bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarities and differences in female and male rat voiding
Authors: Streng Tomi , Santti Risto , Talo Antti
Published: August 2002

We measured in adult rats, under anaesthesia, bladder pressure by transvesical cystometry and flow rate by an ultrasound transducer in the distal urethra. The urinary flow was discontinuous in both sexes. No difference between the sexes in bladder pressure oscillations or in non‐oscillatory voiding was found but during the oscillatory activity there was a difference in the relationship between bladder pressure and urinary flow. In the female, the bladder pressure decreased when the flow started and increased when the flow decreased resembling species whose urinary flow is continuous. Basically the flow was stable but it was divided into periods of variable duration by full or partial closure of urethral sphincter. In the male rat, the oscillatory flow consisted of short, fast spikes occurring just before the bladder pressure reached the maximum, after which the flow spike decreased slowly. Overall, no differences were seen in bladder pressure data between the genders. However, the maximal flow rate was lower and micturition time was shorter in female rats. When we recorded occasionally occurring micturitions without high‐frequency oscillations of intraluminal pressure (IPHFOs) (non‐oscillatory voiding), no differences between the genders were seen. The difference during oscillatory voiding between male and female rat can be understood against anatomical and hormonal backgrounds, and by the relative role of rhabdosphincter, which did not activate during non‐oscillatory voidings when no differences were detected. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:136–141, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Voiding and incontinence frequencies: Variability of diary data and required diary length
Authors: Homma Yukio , Ando Takashi , Yoshida Masaki , Kageyama Shinji , Takei Mineo , Kimoto Kosuke , Ishizuka Osamu , Gotoh Momokazu , Hashimoto Tatsuru
Published: August 2002

Frequencies of voiding and urinary incontinence are commonly measured by a patient's recall or a diary. The recommended diary length varies from 1 to 14 days, with 7 days apparently being most common. To examine the statistical precision of these different modalities, we analyzed recall data and diary data of 74 patients with urinary frequency, incontinence, or both. Recall data on voiding and incontinence frequency were systematically higher and more variable than diary data. Longer diary length provided less variable diary data. The confidence interval of diary data was calculated by applying the normal distribution to daytime voiding frequency and the Poisson distribution to daytime incontinence frequency. For daytime voiding frequency, the 95% confidence interval was estimated to be (x − 2.65, x + 2.65) (x − 1.53, x + 1.53) (x − 1, x + 1), where x is the 1‐day, 3‐day, and 7‐day diary mean, respectively. For daytime incontinence frequency, the confidence interval depended on both the diary length and the diary mean. It was estimated to be (0, 6.39), (1.72, 4.28), (2.36, 3.64), by using a diary mean of 3 or 1‐day, 7‐day, and 28‐day diaries, respectively. Also, it was estimated to be (0, 1.02), (1.72, 4.28), (7.66, 12.34), when the 7‐day diary mean was 0.5, 3, and 10, respectively. Studies with different samples of genuine stress incontinence (n = 37) and urge incontinence (n = 25) confirmed these results. In conclusion, we believe the 7‐day diary is highly reliable for estimating voiding frequency and is a reasonable option for predicting incontinence episodes. However, the diary length should be extended in a patient with rarer events of incontinence, and it should be shortened for those who are incontinent more often or who are diagnosed with voiding frequency only. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:204–209, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light graphs with small routing cost
Authors: Wu Bang Ye , Chao Kun‐Mao , Tang Chuan Yi
Published: August 2002

Let G = ({1,…, n}, E, w) be an undirected graph with nonnegative edge weights w and let aij be the nonnegative requirement between vertices i and j. For any spanning subgraph H of G, the weight of H is the total weight of its edges and the routing cost of H is Σi<j aijdH(i, j), where dH(i, j) is the distance between i and j in H. In this paper, we investigated two special cases of the problem of finding a spanning subgraph with small weight and small routing cost. For the case where all the distances in G are 1, we show that the problem is NP‐complete, and give a simple approximation algorithm for it. Furthermore, we define some sufficient conditions for the problem to be polynomial‐time solvable. For the case where all the requirements are 1, we develop an algorithm for finding a spanning tree with small weight and small routing cost. The algorithm provides trade‐offs among tree weights, routing costs, and time complexity. We also extend the results to some other related problems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serotonin modulates locomotory behavior and coordinates egg‐laying and movement in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hardaker Laura Anne , Singer Emily , Kerr Rex , Zhou Guotong , Schafer William R.
Published: August 2002

Biogenic amines have been implicated in the modulation of neural circuits involved in diverse behaviors in a wide variety of organisms. In the nematode C. elegans, serotonin has been shown to modulate the temporal pattern of egg‐laying behavior. Here we show that serotonergic neurotransmission is also required for modulation of the timing of behavioral events associated with locomotion and for coordinating locomotive behavior with egg‐laying. Using an automated tracking system to record locomotory behavior over long time periods, we determined that both the direction and velocity of movement fluctuate in a stochastic pattern in wild‐type worms. During periods of active egg‐laying, the patterns of reversals and velocity were altered: velocity increased transiently before egg‐laying events, while reversals increased in frequency following egg‐laying events. The temporal coordination between egg‐laying and locomotion was dependent on the serotonergic HSN egg‐laying motorneurons as well as the decision‐making AVF interneurons, which receive synaptic input from the HSNs. Serotonin‐deficient mutants also failed to coordinate egg‐laying and locomotion and exhibited an abnormally low overall reversal frequency. Thus, serotonin appears to function specifically to facilitate increased locomotion during periods of active egg‐laying, and to function generally to modulate decision‐making neurons that promote forward movement. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 303–313, 2001
Tyrosine phosphorylation of p190 RHOGAP by Fyn regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Wolf Rebecca M. , Wilkes Jennifer J. , Chao Moses V. , Resh Marilyn D.
Published: August 2002

During development of the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiate into mature myelinating cells. The molecular signals that promote this process, however, are not well defined. One molecule that has been implicated in oligodendrocyte differentiation is the Src family kinase Fyn. In order to probe the function of Fyn in this system, a yeast two hybrid screen was performed. Using Fyn as bait, p190 RhoGAP was isolated in the screen of an oligodendrocyte cDNA library. Coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays verified that p190 RhoGAP bound to the Fyn SH2 domain. Phosphorylation of p190 required active Fyn tyrosine kinase and was increased threefold upon differentiation of primary oligodendrocytes. Moreover, complex formation between p190 and p120 RasGAP occurred in differentiated oligodendrocytes. p190 RhoGAP activity is known to regulate the RhoGDP:RhoGTP ratio. Indeed, expression of dominant negative Rho in primary oligodendrocytes caused a hyperextension of processes. Conversely, constitutively activated Rho caused reduced process formation. These findings define a pathway in which Fyn activity regulates the phosphorylation of p190, leading to an increase in RhoGAP activity with a subsequent increase in RhoGDP, which in turn, regulates the morphological changes that accompany oligodendrocyte differentiation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 62–78, 2001
Multigrid approaches to non‐linear diffusion problems on unstructured meshes
Authors: Mavriplis Dimitri J.
Published: August 2002

The efficiency of three multigrid methods for solving highly non‐linear diffusion problems on two‐dimensional unstructured meshes is examined. The three multigrid methods differ mainly in the manner in which the non‐linearities of the governing equations are handled. These comprise a non‐linear full approximation storage (FAS) multigrid method which is used to solve the non‐linear equations directly, a linear multigrid method which is used to solve the linear system arising from a Newton linearization of the non‐linear system, and a hybrid scheme which is based on a non‐linear FAS multigrid scheme, but employs a linear solver on each level as a smoother. Results indicate that, in the asymptotic convergence region, all methods are equally effective at converging the non‐linear residual in a given number of multigrid cycles, but that the linear solver is more efficient in cpu time due to the lower cost of linear versus non‐linear grid sweeps. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Woven fabric composites—part I: Predictions of homogenized elastic properties and micromechanical damage analysis
Authors: Choi Jaehyon , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: August 2002

In Part 1, the finite element developments are described to first predict the homogenized elastic properties of woven fabric composites, followed by a progressive damage analysis for the subsequent investigation of micromechanical damage initiations and propagations in the representative unit cell of woven fabric composites. For progressive damage analysis, in‐plane uniaxial tensile and shear loading are applied, respectively, to the unit cell. In order to make the boundaries of the unit cell remain straight, displacement control loading is applied instead of force control loading. The tensile and shear stress–strain curves are obtained and shown to be in good agreement with available experimental results. Utilizing the computational efforts in Part 1, the characterization of macro‐crack initiation loads is carried out in Part 2 for the global damage analysis without the need to resorting to experimental data for the prediction of damaged properties. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐regular boundary integral equation formulations for Laplace's equation in 2‐D
Authors: Jorge A. B. , Ribeiro G. O. , Cruse T. A. , Fisher T. S.
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the application of the self‐regular formulation strategy using Green's identity (potential‐BIE) and its gradient form (flux‐BIE) for Laplace's equation. Self‐regular formulations lead to highly effective BEM algorithms that utilize standard conforming boundary elements and low‐order Gaussian integrations. Both formulations are discussed and implemented for two‐dimensional potential problems, and numerical results are presented. Potential results show that the use of quartic interpolations is required for the flux‐BIE to show comparable accuracy to the potential‐BIE using quadratic interpolations. On the other hand, flux error results in the potential‐BIE implementation can be dominated by the numerical integration of the logarithmic kernel of the remaining weakly singular integral. Accuracy of these flux results does not improve beyond a certain level when using standard quadrature together with a special transformation, but when an alternative logarithmic quadrature scheme is used these errors are shown to reduce abruptly, and the flux results converge monotonically to the exact answer. In the flux‐BIE implementation, where all integrals are regularized, flux results accuracy improves systematically, even with some oscillations, when refining the mesh or increasing the order of the interpolating function. The flux‐BIE approach presents a great numerical sensitivity to the mesh generation scheme and refinement. Accurate results for the potential and the flux were obtained for coarse‐graded meshes in which the rate of change of the tangential derivative of the potential was better approximated. This numerical sensitivity and the need for graded meshes were not found in the elasticity problem for which self‐regular formulations have also been developed using a similar approach. Logarithmic quadrature to evaluate the weakly singular integral is implemented in the self‐regular potential‐BIE, showing that the magnitude of the error is dependent only on the standard Gauss integration of the regularized integral, but not on this logarithmic quadrature of the weakly singular integral. The self‐regular potential‐BIE is compared with the standard (CPV) formulation, showing the equivalence between these formulations. The self‐regular BIE formulations and computational algorithms are established as robust alternatives to singular BIE formulations for potential problems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of grid distribution effect on accuracy of DQ analysis of beams and plates by error estimation of derivative approximation
Authors: Shu C. , Chen W. , Xue H. , Du H.
Published: August 2002

The accuracy of global methods such as the differential quadrature (DQ) approach is usually sensitive to the grid point distribution. This paper is to numerically study the effect of grid point distribution on the accuracy of DQ solution for beams and plates. It was found that the stretching of grid towards the boundary can improve the accuracy of DQ solution, especially for coarse meshes. The optimal grid point distribution (corresponding to optimal stretching parameter) depends on the order of derivatives in the boundary condition and the number of grid points used. The optimal grid distribution may not be from the roots of orthogonal polynomials. This differs somewhat from the conventional analysis. This paper also proposes a simple and effective formulation for stretching the grid towards the boundary. The error distribution of derivative approximation is also studied, and used to analyze the effect of grid point distribution on accuracy of numerical solutions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A three‐noded shear‐flexible curved beam element based on coupled displacement field interpolations
Authors: Raveendranath P. , Singh Gajbir , Venkateswara Rao G.
Published: August 2002

An efficient shear‐flexible three‐noded curved beam element is proposed herein. The shear flexibility is based on Timoshenko beam theory and the element has three degrees of freedom, viz., tangential displacement (u), radial displacement (w) and the section‐rotation (θ). A quartic polynomial interpolation for flexural rotation ψ is assumed a priori. Making use of the physical composition of θ in terms of ψ and u, a novel way of deriving the polynomial interpolations for u and w is presented, by solving force‐moment and moment‐shear equilibrium equations simultaneously. The field interpolation for θ is then constructed from that of ψ and u. The procedure leads to high‐order polynomial field interpolations which share some of the generalized degrees of freedom, by means of coefficients involving material and geometric properties of the element. When applied to a straight Euler–Bernoulli beam, all the coupled coefficients vanish and the formulation reduces to classical quintic‐in‐w and quadratic‐in‐u element, with u, w, and ∂w/∂x as degrees of freedom. The element is totally devoid of membrane and shear locking phenomena. The formulation presents an efficient utilization of the nine generalized degrees of freedom available for the polynomial interpolation of field variables for a three‐noded curved beam element. Numerical examples on static and free vibration analyses demonstrate the efficacy and locking‐free property of the element. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical model for the time‐dependent cracking of cementitious materials
Authors: van Zijl G. P. A. G. , de Borst R. , Rots J. G.
Published: August 2002

A unified finite element formulation is presented for the analysis of the time‐dependent cracking of cementitious materials. The rate‐type constitutive law incorporates linear visco‐elasticity and continuum plasticity. The former accounts for the bulk creep via a Maxwell chain, while the latter describes crack initiation and propagation via a softening, anisotropic Rankine yield criterion. The rate dependence of bond ruptures leading to fracture is accounted for by considering the viscosity of the cracking process. This contribution to the cracking resistance also regularises the localisation process. It is demonstrated how other important phenomena in cementitious materials, such as stress‐dependent hygral and thermal shrinkage, can be incorporated into the computational framework. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐dimensional transonic aeroservoelastic computations in the time domain
Authors: Djayapertapa L. , Allen C. B. , Fiddes S. P.
Published: August 2002

A computational method to perform transonic aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic calculations in the time domain is presented, and used to predict stability (flutter) boundaries of 2‐D wing sections. The aerodynamic model is a cell‐centred finite‐volume unsteady Euler solver, which uses an efficient implicit time‐stepping scheme and structured moving grids. The aerodynamic equations are coupled with the structural equations of motion, which are derived from a typical wing section model. A control law is implemented within the aeroelastic solver to investigate active means of flutter suppression via control surface motion. Comparisons of open‐ and closed‐loop calculations show that the control law can successfully suppress the flutter and results in an increase of up to 19 per cent in the allowable speed index. The effect of structural non‐linearity, in the form of hinge axis backlash is also investigated. The effect is found to be strongly destabilizing, but the control law is shown to still alleviate the destabilizing effect. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational scheme for linear and non‐linear composites with arbitrary phase contrast
Authors: Michel J. C. , Moulinec H. , Suquet P.
Published: August 2002

A numerical method making use of fast Fourier transforms has been proposed in Moulinec and Suquet (1994, 1998) to investigate the effective properties of linear and non‐linear composites. This method is based on an iterative scheme the rate of convergence of which is proportional to the contrast between the phases. Composites with high contrast (typically above 104) or infinite contrast (those containing voids or rigid inclusions or highly non‐linear materials) cannot be handled by the method. This paper presents two modified schemes. The first one is an accelerated scheme for composites with high contrast which extends to elasticity a scheme initially proposed in Eyre and Milton (1999). Its rate of convergence varies as the square root of the contrast. The second scheme, adequate for composites with infinite contrast, is based on an augmented Lagrangian method. The resulting saddle‐point problem involves three steps. The first step consists of solving a linear elastic problem, using the fast Fourier transform method. In the second step, a non‐linear problem is solved at each individual point in the volume element. The third step consists of updating the Lagrange multiplier. Applications of this scheme to rigidly reinforced and to voided composites are shown. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing the productivity of a dynamic workforce: The impact of informal knowledge transfer
Authors: Lahti Ryan K. , Darr Eric D. , Krebs Valdis E.
Published: August 2002

Given the prevalence of career changes, job‐hopping, and alternative work arrangements, how do you get a
dynamic workforce up to speed? With all of the interest in the management of knowledge, what is the main
knowledge transfer mechanism to use to enhance contract‐worker and employee productivity? Today, more
organizations are using a nontraditional workforce. These organizations are utilizing contract workers as well as
employees as resources to provide services and manufacture products. This article focuses on enabling this dynamic
workforce to be productive by addressing the organizational socialization “policy,” the formal
knowledge transfer, and the informal knowledge transfer related to helping individuals perform at work. This
article especially focuses on informal knowledge transfer via social networks, because it is the type of knowledge
transfer that is the least understood by companies due to its being difficult to measure and improve. By using a
case study of a Fortune 100 company, the article reveals what types of knowledge are important to
transfer, the sources of the knowledge, and the mechanism used to transfer this knowledge. It also demonstrates
how informal knowledge transfer impacts performance and provides an indication of the effectiveness of
organizational socialization. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ralston Foods: from greenfield to maturity in a team‐based plant
Authors: Kibbe Daniel R. , Casner‐Lotto Jill
Published: August 2002

Semiautonomous work groups have played a major role in the success of the Ralston Foods plant located in
Sparks, Nevada. Work groups, particularly those that are self‐directed, have produced
record‐breaking output levels and generated cost reductions over the past several years. Work groups are
responsible for many functions—everything from supporting capital projects, communications, customer
relations, and cost controls to discipline, performance appraisals, safety, and hiring. It took some time for us
as managers to relinquish those duties, but sticking to the participative process even at times when it feels
easier to revert to the traditional managerial role and focus solely on results has been a key factor in
sustaining our growth.

The case study that follows details the operating philosophy of the Sparks plant and its evolution from a
retrofitted pet‐food operation into a mature, team‐based cereal plant—including both our
successes and difficulties and the key lessons learned along the way. While there are several qualities that
distinguish our team process at Sparks, a critical factor has been our responsiveness to change. This factor
will ensure our success in the future, as we develop a new mission and strategy in response to some
unprecedented business challenges and opportunities ahead. © 2001 Work in America
Institute
The influence of calcium channel blockers on the brain free fatty acid level and glutathione peroxidase activity in rats with lithium and pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus
Authors: Eraković V. , Župan G. , Varljen J. , Simonić A.
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to investigate possible therapeutic approach to neuronal damage caused by status epilepticus. The effects of the L‐type voltage‐sensitive calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, nicardipine) and NMDA blockers (ifenprodil and MK‐801) on the brain free fatty acid (FFA) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in rats with lithium and pilocarpine (LiPi) ‐ induced status epilepticus were examined. Vehicle or various doses of calcium channel and NMDA blockers had been injected i.p. 30 min after the pilocarpine application. Tested doses of nicardipine and MK‐801 did not influence the increase in the brain FFA level. Nimodipine and ifenprodil revealed a tendency to reduce FFA level. The inhibition of L‐type voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ channels or NMDA receptor ‐ associated channels was not sufficient for significant attenuation of an increase in the rat brain FFA content and a decrease GPX activity associated with LiPi ‐ induced status epilepticus. Individual compounds have shown to prevent FFA increase, suggesting some alternative or additional mechanism of action. The prevention of FFA accumulation was not followed by the prevention of GPX decrease indicating the activation of non FFA‐related mechanisms of cell damage.
Effects of synthetic dopamine‐melanins on oxygen radical formation induced by metal ions with dopamine
Authors: Kimura Shinzo , Kurasaki Masaaki , Saito Takeshi , Ito Keizo , Hosokawa Toshiyuki , Okabe Masashi , Shiraishi Kunio , Niioka Tadashi
Published: August 2002

To understand the possible physiological roles of the neuromelanins, we examined effects of synthetic dopamine‐melanins on oxygen radical formation by metal ions with dopamine. Oxygen radical formation was detected by DNA cleavage analysis. Addition of metal‐free synthetic dopamine‐melanins inhibited DNA cleavage induced by Fe or Cu ions with dopamine. On the other hand, in the presence of dopamine, dopamine‐melanins loaded with Cu and Fe induced DNA cleavage without addition of free metal ions. It was clarified that dopamine‐melanins loaded with Cu and Fe generated hydroxyl radicals in the presence of dopamine, on the basis of the findings that catalase and mannitol inhibited the DNA cleavage. Our results suggest that metal‐free neuromelanins inhibit hydroxyl radical formation induced by metal ions with dopamine by sequestering metal ions.
Chronic amphetamine administration decreases D2 dopamine receptor immunostaining in the lateral habenular nucleus
Authors: Méndez PL , Echevarría E , Garcia del Caño G , Saracíbar G , Casis O , Casis L
Published: August 2002

The effect of chronic amphetamine administration on the expression of D2 dopamine receptor was immunohistochemically analyzed in the caudate‐putamen and the lateral habenular nucleus, which are important links of the dorsal diencephalic conduction system. Significant decrease in the numbers of immunopositive neural cells was observed in both regions, suggesting that chronically administered amphetamine alters D2 dopamine receptor function in the dorsal diencephalic conduction system. This could be involved in the development of schizophrenia, stereotypies, and neural impairment in psychostimulant abusers.
Mixed and hybrid formulations for the three‐dimensional magnetostatic problem
Authors: Daveau C. , Laminie J.
Published: August 2002

We propose mixed and hybrid formulations for the three‐dimensional magnetostatic problem. Such formulations are obtained by coupling finite element method inside the magnetic materials with a boundary element method. We present a formulation where the magnetic field is the state variable and the boundary approach uses a scalar Dirichlet‐Neumann map to describe the exterior domain. Also, we propose a second formulation where the magnetic induction is the state variable and a vectorial Dirichlet‐Neumann map is used to describe the outer field. Numerical discretizations with “edge” and “face” elements are proposed, and for each discrete problem we study an “inf‐sup” condition. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 18: 85–104, 2002
Waiting: The experience of persons in a critical care waiting room
Authors: Bournes Debra A. , Mitchell Gail J.
Published: August 2002

The purposes of this study were to discover the essences of the experience of waiting, to provide new knowledge about what it is like to wait, and to contribute to nursing knowledge. Participants were 12 persons who were family members or friends of persons in an adult critical care unit. The Parse research method was used to answer the research question: What is the structure of the lived experience of waiting? The central finding of this study was this structure: The lived experience of waiting is a vigilant attentiveness surfacing amid an ambiguous turbulent lull as contentment emerges with uplifting engagements. The structure is discussed in relation to nursing knowledge and in relation to how it can inform future research and practice. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Res Nurs Health 25:58–67, 2002.
Trichotillomania: Women's reports of treatment efficacy
Authors: Boughn Susan , Holdom Julie Ann Jaarsma
Published: August 2002

Trichotillomania (TTM) is an enigmatic disease characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to pull out one's hair, most notably scalp hair, but also eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair from the extremity, axillary, and pubic areas. Current estimates are that clinically significant hair pulling is manifested by 3.4% of all women during their lifetimes. The overall purpose of our study was to examine the efficacy of a wide variety of treatments as perceived by the women (N=44) who received them. The data were subjected to content analysis and are presented in a quantified manner. Common forms of treatments, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and behavior modification, were judged by the respondents to be relatively ineffective. Two forms of treatment were found to be effective by a high percentage of the women who employed them: Internet TTM groups and TTM groups associated with a national center. It is important for health care providers to be aware of these treatments, which have not been previously discussed in the literature. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:135–144, 2002
A predictive model of well‐being and self‐care for rural elderly women in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Laffrey Shirley Cloutier
Published: August 2002

A predictive model of well‐being and self‐care was tested with 284 women aged 60–88 living in rural communities in Taiwan. The variables studied were age, marital status, social class, social support, perceived health, self‐care agency, self‐care behavior, and perceived well‐being. The model was tested by path analysis. The parameters of the model were estimated with the maximum likelihood method. In the refined model, χ2 (12, N = 284) = 15.18, p = .23), 33% of the total variance in well‐being was explained by self‐care behavior, social support, and perceived health; 66% of the total variance in self‐care behavior was explained by self‐care agency and social support; 49% of the total variance in self‐care agency was explained by social support, perceived health, social class, and age; 14% of the total variance in social support was explained by marital status, social class, and age; and 8% of the total variance in perceived health was explained by social support. The goodness‐of‐fit index was .99, indicating that the refined model fit the data well. The findings of this study contribute to a greater understanding of this predictive model for application with older women in rural Taiwan. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24: 122–132, 2001
Chronic venous insufficiency in persons with a history of injection drug use¶
Authors: Pieper Barbara , Templin Thomas
Published: August 2002

Persons with a history of injection drug use have many risk factors for the development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), yet this phenomenon has not been studied systematically in this population. Persons (N = 204) with a history of injection drug use who were in enrolled in a treatment center were examined for clinical manifestations of CVI. The CVI clinical classification was graded on a 7‐point scale for each leg. Most participants (n = 179, 87.7%) exhibited clinical evidence of CVI. Significant predictors of CVI clinical manifestations were leg infections/cellulitis (ρ = .53); years injection in the veins of the groin, legs, and feet (ρ = .47); deep vein thrombosis (ρ = .37); and total years injection heroin (ρ = .27). There was a linear functional relationship between years of injection drug use and the CVI clinical classification, but only when the injections were in the veins of the groin, legs, or feet; otherwise, the specific mechanisms of this relationship were not evident. The findings indicate that CVI is a common occurrence in persons who have injected drugs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24:423–432, 2001
Learning how to be efficient property owners and accountable governments: the case of Kyrgyzstan's cities
Authors: Kaganova Olga , Tian Valeri , Undeland Charles
Published: August 2002

As a result of government decentralization and property devolution from central to local governments, many city governments in transition countries became the largest real property owners in urban areas. For transitional countries lacking sufficient democratic traditions, efficient asset management represents a dramatic and multifaceted challenge. Kyrgyzstan happened to be among the first transitional countries where cities obtained systematic technical assistance in adapting the most advanced methodology of municipal asset management, which was recently developed under the auspices of the World Bank. Based on experience of work within five pilot cities, the article summarizes factors and methods that help develop a sense of strong ownership and internalization of new asset management vision and approaches among local officials and elected members of city councils. The article presents the experience of how the government of Uzgen, a city of about 40,000 people in South Kyrgyzstan, has changed its attitudes and approach regarding management of municipal property. The article demonstrates how two key processes—improving professional aspects of municipal asset management and developing local democracy though public involvement—have been reinforced by each other. One of the main lessons from Uzgen's experience is that municipal property asset management—because it deals with tangible issues—is a perfect focal point for developing local democracy and communication between a local population and its government. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of porous suspension‐PVC particles by stabilizer‐free aqueous dispersion polymerization of absorbed acrylate monomers
Authors: Shach‐Caplan M. , Narkis M. , Silverstein M. S.
Published: August 2002

The present study describes modification of porous PVC particles by polymerization of a monomer/crosslinker/peroxide solution absorbed within the PVC particles. The modifying crosslinked polymers include butyl acrylate (BA) crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) crosslinked with EGDMA. The monomer solution is blended with the PVC particles by dry‐blending. The monomer absorbed particles are then polymerized in a stabilizer‐free aqueous dispersion‐polymerization. The modified semi‐IPN PVC particles have better stability than the neat PVC particles in packed columns for absorption of halo‐organics from water, etc. The modified semi‐IPN PVC particles are melt processable and thus have the potential of being interesting and useful modified rigid PVC materials.

The modified PVC particles characterization includes polymerization yield, non‐extractables and porosity measurements and also morphology and dynamic mechanical behavior (DMTA).

PBA and PEHA polymerization has shown high yield levels. The high conversion of BA and EHA within the particle, is partly due to their low solubility in water. The levels of non‐extractable fractions found are indicative of low chemical interaction between the polyacrylate/PVC phases in the particle. The modified PVC particle's porosity levels indicate that BA and EHA partly polymerize within the PVC particles' bulk and partly in the pores as crusts covering the PVC pore surfaces. This finding is supported by SEM observations of unetched and etched freeze fractured surfaces. Higher crosslinking levels of the polyacrylate modification promote compatibility with the PVC particles' bulk. DMTA measurements show two loss modulus peaks for the 0.5%EGDMA blends in the glass transition temperature region, suggesting imcompatibility. However, at 5%EGDMA a single transition is found exhibiting enhanced compatibility owing to the high degree of crosslinking, which prevents phase separation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dysplastic changes in prophylactically removed Fallopian tubes of women predisposed to developing ovarian cancer
Authors: Piek Jurgen M. J. , van Diest Paul J. , Zweemer Ronald P. , Jansen Jan W. , Poort‐Keesom Ria J. J. , Menko Fred H. , Gille Johan J. P. , Jongsma Ans P. M. , Pals Gerard , Kenemans Peter , Verheijen René H. M.
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of (pre)neoplastic lesions in overtly normal Fallopian tubes from women predisposed to developing ovarian carcinoma. The presence of (pre)neoplastic lesions was scored in histological specimens from 12 women with a genetically determined predisposition for ovarian cancer, of whom seven tested positive for a germline BRCA1 mutation. A control group included 13 women. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of p21, p27, p53, cyclin A, cyclin D1, bcl‐2, Ki67, HER‐2/neu, and the oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis on the BRCA1 locus was also assessed on dysplastic tissue by PCR studies. Of the 12 women with a predisposition for ovarian cancer, six showed dysplasia, including one case of severe dysplasia. Five harboured hyperplastic lesions and in one woman no histological aberrations were found in the Fallopian tube. No hyperplastic, dysplastic or neoplastic lesions were detected in the Fallopian tubes of control subjects. In the cases studied, morphologically normal tubal epithelium contained a higher proportion of Ki67‐expressing cells (p=0.005) and lower fractions of cells expressing p21 (p<0.0001) and p27 (p=0.006) than in the control group. Even higher fractions of proliferating cells were found in dysplastic areas (p=0.07) and accumulation of p53 was observed in the severely dysplastic lesion. Expression patterns of other proteins studied, including the hormone receptors, were similar in cases and controls. One subject, a germline BRCA1 mutation carrier, showed loss of the wild‐type BRCA1 allele in the severely dysplastic lesion. In conclusion, the Fallopian tubes of women predisposed to developing ovarian cancer frequently harbour dysplastic changes, accompanied by changes in cell‐cycle and apoptosis‐related proteins, indicating an increased risk of developing tubal cancer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3p21, 5q21, and 9p21 allelic deletions are frequently found in normal bronchial cells adjacent to non‐small‐cell lung cancer, while they are unusual in patients with no evidence of malignancy
Authors: Sanz‐Ortega Julian , Saez Maria C. , Sierra Elena , Torres Antonio , Balibrea Jose L. , Hernando Florentino , Sanz‐Esponera Julian , Merino Maria J.
Published: August 2002

Molecular cytogenetic and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analyses of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have shown frequent allelic deletions in a variety of chromosomes, such as 1p, 3p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 11p, 11q, and 17p. Allelic loss at 3p21, 9p21, and 5q21 has also been reported in premalignant epithelial lesions of the bronchus and in normal bronchial cells. These findings suggest that a tissue field of somatic genetic alterations precedes the histopathological phenotypic changes of carcinoma. LOH at chromosomal regions 3p21, 5q21, 9p21, and 17p (TP53) was looked for in the peritumoural normal bronchial cells from 30 archival surgically resected tumours. Microdissected normal bronchial cells from 20 benign cytological smears were also added to the study. Matched populations of lymphocytes, tumour cells, and normal bronchial cells adjacent to the tumour were microdissected from paraffin‐embedded tissues, while matched populations of normal bronchial cells and inflammatory cells were microdissected from benign cytological smears (bronchial brushings). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed utilizing the specific markers D5S346, D3S1300, D9S157, D9S171, and TP53. Within the NSCLC tumour cells, LOH was more frequently found at the 5q21 locus (72% of the informative cases), the 3p21 locus (47%), 9p21 (48%), and 17p (33%). Within the peritumoural normal bronchial cells, LOH at 5q21 was found in 37.5% of the cases, 22% showed LOH at 3p21, 27% at 9p21, and 13% at 17p (TP53). LOH was also detected in one case, in normal bronchial cells obtained from cytological smears at one locus (5q21). In conclusion, normal bronchial mucosa adjacent to NSCLC has frequent allelic losses at 3p21, 5q21, and 9p21, while LOH at these loci is unusual in normal bronchial cells obtained from cytological smears from patients with no evidence of malignancy. LOH at these loci may be present before the onset of the malignant growth. LOH studies may supplement the histopathological evaluation of bronchial cells to detect genotypic alterations in both cytological and biopsy specimens. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphogenetic variability of faradiol monoesters in marigold Calendula officinalis L.
Authors: Zitterl‐Eglseer Karin , Reznicek Gottfried , Jurenitsch Johann , Novak Johannes , Zitterl Werner , Franz Chlodwig
Published: August 2002

The main compounds of lipophilic extracts of flower heads of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) are triterpendiol esters, mainly faradiol laurate, faradiol myristate and faradiol palmitate. These faradiol‐3‐O‐monoesters have been quantified for the first time by means of reversed phase HPLC with internal standardisation in different parts of C. officinalis plants, namely ray florets, disk florets, involucral bracts, receptacles, leaves and seeds. The amounts of the esters were highest in ray florets, approximately 10 times lower in disk florets than in the ray florets, and approximately 10 times lower in involucral bracts than in the disk florets. In the leaves only traces of the esters could be detected, and in the receptacles no esters could be detected at all. Quantification in the seed was not possible using this method because of interfering fatty compounds. Concerning the faradiol esters, the dried ray and disk florets only should be preferred as primary products for remedies as demanded in the recently published supplement of the Pharmacopoeia Europaea (1999). Breeding work should focus on varieties with a greater number of ray florets in order to improve the quality of herbal medicinal products derived from marigold. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of (+)‐catechin and (−)‐epicatechin in cacao and its products by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection
Authors: Subagio Achmad , Sari Puspita , Morita Naofumi
Published: August 2002

A fast single‐step extraction procedure and HPLC with electrochemical detection (ECD) in the oxidative mode has been used for the simultaneous, quantitative determination of (+)‐catechin (CA) and (−)‐epicatechin (EC) in cacao and its products. A UV detector measuring at 280 nm was also used in‐line for comparison purposes. The samples were extracted with methanol and applied directly to the reversed‐phase column of the HPLC. The high sensitivity of the ECD allowed operation at a low voltage (+0.5 V), but with a high sensitivity for the readily oxidisable CA and EC, thus reducing baseline noise. As a result, ECD had a better sensitivity and resolution than UV detection for the simultaneous quantitative determination of CA and EC in cacao and its products. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance thin layer chromatographic analysis of anti‐inflammatory triterpenoids from Boswellia serrata Roxb.
Authors: Krohn K. , Rao M. S. , Raman N. V. , Khalilullah M.
Published: August 2002

A rapid and simple high‐performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative estimation of the biologically active triterpenoids β‐boswellic acid, 3‐O‐acetyl‐β‐boswellic acid, 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid and 3‐O‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata. The assay combines the isolation and separation of boswellic acid derivatives on silica gel 60F254‐HPTLC plates with spot visualisation and scanning at 250 nm. Methanol was found to be the most appropriate solvent for the exhaustive extraction of boswellic acid derivatives. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cells in the uterine cervix: a source for early non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Fejgin Moshe D. , Diukman Ron , Cotton Yael , Weinstein Galina , Amiel Aliza
Published: August 2002

Various non‐invasive techniques for prenatal diagnosis have been under investigation. We evaluated the success of fetal sexing using a non‐invasive technique for obtaining fetal cells, uterine cervix brushing, in combination with FISH. Thirty pregnant women who completed between 6 and 10 weeks of gestation and who were scheduled to undergo pregnancy termination were included in the study. A Pap smear cytobrush was inserted through the external os to a maximum depth of 2 cm and removed while rotating it a full turn. The material that was caught on the brush was spread on four microscope slides. Two‐color FISH was used for fetal sexing. Following pregnancy termination, a placental sample was used for full karyotyping. In 29/30 cases FISH diagnosis was confirmed by chromosomal analysis. The only male case in which a Y chromosome was not seen was from a pregnancy of 6 weeks 6 days gestational age. One case was mosaic of 46,XY/47,XXY (25%). In most cases (7/13) the Y chromosome was already identified in the first analyzed slide. With the use of a cytobrush fetal cells can be easily obtained for the purpose of prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal disorders. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnostic protocols for α‐ and β‐thalassaemias using multiplex fluorescent PCR
Authors: Piyamongkol Wirawit , Harper Joyce C. , Delhanty Joy D. A. , Wells Dagan
Published: August 2002

Haemoglobinopathies including α‐ and β‐thalassaemia are the world's most common class of single gene disorder. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) for β‐thalassaemia has been proven to be an effective strategy for controlling the incidence of new cases and is widely used in several countries where the disease is common. Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) protocols for β‐thalassaemia have been introduced using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). However, contamination and allele dropout (ADO) remain an important concern for all of these strategies. In the present study two PGD protocols for detecting β‐thalassaemia mutations (codon 41‐42 and IVSI‐110) and one for α‐thalassaemia (SEA mutation) have been designed and tested. These methods contain failsafe mechanisms to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis due to ADO or contamination and utilise multiplex fluorescent PCR (F‐PCR). Interestingly, amplification efficiency and ADO were significantly affected by the choice of DNA polymerase and the freshness of the single cells used. The close similarity between the DNA sequences of β‐globin and δ‐globin was also found to be an important issue that necessitated careful design of primers for the β‐globin gene. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A negative second trimester triple test and absence of specific ultrasonographic markers may decrease the need for genetic amniocentesis in advanced maternal age by 60%
Authors: Rosen D. J. D. , Kedar I. , Amiel A. , Ben‐Tovim T. , Petel Y. , Kaneti H. , Tohar M. , Fejgin M. D.
Published: August 2002

Objective

A study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of combining a second trimester triple test and targeted ultrasound in order to detect Down syndrome in women undergoing amniocentesis over 35 years of age.

Methods

Women over 35 years of age underwent a triple test and an ultrasound examination for chromosomal markers immediately prior to genetic amniocentesis.

Results

One thousand and six women were examined. Four hundred and thirty seven were triple test‐positive and in 195 cases ultrasonographic abnormalities were observed. Thirteen had Down syndrome and eight had other chromosomal abnormalities. All women with Down syndrome babies were triple test‐positive and seven also had ultrasonographic markers. Three of eight women who had babies with chromosomal aberrations other then Down syndrome were also triple test‐positive.

Conclusions

The use of the triple test as a screening tool in our population would reduce the number of amniocenteses by 60%, while no cases of Down syndrome would be missed. Ultrasonographic markers have added little to this population. Three non‐Down syndrome chromosomal abnormalities and two Down syndrome mosaic cases would be missed by this approach. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.