bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine pitch stencil printing using enclosed printing systems
Authors: Chunxian Zou Ling , Dusek Milos , Wickham Martin , Hunt Christopher
Published: February 2003

Enclosed print heads have recently been developed as an improvement on the traditional squeegee methods for solder paste printing. They offer the opportunity of widening the printing process window and reducing process waste. Consequently, this work was undertaken to evaluate some aspects of enclosed print head printing, and it has been shown to be a robust process. A number of performance factors were established: with increased humidity the paste degradation was limited due to its sealed paste reservoir; the system also permitted successful intermittent printing over a 5 day period; printing is much more tolerant to distorted substrates than some squeegee blades, and hence improves printing on non‐planar surfaces; significant reduction in paste wastage occurs, since paste ageing is reduced.
Transcription Factor YY1 Binds to the Murine Beta Interferon Promoter and Regulates Its Transcriptional Capacity with a Dual Activator/Repressor Role
Authors: Weill Laure , Shestakova Elena , Bonnefoy Eliette
Published: February 2003

The induction of the beta interferon (IFN-β) gene constitutes one of the first responses of the cell to virus infection. Its regulation is achieved through an intricate combination of virus-induced binding of transcription factors and local chromatin remodeling. In this work, we demonstrate that transcription factor YY1, known to interact with histone deacetylases (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferases, has a dual activator/repressor role during the regulation of the IFN-β promoter activity. We show that YY1 specifically binds in vitro and in vivo to the murine IFN-β promoter at positions −90 and −122. Overexpression of YY1 strongly repressed the transcriptional capacity of a stably integrated IFN-β promoter fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene as well as the endogenous IFN activity of murine L929 cells via an HDAC activity. Stably integrated IFN-β promoters mutated at the −90 site were no longer repressed by YY1, could no longer be activated by trichostatin A, displayed a retarded postinduction turn off, and a reduced virus-induced activity. Introduction of a mutation at the −122 site did not affect YY1-induced repression, but promoters with this mutation displayed a reduced virus-induced activity. Stably integrated full-length promoters (from position −330 to +20) mutated at both YY1-binding sites displayed extremely reduced promoter activities. We conclude that YY1 has a dual activator/repressor role on IFN-β promoter activity depending on its binding site and time after infection.
Efficient Replication of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a RNAs in Cell Culture
Authors: Blight Keril J. , McKeating Jane A. , Marcotrigiano Joseph , Rice Charles M.
Published: February 2003

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (subtypes 1a and 1b) is responsible for the majority of treatment-resistant liver disease worldwide. Thus far, efficient HCV RNA replication has been observed only for subgenomic and full-length RNAs derived from genotype 1b isolates. Here, we report the establishment of efficient RNA replication systems for genotype 1a strain H77. Replication of subgenomic and full-length H77 1a RNAs required the highly permissive Huh-7.5 hepatoma subline and adaptive amino acid substitutions in both NS3 and NS5A. Replication could be detected by RNA quantification, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and metabolic labeling of HCV-specific proteins. Replication efficiencies were similar for subgenomic and full-length RNAs and were most efficient for HCV RNAs lacking heterologous RNA elements. Interestingly, both subtype 1a and 1b NS3 adaptive mutations are surface exposed and present on only one face of the NS3 structure. The cell culture-adapted subtype 1a replicons should be useful for basic replication studies and for antiviral development. These results are also encouraging for the development of adapted replicons for the remaining HCV genotypes.
Mumps Virus Decreases Testosterone Production and Gamma Interferon-Induced Protein 10 Secretion by Human Leydig Cells
Authors: Le Goffic Ronan , Mouchel Thomas , Ruffault Annick , Patard Jean-Jacques , Jégou Bernard , Samson Michel
Published: February 2003

Mumps virus is responsible for sterility. Here, we show that the mumps virus infects Leydig cells in vitro and totally inhibits testosterone secretion and that ribavirin in mumps virus-infected Leydig cell cultures completely restores testosterone production. Moreover, we show that gamma interferon-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is highly expressed by mumps virus-infected Leydig cells and that ribavirin does not block IP-10 production.
Optical Single Transporter Recording: Transport Kinetics in Microarrays of Membrane Patches
Authors: Peters Reiner
Published: February 2003

▪ Abstract  Optical single transporter recording (OSTR) is an emerging technique for the fluorescence microscopic measurement of transport kinetics in membrane patches. Membranes are attached to transparent microarrays of cylindrical test compartments (TCs) ∼0.1–100 μm in diameter and ∼10–100 μm in depth. Transport across membrane patches that may contain single transporters or transporter populations is recorded by confocal microscopy. By these means transport of proteins through single nuclear pore complexes has been recorded at rates of <1 translocation/s. In addition to the high sensitivity in terms of measurable transport rates OSTR features unprecedented spatial selectivity and parallel processing. This article reviews the conceptual basis of OSTR and its realization. Applications to nuclear transport are summarized. The further development of OSTR is discussed and its extension to a diversity of transporters, including translocases and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) pumps, projected.
Therapeutic factor VIII levels and negligible toxicity in mouse and dog models of hemophilia A following gene therapy with high-capacity adenoviral vectors
Authors: Chuah Marinee K. L. , Schiedner Gudrun , Thorrez Lieven , Brown Brian , Johnston Marion , Gillijns Veerle , Hertel Sabine , Van Rooijen Nico , Lillicrap David , Collen Désiré , VandenDriessche Thierry , Kochanek Stefan
Published: February 2003

High-capacity adenoviral (HC-Ad) vectors expressing B-domain–deleted human or canine factor VIII from different liver-specific promoters were evaluated for gene therapy of hemophilia A. Intravenous administration of these vectors into hemophilic FVIII-deficient immunodeficient SCID mice (FVIIIKO-SCID) at a dose of 5 × 109 infectious units (IU) resulted in efficient hepatic gene delivery and long-term expression of supraphysiologic FVIII levels (exceeding 15 000 mU/mL), correcting the bleeding diathesis. Injection of only 5 × 107 IU still resulted in therapeutic FVIII levels. In immunocompetent hemophilic FVIII-deficient mice (FVIIIKO), FVIII expression levels peaked at 75 000 mU/mL but declined thereafter because of neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies and a cellular immune response. Vector administration did not result in thrombocytopenia, anemia, or elevation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and caused no or only transient elevations in serum transaminases. Following transient in vivo depletion of macrophages before gene transfer, significantly higher and stable FVIII expression levels were observed. Injection of only 5 × 106 HC-Ad vectors after macrophage depletion resulted in long-term therapeutic FVIII levels in the FVIIIKO and FVIIIKO-SCID mice. Intravenous injection of an HC-Ad vector into a hemophilia A dog at a dose of 4.3 × 109 IU/kg led to transient therapeutic canine FVIII levels that partially corrected whole-blood clotting time. Inhibitory antibodies to canine FVIII could not be detected, and there were no signs of hepatotoxicity or of hematologic abnormalities. These results contribute to a better understanding of the safety and efficacy of HC-Ad vectors and suggest that the therapeutic window of HC-Ad vectors could be improved by minimizing the interaction between HC-Ad vectors and the innate immune system.
Extracellular ubiquitin inhibits the TNF-α response to endotoxin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and regulates endotoxin hyporesponsiveness in critical illness
Authors: Majetschak Matthias , Krehmeier Ulrich , Bardenheuer Mark , Denz Christof , Quintel Michael , Voggenreiter Gregor , Obertacke Udo
Published: February 2003

Ubiquitin is suggested to play a key role in essential intracellular functions, such as heat shock response, protein breakdown, and regulation of immune responses. Ubiquitin has also been detected in the extracellular space, but the function and biologic significance is unclear. We describe a new function of extracellular ubiquitin and show that extracellular ubiquitin specifically inhibits ex vivo secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-α mRNA expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in response to endotoxin in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the TNF-α response to zymosan or Staphylococcus aureus as well as the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 responses to endotoxin were unaffected by ubiquitin. Measurement of serum ubiquitin levels showed a significant 5- to 7-fold increase in sepsis and trauma patients, to the level required for inhibition of the PBMNC TNF-α response to endotoxin by ubiquitin. Elevated ubiquitin levels in serum were significantly correlated with a reduced TNF-α production. Antibodies to ubiquitin were able to (1) significantly increase (2- to 5-fold) the TNF-α response to endotoxin in whole blood from trauma and sepsis patients, (2) completely neutralize the inhibitory effect of trauma patients' serum on healthy donors' TNF-α production, and (3) partially neutralize the inhibitory effect of sepsis patients' serum on healthy donors' TNF-α production. Ubiquitin-depleted serum from trauma patients lost the inhibitory activity for TNF-α production, whereas extracted endogenous ubiquitin exerts the inhibitory activity. The results demonstrate that extracellular ubiquitin acts as a cytokinelike protein with anti-inflammatory properties and indicate that extracellular ubiquitin is involved in the regulation of immunodepression in critical illness.
Combined effects of Notch signaling and cytokines induce a multiple log increase in precursors with lymphoid and myeloid reconstituting ability
Authors: Varnum-Finney Barbara , Brashem-Stein Carolyn , Bernstein Irwin D.
Published: February 2003

We investigated whether combined signaling induced by engineered Notch ligands and hematopoietic growth factors influences hematopoietic stem-cell differentiation. We show that incubation of murine marrow precursors with Delta1ext-IgG, a Notch ligand consisting of the Delta1 extracellular domain fused to the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), and growth factors stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-11, and Flt3-l inhibited myeloid differentiation and promoted a several-log increase in the number of precursors capable of short-term lymphoid and myeloid repopulation. Addition of IL7 promoted early T-cell development, whereas addition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) led to terminal myeloid differentiation. These results support a role for combinatorial effects by Notch and cytokine-induced signaling pathways in regulating hematopoietic cell fate and suggest the usefulness of Notch ligand in increasing hematopoietic precursor numbers for clinical stem-cell transplantation.
Successful treatment of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia relapsing after stem cell transplantation using donor lymphocyte infusion
Authors: Worth Austen , Rao Kanchana , Webb David , Chessells Judith , Passmore Jane , Veys Paul
Published: February 2003

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare pediatric malignancy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is the only curative approach. However, relapse after SCT remains the major cause of treatment failure. Unlike most other pediatric malignancies, JMML may be susceptible to a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, although, unlike chronic myeloid leukemia, reports of response to donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) remain scanty. This is the first report that describes the successful treatment of relapsed JMML with DLI in the absence of further chemotherapy and provides definite proof of a GVL effect in JMML.
Apoptotic neutrophils in the circulation of patients with glycogen storage disease type 1b (GSD1b)
Authors: Kuijpers Taco W. , Maianski Nikolai A. , Tool Anton T. J. , Smit G. Peter A. , Rake Jan Peter , Roos Dirk , Visser Gepke
Published: February 2003

Glycogen storage disease type 1b (GSD1b) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, and growth retardation, and associated—for unknown reasons— with neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction. In 5 GSD1b patients in whom nicotin-amide adenine dinucleotide phosphate–oxidase activity and chemotaxis were defective, we found that the majority of circulating granulocytes bound Annexin-V. The neutrophils showed signs of apoptosis with increased caspase activity, condensed nuclei, and perinuclear clustering of mitochondria to which the proapoptotic Bcl-2 member Bax had translocated already. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) addition to in vitro cultures did not rescue the GSD1b neutrophils from apoptosis as occurs with G-CSF–treated control neutrophils. Moreover, the 2 GSD1b patients on G-CSF treatment did not show significantly lower levels of apoptotic neutrophils in the bloodstream. Current understanding of neutrophil apoptosis and the accompanying functional demise suggests that GSD1b granulocytes are dysfunctional because they are apoptotic.
High plasma fibrinogen level is associated with poor clinical outcome in DIC patients
Authors: Wada Hideo , Mori Yoshitaka , Okabayashi Kazuhiro , Gabazza Esteban C , Kushiya Fumihiko , Watanabe Masato , Nishikawa Masakatsu , Shiku Hiroshi , Nobori Tsutomu
Published: January 2003

We measured the plasma level of fibrinogen in 560 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and evaluated its relationship with outcome and with other hemostatic markers. Forty‐seven percent of patients had >200 mg/dL of plasma fibrinogen and 24% had <100 mg/dl of plasma fibrinogen, suggesting that plasma fibrinogen level is not a sensitive marker for DIC. In our analysis of outcome and plasma fibrinogen levels, the rate of death was high in leukemia/lymphoma patients with high fibrinogen concentration, but no significant difference in outcome was observed in relation to plasma fibrinogen concentration in non‐leukemia/lymphoma patients with DIC. Among patients with leukemia/lymphoma, the frequency of organ failure was markedly high in patients with high plasma levels of fibrinogen. Among patients without leukemia/lymphoma, the frequency of organ failure increased concomitantly with the increase in plasma fibrinogen levels. The international normalized ratio was significantly increased in leukemia/lymphoma patients with low fibrinogen. FDP levels were slightly increased in patients with low fibrinogen. Platelet count was significantly low in patients without leukemia/lymphoma with high fibrinogen. DIC score increased concomitantly with the reduction in plasma fibrinogen levels. Plasma levels of thrombomodulin and tissue factor were significantly high in patients with high fibrinogen levels. Plasma levels of antiplasmin and plasminogen were significantly decreased in patients with low fibrinogen. Plasma levels of plasmin plasmin–inhibitor complex and tissue type plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 complex (PAI‐I) were significantly higher in patients with low fibrinogen than in those with high fibrinogen. Plasma levels of PAI‐I and IL‐6 were significantly higher in patients with high fibrinogen than in those with low fibrinogen. Patients with high fibrinogen levels showed less activation of secondary fibrinolysis, which might explain the occurrence of organ failure and poor outcome. Am. J. Hematol. 72:1–7, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of oral mucosal neutrophil counts to detect the onset and resolution of profound neutropenia following high‐dose myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Authors: Akpek Gorgun , Knight Robert D. , Wright Daniel G.
Published: January 2003

Severe neutropenia following cytotoxic, anti‐cancer chemotherapy is well‐known to be associated with an increased risk of infections that may be life‐threatening, particularly if not treated immediately. Consequently, serial measurements of neutrophil counts in peripheral blood are done routinely following the administration of high‐dose myelosuppressive chemotherapy in order to monitor the onset, severity, and duration of iatrogenic neutropenia. We have studied a non‐invasive method of quantifying neutrophils recoverable from the oral mucosa, a normal tissue site of neutrophil turnover, as an alternative approach for monitoring severe, chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia. This method is based on the quantification of fluorochrome‐stained neutrophils present in timed mouthwash specimens. Blood neutrophil (ANC) and mucosal neutrophil counts (MNC) were measured repeatedly in 23 patients who had been treated with dose‐intensive chemotherapy for a variety of indications. All 23 patients developed profound neutropenia (ANC < 100/mm3), and 19 developed neutropenic fever (>101°F) during the 2 weeks following treatment. Nadirs of neutropenia defined by MNC were significantly less prolonged than those defined by the ANC. Furthermore, the onset and resolution of neutropenic fever coincided more precisely with nadirs of neutropenia defined by the MNC than with those defined by the ANC. Our findings indicate that oral mucosal neutrophil counts predict the timing of clinical events associated with neutropenia (e.g., the onset and resolution of fever) with significantly greater accuracy than blood neutrophil counts. Am. J. Hematol. 72:13–19, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using bronchial lavage fluid
Authors: Kawazu Masahito , Kanda Yoshinobu , Goyama Susumu , Takeshita Masataka , Nannya Yasuhito , Niino Miyuki , Komeno Yukiko , Nakamoto Tetsuya , Kurokawa Mineo , Tsujino Shiho , Ogawa Seishi , Aoki Katsunori , Chiba Shigeru , Motokura Toru , Ohishi Nobuya , Hirai Hisamaru
Published: January 2003

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive method for detection of Aspergillus DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but it has not yet been able to distinguish infection from contamination. We have established a technique to quantify Aspergillus DNA using a real‐time PCR method to resolve this problem, and we report herein a successful application of real‐time PCR to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by comparing the amount of Aspergillus DNA in bronchial lavage fluid from an affected area to that from an unaffected area. This novel tool will provide rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis. Am. J. Hematol. 72:27–30, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thromboembolic complications of cancer: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Sutherland Douglas E. , Weitz Ilene C. , Liebman Howard A.
Published: January 2003

The association between malignancy and clinical thrombosis has been recognized for nearly 140 years. The purpose of this review is to examine our current understanding of thrombosis as a complication of cancer and cancer therapy. The review includes a discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Am. J. Hematol. 72:43–52, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of chain‐extended bismaleimide modified polyurethane–epoxy matrices
Authors: Mahesh K. P. O. , Alagar M.
Published: January 2003

Intercrosslinked networks of bismaleimide (BMI) modified polyurethane–epoxy systems were prepared from chain‐extended BMI and polyurethane modified epoxy and cured in the presence of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane. Infrared spectral analysis was used to confirm the grafting of polyurethane onto the epoxy skeleton. The prepared matrices were characterized by mechanical, thermal, and morphological studies. The results, obtained from the mechanical and thermal studies, reveal that the incorporation of polyurethane into epoxy increases the mechanical strength and decreases the glass‐transition temperature and thermal stability. The incorporation of chain‐extended BMI into polyurethane modified epoxy systems increases the thermal stability and both tensile and flexural properties, and decreases the impact strength and glass‐transition temperature. Surface morphologies of polyurethane modified epoxy and chain‐extended BMI modified polyurethane– epoxy systems were studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1562–1568, 2003
Polystyrene/bisphenol a polycarbonate (PS/PC) molecular composite by in situ polymerization. II. Effect of different molecular size of PC on the blending behavior and properties
Authors: Jang Lee Wook , Lee Dong Choo
Published: January 2003

The influences of different molecular sizes and contents of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) on the miscibility, morphology, and physical properties of a polystyrene/PC (PS/PC) molecular composite are examined. The polymerization of the matrix monomer, styrene, which is completely miscible with PC, affords an apparently homogeneous mixture that remains stable on heating to above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the pure matrix and solubilizes in common organic solvents. Both the molecular and material characterizations for the purified products are examined in full detail by various instrumental analyses and microscopy. An enhanced miscibility with higher molar mass of PC was confirmed by both the unambiguous scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, showing subinclusions of PS/PC microdomains in the matrix, and the characteristic size exclusion chromatograms (SEC) of the fractionated sample, exhibiting homogeneous molecular mixing. With increased molecular size of PC and its content, the Tg increases proportionally and shows a shift to higher temperatures than that of pure PC, indicating the reduced segmental motion of PC chains due to the intimate chain entanglement with PS chains. Except for the case of the lowest molar mass of PC, both the thermal and tensile properties of the composite are also elevated. The conformational similarity between the two long flexible‐chain polymers has clearly accentuated the tendency for miscibility. This effect is due mainly to the increase in entropy gained by mixing, which in turn leads to reinforcement of n–π complex formation between the carbonate and benzene mixtures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1610–1618, 2003
Structure–property behavior of UV‐curable polyepoxy–acrylate hybrid materials prepared via sol–gel process
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zeng Zhaohua , Yang Jianwen , Chen Yonglie
Published: January 2003

UV‐curable, hard, transparent organic/inorganic hybrid material with an improved mechanical property was prepared by the sol–gel process, based on a commonly used epoxy acrylate (EA) oligomeric resin. Systematic experiments were carried out to study the effect of the inorganic content, the acid content, and the content of a silane coupling agent on the property behavior of the hybrid materials. The structure of the hybrids were characterized by IR spectra and SEM observation. Results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical measurement show that the properties of the hybrids differ with the changes of these variables. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1654–1659, 2003
Controlling the phase stability of polymer blends through the introduction of impenetrable interfaces
Authors: Oréfice Rodrigo L. , Barbosa Ana Paula C. , Nogueira Marcos M. N.
Published: January 2003

In this work, the effect of the introduction of modified solid surfaces into polymer blends on the phase‐separation process was investigated. Glass fibers with surfaces having different chemistries were introduced into polystyrene–poly(methyl methacrylate) blends. The glass fibers used either had fully hydrated surfaces or had surfaces covered with a random copolymer, poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate). The copolymer was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of previously vinyl silane‐treated glass fibers. The copolymerization and grafting procedures were investigated by FTIR and thermal analysis. Blends containing the fibers were studied using FTIR microscopy and optical microscopy. FTIR microscopy results showed that the composition of the phases in the blends was shifted by using fibers with different surface chemistries. Fibers with grafted copolymers were capable of narrowing the immiscibility region in the phase diagram, while fully hydrated fibers were able to expand the gap. It was proposed that interfacial interactions regulated by a hydrophilic–hydrophobic type of forces were responsible for guiding the described phase‐separation process. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1619–1627, 2003
Rheology, cure characteristics, physical and mechanical properties of tire tread reclaimed rubber/natural rubber compounds
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Kumnuantip C.
Published: January 2003

This work aimed to examine the effect of addition of tire‐tread reclaimed rubber on the properties of two natural rubber (NR) compounds with respect to the reclaimed rubber concentration and mastication time, the properties of interest including rheological and cure characteristics, physical and mechanical properties. The results under the test conditions suggested that Mooney Plasticity and shear viscosity increased with reclaimed rubber content, but decreased with mastication time. The greater the molar mass of the natural rubber the higher the sensitivity to the change in compound viscosity due to mastication and reclaimed rubber content. The die swell was more dependent on the reclaimed rubber than the molar mass of the rubbers. The cure rate and scorch time were found to increase and decrease with reclaimed rubber content, respectively, whereas the cure time was independent of the reclaimed rubber content. For vulcanized rubbers, it was also observed that 100% modulus of the rubber increased with reclaimed rubber content, but this was not the case for tensile stress and elongation at break. The hardness and heat buildup properties of the vulcanizates increased with reclaimed rubber content whereas the tear strength became independent of the reclaimed rubber. The findings in this work suggested that the variations in the rheological and cure characteristics for the unvulcanized rubber were very much dependent on the molar mass of the rubber whereas the mechanical properties for the vulcanized rubber were influenced by crosslink density. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1723–1731, 2003
Rotation and scale invariant wavelet feature for content‐based texture image retrieval
Authors: Lee Moon‐Chuen , Pun Chi‐Man
Published: January 2003

This article introduces an effective rotation and scale invariant log‐polar wavelet texture feature for image retrieval. The proposed feature is an attempt to enhance the existing content‐based image retrieval systems that largely present difficulty in coping with images with changes in orientations and scales. The underlying feature extraction process involves a log‐polar transform followed by an adaptive row shift invariant wavelet packet transform. The log‐polar transform converts a given image into a rotation and scale invariant but row‐shifted image, which is then further processed through an adaptive row‐shift invariant wavelet packet transform operation to generate adaptively selected subbands of rotation and scale invariant wavelet coefficients, based on an information cost function. An energy signature is computed for each subband of these wavelet coefficients. To reduce feature dimensionality, only the most dominant log‐polar wavelet energy signatures are selected for the feature vector for image retrieval. The overall feature extraction process is quite efficient and involves only O(n · log n) complexity. Experimental results show that this rotation and scale invariant wavelet feature is quite effective for image retrieval and outperforms the traditional wavelet packet signatures.
A bit more to it: Scholarly Communication Forums as Socio‐Technical Interaction Networks
Authors: Kling Rob , McKim Geoffrey , King Adam
Published: January 2003

In this article, we examine the conceptual models that help us understand the development and sustainability of scholarly and professional communication forums on the Internet, such as conferences, pre‐print servers, field‐wide data sets, and collaboratories. We first present and document the information processing model that is implicitly advanced in most discussions about scholarly communications—the “Standard Model.” Then we present an alternative model, one that considers information technologies as Socio‐Technical Interaction Networks (STINs). STIN models provide a richer understanding of human behavior with online scholarly communications forums. They also help to further a more complete understanding of the conditions and activities that support the sustainability of these forums within a field than does the Standard Model. We illustrate the significance of STIN models with examples of scholarly communication forums drawn from the fields of high‐energy physics, molecular biology, and information systems. The article also includes a method for modeling electronic forums as STINs.
Information science research agenda in Slovakia: History and emerging vision
Authors: Steinerová Jela
Published: January 2003

Research and education in library and information science in Slovakia is presented as an example of the history, present state and future of information science research and collaboration in central European countries. The professional experience in the region since 1990 has been outlined and particular contribution to other countries proposed. Closer collaboration of central and east European countries in information research is needed. Wider context of professional experience covers rapid changes of local information environment, different ways of problem recognition and solutions. Structural changes are shown in professional areas like curricular revision, new categories and terminology, new research methods, new ways to conduct open professional discourse and exchange of ideas. Many professional events, projects, organizations, foundations and published works are named as examples of these changes. Several research projects of the Department of LIS in recent 10 years are described in detail including a new project on the interaction of man and the information environment. In conclusion, future directions of common research are outlined with the emphasis on digital libraries, cognitive and social aspects of the information process and diverse cultural approaches to information transfer and use.
Prospective and retrospective evaluations of experiences: how you evaluate an experience depends on when you evaluate it
Authors: Soman Dilip
Published: January 2003

Prior research (cf. Soman & Shi, 2001) has shown that obstacles and periods of low progress in an experience reduce the evaluation of that experience. In this research, we propose that the temporal distance between the obstacle and the time of making the evaluation moderates the effect of the obstacle. Consequently, an early (late) obstacle reduces prospective (retrospective) evaluation more significantly than a late (early) obstacle. In two experiments, we find support for this temporal proximity hypothesis. Further, differences between prospective and retrospective evaluations disappeared when the data were analyzed in terms of temporal distance, suggesting that the judgment policies underlying prospective and retrospective evaluations were the same. We also show that it is possible to create pairs of paths such that one of the two paths would be preferred when viewed in prospect, but the other path might be preferred in retrospect. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verbal probabilities: a question of frame?
Authors: Teigen Karl Halvor , Brun Wibecke
Published: January 2003

Verbal expressions of probability and uncertainty are of two kinds: positive (‘probable’, ‘possible’) and negative (‘not certain’, ‘doubtful’). Choice of term has implications for predictions and decisions. The present studies show that positive phrases are rated to be more optimistic (when the target outcome is positive), and more correct, when the target outcome actually occurs, even in cases where positive and negative phrases are perceived to convey the same probabilities (Experiments 1 and 2). Selection of phrase can be determined by linguistic frame. Positive quantifiers (‘some’, ‘several’) support positive probability phrases, whereas negative quantifiers (‘not all’) suggest negative phrases (Experiment 3). Positive frames induced by numeric frequencies (e.g. the number of students to be admitted) imply positive probability phrases, whereas negative frames (e.g. the number of students to be rejected) call for negative probability phrases (Experiment 4). It is concluded that choice of verbal phrase is based not only on level of probability, but also on situational and linguistic cues. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outsourcing in the brain: Do neurons depend on cholesterol delivery by astrocytes?
Authors: Pfrieger Frank W.
Published: January 2003

Brain function depends on the cooperation between highly specialized cells. Neurons generate electrical signals and glial cells provide structural and metabolic support. Here, I propose a new kind of job‐sharing between neurons and astrocytes. Recent studies on primary cultures of highly purified neurons from the rodent central nervous system (CNS) suggest that, during development, neurons reduce or even abandon cholesterol synthesis to save energy and import cholesterol from astrocytes via lipoproteins. The cholesterol shuttle may be restricted to compartments distant from the soma including synapses and may be regulated by electrical activity. Testing these hypotheses will help to improve our still insufficient understanding of brain cholesterol metabolism and its role in neurodegeneration. BioEssays 25:72–78, 2003. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Movement through slits: Cellular migration via the Slit family
Authors: Piper Michael , Little Melissa
Published: January 2003

First isolated in the fly and now characterised in vertebrates, the Slit proteins have emerged as pivotal components controlling the guidance of axonal growth cones and the directional migration of neuronal precursors. As well as extensive expression during development of the central nervous system (CNS), the Slit proteins exhibit a striking array of expression sites in non‐neuronal tissues, including the urogenital system, limb primordia and developing eye. Zebrafish Slit has been shown to mediate mesodermal migration during gastrulation, while Drosophila slit guides the migration of mesodermal cells during myogenesis. This suggests that the actions of these secreted molecules are not simply confined to the sphere of CNS development, but rather act in a more general fashion during development and throughout the lifetime of an organism. This review focuses on the non‐neuronal activities of Slit proteins, highlighting a common role for the Slit family in cellular migration. BioEssays 25:32–38, 2003. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Masters change, slaves remain
Authors: Graham Patricia , Penn Jill K. M. , Schedl Paul
Published: January 2003

Sex determination offers an opportunity to address many classic questions of developmental biology. In addition, because sex determination evolves rapidly, it offers an opportunity to investigate the evolution of genetic hierarchies. Sex determination in Drosophila melanogaster is controlled by the master regulatory gene, Sex lethal (Sxl). DmSxl controls the alternative splicing of a downstream gene, transformer (tra), which acts with tra2 to control alternative splicing of doublesex (dsx). DmSxl also controls its own splicing, creating an autoregulatory feedback loop that ensures expression of Sxl in females, but not males. A recent paper1 has shown that in the dipteran Ceratitis capitata later (downstream) steps in the regulatory hierarchy are conserved, while earlier (upstream) steps are not. Cctra is regulated by alternative splicing and apparently controls the alternative splicing of Ccdsx. However, Cctra is not regulated by CcSxl. Instead it appears to autoregulate in a manner similar to the autoregulation seen with DmSxl. BioEssays 25:1–4, 2003. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How the community effect orchestrates muscle differentiation
Authors: Buckingham Margaret
Published: January 2003

The “community effect” is necessary for tissue differentiation. In the Xenopus muscle paradigm, e‐FGF has been identified as a candidate community factor. Standley et al.1 now show that the community effect, mediated through FGF signalling, continues to be important at later stages of development in the posterior part of the embryo. In this region, the paraxial mesoderm is still undergoing segmentation into somites, which are the site of early skeletal muscle formation. Indeed, somitogenesis, together with the read‐out of the Hox code, which confers anteroposterior positional identity, is regulated by FGF signalling. This raises the question of the co‐ordination between these events and the community effect which orchestrates myogenesis. BioEssays 25:13–16, 2003. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Child abuse fatalities and the media: lessons from a case study
Authors: Goddard Chris , Liddell Max
Published: January 2003

The role of the media in influencing child protection policy is explored by examination of the death of one child, Daniel Valerio, in Victoria, Australia. Daniel, 2 years old, died at the hands of his mother's de facto barely five months after he (Paul Aiton) moved in with Daniel's mother, Cheryl Butcher.[The Australian term ‘de facto’ is the equivalent of the English word ‘cohabitee’.] A series of reports to protective services highlighting multiple and severe bruising to Daniel were made; Daniel's postmortem revealed 104 bruises on his body. Although 21 professionals were involved in the case, tragedy was not averted; in fact, it was an electrician rather than trained professionals who recognized the obvious abuse. A series of inquiries into the case ensued; these were not immediately reported by the media, but press attention to the case intensified gradually. This led to a successful though paradoxical campaign by one newspaper, the Melbourne Herald Sun, to introduce the mandatory reporting of child abuse by health and welfare professionals. The paradox is that those people who needed to know of the case to protect Daniel knew about it before his death. This article analyses the campaign, highlights the factors which led to its success and provides succinct advice to professionals on the use of the media. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectively protecting black and minority ethnic children from harm: overcoming barriers to the child protection process
Authors: Webb Elspeth , Maddocks Alison , Bongilli Joan
Published: January 2003

Under the UN Convention, all children have the right to be protected from harm. However, there are barriers to the effective protection of children from Black and minority ethnic communities who are at risk of harm. This paper will explore these barriers in the context of three case histories and with reference to the literature. The cases illustrate some of the ways in which children are at risk and how the system currently fails to protect them. There are factors which increase the risk of harm faced by children or which reduce the likelihood that abuse in minority ethnic communities is recognized, acknowledged or dealt with appropriately. Other factors prevent effective partnerships with families, both to prevent abuse and in rehabilitation after abuse has occurred. Stereotyping, colour blindness, cultural deficit and inadequate training of professionals lead to failures in the statutory processes designed to protect children. These are compounded by wider societal factors, such as denial of abuse in ethnic minority communities, cultural differences in attitudes to disability and child‐rearing, the vulnerability of women in highly patriarchal communities, difficulties in providing mental health services across cultural boundaries and a lack of settings in which to provide appropriate alternative care and places of safety. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of outcomes in women and men treated with coronary stent implantation
Authors: Trabattoni Daniela , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Montorsi Piero , Fabbiocchi Franco , Loaldi Alessandro , Galli Stefano , Ravagnani Paolo , Cozzi Sergio , Grancini Luca , Liverani Antonio , Leon Maria E. , Robertson Chris , Boyle Peter
Published: January 2003

Worse outcomes have been observed in women after PTCA. The present study was undertaken to compare clinical and angiographic results of coronary stenting among women and men. We retrospectively analyzed acute and 6‐month results in a consecutive series of 940 men and 160 women undergoing coronary stent implantation between May 1992 and January 1998. Women were older (63 vs. 57 years; P = 0.001), more often hypertensive (46.9% vs. 31.4%; P < 0.001) and diabetic (13.2% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.05), and less often smokers than men (32.5% vs. 70.5%; P < 0.001). A previous history of Q‐wave MI was less frequently present in women (28.2% vs. 40.2%; P = 0.003) who more often underwent coronary revascularization because of unstable angina (37.5% vs. 27.1%; P = 0.027). No difference was observed in coronary artery disease extension, lesion complexity, and stented vessel between the sexes. Bailout stenting was more frequently needed in women (28% vs. 17.8%; P = 0.001). No difference was observed in the number of stent implanted per vessel and per patient and average maximal inflation pressure used for stent postdilation. However, a smaller final balloon size was used in women. Procedural and clinical success was achieved in 94.4% and 92.5% of women and 96.7% and 94.5% of men (P = NS), respectively, without differences regarding in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events. Bleeding complications occurred more often in women when anticoagulation was used (OR = 2.87; 95% CI = 1.38–5.74). At 6‐month clinical follow‐up, TLR was similar between the sexes and event‐free survival was 75.5% in women and 81.5% in men (P = NS). Angiographic follow‐up, performed in 71% of the patients, showed that restenosis was 64% higher in women (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.02–2.61). Despite older age, higher incidence of comorbidities, and more unstable presentation, women treated with coronary stenting showed acute and mid‐term clinical results similar to those observed in men. However, they were significantly more likely to develop angiographic restenosis. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:20–28. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute profound thrombocytopenia after use of eptifibatide for coronary stenting
Authors: Salengro Emmanuel , Mulvihill Niall T. , Farah Bruno
Published: January 2003

This is a case report of a patient who developed profound thrombocytopenia during treatment with eptifibatide after PCI of the mid right coronary artery. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:73–75. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor and lepirudin administration during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pinto Duane S. , Sperling Robert T. , Tu Thomas M. , Cohen David J. , Carrozza Joseph P.
Published: January 2003

We evaluated a combination therapy using glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonism and direct thrombin inhibition in nine patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) undergoing 10 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). In selected patients with HIT, the combination of a direct thrombin inhibitor, lepirudin, and abciximab, tirofiban, or eptifibatide appears to be a safe and effective anticoagulation strategy for PCI. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:65–68. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endovascular treatment of aortic rupture during angioplasty for aortic in‐stent restenosis in aortoarteritis
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay , Rangesetty Umamahesh C. , Kaul Upkar A.
Published: January 2003

Aortic rupture during balloon angioplasty for in‐stent restenosis without attempting to overexpand it is a rarity. We report a case of a young woman with aortoarteritis who had aortic rupture during angioplasty for in‐stent restenosis. The balloon used was of the same diameter as the previously implanted stent and was completely within the stent during inflation. The disruption was successfully treated by percutaneous placement of a self‐expandable endovascular stent graft. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:103–106. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutral and Ionic Hydrogen Bonding in Schiff Bases
Authors: Dominiak Paulina M. , Grech Eugeniusz , Barr Gordon , Teat Simon , Mallinson Paul , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: February 2003

Low‐temperature, high‐resolution X‐ray studies of charge distributions in the three Schiff bases, the dianil of 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisophthaldehyde, 3,5‐dinitro‐N‐salicylidenoethylamine and 3‐nitro‐N‐salicylidenocyclohexylamine, have been carried out. These structures exhibit interesting weak interactions, including two extreme cases of intramolecular hydrogen bonds that are ionic N+H⋅⋅⋅O−and neutral OH⋅⋅⋅N in nature. These two types of hydrogen bond reflect differences in geometrical parameters and electron density distribution. At the level of geometry, the neutral OH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bond is accompanied by an increase in the length of the C(1)O(1) bond, opening of theipso‐C(1) angle, elongation of the aromatic CC bonds, shortening of the C(7)N(2) bond and increased length of the C(1)C(7) bond, relative to the ionic hydrogen bond type. According to the geometrical and critical point parameters, the neutral OH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bond seems to be stronger than the ionic ones. There are also differences between charge density parameters of the aromatic rings consistent with the neutral hydrogen bond being stronger than the ionic ones, with a concomitant reduction in the aromaticity of the ring. Compounds with the ionic hydrogen bonds show a larger double‐bond character in the CO bond than appears in the compound containing a neutral hydrogen bond; this suggests that the electronic structure of the former pair of compounds includes a contribution from a zwitterionic canonical form. Furthermore, in the case of ionic hydrogen bonds, the corresponding interaction lines appear to be curved in the vicinity of the hydrogen atoms. In the 3‐nitro‐N‐salicylidenocyclohexylamine crystal there exists, in addition to the intramolecular hydrogen bond, a pair of intermolecular O⋅⋅⋅H interactions in a centrosymmetric dimer unit.