bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining: Interpersonal and Individual Differences Determinants of Anger-Related Behaviors
Authors: Kuppens Peter , Van Mechelen Iven , Meulders Michel
Published: November 2004

Two studies examined the effect of status and liking of the anger target on anger behavior and individual differences in angerrelated behavior. Participants recalled anger instances in which the anger target was of higher/equal/lower status and/or liked/ unfamiliar/disliked; subsequently, they indicated which behaviors they had displayed. In both studies, anger behaviors could be grouped into behaviors that imply approaching the target (anger-out, assertion, reconciliation) and behaviors that reflect avoidance/anger-in or social sharing. The results demonstrated that approach behaviors more likely occur toward lower status or liked targets; avoidance behaviors and social sharing more likely occur when the target is of higher status or disliked. On an individual differences level, an approach and an avoid/social sharing person class were identified. The findings suggest that anger may motivate prosocial behavior or social sharing, depending on the individual and type of relation with the target. Only few gender differences were found.
Global Franchising and Development in Emerging and Transitioning Markets
Authors: Alon Ilan
Published: November 2004

The conventional wisdom that prevails in theWest is that franchising provides a net benefit to the host market. In addition to the obvious economic benefits of employment, output, and tax, franchising development injects expertise and training in various industries and increases the entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities and skills of the labor force. The unique nature of international franchising may, however, create social pressures, cultural clashes, and perceived challenges to national cultures. This article discusses a framework to assess the potential economic and social benefits and costs of international franchising. It then discusses the implication of this framework and an agenda for future research.
Critical Issues for Developing Asia
Authors: Bruton Christopher F.
Published: November 2004

This article identifies eight key critical issues considered to have significance for the developing countries of Asia. (1) Globalization has been used as a strategy to open up emerging markets and eradicate protectionism, with the threat of marginalizing smaller countries and creating new forum of colonialism. (2) Demographics are affecting countries, with falling population growth, aging populations with related economic challenges. (3) Poverty alleviation is a popular political creed, but little observed in reality by get-rich-quick politicians. (4) Likewise, good governance is often applauded but little exercised. (5) Privatization is vital to resolve public sector inefficiencies, but is slow and obstructed by vested interests. (6) Intellectual property protection is equally essential for research and development advancement, but difficult to enforce. (7) Conflicting objectives of promotion of domestic demand and export promotion need to be harmonized for maximum growth. (8) Globalization brings along with it elements of organized crime including high-tech crime, difficult to eradicate.
Older age does not influence CD4 cell recovery in HIV-1 infected patients receiving Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy
Authors: Tumbarello Mario , Rabagliati Ricardo , de Gaetano Donati Katleen , Bertagnolio Silvia , Montuori Eva , Tamburrini Enrica , Tacconelli Evelina , Cauda Roberto
Published: November 2004

Background

Diagnosis of HIV infection is recently occurring with increasing frequency in middle-aged and in older individuals. As HAART became available, a minimal beneficial effect on immunological outcome in older in respect of younger subjects has been reported. In fact, both the intensity and the rapidity of the immunological response appeared to be reduced in elderly subjects. On the contrary, only few reports have indicated a similar immunological outcome both in older and younger HIV-positive subjects. Interestingly, older age did not seem to significantly affect the long-term virological outcome of HAART treated subjects.

Methods

To characterise epidemiological and clinical features of older HIV+ subjects, a prospective case-control study was performed: 120 subjects ≥ 50 and 476 between 20 and 35 years were initially compared. Subsequently, to better define the impact of HAART on their viro-immunological response, 81 older were compared with 162 younger subjects.

Results

At baseline cases presented significantly lower TCD4+ cell number and were more frequently affected by comorbid conditions. Under HAART a statistically significant increase in TCD4+ cell number was observed in cases and controls. At multivariate analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding viro-immunological response.

Conclusions

Although older subjects present a more severe HIV infection, they can achieve, under HAART, the same viro-immunological success as the younger individuals.
Psychiatric diagnoses in 3275 suicides: a meta-analysis
Authors: Arsenault-Lapierre Geneviève , Kim Caroline , Turecki Gustavo
Published: November 2004

Background

It is well known that most suicide cases meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. However, rates of specific disorders vary considerably between studies and little information is known about gender and geographic differences. This study provides overall rates of total and specific psychiatric disorders in suicide completers and presents evidence supporting gender and geographic differences in their relative proportion.

Methods

We carried out a review of studies in which psychological autopsy studies of suicide completers were performed. Studies were identified by means of MEDLINE database searches and by scanning the reference list of relevant publications. Twenty-three variables were defined, 16 of which evaluating psychiatric disorders. Mantel-Haenszel Weighted Odds Ratios were estimated for these 16 outcome variables.

Results

Twenty-seven studies comprising 3275 suicides were included, of which, 87.3% (SD 10.0%) had been diagnosed with a mental disorder prior to their death. There were major gender differences. Diagnoses of substance-related problems (OR = 3.58; 95% CI: 2.78–4.61), personality disorders (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.38–2.95) and childhood disorders (OR = 4.95; 95% CI: 2.69–9.31) were more common among male suicides, whereas affective disorders (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53–0.83), including depressive disorders (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.42–0.68) were less common among males. Geographical differences are also likely to be present in the relative proportion of psychiatric diagnoses among suicides.

Conclusions

Although psychopathology clearly mediates suicide risk, gender and geographical differences seem to exist in the relative proportion of the specific psychiatric disorders found among suicide completers.
Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats
Authors: Tajuddin  , Ahmad Shamshad , Latif Abdul , Qasmi Iqbal Ahmad
Published: November 2004

Background

The flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) has been used in Unani medicine since ancient times for the treatment of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of 50% ethanolic extract of clove on general mating behaviour, libido, potency along with its likely gastric ulceration and adverse effects on sexually normal male albino rats.

Methods

The suspension of the extract was administered orally at the dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg / kg, to different groups of male rats (n = 6) once a day for seven days. The female albino rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were determined and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. The probable gastric ulceration and adverse effects of the extract were also evaluated.

Results

Oral administration of the extract significantly increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency; Intromission Latency, Erections; Quick Flips, Long Flips as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Interval. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of 500 mg/kg. The test drug was also found to be devoid of any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the 50% ethanolic extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac effectivity of the extract lends support to the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.
Imaging in situ breast carcinoma (with or without an invasive component) with technetium-99m pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid and technetium-99m 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile scintimammography
Authors: Papantoniou Vassilios , Tsiouris Spyridon , Mainta Ekaterini , Valotassiou Varvara , Souvatzoglou Michael , Sotiropoulou Maria , Nakopoulou Lydia , Lazaris Dimitrios , Louvrou Androniki , Melissinou Maria , Tzannetaki Artemis , Pirmettis Ioannis , Koutsikos John , Zerva Cherry
Published: November 2004

Introduction

The aim of the study was to retrospectively define specific features of the technetium-99m pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-(V)DMSA) and technetium-99m 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-Sestamibi [99mTc-MIBI]) distribution in ductal breast carcinoma in situ and lobular breast carcinoma in situ (DCIS/LCIS), in relation to mammographic, histological and immunohistochemical parameters.

Materials and methods

One hundred and two patients with suspicious palpation or mammographic findings were submitted preoperatively to scintimammography (a total of 72 patients with 99mTc-(V)DMSA and a total of 75 patients with 99mTc-Sestamibi, 45 patients receiving both radiotracers). Images were acquired at 10 min and 60 min, and were evaluated for a pattern of diffuse radiotracer accumulation. The tumor-to-background ratios were correlated (T-pair test) with mammographic, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics.

Results

Histology confirmed malignancy in 46/102 patients: 20/46 patients had DCIS/LCIS, with or without coexistent invasive lesions, and 26/46 patients had isolated invasive carcinomas. Diffuse 99mTc-(V)DMSA accumulation was noticed in 18/19 cases and 99mTc-Sestamibi in 6/13 DCIS/LCIS cases. Epithelial hyperplasia demonstrated a similar accumulation pattern. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each tracer were calculated. Solely for 99mTc-(V)DMSA, the tumor-to-background ratio was significantly higher at 60 min than at 10 min and the diffuse uptake was significantly associated with suspicious microcalcifications, with the cell proliferation index ≥ 40% and with c-erbB-2 ≥ 10%.

Conclusion

99mTc-(V)DMSA showed high sensitivity and 99mTc-Sestamibi showed high specificity in detecting in situ breast carcinoma (99mTc-(V)DMSA especially in cases with increased cell proliferation), and these radiotracers could provide clinicians with preoperative information not always obtainable by mammography.
Concomitant Cisplatin Significantly Improves Locoregional Control in Advanced Head and Neck Cancers Treated With Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy
Authors: Huguenin Pia , Beer Karl T. , Allal Abdelkarim , Rufibach Kaspar , Friedli Corinne , Davis Jacques Bernard , Pestalozzi Bernhard , Schmid Stephan , Thöni Armin , Ozsahin Mahmut , Bernier Jacques , Töpfer Michael , Kann Roger , Meier Urs Richard , Thum Peter , Bieri Sabine , Notter Markus , Lombriser Norbert , Glanzmann Christoph
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To determine whether the application of two courses of cisplatin simultaneously with hyperfractionated radiotherapy improves the outcome in locally advanced and/or node-positive nonmetastatic carcinomas of the head and neck, compared with hyperfractionated radiotherapy alone.

Patients and Methods

From July 1994 to July 2000, 224 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (excluding nasopharynx and paranasal sinus) were randomly assigned to hyperfractionated radiotherapy (median dose, 74.4 Gy; 1.2 Gy twice daily) or the same radiotherapy combined with two cycles of concomitant cisplatin (20 mg/m2 on 5 days of weeks 1 and 5). The primary end point was time to any treatment failure; secondary end points were locoregional failure, metastatic relapse, overall survival, and late toxicity.

Results

There was no difference in radiotherapy between both treatment arms (74.4 Gy in 44 days). The full cisplatin dose was applied in 93% and 71% of patients during the first and second treatment cycles, respectively. Acute toxicity was similar in both arms. Median time to any treatment failure was not significantly different between treatment arms (19 months for combined treatment and 16 months for radiotherapy only, respectively) and the failure-free rate at 2.5 years was 45% and 33%, respectively. Locoregional control and distant disease–free survival were significantly improved with cisplatin (log-rank test, P = .039 and .011, respectively). The difference in overall survival did not reach significance (log-rank test, P = .147). Late toxicity was comparable in both treatment groups.

Conclusion

The therapeutic index of hyperfractionated radiotherapy is improved by concomitant cisplatin.
A study on self-reconfiguration of a knowledgeable manufacturing system
Authors: Xue C G , Yan H S
Published: November 2004

This paper deals with a new approach to the self-reconfiguration of the knowledgeable manufacturing system (KMS), which is based on knowledge meshes and agent meshes. To this end, new concepts of a knowledge mesh (K-M) and an agent mesh (A-M) are proposed as well as a new K-M and A-M based approach to knowledge representation for advanced manufacturing modes. A multiple set on the K-M is also formally defined as well as the mapping relationships between the multiple sets and the K-M. The union, intersection and minus operations on the multiple sets and the algorithms of K-M operations are proposed. In addition, preprocessing rules and the mapping between the multiple sets and the new K-M are explored in detail. On the basis of these, the relational database-based realizations of the K-M and its multiple sets are presented. Functional structure and realization of the self-reconfiguration subsystem of KMS are also presented. Finally, the self-reconfiguration method based on the K-M and A-M is exemplified by the self-reconfiguration of the management information system (MIS) software used in a vehicle body plant at Nanjing in China, which shows the method to be very effective.
Quality evaluation by classification of electrode force patterns in the resistance spot welding process using neural networks
Authors: Park Y J , Cho H
Published: November 2004

Since resistance spot welding (RSW) has become one of the safest and most reliable processes for fabricating sheet metals, many quality estimation methods have been developed to ensure the welding qualities. In this paper, two kinds of quality evaluation method by classification of electrode force patterns using neural networks are proposed in a servo-controlled RSW system. Firstly, experiments were conducted under different welding conditions with various process parameters such as welding currents and electrode forces in order to determine the relations between force patterns and qualities. Secondly, experiments were conducted in order to generate basic data to train the proposed neural networks and finally to evaluate welding qualities through the classification into standard patterns. The proposed learning vector quantization (LVQ) net indicates the fast classification, showing a total success rate of 90 per cent for test data with five standard patterns. The proposed back-propagation (BP) net shows the precise classification with a total success rate of 95 per cent, considering a slightly longer time for classification due to the additional data process time. The results evaluated with the standard welding quality classes show the practical feasibility of the proposed classification methods.
Quality inspection of food packaging seals using machine vision with texture analysis
Authors: Kerr D , Shi F , Brown N , Jackson M , Parkin R
Published: November 2004

This paper presents a machine vision approach to inspecting the integrity of semirigid polymer food packages sealed using a new laser-based sealing system. This new technique for food package sealing seeks to make significant improvements to existing manufacturing methods to meet the industry's requirements for rapid response to retail customers, while maintaining high quality, through 100 per cent inspection, with low associated production costs. By analysing examples of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ seal images, seal uniformity has been examined and associated with numerical quality measures. Statistical texture analysis is utilized in order to distinguish between good and bad seal conditions. A minimum distance classifier and an artificial neural network have been used to accept the segmented texture parameters as inputs and to output the seal quality decision. The method is shown to have a high success rate provided that illumination conditions remain constant.
The influence of store attitudes and other nonstore shopping patterns on patronage of television shopping programs
Authors: Eastlick Mary Ann , Liu MengMeng
Published: November 2004

This research investigated perceptions of attributes of television shopping programs relative to those of department and specialty stores and the relationships among attitude toward department and specialty stores, frequencies of shopping from catalogs and on-line shopping systems, and attitude toward television shopping programs. Data were obtained from a mail survey conducted on a random sample of 1,000 U.S. households that subscribed to cable television. Findings showed that overall attitude toward retail stores was significantly and positively related to overall attitude toward television shopping programs. There was also a strong relationship between patronage of television and attitudes toward merchandise, price, atmosphere/entertainment, salesperson service, and general service policy attributes of television shopping programs relative to those of store retailers.
Ultrasound screening and risk factors for death from hepatocellular carcinoma in a high risk group in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi , Chen Chien‐Jen , Yen Ming‐Fang , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Sun Chien‐An , Huang Guan‐Tarn , Yang Pei‐Ming , Lee Hsuan‐Shu , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: November 2004

Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability of ultrasonography (US) screening to detect small asymptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the efficacy of US screening in reducing deaths from HCC still remained unresolved. A 2‐stage screening program was designed to identify a high risk group in 7 townships in Taiwan by 6 markers (of risk for HCC) and repeated US screening was further applied to those with at least 1 positive result for the 6 markers, with a range of 3‐ to 6‐month inter‐screening intervals to those with liver cirrhosis or other chronic liver diseases and an annual screening regime for the remaining subjects with normal findings according to US. The 4,843 subjects in this cohort were followed up for an average of 7 years. We compared 4,385 attenders with 458 non‐attenders, in conjunction with baseline assessment for self‐selection bias. In addition, we assessed baseline variables with respect to their effects on risk of incidence of and mortality from HCC and on risk of incidence of liver cirrhosis. The difference in mortality between attenders and non‐attenders was then re‐estimated adjusting for significant predictors of cirrhosis, HCC incidence and HCC death as a further guard against baseline differences between attenders and non‐attenders in risk profiles. Results of US screening for this high risk group found the mortality was lower by 24% (95% CI: −52 to 62%) in the attenders compared to the non‐attenders. After adjustment for sensitivity, the mean sojourn time (MST) were 1.57 (95% CI: 0.94–4.68) for subjects with liver cirrhosis and 2.66 (95% CI: 1.68–6.37) years for non‐cirrhotic patient. Significant increases in risk of HCC incidence were associated with increasing age, male gender, hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HbsAg), hepatitis C antibody positive (Anti‐HCV), high levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and a family history of HCC. Significantly increased risks of liver cirrhosis were associated with predictors of cirrhosis were increasing age, HbsAg, high levels of ALT and of AFP. Significant or borderline significant increases in risk of HCC death were associated with increasing age, male gender, HbsAg, high levels of AST and AFP. Adjusted for the significant variables, the mortality was lower by 41% (95% CI: −20 to 71%, p = 0.1446) in the attenders compared to the non‐attenders. The present study provides suggestive evidence on the efficacy of US screening in a selective high risk group in an endemic area of hepatitis B. A randomized controlled trial would yield definitive evidence. Within the protocol of such a trial, a shorter interscreening interval for patients with liver cirrhosis is suggested. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of constitutive NF‐κB activity suppresses tumorigenicity of ewing sarcoma EW7 cells
Authors: Javelaud Delphine , Poupon Marie‐France , Wietzerbin Juana , Besançon Françoise
Published: November 2004

Ewing sarcoma is 1 of the most aggressive tumors that can affect children and young adults. Despite advances in therapy, the prognosis remains poor emphasizing the need for defining new targets for treatment. We investigated a possible role of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity of Ewing sarcoma‐derived EW7 cells in their tumorigenicity. In these cells, expression of a degradation‐resistant form of the inhibitory factor IκBα inhibited NF‐κB activity without affecting their in vitro proliferation rate. It causes, however, a remarkable loss of their ability to generate tumors in nude mice that correlates with both a decrease in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein secretion and an acquisition of sensitivity to murine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)‐induced apoptosis. These data support the concept that NF‐κB activity plays a role in the tumorigenicity of Ewing sarcoma cells, identifying NF‐κB as a potential target for reducing Ewing tumor progression. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yuan X, Dillehay LE, Williams JR, Shastri VR, Williams JA. IUdR polymers for combined continuous low‐dose rate and high‐dose rate sensitization of experimental human malignant gliomas, International Journal of Cancer (Radiation Oncology Investigations) 2001; 96(2) 118–125
Authors: Yuan X , Dillehay LE , Williams JR , Shastri VR , Williams JA
Published: November 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in International Journal of Cancer (Radiation Oncology Investigations) 2001; 96(2) 118–125
TRAIL, Fasl and a blocking anti‐DR5 antibody augment paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Odoux Christine , Albers Andreas , Amoscato Andrew A. , Lotze Michael T. , Wong Michael K.K.
Published: November 2004

Lung carcinoma is one of the most frequent causes of malignancy‐related mortality in the world. Paclitaxel (PA) is an antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and possesses a single‐agent response rate approaching 25%. PA kills tumor cells by inducing both cellular necrosis and apoptosis. Fas and Trail receptors (DR4 and DR5) are TNF family members and act as death signal transduction proteins in the apoptosis cascade. Despite the importance of PA in lung cancer treatment, the function of Fas, DR4 and DR5 in PA‐induced apoptosis, as well as the effect of their respective ligands FasL and TRAIL alone or in combination with PA, remains poorly understood. We show here that 10 μM PA induces a significant 10‐ to 57‐fold increase in primary lung cancer cell apoptosis and is associated with 20–215% increases in caspase‐3 activity in various NSCLC cell types. All the lung cancer cells express Fas, FasL, DR4 and DR5; however PA did not significantly modify their levels. We provide here the first time evidence that TRAIL is a potent inducer of apoptosis in multiple NSCLC cell lines. Noticeably, CH11, the Fas receptor cross‐linking and the antagonistic anti‐DR5 antibody enhance considerably the spontaneous apoptotic rate in 3 out of 5 cell types. The combination treatments, FasL+PA, TRAIL+PA or PA+anti‐DR5 antibody, greatly enhance PA‐apoptotic effect in most cell lines. These data suggest that the use of new combination treatment with PA and ligands targeting Fas or TRAIL receptors would be particularly efficacious. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) thin films as biocompatible coatings for microfluidic devices: Cell culture and flow studies with glial cells
Authors: Peterson Sophie L. , McDonald Anthony , Gourley Paul L. , Sasaki Darryl Y.
Published: November 2004

Oxygen plasma treatment of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) thin films produced a hydrophilic surface that was biocompatible and resistant to biofouling in microfluidic studies. Thin film coatings of PDMS were previously developed to provide protection for semiconductor‐based microoptical devices from rapid degradation by biofluids. However, the hydrophobic surface of native PDMS induced rapid clogging of microfluidic channels with glial cells. To evaluate the various issues of surface hydrophobicity and chemistry on material biocompatibility, we tested both native and oxidized PDMS (ox‐PDMS) coatings as well as bare silicon and hydrophobic alkane and hydrophilic oligoethylene glycol silane monolayer coated under both cell culture and microfluidic studies. For the culture studies, the observed trend was that the hydrophilic surfaces supported cell adhesion and growth, whereas the hydrophobic ones were inhibitive. However, for the fluidic studies, a glass‐silicon microfluidic device coated with the hydrophilic ox‐PDMS had an unperturbed flow rate over 14 min of operation, whereas the uncoated device suffered a loss in rate of 12%, and the native PDMS coating showed a loss of nearly 40%. Possible protein modification of the surfaces from the culture medium also were examined with adsorbed films of albumin, collagen, and fibrinogen to evaluate their effect on cell adhesion. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 10–18, 2005
Corneal epithelial adhesion strength to tethered‐protein/peptide modified hydrogel surfaces
Authors: Wallace Christopher , Jacob Jean T. , Stoltz Albert , Bi Jingjing , Bundy Kirk
Published: November 2004

In this study, we investigated the suitability of microjet impingement for use on hydrogel materials to determine the cellular adhesion strength of corneal epithelial cells grown on novel hydrogels with extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and/or fibronectin) or a peptide sequence (fibronectin adhesion promoting peptide, FAP) tethered to their surface with poly(ethylene glycol) chains. The deformation of the hydrogel surface in response to the force of the microjet was analyzed both visually and mathematically. After the results of these experiments and calculations determined that no deformation occurred and that the pressure required for indentation (1.25 × 106 Pa) was three factors of 10 greater than the maximum pressure of the microjet, the relative mean adhesion strength of primary rabbit corneal epithelial cells grown on the novel poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) hydrogels was determined and compared with that of the same type of cells grown on control glass surfaces. Only confluent cell layers were tested. Cells grown on control glass surfaces adhered with a mean relative adhesion strength of 488 ± 28 dynes/cm2. Under identical conditions, cells grown on laminin‐ and FAP‐tethered hydrogel surfaces were unable to be removed, indicating an adhesion strength greater than 516 dynes/cm2. Cells grown on fibronectin‐ and fibronectin/laminin (1:1)‐tethered surfaces showed significantly lower relative adhesion strengths (201 ± 50 and 189 ± 11 dynes/cm2, respectively), compared with laminin‐ and FAP‐tethered surfaces (p = 0.001). Our results demonstrate that the microjet impingement method of cell adhesion analysis is applicable to hydrogel substrates. Additionally, analysis of our test surfaces indicates that fibronectin tethered to this hydrogel in the quantity and by the method used here does not induce stable ligand/receptor bonding to the epithelial cell membrane to the same degree as does laminin or FAP. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 19–24, 2005
Anatomy and histochemistry of spread‐wing posture in birds. 3. Immunohistochemistry of flight muscles and the “shoulder lock” in albatrosses
Authors: Meyers Ron A. , Stakebake Eric F.
Published: November 2004

As a postural behavior, gliding and soaring flight in birds requires less energy than flapping flight. Slow tonic and slow twitch muscle fibers are specialized for sustained contraction with high fatigue resistance and are typically found in muscles associated with posture. Albatrosses are the elite of avian gliders; as such, we wanted to learn how their musculoskeletal system enables them to maintain spread‐wing posture for prolonged gliding bouts. We used dissection and immunohistochemistry to evaluate muscle function for gliding flight in Laysan and Black‐footed Albatrosses. Albatrosses possess a locking mechanism at the shoulder composed of a tendinous sheet that extends from origin to insertion throughout the length of the deep layer of the pectoralis muscle. This fascial “strut” passively maintains horizontal wing orientation during gliding and soaring flight. A number of muscles, which likely facilitate gliding posture, are composed exclusively of slow fibers. These include Mm. coracobrachialis cranialis, extensor metacarpi radialis dorsalis, and deep pectoralis. In addition, a number of other muscles, including triceps scapularis, triceps humeralis, supracoracoideus, and extensor metacarpi radialis ventralis, were found to have populations of slow fibers. We believe that this extensive suite of uniformly slow muscles is associated with sustained gliding and is unique to birds that glide and soar for extended periods. These findings suggest that albatrosses utilize a combination of slow muscle fibers and a rigid limiting tendon for maintaining a prolonged, gliding posture. J. Morphol. 263:12–29, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological evolution of the lizard skull: A geometric morphometrics survey
Authors: Stayton C. Tristan
Published: November 2004

Patterns of diversity among lizard skulls were studied from a morphological, phylogenetic, and functional perspective. A sample of 1,030 lizard skulls from 441 species in 17 families was used to create a lizard skull morphospace. This morphospace was combined with a phylogeny of lizard families to summarize general trends in the evolution of the lizard skull. A basal morphological split between the Iguania and Scleroglossa was observed. Iguanians are characterized by a short, high skull, with large areas of attachment for the external adductor musculature, relative to their sister group. The families of the Iguania appear to possess more intrafamilial morphological diversity than families of the Scleroglossa, but rarefaction of the data reveals this to be an artifact caused by the greater number of species represented in Iguanian families. Iguanian families also appear more dissimilar to one another than families of the Scleroglossa. Permutation tests indicate that this pattern is real and not due to the smaller number of families in the Iguanidae. Parallel and convergent evolution is observed among lizards with similar diets: ant and termite specialists, carnivores, and herbivores. However, these patterns are superimposed over the more general phylogenetic pattern of lizard skull diversity. This study has three central conclusions. Different clades of lizards show different patterns of disparity and divergence in patterns of morphospace occupation. Phylogeny imposes a primary signal upon which a secondary ecological signal is imprinted. Evolutionary patterns in skull metrics, taken with functional landmarks, allow testing of trends and the development of new hypotheses concerning both shape and biomechanics. J. Morphol. 263:47–59, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimum space‐time transmission for a highKfactor wireless channel with partial channel knowledge
Authors: Vu Mai , Paulraj Arogyaswami J.
Published: November 2004

We study the optimum transmission scheme that maximizes ergodic capacity of a 2 × 1 multiple‐input single‐output (MISO) system, when the channel knowledge at the transmitter is characterized by a known gain ratio and a known probability density function (PDF) of the phase shift between antennas. Such a channel scenario can arise in a forward link at the base station when there is a single direct path propagation. We show that the optimum transmit solution is beamforming on the mean value of the phase shift with unequal power input to the antennas. When the phase is completely unknown, the solution reduces to a single antenna transmission. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the performance of coded FDFR multi‐antenna systems with turbo‐decoding
Authors: Wang Renqiu , Ma Xiaoli , Giannakis Georgios B.
Published: November 2004

A full‐diversity full‐rate (FDFR) multi‐antenna system was developed recently, enabling uncoded layered space‐time (LST) transmissions to achieve full‐diversity (Nt) and full‐rate (Ntsymbols per channel use) simultaneously, for any number of transmit antennasNtand receive antennasNr. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a coded FDFR design obtained by concatenating an error control coding (ECC) module and FDFR module with a random interleaver in between. Turbo decoding is performed at the receiver. WithRcdenoting the ECC rate,dminthe minimum Hamming distance of the ECC, andMthe constellation size, an overall transfer rate ofRcNtlog2Mbits per channel use and a full diversity orderdminNtNrare achieved. Different ECC choices are considered. Approximate analysis reveals that multi‐stream ECC and single‐stream ECC make no difference when convolutional codes with long frame length and near‐optimal MIMO decoding schemes are adopted. Without sacrificing rate, the coded FDFR system improves error performance compared with coded V‐BLAST, when relatively weak codes are used. AsNrincreases, even strong codes such as rate 1/2 turbo codes can benefit from FDFR. Specifically, 1.5–2 dB gain over coded V‐BLAST is obtained in a 2 × 2 antenna setup when convolutional codes or rate 3/4 turbo codes are used; 0.5 dB gain is offered in a 2 × 5 setup when rate 1/2 turbo codes are used. Coded FDFR also outperforms a 16‐QAM Alamouti coded scheme by 1 dB when convolutional codes are used. The price paid is increased complexity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of MIMO spatial multiplexing algorithms using indoor channel measurements and models
Authors: Spencer Quentin H. , Svantesson Thomas , Swindlehurst A. Lee
Published: November 2004

Several algorithms have recently been proposed for multiplexing multiple users in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) downlinks. The ability of a transmitter to accomplish this using spatial methods is generally dependent on whether the users' channels are correlated. Up to this point, most of the multiplexing algorithms have been tested on uncorrelated Gaussian channels, a best‐case scenario. In this paper, we examine the performance of multiplexing multiple users under more realistic channel conditions by using indoor channel measurements and a statistical model for test cases. We use a block zero‐forcing algorithm to test performance at various user separation distances, optimizing for both maximum throughput under a power constraint and minimum power under a rate constraint. The results show that for the measured indoor environment (rich scattering, non‐line‐of‐sight), a separation of five wavelengths is enough to achieve close to the maximum available performance for two users. Since many spatial multiplexing algorithms require channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter, we also examine the performance loss due to CSI error. The results show that a user can move up to one‐half wavelength before the original channel measurement becomes unusable. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Space‐time alignment for asynchronous interference suppression in MIMO OFDM cellular communications
Authors: Breinholt Mark B. , Jung Hyejung , Zoltowski Michael D.
Published: November 2004

Future broadband cellular wireless communication systems will be characterized by high delay spread and the need to maximize the system capacity. One method of increasing capacity, aggressive frequency reuse, subjects mobiles to high levels of interference from neighboring basestations. Receiver interference suppression algorithms that work well for conventional MIMO systems may not be appropriate for suppressing interference in multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) cellular systems, since differing propagation delays and channel lengths can destroy the alignment of the cyclic prefixes, making the interference asynchronous. This work presents MIMO algorithms for cyclic prefix based systems that are suitable for scenarios where the interferer's cyclic prefix is not time‐aligned with the desired signal's cyclic prefix. Specifically, we present several space‐time partial equalization techniques for the alignment of cyclic prefixes for aiding in interference suppression. We use a two‐stage architecture with partial equalization for cyclic‐prefix alignment in the time domain followed by simple channel equalization in the frequency domain. We consider interference suppression in both domains and demonstrate the efficacy of the two‐stage architecture over both zero‐forcing (ZF) and per frequency bin minimum mean squared error (MMSE) equalization. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic channel management in MIMO OFDM cellular systems
Authors: Lu Ben , Wang Xiaodong , Gitlin Richard D. , Madihian Mohammad
Published: November 2004

We consider dynamic channel management (DCM), more specifically power control and channel allocation, in multi‐carrier multi‐antenna wireless cellular systems. A quasi‐static channel model is assumed such that the channels remain approximately time‐invariant within each packet. On a packet‐by‐packet basis, the mobile station (MS) receivers feed back the DCM parameters to the corresponding base station (BS) transmitters in order to minimize the transmission power and strive to satisfy every individual user's data‐rate request. While optimum, centralized DCM for all active cells typically requires solution of a non‐convex optimization problem (which is subject to local minima) and requires intense channel feedback to a central controller. We instead consider sub‐optimal distributed DCM, where each individual cell locally optimizes its own performance based on the local channel information. In particular, we compare three distributed DCM schemes, namely the two‐dimensional DCM, which jointly adjusts both spatial and frequency sub‐channels of each BS–MS link, the one‐dimensional DCM, which adjusts only the frequency sub‐channels and the scalar DCM, which adjusts each BS–MS link by one scalar power coefficient. These DCM schemes are investigated in multi‐cell environments with realistic parameters; and it is seen that due to the multiple antennas, the maximum supportable rate (i.e. the rate supported by practically finite transmission power) is significantly increased, for example by a factor of two for users using four antennas and close to cell boundary. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Alan Turing's anticipation of connectionism
Authors: Copeland B. Jack , Proudfoot Diane
Published: November 2004

It is not widely realised that Turing was probably the first person to consider building computing machines out of simple, neuron-like elements connected together into networks in a largely random manner. Turing called his networks ‘unorganised machines’. By the application of what he described as ‘appropriate interference, mimicking education’ an unorganised machine can be trained to perform any task that a Turing machine can carry out, provided the number of ‘neurons’ is sufficient. Turing proposed simulating both the behaviour of the network and the training process by means of a computer program. We outline Turing's connectionist project of 1948.
Is autism due to brain desynchronization?
Authors: Welsh John P. , Ahn Edward S. , Placantonakis Dimitris G.
Published: November 2004

The hypothesis is presented that a disruption in brain synchronization contributes to autism by destroying the coherence of brain rhythms and slowing overall cognitive processing speed. Particular focus is on the inferior olive, a precerebellar structure that is reliably disrupted in autism and which normally generates a coherent 5–13 Hz rhythmic output. New electrophysiological data reveal that the continuity of the rhythmical oscillation in membrane potential generated by inferior olive neurons requires the formation of neuronal assemblies by the connexin36 protein that mediates electrical synapses and promotes neuronal synchrony. An experiment with classical eyeblink conditioning is presented to demonstrate that the inferior olive is necessary to learn about sequences of stimuli presented at intervals in the range of 250–500 ms, but not at 700 ms, revealing that a disruption of the inferior olive slows stimulus processing speed on the time scale that is lost in autistic children. A model is presented in which the voltage oscillation generated by populations of electrically synchronized inferior olivary neurons permits the utilization of sequences of stimuli given at, or faster than, 2 per second. It is expected that the disturbance in inferior olive structure in autism disrupts the ability of inferior olive neurons to become electrically synchronized and to generate coherent rhythmic output, thereby impairing the ability to use rapid sequences of cues for the development of normal language skill. Future directions to test the hypothesis are presented.
SPACES OF LIPSCHITZ TYPE ON METRIC SPACES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: Yang Dachun , Lin Yong
Published: November 2004

New spaces of Lipschitz type on metric-measure spaces are introduced and they are shown to be just the well-known Besov spaces or Triebel–Lizorkin spaces when the smooth index is less than 1. These theorems also hold in the setting of spaces of homogeneous type, which include Euclidean spaces, Riemannian manifolds and some self-similar fractals. Moreover, the relationships amongst these Lipschitz-type spaces, Hajłasz–Sobolev spaces, Korevaar–Schoen–Sobolev spaces, Newtonian Sobolev space and Cheeger–Sobolev spaces on metric-measure spaces are clarified, showing that they are the same space with equivalence of norms. Furthermore, a Sobolev embedding theorem, namely that the Lipschitz-type spaces with large orders of smoothness can be embedded in Lipschitz spaces, is proved. For metric-measure spaces with heat kernels, a Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev theorem is establish, and hence it is proved that Lipschitz-type spaces with small orders of smoothness can be embedded in Lebesgue spaces.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 42B35. Secondary 46E35; 58J35; 43A99
Vowel Length in Modern Farsi
Authors: Toosarvandani Maziar Doustdar
Published: November 2004

Modern Farsi historically possessed an underlying opposition of vowel length that has since largely disappeared in all but open, non-final syllables. At the same time, qualitative differences have arisen between the once identical short and long vowels. Two opposing analyses have been proposed to account for these facts. The “quantity only” analysis posits an underlying opposition of length and derives the qualitative differences by rule, while the “quality only” analysis removes length from the underlying representation but includes the differences in quality. In this paper, it is argued that neither analysis is able to describe the vowel system both concretely and with maximal generalisation. A synthetic analysis is proposed that integrates quantity and quality in the underlying vowel system and is able to account adequately for the observed phenomena. It moreover sheds light on the modern Farsi vowel system as a transition state between the historical “quantity only” system and the system of a future Farsi possessing an opposition of quality alone.
A Mongol-Ismâ‘îlî Alliance?: Thoughts on the Mongols and Assassins
Authors: May Timothy
Published: November 2004

The Mongols' relationship with the Ismâ'îlîs or Assassins has generally been considered in terms of their destruction of the Ismâ'îlî power in Northern Iran under Hülegü. While this was certainly the denouement of their relationship, the Mongols and the so-called Assassins have a much longer common history. Indeed, they often shared mutual enemies in the person of the Khwarazmshah Muhammad, and then of his son, Jalâl al-Dîn. This article, thus, examines the pattern of the Mongol-Ismâ'îlî relationship from their first contact to the severing of ties, and discusses whether the Mongols established an alliance with the Assassins.
Information and Coding Discrimination of Pseudo-Additive Entropies (PAE)
Authors: Lavenda B. H.
Published: November 2004

PAE cannot be made a basis for either a generalized statistical mechanics or a generalized information theory. Either statistical independence must be waived, or the expression of the averaged conditional probability as the difference between the marginal and joint entropies must be relinquished. The same inequality, relating the PAE to the Rényi entropy, when applied to the mean code length produces an expression that is without bound as the order of the code length approaches infinity. Since the mean code length associated with the Rényi entropy is finite and can be made to come as close to the Hartley entropy as desired in the same limit, the PAE have a more limited range of validity than the Rényi entropy which they approximate.
First 100 ms of HF modification at Tromsø, Norway
Authors: Djuth F. T. , Isham B. , Rietveld M. T. , Hagfors T. , La Hoz C.
Published: November 2004

Experiments were performed with the high‐power, high‐frequency (HF) facility at Tromsø, Norway to test theoretical predictions for the excitation of ion and Langmuir oscillations in the ionosphere. The principal diagnostic of wave‐plasma interactions was the VHF radar at the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) facility. This radar is collocated with the HF facility. High‐resolution radar techniques were used to monitor the temporal development of the ion and Langmuir oscillations. HF pulses 100 ms in duration were periodically transmitted into a smooth background F region plasma. Measurements of the radar backscatter spectra show that all key spectral features predicted by strong Langmuir turbulence theory are simultaneously present in the plasma and that their evolution is in agreement with theoretical expectations. However, several new features have been observed that are not anticipated by current theory. The experimental results reinforce the notion that new theoretical developments are needed to accommodate the large HF electric fields produced at Tromsø and treat the electron acceleration process in a self‐consistent fashion.