bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic approach of absence seizures in a genetic model of absence epilepsy, the GAERS: Study of the leucine‐glutamate cycle
Authors: Dufour Franck , Nalecz Katarzyna A. , Nalecz Maciej J. , Nehlig Astrid
Published: August 2002

We suggest that a dysregulation of energy metabolism in the brain of genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) could create a specific cerebral environment that would favor the expression of spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWD) in the thalamocortical loop, largely dependent on glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurotransmissions. We tested several aspects of metabolic activity in the brain of GAERS compared to a genetic strain of nonepileptic (NE) rats. Glucose metabolism was higher in all brain regions of GAERS compared to those of NE rats along the whole glycolytic and aerobic pathways, as assessed by regional histochemical measurement of lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activities. Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) and α‐ketoisocaproate (α‐KIC), the ketoacid of leucine, when injected intraperitoneally, increased the number of SWD in GAERS but had only a slight effect on their duration. These data speak in favor of a BCAA‐ or α‐KIC‐induced change in neuronal excitability. Leucine and α‐KIC decreased the concentration of glutamate in thalamus and cortex without affecting GABA concentrations. Thus, BCAA and α‐KIC, by decreasing glutamatergic neurotransmission, could favor GABAergic neurotransmission, which is known to increase the occurrence of seizures in GAERS. Finally, the transport of [1‐14C]α‐KIC in freshly isolated cortical neurons was lower in GAERS than in NE rats, and this difference was shown to be of metabolic origin. The addition of gabapentin, a specific inhibitor of BCAA transaminase (BCAT), reduced the transport of [1‐14C]α‐KIC in GAERS and NE rats to a level that became identical in both strains. This strain‐dependent change was not related to a difference in the activity of BCAT, which was identical in GAERS and NE rats. The exact origin of this apparent metabolic dysregulation of energy metabolism in GAERS that could underlie the origin of seizures in that strain remains to be explored further. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constitutive expression of heterologous N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunits in rat adrenal medulla
Authors: Hinoi Eiichi , Fujimori Sayumi , Nakamura Yoichi , Balcar Vladimir J. , Kubo Keita , Ogita Kiyokazu , Yoneda Yukio
Published: August 2002

An RT‐PCR analysis revealed constitutive expression of mRNA for N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NR)‐1, NR‐2C, and NR‐2D subunits in rat adrenal and pituitary glands, in addition to brain and retina. Constitutive expression of mRNA was detected for the NR‐2A subunit in pituitary but not adrenal gland. Although on Western blotting assays adrenal medulla exhibited expression of NR‐1 subunit protein without expression of NR‐2C and NR‐2D subunit proteins, an immunohistochemical investigation clearly showed selective localization of proteins for NR‐1, NR‐2C, and NR‐2D subunits in adrenal medulla but not in adrenal cortex. Prior treatment with different glycosidases invariably resulted in a marked increase in immunoreactivity to the anti‐NR‐1 antibody in both hippocampus and adrenal medulla. An intraperitoneal injection of a blocker of NMDA receptor channel, but not NMDA itself, led to marked potentiation of DNA binding activity of the transcription factor activator protein‐1 in adrenal nuclear extracts 2 hr after administration. These results suggest that heteromeric NMDA receptor channels may be constitutively and functionally expressed with glycosylation of NR‐1 subunit under the influence of tonic stimulation by circulating agonists such as L‐glutamate in rat adrenal medulla. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rev‐erbα gene expression in the mouse brain with special emphasis on its circadian profiles in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Onishi Hiroyasu , Yamaguchi Shun , Yagita Kazuhiro , Ishida Yoshiki , Dong Xin , Kimura Hidehito , Jing Zhang , Ohara Hidefumi , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: August 2002

Rev‐erbα is an orphan nuclear receptor that constitutively suppresses gene transcription. In the present study, the expression of Rev‐erbα was investigated in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization using antisense cRNA probe. Positive Rev‐erbα mRNA signals were detected widely in the brain with the highest expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In the constant dark condition, the circadian expression profiles of Rev‐erbα m RNA in the SCN showed a peak at early daytime (CT4) and a trough at early night time (CT16). The environmental lighting condition (light–dark environmental condition and exposure in the subjective night) did not alter the expression profiles. These findings indicate that Rev‐erbα gene is a transcription factor intimately related to the circadian clock in the SCN. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in myelination in the central nervous system of dystonia musculorum mice
Authors: Saulnier Ron , De Repentigny Yves , Yong Voon Wee , Kothary Rashmi
Published: August 2002

Dystonia musculorum (dt) is an autosomal recessive sensory neuropathy in mice resulting from a mutation in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal linker protein Bpag1. In addition to neurodegeneration, dt mice display myelination abnormalities in the peripheral nervous system. In this report we investigated whether myelination abnormalities are also present in the central nervous system of dtTg4 mice. Transcripts for both neural isoforms of Bpag1 (a1 and a2) were detected in optic nerves and spinal cords of wild‐type mice. Light microscopy of resin‐embedded thin sections revealed a reduction in myelinated axons in both optic nerves and spinal cords in dtTg4 mice. As well, hypermyelinated axons were detected in these tissues. Ultrastructural analysis of optic nerves and spinal cords from dtTg4 mice revealed an increase in the number of amyelinated axons, the presence of hypo‐ and hypermyelinated axons, and redundant myelin that course away from axons. Changes in the level of myelin proteins accompanied the morphological alterations. Myelin‐associated glycoprotein levels were reduced in optic nerves of dtTg4 mice, and myelin basic protein levels were altered in optic nerves, sciatic nerves, and spinal cords of affected mice. Short‐term cultures of oligodendrocytes derived from dtTg4 mice did not show morphological alterations. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidant compounds and Ca2+ pathway blockers differentially protect against methylmercury and mercuric chloride neurotoxicity
Authors: Gassó Sergi , Cristòfol Rosa M. , Selema Gema , Rosa Roser , Rodríguez‐Farré Eduard , Sanfeliu Coral
Published: August 2002

The effects of the environmental contaminants methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (HgCl2) on cell viability, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were studied in rat cerebellar granule neuron cultures using fluorescent methods. MeHg exhibited an LC50 (2.47 μM) tenfold lower than that of HgCl2 (26.40 μM). To study the involvement of oxidative stress and Ca2+ homeostasis disruption in mercury‐induced cytotoxicity, we tested the neuroprotective effects of several agents that selectively interfere with these mechanisms. After a 24 hr exposure, the cytotoxic effect of both mercury compounds was reduced by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase; the Ca2+ channel blocker flunarizine; and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker benzamil. All these compounds decreased the mercury‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise. These results indicate that Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ channels and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and Ca2+ mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum are involved in mercury‐mediated cytotoxicity. The antioxidants probucol and propyl gallate reduced the HgCl2 toxicity. Probucol and vitamin E partially inhibited the MeHg toxicity after a 24 hr period, whereas propyl gallate completely prevented this effect. Probucol slightly reduced ROS generation in methylmercury‐exposed cultures and decreased mercury‐mediated rise of [Ca2+]i. Propyl gallate abolished ROS generation and partially inhibited the increase of [Ca2+]i induced by both mercury compounds. Propyl gallate also protected human cerebral cortical neuron cultures from the MeHg effect even after 72 hr of MeHg exposure, thus showing a long‐lasting effect. Our data suggest that disruption of redox equilibrium and Ca2+ homeostasis contribute equally to HgCl2‐mediated toxicity, whereas oxidative stress is the main cause of MeHg neurotoxicity. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:135–145, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation and South Pacific climate
Authors: Salinger M.J. , Renwick J.A. , Mullan A.B.
Published: August 2002

The Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) has been shown to be associated with decadal climate variability over parts of the Pacific Basin, and to modulate interannual El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐related climate variability over Australia. Three phases of the IPO have been identified during the 20th century: a positive phase (1922–1944), a negative phase (1946–1977) and another positive phase (1978–1998). Climate data are analysed for the two most recent periods to describe the influence of the IPO on decadal climate trends and interannual modulation of ENSO teleconnections throughout the South West Pacific region (from the equator to 55°S, and 150°E to 140°W). Data coverage was insufficient to include the earliest period in the analysis.

Mean sea level pressure (SLP) in the region west of 170°W increased for the most recent positive IPO period, compared with the previous negative phase. SLP decreased to the east of 170°W, with generally more southerly quarter geostrophic flow over the region. Annual surface temperature increased significantly southwest of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) at a rate similar to the average Southern Hemisphere warming. Northwest of the SPCZ temperature increases were less, and northeast of the SPCZ more than the hemispheric warming in surface temperature. Increases of annual precipitation of 30% or more occurred northeast of the SPCZ, with smaller decreases to the southwest, associated with a movement in the mean location of the SPCZ northeastwards. The IPO modulates teleconnections with ENSO in a complex way, strengthening relationships in some areas and weakening them in others. For New Zealand, there is a consistent bias towards stronger teleconnections for the positive IPO period.

These results demonstrate that the IPO is a significant source of climate variation on decadal time scales throughout the South West Pacific region, on a background which includes global mean surface temperature increases. The IPO also modulates interannual ENSO climate variability over the region. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
Tephrological implications of beam size—sample‐size effects in electron microprobe analysis of glass shards
Authors: Hunt John B. , Hill Peter G.
Published: August 2002

This paper concerns the potential consequences of varying procedures for the determination of tephra geochemistry by electron microprobe. Application of electron probe microanalysis to tephrostratigraphical methods has increasingly facilitated the resolution and refinement of Quaternary chronology associated with records of proxy‐environmental or proxy‐climatic change. The geographical range over which tephras are recovered has expanded significantly with the identification and analysis ofcrypto(or hidden) tephras in areas far removed from tephra sources. These tephras are dominated by glass shards, which, in many distal environments, may be either small in size (μm) or may be highly pumiceous with low glass:void ratios and thin (<10 μm) shard walls. We demonstrate that reducing the size of the electron beam used to analyse shard geochemistry cannot be used reliably to permit analysis of thin glass walls. This approach distorts the geochemical data, creating analytical differences that may generate inappropriate tephrogeochemical fingerprints. Additional distortion of the geochemical fingerprint in the form of hybrid analyses may be encountered in glass fragments containing micron‐sized crystalline phases such as feldspar. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EasyJet: a case of entrepreneurial management?
Authors: Rae David
Published: August 2002

EasyJet has achieved significant growth since its formation in 1995 and has become the highest profile although not the largest operator in the European ‘no‐frills’ short‐haul airline sector.

Its assertive public profile and successful stock market flotation in November 2000 reinforced its reputation for focused and effective management.

The transition from private ownership to public quotation is a significant one for a fast‐growing business to make, given the need to recognize institutional investors' perceptions as well as those of the public and of employee shareholders.

The paper proposes that EasyJet is a prime example of entrepreneurial management in both its strategy and practice and that the case study can contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of entrepreneurial management.

A conceptual framework for entrepreneurial management practice is proposed, based on an analysis of the case study. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diferulates as structural components in soluble and insoluble cereal dietary fibre
Authors: Bunzel Mirko , Ralph John , Marita Jane M , Hatfield Ronald D , Steinhart Hans
Published: August 2002

Cell wall cross‐linking can have a substantial effect on the properties of the wall. To estimate cross‐linking (between arabinoxylans) in cereal fibres, dehydrodiferulate levels were measured in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre (SDF and IDF) isolated from whole grains of maize (Zea mays L), wheat (Triticum aestivum L), spelt (Triticum spelta L), rice (Oryza sativa L), wild rice (Zizania aquatica L), barley (Hordeum vulgare L), rye (Secale cereale L), oat (Avena sativa L) and millet (Panicum miliaceum L). After saponification of the cereal fibres the extracts were investigated for dehydrodimers of ferulic acid using GLC–MS and GLC–FID. From most cereal IDF the whole spectrum of dehydrodiferulic acids (DFAs) (8‐5′‐, 8‐8′‐, 5‐5′‐, 8‐O‐4′‐ and 4‐O‐5′‐coupled) could be identified. The absolute contents of total DFAs ranged between 2.4 and 12.6 mg g−1. With the exception of 4‐O‐5′‐coupled DFA, the whole range of DFAs was also detected from cereal SDF but only in amounts of 40–230 µg g−1. It was estimated that arabinoxylans of cereal IDF contain 8–39 times more diferulates than arabinoxylans of cereal SDF (where measurement of DFA levels in SDF was possible). In cereal IDF, 8‐5′‐coupled dimers dominated, whereas in cereal SDF, 8‐8′‐coupled dimers were relatively enhanced and often became the major dimers.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of patient age on the outcome of primary breast carcinoma*
Authors: Park Byeong‐Woo , Kim Seung‐Il , Kim Eun Kyong , Yang Woo‐Ick , Lee Kyong Sik
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

The poorer outcome amongst younger breast cancer patients continues to be an issue of debate. In order to clarify the prognostic value of patient age, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 1098 breast cancer patients.

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups based on the age 35 (Group I, women aged 35 or younger, and Group II, women aged over 35). Clinico‐pathological parameters, 10‐year loco‐regional recurrence‐free (10LRRFS), distant relapse‐free (10DRFS), and overall (10OS) survival estimates were determined.

Results

Among the 1098 patients, approximately 16.7% (183) were allocated to Group I and the other 83.3% (915) to Group II. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of histopathologic features or mean follow‐up. Group I had a poorer 10LRRFS of 86.8% (P = 0.036), 10DRFS of 57.7% (P < 0.0001), and 10OS of 68.3% (P = 0.0001), compared with 93.9, 76.2, and 81.4% for Group II, respectively. Group I also showed a poorer 10DRFS when matched for stage and lymph node status as well. With lymph node status and tumor size, a patient age of younger than 35 was determined to be an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

These results indicate that patient age (younger than 35) shows an independent prognostic value and that survival differences by age may reflect differences in the tumor biology. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;80:12–18. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between excision volume, margin status, and tumor size with the development of local recurrence in patients with ductal carcinoma‐in‐situ treated with breast‐conserving therapy
Authors: Vicini Frank A. , Kestin Larry L. , Goldstein Neal S. , Baglan Kathy L. , Pettinga Jane E. , Martinez Alvaro A.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

We reviewed our institution's experience treating patients with ductal carcinoma‐in‐situ (DCIS) with breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) to help define the interrelationship between excision volume, margin status, and tumor size with local recurrence.

Methods

From January 1980 to December 1993, 146 patients received BCT for DCIS. All patients underwent excisional biopsy and 95 cases (64%) underwent re‐excision. Each patient received whole breast radiation to a median dose of 45 Gy. An additional 139 cases (94%) received a supplemental boost to the tumor bed (median total dose 60.4 Gy). The median follow‐up is 7.2 years.

Results

Seventeen patients developed an ipsilateral breast failure for a 5‐ and 10‐year actuarial rate of 10.2 and 12.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, patient age, margin status, the number of slides containing DCIS, the number of DCIS/cancerization of lobules (COL) foci near (< 5 mm) the margin, and a smaller volume of excision (< 60 cm3) were all independently associated with outcome. Although the local recurrence rate generally decreased as margin distance increased, these differences did not achieve statistical significance unless the volume of excision was taken into consideration.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the success of BCT is directly related to the degree of surgical removal of DCIS and that margin statusalonemay be suboptimal in defining excision adequacy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;76:245–254. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase IB study on prevention of surgery‐induced immunodeficiency with preoperative administration of low‐dose subcutaneous interleukin‐2 in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Cerea Katia , Romano Fabrizio , Bravo Andrea Ferrari , Motta Vittorio , Uggeri Fabio , Brivio Fernando , Fumagalli Luca A. , Uggeri Franco
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives:

Low count of total and T helper lymphocytes predicts a poor prognosis in cancer patients and surgical trauma can worsen cancer‐related immunodeficiency. Aim of this phase IB study is to verify toxicity and biological effects of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) at 9 million IU/day subcutaneously (sc.) administered one, two or three preoperative days in patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical surgery.

Methods:

Absolute value of total and T‐helper (CD4) lymphocytes were measured at baseline and at 7th, 14th, and 50th postoperative days in 12 gastric cancer patients, who preoperatively received IL‐2 at 9 million IU/day sc. as follows: group A (4 pts) 1‐day; group B (4 pts) 2‐days; group C (4 pts) 3‐days administration. T and total lymphocytes count were recorded and retrospectively analyzed in a historical control‐group of 22 consecutive patients, age and stage‐matched.

Results:

Toxicity consisted of fever grade I. In group A (1 day) T helper lymphocytes count decreased at 7th and at 14th postoperative day; in group B (2 days) and group C (3 days) no decrease of neither total nor T helper lymphocyte count occurred postoperatively, whereas in the historical group these parameters decreased significantly postoperatively and recovered only at 50th day.

Conclusions:

Two‐ and three‐day schedules of sc. IL‐2 preoperative administration at 9 million IU/daily prevented postoperative lymphocytopenia, whereas one‐day administration did not. Since the IL‐2 dose was so tolerable, that it could be given safely as outpatient, based on the previous results on survival observed in colorectal cancer patients with 3‐days schedule we suggest that a 3‐day schedule of Interleukin‐2 as outpatient preoperative treatment seems advisable for further studies in gastric cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:32–37. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic and redox characteristics of semireduced species derived from phenosafranine in homogeneous aqueous and sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar media
Authors: Gawandi V. B. , Guha S. N. , Mohan H. , Mittal J. P.
Published: August 2002

One‐electron reduction of phenosafranine (PS+ 3,7‐diamino‐5‐phenylphenazinium chloride), a phenazinium dye, has been studied in homogeneous aqueous and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar media, using the pulse radiolysis technique. The various reducing radicals employed for the study in homogeneous aqueous medium were eaq−, H˙, CO2,˙−, and isopropyl ketyl radicals (CH3)2 ˙COH. Semireduced species generated by these reactions have been characterized by their absorption spectra, decay kinetics, and pKa. The one‐electron reduction potential of PS+ was determined at pH 7 in homogeneous aqueous solution employing nitrobenzene (NB/NB˙−) as the standard couple. One‐electron reduction in SDS micellar medium and a detailed spectrophotometric investigation of the parent dye in this surfactant system was carried out in order to understand the dye–surfactant interactions in the micellar and premicellar media.© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 56–66, 2002
Impacts of community forestry on farming system sustainability in the Middle Hills of Nepal
Authors: Dougill A. J. , Soussan J. G. , Kiff E. , Springate‐Baginski O. , Yadav N. P. , Dev O.P. , Hurford A. P.
Published: August 2002

Recent years have seen greater official recognition and support for community‐based natural resource management in hillside systems globally. In the Middle Hills of Nepal, this has led to adoption of Community Forestry with communities keen to conserve forest resources through greater control of access to forest resources. In this paper, we investigate the impacts of Community Forestry on agricultural sustainability using Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) methods and soil and compost nutrient analyses to assess the nutrient balance for rainfed and irrigated fields. Studies demonstrate a yield dependence on annual nutrient inputs to fields, but a remaining positive balance of nutrient inputs. Concerns over soil degradation associated with increasing urea fertilizer dependence highlight the vital role played by organic compost inputs to the soils typified by very low organic carbon concentrations. The findings from two study villages show that Community Forestry has not yet had a major impact (either positive or negative) on farming systems and therefore the majority of rural livelihoods. However, opportunities are recognized that would increase the quantity and quality of compost supply, and consequently crop yields. Increases in natural capital (subcanopy plants) and the increased social capital (provided by Forest User Groups) offer the means through which potential increases to compost materials can be obtained and through which knowledge of the potentials of, and techniques for, improving compost supply could be disseminated. It is such strategies, which go beyond the traditional focus on forests, that will enable Community Forestry in Nepal (which already has many achievements) to realize its full potential in maintaining and improving the livelihoods of the hill farming communities it is intended to assist. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intense pulsed light and Nd:YAG laser non‐ablative treatment of facial rhytids
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Samady J.A.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intense pulsed light source (IPL) and the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of facial rhytids. Both systems can be used in a non‐ablative manner and cause a dermal wound. This is thought to stimulate the production of new collagen without epidermal disruption. Non‐ablative techniques eliminate the downtime that must be endured by patients treated with ablative methods such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifteen subjects with perioral rhytids and Fitzpatrick skin types II and III received three‐to‐five treatments with the IPL using 590 and 755 nm cut‐off filters, and the 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser. The subjects were evaluated at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after the final treatment for improvement in rhytids and presence of any side effects.

Results

At 6 months, the patient satisfaction score (1–10) was comparable in all three groups. Evaluator assessment of improved skin quality was also similar in all three treatment groups. Side effects such as blistering and erythema were most commonly seen in the subjects treated with the IPL. The least discomfort was seen with the Nd:YAG laser.

Conclusions

Although both non‐ablative treatment systems improved facial rhytids presumably by causing a non‐specific dermal wound, the Nd:YAG laser was better tolerated and produced fewer side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:141–144, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing with a cooled handpiece
Authors: Moore Brian A. , Daamen Nicole , Biesman Brian S. , Reinisch Lou
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing has become an accepted procedure for the rejuvenation of aged and wrinkled facial skin. The benefits of this technique have been limited by the prolonged postoperative erythema, delayed re‐epithelialization, and potential changes in pigmentation. We investigated the effects of coupling a pulsed CO2 laser to a zinc selenide handpiece at various temperatures to cool and conduct heat from the skin surface. We compared the heat conducting handpiece to standard techniques used to determine the effects on epithelial preservation, depth of thermal damage, and new collagen growth.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The dorsal aspect of piglets was treated with four handpiece arrangements: no thermally conducting window; a zinc selenide thermally conducting window at room temperature; and the zinc selenide thermally conducting window cooled to 10 and 5°C. Intensities were measured to account for reflections from the surface of the handpiece. With the CO2 laser in scanning mode and a spot size of 1 mm, each handpiece was used at intensities ranging from 8–30 W in one pass. Biopsies for histopathologic analysis and determination of the degree of epithelial damage and the depth of thermal damage were taken on days 0, 2, and 16.

Results

All specimens revealed complete re‐epithelialization by day 16. The addition of a cooled handpiece did not affect either the amount of epithelial preservation or the depth of thermal damage.

Conclusions

There is no significant advantage in using a cooled or room temperature zinc selenide handpiece for epithelial preservation or decreasing the inflammatory response in CO2 laser resurfacing. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:236–243, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivation and ability as predictors of play behavior in state‐sponsored lotteries: An empirical assessment of psychological control
Authors: Sprott David E. , Brumbaugh Anne M. , Miyazaki Anthony D.
Published: August 2002

This research explores the interaction of motivation and ability to explain individuals' level of participation in state‐sponsored lotteries. The motivation–ability framework is considered from the perspective of perceived control wherein Rotter's (1966) locus of control serves as a perceived ability to influence lottery outcomes, and the Burger and Cooper (1979) desire for control serves as a motivation to play. With the use of a sample of adult consumers residing in a state with a government‐sponsored lottery, predicted results were found. Specifically, the consumers who played the lottery to the greatest extent were those with internal locus of control (high perceived ability) and high desire for control (high motivation). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investment with an arithmetic process and lags
Authors: Bar‐Ilan Avner
Published: August 2002

This paper presents an explicit solution of a simple investment problem with entry lags and when the underlying stochastic process is arithmetic. It is shown that, without abandonment, the optimal investment plan is independent of the length of the lag. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Casino gambling and crime: a panel study of Wisconsin counties
Authors: Gazel Ricardo C. , Rickman Dan S. , Thompson William N.
Published: August 2002

The potential relationship between gambling and crime has been a key issue among supporters and opponents of the recent spread of casino gambling in the US. This paper empirically investigates the potential link between casino gambling and crime for Wisconsin counties using the theoretical framework of Becker. Our results show that the existence of a casino within the boundaries of a county led to an increase in the county's crime rates. The results also suggest that a strong spillover effect took place across space, with counties adjacent to casino‐counties experiencing higher crime rates. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of cortical myoclonus by levetiracetam
Authors: Schauer Robert , Singer Markus , Saltuari Leopold , Kofler Markus
Published: August 2002

A 16‐year‐old boy suffered severely disabling posthypoxic myoclonus. Neurophysiological investigation showed cortical but not reticular reflex myoclonus. Add‐on therapy with levetiracetam significantly improved the patient's clinical condition, suppressed cortical myoclonus‐associated spikes, and enabled further neurorehabilitation. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency: Clinical manifestations of catecholamine insufficiency in infancy
Authors: Grattan‐Smith Padraic J. , Wevers Ron A. , Steenbergen‐Spanjers Gerry C. , Fung Victor S.C. , Earl John , Wilcken Bridget
Published: August 2002

Inborn errors of catecholamine biosynthesis are rare but of great interest as they are genetic disorders, and in some, treatment may completely reverse severe neurological abnormalities. They also provide insights into the action of the biogenic amines in the developing brain. We describe the clinical course of an infant with tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH) deficiency over a 30‐month period. The parents are consanguineous, and genetic analysis revealed the infant to be homozygous for the common G698A mutation in the TOH gene. TOH deficiency can be seen as a model of pure catecholamine deficiency. Experimental evidence, reports of other disorders of biogenic amines, and our experience with this infant suggest that the symptoms of catecholamine deficiency in infancy can be broadly subdivided. Signs of dopamine deficiency include tremor, hypersensitivity to levadopa (L‐dopa) therapy, oculogyric crises, akinesia, rigidity, and dystonia. Manifestations of norepinephrine deficiency include ptosis, miosis, profuse oropharyngeal secretions, and postural hypotension. Hypersensitivity to L‐dopa was a particular management problem in this infant. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Bereitschaftspotential in depressed and non‐depressed patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Filipović Saša R. , Šternić Nadežda , Svetel Marina , Dragašević Nataša , Lečic Dušica , Kostić Vladimir S.
Published: August 2002

Impaired initiation and slowed execution of movements are two of the principal characteristics of Parkinson's disease (PD). A similar pattern of movement impairments (psychomotor retardation) can be seen frequently in patients with idiopathic depression. In addition, affective disorders have been frequently reported in patients with different basal ganglia disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are some particularities in the cerebral electrical activity during the preparation and execution of voluntary internally paced movements (i.e., Bereitschaftspotential, BP) in depressed PD patients, which can distinguish them from non‐depressed PD patients, as well as from healthy controls. The BPs were recorded in 16 patients with idiopathic PD, eight of whom were depressed (PD‐D), and eight of whom were not (PD‐ND). Additional recordings were taken from a group of eight age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. Depression was classified using the Research Diagnostic Criteria and the two PD groups were matched for age, disease severity, and disease duration. The amplitudes and slopes of the BPs from PD patients were generally smaller than in controls, but there was no specific pattern of BP changes that distinguished depressed from non‐depressed PD patients. In addition, there was no particular association between measures of depression severity and BP parameters. The data suggest that presence of depression in PD might not have any additional deteriorating influence on already impaired preparation for self‐paced spontaneous movements. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Neuroprostheses for the upper extremity
Authors: Keith Michael W.
Published: August 2002

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) neuroprostheses can be used to replace lost motor and sensory function in persons with neurological disorders. FES technology has subsequently been shown effective and safe in restoring hand function in adults with spinal cord injury. The freehand system consists of an implanted receiver‐stimulator, an external shoulder position sensor, and an external control unit. Commands are originated by voluntary movement of the contralateral shoulder and are measured by the sensor. There are several types of electrodes: epimysial, intramuscular, nerve cuff, and intraneural. Neuroprostheses are recommended within the context of all available reconstructive options for the upper limbs. Voluntary tendon transfers are the first choice. The clinical outcomes as measured by improvement on scales of impairment, activities of daily living, and satisfaction are rewarding. The next step in improvement of the motor function of person with spinal cord injury will be the addition of a controllable second upper extremity and the elimination of additional external hardware. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:256‐263 2001
Generation of far‐infrared radiation in a frozen‐wave photoswitched semiconductor structure
Authors: Scherbatko Igor V. , Nerukh Alexander G.
Published: August 2002

The generation of radiation in the far‐infrared (FIR) range by the interaction of a moving photoconducting front with an electrostatic “frozen‐wave” configuration in a semiconductor is considered. Numerical simulations of FIR generation are discussed using the estimations of semiconductor layer parameters. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 277–282, 2001.
Wideband dual‐frequency stacked microstrip patch antenna
Authors: de Haaij D. M. , Joubert J. , Odendaal W.
Published: August 2002

Results for a stacked microstrip patch antenna for dual‐band applications are presented. The aim is to cover the frequency bands 890–960 MHz and 1.71–1.88 GHz, respectively. Impedance bandwidths (VSWR <2 : 1) of 20.1 and 14.8% were obtained for the respective frequency bands. Simulated as well as measured results for the antenna are presented. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 289–292, 2001.
Equivalent transmission‐line model for optically controlled microstrip slow‐wave structures
Authors: Bhadauria Avanish , Sharma Enakshi Khular , Verma Anand K.
Published: August 2002

This paper presents equivalent transmission‐line circuit models for an optically controlled microstrip slow‐wave MIS structure which are valid over all regions of operation, namely, lossy dielectric, slow wave, and skin effect. The models take into account both capacitance and inductance due to the skin effect. The results for the phase constant (slowing factor) and attenuation by the equivalent‐circuit models compare well with those obtained by an exact wave analysis. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 292–298, 2001.
Analytical evaluation of optical system impairments caused by high‐order polarization‐mode dispersion effects
Authors: Orlandini Alessandra , Vincetti Luca
Published: August 2002

The differential equation that relates the Jones matrix of a polarization‐mode dispersion fiber to its output dispersion vector is solved for a dispersion vector that moves on a circumference in the Stokes space. It yields a new simple model that can be usefully exploited to calculate the pulse‐broadening analytical expression and to evaluate the system performance in terms of outage probability. A comparison among the results obtained with it, with other models proposed in literature, and with the numerical DRW model show its best accuracy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 449–453, 2001.
Calculation of radio loss in forest environments by an empirical formula
Authors: Chen Hsing‐Yi , Kuo Yu‐Yui
Published: August 2002

This paper focuses on the calculation of radio loss in forest environments. In the study, an optimum four‐layered forest model is proposed for the calculation of radio loss in forest environments. This optimum four‐layered forest model is obtained by modifying a commonly used model consisting of homogeneous and isotropic dielectric layers placed over a conducting flat earth. The dielectric constant of tree trunks is obtained from published papers, and the equivalent dielectric constant of the tree canopy is calculated with the equivalent dielectric constant technique. After comparing the numerical results with those obtained from measurement data, it is found that there is good agreement between the numerical results and the measurement data. Based on the numerical results, an empirical formula is developed by using the least square curve‐fitting method. This empirical formula is suitable for the calculations of radio loss in forest environments in a frequency range of 1–100 GHz. This formula also provides a simple, fast, accurate, and inexpensive method for calculating the radio loss in forest environments. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 474–480, 2001.
Reflection‐suppressing technique for nonresonant microwave probing
Authors: Soukhov Andrei V. , Jung Sun‐Shin , Park Gun‐Sik
Published: August 2002

The interference decoys produced by the reflections in the nonresonant microwave probing of material properties is suppressed by using the measured S‐parameters for the sensor with and without the test material. Experimental verification showed a very effective suppression of decoys, even when the sensor's voltage standing‐wave ratio exceeded 7. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 287–290, 2002.
Direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation using a single snapshot of voltages induced in a real array operating in any environment
Authors: Kim Kyungjung , Sarkar Tapan K.
Published: August 2002

This paper investigates an electromagnetic preprocessing technique that transforms the voltages that are induced in a nonuniformly spaced array containing real antenna elements to a set of voltages that will be produced in a uniform linear virtual array (ULVA) containing omnidirectional isotropic point radiators. The objective here is that, in the processing methodology, we would like to include various electromagnetic effects like mutual coupling between the antenna elements, the presence of near‐field scatterers, and the platform effects on which the antenna array is mounted. The preprocessing is carried out using a least squares method, which generates a transformation matrix for the set of induced voltages in the real array. This transformation matrix, when applied to the actual measured voltages, yields an equivalent set of voltages that will be induced in the ULVA. Then, a direct data domain superresolution technique like the matrix pencil method is applied to the processed voltages to yield the DOA for the various signals of interest. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of this method. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 335–340, 2002.
Application of PBG microstrip circuits for enhancing the performance of high‐density substrate patch antennas
Authors: Andrenko Andrey S. , Ikeda Yukio , Ishida Osami
Published: August 2002

We present EM simulation results of a high‐density substrate patch antenna integrated with a microstrip photonic bandgap (PBG) circuit. It is demonstrated that application of such a circuit in an active integrated antenna eliminates undesired high‐order frequency harmonics and patch radiation modes, and improves the return‐loss level at the fundamental‐mode frequency of the patch. Optimization of the PBG periodic element geometry provides harmonics filtering in a wide frequency band. The surface current density on the microstrip PBG circuit integrated antenna has been calculated in illustrating the mechanism of the high‐order radiation harmonics tuning. It is noted that making use of a high‐density dielectric substrate allows easy integration of antenna elements and MMIC circuitry for novel active integrated transmitter front ends. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 340–344, 2002.
Analysis of one‐dimensional photonic bandgap structures with pseudonoise organization of layers in the primitive periodic cell
Authors: Hattori Haroldo T. , Cazo Rogério M. , Barbosa Carmem L.
Published: August 2002

In this paper, we analyze finite one‐dimensional photonic crystals in which the layers in the primitive cell follow a pseudonoise sequence pattern. In this analysis, the layers are composed of two different materials, but the organization of the layers in the primitive cell is varied. The focus of this paper is to analyze how the reflectivity spectrum is affected by different combinations of layers. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 370–373, 2002.
Modified Goell method for the calculation of uniaxial anisotropic rectangular dielectric waveguides
Authors: Dudorov Sergey N. , Lioubtchenko Dmitri V. , Mallat Juha A. , Räisänen Antti V.
Published: August 2002

The Goell method for the calculation of the propagation constant of rectangular dielectric rod waveguides has been modified for a uniaxial anisotropic dielectric material. Experimental results for an anisotropic sapphire waveguide show good agreement with those calculated by our approach. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 373–376, 2002.
Design of a tapered impedance‐matching line using inverse scattering
Authors: Song Choongho , Lee Sangseol
Published: August 2002

A new design method for a tapered impedance‐matching line is proposed. The accurate characteristic impedance profile of the desired matching line is obtained through the accurate profile inversion of a virtual dielectric medium which is equivalent to the matching line in view of the reflection characteristic. Then, the matching line is synthesized according to the characteristic impedance profile. The method can be applied to design impedance‐matching lines with arbitrary passband characteristics without any equivalent‐circuit analysis. In this method, the inevitable errors in the method using the time‐domain reflection coefficient can be avoided by using the frequency‐domain reflection coefficient. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 393–396, 2002.
Microstrip lines on annular‐ring photonic bandgap structures
Authors: Karmakar Nemai C. , Mollah Mohammad N.
Published: August 2002

With the advent of planar photonic bandgap (PBG) materials, different topologies of PBG structures have been proposed to improve the bandgap performances of microwave signals. Conventional circular‐patterned PBGs have constraints in the broadband stopband performance due to the high ripple heights inS‐parameters. In this paper, we suggest a novel annular‐ring‐patterned PBG to improve the stopband bandwidth and the ripples. The aspect ratio of the annular‐ring‐patterned PBG plays an important role in controlling the bandwidth of the rejection band, as well as the ripple heights in theS‐parameters of the PBG‐engineered transmission lines. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 431–433, 2002.
The Cramer‐Rao bound for the estimation of angles of arrival in on‐board array antennas
Authors: Castro I. T. , Landesa L. , Taboada J. M. , Obelleiro F.
Published: August 2002

Array antennas mounted on aircraft, ships, or any other complex platform suffer from mutual coupling and coupling with the platform in the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves. These coupling effects affect the estimation of the direction of arrival (DOA) of plane waves performed with on‐board antennas. With the use of the method of moments (MoM) to model these electromagnetic (EM) coupling terms, closed‐matrix expressions for the Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) are obtained for on‐board array antennas considering both mutual coupling and platform coupling effects. Some significant differences in the CRB have been found when this bound is compared with the same bound calculated in an ideal free coupling environment. Numerical results are shown to illustrate these effects. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 119–123, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10249
Integrated F‐shaped monopole antenna for 2.4/5.2 GHz dual‐band operation
Authors: Yeh Shih‐Huang , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: August 2002

A novel dual‐band F‐shaped monopole antenna is proposed. The antenna comprises a vertical metal line and two (one upper and one lower) horizontal metal lines of different lengths, which are used for tuning the antenna's first two resonant frequencies to achieve desired dual‐band operation. The proposed antenna is very suitable to be printed on a microwave substrate and can be easily integrated with the associated circuitry on the same substrate. A constructed prototype suitable for wireless LAN applications in the 2.4‐ and 5.2‐GHz bands is demonstrated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 24–26, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10362
Direction‐of‐arrival statistics of urban propagation channel at 1.9 GHz based on measurement and ray tracing
Authors: Su Tao , Ling Hao , Foltz Heinrich
Published: August 2002

The statistics of direction of arrival (DOA) in an urban environment are generated based on measurement and ray tracing simulation. The angular power distributions at different locations of the city are fit into the Gaussian angle‐of‐arrival model. The following four quantities are then extracted as model parameters: The number of incoming DOA, the normalized amplitude of each incoming signal, the mean direction of the incoming signals, and the standard deviation of the incoming signals about the mean direction. It is shown that the statistics of the above four quantities resulting from the simulation are in good agreement with those from the measurement data. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 31–35, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10364
A novel active array antenna using a transmission‐line coupling network and a voltage‐controlled oscillator with a varactor diode
Authors: Seo Chulhun , Kim Minseok
Published: August 2002

In this paper, a 1×4 active phased‐array antenna is designed using a voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) with a varactor diode and a transmission‐line network. The varactor diode was connected in parallel to the FET for the wide tuning range of the VCO, and the transmission‐line network was composed of the transmission line,the open stub, and the chip resistor. The scan range, −20 to 22° at 2.44 GHz, was controlled by the applied varactor diode voltage and the transmission‐line coupling network. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 148–150, 2001.