bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced oscillation technique for the evaluation of severe sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Badia  , Farre R , Montserrat JM , Ballester E , Hernandez L , Rotger M , Rodriguez-Roisin R , Navajas D
Published: November 2002

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a noninvasive method of potential clinical interest for quantitatively assessing airway mechanics during sleep. We investigated the applicability of FOT as a diagnostic tool for noninvasive assessment of airflow obstruction in patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) during sleep. In seven patients previously diagnosed with severe SAHS (mean+/-SD apnoea/ hypopnoea index (AHI) 67+/-14) we performed a full polysomnography (PSG) together with on-line measurement of respiratory impedance (IZI) using FOT. For each patient we determined: 1) number of respiratory events conventionally detected by full PSG, those obtained by FOT and their degree of concordance; and 2) the characteristics and values of IZI during the respiratory events. FOT was well tolerated and easily applied in conjunction with a conventional sleep setup. The mean number of respiratory events x h(-1) detected by PSG and FOT were 55+/-16 and 58+/-17, respectively, with a strong concordance. IZI increased from a baseline of 11+/-4 to 50+/-20 cmH2O x L(-1) x s during apnoea (mean+/-SD). In all but one patient intermittent increases of IZI occurred immediately before each obstructive apnoea. In four patients, the increases of IZI developed at end-expiration whereas in two others occurred during inspiration. During hypopnoea most of the patients showed decreases of IZI during expiration. In conclusion, forced oscillation technique can be used as a noninvasive and complementary tool for the diagnosis of respiratory events and provides an on-line quantitative approach for continuous monitoring of airflow obstruction during sleep in patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.
A comparison of three methods of measuring 99mTc-DTPA lung clearance and their repeatability
Authors: Morrison D , Skwarski K , Millar AM , Adams W , MacNee W
Published: November 2002

The lung clearance of technetium-99m diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) is a measure of respiratory epithelial permeability. Many factors may contribute to the wide range of normal values, including the method of correction for background activity. The aim of this study was to compare three methods of analysis, including their repeatability. 99mTc-DTPA lung clearance imaging was performed on eight nonsmokers (age 32+/-2 yrs, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 102.8+/-3.3% predicted yrs, mean+/-SEM and seven smokers (age 46+/-4 yrs, p<0.01, versus nonsmokers; FEV1 88.9+/-8.9%, p<0.05 versus nonsmokers) on two occasions each. The smokers were asked to refrain from smoking for 12 h. An uncorrected analysis was compared with two methods corrected for recirculating background activity using an intravenous correction and inter-renal and shoulder background regions of interest. The uncorrected method gave higher mean values for 50% lung clearance of 99mTc-DTPA (t50) values than the inter-renal (p<0.001) and shoulder (p<0.001) methods of correction in nonsmokers and the inter-renal method gave lower values than the shoulder-corrected method (p<0.05). In smokers there was no difference. There were no differences in mean t50 values obtained on two separate visits. There was no difference in the repeatability of the three methods of analysis. The three methods of analysis produced comparable results with no differences in repeatability.
Dynamic hyperinflation and flow limitation during methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma
Authors: Tantucci C , Ellaffi M , Duguet A , Zelter M , Similowski T , Derenne JP , Milic-Emili J
Published: November 2002

Although persistent activation of the inspiratory muscles and narrowing of the glottic aperture during expiration have been indicated as relevant mechanisms leading to dynamic hyperinflation in acute asthma, expiratory flow limitation (EFL) has recently been proposed as a possible triggering factor for increasing endexpiratory lung volume (EELV). To establish whether the attainment of maximal flow rate during tidal expiration could elicit dynamic elevation of EELV, breathing pattern, change in EELV by measuring inspiratory capacity (IC) and occurrence of EFL by the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) method were monitored in 10 stable asthmatic subjects during methacholine-induced, progressive bronchoconstriction in seated position. Change in dyspnoea was scored using the Borg scale. At maximum response forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) fell on average by 45+/-2% (p<0.001 versus control), while IC decreased 29+/-2%, (by 0.89+/-0.07 L, (p<0.01 versus control)). Only 2 subjects exhibited EFL at the end of methacholine challenge. In 7 subjects EELV started to increase before the occurrence of EFL. Dyspnoea, which increased from 0.2+/-0.1 to 5.5+/-1.0 (Borg scale) at maximum response (p<0.001), was significantly related to the level of bronchoconstriction as assessed by change in (delta)FEV1 (r=0.72; p<0.001) and to dynamic hyperinflation as measured by deltaIC (r=0.50; p<0.001). However, for both deltaFEV1 and deltaIC the slope of the relationship with increasing dyspnoea was highly variable among the subjects. It is concluded that in acute methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction, dynamic hyperinflation may occur in the absence of expiratory flow limitation and that expiratory flow limitation does not represent the triggering factor to generate dynamic hyperinflation. In these circumstances, dyspnoea appears to be related to the increase in end-expiratory lung volume and not to the onset of expiratory flow limitation.
Interleukin-10 level in sputum is reduced in bronchial asthma, COPD and in smokers
Authors: Takanashi S , Hasegawa Y , Kanehira Y , Yamamoto K , Fujimoto K , Satoh K , Okamura K
Published: November 2002

Interleukin (IL)-10 is a potent regulatory cytokine that decreases inflammatory responses. This study investigated whether IL-10 levels in the airway are decreased in chronic airway inflammation associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sputum was obtained from 12 healthy nonsmokers, 10 healthy smokers, 16 asthmatic patients and seven patients with COPD by means of the sputum-induction method. The IL-10 level was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunocytochemical analysis. The IL-10 level in sputum was significantly lower in asthma and COPD patients and healthy smokers compared with that in healthy nonsmokers (nonsmokers, 68.0+/-11.3; smokers, 45.3+/-7.8; asthma, 26.7+/-4.0; COPD, 18.0+/-2.3 pg x mL(-1); p<0.05 for nonsmokers versus the other groups). The percentage of IL-10-positive cells in the sputum was also significantly lower in asthma and COPD and in smokers (nonsmokers, 13.2+/-1.7; smokers, 6.4+/-1.8; asthma, 5.4+/-3.5; COPD, 3.5+/-1.6%; p<0.05 for nonsmokers versus the other groups). The IL-10-positive cell appeared morphologically to be the macrophage. These data suggest that the reduced level of interleukin-10 within the airways plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic airway inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with cystic fibrosis and mycobacterial disease
Authors: Gilljam M , Berning SE , Peloquin CA , Strandvik B , Larsson LO
Published: November 2002

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients require higher dosages of many antibiotics. The relapse of tuberculosis in one CF patient, and the repeated growth of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare in another, despite conventional therapy, raised the question of whether the serum levels of the antimycobacterial drugs were adequate. Antimycobacterial drug serum concentrations were assayed in 10 CF patients with pulmonary mycobacterial disease. Serum levels below the proposed target range were seen 2 h after drug intake in the initial four patients treated: for rifampicin in 2/3, ethambutol in 3/4 and for clarithromycin in 2/3 patients, despite standard dosages. Reassays after dose adjustment and assays in six other patients showed that adequate levels were not achieved 4 h after clarithromycin in 3/5, ethambutol in 1/5, ciproflaxacin in 1/2 and ofloxacin in 2/2 patients. The patient with relapse of tuberculosis and the patient with continuous growth of M. avium-intracellulare improved and became culture negative after dose adjustment. Low drug serum levels is one reason for therapy failure in cystic fibrosis patients with mycobacterial disease. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended.
Paralysis of ventilated newborn babies does not influence resistance of the total respiratory system
Authors: Burger R , Fanconi S , Simma B
Published: November 2002

Paralysis with pancuronium bromide is used in newborn infants to facilitate ventilatory support during respiratory failure. Changes in lung mechanics have been attributed to paralysis. The aim of this study was to examine whether or not paralysis per se has an influence on the passive respiratory mechanics, resistance (Rrs) and compliance (Crs) of the respiratory system in newborn infants. In 30 infants with acute respiratory failure, Rrs was measured during paralysis with pancuronium bromide and after stopping pancuronium bromide (group A). Rrs was also measured in an additional 10 ventilated infants in a reversed fashion (group B): Rrs was measured first in nonparalysed infants and then they were paralysed, mainly for diagnostic procedures, and the Rrs measurement repeated. As Rrs is highly dependent on lung volume, several parameters, that depend directly on lung volume were recorded: inspiratory oxygen fraction (FI,O2), arterial oxygen tension/alveolar oxygen tension (a/A) ratio and volume above functional residual capacity (FRC). In group A, the Rrs was not different during (0.236+/-0.09 cmH2O x s x mL(-1)) and after (0.237+/-0.07 cmH2O x s x mL(-1)) paralysis. Also, in group B, Rrs did not change (0.207+/-0.046 versus 0.221+/-0.046 cm x s x mL(-1) without versus with pancuronium bromide). FI,O2, a/A ratio and volume above FRC remained constant during paralysis. These data demonstrate that paralysis does not influence the resistance of the total respiratory system in ventilated term and preterm infants when measured at comparable lung volumes.
Hip fracture and bone histomorphometry in a young adult with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Haworth CS , Freemont AJ , Webb AK , Dodd ME , Selby PL , Mawer EB , Adams JE
Published: November 2002

A 25-yr-old male with cystic fibrosis sustained a fragility fracture of the left femoral neck, which required surgical correction. He had several risk factors for the development of low bone density and despite treatment with an oral bisphosphonate, his bone mineral density reduced further. The patient died 2 yrs after sustaining the fracture. Bone specimens obtained at post mortem demonstrated severe cortical and trabecular osteopenia, but the histological features were not typical of osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Osteoporosis is thought to be a common complication of cystic fibrosis. The novel histomorphometric appearances reported here suggest that the bone disease of cystic fibrosis may be more complex and possibly unique. Labelled bone biopsies are required to clarify the bone defect leading to low bone density in cystic fibrosis patients so that appropriate therapeutic strategies can be developed.
Critical windows in development of the rodent immune system
Authors: Landreth K S
Published: November 2002

The immune system of rodents, like that in humans, develops from a population of pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) that are generated early in gestation from uncommitted mesenchymal stem cells in the intra-embryonic splanchnoplure surrounding the heart. This early population of HSC gives rise to all circulating blood cell lineages, including cells of the innate and acquired immune system. To access the impact of chemical exposure on the developing immune system and establish developmental windows of potential vulnerability to these exposures, it is essential to first consider the anatomical development of hematopoietic and lymphopoietic tissues and the sequence of appearance of cells that give rise to the immune system. This is particularly true in embryonic development because, after they initially appear in intra-embryonic mesenchyme early in gestation, HSC migrate through an orderly series of tissues before establishing residence in the bone marrow and thymus. The effect of exposure to chemical insults in utero, then, may differ depending on the specific timing of exposure and anatomical location of hematopoiesis. Mechanisms and consequences of developmental immunotoxicity in experimental animals will need to be considered in that context. This review presents an overview of developmental hematopoiesis and a working hypothesis of critical developmental windows of vulnerability of this developmental system to toxic insult by chemical exposure.
Conclusions and future directions: a personal view from the session chair
Authors: Dayan A D
Published: November 2002

Developmental immunotoxicity is new both as an area of scientific study and as a potential source of concern in the protection of the public health. It is a combination of three nascent sciences and one older established area of study–immunology, `Development’, toxicological science and the practical application of experimental findings to indicate risks to man and means to control them. This hardworking and very successful meeting, organized by the Immunotoxicology Technical Committee (ITC) of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provided an appropriate setting in which scientists from industrial, academic and regulatory backgrounds were able to debate how the development of the immune system might be affected by toxicity, and ways in which transient and permanent harmful effects might occur. There was considerable interest in how the basic processes and structures of immunity and development might be affected by model substances, which could afford examples to demonstrate the value of laboratory methods to detect developmental immunotoxicity. There were vigorous discussions about testing strategies, about techniques, about how to `validate’ laboratory methods when there was relatively little consistent information from man to identify suitable positive control substances and cardinal disorders, and about how best to employ the sparse information to support the effective prediction of risk.
Preparation and photoconducting property of C60Cln‐m‐bonded poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) with C60Cln/CuCl/Bpy catalyst system
Authors: Hua Jing , Chen Dianbao , Jing Xiongke , Xu Ling , Yu Yongliong , Zhang Yifeng
Published: November 2002

C60Cln‐m bonded poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (C60‐PVK) has been synthesized by C60Cln (the average value of n is 20)/CuCl/ Bpy (2,2′‐bipyridine) catalyst system and its structure was analyzed by UV‐Vis and proton NMR. The polymerization mechanism was proposed proceeding via a atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The block copolymer of poly N‐vinylcarbazole‐block‐polystyrene can also be compounded by adding styrene after N‐vinylcarbazole polymerized completely in this polymerization system. The photoconducting properties of C60Cln‐m‐bonded poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) was better than poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) initiated by AIBN. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 606–609, 2003
Discrimination of various poly(propylene) copolymers and prediction of their ethylene content by near‐infrared and Raman spectroscopy in combination with chemometric methods
Authors: Furukawa Tsuyoshi , Watari Masahiro , Siesler Heinz W. , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: November 2002

Near‐infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra and Fourier‐transform (FT) Raman spectra were measured for 12 kinds of block and random poly(propylene) (PP) copolymers with different ethylene content in pellets and powder states to propose calibration models that predict the ethylene content in PP and to deepen the understanding of the NIR and Raman spectra of PP. Band assignments were proposed based calculation of the second derivatives of the original spectra, analysis of loadings and regression coefficient plots of principal component analysis (PCA) and principal component regression (PCR) (predicting the ethylene content) models, and comparison of the NIR and Raman spectra of PP with those of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) with short branches. PCR and partial least squares (PLS) regression were applied to the second derivatives of the NIR spectra and the NIR spectra after multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) to develop the calibration models. After MSC treatment, the original spectra yield slightly better results for the standard error of prediction (SEP) than the second derivatives. A plot of regression coefficients for the PCR model shows peaks due to the CH2 groups pointing upwards and those arising from the CH3 groups pointing downwards, clearly separating the bands due to CH3 and CH2 groups. For the Raman data, MSC and normalization were applied to the original spectra, and then PCR and PLS regression were carried out to build the models. The PLS regression for the normalized spectra yields the best results for the correlation coefficient and the SEP. Raman bands at 1438, 1296, and 1164 cm−1 play key roles in the prediction of the ethylene content in PP. The NIR chemometric evaluation of the data gave better results than those derived from the Raman spectra and chemometric analysis. Possible reasons for this observation are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 616–625, 2003
Modulation of uptake of organic cationic drugs in cultured human colon adenocarcinoma Caco‐2 cells by an ecto‐alkaline phosphatase activity
Authors: Calhau C. , Martel F. , Hipólito‐Reis C. , Azevedo I.
Published: November 2002

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) refers to a group of nonspecific phosphomonoesterases located primarily in cell plasma membrane. It has been described in different cell lines that ecto‐ALP is directly or indirectly involved in the modulation of organic cation transport. We aimed to investigate, in Caco‐2 cells, a putative modulation of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) apical uptake by an ecto‐ALP activity. Ecto‐ALP activity and 3H‐MPP+ uptake were evaluated in intact Caco‐2 cells (human colon adenocarcinoma cell line), in the absence and presence of a series of drugs. The activity of membrane‐bound ecto‐ALP expressed on the apical surface of Caco‐2 cells was studied at physiological pH using p‐nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. The results showed that Caco‐2 cells express ALP activity, characterized by an ecto‐oriented active site functional at physiological pH. Genistein (250 µM), 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (1 mM), verapamil (100 µM), and ascorbic acid (1 mM) significantly increased ecto‐ALP activity and decreased 3H‐MPP+ apical transport in this cell line. Orthovanadate (100 µM) showed no effect on 3H‐MPP+ transport and on ecto‐ALP activity. On the other hand, okadaic acid (310 nM) and all trans‐retinoic acid (1 µM) significantly increased 3H‐MPP+ uptake and inhibited ecto‐ALP activity. There is a negative correlation between the effect of drugs upon ecto‐ALP activity and 3H‐MPP+ apical transport (r = −0.9; P = 0.0014). We suggest that apical uptake of organic cations in Caco‐2 cells is affected by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, and that ecto‐ALP activity may be involved in this process. J. Cell. Biochem. 87: 408–416, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CCL9/MIP‐1γ and its receptor CCR1 are the major chemokine ligand/receptor species expressed by osteoclasts
Authors: Lean Jenny M. , Murphy Chiho , Fuller Karen , Chambers Timothy J.
Published: November 2002

Although much has been learned recently of the mechanisms by which the differentiation of osteoclasts is induced, less is known of the factors that regulate their migration and localization, and their interactions with other bone cells. In related cell types, chemokines play a major role in these processes. We therefore systematically tested the expression of RNA for chemokines and their receptors by osteoclasts. Because bone is the natural substrate for osteoclasts and may influence osteoclast behavior, we also tested expression on bone slices. Quantitative RT‐PCR using real‐time analysis with SYBR Green was therefore performed on RNA isolated from bone marrow cells after incubation with macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) with/without receptor‐activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL), on plastic or bone. We found that RANKL induced expression of CCL9/MIP‐1γ to levels comparable to that of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), a major specialized product of osteoclasts. CCL22/MDC, CXCL13/BLC/BCA‐1, and CCL25/TECK were also induced. The dominant chemokine receptor expressed by osteoclasts was CCR1, followed by CCR3 and CX3CR1. Several receptors expressed on macrophages and associated with inflammatory responses, including CCR2 and CCR5, were down‐regulated by RANKL. CCL9, which acts through CCR1, stimulated cytoplasmic motility and polarization in osteoclasts, identical to that previously observed in response to CCL3/MIP‐1α, which also acts through CCR1 and is chemotactic for osteoclasts. These results identify CCL9 and its receptor CCR1 as the major chemokine and receptor species expressed by osteoclasts, and suggest a crucial role for CCL9 in the regulation of bone resorption. J. Cell. Biochem. 87: 386–393, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wideband disc‐ring dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Ong Swee Huat , Kishk Ahmed A. , Glisson Allen W.
Published: November 2002

A dielectric resonator excited by a coaxial probe and designed for an omni‐directional pattern is considered. Combining two dielectric resonators of different dielectric material with each other enhances bandwidth. The effect of antenna parameters such as dielectric constant and probe length are investigated. The analysis is performed numerically, using the method of moments and verified by the FDTD method. The agreement between the two methods is excellent. A 45% bandwidth is achieved with this structure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 35: 425–428, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10628
Stability of narrow zigzag carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cabria I. , Mintmire J. W. , White C. T.
Published: November 2002

First principles calculations of the electronic structure and total energy of narrow zigzag carbon nanotubes and their corresponding flat graphene strips have been carried out to assess the relative stability of the tube form. The results indicate that the smallest energetically stable carbon nanotube has a radius of about 0.2 nm. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Grids and Grid technologies for wide‐area distributed computing
Authors: Baker Mark , Buyya Rajkumar , Laforenza Domenico
Published: November 2002

The last decade has seen a substantial increase in commodity computer and network performance, mainly as a result of faster hardware and more sophisticated software. Nevertheless, there are still problems, in the fields of science, engineering, and business, which cannot be effectively dealt with using the current generation of supercomputers. In fact, due to their size and complexity, these problems are often very numerically and/or data intensive and consequently require a variety ofheterogeneous resources that are not available on a single machine. A number of teams have conducted experimental studies on the cooperative use of geographically distributed resources unified to act as a single powerful computer. This new approach is known by several names, such as metacomputing, scalable computing, global computing, Internet computing, and more recently peer‐to‐peer or Grid computing. The early efforts in Grid computing started as a project to link supercomputing sites, but have now grown far beyond their original intent. In fact, many applications can benefit from the Grid infrastructure, including collaborative engineering, data exploration, high‐throughput computing, and of course distributed supercomputing. Moreover, due to the rapid growth of the Internet and Web, there has been a rising interest in Web‐based distributed computing, and many projects have been started and aim to exploit the Web as an infrastructure for running coarse‐grained distributed and parallel applications. In this context, the Web has the capability to be a platform for parallel and collaborative work as well as a key technology to create a pervasive and ubiquitous Grid‐based infrastructure. This paper aims to present the state‐of‐the‐art of Grid computing and attempts to survey the major international efforts in developing this emerging technology. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Municipal Size and Local Nonelectoral Participation: Findings from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway
Authors: Rose Lawrence E
Published: November 2002

This paper undertakes an analysis of five forms of local nonelectoral participation in three European countries. The primary question of interest is whether or not there is any systematic relationship between these forms of nonelectoral participation and the size of local political – administrative units. It is argued that, to the extent it is reasonable to expect size to be relevant, the nature of the relationships is likely to vary from one form of participation to another. Analyses are based on survey data collected during the 1990s in each country by means of logistic regression with a common set of variables. Although the findings vary somewhat from one country to another, and are not always in keeping with theoretical expectations, they nonetheless indicate that size does indeed appear to make some difference, even after controlling for the effects of individual characteristics. The effect of size, in other words, is not merely a byproduct of the compositional characteristics of the individuals living in different sized municipalities, as is sometimes suggested.
Size and Electoral Participation in Local Elections
Authors: Frandsen Annie Gaardsted
Published: November 2002

This paper reviews local election turnout for the period since the 1970s in five European countries: Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It explores especially the relationship between size of municipality and turnout in local elections. The author seeks to explore this issue in the light of Dahl and Tufte's 1973 classic study Size and Democracy (Stanford University Press) which claimed that citizens' motivation to participate is greater in small governmental units than in large ones. This study confirms the Dahl and Tufte hypothesis, in that turnout is consistently higher over time in small municipalities in all the countries reviewed, although the strength of the relationship varies between the different countries. The paper also shows that other factors, such as the type of electoral system used or whether voting is compulsory or not, also have an effect on turnout.
Social change, industrialisation and public libraries: a theoretical approach
Authors: Yilmaz Bülent
Published: November 2002

In this study, industrialisation has been evaluated in the context of social change theory. Industrialisation as a period of social change is the source of public library development. The public library has emerged as a result of the changes in educational and cultural structure caused by industrialisation. Public libraries emerged as supporting elements of basic and adult diffused education effort. The change in thoughts, attitudes and values by the effect of urbanisation made public libraries a part of the new culture that is social life. The public library is a product of social change.
The role of factoring in financing UK SMEs: a supply side analysis
Authors: Soufani Khaled
Published: November 2002

This paper focuses upon the role of factoring in small business finance and the profile of firms using it. The analysis refers to a comprehensive survey of UK providers of factoring services. This identifies the relatively focused provision of factoring in terms of size, age, sector and stage of growth of the client base (ie businesses) using this financial service. For those using factoring, the service may provide a valuable improvement to cash flow and working capital position and can possibly contribute to small business growth and development. In its present format, however, factoring is not the potential financial solution for all firms across all industries.
Networking and identity: the role of networking in the public image of professional service firms
Authors: Silversides Gill
Published: November 2002

The paper offers a positive example of how networking influences the success of small firms and examines an industry sector where it occurs naturally as part of the industry culture. This study has focused upon the advertising agency sector, as it is known to network. The paper examines the opinions of advertising agency owner‐managers, elicited during this research, where the practice and preference for networking was apparent. The issues highlighted by this examination fall into the following broad categories: the perceived identity which the owner‐managers ascribed to their networks; the time which the networks have taken to nurture and develop; the trust engendered by the participants both for the networks as an entity and for the participants; the association of reputation and pride in the network; and the need to reflect in order to make use of network information.
The development of information professionals’ needs for Internet and IT skills: experiences at the University of Birmingham
Authors: Biddiscombe Richard
Published: November 2002

This paper seeks to illustrate the Internet and IT skills that are required by information professionals in their support for learning, teaching and research within the changing context of the higher education sector in the UK and the development of managed (or virtual) learning environments. In this work environment, as in most others, IT skills, particularly in relation to the Internet are essential. However, some of the more traditional skills that have always been a part of the armoury of the information professional should not be abandoned. Current developments at the University of Birmingham will provide the background throughout the paper.
Positioning techniques for location‐based services (LBS): characteristics and limitations of proposed solutions
Authors: Mountain David , Raper Jonathan
Published: November 2002

Location‐based services are touted as the ‘killer applications’ of the mobile information revolution. This paper highlights some of the technical characteristics and limitations inherent in current mobile positioning technologies in order to set the current optimism surrounding Location‐Based Services (LBS) in context. A complex technical situation is revealed with different technologies providing results with very different spatial characteristics. Most current terrestrial solutions fail to provide results of sufficiently high spatial resolution for many of the proposed LBS applications, and satellite based solutions suffer from problems of reception and coverage in built up areas. The issue of georeferencing the services themselves is tackled and further work needs to be done on providing accurate spatial locations on the vast array of services that could be available through LBS. A current reluctance to temper these claims could arguably lead to unrealistic raising of the expectations of the buying public. The proven vulnerability of new technology to the fickleness of market opinion highlights that the technology may stand or fall not on its own merits, but on how it matches the expectations of the user.
Guidelines and standards for records management education and training: a model for Anglophone Africa
Authors: Ngulube Patrick
Published: November 2002

This article gives an overview of education and training of records managers in anglophone Africa and then focuses on standards for training of archivist and records managers. Using South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework and the South African Qualifications Authority guidelines, a training model that can be used elsewhere in Africa with some adjustments is suggested. The article recognises that there can be no one set of universally standard desirable outcomes for all educational institutions, as the outcomes must depend on the institution’s nature and mission. Whilst the teaching and learning processes may differ between countries, there should be a substantial commonality in the outcomes achieved. Thus it would be possible to have generic processes of assessment and accreditation. Adherence to standards is key to the generic process of accreditation and professional mobility.
Relation between branding and growth of the firm in new quick fashion formulas: analysis of an Italian case
Authors: Guercini Simone
Published: November 2002

Quick fashion formulas can be described as a product/service characterised mainly by its potential to supply retailers with a range renewal service that is produced at short time gaps. The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis that by adopting new quick fashion formulas clothing manufacturers can at least in part integrate the different factors that traditionally contributed to the success of operators in different strategic groups. In the case of the Italian firm analysed here, the range renewal service and consequently the development of a new production management model are integrated with construction of a strong brand identity, which has resulted in increased performance. The development of new quick fashion formulas appears symptomatic of transition from a production‐driven to a market‐driven characterisation of the apparel manufacturing sector. The development and success of quick fashion formulas such as those analysed in this paper may have important implications not only for the evolution of clothing distribution, but indeed for the whole supply chain upstream of the retailer, including textiles manufacturers who produce yarn and fabric.
Relationships between optimum stimulation level and willingness to use mass customisation options
Authors: Fiore Ann Marie , Lee Seung‐Eun , Kunz Grace , Campbell J.R.
Published: November 2002

Mass customisation, defined as the mass production of individually customised goods and services, aims at providing products and services that are more suited to the needs or desires of today’s fragmented consumer markets. Mass customisers should identify how needs or desires of the fragmented market shape the customisation of not just the product and service, but also the mass customisation experience. Towards this end, the authors examined whether an individual’s preferred level for environmental stimulation defined as optimum stimulation level (OSL) was associated with the types of products, services and experiences desired from mass customisation of apparel. As the authors hypothesised, OSL had significant positive correlations with willingness to use co‐design services to create a unique design, trying co‐design as an exciting experience, overall commitment to using co‐design, and trying body scanning as an exciting experience. OSL did not have significant correlations with the more banal willingness to use body scanning services for better fitting products or overall commitment to using body scanning. There was also a significant positive correlation between OSL and interest in customising experiential products, but not between OSL and interest in customising utilitarian products, as hypothesised. Results support research of the influence of OSL on consumer behaviour. Implications for the industry include considering experience aspects and environmental stimulation when developing a mass customisation programme.
Her way: women presidents leading companies
Authors: Marshall Suzanne
Published: November 2002

This study examines the leadership styles provided by women in top corporate positions. Three women – each president of a southern California apparel manufacturing company – were selected for case studies. Major findings show an integrative leadership model characterised by task commitment, demonstrated by a “hands‐on” approach to work, personal sacrifice, multi‐tasking and goal orientation; a commitment to personal relationships with employees, shown by an emphasis on teamwork‐collaboration, egalitarianism and concern for employees; and power sharing, shown by information sharing, autonomous decision making and employee development. This integrative leadership has a strong impact not only on how women deal with employees within their companies but also on how they deal with external business constituents. The study concludes by showing that this leadership style lays a foundation for future studies of women’s leadership in other types of apparel industries as well as in other fields.
The DnaK Chaperone Is Necessary for α-Complementation of β-Galactosidase in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Lopes Ferreira Nicolas , Alix Jean-Hervé
Published: November 2002

We show here the involvement of the molecular chaperone DnaK from
Escherichia coli
in the in vivo α-complementation of the β-galactosidase. In the
dnaK756
(Ts) mutant, α-complementation occurs when the organisms are grown at 30°C but not at 37 or 40°C, although these temperatures are permissive for bacterial growth. Plasmid-driven expression of wild-type
dnaK
restores the α-complementation in the mutant but also stimulates it in a
dnaK
+
strain. In a mutant which contains a disrupted
dnaK
gene (
ΔdnaK52
::Cm
r
), α-complementation is also impaired, even at 30°C. This observation provides an easy and original phenotype to detect subtle functional changes in a protein such as the DnaK756 chaperone, within the physiologically relevant temperature.
Mortality among tuberculosis patients in The Netherlands in the period 1993-1995
Authors: Borgdorff MW , Veen J , Kalisvaart NA , Nagelkerke N
Published: November 2002

This study aimed to estimate excess mortality among tuberculosis patients in The Netherlands and identify risk factors for tuberculosis-associated mortality. The national tuberculosis register provided data on patients diagnosed in the period 1993-1995. Excess mortality in tuberculosis cases, according to age and sex, was determined by comparison with national mortality rates. Risk factors were identified and adjustment for confounders was carried out using Cox's proportional hazard analysis. Of 4,340 patients alive at diagnosis, 258 died within 1 yr while on treatment. The Kaplan-Meier survival probability after 1 yr was 93%. Tuberculosis patients had a standardized mortality ratio of 8.3. Independent risk factors for mortality were: gender; age; presence of a malignancy or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; addiction to alcohol or drugs; localization of tuberculosis; and the type of medical officer having made the diagnosis. Of all deaths, 83% occurred in two risk groups comprising 21% of tuberculosis patients: those aged > or =65 yrs and those having HIV infection or a malignancy. Tuberculosis patients in The Netherlands are at a considerably increased risk of death. However, the prognosis is very good for those aged less than 65 yrs and without human immunodeficiency virus infection or a malignancy.
Asthma and allergies among children in West and East Germany: a comparison between Munster and Greifswald using the ISAAC phase I protocol. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood
Authors: Duhme H , Weiland SK , Rudolph P , Wienke A , Kramer A , Keil U
Published: November 2002

The study aim was to compare the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children living in Munster, western Germany, and Greifswald, eastern Germany, and to investigate associations of several characteristics and exposures with atopic disease symptoms. In 1994 and 1995, questionnaire information was gathered on 5-8 yr old children (n=3,741 in Munster and n=2,857 in Greifswald) and 12-15 yr olds (n=4,003 and n= 3,153, respectively) using the phase I protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The 12 month period prevalences of reported atopic disease symptoms in 5-8 yr olds were generally higher in Munster than in Greifswald, whereas only a few prevalence differences were observed in 12-15 yr olds. In both age groups the reported lifetime prevalences of asthma, hay fever and eczema were lower in Greifswald. Indoor exposures such as wood or coal heating and feather bedding were negatively associated with symptoms, whereas exposures such as truck traffic in a residential street or active smoking were positively associated with symptoms. Wood or coal heating could partly explain the prevalence difference of allergic rhinitis symptoms among 5-8 yr olds between Munster and Greifswald. The findings provide additional evidence for a role of several characteristics and exposures as potential determinants of asthma and allergies in children.
Snoring and hypertension: a 10 year follow-up
Authors: Lindberg E , Janson C , Gislason T , Svardsudd K , Hetta J , Boman G
Published: November 2002

In many cross-sectional studies an association has been found between snoring and hypertension. However, differing results have been obtained when confounding factors have been taken into account. To establish whether snoring is a risk factor for developing hypertension, a population-based, prospective survey was performed. In 1984 and 1994, 2,668 males, aged 30-69 yrs at baseline, answered questionnaires concerning sleep disturbances and somatic disease. Of the habitual snorers in 1984, 12.5% reported that they had developed hypertension during the period, compared with 7.4% of the remaining subjects (p<0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model persistent snoring, i.e., reported habitual snoring in both 1984 and 1994, was found to be an independent predictor for the development of hypertension among males aged 30-49 yrs (odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.5-4.5) after adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), weight gain, smoking, alcohol dependence, and physical inactivity. Among the subjects aged 50-69 yrs in 1984, no association between snoring and development of hypertension was found. Although based only on reported data, the results indicate that persistent snoring is an independent risk factor for the development of hypertension among males aged <50 yrs. Prospective surveys, including whole-night sleep recordings, are needed to establish whether this is due to a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome among snorers or whether nonapnoeic snorers with increased upper airway resistance also have an increased risk of developing hypertension.
Time-course of functional and pathological changes after a single high acute inhalation of chlorine in rats
Authors: Demnati R , Fraser R , Ghezzo H , Martin JG , Plaa G , Malo JL
Published: November 2002

Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is an asthma-like condition that follows exposure to very high concentrations of an irritant material. We assessed the time-course of pathophysiological alterations in a model of RADS. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1,500 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine for 5 min. Lung resistance (RL), responsiveness to inhaled methacholine (MCh), the airway epithelium and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were assessed over a 3 month period after exposure. RL increased significantly up to 3 days after exposure, reaching a maximal change of 110+/-16% from baseline. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of MCh required to increase RL by 0.20 cmH2O x mL(-1) x s from days 1-7 after exposure. In some rats, MCh hyperresponsiveness and RL changes persisted after exposure for as long as 1 and 3 months, respectively. Histological evaluation with morphometric evaluation revealed epithelial flattening, necrosis, increase in smooth muscle mass and evidence of epithelial regeneration. BAL showed an increased number of neutrophils. The timing of maximal abnormality in the appearance of the epithelium (days 1-3) corresponded to that of the maximal functional changes. Acute high chlorine exposure results in functional and pathological abnormalities that resolve in the majority of animals after a variable period; however, these changes can persist in some animals. Functional abnormalities in the initial stages may be related to airway epithelial damage.
Nebulizer calibration using lithium chloride: an accurate, reproducible and user-friendly method
Authors: Ward RJ , Reid DW , Leonard RF , Johns DP , Walters EH
Published: November 2002

Conventional gravimetric (weight loss) calibration of jet nebulizers overestimates their aerosol output by up to 80% due to unaccounted evaporative loss. We examined two methods of measuring true aerosol output from jet nebulizers. A new adaptation of a widely available clinical assay for lithium (determined by flame photometry, LiCl method) was compared to an existing electrochemical method based on fluoride detection (NaF method). The agreement between the two methods and the repeatability of each method were examined. Ten Mefar jet nebulizers were studied using a Mefar MK3 inhalation dosimeter. There was no significant difference between the two methods (p=0.76) with mean aerosol output of the 10 nebulizers being 7.40 mg x s(-1) (SD 1.06; range 5.86-9.36 mg x s(-1)) for the NaF method and 7.27 mg x s(-1) (SD 0.82; range 5.52-8.26 mg x s(-1)) for the LiCl method. The LiCl method had a coefficient of repeatability of 13 mg x s(-1) compared with 3.7 mg x s(-1) for the NaF method. The LiCl method accurately measured true aerosol output and was considerably easier to use. It was also more repeatable, and hence more precise, than the NaF method. Because the LiCl method uses an assay that is routinely available from hospital biochemistry laboratories, it is easy to use and, thus, can readily be adopted by busy respiratory function departments.
Stability of methacholine chloride solutions under different storage conditions over a 9 month period
Authors: Hayes RD , Beach  , Rutherford DM , Sim MR
Published: November 2002

Methacholine chloride solutions, routinely used for testing bronchial hyperreactivity, have been shown to degrade over time. The data published addressing the optimal conditions for methacholine chloride storage are conflicting and incomplete. This study investigated the effects of a variety of conditions on the stability of methacholine chloride. Methacholine chloride, dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or sodium chloride (NaCl) at 50 and 0.39 g x L(-1), was subjected to various light and temperature conditions for 9 months. Methacholine chloride degradation was determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and all solutions underwent bacterial and pH testing. By 9 months, all 50 g x L(-1) solutions of methacholine chloride had degraded by 65+/-0.8%. All 0.39 g x L(-1) solutions in NaCl had degraded by 11.0+/-0.33%. The 0.39 g x L(-1) solutions in PBS which had been frozen, refrigerated or stored at room temperature had degraded by 8.0%, 16.0+/-0.3% and 63.8+/-0.5%, respectively. The pH of methacholine chloride was 7.2 in PBS at 0.39 g x L(-1), 5.8 in PBS at 50 g x L(-1), 3.9 in NaCl at 0.39 and 2.7 in NaCl at 50 g x L(-1). Bacterial contamination was minimal. The results of this study demonstrate that methacholine chloride is more stable at the higher concentration. However, the pH of the more concentrated solutions of methacholine chloride in sodium chloride could cause bronchoconstriction in some subjects. We therefore recommend storing methacholine chloride at 50 g x L(-1) in phosphate-buffered saline.