bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Akt/PKB is required for suppression of cancer cell apoptosis and tumor progression in human colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Itoh Nanami , Semba Shuho , Ito Masafumi , Takeda Hiroaki , Kawata Sumio , Yamakawa Mitsunori
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Akt/protein kinase B (PKB), which is included in phosphatidyl inositol‐3‐OH kinase (PI3K) signaling, controls many intracellular processes, such as the suppression of apoptosis and the promotion of the cell cycle. Therefore, the authors investigated phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) in colorectal carcinomas to reveal the role of PI3K signaling during the development of colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Expression of phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) in two colon carcinoma cell lines (DLD‐1 and Colo205) and 65 human colorectal carcinomas was analyzed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis caused by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, were also examined in these cell lines. In tumor samples, the level of cell proliferation activity (Ki‐67) and number of apoptotic bodies (single stranded DNA) were determined by counting positive cells.

RESULTS

LY294002 significantly affected the proliferation and apoptosis of Colo205 cells, suggesting an association with the low phosphorylation level of Akt protein. Immunohistochemic analysis showed that 46% of the tumors had a high level of expression of phosphorylated Akt with a close association with Ki‐67 proliferative activity (P < 0.001) and the number of apoptotic bodies (P < 0.001). Akt phosphorylation was also correlated with some clinicopathologic parameters of the malignancies, including depth of invasion, infiltration to venous vessels, lymph node metastasis, and clinicopathologic stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The phosphorylated Akt level can monitor cell growth and resistance to apoptosis, indicating that activation of Akt plays an important role during the progression of colorectal carcinomas by helping promote cell growth and rescue cells from apoptosis. These findings also suggest the possibility of using LY294002 for treatment of colorectal carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:3127–34. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10591
Psychic vulnerability and the associated risk for cancer
Authors: Schapiro Ina R. , Nielsen Lene F. , Jørgensen Torben , Boesen Ellen H. , Johansen Christoffer
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Psychic vulnerability has been associated with a number of physical symptoms and diseases. This study was designed to estimate the incidence of cancer in a random sample of persons in the general Danish population in relation to a personality characteristic measured by the Test of Psychic Vulnerability.

METHODS

The authors examined the cancer incidence in a cohort of 5136 randomly sampled persons age > 25 years living in Copenhagen County, Denmark. The responses to questionnaires and the results of examinations, including the Test of Psychic Vulnerability, were collected during 1982–1984 and during 1991–1992. The observed numbers of cancers were compared with the numbers that would have been expected if the cohort members had experienced the same risk of cancer as the population of Copenhagen County. Regression analyses were performed with the Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for well‐known risk factors for cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 403 cancers were observed, and 412.02 were expected, yielding a standardized incidence ratio of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.88–1.19). The authors did not observe a significant increase in the risk of site specific cancers. The risk for cancer was not influenced by the type of vulnerability in a multivariate analysis (hazards ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.85–1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found no increased risk for cancer among psychically vulnerable persons compared with nonvulnerable persons; however, the results indicate that behavior and certain life‐style factors may be determined by personality, which, in turn, may determine the risk for cancer. Cancer 2002;94:3299–306. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10601
A single, high dose of idarubicin combined with cytarabine as induction therapy for adult patients with recurrent or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Weiss Mark A. , Aliff Timothy B. , Tallman Martin S. , Frankel Stanley R. , Kalaycio Matt E. , Maslak Peter G. , Jurcic Joseph G. , Scheinberg David A. , Roma Todd E.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

The majority of adult patients who are treated for lymphoblastic disease will either develop recurrent disease or will be refractory to their initial therapy. One option for patients with recurrent/refractory disease is to administer a reinduction regimen that employs a dose‐intense combination of anthracycline and cytarabine. These salvage regimens are relatively distinct from the traditional vincristine/prednisone‐based programs that are used typically as primary induction therapy. The authors studied a regimen that contained high‐dose cytarabine and a single high dose of idarubicin as salvage induction therapy for patients with recurrent or refractory lymphoblastic disease.

METHODS

Twenty‐nine previously treated adult patients with recurrent or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia were treated with a new intensive regimen. Eight patients had primary refractory disease. Twenty‐one patients had recurrent disease, and 16 of these patients developed recurrent disease while they were still receiving their primary therapy. The treatment regimen consisted of cytarabine 3.0 g/m2 by 3‐hour infusion daily for 5 days and idarubicin 40 mg/m2 given as a single dose on Day 3. Filgrastim (granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor) 5 μg/kg administered subcutaneously every 12 hours was started on Day 7 and was continued until the absolute neutrophil count was > 5000/μL. Response was assessed using standard criteria.

RESULTS

There were 11 complete responses (38%; 95% confidence interval, 20–56%). Four patients subsequently underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Moderate but acceptable toxicity was observed given the severely myelosuppressive nature of the regimen. There was only one treatment‐related death (3%). Two patients, both with significant prior exposure to anthracyclines, suffered reductions in left ventricular function to the 20–30% range during episodes of severe systemic infection. After recovery from infection, the ejection fraction in one patient improved to 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors conclude that this regimen has moderate activity and a relatively low incidence of mortality for this high‐risk group of patients. This regimen may be most suitable for patients who can undergo potentially curative allogeneic bone marrow transplantation if they achieve a complete response. Cancer 2002;95:581–7. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10707
Surgical management of soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and foot
Authors: Lin Patrick P. , Guzel Volkan B. , Pisters Peter W. T. , Zagars Gunar K. , Weber Kristin L. , Feig Barry W. , Pollock Raphael E. , Yasko Alan W.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and foot present unique management challenges. The purpose of the current study study was to determine oncologic outcome, particularly with respect to factors affecting local recurrence, distant recurrence, and disease‐specific survival.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 115 patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the hand or foot who were evaluated, treated, and followed at the authors' institution between 1980 and 1998. The medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess patient survival.

RESULTS

Most patients (95%) were referred after previous surgery. The majority of tumors (75%) were T1 lesions (less than 5 cm), and most tumors (81%) were high grade. Patients who were treated by definitive, wide re‐excision (n = 43) had a 10 year local recurrence‐free survival of 88%, which was significantly better than the corresponding rate of 58% for patients who did not have re‐excision (n = 40, P = 0.05). Radiation improved local control in patients who did not undergo re‐excision (n = 17, P = 0.02). However, radiation did not improve local control in patients who had definitive re‐excision with negative margins (n = 13, P = 0.51). The disease‐specific survival at 5 and 10 years was 76% and 65%, respectively, for patients who presented with localized disease. Disease‐specific patient survival was significantly worse for patients who had regional or distant metastasis. Radical amputation as initial surgical treatment did not decrease the likelihood of regional metastasis and did not improve disease‐specific patient survival. The presence of distant metastasis at presentation was an independent predictor of local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Limb sparing treatment is possible in many patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and foot. Re‐excision to achieve microscopically negative surgical margins is an effective method of achieving a high rate of local control in appropriately selected patients who present after unplanned excision of the primary tumor. There does not appear to be a survival benefit to immediate radical amputation, which should be reserved for cases where surgical excision or re‐excision with adequate margins cannot be performed without sacrifice of functionally significant neurovascular or osseous structures. Cancer 2002;95:852–61. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10750
Distribution of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide in the guinea pig intrinsic cardiac nervous system and colocalization with neuropeptides or transmitter synthetic enzymes
Authors: Calupca Michelle A. , Locknar Sarah A. , Zhang Lili , Harrison Theresa A. , Hoover Donald B. , Parsons Rodney L.
Published: October 2002

This study was conducted to establish the presence of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) immunoreactivity in neurons and fibers within guinea pig atrial whole‐mount preparations containing the intrinsic cardiac ganglia. Many cardiac ganglia, but not all, in a given whole‐mount preparation, were innervated by CARTp‐immunoreactive (IR) fibers. Following explant culture of whole mounts for 72 hours, the CARTp‐IR fiber networks were absent, but the number of CARTp‐IR neurons was increased markedly. These observations suggested that the majority of the CARTp‐IR fibers in the intracardiac ganglia were derived from sources extrinsic to the heart. In control whole‐mount preparations, very few CARTp‐positive neurons were present. The few intrinsic CARTp‐IR neurons also exhibited choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity, indicating that they make up a small subpopulation of cholinergic postganglionic neurons. Some CARTp‐IR neurons also exhibited nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity, indicating that they were nitrergic as well. We compared the immunohistochemical staining patterns of CARTp‐IR fibers with the staining patterns of a number of other neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter synthetic enzymes that mark specific extrinsic inputs. The CARTp‐IR fibers were not immunoreactive for ChAT, tyrosine hydroxylase, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, or substance P. However, virtually all CARTp‐IR fibers exhibited immunoreactivity to neuronal NOS (a marker for nitric oxide‐producing neurons). CARTp‐IR cells and NOS‐IR cells were present in the nodose ganglia. In addition, CARTp‐IR neurons in the nodose also were stained positively for NADPH‐diaphorase. Thus, we propose that most CARTp‐IR fibers within the guinea pig intrinsic cardiac ganglia are vagal afferent fibers that also contain NOS. J. Comp. Neurol. 439:73–86, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A fast second‐order signal separation algorithms with on‐line capabilities
Authors: Fahmy M. F. , El‐Raheem G. M. A.
Published: October 2002

In correlation‐based signal separation algorithms, the received mixed signals are fed to a de‐coupling system designed to minimize the output cross‐correlation functions. If minimizaion is perfect, each of the system's outputs carries only one signal independent of the others. In these algorithms, the computation burden of the output cross‐correlation functions normally slows down the separation algorithm. This paper, describes a computationally efficient method for off‐line pre‐computation of the needed cross‐correlation functions. Explicit formulas have been derived for the output cross‐correlation functions in terms of the received input signals and the de‐coupling system parameters. Then, it is shown that signal separation amounts to the least‐squares solution of a system of linear equations describing these output cross‐correlation functions, evaluated over a batch of lags. Next, a fast RLS‐type adaptive algorithm is devised for on‐line signal separation. In this respect, an algorithm is derived for updating the de‐coupling parameters as data comes in. This update is achieved recursively, along the negative of the steepest descent directions of an objective cost function describing the output cross‐correlation functions over a batch of lags, subject to equal output power constraints. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling of source‐coupled logic gates
Authors: Alioto M. , Palumbo G. , Pennisi S.
Published: October 2002

In this paper, the modelling of CMOS SCL gates is addressed. The topology both with and without output buffer is treated, and the noise margin as well as propagation delay performance are analytically derived, using standard BSIM3v3 model parameters.

The propagation delay model of a single SCL gate is based on proper linearization of the circuit and the assumption of a single‐pole behaviour. To generalize the results obtained to cascaded gates, the effect of the input rise time and the loading effect of an SCL gate are discussed.

The expressions obtained are simple enough to be used for pencil‐and‐paper evaluations and are helpful from the early design phases, as they relate SCL gates performance to design and process parameters, allowing the designer to gain an intuitive understanding of performance dependence on design parameters and technology.

The model has been validated by comparison with extensive simulations using a 0.35‐µm CMOS process. The model agrees well with the simulated results, since in realistic cases the difference is less than 20% both for noise margin and delay. Therefore, the model proposed can be profitably used for pencil‐and‐paper evaluations and for computer‐based timing analysis of complex SCL circuits. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power allocation in the context of dimensioning the air‐interface of third generation W‐CDMA‐based cellular systems
Authors: Demestichas P. , Kotsakis G. , Tzifa E. , Demesticha V. , Anagnostou M. , Theologou M.
Published: October 2002

The adoption of W‐CDMA as an essential component of the air‐interface of third‐generation cellular systems brings to the foreground the need for new planning methodologies and software tools. In this perspective, this paper addresses planning problems that are important to the dimensioning of W‐CDMA‐based cellular networks. The problems aim at finding the optimal feasible allocation of transmission power to the sets of uplink and downlink connections that should be supported by the system, so as to cope with a corresponding traffic load scenario. The problems are concisely defined, mathematically formulated and solved by means of two computationally efficient, novel algorithms. The solutions of the problems may be seen as operating points at which the system performance should be driven. Finally, numerical results are presented and concluding remarks are drawn. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving TCP performance over networks with wireless components using ‘probing devices’
Authors: Lahanas A. , Tsaoussidis V.
Published: October 2002

TCP error control mechanism lacks the ability to detect with precision the nature of potential errors during communication. It is only capable of detecting the results of the errors, namely that segments are dropped. As a result, the protocol lacks the ability to implement an appropriate error recovery strategy cognizant of current network conditions and responsive to the distinctive error characteristics of the communication channel. TCP sender always calls for the sending window to shrink. We show that probing mechanisms could enhance the error detection capabilities of the protocol. TCP could then flexibly adjust its window in a manner that permits the available bandwidth to be exploited without violating the requirements of stability, efficiency and fairness that need to be guaranteed during congestion.

Our experiments have three distinct goals: First, to demonstrate the potential contribution of probing mechanisms. A simple probing mechanism and an immediate recovery strategy are grafted into TCP‐Tahoe and TCP‐Reno. We show that, this way, standard TCP can improve its performance without requiring any further change. Second, to study the performance of adaptive strategies. An adaptive TCP with probing is used, that is responsive to the detected error conditions by alternating slow start, fast recovery and immediate recovery. An adaptive error recovery strategy can yield better performance. Third, to study the design limitations of the probing device itself. The aggressive or conservative nature of the probing mechanisms themselves can determine the aggressive or conservative behaviour of the protocol and exploit accordingly the energy/throughput trade‐off. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐hour design of survivable classical IP networks
Authors: Ben‐Ameur W.
Published: October 2002

Most of Internet intra‐domain routing protocols (OSPF, RIP, and IS–IS) are based on shortest path routing. The path length is defined as the sum of metrics associated with the path links. These metrics are often managed by the network administrator. In this context, the design of an Internet backbone network consists in dimensioning the network (routers and transmission links) and establishing the metric. Many requirements have to be satisfied. First, Internet traffic is not static as significant variations can be observed during the day. Second, many failures can occur (cable cuts, hardware failures, software failures, etc.). In this paper, we present algorithms (meta‐heuristics and greedy heuristic) to design Internet backbone networks, taking into account the multi‐hour behaviour of traffic and some survivability requirements. Many multi‐hour and protection strategies are studied and numerically compared in this paper. Our algorithms can be extended to integrate other quality of service constraints. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of lobular carcinoma in situ
Authors: Üstün Melek , Berner Aasmund , Davidson Ben , Risberg Björn
Published: October 2002

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays a key role in the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma but is less reliable in the diagnosis of in situ lesions. The objective of the present study was to investigate the cytological features of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), regarding which little data is available to date. Cytological features of FNAC of the breast from 21 patients with histology‐proven LCIS were described and compared with surgical specimens. Aspirates from 8/21 cases had cell groups diagnostic for or compatible with LCIS. Aspirates from an additional two cases demonstrated hypercellular, dissociated, and more pleomorphic tumor cells, which were originally diagnosed as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). The remaining 11 aspirates were diagnosed as benign or nondiagnostic. FNAC from the eight diagnostic specimens were characterized by loosely cohesive cell groups composed of uniform cells with occasional intracytoplasmic lumina, slightly irregular and eccentric nuclei. We conclude that the main difficulty in diagnosing LCIS by FNAC is sampling rather than recognition of the lesions. However, one should be aware of the cytological features of LCIS in order to reach a correct diagnosis. There are no reliable cytological criteria that help in differentiating pleomorphic and dissociated LCIS from ILC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;27:22–26. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Article not available electronically
Authors: Narayanan V.G. , Brem Lisa
Published: October 2002

This article is not available electronically because the copyright is held by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and permission was only granted for print publication.

To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials go to http://harvardbusiness.org .

The Publisher regrets any inconvenience this may cause.
Next-product-to-buy models for cross-selling applications
Authors: Knott Aaron , Hayes Andrew , Neslin Scott A.
Published: October 2002

We present and evaluate next-product-to-buy (NPTB) models for improving the effectiveness of cross-selling. The NPTB model reduces the waste of poorly targeted cross-selling activities by predicting the product each customer would be most likely to buy next. We describe the model-building process and discuss theoretical and practical issues in developing a NPTB model. We then illustrate the effectiveness of the NPTB approach with a field test. The field test shows that the NPTB model increases profits compared to a heuristic approach, and that profits are incremental over and above sales that would have occurred through other channels. We then conduct an empirical test of methodological issues. We find that incorporating current product ownership as a predictor enhances predictive accuracy the most, followed by customer monetary value to the company, and demographics. We find that statistical method makes little difference in predictive accuracy, with neural nets having a slight edge. A simple random sample to create the calibration database increases predictive accuracy more than a stratified random sample, although the stratified sample may be preferred to avoid underpredicting unpopular products. We explore the potential for incorporating purchase incidence models in the NPTB approach, and find that this potentially enhances the effectiveness of the NPTB model. We close with recommendations for practitioners and for future academic research.
Prevention of diabetic nephropathy in mice by a diet low in glycoxidation products
Authors: Zheng Feng , He Cijiang , Cai Weijing , Hattori Masakazu , Steffes Michael , Vlassara Helen
Published: October 2002

An Erratum has been published for this article in Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews 18(4) 2002, 332.

Background

Reactive advanced glycation end products (AGEs), known to promote diabetic tissue damage, occur endogenously as well as in heated foods and are orally absorbed. The relative contribution of diet‐derived AGEs to diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear.

Methods

We tested a standard mouse food (AIN‐93G) found to be rich in AGEs (H‐AGE diet) in parallel with a similar diet that contained six‐fold lower AGE content (L‐AGE), but equal calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Non‐obese diabetic mice (NOD) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and db/db mice with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were randomly assigned to each formula for either 4 or 11 months, during which time renal parameters and AGE levels were assessed.

Results

Compared to the progressive DN and short survival seen in NOD mice exposed to long‐term H‐AGE feeding, L‐AGE‐fed NOD mice developed minimal glomerular pathology and a modest increase in urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (p<0.005), and a significantly extended survival (p<0.0001), consistent with lower serum (p<0.025) and kidney AGEs (p<0.01). Also, in the 4‐month study, and in contrast to the H‐AGE‐fed mice, L‐AGE‐fed NOD and db/db mice exhibited low levels of renal cortex TGFβ‐1 (p<0.05), laminin B1 mRNA (p<0.01) and α1 IV collagen mRNA (p<0.05) and protein, in concert with reduced serum and kidney AGEs (p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Intake of high‐level, food‐derived AGEs is a major contributor to DN in T1D and T2D mice. Avoidance of dietary AGEs provides sustained protection against DN in mice; providing the rationale for similar studies in human diabetic patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates glucose and energy metabolism in diabetic mice
Authors: Nakagawa Tsutomu , Ono‐Kishino Michiko , Sugaru Eiji , Yamanaka Mitsugu , Taiji Mutsuo , Noguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2002

Neurotrophins are important regulators in the embryogenesis, development and functioning of nervous systems. In addition to the efficacy of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neurological disorders, we have found that BDNF demonstrates endocrinological functions and reduces food intake and blood glucose concentration in rodent obese diabetic models, such as C57BL/KsJ‐db/db mice. The hypoglycemic effect of BDNF was found to be stronger in younger db/db mice with hyperinsulinemia than in older mice. While BDNF itself did not alter blood glucose in normal mice and streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated mice, BDNF enhanced the hypoglycemic effect of insulin in STZ‐treated mice. These data indicate that BDNF needs endogenous or exogenous insulin to show hypoglycemic action. In addition, BDNF treatment enhanced energy expenditure in db/db mice. The efficacy of BDNF in regulating glucose and energy metabolism was reproduced through intracerebroventricular administration, suggesting that BDNF acted directly on the hypothalamus, the autonomic center of the brain. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perlecan participates in proliferation activation of quiescent Drosophila neuroblasts
Authors: Voigt Aaron , Pflanz Ralf , Schäfer Ulrich , Jäckle Herbert
Published: October 2002

Drosophila neuroblasts act as stem cells. Their proliferation is controlled through cell cycle arrest and activation in a spatiotemporal pattern. Several genes have been identified that control the pattern of neuroblast quiescence and proliferation in the central nervous system (CNS), including anachronism (ana), even skipped (eve) and terribly reduced optic lobes (trol). eve acts in a non–cell‐autonomous manner to produce a transacting factor in the larval body that stimulates cell division in the population of quiescent optic lobe neuroblasts. ana encodes a secreted glial glycoprotein proposed to repress premature proliferation of optic lobe and thoracic neuroblasts. trol was shown to act downstream of ana to activate proliferation of quiescent neuroblasts either by inactivating or bypassing ana‐dependent repression. Here, we show that trol codes for Drosophila Perlecan, a large multidomain heparan sulfate proteoglycan originally identified in extracellular matrix structures of mammals. The results suggest that trol acts in the extracellular matrix and binds, stores, and sequesters external signals and, thereby, participates in the stage‐ and region‐specific control of neuroblast proliferation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of eating disorder patients without a drive for thinness
Authors: Ramacciotti Carla E. , Dell'Osso Liliana , Paoli Riccardo A. , Ciapparelli Antonio , Coli Elisabetta , Kaplan Allan S. , Garfinkel Paul E.
Published: October 2002

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate two samples of patients affected by anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), respectively, with and without the diagnostic feature of drive for thinness (DT).

Method

The samples comprised 70 consecutive eating disorder (ED) outpatients at the Department of Psychiatry (University of Pisa) and 106 AN patients admitted to a day hospital in Toronto, Canada. Subjects were assessed on clinical and psychometric parameters.

Results

In both countries, 17% of the subjects had low DT as measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). They comprised the atypical group and appeared to have less severe psychopathology.

Discussion

Weight phobia should not be viewed as critical to the diagnosis of ED and DT could be a culture‐bound dimension. Considering the differences between the two groups, the characterization of patients as typical and atypical may be clinically useful. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 206–212, 2002.
Polarization peculiarity and its operation mechanism of the single longitudinal mode oscillation in a 633‐nm He‐Ne laser with internal mirrors
Authors: Shibata Wasaku , Ohta Tatehisa , Yagi Eiji
Published: October 2002

We measured the polarization characteristics of laser tubes having the same specification for single mode oscillation in an internal‐mirror 633‐nm He‐Ne laser. From these results, we found that as the resonance conditions were continuously changed by the thermal variations in the laser tube length, the polarization could be classified into polarization that maintains a constant polarization direction and polarization whose direction continuously switches with its orthogonal direction. To explain this operation mechanism, we simulated a two‐mode equation that accounts for the orthogonal polarization mode. From this result, we showed that the two polarization (natural) axes produced by the presence of minute loss and phase anisotropies in the laser tube generate a peculiar polarization property caused by quantitative differences in these anisotropies. We also found that the spatial hole burning effect between the two modes exists to the same degree as the spectral hole burning effect. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(7): 48–56, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10019
Proposal of factor analysis system using probabilistic neural network and application to environmental data
Authors: Okuhara Koji , Matsubara Yukihiro , Shiraki Wataru , Gotou Masataka
Published: October 2002

In this paper we analyze observation data which consist of environmental factors around a creature as the explanatory variables and a population number as the explained variable. We choose data on the firefly. To analyze such data we propose a system incorporating probabilistic neural networks which can acquire an unknown nonlinear mapping from the explanatory variables to the explained variable by using learning. The proposed system can estimate the effect of the explanatory variables on the explained variable, that is, it can solve the inverse problem. To realize the desired environment for the selected creature, we show that our proposed system can suggest an adequate strategy for the controllable explanatory variables. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 85(11): 18–25, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10002
Robust speech recognition for car environment noise
Authors: Kokubo Hiroaki , Amano Akio , Hataoka Nobuo
Published: October 2002

A method for handling noise in a car information machine incorporating speech recognition middleware and having a SuperH (SH) Micon as its platform is reported. Using both a noise acoustic model and a spectral subtraction scheme, this method is evaluated by computer simulation against an evaluation database constructed by considering the usage environment and the microphone position. In evaluations using the noise model alone, a speech recognition rate of 11.0% in a test track driving environment was obtained when an HMM tutored by speech without noise was used, while a recognition rate of 82.7% was obtained when an HMM constructed by superimposing noise over the tutoring speech was used. The speech recognition rate was improved by about an additional 5%, to 87.6%, by using this noise‐containing acoustic model and the spectral subtraction scheme. In addition, when speech recognition middleware incorporated with the antinoise method was loaded on an SH board, a recognition performance comparable with the computer simulation results was obtained. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 85(11): 65–73, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10055
A trial manufacture of a thermoelectric generator powered by high‐temperature heat transfer medium oil
Authors: Tsuyoshi Akira , Matsuura Kenji
Published: October 2002

A thermoelectric generator has been manufactured and evaluated for the purpose that the behavior of heat conduction and power generating performance can be clarified when the thermoelectric generator is powered by a high‐temperature heat transfer medium oil over 500 K. The thermoelectric generator needs a compression fitting mechanism which holds heat sinks and thermoelectric generating modules so tight that desirable heat conduction can be maintained for thousands of heat cycles. The pressure required for the compression fitting mechanism was experimentally investigated with a trial manufactured thermoelectric generator. As an experimental result the compression fitting mechanism of the modules requires 0.28 MPa compressive load, which is 80% less than the recommended value by one of the module manufacturers. Electricity obtained by the trially manufactured thermoelectric generator with bismuth telluride‐based modules increases in proportion to the square of the logarithmic mean temperature difference between the heat transfer medium oil and cooling water and attains 165 W at the logarithmic temperature difference of 180 K. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 141(1): 36–44, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10042
A transfer‐function approach to the analysis and design of zero‐power controllers for magnetic suspension systems
Authors: Mizuno Takeshi , Takemori Yuichiro
Published: October 2002

A transfer function approach is applied to the analysis and design of zero‐power controllers for magnetic suspension systems. The general structures of controllers achieving zero‐power control are derived for both current‐ and voltage‐controlled magnetic suspension systems. For the former type of system, there are two basic approaches: feeding back the velocity signal and introducing a minor feedback of the integral of the current. Both approaches are applicable to the latter type of system. In addition to them, the self‐sensing suspension also achieves zero‐power characteristics automatically. A direct synthesis method for zero‐power control is developed based on the analysis. Several experiments are carried out with a single‐degree‐of‐freedom model. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 141(2): 67–75, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10049
Communication effects on memory and judgment
Authors: Todorov Alexander
Published: October 2002

The present research explored the mechanisms of judgmental and memory correction for communication influence. Participants described a target person to an addressee who either liked or disliked the target. Participants' descriptions were more positive when the addressee liked the target than when the addressee disliked the target. Mediation analyses showed that the effect of the addressee's attitude on judgment and memory was mediated by its effect on participants' descriptions. Participants' evaluative judgments of the target were influenced by the addressee's attitude only when the attitude was presented subtly. When the presentation of the attitude was blatant, participants used the attitude as a situational inducement of their communication behavior and corrected their judgments. Both participants' recall and false recognition of personality traits were evaluatively consistent with the addressee's attitude regardless of its presentation. However, mediational analyses suggested that participants in the blatant presentation condition engaged in an insufficient memory correction by discounting the evaluative implications of their descriptions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urothelial cell DNA adducts in rubber workers†
Authors: Vermeulen Roel , Talaska Glenn , Schumann Brenda , Bos Rob P. , Rothman Nathaniel , Kromhout Hans
Published: October 2002

Workers employed in the rubber industry appear to have a significant excess cancer risk in a variety of sites, including cancer of the urinary bladder. In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated the occurrence of DNA adducts in exfoliated bladder cells of currently exposed, nonsmoking rubber workers (n = 52) and their relationship with occupational exposure estimates and acetylation phenotype (NAT2). Four DNA adducts were identified, with the proportion of positive samples (e.g., DNA samples with quantifiable levels of a specific DNA adduct) ranging from 3.8 to 79%. The highest proportion of positive samples and the highest relative adduct labeling levels were in workers involved in the production functions “mixing” and “curing,” areas with potential for substantial exposure to a wide range of chemical compounds used in rubber manufacturing (P < 0.05 for adducts 2 and/or 3, compared to all other departments). No statistically significant relationships were found between identified DNA adducts and urinary mutagenicity or personal inhalable and dermal exposure estimates. Interestingly, subjects with a fast NAT2 acetylation phenotype tended to have higher levels of DNA adducts. This study suggests that rubber workers engaged in mixing and curing may be exposed to compounds that can form DNA adducts in urothelial cells. Larger studies among rubber workers should be conducted to study in more detail the potential carcinogenicity of exposures encountered in these work areas. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:306–313, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obtaining refined first‐order predictive models of linear structural systems
Authors: Luş Hilmi , Betti Raimondo , Longman Richard W.
Published: October 2002

This study presents an effective method for identifying predictive models and the underlying modal parameters of linear structural systems using only measured output and excitation time histories obtained from dynamic testing. The system under examination is modelled as a first‐order multi‐input multi‐output time‐invariant system, and the structural model is realized using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm together with the Observer/Kalman filter IDentification algorithm. The identified state‐space model is further refined using a non‐linear optimization technique based on sequential quadratic programming. The numerical examples show that the developed methodology performs very well even in the presence of inadequate instrumentation and measurement noise, and that the methodology is highly capable of creating realistic predictive models of structural systems, as well as estimating their underlying modal parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice stream shear margin moraines
Authors: Stokes Chris R. , Clark Chris D.
Published: October 2002

The distribution and pattern of subglacial bedforms provides valuable insights into the configuration and behaviour of former ice sheets and recent work has begun to address the landform assemblages of palaeo‐ice streams. In this paper, we focus on subglacially formed ice stream shear margin moraines; these landforms are thought to form in the shear zone between fast‐flowing stream‐ice and slow‐moving sheet‐ice. Using satellite imagery and aerial photographs, we identify four ice stream shear margin moraines associated with the former M'Clintock Channel Palaeo‐Ice Stream, Victoria Island, Arctic Canada. The moraines range in length from 11 to 22 km, maintain fairly constant widths of around 500 m, and range in height from 10 to 50 m above the surrounding terrain. They are composed of carbonate drift of a similar composition as the ice stream bedforms and have been laid down irrespective of local and regional topography. Two of the moraines display a lateral offset and are thought to reflect minor migrations of the ice stream margin. We explore their possible mode of formation and suggest that they occur when erosion at the ice stream margin provides a surplus of sediment which is ‘smeared out’ in the downstream direction. The identification of other palaeo‐ice stream shear margin moraines has probably been hampered by their interrupted continuity which can only be appreciated at the large scale. It is hoped that the descriptions presented in this paper will help to identify these landforms and increased detection of palaeo‐ice streams will reveal other ice stream shear margin moraines. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling land use changes and their impact on soil erosion and sediment supply to rivers
Authors: Van Rompaey Anton J. J. , Govers Gerard , Puttemans Cindy
Published: October 2002

The potential for surface runoff and soil erosion is strongly affected by land use and cultivation. Therefore the modelling of land use changes is important with respect to the prediction of soil degradation and its on‐site and off‐site consequences.

Land use changes during the past 250 years in the Dijle catchment (central Belgium) were analysed by comparing four historical topographic maps (1774, 1840, 1930 and 1990). A combination of land use transformation maps and biophysical land properties shows that certain decision rules are used for the conversion of forest into arable land or vice versa. During periods of increasing pressure on the land, forests were cleared mainly on areas with low slope gradients and favourable soil conditions, while in times of decreasing pressure land units with steep and unfavourable soil conditions were taken out of production.

Possible future land use patterns were generated using stochastic simulations based on land use transformation probabilities. The outcome of these simulations was used to assess the soil erosion risk under different scenarios. The results indicate that even a relatively limited land use change, from forest to arable land or vice versa, has a significant effect on regional soil erosion rates and sediment supply to rivers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact–entrainment relationship in a saltating cloud
Authors: Dong Zhibao , Liu Xiaoping , Li Fang , Wang Hongtao , Zhao Aiguo
Published: October 2002

The problem of impact–entrainment relationship is one of the central issues in understanding saltation, a primary aeolian transport mode. By using particle dynamic analyser measurement technology the movement of saltating particles at the very near‐surface level (1 mm above the bed) was detected. The impacting and entrained particles in the same impact–entrainment process were identified and the speeds, angle with respect to the horizontal, and energy of the impacting and entrained sand cloud were analysed. It was revealed that both the speed and angle of impacting and entrained particles vary widely. The probability distribution of the speed of impacting and entrained particles in the saltating cloud is best described by a Weibull distribution function. The mean impact speed is generally greater than the mean lift‐off speed except for the 0·1–0·2 mm sand whose entrainment is significantly influenced by air drag. Both the impact and lift‐off angles range from 0° to 180°. The mean lift‐off angles range from 39° to 94° while the mean impact angles range from 40° to 78°, much greater than those previously reported. The greater mean lift‐off and especially the mean impact angles are attributed to mid‐air collisions at the very low height, which are difficult to detect by conventional high‐speed photography and are generally ignored in the existing theoretical simulation models. The proportion of backward‐impacting particles also evidences the mid‐air collisions. The impact energy is generally greater than the entrainment energy except for the 0·1–0·2 mm sand. There exists a reasonably good correlation of the mean speed, angle and energy between the impacting and entrained cloud in the impact–entrainment process. The results presented in this paper deserve to be considered in modelling saltation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal aspects of the abrasion of microphytic crusts under grain impact
Authors: Neuman Cheryl McKenna , Maxwell Christine
Published: October 2002

Wind‐tunnel simulations of the response of two moss crusts to grain impact indicate that, given sufficient time, these surfaces will deteriorate under very low wind velocities only slightly above u*t for the loose, saltating grains. In parallel with these experiments, the frequency distributions of ultimate strength and penetration energy were determined for each of the two crust types via penetrometry. Pohlia was found to be stronger than Tortula; but, even so, both of these crusts had ultimate strengths 20–350 times higher than the force delivered by a single grain impacting each surface at a velocity of 1 ms−1. In comparison, the modulus of deformation and penetration energy data were very similar for the two surface types, especially for the weakest areas of crust development. This observation is in accord with the wind‐tunnel simulations that also found no consistent difference in the response of these two crust types to impact. In comparison with crusts formed by clay and salt, fibrous microphytic crusts are morphologically complex and typically weak. The notable elasticity of these surfaces does reduce the force of grain impact, and thereby provides some protection against rupture. One of the central conclusions of this study suggests that not only is the particle kinetic energy at impact important in crust breakdown, but also tiny fractures at points of localized stress concentration contribute to a progressive reduction in the integrity of the filament net. In some of the experiments conducted as part of this study, up to 50 or more minutes of constant bombardment was required to produce small abrasion marks on selected areas of the microphytic crust. This study prepares a foundation for future experiments needed to examine the breakdown of complex crusts formed in nature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ageing and the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system
Authors: Reeves S. , Bench C. , Howard R.
Published: October 2002

Background

Brain dopamine has been the focus of numerous studies owing to its crucial role in motor function and in neurological and psychiatric disease processes. Whilst early work relied on postmortem data, functional imaging has allowed a more sophisticated approach to the quantification of receptor density, affinity and functional capacity. This review aims to summarise changes in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system which accompany normal ageing.

Methods

A literature search focussed on postmortem and neuroimaging studies of normal ageing within the nigrostriatal dopaminergic tract. The functional significance of age‐related effects was also considered.

Results

There are significant reductions in pre‐ and post‐synaptic markers of brain dopamine activity during normal ageing: However the rate of decline (linear or exponential), the effects of gender and heterogeneity and the mechanisms by which these changes occur remain undetermined. Limited data suggest there is a significant association between postsynaptic receptor density and specific aspects of motor and cognitive function.

Conclusion

The identification of strategies to improve dopaminergic transmission may delay the onset of motor and cognitive deficits associated with normal ageing. In order to develop effective preventative strategies, the causative mechanisms underlying age‐related changes and the interaction between synaptic structure and function need to be more clearly elucidated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.