bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug niflumic acid in humans: a combined 19F‐MRS in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Bilecen Deniz , Schulte Anja‐Carina , Kaspar Armin , Küstermann Eckerhardt , Seelig Joachim , Elverfeldt Dominik v. , Scheffler Klaus
Published: July 2003

This study describes for the first time results of a 19F‐MRS study on humans exposed to the fluorinated non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug niflumic acid. The accumulation and elimination of this commercially available selective prostaglandin synthase inhibitor is studied after an oral bolus in the human liver, in blood plasma and in urine samples. The in vivo spectra of the liver display two resonances with a similar increase in signal intensity during the investigation period of 240 min. One resonance refers to the parent compound niflumic acid (P), whereas the second resonance corresponds to a metabolite (M1) formed by the biotransformation by liver enzymes. The spectroscopic comparison with model compounds suggests 4′‐hydroxyniflumic acid as the metabolite. During the entire experiment the concentration ratios of these resonances (P/M1) ranged between 0.7 and 0.9, indicating a high metabolite concentration most probably due to an efficient first pass metabolism. Both resonances (P, M1) were observed in the in vitro study of the blood plasma samples after plasma protein denaturation. However, in comparison to the liver spectra, the amount of the metabolite M1 is very small with a P/M1‐ratio of 36.6 after 90 min and 16.1 after the end of measurement. This finding suggests an efficient biliary excretion of the metabolite M1, which bypasses the blood circulation system. Both resonances are also identified in the native urine samples. The signal intensity of the parent compound dominates the spectra of all urine samples, whereas the signal intensity of M1 increases slowly reaching a similar value to the parent compound P at the end of the measurement. This observation demonstrates an effective renal elimination of niflumic acid and suggests the existence of an enterohepatic circuit with a re‐entry mechanism for the biliary excreted metabolite M1. In the urine spectra, an additional metabolite M2 is found. This resonance exhibits a low but constant signal intensity. The chemical origin of this metabolite is unclear. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prior knowledge for time domain quantification of in vivo brain or liver 31P MR spectra
Authors: Hamilton Gavin , Patel Nayna , Forton Daniel M , Hajnal Joseph V. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D.
Published: July 2003

Prior knowledge is required when quantifying in vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectra from the brain or liver. The prior knowledge system we have used models both the phosphomonoester and phosphodiester resonances as two peaks of equal linewidth and fixed relative chemical shift. The analysis of the data is carried out in the time domain, which allows the broad component of the spectra to be modelled. This prior knowledge method has been tested for analysis of in vivo 31P MR spectra from the liver and brain and gives results consistent with other methods that are also used to analyse the spectra, but with reduced variability. This technique may be utilized for studies requiring serial MR spectroscopy examinations, before and after patient treatment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H MR spectroscopy of brain tumours and masses
Authors: Howe Franklyn A. , Opstad Kirstie S.
Published: July 2003

Accurate diagnosis is essential for optimum management and treatment of patients with brain tumours. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) provides information non‐invasively on tumour biochemistry and has been shown to provide important additional information to that obtained by conventional radiology. We review the current status of 1H MRS in classifying brain tumour type and grade, for monitoring response to therapy and progression to higher grade, and as a molecular imaging technique for determining tumour extent for treatment planning. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR imaging of postischemic neuronal death in the substantia nigra and thalamus following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
Authors: Abe O. , Nakane M. , Aoki S. , Hayashi N. , Masumoto T. , Kunimatsu A. , Mori H. , Tamura A. , Ohtomo K.
Published: July 2003

The goal of this study was to investigate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 relaxation time (T2) in the substantia nigra and thalamus after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. In the substantia nigra ipsilateral to infarct, ADC was significantly lower and T2 was significantly higher on the third and fourth days, but they did not change significantly on the first, second, eighth and 15th days. In the ipsilateral thalamus, ADC and T2 did not change significantly between the first and fourth days, but were significantly lower on the eighth and 15th days. This combination of MR findings suggested that secondary degeneration in the thalamus was different from that in the substantia nigra. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo characterization of fatty acids in human adipose tissue using natural abundance 1H decoupled 13C MRS at 1.5 T: clinical applications to dietary therapy
Authors: Hwang Jong‐Hee , Bluml Stefan , Leaf Alexander , Ross Brian D.
Published: July 2003

Natural abundance proton‐decoupled 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to establish the in vivo lipid composition of normal adipose tissue and the corresponding effects of altered lipid diets. Experiments were performed on a standard 1.5 T clinical MR scanner using a double‐tuned 1H‐13C coil. Peaks from double‐bonded and methylene carbons were analyzed. Normal lipid composition was established in 20 control subjects. For comparison, five subjects on altered lipid diets were studied. Four subjects were on a fish oil supplement diet or predominantly seafood diet (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and one subject was on a Lorenzo's oil diet (monounsaturated fatty acids). Well‐resolved 13C spectra were obtained from the calf adipose tissue with a total acquisition time of 10 min. Model oil solutions were used to identify specific 13C resonances. Subjects on lipid diets showed significantly elevated levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids for Lorenzo's and fish oil diets, respectively. We conclude that 13C MR spectroscopy can readily detect changes in lipid composition due to medium‐ and long‐term therapeutic lipid diets. Since the examination is rapid, robust and noninvasive, opportunities arise for large clinical trials of preventive or therapeutic diets to be performed with 13C MRS on a clinical MR scanner. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public administration reform in Vietnam: problems and prospects
Authors: Painter Martin
Published: July 2003

Public Administration Reform (PAR) in Vietnam is an ambitious programme that seeks to implement ‘rule by law’ within a centralized, state management framework. It is a political strategy by the key party and state officials with the aim of institutionalizing and legitimizing the transition to the ‘socialist market economy’ through creating a dependable system of rule‐bound public administration. This programme has received extensive donor support. In the content and trajectory of PAR, external models and technical assistance are influential but the political struggle over control of state resources shapes the process. This is seen in the attempts to constitutionalize the powers of state organs and to distinguish them from the party; to separate owner and manager roles and to replace political with economic criteria in the operation of state owned enterprises; to combat corruption in ‘street level’ decision making; to rationalize the machinery of government; to create a centrally managed, professional civil service; and to reform the system of public finances. In each of these areas, there is resistance to reform proposals and evidence of implementation gaps. In these circumstances, concentration of donor support on the centrally managed PAR programme is a high risk strategy. Continued support for local, ‘bottom‐up’ reform initiatives could help sustain the demand for reform. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Privatising electric power in Malaysia and Thailand: politics and infrastructure development policy
Authors: Smith Thomas B.
Published: July 2003

Electric power development in Asia until recently has been a monopoly of the state, with the power sector's planning, finance, construction and management being a part of government activity. The surge in demand for power, as well as external pressures, induced Asian governments to allow private sector participation in electric power. The Malaysian and Thailand cases represent different patterns of policy‐making regarding privatisation. In Malaysia, the government divested Tenaga Nacional Berhad in 1992 and awarded independent power producers (IPPs) licences to build and sell electricity to Tenaga for transmission and distribution. The IPPs were awarded without tender to friends of the government and the system has enabled the IPPs to make large profits at Tenaga's expense. In the Thai case, privatisation has been a very slow process as successive governments since 1989 have not had the power to initiate extensive divestment of IPP contracting. Privatisation in Thailand is a very contentious political issue and the employees union of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is very powerful. Thus, while Malaysia has had extensive privatisation of the power sector, the system eliminates competition in power supply resulting in a higher price of electricity for consumers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Property tax in Indonesia: measuring and explaining administrative (under‐) performance
Authors: Lewis Blane D.
Published: July 2003

One of the arguments made by some Indonesian government officials in defence of continued central control over the property tax is that it has performed well under their authority and that its decentralisation would inevitably result in weaker operations and outcomes. The property tax has indeed grown remarkably well over the past 15 years. This growth, however, has been from a very low base, has been dominated by increased revenues from the mining sector and has been driven by a small number of sub‐national governments. Recently, only around 40% of local sector property tax potential has been realised under central control, given the existing tax rate and base. Property valuations are the most problematic aspect of administration but tax coverage and collections are also sub‐standard. While there may, in fact, be insufficient local government capacity to manage the property tax, even to current levels of performance, this problem could be solved by transferring the relevant central staff to local governments, as has been carried out in other newly decentralised sectors. But even before tax administration is devolved, local governments could at least be given some authority over the property tax rate, presently one of the lowest in the world. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralisation and forest management in Latin America: towards a working model
Authors: Larson Anne M.
Published: July 2003

The particular characteristics of natural resources make the decentralisation of their management to elected local governments even more complex than the decentralisation of services and infrastructure. Nevertheless, natural resources are equally important to rural development concerns in the Third World. Numerous countries have begun to implement policies for some form of decentralisation involving natural resources and the environment, and many local governments are already making decisions that affect the future of local resources. This article reviews experiences with decentralisation of forest management in Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Based on those experiences, it proposes a working model for more effective decentralisation strategies. The model addresses the legal structure for decentralised forest management and relevant variables that define the local decision‐making sphere, as well as key mediating factors that also affect outcomes. Most of these variables, even in the local sphere, offer important sites for policy and aid intervention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Devolution in Uganda: an experiment in local service delivery
Authors: Mitchinson Robin
Published: July 2003

The ongoing programme for reform and reduction of the public service in Uganda relies heavily on the devolution of provision and delivery of most major public services to the lowest appropriate levels (primarily the District Councils1), and therefore local government is becoming a key element in the search for new ways of governance. The rationale is that the overriding problem, as in much of Africa, is poverty and that the most effective way of tackling it is by the empowerment of the people to provide the services that they judge necessary and to decide their own local priorities in the allocation of resources. Whether the experiment succeeds will be determined in large measure by the ability and desire of the Government to ensure that local authorities have access to at least the same levels of resources as the previous service providers. Of equal importance is the capacity and ability of local government to meet the challenge, and this begs the question as to whether professional staff have the experience and competence and whether the elected members have the political skills, probity and integrity for the task. The policies have been well thought‐out and the solutions appear to be capable of implementation, but the ‘people factor’ will also be critical to success. The present scenario is guardedly encouraging; the devolution programme will probably meet sufficient of its objectives to justify the changes, given continuing donor support, and performance will improve as local authorities gain experience and self‐confidence. For its part, Government will need to resist the temptation to over‐supervise, and intervene only sparingly.

These are large units of administration, with average populations in excess of 500,000.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilateral development banks, transparency and corporate clients: ‘public–private partnerships’ and public access to information
Authors: Nelson Paul J.
Published: July 2003

The multilateral development banks (MDB) recognise and promote transparency as a principle of good governance. Public release of information about policies and projects is a central aspect of this transparency, and the five MDBs studied here each adopted new policies during the 1990s to increase the accessibility of such information. The flow of information to local communities is important to the effectiveness of MDBs' social and environmental safeguards and to securing public support. But MDBs also embrace a second strategy, which sometimes conflicts with transparency: each MDB (or an affiliate) lends to private corporations as well as to member states and each bank modifies its information disclosure rules, giving corporate clients greater discretion than member governments. Environmental and social safeguards apply to corporate borrowers as well as to governments and there is a relatively high level of controversy over corporate projects' environmental and social impact. When subjected to a qualitative review of their disclosure standards, emphasising fullness of disclosure, accessibility of information, timeliness of information and availability of recourse, the disclosure policies of all five MDBs are clearly found to accommodate corporate confidentiality while compromising public demands for information. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perillyl alcohol mediated radiosensitization via augmentation of the Fas pathway in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Rajesh Deepika , Howard Steven P.
Published: July 2003

Background

The management of hormone‐insensitive locally advanced prostate cancer is difficult and complex and there is an urgent need for the development of effective chemotherapeutic agents intended for combination with currently available treatment modalities.

Methods

The present paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) as potent radiosensitizer on DU145 and PC3 cell lines by performing clonogenic survival assays, cycle analysis, and assays to detect viability, apoptosis, and Fas receptor/ligand by flow cytometry.

Results

POH pretreatment resulted in a dose dependent sensitization to kill cell by radiation. Furthermore, POH treatment induced a transient G2/M arrest, enhanced the expression of the membrane bound form of the Fas ligand and sensitized the cells to Fas mediated apoptosis.

Conclusions

The unique manner of radiosensitization in addition to its low toxicity profile makes POH a promising new agent for preclinical evaluation as a potential radiosensitizer in the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate 57: 14–23, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Foundation for the integration of biologically based therapy in the management of prostate cancer
Authors: Logothetis Christopher J.
Published: July 2003

The cure of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) will be achieved through the clinical application of biological observations. To achieve this, a new classification of human PCa is needed. Unlike in previous classifications of PCa which were based on anatomic determinates of outcome, we propose to integrate emerging PCa biology into this taxonomy. Three biologically based categories were identified (amphotropic, clonal expansion, and heterotopic), and each has unique features that influence therapy selection. It is unlikely that any single agent or modality will successfully control PCa. It is hoped that the classification and trial designs we propose will facilitate the application of integrated treatment and prevention strategies. Prostate 57: 32–38, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen‐induced norepinephrine release mediating guinea pig seminal vesicle smooth muscle proliferation: Potential role of pre‐synaptic α2‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Kim Julie M. , Cole Dennis J. , Franklin Grant L. , Mawhinney Michael G.
Published: July 2003

BACKGROUND

Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that androgen‐induced basal norepinephrine (NE) release is responsible for the onset of proliferation in seminal vesicle smooth muscle (SVM) cells during early puberty. With subsequent sexual maturation, SVM was irreversibly differentiated to an androgen‐resistant‐amitotic state in which basal NE release remained elevated and resistant to androgen withdrawal or repletion. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that this irreversible elevation of basal NE release during pubertal development is caused, at least in part, by the down‐regulation of pre‐synaptic NE feedback inhibition, secondary to irreversible reduction in the expression of neuronal (pre‐synaptic) α2‐adrenoceptors. Functional α2‐adrenoceptors are selectively localized to pre‐synaptic sites in SVM.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, we employed ligand binding techniques with [3H]RX821002, an antagonist which labeled all α2‐adrenoceptor sub‐types. Initial experiments focused on analysis of competitor specificity to identify the predominant α2‐adrenoceptor sub‐type in SVM. Subsequently, we quantified the changes in the receptor concentration (Bmax) for [3H]RX821002 at the point of maximal dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐induced change in basal NE release.

RESULTS

Based on competitor specificity for [3H]RX821002, the α2D‐adrenoceptor sub‐type predominated in SVM. We treated pre‐pubertal castrate animals with DHT for 7 days, which was previously demonstrated to maximally induce basal NE release. This treatment reduced the pre‐synaptic α2‐adrenoceptor Bmax 4‐fold. In animals which had been castrated as adults, the Bmax for [3H]RX821002 remained irreversibly suppressed.

CONCLUSIONS

The DHT‐dependent reduction in the α2‐adrenoceptor concentration is consistent with the developmental pattern of increased basal NE release. These findings support the hypothesis that the down‐regulation of pre‐synaptic NE feedback is mechanistically involved in the irreversible elevation of basal NE release. NE mediates proliferation in SVM in early pubertal development. Thus, the androgen‐dependent pubertal growth of smooth muscle cells may be indirectly controlled at the level of neurotransmission. Prostate 57: 51–56, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Special metals for seismic retrofitting of steel buildings
Authors: Sarno L Di , Elnashai A S
Published: July 2003

Novel metals such as aluminium alloys, stainless steels and shape memory alloys can be used for the retrofitting of steel buildings in seismic areas. Therefore, it is useful to investigate their mechanical and physical properties along with the key issues of the material modelling. The present paper focuses on the mechanical response of such metals which are inherent to the seismic design. Furthermore, it compares their mechanical characteristics in order to assess (i) the relative merits; and (ii) the cost‐effectiveness in practical applications. Analytical formulations employed for either refined or simplified modelling are critically reviewed; advantages and disadvantages of each scheme are highlighted. Finally, several examples of practical applications of these novel metals in seismic retrofitting are discussed and further developments outlined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance dowel‐type joints for timber structures
Authors: Rodd P D , Leijten A J M
Published: July 2003

This paper identifies the fundamental factors that affect the performance of dowel‐type joints between structural timber members. It considers methods that have been used to enhance joint performance and illustrates how these have been brought together in two alternative high‐performance joints. The paper concludes with examples of structures built with one of these alternative joints. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural assessment of existing concrete buildings
Authors: Laranja Roberto , de Brito Jorge
Published: July 2003

An approach to the general issue of existing concrete structures safety analysis is presented, referring to the most relevant uncertainties in the process of structural assessment and the various ways of characterizing them. The structural reliability and reliability index concepts and a procedure to measure them probabilistically are presented, as well as the basic problem of structural reliability and a semi‐probabilistic approach to safety compliance.

The importance of characterizing the strength properties of structural materials is discussed, and the main related aspects are pointed out. Methods prescribed in some standards and recommendations are presented, emphasizing those suitable for safety analysis of existing structures. The importance of a priori data, the sources normally used in data acquisition and of
the inspection and tests planning stages is stressed. The number of tests (sample dimension) needed to infer and statistically validate results is discussed.

The importance of characterizing probabilistically actions and effects is stressed. The code criteria for their quantification are presented and the types of probabilistic distribution and variability inherent to each action type are briefly described. Some methods for their quantification in existing structures are pointed out. Special importance is given to the quantification of variable actions, owing to the high associated uncertainties, especially seismic action, in the process of structural safety assessment. Ways of reducing their nominal values or the respective safety factors, depending on the degree of uncertainty involved, namely due to the reduction of the existing structure's expected service life, are pointed out.

The probabilistic methodologies developed for structures safety analysis, based on the reliability classical techniques, namely the second moment methods, of First and second order, and those based on the numerical simulation (Monte Carlo) techniques, are discussed, emphasizing the difficulty in its application to case studies of the assessment of existing structures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NDE techniques for concrete and masonry structures
Authors: Popovics J S
Published: July 2003

The paper describes non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that have been applied to existing concrete and masonry structures. NDE techniques for detection of induced damage and characterization of retrofit and strengthening schemes are included. The theoretical basis and experimental requirements of each technique are first described. Then case studies of application of the described techniques to specific cases on concrete and masonry structures are described. Conclusions about the suitability of each technique are drawn. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in the application of FRP for repairing corrosion damage
Authors: Sen Rajan
Published: July 2003

This paper presents an overview of the application of fibre‐reinforced polymers (FRP) for repairing corrosion‐damaged structures by external wrapping. The rationale, design and durability for such repairs are addressed and significant research findings highlighted. Several field applications are described and new and innovative practices identified. Recommendations are made to improve future performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Analysis of Remote Center of Compliance Structures
Authors: Ciblak Namik , Lipkin Harvey
Published: July 2003

Remote center‐of‐compliance devices were developed to facilitate insertion for assembly operations. An analysis using screw theory yields a more accurate model to better characterize the interesting properties of remote compliance. For design purposes, the remote center location and stiffnesses are presented as nondimensional ratios that are only functions of geometrical properties and Poisson's ratio. Important design results are (i) the high sensitivity of the center location and (ii) the inverse relationship between linear and angular lateral stiffnesses. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introducing Radius of Torsure and Cylindroid of Torsure
Authors: Dooner David B.
Published: July 2003

Robotic path planning can involve the specification of the position and orientation of an end‐effector to achieve a desired task (e.g., deburring, welding, or surface metrology). Under such scenarios the end‐effector is instantaneously rotating and translating about a unique axis; the ISA. Alternately, the performance of direct contact mechanisms (viz., cam systems and gear pairs) are dependent on the surface geometry between two surfaces in direct contact. Determination of this geometry can entail the parametrization of a family of geodesics curves embedded within each surface. This parametrization is tantamount to an end‐effector rotating and translating about an ISA. In both scenarios there is a unique ISA for each geodesic embedded in a surface. Here, curvature and torsion of a spatial curve are coupled together to define an alternative definition for the radius‐of‐curvature of a spatial curve. This new definition is identified as radius of torsure to distinguish it from the classical definition for radius‐of‐curvature. Further, it is shown that the family of twists that corresponds to the pencil of geodesics coincident with a point on a surface defines a cylindroid: the cylindroid of torsure. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate this difference. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Nut in Screw Theory
Authors: Griffis Michael , Rico José María
Published: July 2003

This study in projective geometry reveals that the principle of duality applies to the screw. Here, the screw is demonstrated to be an element of a projective three‐dimensional space (P3), right alongside the line. Dual elements for the screw and line are also revealed (the nut and spline). Reciprocity is demonstrated for a pair of screws, and incidence is demonstrated for screw and its dual element. Reciprocity and incidence are invariant for projective transformations of P3, but only incidence is invariant for the more general linear transformations of screws. This latter transformation is analogous to a projective transformation of a projective five‐dimensional space (P5), which is shown to induce a contact transformation of the original P3, where some points lying on a Kummer surface are directly mapped. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lie Algebra and the Mobility of Kinematic Chains
Authors: Rico J. M. , Gallardo J. , Ravani B.
Published: July 2003

This paper deals with the application of Lie Algebra to the mobility analysis of kinematic chains. It develops an algebraic formulation of a group‐theoretic mobility criterion developed recently by two of the authors of this publication. The instantaneous form of the mobility criterion presented here is based on the theory of subspaces and subalgebras of the Lie Algebra of the Euclidean group and their possible intersections. It is shown using this theory that certain results on mobility of over‐constraint linkages derived previously using screw theory are not complete and accurate. The theory presented provides for a computational approach that would allow efficient automation of the new group‐theoretic mobility criterion. The theory is illustrated using several examples. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Analysis of Closed Loop Mechanisms on the Basis Vectors of Passive Joint Axes
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi
Published: July 2003

By determining a basis of s linear space of twists of a loop in amechanism
by passive joint axes in the loop, the concise expressions among active joint
torques and wrenches acting on links of a mechanism can be obtained. For the
reason that the expressions are based on the basis vectors of joint axes of
a mechanism, the algorithm is independent on types of mechanisms such as planar,
spherical, spatial, etc. Also, the constraint conditions in loops can be dealt
with separately for each loop. It makes the algorithm simple and can reduce
the computational cost. By modifying the algorithm, simple expressions for
parallel mechanisms can also be obtained. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mobile 6‐SPS Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Wohlhart Karl
Published: July 2003

In this paper some special constructions of 6‐SPS parallel manipulators are presented whose platforms, with fixed actuators, are shaky in all possible positions and consequently mobile within their prospective workspace—a behavior which has been called “architectural mobility.” Constructions of such manipulators should be known to the designer of working platform mechanisms in order to avoid them beforehand in the design process. Although “closeness to a singularity position” can hardly be defined reliably, it certainly seems better to abstain even from platform constructions which geometrically resemble any one of the architecturally mobile platforms which we are going to describe. As we assume the points of attachments of the actuators (the S‐joints) in the basis as well as in the platform as located in planes, we can apply the method of synthesizing recently published in Advances in Robotic Kinematics (Kluwer, Netherlands, 2002); simultaneously we take the opportunity to reformulate a proposition made in that work which cannot be maintained in the generality stated there. Four examples of architecturally mobile 6‐SPS platforms are described: no special relation between the coordinates of the points of attachement in the two planes are assumed in the first example while in the following examples it is assumed that the S‐joints in their planes form specific polygons: triangles, quadrangles and trapezia. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of environmental impacts of active smelter operations and abandoned mines in Karabash, Ural Mountains of Russia
Authors: Udachin V. , Williamson B. J. , Purvis O. W. , Spiro B. , Dubbin W. , Brooks S. , Coste B. , Herrington R. J. , Mikhailova I.
Published: July 2003

Industrialization in the former USSR caused widespread environmental damage, which is graphically illustrated in the South Urals mining region of west‐central Russia. One of the most heavily polluted areas is the town of Karabash and its surrounding area, which has abandoned mines and a large active copper smelter close to its centre. The area is affected by effluents and gaseous and particulate emissions from the smelter, acid drainage from abandoned mines and leachates and dusts from waste dumps and tailings dams. This article outlines the methodologies employed under a 3 year instrumental‐ and bio‐monitoring assessment of mining‐related impacts in Karabash, designed to be sensitive to the natural setting and specific political, sociological and economic situation in the Ural mountains. The results of the preliminary, planning stage of the project are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Material and energy flows of a local forest industry system in Finland
Authors: Korhonen Jouni , Niutanen Ville
Published: July 2003

Forestry, forest, pulp and paper industries provide important cases for environmental and ecological economics and for corporate environmental management, because of the large quantities of flows of material and energy that are derived from the natural ecosystem. Because of the natural capital intensive nature of its activity, the forest industry also offers a fruitful case study for industrial ecology (IE), the practical concern of which is the comparison of material and energy flows of nature to these same flows in economic and industrial systems. In this paper, the concept of an industrial ecosystem is reflected in a typical local forest industry system in Finland, known as ‘a local forest industry integrate’. We present a material and energy flow model that can be used to study forest industry environmental management and for the planning of environmental policies directed to forest industry. Flows of matter (biomass), nutrients, energy and carbon are described, and the waste utilization possibilities are considered. A local forest industry system can be a fruitful case for IE development as the cuttings of forests in Finland are below the renewal rate, material cycles, nutrient cycles and energy cascades are developed and the carbon dioxide (CO2) binding capacity of the forest ecosystem is maintained. The difficulties and barriers in light of the industrial ecosystem vision of a materially closed local system include the high export rates of paper, energy intensive production and problem displacement in waste utilization efforts. The presented material and energy flow model of forest industry environmental management is compared with a case of a local agricultural and food industry system. For agro‐food sector applications, a different emphasis on the flows may have to be adopted than in a forest industry application. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Industrial ecology: shedding more light on its perspective of understanding nature as model
Authors: Isenmann Ralf
Published: July 2003

Industrial ecology represents an emerging interdisciplinary field of studying industrial systems in combination with their fundamental linkage with nature. An eye‐catching characteristic at the basis of industrial ecology's scientific profile is its refreshingly unorthodox perspective of understanding nature as model, compared with other disciplines of understanding nature, e.g. in terms of ‘sack of resources’ or ‘biophysical limit’ as opposed to industrial systems. The idea of industrial ecology's appealing perspective is to balance the development of industrial systems with the constraints of natural ecosystems, analogous to an ‘industrial symbiosis’. On the basis of initial efforts to conceptualize industrial ecology's underlying assumptions concerning nature, a philosophically focused approach of its characteristic perspective of understanding nature as model is presented. The contribution may provide industrial ecologists as well as other economists, engineers, scientists and policy‐makers involved in the field of sustainability with an opportunity for accessible philosophical reflection, perhaps bringing to the surface their tacit frames regarding nature. Consequently, the goal is to gain greater conceptual clarity and to contribute to laying a solid foundation for industrial ecology's stimulating role when initiating change towards sustainability at large. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Let the desert bloom: an overview of an attempt to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the Jordanian Badia region
Authors: Baban Serwan M. J. , Al‐Oun Salem , Shahbaz Mohammed
Published: July 2003

The Bedu have lived for centuries in harmony with the environment in the Middle Eastern desert known as the Badia region. However, during the 20th century their environment was fragmented and divided to form parts of Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This process restricted their movements and increased the pressure on the environment. In addition, economic growth and urbanization have also had an impact on their way of life. As a consequence, the Jordan Badia Research and Development Programme (BRDP) was established, during 1992, to improve the Bedu's quality of life and to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection in the Badia. This paper reviews the BRDP strategy as well as the deliverables thus far in terms of benefits to local communities, facilities, pioneered projects, main research outcomes and current research priorities. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Incorporating sustainable development into redevelopment
Authors: Alker Sandra , McDonald Adrian
Published: July 2003

Recent UK Government strategies and planning policies have embraced the principle of sustainable development, presenting this as a framework for future planning and land‐use decisions. This paper will review those policies that emphasize the need to re‐use previously developed land. Resulting from these policies is a need for local authorities, in particular, to adopt a sequential testing approach in terms of land‐use decisions. We evaluated the sequential testing approaches advocated, examining how they equate with the assessment of indicators of sustainable development. Current sequential testing approaches tend to evaluate over‐arching considerations within the planning framework and do not necessarily assess site‐specific characteristics.

This paper argues that if optimum adherence to the principle of sustainable development in land‐use decisions is desired, the pre‐determination of end‐use should be ended or at least minimized since it does not facilitate sustainable development. It is suggested that in order to achieve sustainable development in land‐use decisions, a sequential approach to determine end‐use, based on those characteristics exhibited by the site is necessary. Therefore, there is also a need for a mechanism that can assess whether the development decision has reached an optimum choice concerning sustainable development.

The paper concludes by proposing that a framework for expressing site characteristics as elements of sustainable development is needed to enable best possible sustainable land‐use decisions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Case Formulation and Design of Behavioral Treatment Programs
Authors: Haynes Stephen N. , Williams Andrew E.
Published: July 2003

Summary: We review the rationale for behavioral clinical case formulations and emphasize the role of the functional analysis in the design of individualized treatments. Standardized treatments may not be optimally effective for clients who have multiple behavior problems. These problems can affect each other in complex ways and each behavior problem can be influenced by multiple, interacting causal variables. The mechanisms of action of standardized treatments may not always address the most important causal variables for a client's behavior problems. The functional analysis integrates judgments about the client's behavior problems, important causal variables, and functional relations among variables. The functional analysis aids treatment decisions by helping the clinician estimate the relative magnitude of effect of each causal variable on the client's behavior problems, so that the most effective treatments can be selected. The parameters of, and issues associated with, a functional analysis and Functional Analytic Clinical Case Models (FACCM) are illustrated with a clinical case. The task of selecting the best treatment for a client is complicated because treatments differ in their level of specificity and have unequally weighted mechanisms of action. Further, a treatment's mechanism of action is often unknown.
A Dynamic Systems Approach to Clinical Case Formulation
Authors: Schiepek Günter
Published: July 2003

Summary: This contribution is based on the evidence that most psychological practitioners are concerned with the facilitation of change processes. They help people to learn, to develop, or to change patterns of cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Consequently, they need assessment tools that enable them to represent the essential features of the complex systems they are concerned with, i.e., structure of functioning and dynamics. After some introductory remarks on systemic assessment, we focus on two methods of comprehensive data representation: one of them is used in order to represent the structure of functioning of a system, the other to assess its dynamics. The first one is called “idiographic system modeling” and represents the interrelations between the most important variables of a system by graphical means. The other one is based on a continuously produced flow of data about the functioning of a system and on a continuous screening of dynamic features of this time series (critical fluctuations, degree of synchronization, and stability vs. instability). It is called “real-time monitoring.” Perhaps this methodology can help to bridge the gap between research, usually realized in artificial laboratory settings, and the change processes taking place in practice.
Clinical Case Formulation in the Research Program “Subjective Theories”
Authors: Wagner Rudolph F.
Published: July 2003

Summary: Clinical case formulation within the research program subjective theories is based on a constructivistic point of view. The relevance of the subjective constructions was first postulated by Kelly (1955) in his personal construct theory. In his model of “man the scientist” Kelly shows the core assumption of a parallelism between naive and scientific theories. Kelly's model was elaborated within the research program subjective theories (RPST). This article shows the clinical case formulation within the RPST with examples of patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis and from chronic back pain. The RPST proposes a two-phase model for the research process of communicative and explanatory validation. In the phase of communicative validation, we are asking whether patients hold subjective theories about their diseases. In the phase of explanatory validation, we are asking whether these theories influence their behavior during illness. The results of the phase of communicative validation reveal that these patients do indeed have differentiated theories about their illnesses and recognize the potential of these ideas to influence the course of their illness. In the phase of explanatory validation, it was also possible to test these subjective theories empirically: Patients view their illnesses realistically and reveal rationally guided coping behavior.
Bias in Parental Reports?
Authors: Kroes Gert , Veerman Jan W. , De Bruyn Eric E.J.
Published: July 2003

Summary: In clinical practice, child psychologists' case formulations are often based on parental reports. In this study, we examined whether mothers' reports of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in their children might be biased by maternal psychopathology. The target child sample consisted of 68 boys aged 6-12 years who were receiving treatment. Mothers' reports were compared with the reports of both teachers and group care workers as criterion ratings. After controlling for variance shared with the independent raters, multiple regression analysis indicated substantial partial correlations between various types of maternal psychopathology and the reporting of internalizing child behavior problems. Only small to insignificant partial correlations were found in the case of externalizing behavior problems. This finding is consistent with the social attribution theory that predicts greater distortion when observing more ambiguous stimuli.
Information-Gathering Strategies in Behavioral Assessment
Authors: Godoy Antonio , Gavino Aurora
Published: July 2003

Summary: In behavioral assessment, the strategy theoretically most coherent for case formulation is to carry out a functional analysis aimed at discovering, among other factors, functionally relevant stimuli acting upon the problem-behavior. However, little is known about the decision-making processes involved in this task. Although many authors have suggested prescriptive models for this process, the strategies used by clinicians when gathering information seem to be left to experience and common sense. The present research is an attempt to increase the knowledge about this process of information gathering. The study was carried out with psychology students in their final year who already had enough theoretical knowledge to gather this kind of information, but still lacked practical experience. Subjects were asked to gather information aimed at checking a hypothesis about the functional role on a given behavior of either an antecedent or a subsequent (i.e., reinforcing) stimulus. The results show that information gathered to test a reinforcing stimulus hypothesis is more homogeneous than information to test a hypothesis about a functionally relevant antecedent stimulus. The strategies used to test both types of hypotheses are different. In both instances, however, subjects more frequently gathered information useful to refute or refine the hypothesis than information useful to verify it.
On the Structure of Case Formulations
Authors: Westmeyer Hans
Published: July 2003

Summary: A case formulation is the result of a complex process of interaction between assessing and assessed persons. There are many factors that exert their influence on this process and its result, although they are usually not even mentioned in the case formulation. This raises the question “What are the structure and characteristics of an adequate case formulation?”. Two different answers to this question are elaborated, both of which rely on an understanding of case formulations as structured sets of idiographic hypotheses, and are distinguished by different explications of the concept of idiographic hypothesis. The implications of the respective explications of the concept of idiographic hypothesis for the concept of case formulation are discussed. Finally, the question “If case formulations are construed as structured sets of idiographic hypotheses, how is the term 'structured set' to be understood?” is briefly addressed.