bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Annealing on the Performance of Short Glass Fiber-reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Composites
Authors: Arici Armağan , Sinmazçelik Tamer , Çapan Levon , Yilgör Iskender , Yilgör Emel
Published: December 2004

The influence of annealing on the morphology and the performance of randomly oriented short glass fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), impact tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Endotherms belonging to secondary crystals are seen 10–20 C above the annealing temperatures. DMTA results showed that the annealed samples had higher glass transition temperatures and elastic moduli values when compared with the quenched samples. The effect of microstructure on elastic deformation, crack formation, and crack propagation are studied with instrumented impact tester.
Intraindividual and Interindividual Variations in the Pharmacokinetics of Mycophenolic Acid in Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Pisupati Jaya , Jain Ashok , Burckart Gilbert , Hamad Imad , Zuckerman Sheila , Fung John , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: December 2004

The authors evaluated the intraindividual and interindividual variations in the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid after oral administration of mycophenolate mofetil in 10 liver transplant patients. Mycophenolic acid and its metabolite, mycophenolic acid glucuronide, were measured in plasma and urine by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The plasma protein binding of mycophenolic acid was determined by ultrafiltration. The maximum concentration of mycophenolic acid in plasma increased significantly (P .05) with time from 9.1 ± 7.2 μg/mL (<1 week) to 36.7 ± 15.6 μg/mL (1 month). The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of mycophenolic acid also increased significantly with time, from 50.8 ± 42.1 μg•h/mL to 118.0 ± 57.6 μg•h/mL (P .05). The plasma protein binding of mycophenolic acid increased from 92% to 98%, and the apparent oral clearance [CL/F] decreased from 32.9 ± 21.4 L/h during the first study period to 9.0 ± 4.4 L/h (P .05) during the third study period. The apparent intrinsic clearance of mycophenolic acid did not change significantly over time. The ratio of the area under the curve of mycophenolic acid glucluronide to mycophenolic acid in plasma decreased with time (25.5 ± 21.2 vs 8.0 ± 3.3) but did not reach statistical significance. The increased binding of mycophenolic acid to plasma proteins with time after transplantation appeared to contribute to the intraindividual variation, whereas differences in the ability of the liver to metabolize mycophenolic acid between patients appear to contribute to the large interindividual variation in the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid. The observations in this study support the concept of measuring the unbound concentration of mycophenolic acid. The observations in this study support the concept of measuring the unbound concentration of mycophenolic acid to optimize immunosuppressive drug therapy with mycophenolic acid.
Impulsive‐Aggressive Traits, Serotonin Function, and Alcohol‐Enhanced Aggression
Authors: Fulwiler Carl , Eckstine Joy , Kalsy Sapna
Published: December 2004

Although alcohol consumption is involved in most acts of violence, most people do not become violent when they drink. Individuals also respond differently to alcohol on laboratory measures of aggression. The objective of this study was to determine whether individual differences in the effects of alcohol on a laboratory measure of aggression are related to specific personality traits and/or serotonin function, as measured by prolactin response to pharmacochallenge. Psychometric scales for impulsiveness, aggression, and anger, as well as a probe for suspiciousness, were administered to 10 healthy male social drinkers. Trait serotonin function was determined by citalopram challenge. The effect of alcohol on the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm was determined by comparing aggression scores with and without 1 g/kg alcohol. Impulsivity scores were significantly correlated with the change in aggressive responding after alcohol. Aggression, anger, and suspiciousness scores were not. Prolactin response did not predict the effect of alcohol on aggressive responding. The results suggest that trait impulsiveness may mediate the effects of alcohol on aggression in normal males.
Examination of 209 Drugs for Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 2C8
Authors: Walsky Robert L. , Gaman Emily A. , Obach R. Scott
Published: December 2004

Cytochrome P450 2C8 is involved in the metabolism of drugs such as paclitaxel, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, and cerivastatin, among others. An in vitro assessment of 209 frequently prescribed drugs and related xenobiotics was carried out to examine their potential to inhibit CYP2C8. A validated sensitive, moderate‐throughput high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) assay was used to detect N‐desethylamodiaquine, the CYP2C8‐derived major metabolite of amodiaquine metabolism, using heterologously expressed recombinant CYP2C8 (rhCYP2C8) and pooled human liver microsomes. The 209 drugs were first tested at 30 μM for their ability to inhibit rhCYP2C8. Forty‐eight compounds exhibited greater than 50% inhibition and were further evaluated for measurement of IC50. The six most potent inhibitors (IC50 <1 μM) from this set were measured for IC50 in pooled human liver microsomes, and the most potent inhibitor identified was the leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast (IC50 = 19.6 nM). Inhibitors of CYP2C8 were identified from a wide variety of therapeutic classes, with no single class predominating. Other potent inhibitors included candesartan cilexetil (cyclohexylcarbonate ester prodrug of candesartan), zafirlukast, clotrimazole, felodipine, and mometasone furoate. Seventeen moderate inhibitors of rhCYP2C8 (1 < IC50 < 10 μM) included salmeterol, raloxifene, fenofibrate, ritonavir, levothyroxine, tamoxifen, loratadine, quercetin, oxybutynin, medroxyprogesterone, simvastatin, ketoconazole, ethinyl estradiol, spironolactone, lovastatin, nifedipine, and irbesartan. These in vitro data were used along with clinical pharmacokinetic information in predicting potential drug‐drug interactions that could occur by inhibition of CYP2C8. Although almost all drugs tested are not expected to cause drug interactions via inhibition of CYP2C8, montelukast was identified as being of concern as a potential inhibitor of clinical relevance. These findings are discussed in context to potential drug interactions that could be observed between these agents and drugs for which CYP2C8 is involved in metabolism and warrant investigation of the possibility of clinical drug interactions mediated by inhibition of this enzyme.
Slippery Slopes to Apprehension:
Authors: Berger Charles R.
Published: December 2004

Two experiments examined the interactive effects of rational thinking style and variations in the slopes of threatening trends on individuals’ judgments. In Experiment 1, individuals read news stories containing graphical depictions of linearly increasing rates of campus theft. Apprehension, problem seriousness, and perceived risk of theft victimization judgments were made in response to three different slopes (shallow, moderate, and steep). High rationals demonstrated less apprehension and more attenuated problem seriousness judgments, and high rationals’ judgments showed greater variabilityin response to the slope variations than did those of the low rationals. Experiment 2 employed a linear and two nonlinear functions with identical initial and final values. Results for Experiment 2 were consistent with those of Experiment 1. High rationals appear more likely to heed cues that serve to reduce the amount of apprehension they experience in response to graphically presented information about increasingly threatening trends.
Talking Politics and Engaging Politics:
Authors: Kwak Nojin , Williams Ann E. , Wang Xiaoru , Lee Hoon
Published: December 2004

This study takes a process-oriented approach to understand the current status of political discussion research and identifies discussion engagement—discussion attention and integrative discussion—as an unexplored but important facet of political discussion. As a block, these two variables of discussion engagement independently accounted for significant variance in two criterion variables of political engagement, political knowledge and political participation, after controlling for not only a host of demographic, attitudinal, and media use variables but also three most researched structural features of political discussion—network size, discussion frequency, and network heterogeneity. In addition, the study analyzes the interplay between various attributes of political discussion in an attempt to untangle the dynamic relationships among features of political discussion in politics. Findings suggest that whether network size and heterogeneity mobilize or demobilize citizens may depend on whether they are attentively and frequently discussing political issues with others.
Transferring the Principles of Effective Treatment into a “Real World” Prison Setting
Authors: Bourgon Guy , Armstrong Barbara
Published: December 2004

The principles of risk, need, and responsivity have been empirically linked to the effectiveness of treatment to reduce reoffending, but the transference of these principles to the inside of prison walls is difficult. Results from a sample of 620 incarcerated male offenders—482 who received either a 5-week, 10-week, or 15-week prison-based treatment program and 138 untreated comparison offenders—found that treatment significantly reduced recidivism (odds ratio of .56; effect size r of .10) and that the amount of treatment (e.g., “dosage”) played a significant role (odds ratios between .92 and .95 per week of treatment; adjusted effect size r of .01 and .02). These results indicate that prison-based treatment can be effective in reducing recidivism, that dosage plays a mediating role, and that there may be minimum levels of treatment required to reduce recidivism that is dependent on the level of an offender’s risk and need.
Recidivism in Released Lifestyle Change Program Participants
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: December 2004

A group of 291 released inmates who completed one or more levels of the Lifestyle Change Program (LCP) were significantly less likely to be arrested or incarcerated during the follow-up than a group of 89 released inmates who had been transferred or released prior to participating in the LCP. These differences persisted even after age, race, confining offense, sentence length, and amount of time at risk in the community had been controlled. Partitioning the sample by risk, program-control differences in arrest were observed for lower risk inmates (< 6 prior arrests) but not for higher risk inmates (≥ 6 prior arrests). When analyses were restricted to arrests leading to incarceration, however, higher risk participants alone enjoyed significantly reduced levels of recidivism. Survival analysis confirmedthat lower risk program and controlinmates differed significantly only on the arrest measure, whereas higher risk program and control inmates differed significantly only on the incarceration measure.
Communicating Violence Risk Information to Forensic Decision Makers
Authors: Hilton N. Zoe , Harris Grant T. , Rawson Kelly , Beach Craig A.
Published: December 2004

Although actuarial risk assessments have the potential to improve forensic decision making, clinicians neither prefer nor use them. Effective communication is an important next step for study. The decisions of 60 forensic clinicians (from a range of disciplines) were examined for possible effects related to case information, a likelihood of violent recidivism statement, and actuarial risk level. When no likelihood statement was provided, participants reported using case information containing risk factors to appraise risk. A summary likelihood statement, however, improved communicationof risk. Participants were more likely to defer a security decision when there was no likelihood statement. Participants made little distinction between likelihood of violence and comparative risk. These findings suggests trategies for improving violence risk communication.
Reading a Poor Woman’s Life: Issues and Dilemmas
Authors: Krumer-Nevo Michal
Published: December 2004

Listening to the voices of poor women is a major goal of feminists who are dealing with the subject of poverty; however, its implementation is far from simple. Problems of power and ethics are enmeshed with the question of how to understand these voices and how to make them heard without exploiting or distorting them. This article counters these issues in presenting a feminist reading of Miriam—a woman living in poverty and social deprivation. The feminist reading of the story sheds light on Miriam’s limited opportunities, the nature of her difficulties, and her struggle.
Twenty Years of Progress in Violence Risk Assessment
Authors: Hanson R. Karl
Published: December 2004

Violence risk assessment has advanced considerably in the last 20 years. In the 1980s, leading professionals questioned the very possibility of valid violence risk assessments; now, many of the major risk factors have been identified, and professional debate focuses on how best to combine these risk factors into meaningful evaluations. An important contributor to this advance in knowledge has been the rise of meta-analytic reviews. Through quantitative summaries, the cumulative findings of small, potentially insignificant studies have provided important answers to questions concerning the effective assessment and treatment of violent offenders.
Exciting Discoveries on the Health Effects of Family Violence
Authors: Kendall-Tackett Kathleen
Published: December 2004

In the 20 years since the founding of the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, there have been exciting new discoveries on the long-term physical health effects of family violence. As exciting as these discoveries have been, we still know little about why the experience of family violence makes people sick. Some of the most promising areas of study on this topic will be in neuroscience, sleep studies, and cognitive variables such as hostility. Once we understand mechanisms, we can design interventions that can ameliorate these effects.
The Utility of Male Domestic Violence Offender Typologies
Authors: Cavanaugh Mary M. , Gelles Richard J.
Published: December 2004

The development of empirically based behavioral and psychological typologies provides clear evidence that offenders vary across types. A review and synthesis of the literature reveals three types of batterers common across current typology research—a low, moderate, and high-risk offender. Examination of these types demonstrates that most male offenders do not escalate over time from low to high levels of risk. This observation refutes previous claims regarding a common consensus among researchers that battering escalates in frequency and intensity over time. There are particular characteristics specific to each type that establish thresholds distinct to each classification. Thus, it is unlikely that an offender will move from one type to another. Interventions targeted to address the needs of subsamples of offenders can lead to more effectively protecting those most at risk for future violence. Addressing the issue of woman battering through the prism of typologies has significant implications for research, policy, and practice.
Satisfaction With Care Among Community Residential Care Residents
Authors: Curtis Michael P. , Sales Anne E. B. , Sullivan Jean H. , Gray Shelly L. , Hedrick Susan C.
Published: December 2004

Measuring satisfaction with community residential care (CRC) is growing in importance but still in its infancy. The authors conducted interviews with 176 CRC residents and their providers. Logistic regression was used to identify resident and physical characteristics, policies and services, and aggregate resident characteristics associated with satisfaction. Residents had high levels of satisfaction, demonstrating most concern with the facility being able to meet their future needs and food quality. Resident demographics and health status were associated with satisfaction. Contrary to hypotheses, facility type (adult family home and assisted living) was the only facility characteristic strongly associated with satisfaction. Possible explanations include that the relationship between satisfaction and facility characteristics is more complex than expected, as well as significant challenges in measuring satisfaction and facility characteristics. The inconsistent results of previous satisfaction studies do not provide direction for imposition of uniform standards for facility characteristics, if the goal is improved satisfaction.
The Morality of Employee Theft: Teaching about Ethics and Deviant Behavior in the Workplace
Authors: Kidwell Roland E. , Kochanowski Susan M.
Published: December 2004

Deviant behavior at work is an important topic for management education because of its prevalence and cost to both organizations and people. This article demonstrates how the ethical ramifications of workplace activities identified as deviant can be actively discussed by students and by educators in the classroom by using an original case study. The case study includes behaviors that appear to break company rules and norms. Workplace deviance is discussed in the context of the following questions: What is deviant workplace behavior? Is it always negative? How can it be influenced by organizational culture? Possible connections between the way deviance is handled in the classroom and its subsequent occurrences in the workplace are discussed.
Introducing Critical Theory to the Management Classroom: An Exercise Building on Jermier’s “Life of Mike”
Authors: Humphries M. T. , Dyer S.
Published: December 2004

This exercise invites critical consideration of domestication, exploitation, and hegemony. We enquired with participants into the ways in which these processes may be embedded in the taken-for-granted logics of organizational and personal decision making. We contrast participation or tolerance of theseprocesses with commitment to often simultaneously held values of freedom associated with democratic societies. We seek places of resistance to exploitation of selves, others, and the environment. We encourage the transformation of the research, education, and practice of business and of management to explore what such a transformation would entail. References to published exercises that deepen this enquiry are provided in the text.
A Physically Motivated Modification of the Strain Equivalence Approach
Authors: Olsson Mattias , Ristinmaa Matti
Published: December 2004

A phenomenological thermodynamic approach used for describing elasto-plasticity coupled with isotropic damage is considered. Using this approach it was recently shown by the authors that certain unwanted features exist in the plasticity-induced damage theories. This paper gives a suggestion on how to solve these issues.

Based on physical arguments a simple modification of the postulate of strain equivalence is suggested. To show the effects of the modification, the von Mises plasticity model coupled with isotropic damage is used as a prototype model in the derivations. Both analytical considerations and simulations of a strain-controlled uniaxial model are performed. The results reveal that the modification of the postulate of strain equivalence gives promising results. In contrast to the postulates of strain equivalence and (complementary) energy equivalence, the present formulation predicts the elastic strain to vanish when failure takes place.
Short Comments on Self-Synchronization of Two Non-Ideal Sources Supported by a Flexible Portal Frame Structure
Authors: Balthazar Jose M. , Felix Jorge L. Palacios , Brasil Reyolando M. L. R. F
Published: December 2004

A practical problem of synchronization of a non-ideal (i.e. when the excitation is influenced by the response of the system) and non-linear vibrating system was posed and investigated by means of numerical simulations. Two rotating unbalanced motors compose the mathematical model considered here with limited power supply mounted on the horizontal beam of a simple portal frame. As a starting point, the problem is reduced to a four-degrees-of-freedom model and its equations of motion, derived elsewhere via a Lagrangian approach, are presented. The numerical results show the expected phenomena associated with the passage through resonance with limited power. Further, for a two-to-one relationship between the frequencies associated with the first symmetric mode and the sway mode, by using the variation of torque constants, the control of the self-synchronization and synchronization (in the system) are observed at certain levels of excitations.
Vibration Optimal Control of a Smart Plate with Input Voltage Constraint of Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Bakhtiari-Nejad F. , Meidan-Sharafi M.
Published: December 2004

A nonlinear optimal control of a plate vibration is developed. Three pairs of piezoelectric patches with limited voltages input are used as a source of applying an active forcing function to control the vibration of the plate. The dynamic model of the plate with piezoelectric actuators is applied for the purpose of analyzing the coupling between piezoelectric actuators and a plate. The model is based on discrete assumed mode shapes of different beams. To keep the voltages of any pair of actuators in their allowable limits, the optimal control procedure presented in this paper shows that the voltage of other piezoelectric actuators that are in the allowable limit would also be affected. Therefore, the Pontryogan minimum principle is not enough for systems with multi inequality constrained of control inputs.
Review: Use of Methods of Research into Consumers’ Opinions and Attitudes in Food Research
Authors: Barrios E. X. , Costell E.
Published: December 2004

Among the different factors that influence the acceptance or rejection of food, attitudes, beliefs and opinions of their potential consumers are relevant and can in some cases be decisive. The influence of these factors on food choice and purchase is especially important in the acceptance of some types of foods (organic or ecological, genetically modified or functional) that are presented to the consumer as a possible alternative to conventional food. This review paper describes the main qualitative and quantitative methods applicable to the investigation on the consumers’ opinions and attitudes towards food. Comments are made on some of the features of the information gathered.
Surviving American empire in Africa
Authors: Hubbard Laura , Mathers Kathryn
Published: December 2004

Getting real with Survivor Africa is a means to examine not only how ‘Africa’ and the ‘United States’ are performed, staged and constituted in the present but also how ‘Americans’ should relate to the world and themselves. Survivor echoes in fundamental ways the equivalent popular culture form of the 19th century - travel writing. It posits a story told with nostalgic colonial flair with critical plots that turn on notions of a future of constant surveillance and a form of life conducive to an empire for a post-imperial age. Survivor moves across the globe dropping Americans into differing geographies and carefully teaching them how to ‘be’ in relationship to themselves and the world. For the Survivor participants Africa needs to be recuperated, especially from AIDS, or it becomes a sign of the failure of American modernity.
Identifying Culture as a Threshold of Shared Knowledge
Authors: Caulkins D. Douglas
Published: December 2004

This methodological article takes Fredrik Barth’s anthropology of knowledge as a point of departure and identifies culture as knowledge shared above a specified threshold. The method samples domains of knowledge in organizational settings and asks diverse members of the organization to list the elements of the domains. After compiling the elements, the informants are re-interviewed, along with a wider sample, to prioritize the elements according to a criterion of importance. A consensus analysis of the informants’ data matrix reveals the degree to which the knowledge is shared and constitutes a culture, or is less shared and constitutes a proto-culture, subculture, counter-culture, or a fragmented and idiosyncratic domain. Three case studies are used as illustrations. Widely adaptable in international management research for exploring organizational cultures and subcultures, inter-organizational fields, and international ventures, the consensus analysis method articulates with the three major theoretical perspectives on culture, the integration, differentiation, and fragmentation perspectives.
Identifying Cultural Bases in Different Organizational Contexts
Authors: Holmquist Carin , Boter Håkan
Published: December 2004

In this article we discuss how culture is perceived by managers in three Swedish multinational companies. The cases show that empirical notions of culture build on perceived differences in organizational, national and technical characteristics. Theory that applies to the different bases of cultural perceptions generated in the case studies is presented and discussed. We conclude with a framework describing culture as a system of meanings, carried by individuals, that interprets a group’s situation to itself. This system has functional, social and spatial bases simultaneously, although one base may dominate.
Smart Breathable Fabric
Authors: Save Ninad S. , Jassal Manjeet , Agrawal Ashwini K.
Published: December 2004

Smart breathable cotton fabrics were made using a temperature-sensitive copolymer - poly( N-tert-butylacrylamide- ran-acrylamide:: 27: 73). The cotton fabric was coated using an aqueous solution (20 wt%) of the copolymer containing 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid as a cross-linker (50 mol%) and sodium hypophosphite (0.5 wt%) as a catalyst, followed by drying (120°C, 5 min) and curing (200°C, 5 min). The integrity of the cross-linked coatings to the fabric was observed to be excellent. The coatings after integration to the cotton substrate retained temperature-sensitive swelling behavior and showed a transition in the temperature range of 15-40°C. Below 15°C, the coatings swell by 800% while above 40°C they deswell to a swelling percentage of less than 50% (on the basis of dry weight). The transition to swelling was completed in about 20 min while deswelling was quicker in 2-3 min. The response was found to be reversible and stable to repeated cycles of transition. The coated fabrics showed a temperature-responsive water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The WVTR values of the responsive (copolymer coated) and the nonresponsive (poly(acrylamide) coated) breathable fabric were measured as a percentage (transmission percentage) of control uncoated substrate. The transmission percentage at 20% relative humidity for the copolymer coated fabrics was found to change across the transition temperature (15-45°C) from 58 to 94% compared to the poly(acrylamide)-coated fabrics which changed only from 70 to 94%, showing a clear response to changing environmental temperature.
Fragrance-release Property of β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds and their Application in Aromatherapy
Authors: Wang C. X. , Chen Sh. L.
Published: December 2004

Fragrance compounds and essential oils are chosen carefully taking advantage of research works in aromatherapy. Considering their volatile nature, the fragrance molecules have to be formed as inclusion compounds with cyclodextrin molecules in order to retain fragrances for a long time. To prepare aromatherapeutic textiles, β-cyclodextrin is the first choice as the host molecule, because β-cyclodextrin molecules are capable of forming inclusion compounds with organic compounds that fit into their own cone-shaped hydrophobic cavities. As a result of the inclusion, the physicochemical properties of the compounds are changed; for example, the vapor pressure of the volatile substance is reduced and the stabilities against light and air are enhanced. The functional textile with the “guest-host” effect may be achieved by anchoring the inclusion compound. The sedative effects for emotion and the pharmaceutical effects of essential oils are shown in detail. X-ray powder diffraction spectrum shows that lavender oils can form inclusion compounds with β-cyclodextrin. The effects of the nature of essential oils, such as detection threshold and tenacity on the fragrance-release property are discussed. The inclusion compounds are fixed onto fabric by the traditional pad method to obtain the medical textile with aromatherapy effect. The results of sensorial evaluations shows that the perfume of the fabrics can last for more than 30 days.
Laser Fusion to Impart Cohesion to Textured Filament Yarns
Authors: Acar M. , Dudeney W. L. , Jones J. , Jackson M. R. , Malalasekera W.
Published: December 2004

The conventional intermingling process uses a high-speed air jet, positioned in the path of the yarn being textured; to create knot-like intermittent entangled nodes (‘nips’ or ‘tacks’) in the textured thermoplastic continuous multi-filament yarn.

This paper reports a proof-of-concept research into the use of a pulse laser to fuse such yarns at discrete points at regular intervals along its length to impart cohesion at required frequencies. Pulse frequency and duration, hence the heat intensity, are varied to determine a suitable range of operating conditions. Results from a range of polyester and nylon yarns show that fusing textured filament yarn to create nips is feasible using a pulse laser as an alternative to intermingling by air jets.

The multifilament yarn is also modeled to compute the heat flow in the yarn when heated by a pulse laser. This model can be used, as a tool to estimate the heat energy required to fuse a given textured yarn.
Variabilities and Dualities in Distributed Leadership
Authors: Woods Philip A. , Bennett Nigel , Harvey Janet A. , Wise Christine
Published: December 2004

This article examines the concept of distributed leadership, drawing from a systematic review of relevant literature commissioned by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) and jointly funded by NCSL and the Open University’s Centre for Educational Policy, Leadership and Lifelong Learning (CEPoLL). The concept attracts a range of meanings and is associated with a variety of practices, with varying implications for organizational processes and values. The article highlights key variables that emerged from the literature review. It then elaborates one of the emergent themes—the distinction between structure and agency—and seeks to utilize this further as a means of illuminating the concept and practice of distributed leadership. In conclusion, areas for future research are identified.
Myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 induce a specific inflammatory response in human microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Viemann Dorothee , Strey Anke , Janning Annette , Jurk Kerstin , Klimmek Kerstin , Vogl Thomas , Hirono Keiichi , Ichida Fukiko , Foell Dirk , Kehrel Beate , Gerke Volker , Sorg Clemens , Roth Johannes
Published: December 2004

Myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14, S100 proteins secreted by activated phagocytes, bind specifically to endothelial cells. The endothelial response to MRP8/MRP14, however, is unknown. Using oligonucleotide microarray analysis, we show for the first time that MRP8/MRP14 induce a thrombogenic, inflammatory response in human microvascular endothelial cells by increasing the transcription of proinflammatory chemokines and adhesion molecules and by decreasing the expression of cell junction proteins and molecules involved in monolayer integrity. All changes on the gene expression level could be confirmed using biochemical and functional assays. We demonstrated that the expression of MRP8/MRP14 closely correlated with the inflammatory activity in systemic vasculitis, confirming the important role of these proteins for distinct inflammatory reactions in endothelia. MRP8/MRP14 may represent novel targets for anti-inflammatory strategies.
A balance between tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor is required for embryonic development and hemostasis in adult mice
Authors: Pedersen Brian , Holscher Todd , Sato Yuichiro , Pawlinski Rafal , Mackman Nigel
Published: December 2004

Inactivation of the murine tissue factor (TF) gene or tissue factor pathway inhibitor 1 (TFPI) gene results in embryonic lethality, indicating that both are required for embryonic development. We have shown that expression of low levels of TF from a transgene (hTF) rescues TF-null embryos. However, low-TF mice (mTF–/–/hTF+) have hemostatic defects in the uterus, placenta, heart, and lung. In this study, we hypothesized that the death of TFPI–/– embryos was due to unregulated TF/FVIIa activity and that the hemostatic defects in low-TF mice were due to insufficient TF expression. Therefore, we attempted to rescue TFPI–/– embryos by reducing TF expression, and to restore hemostasis in low-TF mice by abolishing TFPI expression. Intercrossing TFPI+/–/mTF+/–/hTF+/– mice generated close to the expected number of TFPI–/–/low-TF mice at weaning age from 128 offspring, indicating rescue of TFPI–/– embryos from embryonic lethality. Conversely, a decrease in TFPI levels dose-dependently prolonged the survival of low-TF mice and rescued the hemorrhagic defects in the lung and placenta but not in the heart or uterus. These results indicate that the correct balance between TF and TFPI in different organs is required to maintain hemostasis during embryonic development and in adult mice.
Towards a practical mould growth risk indicator
Authors: Moon HJ , Augenbroe GLM
Published: December 2004

The most dominant moisture-related problem in buildings is mould growth. Although recent research has established the causal, physical biological relationships between moisture content, temperature, material type, and mould growth, we do not have an established set of causal relationships between certain building parameters and the risk of mould growth. This paper will deal with the first stage of research that focuses on the construction of a ‘performance indicator’ (PI) that expresses the mould growth risk in existing buildings as the causal effect of certain building parameters. This stage focuses on the accurate prediction of mould growth based on the availability of detailed information about the physical states of building materials over time. These states will be aggregated into a PI value that is meaningful to the actual risk.
Lighting research for interiors: the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning
Authors: Boyce PR
Published: December 2004

For many years, lighting research for interiors has been focused on the twin topics of visibility and visual comfort. The result of this effort has been the development of a validated model that allows the prediction of the effect of lighting and task conditions on visual performance, and an understanding of the conditions that cause visual discomfort. This paper considers whether any more research on lighting conditions for interiors is needed. The answer given is that more research is necessary if we are to fully understand all the impacts of lighting on the health, wealth and safety of people, but not more of the same. Rather, the future of lighting research in interiors lies in a move beyond visibility and visual discomfort to areas where lighting operates on mood and behaviour through the ‘message’ it sends and on health and task performance through the circadian system.
LED headlamps: glare and colour rendering
Authors: Sivak M , Schoettle B , Flannagan MJ
Published: December 2004

Because of rapid improvements in the light output of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), serious consideration is being given to using LEDs as light sources for headlamps. This analytical study examined the potential effects of LEDs on discomfort glare for oncoming drivers and on colour rendering of retroreflective traffic materials. In both cases, the effects of LED light sources were compared to the changes in these properties that occurred when the traditional tungsten halogen light sources were replaced with high-intensity discharge (HID) light sources. Specifically, the effect on discomfort glare was estimated by comparing the chromaticities of seven LED light sources (considered for use in headlamps) with the chromaticities of the light sources from 17 actual HID headlamps. Analogously, the effects on colour rendering were estimated by comparing the chromaticities of seven red retroreflective materials (red being the most important messenger of meaning in traffic control) when illuminated by the LED light sources with the chromaticities of the same materials when illuminated by the HID light sources. Based on our analyses, headlamps using the currently considered range of LEDs are predicted to result in: 1) more discomfort glare than the current HID headlamps, and substantially more discomfort than tungsten halogen headlamps; 2) acceptable colour rendering; and 3) no appreciable effects on the relative brightness of red retroreflective materials.
Effect of external shading devices on daylighting penetration in residential buildings
Authors: Wong Nyuk Hien , Istiadji Agustinus Djoko
Published: December 2004

External shading devices have been utilized very extensively in residential buildings in the tropics to control the amount of daylight flowing into buildings. However, owing to the variability of outdoor illuminance, it is difficult (and perhaps meaningless) to calculate interior illuminance.1 For the purpose of examining the daylighting design in a residential building in Singapore, this paper discusses the effect of seven different types of external shading device on daylight flow into buildings. The investigation was carried out by the use of LIGHTSCAPE for daylighting simulations. In addition, field measurements were conducted to provide data for validation of the simulation output.
Effect of Single-Agent Rituximab Given at the Standard Schedule or As Prolonged Treatment in Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Study of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK)
Authors: Ghielmini Michele , Schmitz Shu-Fang Hsu , Cogliatti Sergio , Bertoni Francesco , Waltzer Ursula , Fey Martin F. , Betticher Daniel C. , Schefer Hubert , Pichert Gabriella , Stahel Rolf , Ketterer Nicolas , Bargetzi Mario , Cerny Thomas
Published: December 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of single-agent rituximab given at the standard or a prolonged schedule in patients with newly diagnosed, or refractory or relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Patients and Methods

After induction treatment with the standard schedule (375 mg/m2 weekly × 4), patients who were responding or who had stable disease at week 12 from the start of treatment were randomly assigned to no further treatment (arm A) or prolonged rituximab administration (375 mg/m2) every 8 weeks for four times (arm B).

Results

The trial enrolled 104 patients. After induction, clinical response was 27% with 2% complete responses. Among patients with detectable t(11;14)-positive cells in blood and bone marrow at baseline, four of 20, and one of 14, respectively, became polymerase chain-reaction–negative after induction. Anemia was the only adverse predictor of response in the multivariate analysis. After a median follow-up of 29 months, response rate and duration of response were not significantly different between the two schedules in 61 randomly assigned patients. Median event-free survival (EFS) was 6 months in arm A versus 12 months in arm B; the difference was not significant (P = .1). Prolonged treatment seemed to improve EFS in the subgroup of pretreated patients (5 months in arm A v 11 months in arm B; P = .04). Thirteen percent of patients in arm A and 9% in arm B presented with grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity.

Conclusion

Single-agent rituximab is active in MCL, but the addition of four single doses at 8-week intervals does not seem to significantly improve response rate, duration of response, or EFS after treatment with the standard schedule.
Apoptosis inducing activity of viscin, a lipophilic extract from Viscum album L.
Authors: Urech K , Scher J M , Hostanska K , Becker H
Published: December 2004

Detection of antiproliferative activity and bioactivity-guided fractionation of viscin, a lipophilic extract from Viscum album L., led to the isolation of betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as active components. Viscin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid inhibited growth and induced apoptotic cell death in Molt4, K562 and U937 leukaemia cells. The growth inhibitory effect of viscin was more pronounced in Molt4 and U937 cells (IC50 (concentration that inhibited cell proliferation by 50%): 118 ± 24 and 138 ± 24 μg mL−1) than in K562 cells (IC50: 252 ± 37 μg mL−1). Oleanolic acid was the least effective in all cell lines (7.5–45.5% inhibition at 10 μg mL−1) and ursolic acid the most active in Molt4 and U937 cells (81.8 and 97.8% inhibition, respectively, at 5 μg mL−1). A dose-dependent loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry associated with apoptosis was induced in all cell lines as shown in flow cytometry by the externalization of phosphatidylserine and morphological changes in cell size and granularity. There were differences in individual cell lines' response towards the apoptosis-inducing effect of viscin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The triterpenoids β-amyrin, β-amyrinacetate, lupeol, lupeolacetate, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, and the fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid were also present in the lipophilic extract.
Transport of prostaglandin E1 across the blood-brain barrier in rats
Authors: Taogoshi T , Nomura A , Murakami T , Nagai J , Takano M
Published: December 2004

The transport of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was characterized using an in-situ rat brain perfusion technique. The uptake of [3H]PGE1 was not affected by short-chain monocarboxylic acids (butyric acid and valeric acid). On the other hand, uptake of [3H]PGE1 was significantly inhibited by medium-chain monocarboxylic acids such as hexanoic acid, enanthic acid and octanoic acid. These medium-chain monocarboxylic acids showed a more potent inhibitory effect on [3H]PGE1 uptake with increasing number of carbon atoms. In contrast, there was no decrease in [3H]PGE1 transport by any dicarboxylic acids with 5–8 carbon atoms. Valproic acid decreased [3H]PGE1 uptake, whereas p-aminohippuric acid, a substrate for the organic anion transporter family, did not inhibit [3H]PGE1 transport. Bromocresol green, an inhibitor of prostaglandin transporter (PGT), strongly decreased [3H]PGE1 transport across the BBB. In addition, digoxin and taurocholate, substrates for organic anion transporting polypeptide subtype 2 (Oatp2), significantly inhibited [3H]PGE1 uptake. RT-PCR analysis revealed that PGT mRNA and Oatp2 mRNA are expressed in a capillary-rich fraction from rat brain. Thus, it is suggested that PGE1 transport across the BBB is mediated by some specific transport systems, possibly by the members of the Oatp family.
Stability of Ala 125 recombinant human interleukin-2 in solution
Authors: Reyes Nuria , Ruiz Llamil , Aroche Kethia , Gerónimo Haydee , Brito Olga , Hardy Eugenio , Gonzälez L R
Published: December 2004

Herein, we describe the preformulation study of Ala 125-recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2A125) in solution. This modified form of the natural human IL-2 is obtained by the replacement of cysteine with alanine at position 125. The compatibility of this rhIL-2A125 with type I borosilicate glass vials showed no significant adsorption at liquid-vial interface. The effect of single excipients on the stability of this lymphokine was evaluated through RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and biological activity assay. Polysorbate 80 at high concentrations decreased the stability of rhIL-2A125 in solution. On the other hand, the use of antioxidants (methionine and EDTA Na2) diminished the oxidation rate of the active ingredient. Additionally, a group of amino acids (glutamine, alanine, glycine and histidine) stabilized rhIL-2A125 in different grades, and glycine at 5 mg mL−1 allowed for the best stability behaviour. Taken together, these preformulation results can be used to design an adequate liquid vehicle for rhIL-2A125 to be manufactured for human use.
Prostaglandins in non-insectan invertebrates: recent insights and unsolved problems
Authors: Rowley Andrew F. , Vogan Claire L. , Taylor Graham W. , Clare Anthony S.
Published: December 2004

Prostaglandins (PG) are oxygenated derivatives of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids including arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. In mammals, these compounds have been shown to play key roles in haemostasis, sleep-wake regulation, smooth muscle tone, and vaso-, temperature and immune regulation. In invertebrates, PGs have been reported to perform similar roles and are involved in the control of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, ion transport and defence. Although there is often a detailed understanding of the actions of these compounds in invertebrates such as insects, knowledge of their mechanism of biosynthesis is often lacking. This account provides a critical review of our current knowledge on the structure and modes of biosynthesis of PGs in invertebrates, with particular reference to aquatic invertebrates. It emphasises some of the most recent findings, which suggest that some PGs have been misidentified.

Prostaglandins in invertebrates can be categorised into two main types; the classical forms, such as PGE2 and PGD2 that are found in mammals, and novel forms including clavulones, bromo- and iodo-vulones and various PGA2 and PGE2 esters. A significant number of reports of PG identification in invertebrates have relied upon methods such as enzyme immunoassay that do not have the necessary specificity to ensure the validity of the identification. For example, in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite, although there are PG-like compounds that bind to antibodies raised against PGE2, mass spectrometric analysis failed to confirm the presence of this and other classical PGs. Therefore, care should be taken in drawing conclusions about what PGs are formed in invertebrates without employing appropriate analytical methods. Finally, the recent publication of the Ciona genome should facilitate studies on the nature and mode of biosynthesis of PGs in this advanced deuterostomate invertebrate.