. There were 638 heterozygotes (1 : 8.7). The determinants for participation have been analyzed in terms of the principles outlined in the Health Belief Model. Widespread screening for HH is readily accepted in a workplace setting, and a one‐to‐many education program is effective. The level of participation varies greatly and the advertizing and session logistics should be adapted to the specific features of each workplace.
Social Demography and Eugenics in the Interwar United States
Authors: Ramsden Edmund
Published: April 2004

This article explores the relationship between eugenics and demography in the United States in the interwar era. In focusing on the founding of the International Union for the Scientific Investigation of Population Problems and the Population Association of America, it shows how early population scientists contested and negotiated the boundaries of the population field. The article maps the shifting focus away from biological interpretations of population dynamics toward the social, in part as a reaction to the rise of Fascist population research and policy. However, it also shows how social demography was closely intertwined with a “social eugenics” that attempted to ensure human betterment through methods more consistent with New Deal policymaking. This, the article argues, contributed critical intellectual and material resources to the development of social surveys of fertility behavior and contraceptive use, surveys that are more commonly perceived as having undermined eugenics through challenging the biologically deterministic assumptions upon which it was based.
Causes of Male Excess Mortality: Insights from Cloistered Populations
Authors: Luy Marc
Published: April 2004

The degree to which biological factors contribute to the existence and the widening of mortality differences by sex remains unclear. To address this question, a mortality analysis for the years 1890 to 1995 was performed comparing mortality data on more than 11,000 Catholic nuns and monks in Bavarian communities living in very nearly identical behavioral and environmental conditions with life table data for the general German population. While the mortality differences between women and men in the general German population increased considerably after World War II, they remained almost constant among the members of Bavarian religious orders during the entire observation period, with slight advantages for nuns. Thus, the higher differences observable in the general population cannot be attributed to biological factors. The different trends in sex‐specific mortality between the general and the cloistered populations are caused exclusively by men in the general population who were unable to follow the trend in mortality reduction of women, nuns, and especially monks. Under the special environmental conditions of nuns and monks, biological factors appear to confer a maximum survival advantage for women of no more than one year in remaining life expectancy at young adult ages.
The Captive King and His Captive Court: The Psychopolitical Dynamics of the Disabled Leader and His Inner Circle
Authors: Post Jerrold M. , Robins Robert S.
Published: April 2004

Drawing on case material from recent and past history, this paper systematically examines the effects of leader disability on political decision making and behavior, giving special attention to the complex relationship between the disabled leader and his inner circle. Four groups of factors are examined: (1) factors related to the illness itself, including whether the illness is physical or mental, and whether the disability is temporary or preterminal, total or partial; (2) factors related to the leader and his reaction to his illness, including the degree to which the leader denies or acknowledges the extent of his disability; (3) factors related to the nature of the political system including whether the society is open or closed, and whether there is a clearly defined succession process; and (4) factors associated with the medical care of the VIP patient, including the conflict between the health needs of the individual and the political needs of the system. In a closed society, with a partially disabled leader, the leader and his inner circle can become locked in a fatal embrace, each dependent upon the other for survival–the syndrome of the Captive King and His Captive Court.
Succession Planning in Family Business: The Impact of Owner Gender
Authors: Harveston Paula D. , Davis Peter S. , Lyden Julie A.
Published: April 2004

Research on succession planning in family businesses has largely neglected issues linked to owner gender. The present study examines the extent to which differences are evident between male- and female-led family businesses in succession planning processes. Using data from a national survey of family-business owners, we explore the predictors of the comprehensiveness of succession planning. The results confirm that there are similarities and differences between males and females in the determinants of succession planning.
Filling Big Shoes at the Carlson Companies: Interviews with Curt Carlson and Marilyn Carlson Nelson
Authors: Carlock Randel S.
Published: April 2004

Curtis L. Carlson is one of America's entrepreneurial icons, having launched the Carlson Companies with an innovative idea—trading stamps, or, as the in- dustry is known today, loyalty marketing. His suc- cessful Gold Bond Stamp Company became the foun- dation for a group of service companies operating in more than 140 countries and employing more than 180,000 people. The Carlson Companies posted 1997 revenues of $20 billion from their family of compa- nies, including the Regent and Radisson Hotels, TGI Fridays, Seven Seas Cruises, and the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agencies.

Mr. Carlson is strongly committed to maintain- ing the Carlson Companies as a family enterprise, owned and led by the Carlson family. He credits his father, Charles Carlson, with sharing an immigrant legacy of hard work and entrepreneurial drive that has energized four generations of Carlsons. During the last few years, Mr. Carlson has been criticized for his unwillingness to step aside and pass the leadership responsibility to the next generation. However, in April 1998, the Carlson Companies experienced its first management transition in 60 years, when Marilyn Carlson Nelson was named CEO, and her father as- sumed the position of chairman.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Curtis Carlson's daugh- ter, had been chief operating officer of the Carlson Companies. She is widely recognized for her leader- ship capabilities and has demonstrated her prowess as a business owner, a director of other companies, and as cochair of the successful Super Bowl XXVI, held in Minneapolis. Ms. Nelson's son, Curtis, serves as CEO of the Carlson Hospitality Group Worldwide and has been identified as the heir apparent to his mother.
Succession in the Family Firm: A Cognitive Categorization Perspective
Authors: Matthews Charles H. , Moore Terrence W. , Fialko Anne S.
Published: April 2004

Using cognitive categorization as a foundation, this paper develops a theory of leadership succession in the family firm. We specify a general leadership succession model that includes the process by which both the parentqleader and childqsuccessor evaluate each other and themselves through the cognitive categorization process, and we develop testable propositions from the parentqleader and childqsuccessor classifications. This paper posits that these classifications influence the succession process as the parentqleader prepares the childqsuccessor for leadership, and that the childqsuccessor determines both the desirability of assuming leadership and his or her readiness to accept succession.
The Early Entrepreneurial Stage in Finnish Family and Nonfamily Firms
Authors: Littunen Hannu , Hyrsky Kimmo
Published: April 2004

This study examined factors influencing the survival and success of 200 Finnish family and nonfamily firms in the metal-based manufacturing industry and business services over the first three years of their operation. The features that this study reviewed include owner-manager personality attributes, entrepreneurial competence, and motives for the start-up. Strategic choices of the firms were also examined. The study found that family firms were better equipped to survive beyond the early entrepreneurial stage than were nonfamily businesses. The entrepreneurial abilities and resources of the family business owners enabled them to operate relatively successfully in the nearby market, often with one unique product. The family firms were more conscious of survival and family well-being than profitability or market position. A higher mortality rate was discovered among the nonfamily firms. Failed firms were often established with unrealistic expectations, and their performance deteriorated rapidly after their early success.
A Taxonomy of Founders Based on Values: The Root of Family Business Heterogeneity
Authors: García-Álvarez Ercilia , López-Sintas Jordi
Published: April 2004

The new economy offers a large range of opportunities to family businesses if they are able to promote values that allow constantly innovative behavior and business evolution. Although family firms are commonly associated with a traditional way of doing business, this paper shows the heterogeneity among first-generation family firms by building a taxonomy of four groups of founders based on values. The results show the relevance of identifying founders' value systems to understand the founders' influence on family business behavior. This value profile can be a valuable tool for family business owner-managers and advisors in identifying and promoting values that add value to firms without compromising next-generation family firm development.
The Views of Family Companies on Venture Capital: Empirical Evidence from the UK Small to Medium-Size Enterprising Economy
Authors: Zata Poutziouris Panikkos
Published: April 2004

This explorative research paper draws evidence from a database of small to medium-size unquoted private companies (n = 240) in the UK and reports on the family business and venture capital relationship from the demand side. Following the review of literature relating to financial affairs of private companies, the main research inquiries are outlined and a set of generic hypotheses is elicited based on the pecking order theory—that is, private companies, including family-controlled ventures, have a propensity to finance their operations in a hierarchical fashion, first using internally available funds, followed by debt and, finally, external equity (Petitt & Singer, 1985). Univariate statistical analyses confirm that family companies adhere strongly to the pecking order principles of financial development. The paper explores factors governing the rationale of owner-managing directors of private and family companies for considering venture capital dealings as well as main areas of concern about the deal structures. The paper then concludes with a discussion of the policy implications from the perspective of the owner-manager, financier, and enterprise policy maker. To encourage equity development of smaller privately held companies, particularly family firms, there is room for policy initiatives that respect the financial philosophy of private companies.
Succession Planning as Planned Behavior: Some Empirical Results
Authors: Sharma Pramodita , Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H.
Published: April 2004

This paper uses the theory of planned behavior to hypothesize the influence of the incumbent's desire to keep the business in the family, the family's commitment to the business, and the propensity of a trusted successor to take over on the extent to which family firms engage in succession planning activities. We test these hypotheses using data collected from presidents in 118 family firms. The results show that the propensity of a trusted successor to take over significantly affects the incidence of all succession-planning-related activities. Succession planning may, then, be the result of push by the successor more than of pull by the incumbent. Such a view has negative implications for the succession process that the family firms in our sample follow.
RNA-Mediated Metal-Metal Bond Formation in the Synthesis of Hexagonal Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Gugliotti Lina A. , Feldheim Daniel L. , Eaton Bruce E.
Published: April 2004

RNA sequences have been discovered that mediate the growth of hexagonal palladium nanoparticles. In vitro selection techniques were used to evolve an initial library of ∼10
14
unique RNA sequences through eight cycles of selection to yield several active sequence families. Of the five families, all representative members could form crystalline hexagonal palladium platelets. The palladium particle growth occurred in aqueous solution at ambient temperature, without any endogenous reducing agent, and at low concentrations of metal precursor (100 micromolar). Relative to metal precursor, the RNA concentration was significantly lower (1 micromolar), yet micrometer-size crystalline hexagonal palladium particles were formed rapidly (7.5 to 1 minutes).
Increased Excitatory Synaptic Activity and Local Connectivity of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells in Rats With Kainate-Induced Epilepsy
Authors: Shao Li-Rong , Dudek F. Edward
Published: April 2004

Formation of local excitatory circuits may contribute to epileptogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that epileptogenesis is associated with increased recurrent excitation in the hippocampal CA1 area of rats with kainate-induced epilepsy. Whole cell recordings were obtained during focal flash photolysis of caged glutamate, which served as a focal excitant to activate local pyramidal cells and to study possible connections between neurons. Kainate-treated rats with spontaneous seizures were studied months after status epilepticus and were compared with saline-injected control rats. Experiments were done in isolated CA1 minislices and in bicuculline to block GABAA receptors. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were present in 42% of the CA1 pyramidal cells from controls and 62% from kainate-treated rats. The frequency of sEPSCs in the kainate group was significantly higher than that in the control group, but mean amplitude was not different. Flash photolysis of caged glutamate on the somatodendritic area of CA1 pyramidal neurons caused a burst of action potentials. Local excitatory connections between CA1 pyramidal cells were found in 4 of 48 neurons (8%) in slices from control animals, but in significantly more neurons (12 of 37; 32%) from rats with kainate-induced epilepsy exhibited interconnections ( P < 0.001). Photoactivation of glutamate on recorded CA1 pyramidal cells in the kainate group sometimes caused afterdischarges, but not in controls. The kainate-treated rats with pyramidal cells that responded to photostimulaltion with repetitive EPSCs appeared to have experienced more severe seizures. These data provide new electrophysiological evidence for the formation of recurrent excitatory circuits in the CA1 area of rats with kainate-induced epilepsy.
Long-Term Inhibition of Rho-Kinase Suppresses Left Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction in Mice
Authors: Hattori Tsuyoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Higashi Midoriko , Hiroki Junko , Mukai Yasushi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Kaibuchi Kozo , Takeshita Akira
Published: April 2004

Background—

Rho-kinase has been implicated as an important regulator of inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines and chemokines. Because proinflammatory cytokines play a critical role in left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), we examined whether long-term blockade of Rho-kinase suppresses LV remodeling in a mouse model of MI in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Mice underwent ligation of the left coronary artery and were treated with a Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil (100 mg · kg
−1
· d
−1
in tap water), for 4 weeks, starting 1 day after the surgery. At 4 weeks, LV infarct size was histologically comparable between the 2 groups. LV cavity dilatation and dysfunction evaluated by echocardiography were significantly suppressed in the fasudil group (
P
<0.05, n=15 to 28). The beneficial effects of fasudil were accompanied by suppression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis (both
P
<0.01, n=6). The expression of inflammatory cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β
2
, TGF-β
3
, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor, was upregulated in the noninfarcted LV in the control group and was significantly suppressed in the fasudil group (both
P
<0.05, n=10 to 11). Rho-kinase activity as evaluated by the extent of phosphorylation of the ERM family, a substrate of Rho-kinase, was significantly increased in the noninfarcted LV in the control group and was significantly suppressed in the fasudil group (
P
<0.05, n=5).

Conclusions—

These results indicate that Rho-kinase is substantially involved in the pathogenesis of LV remodeling after MI associated with upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting a therapeutic importance of the molecule for the prevention of post-MI heart failure.
Mobile Superior Glenoid Labrum
Authors: Davidson Philip A. , Rivenburgh Dennis W.
Published: April 2004

Background

Arthroscopic differentiation between a pathologic superior labrum anterior posterior lesion and a normal anatomic variant may be difficult.

Hypothesis

Various anatomic patterns exist that systematically characterize superior biceps-labral configurations. One variant involves a mobile superior labrum with exposed articular cartilage on the superior glenoid tubercle. The authors seek to demonstrate that this is nonpathologic.

Study Design

A prospective, consecutive descriptive anatomic study with 1-year clinical follow-up of a subgroup with an identified mobile superior labrum.

Methods

A total of 191 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated arthroscopically to quantify the dimensions of the labrum and articular cartilage on the supraglenoid tubercle.

Results

A subgroup of 49 patients was identified with articular cartilage on the supraglenoid tubercle, a mobile labrum, and no fibrous tearing or evident injury in this region. In postoperative follow-up, only 1 (2.0%) of these patients was clinically symptomatic in the region of the superior labrum-biceps origin.

Conclusions

Indication for repair of a mobile superior glenoid labrum must be carefully addressed in the context of normal anatomic morphologic variability. The labral and supraglenoid tubercle morphology was noted to be highly variable.

Clinical Relevance

Patients with mobile labral tissue overlying intact articular cartilage, and no evidence of trauma, are not candidates for repair.
Promoting the Proliferative and Synthetic Activity of Knee Meniscal Fibrochondrocytes Using Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Vitro
Authors: Tumia Nezar S. , Johnstone Alan J.
Published: April 2004

Background

Meniscal tears situated within the inner avascular region do not heal despite suturing. New approaches need to be developed to augment surgical repair.

Hypothesis

To demonstrate that basic fibroblast growth factor, used as a single agent or in combination with serum, stimulates the activity of fibrochondrocytes by enhancing proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in all meniscal zones, including the inner (avascular) zone of the meniscus.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Monolayer cell cultures were prepared from the inner, middle, and outer zones of the lateral meniscus. Various concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor were used in the presence or absence of 10% fetal calf serum. The authors measured the uptake of radiolabeled thymidine to assess cell proliferation and radioactive sulfur and proline to assess extracellular matrix formation.

Results

Overall, basic fibroblast growth factor-stimulated cells from all meniscal zones to proliferate and to form new extracellular matrix (P <.05). The basic fibroblast growth factor (in the absence of serum) increased DNA formation and protein synthesis by cells from the inner meniscal zone by 7- and 15-fold, respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

These results indicate that meniscal cells and, more important, cells from the avascular zone are capable of responding favorably to the addition of basic fibroblast growth factor by expressing their intrinsic potential to proliferate and generate new extracellular matrix.

Clinical Relevance

The results suggest that it may be possible to augment surgical repair of the meniscus in the future.
Crystal Structures of the Multispecific 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 5: Critical Androgen Regulation in Human Peripheral Tissues
Authors: Qiu Wei , Zhou Ming , Labrie Fernand , Lin Sheng-Xiang
Published: April 2004

Human type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD5;AKR1C3) plays a major role in the metabolism of androgens in peripheral tissues. In prostate basal cells, this enzyme is involved in the transformation of dehydroepiandrosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the most potent androgen. It is thus a potential target for prostate cancer therapy because it is understood that the testosterone formation by this enzyme is an important factor, particularly in patients who have undergone surgical or medical castration. Here we report the first structure of a human type 5 17β-HSD in two ternary complexes, in which we found that the androstenedione molecule has a different binding position from that of testosterone. The two testosterone-binding orientations in the substrate-binding site demonstrate the structural basis of the alternative binding and multispecificity of the enzyme. Phe306 and Trp227 are the key residues involved in ligand recognition as well as product release. A safety belt in the cofactor-binding site enhances nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate binding and accounts for its high affinity as demonstrated by kinetic studies. These structures have provided a dynamic view of the enzyme reaction converting androstenedione to testosterone as well as valuable information for the development of potent enzyme inhibitors.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Agardh Elisabet , Agardh Carl-David
Published: April 2004

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the Western world in people aged 65 years or less. Intensive blood glucose control reduces the risk for development and progression of retinopathy. There is also a strong association between hypertension and retinopathy, and antihypertensive treatment seems to reduce the risk for both development and progression of retinopathy. The retinal vascular changes may vary from occasional hemorrhages and microaneurysms, to multiple hemorrhages and microaneurysms, prominent retinal thickening and exudates along blood vessels and in the macular region, new vessels, fibrosis, and retinal detachment. Sight‐threatening lesions may well be present without disturbed visual function and visual outcome is dependent on timely treatments like laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy. Therefore, regular screening for diabetic retinopathy is of utmost importance. The molecular pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy includes factors that initiate and promote the vascular disease like hyperglycemia, the polyol pathway, nonenzymatic glycation, oxidative stress, activation of protein kinase C, different growth factors, and vasoactive hormones. Several changes also take place in the retinal vasculature, which cause changed retinal blood flow and heterogeneity of its distribution, areas of nonperfusion and ischemia and hypoxia, which in turn leads to an increased production of vasoactive factors like vascular endothelial growth factor.
Connective Tissue Disorders in Diabetes
Authors: Rosenbloom Arlan L.
Published: April 2004

Connective tissue disorders in diabetes encompass the major long‐term complications, which can be attributed to alternation in the quantity and quality of structural macromolecules of the extracellular matrix. This chapter reviews the abnormalities of interstitial connective tissue involving skeleton, joints, skin, and periarticular tissues that have been considered to be associated with diabetes, including osteopenia in children and adults; hyperostosis; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; osteolysis; scleroderma diabeticorum; Dupuytren disease; stiff hand syndrome of Lundbaek; carpal tunnel syndrome; flexor tenosynovitis; adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and shoulder–hand syndrome; and limited joint mobility (LJM). Despite an extensive literature defining the characteristic features of the six distinct conditions resulting in limitation of hand joint mobility, recognition of the fact that these are different entities, although they may coexist, is often not appreciated. Among these conditions affecting hand joint mobility, LJM is unique in that it can occur in children and adolescents, in whom it was originally described, does not occur in the nondiabetic young population, is an important risk marker for other complications, correlates with long‐term metabolic control, and has markedly decreased in frequency over the past 20 years, presumably as a result of improved control of type 1 diabetes in children.
A Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carbon‐Black Composite Film: A Platform for Biological Macromolecule Incorporation
Authors: Brott L. L. , Rozenzhak S. M. , Naik R. R. , Davidson S. R. , Perrin R. E. , Stone M. O.
Published: April 2004

A biomimetic infrared sensor has been fabricated that takes advantage of the unique thermosensing properties of the TlpA protein of Salmonella. By integrating this protein into a matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) doped with conductive carbon black and plasticizer, a simple and reliable thermally sensitive array can be fabricated (see Figure). This array can track the heat from a flashlight over 6 m away or distinguish between three independent heat sources.
Reversible Photoregulation of the Electrical Conductivity of Spiropyran‐Doped Polyaniline for Information Recording and Nondestructive Processing
Authors: Guo X. , Zhang D. , Yu G. , Wan M. , Li J. , Liu Y. , Zhu D.
Published: April 2004

Reversibly photoswitchable proton transfer processes can occur between a three‐state molecular switch based on spiropyran (SP) and the “salt form” of polyaniline (see Figure), both in solution and in the solid state. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the thin‐film of SP‐doped polyaniline can be photoregulated.
Reversible Diastereoselective Photocyclization of Diarylethenes in a Bulk Amorphous State
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Nomiyama K. , Isayama M. , Irie M.
Published: April 2004

Diarylethene derivatives with two chiral substituents (see Figure) undergo reversible diastereoselective photocyclization reactions in a bulk amorphous state. An enrichment of one of the diastereomers (25% d.e.) has been found to exist below the glass transition temperature. The diastereoselection clearly indicates that short distance regularity exists in the glassy state.
Association of a long‐chain fatty acid‐CoA ligase 4 gene polymorphism with depression and with enhanced niacin‐induced dermal erythema
Authors: Covault Jonathan , Pettinati Helen , Moak Darlene , Mueller Timothy , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: April 2004

Hypotheses about relationships between changes in membrane lipids and mental illness have focused primarily on three long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Membrane deficiencies of these fatty acids have been reported in schizophrenia (AA, EPA, and DHA) and in depression (EPA and DHA). Long‐chain fatty acid‐CoA ligase type 4 (FACL4; MIM 300157) is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of AA, EPA, and DHA. FACL4 selectively esterifies these fatty acids with co‐enzyme A, forming acyl‐co‐A, which can then be incorporated into membrane phospholipid. We used niacin‐induced dermal erythema as one index of AA metabolism to identify a common C to T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the first intron of the FACL4 gene (Xq22.3), which is associated with enhanced dermal erythema in both schizophrenia and control subjects. Male subjects with the T0 genotype showed greater dermal erythema following topical application of methylnicotinate, suggesting that this polymorphism may be in linkage disequilibrium with a functional polymorphism of the FACL4 gene that modulates re‐sequestration of agonist‐released free AA. We also examined the allele frequency of this polymorphism in 555 European–Americans (EA), including 229 control subjects, 198 subjects with major depression, 58 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and 70 with alcohol dependence without co‐morbid psychiatric illness. We observed a significant excess of the T allele in subjects with major depression, as compared with controls (49% vs. 38%; P = 0.003) and a non‐significant excess of the T allele in schizophrenia (44%; P = 0.29). The allele frequency for subjects with alcohol dependence did not differ from controls. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between the FOXP2 gene and autistic disorder in Chinese population
Authors: Gong Xiaohong , Jia Meixiang , Ruan Yan , Shuang Mei , Liu Jing , Wu Suping , Guo Yanqing , Yang Jianzhong , Ling Yansu , Yang Xiaoling , Zhang Dai
Published: April 2004

Several genomewide screens indicated that chromosome 7q was linked to autistic disorder. FOXP2, located on 7q31, is a putative transcription factor containing a polyglutamine tract and a forkhead DNA binding domain. It is one member of the forkhead family who are known to be key regulators of embryogenesis. A point mutation at a highly conserved residue within the forkhead domain co‐segregated with affected status in the KE family who was a unique three generation pedigree with a severe speech and language disorder and FOXP2 was directly disrupted by a translocation in an individual who had similar deficits as those of the KE family. Several studies have investigated the role of FOXP2 polymorphisms in autism and none of them found positive association. We performed a family‐based association study of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FOXP2 in 181 Chinese Han trios using the analyses of transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype. We found a significant association between autistic disorder and one SNP, as well as with specific haplotypes formed by this SNP with two other SNPs we investigated. Our findings suggest that the FOXP2 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism in Chinese population. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple dimensions of familial psychopathology affect risk of mood disorder in children of bipolar parents
Authors: Wals Marjolein , Os Jim van , Reichart Catrien G. , Hillegers Manon H.J. , Ormel Johan , Verhulst Frank C. , Nolen Willem A.
Published: April 2004

The aim of our study was to determine whether familial loading of unipolar disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder are associated with DSM‐IV mood disorders in adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder. One hundred and forty adolescents aged 12–21 years of 86 bipolar parents participated in the study. Lifetime DSM‐IV diagnoses of the bipolar offspring were assessed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Kiddie‐SADS‐Present and Lifetime Version (SADS‐PL). Parents were interviewed using the Family History Research Diagnostic Criteria (FH‐RDC) which were used to calculate a continuous familial loading score (FL) for unipolar disorder, bipolar disorder, and for substance use disorder in first‐ and second‐degree relatives of the adolescents. FL for unipolar disorder and substance use disorder were strong and independent predictors for lifetime mood disorders in the adolescents. The gender adjusted hazard ratios for mood disorders in the children were 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.0) for FL of unipolar disorder and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.3–2.4) for FL of substance use disorder. Expression of mood disorders in children of bipolar parents varies with the degree of additional FL of unipolar disorder and substance use disorder in the extended family. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How much can cladistics tell us about early hominid relationships?
Authors: Hawks John
Published: April 2004

Although cladistic analysis has been used to compare hypotheses of relationships among early hominids, the outcomes of different studies have depended entirely on the assumptions made by different investigators. Problems include the close genetic relationship of early hominid taxa, small fossil sample sizes, possible correlations among characters, and a lack of understanding about the evolutionary factors affecting characters. This study investigates the interaction of some of these problems affecting early hominid phylogenetics. Monte Carlo simulations of character state evolution in closely related taxa demonstrate that the sample sizes and close genetic relationships of early hominids do not permit cladistic analyses to obtain unequivocal results. Even with unrealistically good assumptions about the evolutionary dynamics affecting characters, the probability of the most parsimonious hypothesis being true is unacceptably small. In the face of these problems, even phylogenetic statements that are supported by a strong consensus of cladistic studies may nevertheless be in error, and such errors are likely to confound the placement of new specimens and taxa. Advancement in our knowledge of hominid phylogeny can depend only on a fuller understanding of the natural history and evolutionary dynamics of traits. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomalous arterial supply to the muscles in a combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap
Authors: Halim A.S. , Wan Z.
Published: April 2004

The combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap has been employed for large defect reconstruction and has been shown to be reliable. These flaps are based on the subscapular‐thoracodorsal vascular pedicle that usually supplies both muscles. In the case reported, serratus anterior possessed an anomalous arterial supply totally independent of the subscapular pedicle. The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles were used as a combined flap to reconstruct a massive thigh defect. The combined flap required two arterial anastomoses. Clin. Anat. 17:358–359, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axillary vein perforation by the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm
Authors: Roy T.S. , Sharma Saroj
Published: April 2004

Variation in the venous pattern in the arm is common. In this study, a rare variant of the axillary vein and its association with the median cutaneous nerve of the forearm is described. In the axilla, the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm penetrated the axillary vein, thereby creating two narrow venous channels at the site of passage. Such variations are important because a large number of diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures are carried out on veins. A possible mode of origin and the clinical importance of this variation are discussed. Clin. Anat. 17:300–302, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase I evaluation of docetaxel and topotecan for patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Tsao Anne S. , Shin Dong M. , Palmer J. Lynn , Lee Jin S. , Glisson Bonnie S.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

The authors administered a combination of docetaxel and topotecan with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) support in a Phase I study to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this regimen.

METHODS

Patients with advanced‐stage solid tumors were eligible for this trial if they had a Zubrod performance status of ≤ 2 and normal renal, hepatic, and bone marrow function. No previous therapy with taxanes or topoisomerase inhibitors was allowed. The authors administered both docetaxel and topotecan in a dose‐escalated manner until the MTD was reached. Docetaxel was given on Day 1 of each cycle before topotecan, which was administered intravenously on Days 1–3. Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) support with 5 μg/kg subcutaneous injections was initiated on Day 4 and continued until the absolute granulocyte count recovered to 2000/μL. Treatment cycles were repeated every 21 days.

RESULTS

Of the 11 patients enrolled in the current study, all were evaluable for toxicity and 10 were evaluable for response. A median of three treatment cycles was received (range, one to nine treatment cycles). The dose‐limiting toxicity was Grade 4 (according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events [version 2.0]). neutropenia with fever. The MTD was 75 mg/m2 of docetaxel on Day 1 and 1.4 mg/m2 of topotecan on Days 1–3. There was one complete response and one partial response in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and one partial response in a patient with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). The response durations were 24 weeks, 29 weeks, and ≥ 244 weeks, respectively. At the time of last follow‐up, both patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were still alive at 241 weeks and 244 weeks, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial demonstrated that a regimen of docetaxel and topotecan with G‐CSF support was generally well tolerated and had promising activity in patients with nasopharyngeal and SCLC. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma of the heart in peritoneal fluid
Authors: Saqi Anjali , Ramdall Risha B. , Hamele‐Bena Diane
Published: April 2004

Angiosarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the heart. Recurrent pericardial effusions are a common manifestation of cardiac angiosarcomas. The diagnosis of metastatic disease in effusions is often established histologically; few cases have been described in exfoliative cytology. We report a case of metastatic cardiac epithelioid angiosarcoma in peritoneal fluid. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:350–352. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pelvic washing cytology in serous borderline tumors of the ovary using ThinPrep®: Are there cytologic clues to detecting tumor cells?
Authors: Sadeghi Saha , Ylagan Lourdes R.
Published: April 2004

The detection of tumor cells in pelvic washings of patients with serous borderline tumors of the ovary (SBT) remains a diagnostic challenge. Accurate diagnosis of pelvic washings is important in determining therapeutic regimens and assessing patient prognosis. No study has exclusively examined pelvic washing cytology of patients with SBT using only ThinPrep® methodology. The purpose of this study is to examine whether cytologic clues exist in detecting tumor cells of SBT in pelvic washings processed with ThinPrep. Using previously established criteria, we reviewed the pelvic washes of 37 patients with SBT and correlated them with the histologic findings in the omentum. We also compared their cytoarchitectural features with pelvic washes in patients with benign ovarian disease and serous carcinoma. Cytoarchitectural features that achieved statistical significance in distinguishing cells of a SBT from reactive mesothelial cells include the following findings: presence of a two‐cell population (P = 0.001), psammoma bodies (P = 0.001), cytoplasmic vacuolization (P = 0.001), smooth group contours (P = 0.004), nuclear size >2× neutrophils (P = 0.004), high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio (P = 0.004), absent intercellular windows (P = 0.007), and course nuclear chromatin (P = 0.032). Psammoma bodies were the only statistically significant feature distinguishing SBT from serous carcinoma, being more common in SBT than serous carcinoma (P = 0.035). The prominent number of associated psammoma bodies seen in the SBT group was a notable finding that may aid as a valuable cytologic clue in detecting tumor cells. Overall cellularity remains a source of false‐negative diagnosis. Correlation with histologic findings remains crucial given our inability to reliably distinguish tumor cells of SBT from endosalpingiosis or serous adenocarcinoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:313–319. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with short‐acting insulin analogues or human regular insulin: efficacy, safety, quality of life, and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Radermecker Régis Pierre , Scheen André Jacques
Published: April 2004

Portable insulin infusion devices are effective and safe insulin delivery systems for managing diabetes mellitus, especially type 1 diabetes. Rapidly absorbed insulin analogues, such as insulin lispro or insulin aspart, may offer an advantage over regular human insulin for insulin pumps. Several open‐label randomised crossover trials demonstrated that continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with insulin lispro provided a better control of postprandial hyperglycaemia and a slightly but significantly lower glycated haemoglobin level, with lower daily insulin requirement and similar or even less hypoglycaemic episodes. A CSII study comparing insulin lispro and insulin aspart demonstrated similar results with the two analogues, and better results than those with regular insulin. Because these analogues have a quicker onset and a shorter duration of action than regular insulin, one might expect an earlier and greater metabolic deterioration in case of CSII interruption, but a more rapid correction of metabolic abnormalities after insulin boluses when reactivating the pump. These expectations were confirmed in randomised protocols comparing the metabolic changes occurring during and after CSII interruption of various durations when the pump infused either insulin lispro or regular insulin. The extra cost resulting from the use of CSII and insulin analogues in diabetes management should be compensated for by better metabolic control and quality of life. In conclusion, CSII delivering fast‐acting insulin analogues may be considered as one of the best methods to replace insulin in a physiological manner by mimicking meal and basal insulin requirements, without higher risk of hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis in well‐educated diabetic patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.