bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nearshore subtidal bathymetry from time‐exposure video images
Authors: Aarninkhof S. G. J. , Ruessink B. G. , Roelvink J. A.
Published: June 2005

Time‐averaged (over many wave periods) nearshore video observations show the process of wave breaking as one or more white alongshore bands of high intensity. Across a known depth profile, similar bands of dissipation can be predicted with a model describing the time‐averaged cross‐shore evolution of organized wave and roller energy. This close correspondence between observed and modeled dissipation proxies is used to develop a new remote sensing technique, termed Subtidal Beach Mapper (SBM), to estimate nearshore bathymetry. SBM operates on a time series of cross‐shore intensity profiles to resolve the pattern in depth change on a morphological timescale (including overall gain or loss of sediment) rather than to focus on the particular change induced by a single intensity profile. From each intensity profile, the breaking‐induced component is isolated by removing the contribution of background illumination and persistent foam. The depth profile is updated based on a comparison between this video‐derived dissipation proxy and a cross‐shore profile of the dissipation of the roller energy. This updating is implemented through time‐dependent mass balance equations for the seabed and a buffer layer above the bed. SBM was tested using 1 year of hourly video data collected at Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands. The dominant morphological changes observed from ground truth data were reproduced reasonably well, including the shoreward migration of the outer bar and the net sediment gain in the profile. Root‐mean square differences between surveyed and SBM derived depth after 1 year of video‐based depth updating with an average of about 70 intensity profiles per month were smallest (∼0.2 m) on the inner bar and largest (∼0.6 m) in the outer bar trough, with a profile average value of about 0.4 m. Despite the many processes included in SBM, the implementation of a heuristic scaling function in the mass balance equations to spatially adjust morphological growth rates was essential to these results, in particular near the shoreline, where otherwise the profile is prone to an unrealistic deepening.
Sequential versus Nonsequential Measurement of Density and Affinity of Dopamine D2 Receptors with [11C]Raclopride: 2: Effects of DAT Inhibitors
Authors: Doudet Doris J , Ruth Thomas J , Holden James E
Published: June 2005

The multiple ligand concentration receptor assays (MLCRA) method allows, in a stable condition, reliable and reproducible measurements of the density and affinity of the dopamine (DA) D2 receptors with [11C]raclopride, using either a sequential method (two or more scans in one day) or a nonsequential method (two or more scans over days or weeks). We have shown that measurement of receptor density and affinity is also possible after an acute pharmacological challenge with methamphetamine and that both scanning protocols yield similar values. However, our attempts to measure receptor density and affinity after a pharmacological challenge with another class of drugs that lead to the same outcome, increase in synaptic DA concentrations, revealed opposite results with the two scanning methods: a decrease in receptor density with the sequential method and an increase in affinity with a nonsequential method. These results show the impact of the time-dependency of the effects of an ‘acute’ pharmacological challenge on MLCRA studies. A theoretical simulation is presented to account for the discrepancy in the sequential and nonsequential data. A possible alternate scanning paradigm is proposed to avoid the confounding effect of time variability of the endogenous ligand synaptic concentrations in the sequential condition.
Oxidative Bax dimerization promotes its translocation to mitochondria independently of apoptosis
Authors: D'Alessio M. , De Nicola M. , Coppola S. , Gualandi G. , Pugliese L. , Cerella C. , Cristofanon S. , Civitareale P. , Ciriolo M. R. , Bergamaschi A. , Magrini A. , Ghibelli L.
Published: June 2005

Bax is a cytosolic protein, which in response to stressing apoptotic stimuli, is activated and translocates to mitochondria, thus initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In spite of many studies and the importance of the issue, the molecular mechanisms that trigger Bax translocation are still obscure. We show by computer simulation that the two cysteine residues of Bax may form disulfide bridges, producing conformational changes that favor Bax translocation. Oxidative, nonapoptogenic treatments produce an up‐shift of Bax migration compatible with homodimerization, which is reverted by reducing agents; this is accompanied by translocation to mitochondria. Dimers also appear in pure cytosolic fractions of cell lysates treated with H2O2, showing that Bax dimerization may take place in the cytosol. Bax dimer‐enriched lysates support Bax translocation to isolated mitochondria much more efficiently than untreated lysates, indicating that dimerization may promote Bax translocation. The absence of apoptosis in our system allows the demonstration that Bax moves because of oxidations, even in the absence of apoptosis. This provides the first evidence that Bax dimerization and translocation respond to oxidative stimuli, suggesting a novel role for Bax as a sensor of redox imbalance.
Review of materials for solar thermal collectors
Authors: Alghoul M.A. , Sulaiman M.Y. , Azmi B.Z. , Wahab M.Abd.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To cover the main contributions and developments in solar thermal collectors through focusing on materials, heat transfer characteristics and manufacturing challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published papers and internet research including research work on various solar thermal collectors (flat plate, evacuated tubes, and heat pipe tube) were used. Evaluation of solar collectors performance is critiqued to aid solar technologies make the transition into a specific dominant solar collector. The sources are sorted into sections: finding an academic job, general advice, teaching, research and publishing, tenure and organizations.

Findings

Provides information about types of solar thermal collectors, indicating what can be added by using evacuated tube collectors instead of flat plate collectors and what can be added by using heat pipe collectors instead of evacuated tubes.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing only on three types of solar thermal collectors (flat plate, evacuated tubes, and heat pipe tube).

Practical implications

Useful source of information for consultancy and impartial advice for graduate students planning to do research in solar thermal technologies.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils identified information about materials and heat transfer properties of materials and manufacturing challenges of these three solar thermal collectors.
Evaluation of corrosion cost in some selected food and agro‐processing industries in Nigeria
Authors: Jekayinfa S.O. , Okekunle P.O. , Amole I.G. , Oyelade J.A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Because of the peculiar nature of food and agro‐processing industries, the industries cannot tolerate corrosion deposits in their production lines. Hence, there is the need to account for corrosion control before and during the production operations. This is more so in Nigeria where there is little or no proper accountability of corrosion cost in all production system.

Design/methodology/approach

The industries investigated were grouped into: meat and meat product, dairy and milk, beverages and brewery, confectionery and agro‐processing centres. Questionnaires and interview pro forma were used to collect information from ten major factories/outlets in each category. The study involved the use of life cycle costing to assess corrosion management alternatives and to determine the annualized value of each option.

Findings

Among the corrosion prevention methods identified in the industries, greasing gave the least cost contribution (15.9 percent) to the total cost of corrosion prevention followed by painting (17.97 percent) and cleaning (66.14 percent) in that order, while the contribution of each corrosion maintenance method to the total cost of corrosion maintenance was, respectively, 13.08, 7.23, 20.73 and 58.96 percent for annual maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and wages of workers.

Originality/value

This study reveals some of the control measures commonly adopted for minimizing corrosion damage in some selected food and agro‐processing industries in Nigeria. It also investigated the cost implication of each measure and how it affects the present value of processing machineries in each industry. The results of the study have created a state of awareness of corrosion problems to stakeholders, which would encourage preventive actions.
Corrosion inhibition of brass by benzotriazole derivatives in NaCl solution
Authors: Ravichandran R. , Nanjundan S. , Rajendran N.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Copper and its alloys are widely used in industries because of their good resistance to corrosion and are often used in cooling water systems. Brass has been widely used for shipboard condensers, power plant condensers and petrochemical heat exchangers. Brass is susceptible to the corrosion process known as dezincification by means of which brass looses its valuable physical and mechanical properties leading to failure of structure. The aim of this investigation was to control the dezincification of brass in 3 per cent NaCl solution using benzotriazole (BTA) derivatives.

Design/methodology/approach

BTA derivatives namely 1‐hydroxymethylbenzotriazole (HBTA) and N,N‐dibenzotriazol‐l‐ylmethylamine(ABTA) were synthesised and their inhibition behaviour on brass in 3 per cent NaCl solution was investigated by the weight‐loss method, potentiodynamic polarisation, electrochemical impedance and solution analysis techniques. The morphology of the brass after corrosion in the presence and absence of the BTA derivatives was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

Potentiodynamic polarisation studies showed that the BTA derivatives investigated were mixed type inhibitors, inhibiting the corrosion of brass by blocking the active sites of the brass surface. Changes in the impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance and double layer capacitance) were related to the adsorption of BTA derivatives on the brass surface, leading to the formation of a protective film. Solution analysis revealed that the BTA derivatives excellently controlled the corrosion of brass. SEM micrographs showed the formation of compact surface film on the brass surface in the presence of inhibitors, thereby providing better corrosion inhibition.

Originality/value

Contributes to research on corrosion protection for copper and its alloys.
Equity and relationship quality influences on organizational citizenship behaviors
Authors: Wat Dennis , Shaffer Margaret A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop and test an expanded social exchange model of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) that includes characteristics of the social context (i.e. perceived fairness and leader‐member exchange (LMX)) as well as the capacity (i.e. trust in the supervisor and psychological empowerment) to engage in citizenship behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a matched sample of 183 Hong Kong investment‐banking personnel and their supervisors. Multiple regression was used to test direct and mediating effects.

Findings

Analyses provide strong support for the direct effects of trust in the supervisor and psychological empowerment on all dimensions of OCBs. Trust in the supervisor played an important mediating role in all relationships. Only one dimension of empowerment (i.e. impact) acted as a mediator.

Originality/value

This study extends the social exchange conceptualization of OCB to include both equity and interpersonal relationship influences. The influence of empowerment on OCBs highlights the importance of providing employees with the motivation to engage in these behaviors.
The impact of corporatisation and national competition policy
Authors: James Wendy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study seeks to survey managers of an Australian government‐owned enterprise undergoing organisational change as a result of public sector reform, specifically, National Competition Policy and Corporatisation. The purpose of the study is to examine the extent/type of organisational change and leadership style adopted to implement this change.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the effect of reforms, the researcher explored the extent of change and leadership style through the use of an intra‐organisational survey in a government‐owned Electricity Supply Corporation in Queensland, Australia. The instrument also included qualitative components to enable the researcher to qualify the statistical results.

Findings

Within the public sector, there is an uneasy tension between the need for a revolution of outdated bureaucracies in order to enhance flexibility and innovation, on the one hand, and the desire to maintain the standards and procedures that are necessary for quality civic service for a broad range of stakeholders, on the other. The results of this study indicate that there was significant organisational change and, according to responses, a change of leadership style indicative of this dilemma.

Research limitations/implications

The implications suggest the consideration of embedded factors while determining the processes and directions of change. Furthermore, it is necessary to choose a leadership style that is indicative of the type of change to be implemented. Additionally, greater participation by organisational members can increase the success of organisational change. The limitations of the study include the measurement of organisational change and leadership style. This instrument was originally used in structured interviews; however, measures were taken to validate the instrument in its altered setting. Further, the study is confined to a single electricity organisation. Fertile fields for future research projects could include a larger quantitative study conducted with multiple states or nation‐wide electricity distribution companies.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence of the extent of change as a result of public sector reform. In doing so the study utilises organisational change and leadership style models within a public sector environment.
Economic growth and income inequality: the case of the US
Authors: Hsing Yu
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of income inequality on economic growth in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies the endogenous growth model including human capital and technological progress. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) technique is applied to estimate regression parameters. The number of patents granted is chosen to measure technological progress. Percentage of people 25 years old and over who have completed 4 years of college or more is selected to measure human capital.

Findings

The findings show that a higher Gini index hurts economic growth. Economic growth has a positive relationship with the growth in civilian employment, investment spending, technological progress, and human capital. When three other indicators of income inequality are considered, similar conclusions can be reached.

Research limitations/implications

A major implication is that a deterioration of inequality would be harmful to economic growth.

Originality/value

Major contributions of the paper are to consider human capital in the model and different measures of inequality in empirical work.
Mitigating the mobile agent malicious host problem by using communication patterns
Authors: Stengel I. , Fischer K.P. , Bleimann U. , Stynes J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe an approach to mitigate the unsoluble malicious host problem.

Design/methodology/approach

By using obfuscation as a component of communication patterns and their switching in an environment of cooperating agents the malicious host can be detected and the attacked agents can be deleted.

Findings

Finds that the information about the detected malicious host can be used further, e.g. to prevent another mobile agent from visiting this host.

Originality/value

This paper will be helpful to people involved in information management and computer security issues.
Ritzer's McDonaldization and applied qualitative marketing research
Authors: Nancarrow Clive , Vir Jason , Barker Andy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose is to examine the insights gained from applying Ritzer's thesis of McDonaldization to international qualitative marketing research, in particular the four pillars of McDonaldization: efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors influencing choice of qualitative method in practice are examined drawing on the literature, the authors' observations based on experience (a team of practitioners) and a qualitative research study, using a mix of interviews and a workshop with those who co‐ordinate international research or who are subject to the co‐ordination.

Findings

The research suggests McDonaldization or “factory farming” may be a reality in some quarters in the qualitative marketing research industry and examples of how the four pillars of McDonaldization bear on the industry are examined.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to determine and monitor the extent of the McDonaldization phenomenon and at the same time explore across different cultures two key interfaces that can be adversely affected by McDonaldization, namely the respondent‐researcher interface and the researcher‐researcher interface when the researchers come from different cultures.

Practical implications

Management may now reflect on whether their practices increase or decrease the likelihood of gleaning qualitative insights and the case for considering developing a more eclectic research philosophy.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new framework for evaluating applied qualitative marketing research.
Cross‐functional involvement in new product development
Authors: Fredericks Elisa
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to garner multiple perspectives from cross‐functional new product development (NPD) team members and determine point of contact in and responsibilities throughout the development process.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of an integrative literature review and in‐depth interviews were two qualitative approaches to data collection in the study of cross‐functional NPD. A convenience sample initiated research efforts, then snowball sampling facilitated the completion of semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews among 94 team members in 11 firms. The literature review culled research from fields as distinct as communication, industrial design, and research and development. The in‐depth, semi‐structured design provided the permitted open‐ended investigation and some unplanned questions. Face‐to‐face questioning allowed for the reading of facial expressions, other forms of body language, and the free pursuit of interesting subtopics. The study design utilized a 19‐question, one‐page interview guide. Bi‐directional dialogue lasted 45 min to 1½ h.

Findings

Exploratory results revealed the importance of pre‐project meetings and the use of a formal process in securing cross‐functional involvement during product development. Qualitative findings uncovered that involvement depended on team understanding of the NPD process, an understanding of requisite roles and responsibilities, and the task required at various stages throughout the NPD process. Variances were noted between business‐to‐business and business‐to‐consumer teams.

Originality/value

This research obtained the perspectives of 20 teams from seven departments, and thereby permitted a more expansive and comprehensive understanding of cross‐functional NPD. Previous research incorporated responses from three departments at best. This research underscores the importance of early involvement among highly interdependent, cross‐functional team members as a prerequisite to enhanced understanding of project particulars and team dynamics. The resource‐based theory of competitive advantage and human capital theories accentuate the importance of a wide range of functional representation during the innovation process. The importance of pre‐project meetings and a formal product development process were detailed as well as supporting team member roles and responsibilities.
Effective interpersonal communication in Japanese companies under performance‐ based personnel practices
Authors: Yamaguchi Ikushi
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among information‐seeking behavior, interpersonal communication, perceived procedural justice, and the reduction of job‐related uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 323 Japanese white‐collar workers who completed the questionnaires, with a usable sample of 295.

Findings

The results of covariance structure analysis (SEM) revealed that: there were not any direct relationships between information‐seeking behavior and the reduction of work‐related uncertainty; information‐seeking behavior induced a change of voice, explanation, and rational interpersonal communication from decision makers; the provision of voice, explanation, and social sensitivity from decision makers caused outcome recipients’ perception of procedural justice; and their perception of procedural justice caused the reduction of job‐related uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations of the present study that can be addressed in future research. First, the concept of uncertainty might have been used too broadly to have been applied to the concept of job‐related uncertainty. Second, the respondents in the present research were highly educated white‐collar workers and were selected to attend business school by their companies.

Practical implications

The results of the present study have some practical implications. Under a newly introduced managerial system of performance‐based personnel practices, Japanese companies need to establish a system by which workers can form judgements of fairness.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that one must exercise caution when generalizing the findings of the present study without taking into account the characteristics of the respondents.
Integrated marketing communication and postmodernity: an odd couple?
Authors: Thøger Christensen Lars , Torp Simon , Fuat Firat A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that, under conditions of postmodernity, the market is too complex to be responded to with an IMC‐framework. While the desire of IMC scholars and practitioners to reinstate order and predictability in an increasingly disordered and fragmented world is understandable, such a mission may be misguided. The paper seeks to discuss the possibility that such attempts instead precipitate the production of complexity of an even more unpredictable nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proceeds through a critical juxtaposition of postmodernity and IMC, arguing that the latter – with its ambition to impose order and control – fails to understand important dimensions of contemporary markets.

Findings

Rather than imposing a monological and hegemonic identity on markets and organizations – an identity that will unavoidably be challenged by consumers and employees – contemporary marketers and managers need to realize that organizational change and adaptability presuppose openness to variety, difference and polyphony.

Research limitations/implications

Although organizations, just like individuals, need a coherent narrative, polyphony promotes shared understandings and involvement and permits a kind of collective ownership that cannot be attained through the simple application of one‐way managerial models that claim consistency and coherence without founding it in the life‐world of the receiver.

Originality/value

Postmodern communication cannot adhere tightly to principles of IMC. Instead, openness towards fluidity and a certain degree of indeterminacy must be nurtured if organizations wish to cope with the postmodern world. Along with tolerance toward variety, organizations need to develop a tolerance for meanings negotiated together with consumer communities, such as brand communities, in the market.
Burnout, job stress and attitudes towards the use of force by Norwegian police officers
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Mikkelsen Aslaug
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Although many studies have considered burnout in the human services, little research on burnout has focused on police officers. This study aims to examine the relationship between burnout and police officers' attitudes towards the use of force and attitudes towards the use of social skills to solve problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 766 police officers in Norway using anonymously completed questionnaires.

Findings

Police officers reporting higher levels of cynicism also held more favorable attitudes towards the use of force; police officers reporting higher levels of professional efficacy also held more favorable attitudes towards the use of social skills to solve problems.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to examine these findings in other countries and using longitudinal research designs.

Practical implications

Organizations are advised to monitor burnout levels of front‐line service workers and introduce structures and processes to reduce burnout levels.

Originality/value

This study has value for senior police management and employment counselors.
Inclusive foresight
Authors: Loveridge Denis , Street Penny
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Most public foresight programmes in the 1990s limited participation to technological experts in the identified fields. However, almost all the programmes had an implied social dimension and several concluded that more inclusive participation was needed in future programmes. The paper aims to discuss how inclusiveness might be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

At first sight extending participation seems eminently possible. Inclusiveness is a matter of definition and process that has been encountered in other foresight style activities where the opinions of the polity need to be taken into account. Definitions and processes form the core of our approach, using ideas from human behaviour, sustainability and corporate governance.

Findings

Learning how to extend participation has started through the German FUTUR programme and the creation of some online discussion forums. Some other programmes in The Netherlands (1996) and the UK (from 1998 onwards) have attempted to become more inclusive, with varying degrees of success.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion is restricted to exploring some general principles related to making foresight programmes more inclusive. Some of the detail has been worked out but is not complete enough to be discussed.

Practical implications

Inclusiveness introduces specific management and process needs, if foresight programmes are to be extended into the social sphere without their becoming chaotic. The principles discussed imply a need for a change in mind‐set for foresight sponsors and practitioners.

Originality/value

None of these ideas have been used in practice and to that extent are original.
The Self, the symbolic and synchronicity: virtual realities and the emergence of the psyche
Authors: Hogenson George B.
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Jung's theory of synchronicity is seen as a step in the development of a complete theory of the symbol. In so doing, a number of proposals are made for modelling the symbolic process along lines already in use for modelling a variety of other phenomena, ranging from language to the behaviour of earthquakes. These modelling techniques involve processes of self‐organization, and raise issues of scaling in systems including symbolic systems. The proposal is made that symbolic systems obey the same rules of scaling that these other systems obey, and that symbolic systems can therefore be understood as exhibiting the characteristics of a power law distribution—a concept that is explained and developed in the paper. It is finally proposed that synchronicity is an aspect of the symbolic that can be characterized as exhibiting a high degree of ‘symbolic density’.
Withdrawal notice: ‘Bodily states of anxiety: the movement from somatic states to thought’
Authors: Proner Barry D.
Published: June 2005

The above article from Journal of Analytical Psychology (2005, 50, 3, 311‐31; doi: 10.1111/j.0021‐8774.2005.00535.x) has been withdrawn by agreement between the author, the joint Editors‐in‐Chief and the publisher. The withdrawal has been agreed due to a complaint alleging (a) the patient could possibly be identified and (b) that the article should have mentioned the manner in which the treatment was ended. Out of respect for the complaint, the paper is withdrawn.
DOES WORKSHARING WORK? SOME EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE IAB‐ESTABLISHMENT PANEL
Authors: Andrews M. J. , Schank T. , Simmons R.
Published: June 2005

Recent policy debate in Europe suggests that a shorter workweek will lead to more jobs (worksharing). We derive and estimate a model where the firm employs two types of workers, some working overtime, the rest standard hours. Worksharing is not always a prediction of the theory. Using German establishment‐level panel data (the IAB‐ESTABLISHMENT panel), 1993–1999, we find no evidence of pro‐worksharing effects except in small plants in the East German non‐service sector. There is evidence that a cut in standard hours lowers the proportion of overtime workers in a plant, as predicted by the theory, and increases the proportion of standard‐time plants.
CHINA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH: WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM MULTIPLE‐BREAK UNIT ROOT TESTS?
Authors: Li Xiao‐Ming
Published: June 2005

This paper investigates China's economic growth by performing multiple‐break unit root tests on the data of national and sectoral output and output per worker to identify their steady‐state and transitional growth paths. The evidence generated suggests that the growth behaviour of the Chinese economy is consistent with endogenous growth theory. The results of multiple‐break unit root tests are then explained within the endogenous growth framework, using historical observations on how the evolution of economic institution/environment causes changes in some institutional parameters and hence in the steady‐state growth rate of GDP per worker.
THE DETERMINANTS OF LATENESS: EVIDENCE FROM BRITISH WORKERS
Authors: Clark Ken , Peters Simon A. , Tomlinson Mark
Published: June 2005

Using a sample of male and female workers from the 1992Employment in Britainsurvey, we estimate a generalised grouped zero‐inflated Poisson regression model of employees' self‐reported lateness. Lateness is higher for males, private sector workers and in service industries. Reflecting theoretical predictions from both psychology and economics, we model lateness as a function of incentives, the monitoring of, and sanctions for, lateness within the workplace, job satisfaction and attitudes to work. Various aspects of workplace incentive and disciplinary policies turn out to affect lateness; however, controlling for these, an important role for job satisfaction remains.
Primary care in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal symptoms in Japan: prescription preferences and impression of results
Authors: Hongo M. , Kanatsuka H. , Sugawara A. , Nagasaki Y. , Endo Y. , Karahashi K. , Shoji T. , Sagami Y. , Aoki I.
Published: June 2005

Background : Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common in primary care. However, proper pharmacological approaches have not yet been established. The reason for a lack of proper approaches may be attributable to the lack in clarity of their pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Meta‐analysis of pharmacological approaches to functional GI disorders failed to identify the solid cluster of patients’ symptoms.

Aim : The aim of this study is to assess the perspective of primary care doctors concerning prescriptions for functional GI symptoms, evaluate the efficacy of the drugs prescribed, and the need for medication for these symptoms.

Method : Questionnaires were sent to primary care doctors, and a total of 149 responses were obtained. Efficacy of each medication was evaluated by the number of doctors favouring the category, and the respective impressions of prescriptions given.

Results : Symptoms of heartburn were well controlled by anti‐secretory drugs (H2RAs and PPIs), while appetite loss and abdominal gurgling were not controlled by any medications.

Conclusions : This survey reveals differences in need for various prescription drugs in functional GI symptoms.
Mucosal proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression of gastroduodenal lesions in Crohn's disease
Authors: Moriyama T. , Matsumoto T. , Jo Y. , Yada S. , Hirahashi M. , Yao T. , Iida M.
Published: June 2005

Background:  The stomach and the duodenum are frequent sites of involvement by diminutive lesions in Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim:  To assess mucosal proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in gastroduodenal lesions of CD.

Methods:  13C‐Urea breath test and upper endoscopy were performed in 29 CD patients and seven control subjects, and biopsy specimens were obtained from the gastric cardia and the duodenum. Histology and mucosal levels of IL‐1β, IL‐8/CXCL8 and RANTES/CCL5 were assessed and compared according to the presence of gastric cardial lesion [bamboo joint‐like appearance (BJA)] and duodenal lesion (notched appearance, aphthous erosion and polypoid lesion). In 11 CD patients, these procedures were repeatedly performed after administration of famotidine.

Results:  H. pylori was less frequently positive in CD patients than in controls (10% vs. 71%, P = 0.003). Prevalence of cardial and duodenal lesion was significantly higher in CD than in controls (59% vs. 0%, P = 0.008 for gastric lesion; 45% vs. 0%, P =0.034 for duodenal lesion). There were no differences in IL‐1β, IL‐8 and RANTES between CD and controls. Duodenal mucosal IL‐1β and IL‐8 were significantly higher in positive duodenal lesion than in negative duodenal lesion. However, there were no such differences with respect to cardial lesions. Endoscopic findings remained unchanged after administration of famotidine, while there was a trend towards decreases in IL‐1β and IL‐8 in the gastric cardia.

Conclusions:  The pathogenesis of diminutive lesions of CD may be different between the stomach and the duodenum. Famotidine may not have a therapeutic effect on duodenal lesion in CD.
Comparison of hemostatic effects by route of H2 receptor antagonist administration following endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with neoplastic gastric lesions
Authors: Satoh K. , Yamamoto H. , Kawata H. , Osawa H. , Hanatsuka K. , Kita H. , Sunada K. , Hirasawa T. , Yoshizawa M. , Ajibe H. , Satoh Y. , Sunada F. , Sugano K.
Published: June 2005

Background : To date, there has not been an in‐depth investigation to identify differences in the effects of bleeding prevention among different routes of administration of H2 receptor antagonists to treat gastric ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

Aim : To prospectively compare the frequency of bleeding following EMR between patients treated with intravenous(IV) famotidine and those with oral famotidine.

Methods : Fifty‐three patients with neoplastic gastric lesions (33 carcinoma and 20 adenoma) treated by EMR were included. Subjects underwent EMR with circumferential mucosal incision assisted by submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate (EMRSH), followed by IV or oral (PO) administration of famotidine at a dosage of 40 mg/day for 2 days. Patients with odd ID numbers were assigned to IV therapy (30 cases) while even numbers were given PO therapy (23 cases). Frequencies and endoscopic findings of bleeding during the first 2 days after EMR were examined.

Results : Frequency of bleeding within 2 days after EMR was 3 and 4% in IV and PO patients, respectively, showing no significant difference. No significant difference was seen in the endoscopic findings of bleeding and therapy, either, with respective IV and PO findings at 23 and 26%.

Conclusions : No significant difference was observed in frequency of bleeding within 2 days after gastric EMR between IV and oral administrations of famotidine.
I am atopic, but why don't I develop allergy? the association between atopy and clinical expression of allergic disease
Authors: Church M. K. , McGill J. I.
Published: June 2005

Although there is a close association between the atopic status of an individual and the development of allergic disease, this relationship is not straightforward because different individuals with similar atopic characteristics can present either with clinical manifestations of different allergic conditions (including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergy) or even with no allergic disease. Evidence suggests that the atopic status of an individual is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and that defects in target organs and involvement of co‐triggers may additionally be required for the development of specific allergic phenotypes. Genetic linkage studies, employing specific polymorphism screening techniques, have demonstrated that allergic disease is linked to a number of genes and that each gene assumes a variable role in different individuals. This suggests that no single gene is important, but that interaction between several genes and environmental factors is likely to determine the allergic phenotype. More recent studies, nevertheless, have suggested that certain genes may play a more predominant role in the clinical expression of a specific phenotype. In this context, the ADAM‐33 gene appears likely to play an important role in asthma while the serine protease inhibitor Kazal‐type 5 (SPINK5) gene may influence the clinical expression of atopic dermatitis. In view of the biological role of lympho‐epithelial Kazal‐type‐related inhibitor, the protein encoded by SPINK, we hypothesize that SPINK5 may be associated with epithelial defence by lowering its ability to resist allergen penetration.
One airway, one disease?
Authors: Fokkens W. J. , Braunstahl G.‐J.
Published: June 2005

Epidemiological evidence suggests that asthma and rhinitis frequently occur as co‐morbid conditions in the same patients, with about 80–90% of asthmatic patients having rhinitis symptoms and about 20–50% of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) having clinical asthma. Furthermore, rhinitis often precedes the onset of clinical asthma and independently increases the risk for developing asthma by up to 3‐fold. There is increasing evidence that AR and asthma are linked and may therefore be manifestations of the same airway disease, rather than two distinct diseases of the nose and the lung. Similarly, some studies have demonstrated that treatment of either condition in co‐morbid disease may result in improvement of the other. Although several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathophysiological link between the upper and the lower airways, the precise mechanisms underlying the link between AR and asthma are not clearly understood. Natural and experimental allergen provocation indicates that inflammation of the nasal and bronchial mucosa is important, because it is triggered by factors common to both mucosae and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both AR and asthma. More recent data suggest that bidirectional systemic inflammation involving the bone marrow is also likely to be important, since allergen provocation leads to up‐regulation and release from the bone marrow of haemopoietic eosinophil/basophil progenitor cells, which migrate to the tissues and undergo differentiation and activation in situ. Studies of intranasally applied corticosteroids and antihistamines (particularly cetirizine) have shown beneficial effects in both the upper and lower airways of patients with seasonal AR, and provide additional indirect support for this mechanism.
Epidemiology and economics of allergy treatment
Authors: Arrigo C.
Published: June 2005

Epidemiological studies have suggested that although the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing worldwide, there is a wide variation in the distribution of this condition within different populations; the prevalence of nasal allergies appears to be lower in Eastern Europe and South and Central Asia, compared with Western Europe and other English‐speaking countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Recent epidemiological surveys performed according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines suggest that the new AR classification of intermittent and persistent AR is both independent and not equivalent to the traditional classification of seasonal AR and perennial AR, respectively. Studies investigating the economic impact of AR have demonstrated that the disease exerts a significant economic burden on society, given the high prevalence of the condition and its impact on direct medical costs and indirect costs. Other studies have indicated that the overall economic burden of AR is compounded by the prevalence of comorbid conditions such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and upper respiratory tract infections, which are often associated with AR. Furthermore, there is evidence that the lack of treatment, undertreatment, or non‐adherence to treatment can increase the overall cost of treatment for AR. Collectively, these studies suggest that the economic impact of AR and its comorbidities are considerable and driven by the epidemiology of these conditions.
The Effect of Aspartame on Migraine Headache
Authors: Koehler Shirley M. , Glaros Alan
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Recently, three pilot studies have proposed that the addition of products containing aspartame to thediets of migraine headache sufferers may produce a significant increase in the frequency of theirmigraines. The present study was a controlled thirteen‐week, double‐blind, randomized cross‐over studycomparing the effect of aspartame to that of a matched placebo on the frequency and intensity of migraineheadache. The results of this study indicated that the ingestion of aspartame by migraineurs caused asignificant increase in headache frequency for some subjects. The implications of these findings andsuggestions for further research are discussed.
Acute Inflammation of the Temporomandibular Joint Presenting as Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Report and Hypothesis
Authors: Turkewitz L. Jay , Levin Morris
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

This report details an acute inflammation of the temporomandibular joint presenting as classicaltrigeminal neuralgia, responsive to anticonvulsant medication. Based upon this case report, we proposethat peripheral stimuli may trigger central trigeminal pain pathways. Peripheral mechanisms of trigeminalhyperexcitability should be excluded when the diagnosis of tic doloreaux is entertained.
Significance of EMG Surface Electrode Placement Models and Headache Findings
Authors: Hudzinski Leonard G. , Lawrence Gary S.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Should muscle contraction headache be measured and treated from the traditional bifrontal muscle sites? Fivestudies report significant positive correlations between headache parameters and frontalis surfaceelectromyogram (EMG) levels. In contrast, four sets of authors who analyzed the relationship failed to find asignificant relationship.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether headache and nonheadache EMG levels in chronic musclecontraction headache patients were higher than in nonheadache‐matched controls using both conventional andmore inclusive EMG electrode placement sites.

Twenty‐five patients experiencing chronic muscle contraction headache (experimental group) and twenty‐fiveage‐matched nonheadache subjects (control group) comprised this study. Experimental group subjects weremonitored twice while having a headache and twice while not having headache prior to beginning therapy. Datafrom the experimental group were compared with that of the control group who indicated “seldom if everexperiencing headache.” EMG data were collected and statistically compared using the conventional bifrontalmodel, the Cram‐Scan model and a Schwartz‐Mayo profiling method on all persons in this study.

Results indicate the Schwartz‐Mayo placement followed by the Cram‐Scan model were superior indisciminating between the headache and nonheadache groups. The most conclusive finding is that the bifrontalplacement model appears antiquated in its ability to provide meaningful diagnostic information and may not besufficient for patient assessment and efficient therapy. Determining the existence of muscle contraction andmodes of treatment may be more effectively reached using multisite EMG monitoring rather than the traditionalbifrontal placement.
The ferritin light‐chain homologue promoter in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Pham D. Q.‐D. , Chavez C. A.
Published: June 2005

Promoters that direct the expression of antipathogenic molecules to primary sites of pathogenic invasions provide a means to interfere with these invasions. Thus, they have the potential to be used in mosquito control. However, exogenous elements are known to lower the fitness of most insects, and given the ability of insects to evolve rapidly, all currently known promoters could be rendered useless. As transgenic mosquitoes may be a major component in the fight against mosquito‐borne diseases, the identification of new mosquito promoters is needed. The promoter of the Aedes aegypti ferritin light‐chain homologue (LCH) gene, a gene whose expression is induced in gut tissues during blood feeding has been identified and mapped. Transfection data indicate that the ferritin LCH promoter is a strong promoter. DNase I footprinting data and Transfac analyses suggest that the ferritin LCH promoter contains putative GATA, E2F, NIT2, TATA and DPE sites. These data together provide the first detailed map of a known ferritin LCH gene.
Male‐killingSpiroplasmanaturally infectingDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Montenegro H. , Solferini V. N. , Klaczko L. B. , Hurst G. D. D.
Published: June 2005

Elucidation of the mechanism of action of selfish genetic elements is difficult outside species with well‐defined genetics. Male‐killing, the phenomenon whereby inherited bacteria kill male hosts during embryogenesis, is thus uncharacterized in mechanistic terms despite being common and important in insects. We characterized the prevalence, identity and source of the male‐killing infection recently discovered inDrosophila melanogasterin Brazil. Male‐killing was found to be present in 2.3% of flies from Recife, Brazil, and was uniquely associated with the presence ofSpiroplasmainfection. The identity of sequences across part of the 16S and across the 16S−23S ITS region indicated that the male‐killing infection ofD. melanogasterwas very closely related toS. poulsonii, the source of the male‐killing infection inwillistonigroup flies also found in South America. The sequences of two further protein‐coding genes indicated theD. melanogasterinfection to be most closely related to that found inD. nebulosa, from thewillistonigroup. Our data suggest that the establishment ofD. melanogasterin South America was associated with the movement of male‐killing bacteria between species.