bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring city, county and state e‐government initiatives: an East Texas perspective
Authors: Helen Fagan Mary
Published: June 2006

Purpose

In order to understand the range of e‐government initiatives that occur in practice, this study aims to explore diverse applications that have involved one locale, the City of Tyler, Texas.

Design/methodology/approach

The first case briefly describes the TylerTexas e‐government portal, an initiative that illustrates government‐to‐citizen and government‐to‐business applications. The second case describes a city/county government information technology integration effort that could support government‐to‐government applications if it is successful. Finally, the paper describes TexasOnline, a public‐private state government initiative that may have a large impact on local e‐government projects.

Findings

The paper explores some of the ways in which business process management approaches can help city and civic leaders manage the significant social and technical changes that will be needed to achieve the desired e‐government outcomes.

Originality/value

These examples illustrate many of the opportunities and the challenges involved in e‐government initiatives and, as such, may interest others who engage in similar efforts.
Integrated service delivery
Authors: Daniel Elizabeth , Ward John
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce enterprise portals and show their ability to provide integrated services in the local government domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the development and early stage deployment of enterprise portals within two country councils in the UK.

Findings

In both cases the portal is seen as a key element of their e‐government activities, enabling the councils to meet Central Government targets in this area. The intention is for the portals to provide a single location for residents, businesses and council staff, wishing to access the online information and transactional services provided by the councils. The portals offer the councils a number of very significant benefits that will improve service delivery to citizens, including the ability to share information across their own directorates and also to improve working with other agencies.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on just two organizations, both based in the UK. Although the intention of case study research is not to provide generalisable truths, rather to explore the rich inter‐relationship in a given situation, undertaking further case studies, particularly in different countries, may allow common benefits and experiences to be identified.

Practical implications

Many governments in the developed world have placed significant emphasis on the adoption of e‐business throughout the public sector. The findings of this study will therefore be of interest to those involved in such developments, not just only in the UK but also in all other countries. The study will be of particular relevance to those interested in local government, which, it has been reported, is under‐represented in the e‐government research literature.

Originality/value

Enterprise portals are a relatively new development. Despite considerable coverage by vendors and consultants in practitioner journals, there is a paucity of academic papers in this area, with the few papers that have been published being theoretical in nature. The authors are unaware of any previous empirical studies in this domain and believe that this paper, although exploratory, represents one of the first such studies.
China‐bashing in the internet censorship wars
Authors: Gorman G.E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To raise the subject of how most societies carry out internet censorship in some form or another.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentrates on the sanctimonious views emanating from the USA directed against the PRC. Recommends some authors' work for further reading.

Findings

After making comparisons between the PRC and the liberal West, feels that one must learn to live with the reality that there are differing national and regional interpretations of what constitutes acceptable content.

Originality/value

A strong and thought‐provoking personal view of a contentious subject.
Intellectual capital: direction, not blind faith
Authors: Chaharbaghi Kazem , Cripps Sandy
Published: June 2006

Purpose – To question the coupling of “intellectual” with “capital” and the assumption that such a coupling legitimises measurement. Design/methodology/approach – The contestability and multiple meanings of intellectual capital are revealed using rational and non‐rational management perspectives as examples. A process is presented through a metalectic framework that exposes a variety of attitudes of mind so that the integration of rational and non‐rational management perspectives becomes a possibility. Findings – Intellectual capital cannot be reduced to a calculable number that establishes whether an organisation's intellectual capital has increased or diminished. Intellectual capital can only indicate a direction when imagination, creativity and learning are at work. Research limitations/implications – Without a critical approach that provides an insight into the way different perspectives are promoted and what their promoters gain from their use it is not possible to make sense of intellectual capital. Practical implications – The realisation of the potential of intellectual capital requires a fundamental change in the assumptions of what management is about and that forcing the thinking about intellectual capital into existing working frameworks will not bring about a change in the attitude of mind of managers or workers. Originality/value – This paper offers an alternative thinking that provides a richer and broader meaning for intellectual capital by locating different perspectives on their strengths and by giving equal importance to them whilst endlessly remaining critical of them. This way of thinking is more appropriate than what is currently on offer if intellectual capital is to become more meaningful.
On the metaphorical nature of intellectual capital: a textual analysis
Authors: Andriessen Daniel
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To analyse common metaphors used in the intellectual capital (IC) and knowledge management literatures to conceptualise knowledge, in order to study the nature of the intellectual capital concept.

Design/methodology/approach

A textual analysis methodology is used to analyse texts fromThe Knowledge‐Creating Companyby Nonaka and Takeuchi,Working Knowledgeby Davenport and Prusak and “Brainpower” by Stewart, in order to identify underlying metaphors.

Findings

Over 95 per cent of the statements about knowledge identified are based on some kind of metaphor. The two dominant metaphors that form the basis for the concept of intellectual capital are “knowledge as a resource” and “knowledge as capital”.

Research limitations/implications

Metaphors highlight certain characteristics and ignore others, so the IC community should ask itself what characteristics of knowledge the “knowledge as a resource” and “knowledge as capital” metaphors ignore.

Practical implications

Knowledge has no referent in the real world and requires metaphor to be defined, conceptualised, and acted upon. When using such metaphors we should become aware of their limitations as they steer us in certain directions and this may happen unconsciously. The paper concludes by asking whether we need new metaphors to better understand the mechanisms of the knowledge economy, hence allowing us to potentially change some of the more negative structural features of contemporary society.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to highlight that intellectual capital is a metaphor and that the metaphorical nature of the concept has far reaching consequences.
Monitoring of parasitological contamination in treated wastewater from activated sludge system
Authors: Cutolo Silvana A. , Matté Maria H. , Rocha Aristides A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to detect helminth eggs in treated wastewater for sanitary control, using them as biological indicators of wastewater quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were taken from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Metropolitan Area. To concentrate the samples, centrifugation‐flotation on 33 percent zinc sulphate was applied.

Findings

The study revealed the constant presence of helminth eggs as Ascaris sp., Enterobius sp., Hymenolepis sp., and Strongyloides sp.

Originality/value

The results indicate that helminth eggs can be used as bioindicators for sanitary control of treated wastewater to be reused in urban areas.
Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kulatunga Udayangani , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre‐ and post‐contract stages towards minimising waste.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators.

Findings

The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
A study on the impact of environmental management system (EMS) certification towards firms' performance in Malaysia
Authors: Eng Ann Goh , Zailani Suhaiza , Abd Wahid Nabsiah
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate the impact of EMS certification on the performance of firms, including economic and environmental aspects and perceived customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is hypotheses testing in order to explain the variance in the dependent variable (firms' performance in terms of economic and environmental aspects) by establishing the nature of the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables through the testing of the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that certification impacts positively on both the environmental and economic performance of enterprises. Respondents perceived “enhanced corporate image” to be the strongest impact of certification, and they believe that the benefits obtained from EMS certification far outweigh the cost of its implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The study only surveyed ISO 14001‐certified firms. Future research should include non‐certified firms.

Practical implications

To improve the quality of the environment there needs to be a partnership between government, businesses and the community.

Originality/value

ISO 14001 certification has a positive impact on firms' performance, specifically on perceived economic impact, perceived environmental impact and perceived customer satisfaction. By failing to perceive a marketing opportunity from using this well‐known standard, firms can lose market share.
Cusum modelling of the dynamics of process performance improvement programmes
Authors: Owen Neil R.H. , Towill Denis R.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the Cusum model as a means of rapid trend detection and dynamic response classifier in a low signal/noise environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used was the design and implementation of an IT system for automatic on‐line monitoring of press operator performance.

Findings

Operators engaged following an in‐house skills enhancement programme display a wide range of performance profiles.

Research limitations/implications

Identifies opportunities for further management investigation of working practices identified as leading to regression plus operators obviously learning to “work smarter, not harder”.

Practical implications

A range of novel performance templates based on the Cusum model have been derived and tested on 18 press operators.

Originality/value

The Cusum model is already well established in the literature. This case study shows that the model can be readily exploited via automatic operator performance monitoring and subsequent classification.
Value relationships and effectiveness – pilot study in health
Authors: Esain Ann , Massey Lynn
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The research aim is to identify and evaluate “value” and “effectiveness” in the system of temporary staffing in one NHS Trust. Temporary staffing, known as Bank and Agency (B & A) staffing, is an increasing proportion of NHS expenditure (Bank staff are already contracted with the Trust and work extra shifts, while Agency staff are independently employed through the agency, costing more per shift). The system is reviewed in terms of quality, delivery and cost in relation to customers. The study assesses if unnecessary complexity, and poor standards significantly impact on effective performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A diagnostic action research field based approach is taken with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current system. This includes, cross‐functional mapping, stakeholder value analysis and historical data collection. The theoretical perspective includes system theory, stakeholder theory and value.

Findings

Research results indicate that the requirement for temporary staffing is predictable (previously thought to be unpredictable). Consequently, agency staffing can more readily be replaced with bank nurses. This could improve the outcomes of quality in service, delivery and reduce Trust expenditure.

Research limitations/implications

Research results could be idiosyncratic and contextual therefore a comparative study is underway to determine validity. Indications are NHS expenditure on temporary staffing, particularly agency nurses, could be reduced while increasing effectiveness of the service.

Originality/value

This research analyses working practice and value relationships within the temporary staffing system. A potential future state system is developed, that indicates improved value, quality, delivery, a win for patients, wards and Welsh NHS secondary care Trust, having wider NHS applications.
Intense, vigorous, soft and fun: identity work and the international MBA
Authors: Beech Nic
Published: June 2006

Purpose

A critical debate has been on‐going about the desired nature of international MBAs. One aspect of this debate, which has remained significantly underdeveloped, is the impact on students' identity of the way that MBAs are shaped and projected. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the decision to do an MBA as a point of high intensity identity work, artefacts that input to that decision are subjected to narrative analysis. A total of 140 MBA brochures from the USA and Europe were analysed.

Findings

The findings lay out the dominant narrative style of the MBA identity as projected through brochures and associated publicity material.

Research limitations/implications

Narrative analysis emphasises some potential findings whilst de‐emphasising others. Its strengths are to be able to incorporate a large amount of empirical material and to uncover underlying patterns within that material. Its limitations are that it is not as focused on micro detail in the way that, for example, conversation analysis is, and nor is it focused on macro generalisation in the way that discourse analysis can be.

Practical implications

The analysis has implications for those involved in designing and promoting MBAs.

Originality/value

The outcome is a conceptualisation of some of the consequences of the projected identity of international MBA students. This is intended to be a contribution to the debate on the nature of international management education and to also have application within the debate on the nature and processes of identity work.
When does single‐source versus multiple‐source lending matter?
Authors: Koziol Christian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Seek to compare the consequences of single‐source versus multiple‐source lending for a borrower who has loans that can be prematurely terminated.

Design/methodology/approach

The considered model framework is an option‐theoretic firm value model similar to Merton (1974) but where lenders have the additional right to prematurely terminate the loans. The single lender is a monopolist, while multiple lenders are represented by a continuum without individual impact on the aggregate termination decision.

Findings

The model explains that, if the borrower is in financial distress but has positive net present value projects, a single lender has a higher incentive to save the firm and therefore terminates fewer loans than multiple lenders. In the opposite case where the firm is not under financial distress, it is the other way round and multiple lenders terminate fewer loans than a single lender. As a result, equity holders are better off by having a loan from a single‐source under financial distress but multiple‐source lending is advantageous in the absence of financial distress.

Research limitations/implications

To focus on the origin for arising differences from single‐source and multiple‐source lending, consideration is given to the simple case with perfect information and without monitoring and renegotiation. These market imperfections can be incorporated into the model in a straightforward way.

Originality/value

While other models in the literature require market imperfections to explain the relevance of the bank relationship, this paper indicates that even in the absence of market imperfections the lending relationship is fundamental as long as lenders have the right for early terminations.
The employees' attitudes and their connections with the organisational culture in the process of change in the Estonian organisations
Authors: Alas Ruth , Vadi Maaja
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Estonian companies have been in a continuous state of change for the past 15 years, and there is still a lot to be done to achieve welfare levels comparable with developed countries in the European Union. The crucial question is how to achieve employee commitment to organisational change. The aim of this research is to highlight employee attitudes toward organisational change and how organisational culture can influence these attitudes in a rapidly changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A model showing the connections between organisational culture and employee attitudes in the organisational change process has been developed as the theoretical conceptual frame for the study. The empirical study was conducted by the authors in 26 Estonian organisations with 412 respondents. A tool for measuring employee attitudes in the process of organisational change and a questionnaire for measuring organisational culture were developed by the authors.

Findings

Under the conditions of economic transition, employees with higher job satisfaction are more willing to participate in an organisational change process than employees with a lower level of job satisfaction. Employees who evaluated their organisational culture as being stronger were more willing to participate in implementing organisational changes and were more satisfied with their jobs and managers. The attitudes of those managers who were younger than 45 were more strongly related to a positive organisational culture than to a strong organisational culture.

Originality/value

The most significant finding was that in a transition economy a strong organisational culture influences attitudes to change in a positive way. This is different from countries with more stable economies, where a strong organisational culture is considered to promote stability.
Slovenian catching up with the developed countries: when and how?
Authors: Svetličič Marjan , Sicherl Pavle
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide assessment of the current status of economic development and policy suggestions as to how Slovenia can catch up with developed countries and close the development gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first analyses world development scenarios. Part two is devoted to the calculation of development gaps by novel time distance methodology in order to identify major reasons for lagging behind and concludes by providing policy ideas how to close these gaps.

Findings

The time lag for GDP per capita with the EU 15 average is 18 years, and larger when Slovenia is compared to the successful small EU member states. The optimistic scenario of catching up in 16 years would require 2 per cent higher growth rate than EU 15 average. This time would be shorter if the government policy would promote the knowledge‐based economy, internationalisation, innovative capabilities and become more effective, responsive, flexibile and closing persistent implementation and co‐ordination gaps.

Practical implications

The application of a different way of measuring development gaps by time distance methodology is applicable also for other small transition economies. The paper also provides a source of policy ideas for a development strategy of Slovenia and small transition countries in general.

Originality/value

The paper makes original calculations of development gaps by time distance methodology for, e.g. GDP per capita, productivity, export per capita, export of technologically intensive products as well as policy suggestions how to close development gap.
South African cellular wars in Nigeria
Authors: Hoff Dean
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The aim of the case study is to highlight the potential and achievements of emerging market countries and companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The current market and its participants were analyzed using official country statistics and independent reports. The objectives were achieved by analyzing information published by market participants and by taking into account the opinions expressed by relevant parties through the use of secondary reports.

Findings

Emerging markets are challenging environments in which to do business and that large sums of money and capital do not guarantee success. Emerging markets do have the ability to purchase products and services on a scale that is profitable for multinational corporations. First mover advantage in emerging markets is significant. Due diligence is imperative, alone it is not sufficient and follow up work needs to be done in order to confirm the results.

Practical implications

The paper shows that due diligence is imperative and its value cannot be stressed enough. Increased corporate governance requirements need to be applied when dealing in emerging markets. However, corporate governance needs to take the local conditions into account and be adjusted accordingly.

Originality/value

This case study highlights the growing importance of mobile telephony in sub‐Saharan Africa with its strategic implications for firms and development opportunities for African society.
Introduction: operational efficiency in aviation
Authors: McLean Donald
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide a brief introduction to the special section of papers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the themes of each of the four papers.

Findings

The four invited papers deal with various aspects of operational efficiency in aviation. Each paper, either explicitly or implicitly, treats the current concern in the aviation industry with improving this efficiency, although no universally‐accepted definition can be found easily in the extensive literature.

Originality/value

Introduces the papers which deal with the various aspects of operational efficiency in aviation.
Dynamic mesh and heuristic algorithms for the design of a transonic wing
Authors: Vatandaş Ergüven , Özkol İbrahim
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To outline a transonic wing design problem by applying real coded genetic algorithm (GA) and dynamic mesh technique to reduce the optimization time and cost.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic mesh technique was used in the design of a transonic wing by matching it with heuristic algorithms.

Findings

It is observed that the drag coefficient can be reduced by 25 percent. While this has been done, the lift coefficient is tried to be close to the design value determined at the beginning as a design constraint.

Originality/value

It is the first time that the dynamic mesh technique is used for regenerating the mesh structures of the new population members in the GA.
The nature of amino acid 482 of human ABCG2 affects substrate transport and ATP hydrolysis but not substrate binding
Authors: Ejendal Karin F.K. , Diop Ndeye Khady , Schweiger Linda C. , Hrycyna Christine A.
Published: June 2006

Several members of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, including P‐glycoprotein and the half‐transporter ABCG2, can confer multidrug resistance to cancer cells in culture by functioning as ATP‐dependent efflux pumps. ABCG2 variants harboring a mutation at arginine 482 have been cloned from several drug‐resistant cell lines, and these variants differ in their substrate transport phenotype. In this study, we changed the wild‐type arginine 482 in human ABCG2 to each one of the 19 other standard amino acids and expressed each one transiently in HeLa cells. Using the 5D3 antibody that recognizes a cell surface epitope of ABCG2, we observed that all the mutants were expressed at the cell surface. However, the mutant ABCG2 proteins differed markedly in transport activity. All of the variants were capable of transporting one or more of the substrates used in this study, with the exception of the R482K mutant, which is completely devoid of transport ability. Six of the mutants (R482G, R482H, R482K, R482P, R482T, and R482Y) and the wild‐type protein (R482wt) were selected for studies of basal and stimulated ATPase activity and photoaffinity labeling with the substrate analog [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. Whereas these seven ABCG2 variants differed markedly in ATPase activity, all were able to specifically bind the substrate analog [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. These data suggest that residue 482 plays an important role in substrate transport and ATP turnover, but that the nature of this amino acid may not be important for substrate recognition and binding.
Phylogenetic and mutational analyses reveal key residues for UDP‐glucuronic acid binding and activity of β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase I (GlcAT‐I)
Authors: Fondeur‐Gelinotte Magali , Lattard Virginie , Oriol Rafael , Mollicone Rosella , Jacquinet Jean‐Claude , Mulliert Guillermo , Gulberti Sandrine , Netter Patrick , Magdalou Jacques , Ouzzine Mohamed , Fournel‐Gigleux Sylvie
Published: June 2006

The β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferases are responsible for the completion of the protein–glycosaminoglycan linkage region of proteoglycans and of the HNK1 epitope of glycoproteins and glycolipids by transferring glucuronic acid from UDP‐α‐D‐glucuronic acid (UDP‐GlcA) onto a terminal galactose residue. Here, we develop phylogenetic and mutational approaches to identify critical residues involved in UDP‐GlcA binding and enzyme activity of the human β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase I (GlcAT‐I), which plays a key role in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Phylogeny analysis identified 119 related β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase sequences in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants that contain eight conserved peptide motifs with 15 highly conserved amino acids. Sequence homology and structural information suggest that Y84, D113, R156, R161, and R310 residues belong to the UDP‐GlcA binding site. The importance of these residues is assessed by site‐directed mutagenesis, UDP affinity and kinetic analyses. Our data show that uridine binding is primarily governed by stacking interactions with the phenyl group of Y84 and also involves interactions with aspartate 113. Furthermore, we found that R156 is critical for enzyme activity but not for UDP binding, whereas R310 appears less important with regard to both activity and UDP interactions. These results clearly discriminate the function of these two active site residues that were predicted to interact with the pyrophosphate group of UDP‐GlcA. Finally, mutation of R161 severely compromises GlcAT‐I activity, emphasizing the major contribution of this invariant residue. Altogether, this phylogenetic approach sustained by biochemical analyses affords new insight into the organization of the β1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase family and distinguishes the respective importance of conserved residues in UDP‐GlcA binding and activity of GlcAT‐I.
Development of a new sensor based on micro‐electro‐mechanical systems for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature: application to foundations
Authors: Korichi Rodolphe , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Elkhyat Ahmed , Sainthillier Jean‐Marie , Ränsch Pascal , Humbert Philippe , Viviant Eric , Gazano Germaine , Mahé Christian
Published: July 2006

Background/aims: The purpose of this work was to develop a new sensor for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature based on micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS), and to compare these performances with those of a classical thermocouple. Research on this new sensor was carried out to allow the quantification of the thermal properties of the made‐up skin.

Methods: Sixteen female subjects divided into two different age groups (18–35 and >50 years old) were recruited for this study. Several zones of the face and forearms were made up at random with foundations containing or not a thermoregulator raw material. The quantity of foundation applied on the skin was standardized and measurements were carried out first before make‐up, and then 10 s and 5 min after make‐up. The new sensor and the thermocouple were used successively on each zone. The cutaneous temperature was expressed in degrees celsius.

Results/conclusion: The two systems are similar in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, with some differences in sensibility. The data measured by the MEMS sensor appear lower than those measured by the thermocouple. After make‐up, the MEMS sensor detects a progressive increase of the temperature in time whereas the thermocouple detects a decrease. We found the same evolution on the face but in a more attenuated way. These results tend to show that the devices do not measure the same phenomenon. The thermocouple appears more sensitive to the thermal response of the made‐up surface whereas the MEMS sensor appears more sensitive to the heat transfers in the interface between the skin and make‐up.
Determination of the in vivo bioavailability of iontophoretically delivered diclofenac using a methyl nicotinate skin inflammation assay
Authors: Lambrecht Renzo , Clarys Peter , Clijsen Ron , Barel André O.
Published: July 2006

Background/aims: In this study, we investigated the bioavailability of iontophoretically delivered diclofenac with the methylnicotinate (MN) test. The inhibition of an erythema provoked by MN is proportional to the bioavailability of diclofenac in the skin. It was our aim to use this procedure in the determination of the contribution of, respectively, passive diffusion, occlusion and electrically assisted delivery during an iontophoretic procedure as used in physiotherapy.

Method: A total of six application sites were marked on the volar forearms of each volunteer (n=12), for the following treatment and/or control modes: A=cathodal iontophoresis of 12 mg/cm2 Voltaren Emulgel® (diethylammonii diclofenac 1%) for 20 min; B=passive diffusion under a contact sponge; C=passive diffusion without any covering; D=current alone; E=standard MN response; and F=blanco site. Tristimulus surface colorimetry and Laser Doppler flowmetry were used to measure, respectively, the skin color and the perfusion of the microcirculation. Bioavailability was assessed by quantification of an MN‐induced erythema under the different conditions.

Results: A significant reduction of the MN‐induced erythema was observed with the Chromameter and Laser Doppler measurements for the following treatment modalities: (1) electrically assisted delivery: respectively, 65% and 100%, (2) application under a contact sponge: 66% and 97% and (3) passive diffusion without any covering: 32% and 65%. A significant reduction was equally observed for the site treated with the current alone: 19% and 42%. There was no significant difference between the response after iontophoretic‐delivered diclofenac (mode A) and application of diclofenac under a contact sponge (mode B).

Conclusion: The procedure used enabled us to evaluate the bioavailability of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug in the skin. Under the conditions used, we did not find an increased bioavailability after electrically assisted delivery of diclofenac compared with the passive percutaneous penetration under the contact sponge.
Human soluble TRAIL/Apo2L induces apoptosis in a subpopulation of chemotherapy refractory nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, determined by a highly sensitive in vitro apoptosis assay
Authors: Cillessen Saskia A.G.M. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Castricum Kitty C.M. , Westra August H. , Niesten Petra , Muris Jettie J.F. , Nijdam Hoite F. , Van Der Hem Klaas G. , Flens Marcel , Hooijberg Erik , Oudejans Joost J.
Published: June 2006

Resistance to chemotherapy in therapy‐refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is related to inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Human soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (hsTRAIL/Apo2L) induces apoptosis via the alternative, death‐receptor mediated apoptosis pathway and might be an effective alternative form of therapy for these lymphomas. This study investigated whether hsTRAIL/Apo2L could actually induce apoptosis in isolated lymphoma cells of DLBCL biopsies of patients with chemotherapy‐refractory DLBCL. Twelve out of a total of 22 DLBCL samples were sensitive to hsTRAIL/Apo2L. These sensitive lymphomas included seven clinically chemotherapy‐refractory lymphomas. Furthermore, hsTRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis in DLBCL cells and in B‐cell lines that showed high expression levels of inhibitors of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway: Bcl‐2 and/or X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). hsTRAIL/Apo2L‐sensitive lymphoma cells showed expression of the TRAIL receptors R1 and/or R2 and absence of R3 and R4. We conclude that hsTRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis in a subpopulation of chemotherapy‐refractory nodal DLBCL and that disruption of the intrinsic apoptosis‐mediated pathway and expression of Bcl‐2 and XIAP did not confer resistance to hsTRAIL/Apo2L‐induced apoptosis in DLBCL. Thus, based on our results, further exploration of hsTRAIL/Apo2L as an alternative treatment for patients with chemotherapy‐refractory DLBCL should be considered.
Elevated blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral artery and stroke risk in sickle cell disease: extended analysis from the STOP trial
Authors: Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Granger Suzanne , Brambilla Donald J. , Brown R. Clark , Miller Scott T. , Adams Robert J. ,   the STOP Trial Investigators
Published: June 2006

Elevated velocity in the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA), detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, predicts an increased risk of stroke in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although strokes also occur in an anterior cerebral artery (ACA) distribution, the significance of elevated velocity in this vessel has not been determined previously. We assessed the effect of elevated ACA velocity on stroke risk using the results of the first adequate TCD study performed on 1975 children as part of The Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP). Elevated ACA velocity (≥170 cm/s) was associated with an increased risk of stroke (P = 0·0013) after adjusting for the ICA/MCA classification. Among subjects with normal ICA/MCA velocity, the risk of stroke was more than 10‐fold greater in those with elevated compared with normal ACA velocity (2·13 and 0·20 per 100 patient‐years, respectively, P < 0·001); risk more than doubled with elevated compared with normal ACA velocity in those already at high risk due to abnormal ICA/MCA findings (7·56 vs. 3·22 per 100 patient‐years, P = 0·042). Few of the strokes in those with elevated ACA velocity occurred in an ACA distribution, suggesting changes in blood flow velocity in anterior vessels may be associated with diffuse arterial disease or, alternatively, manifest collateral flow from compromised middle cerebral vessels.
Rough seas and statistical deconvolution
Authors: Kragh Ed , Laws Robert
Published: June 2006

The rough‐sea reflection‐response varies (1) along the streamer (2) from shot to shot and (3) with time along the seismic trace. The resulting error in seismic data can be important for time‐lapse imaging. One potential way of reducing the rough‐sea receiver error is to use conventional statistical deconvolution, but special care is needed in the choice of the design and application windows.

The well‐known deconvolution problem associated with the non‐whiteness of the reflection series is exacerbated by the requirement of an unusually short design window – a requirement that is imposed by the non‐stationary nature of the rough‐sea receiver wavelet. For a synthetic rough‐sea data set, with a white 1D reflection series, the design window needs to be about 1000 ms long, with an application window about 400 ms long, centred within the design window. Although such a short design window allows the deconvolution operator to follow the time‐variation of the rough‐sea wavelet, it is likely to be too short to prevent the non‐whiteness of the geology from corrupting the operator when it is used on real data.

If finely spatial‐sampled traces are available from the streamer, the design window can be extended to neighbouring traces, making use of the spatial correlations of the rough‐sea wavelet. For this ‘wave‐following’ approach to be fruitful, the wind (and hence the dominant wave direction) needs to be roughly along the line of the streamer.
Clinical significance of CK5/6 and PTEN protein expression in patients with bilateral breast carcinoma
Authors: Piekarski J H , Biernat W
Published: June 2006

Aims:  To assess the expression of cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 in bilateral breast cancers and to assess the relationship between its expression and other prognostic variables, as well as between CK5/6 expression and patients' survival.

Methods and results:  The expression of CK5/6, PTEN protein, oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, p53 and c‐erbB‐2 protein were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 88 primary breast cancers diagnosed in 44 women. To assess the prognostic value of studied factors, Cox regression analysis was performed. Expression of CK5/6 was found in 23 of 88 primary breast carcinomas (23/88; 26%). The hazard ratio of development of distant metastasis in patients in whom at least one cancer was CK5/6+ was 99.8 (P = 0.037) and in patients with at least one carcinoma with reduced PTEN expression it was 10.8 (P = 0.044). CK5/6 expression was correlated with absence of oestrogen (P < 0.0001) and progesterone receptors (P < 0.0001) and very strong expression of p53 (P < 0.05). Reduced PTEN expression was correlated with presence of axillary metastases (P < 0.01), with very strong expression of c‐erbB‐2 (P < 0.05) and with reduced expression of oestrogen receptor (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Analysis of expression of CK5/6 and PTEN protein in bilateral breast carcinomas may be of value in clinical practice and warrant further studies.
Real‐time atomic force microscopy of root dentine during demineralization when subjected to chelating agents
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Paciornik S. , Pinho Mauricio M. H. , Prioli R.
Published: July 2006

Aim  To explore the potential of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the examination of changes to dentine surfaces during demineralization and evaluate qualitatively the effect of EDTA, EDTAC and citric acid.

Methodology  Nine canine teeth were sectioned transversely at the cemento‐enamel junction, and the crowns discarded. Subsequently, each root was embedded in an epoxy cylinder and discs approximately 5 mm thick were cut. A standard metallographic procedure was then used to prepare the surfaces for observation. From the central portion of these samples, two specimens were symmetrically prepared per tooth so that a total number of 18 samples was produced. To allow the use of a liquid cell during AFM, the samples were embedded in silicone rubber and were then randomly divided into three groups, as follows: group 1: 17% EDTA (pH 7.7), group 2: 17% EDTAC (pH 7.7) and group 3: 10% citric acid (pH 1.4). Topographical images were acquired during the demineralization process, allowing real‐time observation of the dentine surface. Two operators assigned scores to the AFM images using a double‐blind method. anova analysis with random effects (P < 0.05) was used to compare the results.

Results  The average scores were 6.13 ± 0.35 for EDTAC, 7.36 ± 0.23 for EDTA and 14.55 ± 1.21 for citric acid. Citric acid was statistically different from EDTA and EDTAC while EDTA and EDTAC were not statistically different.

Conclusions  The most effective demineralizing substance was citric acid. The methodology developed for real‐time observation of dentine surfaces is a valuable method to evaluate demineralization.
Assessment of a palatal approach‐anterior superior alveolar (P‐ASA) nerve block with the Wand® in paediatric dental patients
Authors: RAM D. , KASSIRER J.
Published: June 2006

Summary.  Objectives.  The purposes of the study were to compare the reaction of children while receiving local anaesthesia for anaesthetizing maxillary incisors with a computerized device Wand®: a periodontal ligament injection (PDLi) and a palatal approach‐anterior superior alveolar (P‐ASA) nerve block compared with a conventional buccal infiltration (CBi), and to assess the efficacy of the anaesthesia and children's reaction after treatment.

Methods.  One hundred and thirty‐eight children aged 24–48 months participated in this study.

Results.  More children reacted negatively during injection while receiving the CBi and positively during the injection with the Wand®. After treatment, significantly more children scratched the upper lip and/or the nose or complained of numbness of the region after the CBi (P = 0·000).

Conclusions.  Same effectiveness was achieved with the Wand® and the CBi. Children displayed better behaviour during injection when they received local anaesthesia with the Wand® than they did when the CBi was used. They did not scratch the upper lip/nose and/or cried after treatment when they received the PDLi and the P‐ASA, whereas they did when receiving a CBi.
Modelling global insect pest species assemblages to determine risk of invasion
Authors: WORNER S. P. , GEVREY MURIEL
Published: June 2006

The many thousands of potential invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity world‐wide. In this study we propose that assemblages of well‐known global invasive pest species, irrespective of whether they arise by anthropogenic means, are non‐random species groupings that contain hidden predictive information. Such information can assist the identification and prioritization of species that have the potential to pose an invasive threat in regions where they are not normally found.

Data comprising the presence and absence of 844 insect pest species recorded over 459 geographical regions world‐wide were analysed using a self‐organizing map (SOM), a well‐known artificial neural network algorithm. The SOM analysis classified the high dimensional data into two‐dimensional space such that geographical areas that had similar pest species assemblages were organized as neighbours on a map or grid.

The SOM analysis allowed each species to be ranked in terms of its risk of invasion in each area based on the strength of its association with the assemblage that was characteristic for each geographical region. A risk map for example species was produced to illustrate how such a map can be compared with the species’ actual distribution and used with other information, such as the species’ biotic characteristics and interactions with the abiotic environment, to improve pest risk assessments further.

Synthesis and applications. This study presents a new approach to the identification of potentially high‐risk invasive pest species based on the hypothesis that global insect pest assemblages are non‐random species groupings that can be subjected to traditional community analysis. A well‐known data mining and knowledge discovery method for high dimensional data, SOM, was used to determine pest species assemblages for global regions. Species were ranked according to their potential for establishment based on their strength of association with the species assemblage that characterizes a particular region. Such an analysis can then be used to support additional risk assessment of potential invasive species, giving invasive species researchers, conservation managers, quarantine and biosecurity scientists a means for prioritizing species as candidates for further research.
Size Distribution of Killer Cells During Allograft Response.
Authors: ANDERSSON L. C.
Published: June 2006

The generation of cytotoxic effector cells in the spleen and in the peritoneal cavity of C3H mice immunized with a single injection of H‐2 incompatible P‐815‐X2 mastocytoma cells was studied. At different times after immunization the spleen cells were fractionated according to their size by one‐g velocity sedimentation, and the fractions were tested separately for their cytotoxicity against 51Cr labeled P‐8I5‐X2 cells in vitro. The results indicate that the size of the killer cell changes during the immune response; the early cytotoxic effector cells are large cells (blasts) whereas the late effector cells are small cells (lymphocytes).
Allograft Immunity In Vitro
Authors: ANDERSSON L.C. , NORDLING S. , HAYRY P.
Published: June 2006

A one‐way mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) across the major H‐2 barrier produces effector cells which lyse allogeneic target cells in vitro. The MLC‐antigen reactive cells are electrokinetically high mobility lymphocytes, and do not need the co‐operation of low mobility lymphocytes in the initiation of the response. The MLC‐effector cells, harvested on the 6th culture day, are all high mobility cells. They are also sensitive to anti Θ serum plus complement. The results show that T cells, independent of B cells, can both respond to allogeneic cells and lyse them.
Antibody‐dependent Lymphocyte‐mediated Cytotoxicity in Man: No Requirement for Lymphocytes with Membrane‐bound Immunoglobulin
Authors: WISLØFF F. , FRØLAND S. S.
Published: June 2006

Normal human lymphocytes, depleted of B‐lymphocytes by passage through nylon‐wool columns, manifested intact antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Similar findings were made with lymphocytes from four hypo‐gammaglobulinaemic patients lacking B‐lymphocytes. It is concluded that antibody‐induced cell‐mediated cytotoxicity in man is independent of B‐lymphocytes, as identifiable by membrane‐bound immunoglobulin.