bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of gonadal steroids on progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and vitellogenin expression in male turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Authors: Custodia‐lora Noemí , Novillo Apolonia , Callard Ian P.
Published: December 2003

Hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) is a yolk precursor protein sequestered in follicular oocytes as nutrient supply for developing embryos in nonmammalian vertebrates. In prior research studies we have demonstrated that both progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) inhibit estrogen (E)‐induced vitellogenesis in the male fresh water turtle (Chrysemys picta), and have suggested that these hormones may be involved in multihormonal regulation of vitellogenesis in the female turtle. However, the modes of action of progesterone and testosterone on estrogen‐induced vitellogenesis are not known. We have proposed that progesterone inhibits vitellogenesis by modulation of progesterone receptor A (PRA) or B (PRB) isoforms and/or estrogen receptor (ER) gene transcription. In this study, we compare the vitellogenic responses of reproductively inactive male turtles to estradiol 17 β in the presence of exogenous testosterone or progesterone. Northern blot analysis was used to monitor the changes in vtg mRNA, ER mRNA, and PR mRNA expression; Western blotting to determine changes in PR isoform expression and a homologous ELISA for measurement of plasma vtg. Progesterone and testosterone reduced estrogen‐induced vtg mRNA expression, but plasma vtg was not significantly reduced by these steroids. PRA and PRB were transcribed even though ER mRNA could not be detected, suggesting constitutive PR expression. However, in the presence of estradiol 17&!ndash;β, both PR isoforms and mRNA transcripts were increased as a correlate of ER mRNA transcription, suggesting both transcriptional and translational effects; these effects were inhibited by testosterone and progesterone treatments. Since ER mRNA was sharply reduced by both testosterone and progesterone, and estradiol 17 β increased PR mRNA transcription and translation, it is likely that the action of progesterone in reducing vtg mRNA is indirect via down regulation of ER mRNA, thus ER. This study provides further information on the role of progesterone and testosterone in the regulation of hepatic vitellogenesis, suggesting regulation of vitellogenesis mainly via modulation of hepatic ER mRNA. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:15–25, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vietnam in the global economy: trade, employment and poverty
Authors: Jenkins Rhys
Published: December 2003

Vietnam has undergone a significant change from a relatively closed economy as a result of the reform process initiated in the late 1980s. This has been accompanied by rapid economic growth and substantial poverty reduction during the 1990s. Since one of the main mechanisms through which greater openness is expected to lead to poverty reduction is via the labour market, the paper examines the impact which trade flows have had on employment in Vietnam since the early 1990s. Using a variety of different methods, the paper shows that the growth of exports has had a significant positive effect on employment, while increased import competition had a negative effect both directly and indirectly through rationalization of producers facing foreign competition. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Globalization, gender and poverty: Bangladeshi women workers in export and local markets
Authors: Kabeer Naila , Mahmud Simeen
Published: December 2003

Economic liberalization in Bangladesh has led to the emergence of a number of export‐oriented industries, of which the manufacture of ready‐made garments is the most prominent. The industry currently employs around 1.5 million workers, the overwhelming majority of whom are women. This paper explores the poverty implications of this new form of employment through a comparison of the socio‐economic backgrounds, wages and working conditions and contributions to household needs of women working for global markets with those working for domestic markets. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of human metapneumovirus in children in Argentina
Authors: Galiano Mónica , Videla Cristina , Puch Silvia Sánchez , Martínez Alfredo , Echavarría Marcela , Carballal Guadalupe
Published: December 2003

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus, which was first associated with acute lower respiratory infection in children but is detected currently in all age groups. Clinical symptoms are similar to those described for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, ranging from mild respiratory illness to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. To date, no cases of hMPV have been reported in Argentina. In this study, 440 respiratory samples obtained during the period 1998–2002 from children under 5 years old with acute respiratory infection were evaluated. Routine detection for RSV, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza was undertaken by immunofluorescent assay. Of the samples negative for these viruses, only 100 were available. All these samples were tested for hMPV by RT‐PCR using primers for the L gene. Eleven out of 100 (11%) respiratory samples were positive for hMPV by RT‐PCR. A higher frequency of detection was observed in spring. hMPV was detected in all the years studied, except in 2001. Ten out of 11 children positive for hMPV were hospitalized. Median age was 5 months. Of seven patients, five (71%) required oxygen supplementation. The most frequent diagnosis was bronchiolitis (86%), sometimes accompanied by conjunctivitis and otitis media. The present study showed that hMPV was associated with acute lower respiratory infections in children in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This evidence strongly suggests that hMPV is a common pathogen with a wide geographical distribution, which should be included in the routine diagnosis of respiratory viruses in young children. J. Med. Virol. 72:299–303, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measles virus protein‐specific IgM, IgA, and IgG subclass responses during the acute and convalescent phase of infection
Authors: El Mubarak H.S. , Ibrahim S.A. , Vos H.W. , Mukhtar M.M. , Mustafa O.A. , Wild T.F. , Osterhaus A.D.M.E. , de Swart R.L.
Published: December 2003

The availability of new generation serological assays allowed re‐evaluation of the antibody response to measles virus. IgM, IgA, total IgG, and IgG subclass responses were studied to the three major immunogenic measles virus proteins: the fusion protein (F), haemagglutinin (H), and nucleoprotein (N). Plasma samples were obtained from clinically diagnosed measles cases (n = 146) in Khartoum (Sudan) within a week after onset of the rash. Convalescent phase samples were collected from 32 of 117 laboratory‐confirmed measles cases at different time points after onset of rash. Glycoprotein‐specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibody levels correlated well to the N‐specific response. For IgG and IgA, responses to F were higher than to H. IgA antibody levels were undetectable in about one third of the laboratory‐confirmed cases during the acute phase, but positive in all patients tested 1–4 weeks after infection. IgM levels declined rapidly and were lost 3–6 months after infection. IgA levels declined slowly during the first year but did not return to background levels during the subsequent 2 years. IgG avidity maturation was detected during a 3–6 month period after infection. The predominant IgG subclasses during the acute phase were IgG1 and IgG3. The latter was lost in the convalescent phase, while the IgG4 isotype showed a slight rise afterwards. Interestingly, acute phase IgG3 and IgA responses were associated, and were only detected in samples with high IgG. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the antibody response to wild‐type measles virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 72:290–298, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of coxsackie B3 virus induced myocarditis in mice by 2‐(3,4‐dichlorophenoxy)‐5‐nitrobenzonitrile
Authors: Padalko Elizaveta , Verbeken Erik , Clercq Erik De , Neyts Johan
Published: December 2003

Myocarditis is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, one of the most important single causes of heart transplantation. Coxsackie B viruses (CBV) are considered to be the principal etiological agents of viral myocarditis and direct virus‐induced damage to the heart tissue has been suggested to be the main mechanism underlying myocarditis in the murine model [Horwitz et al. 2000 Nat Med 6:693–697]. We demonstrate that 2‐(3,4‐dichloro‐phenoxy)‐5‐nitrobenzonitrile (DNB), a compound that was earlier shown to exhibit broad‐spectrum anti‐picornavirus activity is also markedly active against CBV replication in primary human myocard fibroblast. To challenge the hypothesis of [Horwitz et al. 2000 Nat Med 6:693–697] we assessed whether DNB is able to prevent the development of CBV‐induced myocarditis in a murine model. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of DNB at 250 mg/kg/day, at multiple injection sites (m.i.s.), for a period of seven consecutive days (starting at 1 day before infection) to 4‐week old C3H‐mice resulted in a (i) 62% reduction in the number of myocarditis foci as compared to the untreated control animals (p = 1.7 × 10−10) and (ii) a concomitant reduction in viral titers in the heart. These findings indicate that selective inhibition of the replication of CBV may have a beneficial effect on the development of viral myocarditis and confirms that direct viral induced damage is the main mechanism underlying CBV‐induced myocarditis. Early diagnosis of virus‐induced myocarditis will likely be mandatory for an antiviral drug treatment regimen to achieve its greatest clinical benefit. J. Med. Virol. 72:263–267, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antigenic and genetic characterization of serotype G2 human rotavirus strains from South Africa from 1984 to 1998
Authors: Page N.A. , Steele A.D.
Published: December 2003

Within South Africa, cyclic peaks of serotype G2P[4] rotavirus infection have been observed and these strains were prevalent in some locations. To examine the cyclic phenomenon of serotype G2 rotaviruses, historical stool collections from South Africa spanning 15 years were screened for G2 strains. Subgroup (VP6) ELISA, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and P genotyping were performed on 43 G2 strains to investigate the associated DS‐1 genogroup characteristics. Antigenic variation of the gene encoding the major neutralization glycoprotein (VP7) was also investigated using G2‐specific monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the VP7 gene of 14 serotype G2 strains was sequenced to examine genetic variation. Serotype G2 strains from South Africa displayed a 10 year cyclic pattern with major epidemics occurring in 1987 and 1997. Serotype G2 strains were also found co‐dominant with G1 strains in 1984, 1990, and 1993. The G2 strains from the major epidemics appeared to have emerged from community strains in a manner similar to that suggested for G1 strains The serotype G2 strains displayed subgroup I specificity and short electropherotypes characteristic of DS‐1 genogroup rotavirus strains but appeared to differ in the VP4 gene. Genetic analyses revealed three major serotype G2 lineages, i.e., strains isolated prior to 1987, strains isolated between 1988 and 1994, and strains isolated from 1995. The use of monoclonal antibodies and PCR primers designed against older G2 strains has resulted in the failure to serotype G2 strains circulating currently. J. Med. Virol. 72:320–327, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the seroprevalence of human metapneumovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Ebihara Takashi , Endo Rika , Kikuta Hideaki , Ishiguro Nobuhisa , Ishiko Hiroaki , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: December 2003

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that induces human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV)‐like illnesses, ranging from upper respiratory tract infection to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The 100 serum samples from children aged 1 month to 5 years were tested for the presence of hMPV and hRSV antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and a neutralizing‐antibody assay, respectively. The seroprevalence of hMPV was significantly lower than that of hRSV in children over 4‐months‐old (43% vs. 60%, P < 0.025), and the difference was particularly notable between the ages of 4 months and 1 year (11% vs. 48%, P = 0.006). The results suggest that primary infection with hMPV occurs somewhat later than that with hRSV. J. Med. Virol. 72:304–306, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
‘Learning hospitals’ and quality
Authors: Moumtzoglou Anastasius
Published: December 2003

In the next generation of management thinking, we must go beyond TQM and on to Deming's theory of profound knowledge, much of which is embodied in the field of organizational learning and in particular, in Senge's ‘Fifth Discipline’ or systems thinking. In this framework there is no explicit mention of quality but the goal is still a process of ongoing improvement, that is, quality is implicitly treated.

Hospitals are thought to be pretty complex organizations to implement Senge's theory because they are hierarchical, skills intensive and most health care workers deal with their emotions, patient's emotions, doctor's emotions and fellow employee's emotions in highly intense situations. However, Senge's five ‘component technologies’ provide an excellent framework to begin with. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A knowledge management implementation plan at a leading US technical government organization: a case study
Authors: Liebowitz Jay
Published: December 2003

Many organizations are realizing that knowledge management should play an increasing role in achieving the organization's strategic mission. Certainly, as the ‘graying workforce’ ensues (especially in the US Federal Government), knowledge‐sharing activities become evermore paramount as part of the organization's human capital strategy. Unfortunately, many organizations do not have a clear knowledge management implementation plan in mind. To improve this situation, this paper presents a knowledge management implementation plan for a leading US technical government organization. Hopefully, the plan's component parts may be useful to others when considering how to develop a knowledge management implementation plan for themselves. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The aluminum ordering in aluminosilicates: a dipolar 27Al NMR spectroscopy study
Authors: Gee Becky A.
Published: December 2003

The spatial ordering of aluminum atoms in CsAl(SiO3)2 and 3Al2O3·2SiO2 was probed by 27Al dipolar solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The 27Al response to a Hahn spin‐echo pulse sequence in a series of aluminum‐containing model crystalline compounds demonstrates that quantitative 27Al homonuclear dipolar second moments can be obtained to within ±20% of the theoretical values, if evaluation of the spin‐echo response curve is limited to short evolution periods (2t1 ≤ 0.10 ms). Additionally, selective excitation of the central transition $m = {1 \over 2} \to - {1 \over 2}$ is necessary in order to ensure quantitative results. Restriction of spin exchange affecting the dephasing of the magnetization may decelerate the spin‐echo decay at longer evolution periods. Considering these restraints, the method was used to probe the spatial distribution of aluminum atoms among the tetrahedral sites in two aluminosilicate materials. Experimental 27Al spin‐echo response data for the aluminosilicates CsAl(SiO3)2 (synthetic pollucite) and 3Al2O3·2SiO2 (mullite) are compared with theoretical data based on (I) various degrees of aluminum–oxygen–aluminum bond formation among tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum atoms (Al—O—Al) and (II) the maximum avoidance of Al—O—Al bonding. Analysis of the second moment values and resulting echo decay responses suggests that partial suppression of spin exchange among aluminum atoms in crystallographically distinct sites may contribute to the 27Al spin echo decay in 3Al2O3·2SiO2, thus complicating quantitative analysis of the data. Silicon‐29 and aluminum‐27 magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of 3Al2O3·2SiO2 are consistent with those previously reported. The experimental 27Al spin‐echo response behavior of CsAl(SiO3)2 differs from the theoretical response behavior based on the maximum avoidance of Al—O—Al bonding between tetrahedral aluminum sites in CsAl(SiO3)2. A single unresolved resonance is observed in both the silicon‐29 and aluminum‐27 MAS spectra of CsAl(SiO3)2. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orientations of the principal components of electric field gradients and internal motions in dihydrogen ligands from the 2H T1 NMR relaxation data in solution
Authors: Bakhmutov Vladimir I.
Published: December 2003

The deuterium spin–lattice relaxation times in (D2) ligands of W, Ru and Os complexes are reviewed and analyzed in terms of the fast internal (D2) motions: free rotation, librations and 180° jumps. The analysis was performed using quadrupolar coupling constant (DQCC) parameters taken from the solid‐state 2H NMR spectra and density function theory calculations. It is shown that the calculated DQCC values can be corrected for further use in interpretations of deuterium relaxation times for Ru and Os dihydrogen complexes. The resulting data led to a criterion for using the relaxation data to distinguish fast‐spinning dihydrogen ligands. It is shown that the principal components of electric field gradient tensors at D in the dihydrogen ligands are oriented closer to M–D directions Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for spin diffusion in a H,H‐NOESY study of imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids
Authors: Heimer Norman E. , Del Sesto Rico E. , Carper W. Robert
Published: December 2003

The ionic liquids 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) and 1‐methyl‐3‐propylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([PMIM][BF4]) were studied by H,H‐NOESY NMR using a cross‐relaxation matrix analysis. Cross‐peak intensities are seen to increase with increasing mixing time. Experimental and theoretical hydrogen–hydrogen distances are in agreement at short mixing times (50 ms). Mixing times longer than 50 ms result in an increasing contribution of spin diffusion that produces unrealistically short hydrogen–hydrogen distances. Gas‐phase ab initio molecular structures are obtained using Hartree–Fock (HF) and density functional theory (B3LYP) methods at the 6311 + G(2d,p) basis set level. The hydrogen–hydrogen distances obtained from the theoretical structures are in reasonable agreement with those calculated from the cross‐relaxation matrices. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational study of the chair–chair interconversion and stereoelectronic interactions in 1,2,3‐trithiacyclo‐hexane (1,2,3‐trithiane)
Authors: Freeman Fillmore , Cha Chansa
Published: December 2003

Ab initio theory, density functional theory (DFT) and Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with the 6–31G(d), 6–31++G(d), 6–31G(d,p), 6–31+G(d,p), 6–31++G(d,p), 6–311G(d,p) and 6–311+G(d,p) basis sets were used to study stereoelectronic hyperconjugative interactions and the mechanism of the chair–chair conformational interconversion in 1,2,3‐trithiacyclohexane (1,2,3‐trithiane). The relative energies, enthalpies, entropies, free energies and structural parameters of the chair, 1,4‐twist and 2,5‐twist conformers, a distorted 1,4‐boat transition state and a 2,5‐boat transition state were calculated. The HF calculated energy difference (ΔE) between the chair conformer of 1,2,3‐trithiane and the distorted 1,4‐boat transition state was 10.59 kcal mol−1 (1 kcal=4.184 kJ). The 1,4‐twist conformer and the 2,5‐boat transition state are close in energy, as are the 2,5‐twist conformer and the distorted 1,4‐boat transition state. B3LYP/6–311+G(d,p) calculated the chair conformer of 1,2,3‐trithiane to be 5.83, 10.09, and 5.96 kcal mol−1, respectively, lower in energy than the 1,4‐twist conformer, 2,5‐twist conformer and 2,5‐boat transition state. Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations were used to connect the transition state between the chair conformer and the 1,4‐twist conformer. B3LYP/6–31+G(d,p) and B3LYP/6–311+G(d,p) calculated this transition state to be 14.25 kcal mol−1 higher in energy than the chair conformer. In the chair conformer, the respective C4—H and C6—H bond lengths are equal, but the C5—Heq bond is longer than the C5—Hax bond. In the 1,4‐twist conformer, the C4—Hiso bond lengths are equal, the C5—Hψeq bond is longer than the C5—Hψax bond and the C6—H bond lengths are equal. In the 2,5‐twist conformer, equal C—H bond lengths are found at C4 and at C5, but the C6—Hψeq bond is longer than the C6—Hψax bond. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Additional material for this paper is available in Wiley Intersciene
Mechanisms of the substitution reactions of phosphoramidites and their congeners
Authors: Nurminen Erkki , Lönnberg Harri
Published: December 2003

Mechanistic research on the nucleophilic substitution of trivalent phosphorus compounds is reviewed with emphasis on the reactions of phosphoramidites. The reactivity of these compounds towards hydroxyl groups is utilized, for instance, in the coupling step of the modern automated solid‐support synthesis of oligonucleotides. Growing interest in the large‐scale synthesis of oligonucleotides as antisense‐strategy drugs has increased the demand for relevant mechanistic research that has considerably improved our understanding of phosphoramidite alcoholysis reaction during the last few years. The review also covers phosphites that are formed as products of this reaction and also phosphorohalidites, azolyl phosphonites and P(III) azolidites that serve as its intermediates. Mechanisms of reactions of phosphoramidites with azoles and carbozylic acids are included together with those of halogenation and transamidation. Alternative reaction mechanisms published in the literature for substitution reactions of P(III) compounds range from dissociative to concerted and associative pathways while different types of activation have been suggested. Reactions of phosphoramidites with alcohols have been shown to be subject to both nucleophilic and acid catalysis and most likely proceed with a concerted mechanism of dissociative character. The consequences of these conclusions for the development of the phosphoramidite approach of oligonucleotide synthesis are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the hydrogen‐bond basicity of weak and multifunctional bases: the case of lindane (γ‐hexachlorocyclohexane)
Authors: Ouvrard Carole , Luçon Maryvonne , Graton Jérôme , Berthelot Michel , Laurence Christian
Published: December 2003

We made use of four methods for determining the hydrogen‐bond (HB) basicity of lindane (γ‐hexachlorocyclohexane): (i) experimental Fourier transform IR measurement of a sum of individual 1:1 equilibrium constants for the formation of 1:1 4‐fluorophenol‐lindane hydrogen‐bonded complexes in CCl4; (ii) calculation of the overall HB basicity from octanol–water partition coefficients; (iii) correlation of the HB basicity of chloroalkanes with the electrostatic potentials around chlorine atoms; and (iv) correlation of the HB basicity of chloroalkanes with the computed enthalpy of their complexes with hydrogen fluoride. It is consistently found that lindane remains a weak HB base because multifunctionality cannot fully compensate for the electron‐withdrawing inductive effects that chlorine atoms exert over one another. Actually, only five chlorine atoms behave as HB acceptors, one axial chlorine being deactivated by inductive effects. Stereoelectronic effects lead to the formation of three‐centered hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidation of substituted 2‐furaldehydes by quinolinium dichromate: a kinetic study
Authors: Chaubey Girija S. , Kharsyntiew Bansiewdor , Mahanti Mahendra K.
Published: December 2003

The kinetics of oxidation of substituted 2‐furaldehydes by quinolinium dichromate in sulfuric acid, using 50% acetic acid as the solvent, was studied. The rate of the reaction was first order in each of the substrate, oxidant and acid. The kinetic data are discussed with reference to the aldehyde hydration equilibria. The kinetic results support a mechanistic pathway proceeding via a rate‐determining oxidative decomposition of the chromate ester of the aldehyde hydrate. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identical kinetic behavior of dichromates and halochromates of heterocyclic bases: oxidations of pentan‐1‐ol
Authors: Karunakaran Chockalingam , Suresh Sadasivam
Published: December 2003

The oxidations of pentan‐1‐ol with 12 dichromates, fluorochromates, chlorochromates and bromochromate of heterocyclic bases in acidic medium exhibit identical kinetic behavior; first order each with respect to the chromium(VI) reagents and alcohol, and are acid catalyzed. The Arrhenius plots show two common points of intersection, one by the three quinolinium complexes and the other by the rest, suggesting the involvement of the quinolinium moiety in the transition state to be different from that of the other heterocyclic bases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evapotranspiration covers: An innovative approach to remediate and close contaminated sites
Authors: Madalinski Kelly L. , Gratton Danielle N. , Weisman Richard J.
Published: December 2003

A new, cost‐effective option for the remediation and final closure of contaminated landfill sites gaining interest among environmental
professionals is the evapotranspiration (ET) cover. Unlike current covers that use hydraulic barriers to prevent water from reaching the waste,
ET covers rely on the simple concept of using water balance components to meet this goal. Depending on site conditions and other factors, ET covers may
be less costly to construct, while still offering performance equivalent to conventional covers. While ET covers are being proposed, tested, or installed
at a number of contaminated sites, field performance data remain limited. To address the need for more information, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has been conducting several efforts to make available more information about this promising alternative solution. This article
summarizes these efforts and provides information on the current status of using ET covers at contaminated sites. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of conventional remedial technology for treatment of MTBE and benzene at UST sites in Kansas
Authors: Hattan Greg , Wilson Barbara , Wilson John T.
Published: December 2003

Groundwater at most underground storage tank (UST) spills sites in Kansas contains both methyl tertiary butyl ethylene (MTBE)
and benzene, and both contaminants must be effectively treated to close the sites. Soil vacuum extraction, air sparging, and excavation are the most
common treatment technologies in Kansas. To compare the relative performance of these conventional remedial technologies for treating MTBE as
compared to benzene, 66 sites in the Kansas UST Trust Fund were identified that had initial concentrations of both MTBE and benzene above the
reporting limit of 1 μg/L, and that had at least two rounds of analytical data. Sites were excluded from the comparison if the monitoring
wells had free product. Of the 66 sites, 15 had met the clean‐up goal for benzene, and 50 had met the goal for MTBE. The extent of treatment
for MTBE and benzene was calculated as the ratio of the highest concentration in any well at the site in the most recent round of sampling to the
maximum concentration in any well at the site in the previous rounds of sampling. The extent of treatment was greater for MTBE (statistically
significant at p = 0.032). The geometric mean of the extent of treatment in the 66 sites was 0.057 for MTBE, compared to 0.14 for
benzene. In Kansas, conventional technologies removed MTBE from the source areas of groundwater plumes at least as effectively as they removed
benzene. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review: The Benefits and Applications of Bioinspired Flight Capabilities
Authors: Thakoor Sarita , Cabrol Nathalie , Lay Norman , Chahl Javaan , Soccol Dean , Hine Butler , Zornetzer Steven
Published: December 2003

This paper addresses the challenges of flight on Mars that at this time have the same element of novelty as flight on Earth itself was a novelty in the Kitty Hawk era almost 100 years ago, details the scientific need for such flyers, highlights the bioinspired engineering of exploration systems (BEES) flyer development and finally describes a few viable mission architecture options that allow reliable data return from the BEES flyers using the limited telecom infrastructure that can be made available with a lander base to orbiter combination on Mars. Our recent developments using inspiration from biology that are enabling the pathway to demonstrate flight capability for Mars exploration are described. These developments hold substantial spin‐offs for a variety of applications both for NASA and DoD. Unmanned exploration to date suggests that Mars once had abundant liquid water (considered essential for life as we know it). It is not clear what transpired on the Martian climate to have turned the planet into the desert that it is today. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the past and present climatic events for Mars may provide important information relevant to the future of our own planet. Such exploration missions are enabled using the BEES technology. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Position/Force Control of an Underwater Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Lapierre Lionel , Fraisse Philippe , Dauchez Pierre
Published: December 2003

This paper proposes a new control method applied to an underwater vehicle equipped with a robot manipulator. This control method is based on force control to stabilize the platform when the manipulator works in free or constrained space. The torque produced by the arm on the platform is estimated with a force sensor installed between the base of the manipulator and the vehicle. This allows correcting the position errors of the platform using an external force control loop. This paper presents this control law and shows some simulation results. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal Velocity Planning of Wheeled Mobile Robots on Specific Paths in Static and Dynamic Environments
Authors: Prado María , Simón Antonio , Carabias Enrique , Perez Ana , Ezquerro Francisco
Published: December 2003

This paper deals with optimal temporal‐planning of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) when navigating on predefined spatial paths. A method is proposed to generate a time‐optimal velocity profile for any spatial path in static environments or when mobile obstacles are present. The method generates a feasible trajectory to be tracked by fully exploiting velocity, acceleration and deceleration boundaries of the WMR, and by ensuring the continuity of the velocity and acceleration functions. As an additional benefit for the tracking process the jerk is also bounded. The algorithm is not time consuming, since it mostly uses closed mathematical expressions, nonetheless iteration strategies are presented to solve specific situations. However, such situations are not expected to occur when the spatial paths are planned as smooth curves. The success of the algorithm was tested by experimental and simulation results on the WMR “RAM.” © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multistage model for maternal morbidity during antenatal, delivery and postpartum periods
Authors: Islam M. Ataharul , Chowdhury Rafiqul Islam , Chakraborty Nitai , Bari Wasimul
Published: December 2003

There is acute dearth of information regarding factors affecting complications during different stages of childbearing in Bangladesh. This study employs a multistage model that involves transitions at different stages to complications. The proposed model appears to display more meaningful explanation concerning the impact of different factors on the incidence of complications taking into account types of transitions. Two alternative models are also presented in this paper in order to demonstrate possible simplifications of the proposed model. This study uses data from a prospective survey on Maternal Morbidity in Bangladesh. The survey was conducted during the period 11 1992–12 1993. A total of 1020 pregnant women were followed during pregnancy, delivery and 90 days after delivery. This study reveals some very important findings regarding the potential impact of antenatal visits, economic status, whether the index pregnancy was desired or not and number of pregnancies prior to the index pregnancy. It is observed that slightly more than 50 per cent of the women suffer from at least one of the major complications (haemorrhage, excessive vomiting, oedema and fits/convulsion) during pregnancy. It is noteworthy that if a woman suffers from one or more of the major complications during pregnancy, then it is more likely that she will suffer from complications during delivery. This study reveals that the women who suffer from one or more of the major complications during pregnancy are expected to have a substantially higher risk of suffering from complications during postpartum period, irrespective of no complications or complications during delivery. Generally speaking, higher economic status can reduce the complications at the postpartum stage, although women belonging to higher economic status may suffer from complications during pregnancy and delivery at a higher rate. It is surprising that antenatal visit is positively associated with incidence of complications during pregnancy and delivery, but antenatal visit reduces complications at the postpartum stage. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐analysis for trend estimation
Authors: Shi Jian Qing , Copas J. B.
Published: December 2003

Grouped dose measures, heterogeneity and publication bias are three major problems for meta‐analysis in trend estimation. In this paper, we propose a model that allows for arbitrarily aggregated dose levels, and show that the resulting estimates and standard errors can be quite different from those given by the usual assigned value method. Based on fitting a model to the funnel plot, we discuss a method for random‐effects sensitivity analysis that deals with the problems of heterogeneity and publication bias. A meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies on the effect of alcohol on the risk of breast cancer is used to illustrate the method. Our analysis suggests that the rate of increase in risk with alcohol consumption is substantially less than has been previously suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small sample estimation of relative accuracy for binary screening tests
Authors: Alonzo Todd A. , Braun Thomas M. , Moskowitz Chaya S.
Published: December 2003

Comparing the accuracy of two screening tests is ideally achieved by administering both tests as well as a gold standard test to all study subjects. In practice, a more ethical screen positive study design is often used, one that requires gold standard determination only for subjects that screen positive on either test under investigation. Although it is not possible to quantify the absolute accuracy of each test with such a design,the relative accuracy of the tests can be estimated. Since relative accuracy estimation has poor small sample properties, adjusted estimators based on adding constants to the observed data have been proposed. The adjusted estimators have the advantage that they yield point and variance estimates of relative accuracy in all settings. However, we show through both theory and numerical examples that adding constants to the data can be beneficial or detrimental to small sample performance. Furthermore, the performance of the adjusted estimator depends not only on the magnitude of the constant but also on parameters that cannot be estimated with data from a screen positive study, making selection of an optimal constant difficult in practice. We also examine the performance of the adjusted estimator using data from a study comparing the accuracy of two screening tests for cervical cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short communication: Occupational stress and burnout among South African medical practitioners
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Mashego Teresa‐Anne , Mabeba Matlala
Published: December 2003

The aim of this study was to identify job stress and burnout symptoms among randomly selected South African medical practitioners from a national survey. The sample included 402 doctors, 59.5 per cent male and 40.5 per cent female. The majority were Whites (59.3 per cent), followed by African Black (21.3 per cent), and Asians (14 per cent). Results showed that the overall job stress index indicated with 4.9, high job stress levels among the doctors. High severity job stress ratings included (1) fellow workers not doing their job, (2) inadequate salary and (3) covering work for another employee and high frequency of job stress, (4) working overtime, making critical on‐the‐spot decisions and dealing with crisis situations. Female doctors felt significantly more lack of support on job stress severity than male doctors. High levels of burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) were found among doctors. Job stress predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but not personal accomplishment. Emotional exhaustion was associated with female doctors and personal accomplishment was significantly related to male doctors. White doctors reported more job stress and also burnout symptoms than doctors with colour. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing complex product architectures
Authors: Sharman David M. , Yassine Ali A.
Published: December 2003

Due to the large‐scale nature of complex product architectures, it is necessary to develop some form of abstraction in order to be able to describe and grasp the structure of the product, facilitating product modularization. In this paper we develop three methods for describing product architectures: (a) the Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM), (b) Molecular Diagrams (MD), and (c) Visibility‐Dependency (VD) signature diagrams. Each method has its own language (and abstraction), which can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively characterize any given architecture spanning the modular‐integrated continuum. A consequence of abstraction is the loss of some detail. So, it is important to choose the correct method (and resolution) to characterize the architecture in order to retain the salient details. The proposed methods are suited for describing architectures of varying levels of complexity and detail. The three methods are demonstrated using a sequence of illustrative simple examples and a case‐study analysis of a complex product architecture for an industrial gas turbine. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 35–60, 2004
Variability in maturity and growth in a heavily exploited stock: cod (Gadus morhua L.) in the Irish Sea
Authors: Armstrong M.J , Gerritsen H.D , Allen M , McCurdy W.J , Peel J.A.D
Published: December 2003

Maturity, sex ratio (proportion female by number) and length-at-age of cod in the Irish Sea were examined using data collected during groundfish surveys in spring 1992–2002. Skewed sex ratios with a predominance of males were observed in the survey catches of 2- and 3-year-old cod taken on the spawning grounds. In contrast, commercial midwater trawl catches of cod in the same area had consistently higher sex ratios, suggesting that mature males and females have different vertical migration behaviour. Estimates of proportion mature were not affected by method of capture. In a GLM analysis, the factor age explained most of the variation in maturity in each sex, whilst length, although a significant factor, explained less variation than year and region (spawning and non-spawning grounds). Maturity was observed in a variable proportion of 2-year-olds, whilst virtually no 1-year-olds and all 3-year-olds and older were mature irrespective of area or year of capture. Population estimates of proportion mature in 2-year-olds, from all years' data combined, were 0.87 in males and 0.45 in females. Estimates were higher in spawning areas than in non-spawning areas, and showed a general increase over time throughout the survey area. However, in any year, the proportion mature at age 2 varied little with length and was reduced only in the smallest fish (<40 cm) at this age in some years. The increase over time in proportion mature coincided with rising sea surface temperature (SST) and a decline in recruitment and stock biomass at high rates of fishing mortality. Mean length-at-age differed consistently between year classes, the differences being largely established in the first year of life. The fastest growth rates were apparent in very weak year classes produced in the late 1990s when SST was relatively high. The interrelationships between growth, maturity, SST and abundance are examined, and changes in growth and maturity since earlier studies in the 1970s are investigated.
An analysis of operations efficiency in large‐scale distribution systems
Authors: Ross Anthony D. , Droge Cornelia
Published: December 2003

This research applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to evaluate the efficiency of units within a large‐scale network of petroleum distribution facilities in the USA. Multiple inputs and outputs are incorporated into a broad set of DEA models, yielding a comprehensive approach to evaluating supply chain efficiency. This study empirically separates three recognized, important and yet different causes of performance shortfalls which have been generally difficult for managers to identify. They are: (1) managerial effectiveness; (2) scale of operations and potential for a given market area (and efficiency of resource allocation given the scale); and (3) understanding the resource heterogeneity via programmatic differences in efficiency. Overall, the efficiency differences identified raised insightful questions regarding top management’s selection of the appropriate form and type of inputs and outputs, as well as questions regarding the DEA model form selected.
The endoproteolytic processing of αvβ5 integrin is involved in cytoskeleton remodelling and cell migration
Authors: Berthet Virginie , Rigot Véronique , Nejjari Mimoun , Marvaldi Jacques , Luis José
Published: December 2003

We previously showed that the post‐translational cleavage of αv subunit is essential for integrin‐dependent signalling and cell adhesion. Here, we report that blocking αv subunit cleavage by expression of α1‐PDX, a convertase inhibitor, modified the capacity of cells to change shape, via a remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton upon cell attachment. These changes are associated with cell scattering and with a dramatic increase in cell migration to vitronectin. The αv subunit cleavage is thus essential for integrin function and has a considerable impact on integrin‐dependent events, especially those leading to cell migration.
A new member of the bacterial ribonuclease inhibitor family from Saccharopolyspora erythraea
Authors: Krajcikova Daniela , Hartley Robert W
Published: December 2003

We have identified Sti, the gene of a ribonuclease inhibitor from Saccharopolyspora erythraea, by using a T7 phage display system. A specific phage has been isolated from a genome library by a biopanning procedure, using RNase Sa3, a ribonuclease from Streptomyces aureofaciens, as bait. Sti, a protein of 121 amino acid residues, with molecular mass 13 059 Da, is a homolog of barstar and other microbial ribonuclease inhibitors. To overexpress its gene in Escherichia coli, we optimized the secondary structure of its mRNA by introducing a series of silent mutations. Soluble protein was isolated and purified to homogeneity. Inhibition constants of complex of Sti and RNase Sa3 or barnase were determined at pH 7 as 5×10−12 or 7×10−7, respectively.
Fat Suppression Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
Authors: NAKAMURA T. , YABE Y. , HORIUCHI Y.
Published: December 2003

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist was performed in ten healthy volunteers using spin echo T1-weighted (SE-T1), fast spin echo T2-weighted (FSE-T2), gradient echo T2*-weighted (GRE-T2*) and fat suppression spin echo T1-weighted (FS-T1) images. The images were obtained in the coronal plane and were compared to the corresponding histological coronal sections obtained from five fresh frozen cadavers. In our analysis, the FS-T1 pulse sequence visualized the details of the TFCC best, followed by the GRE-T2* images. Delineation of the TFCC on the SE-T1 and the FSE-T2 was poor. The coronal morphology of the TFCC represented on the fat suppression image was almost identical to the corresponding histological sections. We conclude that the fat suppression MRI clearly shows the complex structure of the TFCC and is useful for the morphological evaluation of the TFCC.
Hartmann’s Boutonnière: An Anatomical Study of Digital Neural Loop Penetrations in the Palm
Authors: GOTANI H. , GILBERT A.
Published: December 2003

We found neural loop penetrations by digital arteries in 47 of 51 dissected palms. They were classified into four types according to morphology. The most frequent type was observed in the proper digital nerves of the second to fourth interdigital spaces just after branching from the common digital nerves. If neural loop penetrations are not carefully identified at operation they may be damaged and therefore it is important for hand surgeons to recognize the existence of these structures.
Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Forearm Pronation Deformities in Children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: LIGGIO F. J. , THAM S. , PRICE A. , RAMOS L. E. , MULLOY E. , GROSSMAN J. A. I.
Published: December 2003

Seven children were operated on for pronation contractures of the forearm due to obstetric brachial plexus injuries. All underwent extensive preoperative evaluations to determine the extent of injury, secondary deformities, and capacity to perform a few basic tasks. Sequential video studies were used to document these findings. Operative procedures performed included various combinations of tendon/muscle lengthenings and/or transfers. Postoperative evaluations focused on function rather than gains in active range of motion and the patient/parental assessment of the benefit of the procedure by response to a questionnaire. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year following surgery. The average gain in active supination was 45°. Each patient showed significant functional gains with a high degree of satisfaction.
Transfer of Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus or Brevis for Opponensplasty
Authors: BAEK G. H. , JUNG J. M. , YOO W. J. , CHUNG M. S.
Published: December 2003

For the restoration of thumb opposition many types of tendon transfer techniques have been described. The flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) of the ring finger is commonly selected as a motor. On occasion, however, the quality of the flexor muscles of the fingers or wrist is not good enough for tendon transfer and another available muscle must be selected. In this situation, we have preferred to use an extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) or brevis (ECRB) transfer to restore opposition of the thumb. Follow-up examination, at an average 5 years and 10 months after operation, showed that the results of ten of 11 transfers were excellent and the other was good.
Recurrent Benign Chondroblastoma at the Distal End of the Radius
Authors: MINAMI A. , KATO H. , NAGAI M.
Published: December 2003

We report a 13-year-old boy with a rapidly recurring benign chondroblastoma in the epiphysis of the distal end of the radius.
The “Plastic Bag Syndrome”
Authors: GOLDWIRTH M. , GOODWIN D. R. A.
Published: December 2003

We report a condition we call the “plastic bag syndrome” in which pressure on the neurovascular bundles causes temporary ischaemia in the distal part of the finger together with a neuropraxia of the digital nerves. Although in most cases the discomfort or numbness is fleeting, requires no medical assistance and is readily forgotten, in some instances the symptoms are such that medical advice is sought. Since the injury can lead to permanent damage and subsequent limitation in the use of the finger, we believe that the public should be advised to take simple precautions to prevent it from happening.