bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basigin expression and hormonal regulation in mouse uterus during the peri‐implantation period
Authors: Xiao Li‐Juan , Chang Hong , Ding Nai‐Zheng , Ni Hua , Kadomatsu Kenji , Yang Zeng‐Ming
Published: October 2002

Basigin, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, has been shown to be essential for fertilization and implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and hormonal regulation of basigin gene in mouse uterus during the peri‐implantation period. Basigin immunostaining and mRNA were strongly localized in luminal and glandular epithelium on day 1 of pregnancy and gradually decreased to a basal level from day 2–4 of pregnancy. Basigin mRNA expression in the sub‐luminal stroma was first detected on day 3 of pregnancy and increased on day 4 of pregnancy. On day 5 of pregnancy, the expression of basigin protein and mRNA was only detected in the implanting embryos, and the luminal epithelium and sub‐luminal stroma surrounding the embryos. A similar expression pattern of basigin was also induced in the delayed‐implantation uterus which was activated by estrogen injection. On day 6–8 of pregnancy, although a basal level of basigin protein was detected in the secondary decidual zone, basigin mRNA expression was strongly seen in this location. Basigin mRNA was also highly expressed in the decidualized cells under artificial decidualization. Estrogen significantly stimulated basigin expression in the ovariectomized mouse uterus. A high level of basigin immunostaining and mRNA was also seen in proestrus and estrus uteri. These results suggest that basigin expression is closely related to mouse implantation and up‐regulated by estrogen. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 47–54, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development in vitro in the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Authors: GjØrret J.O. , Crichton E.G. , Loskutoff N.M. , Armstrong D.L. , Hyttel P.
Published: October 2002

The application of assisted reproduction techniques to wild cats has been stalled by a lack of basic knowledge of the reproductive biology in these species. In this study, the ultrastructure of Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) cumulus‐oocyte‐complexes (COCs), as well as in vitro produced (IVP) zygotes and embryos were investigated, to estimate the normality of the manipulated reproduction processes. Adult female tigers were subjected to a purified porcine pFSH/pLH stimulation treatment followed by oocyte aspiration. According to morphological appearance at the stereomicroscopical level, COCs were classified as mature, immature, or degenerated, and then allocated into the following groups: presumptively immature COCs, which were in vitro matured (IVM‐group) before fixation; presumptively mature COCs, which were either fixed after retrieval (pre‐IVF‐group), following in vitro insemination (IVF‐group) or following in vitro insemination and subsequent in vitro culture (IVC‐group). All specimens were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both the IVM‐ and pre‐IVF‐group included oocytes in meiotic stages ranging from prophase I to metaphase II, and some prophase I oocytes in the IVM‐group were apparently in their growth phase. The IVF‐group presented features of presumptive normal fertilization, but aberrations such as polynucleation were also noted. The IVC‐group included cleavage stage embryos of which, however, many were polynucleated. In conclusion, the procedures used for stimulation, aspiration, and classification of COCs resulted in retrieval of a heterogeneous population of oocytes which, following IVF and IVC, displayed a high rate of developmental deviations. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 79–88, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictive variables of in vitro fertilization and pre‐implantation embryo development in the mouse
Authors: TarÍn Juan J. , Gómez‐Piquer Vanessa , PÉrez‐AlbalÁ Sonia , Hermenegildo Carlos , Cano Antonio
Published: October 2002

The present study aims to analyze the cause–effect relationships among several in‐vitro fertilization and pre‐implantation embryo development variables in the mouse. Superovulation of hybrid (C57Bl/6JIco female X CBA/JIco male) female mice of 4–6 weeks of age was induced by a priming injection of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin at the estrus stage of the estrous cycle followed after a 48‐hr interval by human chrorionic gonadotropin. Ovulated cumulus‐enclosed oocytes were inseminated with sperm from hybrid males of 12–16 weeks of age. The multiple linear regression analyses performed indicated that (a) total number of ovulated oocytes is a good predictor of both fertilization frequency and total number of cells in day‐5 blastocysts; (b) fertilization frequency predicts percentage of day‐5 blastocysts; (c) total number of cells in day‐5 blastocysts is predicted by percentage of day‐5 blastocysts; and (d) total number of cells in day‐5 blastocysts predicts percentage of apoptotic cells, number of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cells, and ICM/TE ratio in day‐5 blastocysts. Mitotic index in day‐5 blastocysts was positively correlated with total number of ovulated oocytes, percentage of ovulated cumulus‐enclosed oocytes, fertilization frequency, percentage of day‐5 blastocysts and total number of cells in day‐5 blastocysts. On the contrary, it was negatively correlated with percentage of apoptotic cells in day‐5 blastocysts. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 38–46, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunological evidence for progesterone and estradiol receptors in the freshwater crayfishAustropotamobius pallipes
Authors: Paolucci Marina , Cristo Carlo Di , Cosmo Anna Di
Published: October 2002

In this article, we present evidence for progesterone and estradiol receptors (PR and ER, respectively) in the female of the crayfishAustropotamobius pallipes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of sex steroid receptors in crustaceans. By using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting approaches and employing three different antibodies against PR (human PR, chicken PR‐hinge region, and chicken PR A/B domain) and antibodies against human ER, we showed the presence of PR in the ovary and hepatopancreas and ER in the hepatopancreas of the freshwater crayfishA. pallipes. The immunological characteristics and the tissue localization suggest a relatedness with both PR and ER in vertebrates along with their involvement in the modulation of reproductive functions in this crustaceans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 55–62, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The epidemiology of cerebral palsy in term infants
Authors: Nelson Karin B.
Published: October 2002

Half of cerebral palsy (CP) arises in infants of normal birthweight; yet, many fewer studies seek to identify risk factors for CP in term and near‐term infants than in those born very prematurely. There has been no net decrease in the prevalence of CP in term and near‐term infants over recent decades. Potentially asphyxiating birth complications account for a small minority of CP cases. Recent studies suggest that disorders of coagulation and intrauterine exposure to infection or inflammation are associated with risk of CP, and that both can be accompanied by signs of neonatal encephalopathy, the best available predictor of CP in term neonates. Therapeutic interventions directed at preventing interruption of oxygen supply have not been shown to reduce the occurrence of CP. There have not yet been studies examining whether medical interventions directed at infection or coagulation disorder can reduce the frequency of CP. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:146–150. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective block of urethral sphincter contraction using a modified brindley electrode in sacral anterior root stimulation of the dog
Authors: Seif Ch. , Braun P.‐M. , Bross S. , Scheepe J. , Weiß J. , Schumacher S. , Zendler S. , Alken P. , Jünemann K.‐P.
Published: October 2002

Aims

Patients with spinal cord injury often present with dysfunction of urinary bladder and urethral sphincter. One treatment option is sacral rhizotomy and sacral anterior root stimulation with the Finetech Brindley stimulator. However, a major disadvantage is the lack of selective stimulation, resulting in simultaneous contraction of sphincter and bladder followed by unphysiological micturition. This study investigated the possibility of selective bladder stimulation by using a Brindley electrode.

Methods

In 11 male anaesthetized foxhounds, a complete posterior rhizotomy was perormed. The anterior S2 roots were stimulated with different quasi‐trapezoidal (QT) pulses (pulse length range, 600–1,400 μsec; stimulation current, 0.1–2.0 mA; frequency, 20 Hz) by using a tripolar Brindley electrode. Sphincter and bladder pressures were measured urodynamically.

Results

All 11 animals showed a maximal reduction of the highest sphincter pressure over 80%, and in 6 of 11 trials, the sphincter pressure was inhibited completely (100%). With stimulations at maximal sphincter blockade, the average achievable bladder pressure was 33.48 cm H2O higher than the average sphincter pressure, and in three cases, a strong micturition was observed. Selective blockade of the sphincter was possible by applying QT pulses. The bladders remained uninfluenced by this blockade and kept their excitability at any time.

Conclusions

This study shows that selective bladder stimulation with little or no coactivation of the sphincter is possible. A physiological micturition can be achieved by using a tripolar Brindley electrode. Introduction of this stimulation technique into clinical practice should not face major difficulties, considering that the device is an established electrode. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:502–510, 2002. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LC‐NMR applied to the characterisation of cardiac glycosides from three micropropagated Isoplexis species
Authors: Gavidia Isabel , Seitz H. Ulrich , Pérez‐Bermúdez Pedro , Vogler Bernhard
Published: October 2002

Species of the genus Isoplexis are of particular interest with respect to the biochemical pathway leading to the cardenolides. It is important to determine whether or not 5β‐configured compounds, typically produced by Digitalis species and used in medicine, are present together with their respective α‐isomers in Isoplexis spp. Structure elucidation by LC‐NMR of the products isolated from in vitro regenerated Isoplexis canariensis, I. chalcantha and I. isabelliana was carried out, and similarities were observed among the products of the three species, including the presence of digitoxigenin‐type cardenolides in I. canariensis and xysmalogenin and canarigenin derivatives in I. chalcantha never previously reported in these species. Pregnane glycosides not found until now either in Isoplexis or Digitalis were also detected. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clostridium welchii infection following amniocentesis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hamoda H. , Chamberlain P. F.
Published: October 2002

We report a case of severe Clostridium welchii infection following amniocentesis with septicaemia, haemolysis, DIC, pulmonary oedema and renal failure. Full recovery occurred following aggressive conservative management using antibiotics, endometrial curettage and intensive monitoring. The patient retained her uterus and had a successful pregnancy two years later although caesarean section for uterine rupture was required. Conservative management with conservation of the uterus and ovaries may be a safe and effective option in the management of severe Clostridium infections, using antibiotics, endometrial curettage and multidisciplinary team input. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical decision‐making in prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy: a qualitative survey among physicians and midwives
Authors: Garel M. , Gosme‐Seguret S. , Kaminski M. , Cuttini M.
Published: October 2002

Objectives

This study was aimed at exploring the conflicts and ethical problems experienced by professionals involved in prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy (TOP) in order to improve the understanding of decision‐making processes and medical practices in the field of prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

Qualitative study with in‐depth tape‐recorded interviews conducted in three tertiary care maternity units in France, between May 1999 and March 2000. All full‐time obstetricians and half of the full‐time midwives were contacted. Seventeen obstetricians and 30 midwives participated (three refusals, five missing). Interviews were transcribed and analysed successively by two different researchers.

Results

All respondents stated that prenatal diagnosis and TOP raised important ethical dilemmas, the most frequent being request for abortion in case of minor anomalies. They pointed out the inability of our society to appropriately care for disabled children and the risk of eugenic pressures. The decisions and practices in prenatal diagnosis should be debated throughout society. All respondents reported that their unit did not have protocols for deciding when a TOP was justifiable. The transmission of information to the women appeared to be a problematic area. Moral conflicts and emotional distress were frequently expressed, especially by midwives who mentioned the need for more discussions and support groups in their department.

Conclusion

Health professionals involved in prenatal diagnosis face complex ethical dilemmas which raise important personal conflicts. A need for more resources for counselling women and for open debate about the consequences of the current practices clearly emerged. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological behavior of model poly(ethylene‐alt‐propylene)‐b‐polylactide diblock copolymers
Authors: Schmidt Scott C. , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: October 2002

A set of well‐defined poly(ethylene‐alt‐propylene)‐b‐polylactide (PEP‐PLA) diblock copolymers containing volume fractions of PLA (fPLA) ranging between 0.08 and 0.91 were synthesized by a combination of living anionic polymerization, catalytic hydrogenation, and controlled coordination‐insertion ring‐opening polymerization. The morphological behavior of these relatively low‐molecular‐weight PEP‐PLA diblock copolymers was investigated with a combination of rheology, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. The ordered microstructures observed were lamellae (L), hexagonally packed cylinders (C), spheres (S), and gyroid (G), a bicontinous cubic morphology having Ia3d space group symmetry. The G morphology existed in only a small region between the L‐C morphologies in close proximity to the order–disorder transition (ODT). Transformations from L to G were observed upon heating in several samples. The efficacy of the reverse G to L transition in one sample was cooling rate dependent. The PEP‐PLA Flory–Huggins interaction parameter as a function of temperature χPEP‐PLA(T) was estimated fromTODT's by mean‐field theory and subsequently used in the construction of the experimental PEP‐PLA morphology diagram (χNversusfPLA). The resultant morphology diagram was symmetric there were the well‐defined L‐C morphology boundaries. The low molecular weight of the materials imparted no significant deviation from previously documented diblock systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2364–2376, 2002
Cancer patients' sources of information: use and quality issues
Authors: Mills Moyra E. , Davidson Robin
Published: October 2002

Appropriate information, offered at the right time, has been recognised as a key factor in enabling patients to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. This paper describes the sources of information that are currently being utilised by patients and the perceived quality of these sources. A sample of 430 patients were asked to indicate on a series of Likert scales their views of 19 commonly available sources of information.

The most frequently cited sources of information were the hospital consultant, General Practitioner, chemotherapy/radiotherapy staff, ward staff and family/friends. It is of interest that the internet was only used by under 10% of patients. The source that scored the highest in terms of quality of information was the specialist/Macmillan nurses. GPs and written material scored poorly in terms of quality of information. The relationship between information and sources, gender, age and diagnosis was also examined. Age was found to have the greatest influence on the perceived quality of information and the frequency of its use.

The paper concludes that there is a need for improvement in the provision of information by the primary health care team. The issue of the quality of written information available for patients requires further investigation to identify the type of written material used. Furthermore, family/friends should be recognised as important sources of information to many patients. Finally, there is a need for more specialist nurses, as they are clearly the preferred source of information for the majority of cancer patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explaining quality of life with crisis theory
Authors: Sprangers Mirjam A.G. , Tempelaar Reike , van den Heuvel Wim J.A. , M de Haes Hanneke C.J.
Published: October 2002

Based on the premises of crisis theory, we expected cancer patients in‐crisis to report a poorer quality of life (QL) and cancer patients post‐crisis to report a similar level of overall QL in comparison to healthy individuals. To explain these hypothesized findings, we expected the coping resources and strategies of patients in‐crisis to be equally effective and those of patients post‐crisis to be more effective as compared to those of healthy individuals.

The sample consisted of: (a) 217 consecutive cancer patients in the acute phases of their illness (patients in‐crisis); (b) 192 disease‐free cancer patients (patients post‐crisis); and (c) 201 randomly selected healthy individuals. Established measures of QL, self‐esteem and neuroticism (coping resources) and coping behavior (coping strategies) were mailed. As expected, patients in‐crisis reported a poorer QL (p<0.001) and patients post‐crisis a similar overall QL as compared to healthy individuals. There were no significant or systematic differences between the mean levels of coping resources and strategies between the respective groups. Two‐way analysis of variance indicated a group X coping resource interaction effect on overall QL for self‐esteem (p<0.01). As expected, the amount of variance of overall QL explained by self‐esteem was largest for patients post‐crisis (27%) and comparable for patients in‐crisis and healthy individuals (10 and 11%). Patients in‐crisis were not able to make their coping resources and strategies more effective, whereas patients post‐crisis seemed to have enhanced the effectiveness of self‐esteem in restoring their QL as compared to healthy persons. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anomalous fractionation of sulfur isotopes during sputtering
Authors: Hervig Richard L.
Published: October 2002

Secondary ion mass spectrometric (SIMS) measurements of sulfur isotope ratios obtained during sputtering with a Cs+ beam and detection of negative secondary ions show a strong dependence of isotope fractionation on secondary ion energy for ions with ∼2–10 eV excess kinetic energy (∼9‰/eV), and a weak dependence for ions with ∼10–∼350 eV (0.05‰/eV). Variable collection of the low‐energy ions could thus result in variable measured sulfur isotope ratios. Being aware of this behavior should allow the analyst to avoid such a problem. The fractionation of the isotopes does not appear to follow theoretical or measured behavior for positive ions, and suggests that, at least for sulfur, the process of negative secondary ion emission is incompletely understood and may require different theoretical models. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of fine sediment deposition and channel works on periphyton biomass in the Makomanai River, northern Japan
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: October 2002

The Makomanai River in northern Japan has suffered considerable fine sediment deposition, especially in a reach where channel works have been constructed. Four contiguous reaches were examined for deposition of fine sediment and the effects of such on periphyton biomass; two of the reaches had channel works and bank protection, respectively, the other two being unmodified. The influence of fine sedimentation on epilithic periphyton biomass (chlorophyll a weight and organic matter weight) and the autotrophic index (AI), and the relationship between these and hydraulic variables was emphasized. Fine sediment increased, chlorophyll a decreased and AI increased in the reach with channel works and in the unmodified reach immediately upstream. In addition, the current velocity and Froude number tended to decrease in the reach with channel works. Correlation analysis showed that with an increase in fine sediment, chlorophyll a decreased and non‐living periphyton, indicated by AI, increased. It was also confirmed that fine sediment increased with an increase in weight of periphyton organic matter and decreased with an increase in current velocity or Froude number. These results suggest that accumulation of fine sediment, which substantially reduces light penetration for photosynthesis under low current velocity conditions, results in lowered periphyton levels. The channel works have lowered the current velocity, thus promoting deposition of fine sediment and an increase in non‐living periphyton. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predosing with the unlabeled “inactive” enantiomer as a tool for improvement of the PET signal
Authors: Elfving Betina , Bjørnholm Berith , Knudsen Gitte M.
Published: October 2002

In this study we investigated whether the PET signal of labeled (S)‐citalopram could be improved by predosing with the unlabeled distomer (R)‐citalopram. Ten minutes before intravenous injection of 1.5 MBq [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram, rats were given i.v. 0.9% saline, 16 or 24 μg (R)‐citalopram. Sixty minutes after injection of [3H]‐(S)‐citalopram, the brains were dissected into eight regions. The binding obtained in each brain region was compared to cerebellum as a reference region. Predosing with saline, 16 and 24 μg (R)‐citalopram yielded thalamus/cerebellum ratios of 1.6 ± 0.12, 1.6 ± 0.12, and 1.1 ± 0.26 (means ± SD), respectively. It is concluded that the nonspecific binding of radiolabeled (S)‐citalopram cannot be reduced by predosing with the 150 times less active enantiomer (R)‐citalopram, possibly due to the pool of nonspecific sites being too large for blocking. Synapse 46:125–127, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C4 Plant Productivity and Climate-CO2 Variations in South-Central Texas during the Late Quaternary
Authors: Nordt Lee C. , Boutton Thomas W. , Jacob John S. , Mandel Rolfe D.
Published: October 2002

A continuous record of organic carbon δ13C from a buried soil sequence in south-central Texas demonstrates: 1) strong coupling between marine and adjacent continental ecosystems in the late Pleistocene as a result of glacial meltwater entering the Gulf of Mexico and 2) ecosystem decoupling in the Holocene associated with a reduction of meltwater and a shift in global circulation patterns. In the late Pleistocene, reduction in C4 plant productivity correlates with two well-documented glacial meltwater pulses (∼15,000 and 12,000 14C yr B.P.), indicating a cooler-than-present adjacent continental environment. Increased C4 production between 11,000 and 10,000 14C yr B.P. suggests that the Younger Dryas was a warm interval responding to the diversion of glacial meltwater away from the Mississippi River. With waning meltwater flow, C4 productivity generally increased throughout the Holocene, culminating in peak warm intervals at ∼5000 and 2000 14C yr B.P. Shifts in the abundances of C3–C4 plants through the late Quaternary show no correlation to ecophysiological responses to atmospheric CO2 concentration.
The GCM domain is a Zn‐coordinating DNA‐binding domain
Authors: Cohen Serge X , Moulin Martine , Schilling Oliver , Meyer-Klaucke Wolfram , Schreiber Jörg , Wegner Michael , Müller Christoph W
Published: October 2002

Glial cells missing (GCM) proteins form a small family of transcriptional regulators involved in different developmental processes. They contain a DNA‐binding domain that is highly conserved from flies to mice and humans and consists of approximately 150 residues. The GCM domain of the mouse GCM homolog a was expressed in bacteria. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and particle‐induced X‐ray emission analysis techniques showed the presence of two Zn atoms with four‐fold coordination and cysteine/histidine residues as ligands. Zn atoms can be removed from the GCM domain by the Zn chelator phenanthroline only under denaturating conditions. This suggests that the Zn ions are buried in the interior of the GCM domain and that their removal abolishes DNA‐binding because it impairs the structure of the GCM domain. Our results define the GCM domain as a new type of Zn‐coordinating, sequence‐specific DNA‐binding domain.
High‐affinity urokinase‐derived cyclic peptides inhibiting urokinase/urokinase receptor‐interaction: effects on tumor growth and spread
Authors: Sato Sumito , Kopitz Charlotte , Schmalix Wolfgang A , Muehlenweg Bernd , Kessler Horst , Schmitt Manfred , Krüger Achim , Magdolen Viktor
Published: October 2002

Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) binds with high affinity to its specific cell surface receptor (uPAR) (CD87) via a well‐defined sequence within the N‐terminal region of uPA (uPA19–31). Since this uPA/uPAR‐interaction plays a significant role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, it has become an attractive therapeutic target. Two small peptidic cyclic competitive antagonists of uPA/uPAR‐interaction have been developed, based on the uPAR binding site in uPA: WX‐360 (cyclo21,29[D‐Cys21]‐uPA21–30[S21C;H29C]) and its norleucine (Nle) derivative WX‐360‐Nle (cyclo21,29[D‐Cys21]‐uPA21–30[S21C;K23Nle;H29C]). These peptides display an only five to 10‐fold lower affinity to uPAR as compared to the naturally occurring uPAR‐ligand uPA. In this study, WX‐360 and WX‐360‐Nle were tested in nude mice for their potency to inhibit tumor growth and intraperitoneal spread of lacZ‐tagged human ovarian cancer cells. Intraperitoneal administration of either cyclic peptide (20 mg peptide/kg; 1× daily for 37 days) into the tumor‐bearing nude mice resulted in a significant reduction of tumor weight and spread within the peritoneum as compared to the untreated control group. This is the first report demonstrating effective reduction of tumor growth and spread of human ovarian cancer cells in vivo by small synthetic uPA‐derived cyclic peptides competitively interfering with uPA/uPAR‐interaction. Thus, both WX‐360 and WX‐360‐Nle are promising novel compounds to reduce dissemination of human ovarian carcinoma.
Costs and outcomes of risperidone treatment in schizophrenia in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hosák L. , Bahbouh R.
Published: October 2002

The increasing cost of pharmaceuticals in the Czech Republic has led to restrictions on the prescription of more expensive atypical antipsychotics. The aim of the study was to compare the costs and outcomes of using risperidone versus classical neuroleptics in treatment of schizophrenia in order to see if there was any cost advantage in restricting use of more recent antipsychotics. Sixty-seven patients (39 women) with a mean age of 34.6 years (S.D. = 9.74) suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were treated with risperidone while 67 patients (39 women) with the same diagnoses with a mean age of 35.7 years (S.D. = 9.91) received standard neuroleptics. Yearly direct medical costs and outcomes (indicated by the average Global Assessment of Functioning score) were assessed retrospectively in an open, intent-to-treat study by abstracting psychiatric outpatient charts. The outcomes were not significantly different between the treatment groups while the risperidone treatment was significantly more expensive than the therapy with standard neuroleptics. This result which appears to be inconsistent with the literature was caused by the cheap labor force in the Czech Republic. The difference between the followed treatments in the direct costs will probably become insignificant in the future when the country’s economy will be more developed.
Foreign direct investment in Russia: how the investment climate matters
Authors: Fabry Nathalie , Zeghni Sylvain
Published: October 2002

Among European transition economies and the CIS, Russia is the largest country and has the most important endowment of natural resources, well-educated labour force, and large potential market. Paradoxically, Russia is one of the least attractive host countries in this region. This situation may generate a risk of economic marginalization. Our main task is to develop our understanding of FDI in Russia by asking a main question: Why is Russia an exception in the context of FDI globalization? Is Russia willing to stay outside the general trend of fierce competition for FDI and able to developed endogenously sustainable growth?
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t (always) make it drink: postive freedom in the aftermath of German unification
Authors: Davidson-Schmich L.K. , Hartmann K. , Mummert U.
Published: October 2002

This article investigates the degree to which the East Germans have acted on the freedoms they gained after the fall of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Initially, many observers expected that the East Germans would quickly take advantage of their political, religious, and economic freedoms to become as entrepreneurial, partisan, and religious as their Western counterparts. Over the past decade, however, social scientists have discovered the persistence of ‘Leninist legacies,’ arguing that the East Europeans’ socialization under communism will make them reluctant to act on the before-mentioned freedoms. Contrary to both of these expectations, we find considerable variation in the Easterners’ behavior. In the economic sphere, while the Easterners have been willing to engage in legal market activity, they have been reluctant to get involved with gray market activity. In the political realm the elites have embraced partisan politics more thoroughly than have ordinary citizens. Finally, the Easterners have flocked neither to the Catholic and Protestant churches nor to new religious movements like Scientology. These results suggest that the combination of Western rights and Eastern Leninist legacies has created a unique incentive structure in East Germany. The Easterners face a different cost-benefit calculus than do the Westerners and, as a result, at times are less willing to act on their positive freedoms.
'Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' A Profile of Ethical Investors
Authors: Beal Diana , Goyen Michelle
Published: October 2002

This research sought to determine why people chose to invest in Earth Sanctuaries Limited (ESL), which conserves ecosystems and breeds endangered species as its corporate mission, an unequivocally ethical objective. Investors were surveyed to assess the relative importance of financial versus ecological considerations. Demographic and investor behavior attributes of ESL shareholders were compared with those of Austra- lian shareholders as reported by an Australian Stock Exchange survey. The results showed that the environmental mission of ESL took pre-eminence over financial considerations for these investors. Comparison of the two groups revealed significant differences in most variables.
Regulation of the Subcellular Localization of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–associated Factor (TRAF)2 by TRAF1 Reveals Mechanisms of TRAF2 Signaling
Authors: Arron Joseph R. , Pewzner-Jung Yael , Walsh Matthew C. , Kobayashi Takashi , Choi Yongwon
Published: October 2002

Tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor (TRAF)2 is a critical adaptor molecule for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors in inflammatory and immune signaling. Upon receptor engagement, TRAF2 is recruited to CD40 and translocates to lipid rafts in a RING finger-dependent process, which enables the activation of downstream signaling cascades including c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Although TRAF1 can displace TRAF2 and CD40 from raft fractions, it promotes the ability of TRAF2 activate signaling over a sustained period of time. Removal of the RING finger of TRAF2 prevents its translocation into detergent-insoluble complexes and renders it dominant negative for signaling. TRAF1−/− dendritic cells show attenuated responses to secondary stimulation by TRAF2-dependent factors and increased stimulus-dependent TRAF2 degradation. Replacement of the RING finger of TRAF2 with a raft-targeting signal restores JNK activation and association with the cyto-skeletal protein Filamin, but not NF-κB activation. These findings offer insights into the mechanism of TRAF2 signaling and identify a physiological role for TRAF1 as a regulator of the subcellular localization of TRAF2.
THE MASTER WARD IDENTITY
Authors: DÜTSCH M. , BOAS F.-M.
Published: October 2002

In the framework of perturbative quantum field theory (QFT) we propose a new, universal (re)normalization condition (called 'master Ward identity') which expresses the symmetries of the underlying classical theory. It implies for example the field equations, energy-momentum, charge- and ghost-number conservation, renormalized equal-time commutation relations and BRST-symmetry.

It seems that the master Ward identity can nearly always be satisfied, the only exceptions we know are the usual anomalies. We prove the compatibility of the master Ward identity with the other (re)normalization conditions of causal perturbation theory, and for pure massive theories we show that the 'central solution' of Epstein and Glaser fulfills the master Ward identity, if the UV-scaling behavior of its individual terms is not relatively lowered.

Application of the master Ward identity to the BRST-current of non-Abelian gauge theories generates an identity (called 'master BRST-identity') which contains the information which is needed for a local construction of the algebra of observables, i.e. the elimination of the unphysical fields and the construction of physical states in the presence of an adiabatically switched off interaction.
CONCEPTUAL STOCHASTIC CLIMATE MODELS
Authors: IMKELLER PETER , MONAHAN ADAM HUGH
Published: October 2002

From July 9 to 11, 2001, 50 researchers from the fields of climate dynamics and stochastic analysis met in Chorin, Germany, to discuss the idea of stochastic models of climate. The present issue of Stochastics and Dynamics collects several papers from this meeting. In this introduction to the volume, the idea of simple conceptual stochastic climate models is introduced amd recent results in the mathematically rigorous development and analysis of such models are reviewed. As well, a brief overview of the application of ideas from stochastic dynamics to simple models of the climate system is given.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [CuCl2(μ-NSPh3)]2 and [CuCl2(Ph3SN)2]: Novel Copper Complexes Bearing Organic λ6-Sulfanenitrile as Ligand
Authors: Yoshimura Toshiaki , Fujii Takayoshi , Dai Huagang
Published: October 2002

Dinuclear complex [CuCl2(μ-NSPh3)]2 (2) and mononuclear complex [CuCl2(Ph3SN)2] (3) were obtained concurrently by a reaction of CuCl2 with triphenyl-λ6-sulfanenitrile (1) in acetonitrile. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and their molecular structures were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
The Biginelli Condensation: A Novel and Efficient Regioselective Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones Using Lithium Bromide
Authors: Baruah Partha P , Gadhwal Sunil , Prajapati Dipak , Sandhu Jagir S
Published: October 2002

Various substituted 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones were synthesised in one-pot reaction of aldehydes, β-ketoesters and urea using LiBr in tetrahydrofuran in excellent yields without any side reactions as observed by Biginelli and others.
Single-Step Synthesis of Cyclooctadienone Derivatives by Reaction of Alkenylcyclobutenones with Alkenyllithiums: Enhanced Reactivity of 8π Cyclization by Acetylating the Intermediary Lithium Tetraenolate
Authors: Hamura Toshiyuki , Kawano Nobuyuki , Tsuji Shinsuke , Matsumoto Takashi , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: October 2002

Various functionalized cyclooctadienones are accessible in high yields by the reaction of alkenylcyclobutenones with alkenyllithiums.
Formation of Palladium(0) Nanoparticles from a Microemulsion System Composed of Bis (N-octylethylenediamine)palladium(II) Chloride Complex
Authors: Iida Masayasu , Ohkawa Shiho , Er Hua , Asaoka Norie , Yoshikawa Hisao
Published: October 2002

Palladium(0) nanoparticles were obtained in high densities from a novel type reverse micelle (or W/O microemulsion) of bis(N-octylethylenediamine)palladium(II) chloride (=[Pd(oct-en)2]Cl2)/water/chloroform (=CHCl3). The shape of the nanoparticles was largely affected by the phase of the additive, sodium boron hydride (=NaBH4) reductant, and by the replacement of a small amount of water with methanol.
Reaction of Bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]germylene with Tris(4-tert-butylphenyl)methylium Ion: Formation of a Unique Germyl Cation Weakly σ-Coordinated to Aromatic Group
Authors: Ichinohe Masaaki , Hayata Yuichi , Sekiguchi Akira
Published: October 2002

The reaction of bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]germylene with tris(4-tert-butylphenyl)methylium TPFPB− in toluene produced an unexpected germyl cation, {[(Me3Si)2CH]Me2Si}{[(4-tert-BuC6H4)3C]Me2Si}-HCMe2Ge+, which was formed through several consecutive rearrangements of the methyl, bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl, and triarylmethyl groups.
Novel Molecular Resist Based on Derivative of Cholic Acid
Authors: Kim Jin-Baek , Yun Hyo-Jin , Kwon Young-Gil
Published: October 2002

Glycerol tris(glutarate 3-(tert-butyl cholate) ester) was synthesized as a low molecular weight amorphous resist material for 193-nm lithography, and it has good transmittance at 193 nm and good dry etch resistance to CF4 reactive ion etching. The resist formulated with this material forms well defined line and space patterns at a dose of 12 mJ cm−2 using a mercury-xenone lamp in a contact printing mode.
Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas over Plasma Treated Ni-Fe/La2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Wang Jian-guo , Liu Chang-jun , Zhang Yue-ping , Zhu Xin-li , Zou Jijun , Yu Kai-lu , Eliasson Baldur
Published: October 2002

Ni-Fe/La2O3 catalyst prepared by a glow discharge plasma treatment following calcinations thermally exhibits higher activity and selectivity compared to the Ni-Fe/La2O3 prepared conventionally. At the same reaction temperature, the CH4 conversion, CO selectivity and H2 selectivity obtained from the plasma prepared Ni-Fe/La2O3 are 5–9%, 4–7% and 9–15% higher than those from the conventional Ni-Fe/La2O3 catalyst, respectively. At the same methane conversion, the reaction temperature with the plasma prepared Ni-Fe/La2O3 is at least 100 °C lower than that with the conventional Ni-Fe/La2O3.
Organic Field-Effect Transistors Using Di(2-thienyl)naphthodithiophenes as Active Layers
Authors: Kunugi Yoshihito , Takimiya Kazuo , Yamashita Kazuo , Aso Yoshio , Otsubo Tetsuo
Published: October 2002

Two isomeric di(2-thienyl)naphthodithiophenes, anti- and syn-DThNDTs, have been investigated as active materials of organic field-effect transistors (FETs). Field-effect mobilities of 2–3×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 were obtained for the anti-DThNDT film, while no obvious FET function was observed with the syn-DThNDT film.
New Preconcentration System Based on Steam Distillation for Dioxin Analogs
Authors: Iwamura Takeru , Hirayama Junji , Iwamura Jun-ichi
Published: October 2002

Polychlorinated aromatic compounds such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans were successfully and quantitatively recovered using a steam distillation-azeotropy system without the complex procedures.
Synthesis and Structure of a 3D Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymer with 1,4-Bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene
Authors: Zhao Qihua , Li Haifang , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Zhida
Published: October 2002

Treatment of 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene (bix) with Co(OAc)2 in organic/inorganic solution gives the complex [Co(bix)3]·2OH·CH3OH·3H2O (1), which forms an open three-dimensional framework. The specific channels in 1 occupied by solvent molecules, indicate that 1 might be an attractive functional microporous solid materials.
Polymer Chain-Guided Arrangement of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Takagi Kanna , Ishiwatari Tsutomu
Published: October 2002

Here we show a new method for arranging Au nanoparticles along polymer chains. The method contains a polymer complex formation between a thiolated poly(ethylene oxide) chain bound on the Au surface and the added polymers. When poly(acrylic acid) was added, the Au particles formed a network arrangement. The Au particles lined up excellently when a rigid chondroitin sulfate c sodium salt was added to the solution.
Synthesis and characterization of poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] for a UV‐sensitive aqueous base developable lithographic plate
Authors: Kiatkamjornwong Suda , Tessiri Suteera
Published: October 2002

Syntheses of the copolymers of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid were carried out by free radical chain polymerization in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. The effects of the monomer ratio and polymerization time on the averaged molecular weights, polydispersity index, and glass transition temperature were investigated. FTIR and NMR were used for functional group characterization, GPC for average molecular weights and the distribution, elemental analysis for CHO content, and DSC for the glass transition temperature. The copolymers were mixed with tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) and trimethylol propane ethoxylated triacrylate (TMPEOTA), 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐propan‐1‐one (Darocur® 1173) and benzophenone (Darocur® BP) with anthraquinone for visibility of images. The photosensitive coating was spin‐coated onto the anodized aluminum plate on which a thin film was formed. The wet film was then coated with PVA solution as an oxygen barrier layer. The plate assembled with a control wedge and a black color separation film was exposed to UV radiation at different exposure times. The plate was developed in a dilute alkaline developer. The resulting plate was evaluated for its reproduction properties in terms of surface properties (hydrophilic/hydrophobicity) by contact angle measurement of image/nonimage areas, resolution by microline, tone reproduction, and adhesion tests. The article describes the results of the syntheses, characterizations, and uses of the copolymer as a binder of a negative, lithographic printing plate. The present lithographic printing plate is good for a medium viscosity printing ink to produce medium printing quality on uncoated paper. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1829–1837, 2002
Thermal characteristics of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) IPNs
Authors: Jeong Kim Seon , Jun Park Sang , Young Kim In , Hee Lee Yong , Kim Sun I.
Published: October 2002

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (VP) were prepared by radical polymerization using 2,2‐dimethyl‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPAP) and methylene bisacrylicamide (MBAAm) as initiator and crosslinker, respectively. The thermal characterization of the IPNs was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dielectric analysis (DEA). Depressions of the melting temperatures of PVA segments in IPNs were observed with increasing VP content via the DSC. The DEA was employed to ascertain the glass transition temperature (Tg) of IPNs. From the result of DEA, IPNs exhibited two Tgs indicating the presence of phase separation in the IPN. The thermal decomposition of IPNs was investigated using TGA and appeared at near 270°C. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1844–1847, 2002
Curing characteristics of epoxy resin systems that include a biphenyl moiety
Authors: Kim Whan Gun , Lee Jun Young
Published: October 2002

The curing characteristics of epoxy resin systems that include a biphenyl moiety were investigated according to the change of curing agents. Their curing kinetics mainly depend on the type of hardener. An autocatalytic kinetic reaction occurs in epoxy resin systems with phenol novolac hardener, regardless of the kinds of epoxy resin and the epoxy resin systems using Xylok and DCPDP (dicyclopentadiene‐type phenol resin) curing agents following an nth‐order kinetic mechanism. The kinetic parameters of all epoxy resin systems were reported in terms of a generalized kinetic equation that considered the diffusion term. The fastest reaction conversion rate among the epoxy resin systems with a phenol novolac curing agent was obtained in the EOCN‐C epoxy resin system, and for systems with Xylok and DCPDP hardeners, the highest reaction rate values were obtained in NC‐3000P and EOCN‐C epoxy resin systems, respectively. The system constants in DiBenedetto's equation of each epoxy resin system with different curing agents were obtained, and their curing characteristics can be interpreted by the curing model using a curing agent as a spacer. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1942–1952, 2002
Comonomer effect on the mechanical and morphological behavior on the calcite‐filled PP, CoPP, and TerPP
Authors: Kim Hyun , Kim Kwang Jae , Kwon Sang Min , Kundu Patit P. , Jo Byung Cheon , Lee Byung Hyung , Lee Dae Soo , Choe Soonja
Published: October 2002

Comonomer effect on the mechanical and morphological behavior of the calcite (stearic acid coated calcium carbonate)‐filled polypropylene (PP), poly(propylene‐random‐ethylene) copolymer (CoPP), and poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene‐co‐1‐butene) terpolymer (TerPP) composites were investigated by using dumbbell bar and film specimens. The tensile properties of the calcite‐filled PP, CoPP, and TerPP composites exhibited lower values than those of the pure polymers (calcite‐unfilled polymers), whereas the complex viscosity of the calcite‐filled polymers exhibited slightly higher values than that of the pure polymers. Mechanical properties studied by using various strain rates and draw ratios rationalized in terms of comonomer units and contents in various PP systems. Morphological behavior of the specimens stretched at various strain rates and draw ratios was investigated by using SEM microphotographs and the mechanism of the formation of air holes was proposed. The air hole initiated from crack propagation and followed by dewetting between the calcite surface and the polymer interface in the weakened region. The crack propagated along the transverse direction; then the air hole developed parallel to the machine direction with fibril structure of the resin in PP and CoPP systems. However, TerPP composite exhibited no cracks in the beginning of the elongation, but the air hole was initiated due to dewetting; then its enlargement was exhibited by broken fibril structure of the resin. In the final stage of stretching, the air hole was dominated by merging of the neighboring air holes. Thus, different comonomer units, which are the small content of ethylene and 1‐butene in CoPP and TepPP, are responsible for these systems behaving in a different manner on the mechanical and morphological properties. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2041–2053, 2002