bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian regression and classification using mixtures of Gaussian processes
Authors: Shi J.Q. , Murray‐Smith R. , Titterington D.M.
Published: March 2003

For a large data set with groups of repeated measurements, a mixture model of Gaussian process priors is proposed for modelling the heterogeneity among the different replications. A hybrid Markov chain Monte‐Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is developed for the implementation of the model for regression and classification. The regression model and its implementation are illustrated by modelling observed functional electrical stimulation (FES) experimental results. The classification model is illustrated in a synthetic example. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple, rapid, and automated method for detection of hyperaggregability of platelets using a hematology analyzer
Authors: Shimizu Mie , Yamamoto Masahiro , Miyachi Hayato , Shinohara Yukito , Ando Yasuhiko
Published: March 2003

Estimation of hyperaggregability of platelets is important for diagnosis and prevention of vascular events. We have developed and evaluated a simple and rapid method for detection of a hyperaggregable state of platelets by using an Abbott CELL‐DYN® 4000 hematology analyzer. Citrated blood samples were collected from 62 patients with chronic cerebral infarction (CCI), of whom 19 patients were treated with ticlopidine, and from 9 healthy subjects. Platelet clumps were detected in the scatter plots for white blood cell populations with the hematology analyzer. Platelet clumps were positive in 20 of 43 (46.5%) CCI patients who were not treated with anti‐platelet agents but not at all in 9 healthy subjects and in 19 CCI patients treated with ticlopidine. The detection of platelet clumps in citrated blood by the hematology analyzer was proved useful in detecting a platelet hyperaggregability in CCI patients. This method is simple, rapid, and automated and thus should be suitable for routine clinical use for monitoring indications and the efficacy of anti‐platelet drugs. Am. J. Hematol. 72:282–283, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homozygous mutations in caveolin‐3 cause a severe form of rippling muscle disease
Authors: Kubisch Christian , Schoser Benedikt G. H. , Düring Monika v. , Betz Regina C. , Goebel Hans‐Hilmar , Zahn Susanne , Ehrbrecht Antje , Aasly Jan , Schroers Anja , Popovic Nikola , Lochmüller Hanns , Schröder J. Michael , Brüning Thomas , Malin Jean‐Pierre , Fricke Britta , Meinck Hans‐Michael , Torbergsen Torberg , Engels Hartmut , Voss Bruno , Vorgerd Matthias
Published: March 2003

Heterozygous missense mutations in the caveolin‐3 gene (CAV3) cause different muscle disorders. Most patients with CAV3 alterations present with rippling muscle disease (RMD) characterized by signs of increased muscle irritability without muscle weakness. In some patients, CAV3 mutations underlie the progressive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD1C). Here, we report two unrelated patients with novel homozygous mutations (L86P and A92T) in CAV3. Both presented with a more severe clinical phenotype than usually seen in RMD. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of muscle biopsies showed a strong reduction of caveolin‐3 in both homozygous RMD patients similar to the findings in heterozygous RMD. Electron microscopy studies showed a nearly complete absence of caveolae in the sarcolemma in all RMD patients analyzed. Additional plasma membrane irregularities (small plasmalemmal discontinuities, subsarcolemmal vacuoles, abnormal papillary projections) were more pronounced in homozygous than in heterozygous RMD patients. A stronger activation of nitric oxide synthase was observed in both homozygous patients compared with heterozygous RMD. Like in LGMD1C, dysferlin immunoreactivity is reduced in RMD but more pronounced in homozygous as compared with heterozygous RMD. Thus, we further extend the phenotypic variability of muscle caveolinopathies by identification of a severe form of RMD associated with homozygous CAV3 mutations. Ann Neurol 2003
A direct prefrontotectal tract against distractibility in the human brain
Authors: Gaymard Bertrand , François Chantal , Ploner Christoph J. , Condy Carine , Rivaud‐Péchoux Sophie
Published: March 2003

Distractibility, which can be defined as an attention deficit in which orientation toward irrelevant targets can be hardly inhibited, is commonly related to a dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Here, we show that increased distractibility, observed in a patient with an exceptionally small lesion located in the upper brainstem, may result from the interruption of a direct tract that connects the prefrontal cortex to the superior colliculus, a structure involved in both eye movement control and attentional shifts. Ann Neurol 2003;53:542–545
Updating the asymmetric osmium‐catalyzed dihydroxylation (AD) mnemonic: Q2MM modeling and new kinetic measurements
Authors: Fristrup Peter , Tanner David , Norrby Per‐Ola
Published: March 2003

The mnemonic device for predicting stereoselectivities in the Sharp‐less asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) reaction has been updated based on extensive computational studies. Kinetic measurements from competition reactions validate the new proposal. The interactions responsible for the high stereoselectivity in the title reaction are analyzed in detail and mapped onto the mnemonic device. Chirality 15:360–368, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparison of Analogous 4f‐ and 5f‐Element Compounds: Syntheses and X‐ray Crystal Structures of the Mixed Sandwich Complexes [M(η‐C8H8)(L){OP(NMe2)3}] (M = Nd or U; L = η‐C5Me5 or η‐C4Me4P)
Authors: Cendrowski‐Guillaume Sophie M. , Le Gland Gildas , Nierlich Martine , Ephritikhine Michel
Published: March 2003

The series of complexes [M(COT)(L)(HMPA)] {M = Nd or U; COT = η‐C8H8; L = η‐C5Me5 (Cp*) or η‐C4Me4P (tmp), HMPA = OP(NMe2)3} have been synthesized. [Nd(COT)(Cp*)(HMPA)] (1b) was prepared by substitution of the THF ligand of [Nd(COT)(Cp*)(THF)]; [Nd(COT)(tmp)(HMPA)] (3) was prepared by reaction of the neodymium cation [Nd(COT)(THF)4][BPh4] with Ktmp followed by the addition of HMPA to the dimeric compound [Nd(COT)(tmp)]2 (2); [U(COT)(Cp*)(HMPA)] (4) was isolated from the reaction of the uranium cation [U(COT)(HMPA)3][BPh4] with KCp*, and [U(COT)(tmp)(HMPA)2] (5) was obtained upon reduction of the uranium(IV) cation of [U(COT)(tmp)(HMPA)2][BPh4] with sodium amalgam. The X‐ray crystal structures of 1b, 3, and 4 have been determined. In the isostructural compounds 1b and 4, the differences between the U−C and Nd−C bond lengths are smaller than those predicted from the ionic radii of the trivalent ions; in particular, the average M−C(Cp*) distances are equal to 2.77 Å for both M = Nd and U. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Two New Dinuclear Sterically Crowded CuII Complexes as Catalyst Precursors for the Oxidative Coupling of 2,6‐Dimethylphenol
Authors: Aromí Guillem , Gamez Patrick , Kooijman Huub , Spek Anthony L. , Driessen Willem L. , Reedijk Jan
Published: March 2003

The molecular structure and spectroscopic properties of the first two bis(μ‐η1‐nitrato)‐bridged, dinuclear Cu complexes containing 4,4′‐biimidazole ligands are presented. 1H NMR, EPR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy indicate that their solid‐state structure is not retained in solution. Dioxygen uptake measurements show that the presence of a methyl group at the 2‐position of the imidazole rings leads to a dramatic increase of the rate of the catalytic polymerization of 2,6‐dimethylphenol. Detailed examination of the molecular structures of both catalyst precursors in the crystalline state suggests that this may either be caused by the difference in basicity of the biimidazole ligands or by a small but important steric effect of the 2‐Me groups affecting the coplanarity of equatorial CuII ligands and the orientation of the axial nitrate ligands. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Arylcalcium Hydrides as Precursors to Alkoxides and Aryloxides of Calcium
Authors: Dunne John P. , Tacke Matthias , Selinka Carola , Stalke Dietmar
Published: March 2003

Calcium atoms react with +I‐substituted benzene derivatives under cocondensation conditions to yield arylcalcium hydrides. With toluene, tert‐butylbenzene, and trimethyl(phenyl)silane the reaction showed no selectivity for C−H activation, resulting in the formation of each of the three possible isomers, while with m‐xylene the reaction resulted in selective activation of the bond meta to the CH3 groups. Treatment of (tert‐butylphenyl)calcium hydride with di‐ and trisubstituted phenols such as 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol, and 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenol resulted in the formation of calcium aryloxides in yields > 95%. [Ca(2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2O)2(THF)3] crystallises from a THF solution as a distorted trigonal bipyramid, with two THF ligands in the trans‐axial positions and the third THF ligand and both aryloxide groups in equatorial positions. The Ca−OAryl bond length was found to average at 2.181(3) Å. The Ca−O−CAryl angles are almost linear, with Ca1−O1−C1 and Ca1−O2−C19 being 173.9(3)° and 178.8(3)°, respectively, while the O1−Ca1−O2 angle was determined as 152.04(12)°. A reaction between (tert‐butylphenyl)calcium hydride and triphenylmethanol resulted in the formation of the corresponding monomeric calcium bis(alkoxide) Ca(OCPh3)2(THF)4 in 95% yield. The structure was determined as a distorted octahedron with the alkoxide ligands in a cis‐equatorial arrangement. The Ca−O bond length was determined at 2.1609(17) Å. The Ca−O−CAryl angle of 177.46(16)° is almost linear, while the O1−Ca1−O1A angle was determined at 110.12(19)°. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Thermally induced phase transition in helical comblike poly(β‐peptide)s: An atomistic simulation
Authors: Zanuy David , Alemán Carlos , Laso Manuel , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: March 2003

Atomistic Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have been used to study a thermally induced phase transition in poly(α‐octadecyl‐β,L‐aspartate). Simulations were performed by using the parallelized version of Configurational Bias MC algorithm adapted to study comblike polymers. A total of 1.15 · 106 steps were carried out for a molecular system constituted by 6240 atoms/pseudoatoms. Results were consistent with available experimental observations. The limitations of atomistic simulations to study large length‐scale phenomena are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 770–778, 2003
Parallelization of four‐component calculations. II. Symmetry‐driven parallelization of the 4‐Spinor CCSD algorithm
Authors: Pernpointner Markus , Visscher Lucas
Published: March 2003

Given the importance of the Coupled‐cluster (CC) method as an efficient and accurate way to take electron correlation into account, we extend the parallelization technique in the second part of this series also to the 4‐Spinor CCSD algorithm implemented in the Dirac–Fock packages DIRAC and MOLFDIR. The present implementation is based on the availability of the transformed molecular two‐electron integrals on an external storage medium. The linearity of the CC equations in these two‐electron integrals is used in a parallelization strategy that is based on distribution of the two largest integral classes that carry three or four virtual spinor indices. The corresponding partial contributions to the T1 and T2 amplitudes are calculated on each node and added using Message Passing Interface (MPI) library calls. Although we did not employ a master/slave principle, one specific node was assigned to also perform the remaining serial parts of the algorithm. In the critical sections considerable savings in storage requirements and computer time could be achieved, and this allows for computations on larger systems in the framework of four‐component theory. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 754–759, 2003
Performance of time‐dependent density functional and Green functions methods for calculations of excitation energies in radicals and for Rydberg electronic states
Authors: Zyubin A. S. , Mebel A. M.
Published: March 2003

Time‐dependent density functional (TD‐DFT) and perturbation theory‐based outer valence Green functions (OVGF) methods have been tested for calculations of excitation energies for a set of radicals, molecules, and model clusters simulating points defects in silica. The results show that the TD‐DFT approach may give unreliable results not only for diffuse Rydberg states, but also for electronic states involving transitions between MOs localized in two remote from each other spatial regions, for example, for charge‐transfer excitations. For the · O—SiX3 clusters, where X is a single‐valence group, TD‐DFT predicts reasonable excitation energies but incorrect sequence of electronic transitions. For a number of cases where TD‐DFT is shown to be unreliable, the OVGF approach can provide better estimates of excitation energies, but this method also is not expected to perform universally well. The OVGF performance is demonstrated to be satisfactory for excitations with predominantly single‐determinant wave functions where the deviations of the calculated energies from experiment should not exceed 0.1–0.3 eV. However, for more complicated transitions involving multiple bonds or for excited states with multireference wave functions the OVGF approach is less reliable and error in the computed energies can reach 0.5–1 eV. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 692–700, 2003
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the single‐commodity, uncapacitated, fixed‐charge network flow problem
Authors: Ortega Francisco , Wolsey Laurence A.
Published: March 2003

We present a branch‐and‐cut algorithm to solve the single‐commodity, uncapacitated, fixed‐charge network flow problem, which includes the Steiner tree problem, uncapacitated lot‐sizing problems, and the fixed‐charge transportation problem as special cases. The cuts used are simple dicut inequalities and their variants. A crucial problem when separating these inequalities is to find the right cut set on which to generate the inequalities. The prototype branch‐and‐cut system, bc–nd, includes a separation heuristic for the dicut inequalities and problem‐specific primal heuristics, branching, and pruning rules. Computational results show that bc–nd is competitive compared to a variety of special purpose algorithms for problems with explicit flow costs. We also examine how general purpose MIP systems perform on such problems when provided with formulations that have been tightened a priori with dicut inequalities. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐local boundary integral formulation for softening damage
Authors: Sládek Ján , Sládek Vladimír , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: March 2003

A strongly non‐local boundary element method (BEM) for structures with strain‐softening damage treated by an integral‐type operator is developed. A plasticity model with yield limit degradation is implemented in a boundary element program using the initial‐stress boundary element method with iterations in each load increment. Regularized integral representations and boundary integral equations are used to avoid the difficulties associated with numerical computation of singular integrals. A numerical example is solved to verify the physical correctness and efficiency of the proposed formulation. The example consists of a softening strip perforated by a circular hole, subjected to tension. The strain‐softening damage is described by a plasticity model with a negative hardening parameter. The local formulation is shown to exhibit spurious sensitivity to cell mesh refinements, localization of softening damage into a band of single‐cell width, and excessive dependence of energy dissipation on the cell size. By contrast, the results for the non‐local theory are shown to be free of these physically incorrect features. Compared to the classical non‐local finite element approach, an additional advantage is that the internal cells need to be introduced only within the small zone (or band) in which the strain‐softening damage tends to localize within the structure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ambiguities of government funding for faith‐based organizations and philanthropy
Authors: Jeavons Thomas H.
Published: March 2003

The impact of the federal initiative to fund faith‐based nonprofits is fraught with ambiguities. The greatest danger in considering the possible impact is to overgeneralize what might occur.
Can remittances increase charitable giving among immigrant families?
Authors: Pettey Janice Gow
Published: March 2003

Money transfers, or remittances, are an established vehicle for immigrants in the United States to provide support for their families in home countries. This practice may have an important impact on philanthropy.
The new entrepreneurs: New philanthropy or not?
Authors: Larson Barbara
Published: March 2003

As the new entrepreneurs become engaged donors, they are bringing some new ideas to philanthropy while also holding on to some traditional ones.
Formation of Amylose‐Lipid Complexes and Effects of Temperature Treatment. Part 2. Fatty Acids
Authors: Tufvesson Fredrik , Wahlgren Marie , Eliasson Ann‐Charlotte
Published: March 2003

This article is the second part of research on amylose‐lipid complexes, where the first article dealt with monoglycerides. Here, a variety of fatty acids with chain lengths between 3 and 22 carbons and with varying degree of unsaturation were studied regarding their ability to form amylose‐lipid complexes. In the present paper it is intended to investigate the formation of different fatty acid‐ amylose complexes under conditions that are not optimised for complex formation. Such conditions are common in the processing of starch. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to analyse transition temperatures and enthalpies (ΔH). The transition enthalpy ΔH was taken as a measure of the quantity of the complexes in the samples.

Except for the two shortest fatty acids (propionic and butyric acid), all the fatty acids showed DSC‐peaks corresponding to transition of amylose‐lipid complexes. Form II complexes, i.e. the crystalline form of the complex, were also formed for all fatty acids with a chain length of ≥12, even with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In this investigation, the amount and type of complexes formed do not reflect equilibrium conditions, but are instead a result of the rate of all the different sub‐processes involved in complex formation, and these are influenced by the availability of the fatty acids and the heat treatment. The highest amounts of complexes were created by arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid when the sample had not been subjected to any previous heat treatment. Heat treatment of the sample changed this and for heat treated samples the saturated palmitic and stearic acid yielded highest total amount of complexes. However, the ratio between complexes of form II and form I differed between the fatty acids complexes and during extended temperature treatment, most form II complexes were created by arachidonic and linoleic acid.

Comparing the results from each fatty acid to the corresponding monoglyceride (with chain lengths of 10‐18), it can be concluded that fatty acids seem to form complexes more easily than monoglycerides do, but monoglycerides create complex form II more easily than fatty acids, especially in case of shorter‐chain lipids.
Synthesis of Novel Starches in Planta: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Davis J. Paul , Supatcharee Netrphan , Khandelwal Ramji L. , Chibbar Ravindra N.
Published: March 2003

In addition to being the main source of energy in the human diet, starch is also used for a wide variety of industrial processes. Potato, maize, wheat and cassava are the major sources for industrial starch. While there are significant species‐dependent differences among these starches, in most cases it is necessary to chemically or physically modify the starches in order to meet the various industrial needs. The advent of molecular biology and genetic engineering has provided the requisite technologies to produce starches in planta with improved properties, which may reduce or eliminate the need for in vitro starch modification. In the last decade significant progress in our understanding of starch biosynthesis has been achieved through the use of these technologies. In this review, starch structure, functionality and use in industry are discussed. The recent discoveries in the area of starch biosynthesis are reviewed and several potential plant breeding and/or genetic engineering strategies for the modification of starch synthesis in planta are presented.
Optimizing out‐of‐school time: The role of free‐choice learning
Authors: Dierking Lynn D. , Falk John H.
Published: March 2003

Free‐choice learning, a new paradigm for the learning that youth and their families engage in outside school, can play an important role in the healthy development of youth, their families, and communities.
Thermoelasticity without energy dissipation of nonsimple materials
Authors: Quintanilla R.
Published: March 2003

In this article we propose a model of the nonsimple thermoelastic theory without energy dissipation. The equations of the linear theory are also obtained. Later, we obtain a uniqueness theorem for materials with a center of symmetry and an existence and uniqueness result in the general case. It is worth noting that we present two uniqueness results that apply to two different families of equations that govern the thermoelasticity without energy dissipation of nonsimple materials.
Bounds for the extreme eigenvalues of symmetric matrices
Authors: Huang T.‐Z. , Xu C.‐X.
Published: March 2003

In this short paper, practical estimates for the extreme eigenvalues of symmetric matrices and their inverses are obtained, and a criterion for Stieltjes matrices is presented.
Mixed finite element methods with discontinuous pressures for the axisymmetric Stokes problem
Authors: Ruas V.
Published: March 2003

Two methods for solving the Stokes system in the axisymmetric case are studied. Both are designed for the standard Galerkin formulation, and use discontinuous pressure spaces. The first method is a rectangular based Q2‐P1 method due to Fortin. The other one is the so‐called Crouzeix‐Raviart triangle. Both methods are proven to be second order convergent in the natural weighted Sobolev norms, for the system under consideration.
Quality of Life of Stoma Patients: Temporary Ileostomy versus Colostomy
Authors: Silva Michael Anthony , Ratnayake Geethani , Deen Kemal I.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Ileostomy for proximal diversion as a preferred option over colostomy has been a recent topic of interest. Our study evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of patients with a temporary ileostomy and compared it with that of patients with a temporary colostomy. The QOL of 25 patients with an ileostomy (median age 42 years, range 22–76 years) was compared with that for 25 patients with a colostomy (median age 44 years, range 18–70 years). Indications for a stoma were rectal carcinoma, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, anastomotic leak, or incontinence following an operative procedure for rectal prolapse. The study was conducted at a median of 8 weeks (range 6–16 weeks) for ileostomy patients and of 9 weeks (range 5–17 weeks) for colostomy patients following stoma creation. A self‐administered structured questionnaire was used, with responses obtained for 10 QOL questions on a visual analog rating scale (0–100 mm); they were graded good (71–100), satisfactory (31–70), or poor (0–30). Altogether, 22 (88%) patients with an ileostomy, compared with 16 (64%) patients with a colostomy, were able to purchase their stomal appliances (p = 0.09, χ2: NS). Effluent was tolerable in 18 (72%) patients with an ileostomy compared with 7 (28%) patients with a colostomy (p = 0.002, χ2). Appetite was not affected in any of the patients with an ileostomy (100%), compared with 64% of patients with a colostomy (p = 0.002, χ2), travel by public transport 32% compared to 28% with colostomy (NS), dress in 20% compared to 24% with colostomy (NS), and daily activities 28% compared to 24% with colostomy (NS). Moreover, 68% with an ileostomy did not have a problem with hygiene compared with 40% with a colostomy (NS); 95% with an ileostomy abstained from sexual activity compared with 81% with a colostomy (p = 0.21, χ2: NS). Both ileostomy and colostomy resulted in significant QOL impairment. However, with ileostomy, the effluent was more tolerable, had less of an impact on personal hygiene, and preserved the appetite compared with colostomy. There were no differences in travel, dress, daily chores, or sexual activity between the two groups.
Trauma Management in Australia and the Tyranny of Distance
Authors: Danne Peter D.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Major trauma presents a time‐critical medical emergency. Successful and expeditious management with early definitive treatment is required to prevent secondary injury. The resources in the prehospital setting, at the hospital of first treatment, and at the tertiary referral (major trauma) center all have an impact on the ability of an integrated trauma system to deliver optimal care to a patient. The time between leaving the injury site and instituting definitive care does not always equate with distance. Retrieval resources must be allocated carefully. Potentially preventable morbidity and mortality has been identified and is specifically related to the time between injury and definitive care and the efficiency of the retrieval and hospital transfer processes. These problems are being addressed with a further sophistication of integrated trauma systems. Regional trauma committees, unified and sophisticated ambulance services, good communication lines, adequate resources at major trauma services, and well developed surgical services are all essential for the appropriate and expeditious management of major trauma patients injured at a distance from tertiary referral (major trauma) centers.
Healing of Esophageal Anastomoses Performed with the Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring versus the End‐to‐end Anastomosis Stapler: Comparative Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Kovács Tibor , Köves István , Orosz Zsolt , Németh Tibor , Pandi Erzsébet , Kralovanszky Judit
Published: March 2003

Abstract

The biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) has been used successfully for anastomoses from the stomach to the upper rectum. The healing of intrathoracic esophageal anastomoses performed with the BAR or an end‐to‐end anastomosis (EEA) stapler on an experimental model was compared. Parameters of tissue repair were evaluated: macroscopic examination, bursting strength (BS), collagen (hydroxyproline, or HP), histology (H&E and Picrosirius red staining for collagen). A series of 48 mongrel dogs were randomly separated into two groups (30 BAR, 18 stapler) and subgroups according to the time of autopsy (days 4, 7, 14, 28). Mortality was 13.3% (4 BAR cases) with two deaths not related to surgery (excluded). There were four leaks in the BAR group (14.3%) and no leaks or deaths but two strictures in the stapler group. BS was significantly higher in the BAR group during the first week, and values were almost equal from the second week with both methods. The HP rate was significantly reduced on days 4 and 7 in both groups compared to the reference values; the values were close to reference values from the second week (lower in the BAR group). Stapled anastomoses caused less pronounced inflammation and were associated with an earlier start of regeneration, but the difference was not significant compared to that in the BAR group. Accumulation of new collagen (green polarization) started on day 7 in both groups, but maturation (orange‐red polarization) was significantly more advanced in the BAR group after the second week. A strong linear correlation between the BS and HP rate was found with both methods. There was no significant difference in the complication rate or healing of intrathoracic BAR and stapled anastomoses. The BAR method is simple, quick, and safe; and it seems to be a feasible procedure for creating intrathoracic esophageal anastomoses in dogs.
Use of aminoglycoside adenyltransferase translational fusions to determine topology of thylakoid membrane proteins
Authors: Franklin John Lee , Zhang Jianying , Redding Kevin
Published: March 2003

We have developed a system to examine the topology of thylakoid membrane proteins using the bacterial aadA gene as a reporter. Translational fusions that place the aminoglycoside adenyltransferase domain in the stroma should provide high antibiotic resistance, while those that place it in the thylakoid lumen should give rise to low resistance. Genes encoding chimeric polypeptides consisting of AadA fused to varying lengths of the PsaA polypeptide, whose topology is known, were introduced into the chloroplast genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. As expected, chimeras with an even number of α‐helices in general resulted in higher resistance. This effect was not due to differences in expression or in catalytic activity. This system should prove useful in analysis of novel proteins predicted to be localized to the thylakoid membrane.
Ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor are expressed in the rat adrenal cortex: evidence that ghrelin stimulates the growth, but not the secretory activity of adrenal cells
Authors: Andreis Paola G , Malendowicz Ludwik K , Trejter Marcin , Neri Giuliano , Spinazzi Raffaella , Rossi Gian Paolo , Nussdorfer Gastone G
Published: March 2003

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R), which has been originally isolated from rat stomach. Evidence has been previously provided that adrenal gland possesses abundant ghrelin‐displaceable GHS‐Rs, but nothing is known about the possible role of ghrelin in the regulation of adrenocortical function. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the expression of ghrelin and GHS‐R in the rat adrenal cortex, and high adrenal concentrations of immunoreactive ghrelin were detected by radioimmune assay (RIA). Autoradiography localized abundant [125I]ghrelin binding sites in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) and outer zona fasciculata (ZF). Ghrelin (from 10−10 to 10−8 M) did not affect either basal steroid hormone (pregnenolone, progesterone, 11‐deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 18‐hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone) secretion from dispersed ZG and zona fasciculata/reticularis (ZF/R) cells (as evaluated by quantitative high pressure liquid chromatography), or basal and agonist‐stimulated aldosterone and corticosterone production from cultured ZG and ZF/R cells, respectively (as measured by RIA). Ghrelin (10−8 and 10−6 M) raised basal, but not agonist‐stimulated, proliferation rate of cultured ZG cells (percent of cells able to incorporate 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine), without affecting apoptotic deletion rate (percent of cells able to incorporate biotinylated nucleosides into apoptotic DNA fragments). The tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor tyrphostin‐23 and the p42/p44 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD‐98059 abolished the proliferogenic effect of 10−8 M ghrelin, while the protein kinase A and C inhibitors H‐89 and calphostin‐C were ineffective. Ghrelin (10−8 M) stimulated TK and MAPK activity of dispersed ZG cells, and the effect was abolished by preincubation with tyrphostin‐23 and PD‐98059, respectively. Tyrphostin‐23 annulled ghrelin‐induced activation of MAPK activity. Taken together, the present findings indicate that (i) ghrelin and GHS‐R are both expressed in the rat adrenal cortex, ghrelin binding sites being very abundant in the ZG; (ii) ghrelin does not affect the secretory activity of rat adrenocortical cells, but significantly enhances the proliferation rate of cultured ZG cells, without affecting apoptotic deletion rate; and (iii) the ZG proliferogenic action of ghrelin involves the TK‐dependent activation of the p42/p44 MAPK cascade.
Differences in the ubiquitination of p53 by Mdm2 and the HPV protein E6
Authors: Camus Suzanne , Higgins Maureen , Lane David P , Lain Sonia
Published: March 2003

The human papillomavirus (HPV) protein E6 can promote the ubiquitination of the p53 tumour suppressor in vitro, providing an explanation for the ability of E6 to induce p53 degradation in vivo and contribute to the potential tumorigenic effect of the virus. Instead, in non‐infected cells, p53 levels are primarily destabilised by the ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of the Mdm2 protein. Here we have compared the effects of E6 and Mdm2 on p53 ubiquitination in vivo. We show that whereas in the presence of Mdm2 proteasome inhibitors induce the accumulation of ubiquitinated forms of p53, this does not occur in the presence of E6. Accordingly, we confirm that the effect of E6 and p53 is independent of the six C‐terminal lysine residues in p53, which have previously been described to play an important role for effective ubiquitination and degradation of 53 mediated by Mdm2. We also show that other yet unidentified residues in p53 are also susceptible to ubiquitination. These results indicate that E6 does not induce ubiquitination of p53 in the same way as Mdm2 in order to promote its degradation, suggesting important differences between the Mdm2 and E6 effects on p53 degradation.
Protein folding: could hydrophobic collapse be coupled with hydrogen‐bond formation?
Authors: Fernández Ariel , Kardos József , Goto Yuji
Published: March 2003

A judicious examination of an exhaustive PDB sample of soluble globular proteins of moderate size (N<102) reveals a commensurable relationship between hydrophobic surface burial and number of backbone hydrogen bonds. An analysis of 50 000 conformations along the longest all‐atom MD trajectory allows us to infer that not only the hydrophobic collapse is concurrent with the formation of backbone amide‐carbonyl hydrogen bonds, they are also dynamically coupled processes. In statistical terms, hydrophobic clustering of the side chains is inevitably conducive to backbone burial and the latter process becomes thermodynamically too costly and kinetically unfeasible without amide‐carbonyl hydrogen‐bond formation. Furthermore, the desolvation of most hydrogen bonds is exhaustive along the pathway, implying that such bonds guide the collapse process.
Acupuncture and arthroscopic acromioplasty
Authors: Gilbertson Barbara , Wenner Karl , Russell Lisa C.
Published: March 2003

Background. Acupuncture alleviates acute and chronic shoulder pain. Yet it has not been determined whether acupuncture is useful following musculoskeletal surgery. Hypothesis: Compared to sham acupuncture, arthroscopic acromioplasty subjects who received real acupuncture would manifest significantly better recovery as demonstrated by: UCLA shoulder scale, improved range of motion, diminished pain, decreased need and duration of analgesic use, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Methods. Forty arthroscopic acromioplasty patients were randomized to real or sham acupuncture. UCLA shoulder scale scores, pain intensity, analgesic use, range of motion, and quality of life were monitored for four months. Data were analyzed with the general linear model ANOVA for repeated measures.

Results. Thirty‐five subjects completed the study. Real acupuncture subjects scored significantly better on UCLA shoulder scale (p< 0.000); pain intensity (p< 0.022); self‐reported analgesic use (p< 0.008); angles of abduction (p< 0.046); and in six of eight health status questionnaire components.

Conclusions. Following arthroscopic acromioplasty, real acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture offered significantly greater improvement via: (1) lower pain level, (2) less analgesic use, (3) range of motion, and (4) patient satisfaction. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tensile mechanical properties of bovine articular cartilage: Variations with growth and relationships to collagen network components
Authors: Williamson Amanda K. , Chen Albert C. , Masuda Koichi , Thonar Eugene J.‐ M. A. , Sah Robert L.
Published: March 2003

One approach to repairing articular defects is to regenerate cartilage by recapitulating the changes that occur during fetal and postnatal growth into adulthood, and to thereby restore functional biomechanical properties, especially those of the normally strong superficial region. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize and compare tensile biomechanical properties of the superficial region of articular cartilage of the patellofemoral groove (PFG) and femoral condyle (FC) from bovine animals over a range of growth stages (third‐trimester fetal, 1–3 week‐old calf, and adult), and (2) to determine if these properties were correlated with collagen network components. With growth from the fetus to the adult, the equilibrium and dynamic tensile moduli and strength of cartilage samples increased by an average of 391‐1060%, while the strain at the failure decreased by 43%. The collagen concentration (per wet weight) increased by 98%, and the pyridinoline cross‐link concentration increased by 730%, while the glycosaminoglycan concentration remained unchanged or decreased slightly. Some growth‐associated changes were location‐specific, with tensile moduli and strength attaining higher values in the PFG than the FC. The growth‐associated variation in tensile moduli and strength were associated strongly with variation in the contents of collagen and pyridinoline cross‐link, but not sulfated glycosaminoglycan. The marked changes in the tensile properties and collagen network components of articular cartilage with growth suggest that such parameters may be used to evaluate the degrees to which regenerated cartilage recapitulates normal development and growth. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Extensive use of split liver for pediatric liver transplantation: A single-center experience
Authors: Spada Marco , Gridelli Bruno , Colledan Michele , Segalin Andrea , Lucianetti Alessandro , Petz Wanda , Riva Silvia , Torre Giuliano
Published: March 2003

The results of the extensive use of in situ liver splitting in a pediatric liver transplant program are presented. All referred donors were considered for split liver, and when the donor-recipient body weight ratio (DRWR) was greater than 2, the grafts were split. A modified split-liver technique was adopted when the DRWR was 2 or less. Eighty liver procurements were attempted and 72 (90%) were performed, enabling 65 children to receive 42 split, 22 whole, and 8 reduced-size livers. The right portions of the grafts were transplanted by other centers into adults. Median patient waiting time was 22 days, with no mortality on the waiting list. After a median follow-up of 14 months, overall patient and graft survival rates were 85% and 81%, respectively. Fifty-eight children received a single allograft, whereas 7 children required retransplantation. Two-year actuarial survival rates were 85% for split-liver recipients, 84% for whole-liver recipients, and 67% for reduced-size liver recipients. Vascular complications developed in 18% of the patients, with no difference among the 3 groups with different technique. Biliary complications developed in 25% of the children, mainly in reduced-size and split-liver recipients. Patient and graft survival rates for right split-liver grafts were 84% and 79%, respectively. Adopting a liberal policy of liver splitting provides allografts of optimal quality for pediatric transplantation, allowing a dramatic decrease in the waiting list time. The in situ split-liver technique should be considered the method of choice for expanding the cadaveric liver donor pool.
Prolonged rewarming time during allograft implantation predisposes to recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation
Authors: Baron Pedro W. , Sindram David , Higdon Dave , Howell David N. , Gottfried Marcia R. , Tuttle-Newhall Janet E. , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: March 2003

The majority of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) have end-stage liver disease secondary to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although OLT does not cure the disease and recurrent virus is present in all patients, relatively few patients with recurrent viremia develop clinical disease. When the disease recurs, however, the results can be devastating. Factors associated with increased risk for recurrent HCV disease remain controversial. We hypothesized that preservation injury may predispose to the severity of HCV disease after OLT. We reviewed our series of OLTs performed for HCV cirrhosis between January 1994 and December 1998 (n = 56; 62 transplants). Patients were grouped according to the severity of recurrent hepatitis C. Group 1 had no or mild HCV disease (n = 36), and group 2 had moderate to severe HCV disease (n = 20). The duration of ischemic rewarming during graft implantation was significantly associated with the severity of recurrent hepatitis C (P < .04). The estimated chances of severe disease within the first year post-OLT after 30, 60, or 90 minutes of ischemic rewarming time were 19%, 40%, and 65%, respectively. Cold ischemia time, transaminase levels, and prothrombin time did not correlate with the severity of hepatitis C. In conclusion, our data suggest that the duration of ischemic rewarming predisposes to severe recurrent hepatitis C. This finding warrants the investigation of the pathogenesis of recurrent HCV disease after ischemic injury. Reduction of rewarming time should be stressed in OLT, particularly in patients with HCV cirrhosis.
The Joy of Joining Up: Modes of Integrating the Local Government Modernisation Agenda
Authors: Cowell Richard , Martin Steve
Published: March 2003

Since 1997, local government in the United Kingdom has found itself at the sharp end of an ambitious programme of potentially far-reaching reforms known collectively as the ‘local government modernisation agenda’ (LGMA). These initiatives are intended to promote ‘joined-up government’ and holistic service delivery—two of the hallmarks of New Labour's approach to public service improvement. To date there has been very little analysis of the ways in which local authorities are approaching this task at a corporate level. The authors examine the theory and practice of joining up policymaking and service delivery in local government. They draw upon an analysis of the perspectives of key actors involved in the formulation and implementation of current local government reforms at the national level and the experiences of a sample of authorities that have been among the most active in seeking to integrate the various elements of the LGMA at local level. The evidence suggests that the superficially attractive logic of more integrated policymaking and service provision, which runs so strongly through current reforms, belies the multidimensional nature of joined-up working. The presentation of the LGMA as a coherent package of reforms therefore disguises the degree to which different forms of joining up may conflict. In particular, the push for closer vertical integration between local and central government, with ever-tighter control being exerted from the centre over priorities and performance, is seen as constraining progress towards more effective horizontal joined-up working at a local level.
Identifying Areas of Multiple Social Need: A Case Study in the Preparation of Children Services Plans
Authors: Craglia Massimo , Haining Robert , Signoretta Paola
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this paper is to compare two methods for the identification of priority areas for intervention and funding based on quantifiable assessments of multiple social need. This is an increasingly important aspect of evidence-based policy in a range of social programmes both in Britain, and in other countries. The context within which this methodology is assessed is the preparation of multiannual plans for the provision of services to children and young people. This is a statutory requirement in Britain on all local authorities, and is based on the Children Act 1989. The first method develops a composite indicator in which areas are scored on several variables, and the scores combined to identify those areas that are consistently high across all variables. The advantage of this method lies in its arithmetic transparency, which makes it ideal for use by local authorities and agencies engaged in needs assessment and planning. The potential drawback is that this composite indicator disregards any spatial structure in the data and gives no measure of statistical significance. The second method identifies statistically significant clusters using the exploratory technique of Besag and Newell for cluster detection in rare events. Clusters are combined to identify those areas affected by multiple problems. As shown in the paper, the two methods produce similar patterns of social need which is reassuring from a policy perspective as a large number of areas are now requiring a multiagency ‘joined-up’ approach for needs assessment, targeting intervention, and monitoring outcomes. The findings of this paper will be of relevance to researchers and practitioners.
Realising ‘Joined-Up’ Geography in the National Health Service: The Role of Geographical Information Systems?
Authors: Higgs Gary , Smith Darren P , Gould Myles I
Published: March 2003

This paper focuses on the use of geographical information systems (GIS) within primary and secondary health care sectors in the United Kingdom in relation to wider notions of ‘joined-up’ government—a key tenet of central government initiatives aimed at addressing problems such as social exclusion and polarisation. Drawing on findings from a national-level questionnaire survey, and follow-up semi-structured interviews with key respondents from the National Health Service (NHS), we have found that there has been an increase in GIS uptake within health organisations in the last decade. However, there has been limited collaboration between NHS organisations and local authorities on projects that utilise GIS. This lack of interorganisational activity is underpinned by the lack of a service-level agreement for digital data provision within NHS organisations, ambiguous understandings of data confidentiality requirements, and a limited awareness of the benefits of joined-up working arrangements. The paper concludes with a suggestion that significant organisational and cultural changes are required to facilitate enabling contexts for enhanced collaborative use of GIS between NHS organisations and local authorities, in order to support the wider joined-up government agenda currently being promoted in the United Kingdom.