bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The psychological effects of a lifestyle management course on war veterans and their spouses
Authors: Devilly Grant J.
Published: September 2002

This research assessed the effect on a war‐veteran outpatient group in a week‐long residential lifestyle‐management course. This course also included the veterans' partners, and all participants were assessed at intake, post‐intervention, and at three‐ and six‐month follow‐ups. In summary, it was found that while there was a statistically significant drop in PTSD symptomatology for the veterans, the clinical utility of this improvement was minimal, with an estimated effect size of d = 0.19 by six‐month follow‐up. However, the veterans displayed a significant decrease in measures of depression, anxiety, and stress by six‐month follow‐up, all with small‐to‐moderate effect sizes. Likewise, ratings of anger showed statistically significant improvement with a moderate effect size. While dyadic adjustment displayed a significant improvement to six‐month follow‐up, the derived effect size was small for the veterans. The spouses (all females in this study) displayed larger effect sizes on all measures, with the exception of ratings of anger, where a small effect was noted. Subjective quality‐of‐life indices displayed a significant change in the desired direction, although with a minimal effect for the veterans and a small effect size for the females. It was not feasible to have a control group during this naturalistic investigation and, therefore, caution is advised in over‐generalizing from these data. However, these results warrant further ‘controlled’ investigation into the inclusion of spouses in the treatment of veterans and the utility of lifestyle‐management courses as a first step in the treatment of trauma related problems that have become chronic in nature within the veteran community. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 1119–1134, 2002.
Do early responders to psychotherapy maintain treatment gains?
Authors: Haas Eric , Hill Robert D. , Lambert Michael J. , Morrell Barbara
Published: September 2002

This study examined early positive response to psychotherapy in a sample of 147 college student clients seeking therapy at a university counseling center. Early response was determined based on a score representing the difference between client‐obtained symptom distress session scores and expected scores derived from a large actuarial study of typical treatment response. In the present study, early positive response to therapy was associated with fewer psychological symptoms at therapy termination and follow‐up and maintenance of therapy gains. These results are discussed in relation to placebo effects and common factors and their primary importance in producing meaningful change. Future research directions are recommended that include the use of early response for exploring the contribution of client variables and theoretically derived interventions as they relate to the outcome of psychotherapy. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 1157–1172, 2002.
Focusing on the positive, focusing on the negative: Implications for psychotherapy
Authors: Bohart Arthur C.
Published: September 2002

Each of the contributions in this special section challenges some of our preciously held notions. We are challenged to be aware that an overfocus on positivity and optimism can be tyrannical, see the positivity in the negativity, realize that some pessimism can be adaptive, see that complaining has positive value, and be aware that false hope is not necessarily bad. Through an examination of these, I have suggested that (a) we have to be careful to deeply respect the individuality of our clients and to take seriously the possibility that there is some “ecological wisdom” in their apparently dysfunctional behavior, and (b) what is more important than optimism–pessimism, complaining versus not complaining, or false versus realistic hope is the degree to which the client adopts a task‐focused orientation towards problems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 1037–1043, 2002.
PTH‐dependent adenylyl cyclase activation in SaOS‐2 cells: Passage dependent effects on G protein interactions
Authors: Gao Hong , Bodine Peter V.N. , Murrills Richard , Bex Fred J. , Bilezikian John P. , Morris Stephen A
Published: September 2002

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity (ACA) in SaOS‐2 cells varies as a function of cell passage. In early passage (EP) cells (< 6), ACA in response to PTH and forskolin (FOR) was relatively low and equivalent, whereas in late passage (LP) cells (> 22), PTH exceeded FOR dependent ACA. Potential biochemical mechanisms for this passage dependent change in ACA were considered. In EP, prolonged exposure to pertussis toxin (PT) markedly enhanced ACA activity in response to PTH, Isoproterenol and Gpp(NH)p, whereas ACA in response to FOR was decreased. In contrast, the identical treatment of LP with PT diminished all ACA in response to PTH, Gpp(NH)p, and FOR. The dose dependent effects of PT on subsequent [32P]ADP‐ribosylation of its substrates, GTPase activity, as well as FOR‐dependent ACA, were equivalent in EP and LP. The relative amounts of Gαi and Gαs proteins, as determined both by Western blot, PT and cholera toxin (CT) dependent [32P]ADP‐ribosylation, were quantitatively similar in EP and LP. Western blot levels of Gαs and Gαi proteins were not influenced by prior exposure to PT. Both PT and CT dependent [32P]ADP‐ribosylation were dose‐dependently decreased following exposure to PT. However, the PT‐dependent decline in CT‐dependent [32P]ADP‐ribosylation occurred with enhanced sensitivity in LP. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide partially reversed the PT associated decrease in FOR dependent ACA in EP. In contrast, cycloheximide completely reversed the PT associated decrease in FOR and as well as PTH dependent ACA in LP. Gαs activity, revealed by cyc− reconstitution, was not altered either by cell passage or exposure to PT. The results suggest that the coupling between the components of the complex may be pivotally important in the differential responsiveness of early and late passage SaOS‐2 cells to PTH. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 10–18, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium channel blockers inhibit galvanotaxis in human keratinocytes
Authors: Trollinger Donna R. , Rivkah Isseroff R. , Nuccitelli Richard
Published: September 2002

Directed migration of keratinocytes is essential for wound healing. The migration of human keratinocytes in vitro is strongly influenced by the presence of a physiological electric field and these cells migrate towards the negative pole of such a field (galvanotaxis). We have previously shown that the depletion of extracellular calcium blocks the directional migration of cultured human keratinocytes in an electric field (Fang et al., 1998; J Invest Dermatol 111:751–756). Here we further investigate the role of calcium influx on the directionality and migration speed of keratinocytes during electric field exposure with the use of Ca2+ channel blockers. A constant, physiological electric field strength of 100 mV/mm was imposed on the cultured cells for 1 h. To determine the role of calcium influx during galvanotaxis we tested the effects of the voltage‐dependent cation channel blockers, verapamil and amiloride, as well as the inorganic Ca2+ channel blockers, Ni2+ and Gd3+ and the Ca2+ substitute, Sr2+, on the speed and directionality of keratinocyte migration during galvanotaxis. Neither amiloride (10 μM) nor verapamil (10 μM) had any effect on the galvanotaxis response. Therefore, calcium influx through amiloride‐sensitive channels is not required for galvanotaxis, and membrane depolarization via K+ channel activity is also not required. In contrast, Sr2+ (5 mM), Ni2+ (1–5 mM), and Gd3+ (100 μM) all significantly inhibit the directional migratory response to some degree. While Sr2+ strongly inhibits directed migration, the cells exhibit nearly normal migration speeds. These findings suggest that calcium influx through Ca2+ channels is required for directed migration of keratinocytes during galvanotaxis and that directional migration and migration speed are probably controlled by separate mechanisms. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 1–9, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium induces differentiation of primary human salivary acinar cells
Authors: Hiraki Akimitsu , Shirasuna Kanemitsu , Ikari Tatsuya , Shinohara Masanori , Garrod David R.
Published: September 2002

Cultivation of human parotid glands in serum‐free medium (Ca2+ concentration, 0.2 mM) with growth supplements resulted in isolation of a homogeneous population of epithelial cells without any mesenchymal cells. The isolated cells showed an undifferentiated phenotype with scant cytoplasmic organelles, and low levels of α‐amylase expression. The cells remained viable and undifferentiated for up to 24 passages when subcultured at 80% confluence in 0.2 mM Ca2+ medium with a 1:3 split ratios. There was little cell–cell contact. A Ca2+ switch from 0.2 to 1 mM induced cell–cell contact with translocation of desmosomal proteins from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane, and sequential differentiation of serous acinar cells with a glandular arrangement, well‐developed cytoplasmic organelles and an increased level of α‐amylase expression. These morphological changes and desmosome assembly were blocked by treatment with non‐specific PKC inhibitor. Moreover, the addition of PKC activator, tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA), to 0.2 mM Ca2+ medium caused transient assembly of desmosome‐like structure, but did not induce cell–cell contact or morphological differentiation. Cultivation of the cells in 1.5 mM Ca2+ medium resulted in increased stratification of the cells and reduced α‐amylase expression. These findings provide the first demonstration that continuous cultivation in 1.0 mM Ca2+ medium is required for cellular differentiation of salivary gland acinar cells, and maintenance of the differentiated state. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 55–63, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic effect of the anti‐HER‐2/neu antibody and cisplatin in immortalized and primary mesothelioma cell lines
Authors: Toma Salvatore , Colucci Lucia , Scarabelli Linda , Scaramuccia Angelo , Emionite Laura , Betta Pier Giacomo , Mutti Luciano
Published: September 2002

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) still remains a therapeutic and diagnostic problem to which new therapeutic perspectives are being continuously tried and tested. Three different primary cultures (MMGe‐1, MES MM 98, and MES 1) and one immortalized cell line (MSTO 211 H) of human MM were studied in order to evaluate the HER‐2/neu expression. Three out of four cell lines showed a different level of c‐erbB‐2 expression, the highest being detected on the MSTO 211 H cell line (fibroblastic phenotype), whereas MMGe‐1 resulted negative. The effect of the anti‐HER‐2/neu antibody (Trastuzumab) alone, and in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) at different doses (ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg/ml), was studied on all the c‐erB‐2 positive cell lines. Trastuzumab was able to inhibit cell proliferation in a time‐dependent manner, with growth inhibition also obtained at low concentrations (0.1–1 μg/ml). Combined treatment with Trastuzumab (10 μg/ml) and CDDP (1 μg/ml) showed synergism. Our results were encouraging, and suggest a rationale for further investigations in a clinical setting. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 37–41, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sortilin is upregulated during osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and promotes extracellular matrix mineralization
Authors: Maeda Shingo , Nobukuni Takahiro , Shimo‐Onoda Kazuki , Hayashi Kyoji , Yone Kazunori , Komiya Setsuro , Inoue Ituro
Published: September 2002

Osteoblasts and adipocytes are derived from a common precursor in bone marrow, the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Factors driving human MSCs (hMSCs) to differentiate down the two lineages play important roles in determining bone density because it has been shown that bone volume loss associated with osteoporosis and aging is accompanied by reduced osteoblastic bone formation and increased marrow adipose tissue. The genes upregulated in hMSCs during osteogenic differentiation were screened using cDNA microarrays and were semi‐quantitated by real‐time RT‐PCR. One of the genes identified was sortilin, which was upregulated one day after osteogenic induction and remained upregulated for a week. The overexpression of sortilin in hMSCs using an adenovirus vector resulted in the acceleration of mineralization during osteogenic differentiation without affecting alkaline phosphatase activity. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), produced by adipocytes, is bound by sortilin, which may mediate its endocytosis. By adding LPL to osteogenic induction medium, osteoblastic mineralization was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner. Interestingly, sortilin overexpression abolished the LPL‐mediated suppression of osteogenic differentiation. hMSCs exist in marrow where LPL‐producing adipose cells are abundant and where osteogenesis is negatively regulated by LPL. Sortilin has a counter effect of promoting osteogenesis by acting as a scavenger of LPL. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 73–79, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titin‐cap associates with, and regulates secretion of, Myostatin
Authors: Nicholas Gina , Thomas Mark , Langley Brett , Somers Wayne , Patel Ketan , Kemp C. Fred , Sharma Mridula , Kambadur Ravi
Published: September 2002

Myostatin, a secreted growth factor, is a key negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. To identify modifiers of Myostatin function, we screened for Myostatin interacting proteins. Using a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we identified Titin‐cap (T‐cap) protein as interacting with Myostatin. T‐cap is a sarcomeric protein that binds to the N‐terminal domain of Titin and is a substrate of the titin kinase. Mammalian two‐hybrid studies, in vitro binding assays and protein truncations in the yeast two‐hybrid system verified the specific interaction between processed mature Myostatin and full‐length T‐cap. Analysis of protein–protein interaction using surface plasmon resonance (Biacore, Uppsala, Sweden) kinetics revealed a high affinity between Myostatin and T‐cap with a KD of 40 nM. When T‐cap was stably overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts, the rate of cell proliferation was significantly increased. Western analyses showed that production and processing of Myostatin were not altered in cells overexpressing T‐cap, but an increase in the retention of mature Myostatin indicated that T‐cap may block Myostatin secretion. Bioassay for Myostatin confirmed that conditioned media from myoblasts overexpressing T‐cap contained lower levels of Myostatin. Given that Myostatin negatively regulates myoblast proliferation, the increase in proliferation observed in myoblasts overexpressing T‐cap could thus be due to reduced Myostatin secretion. These results suggest that T‐cap, by interacting with Myostatin, controls Myostatin secretion in myogenic precursor cells without affecting the processing step of precursor Myostatin. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 120–131, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the prediction of liquid back‐mixing in trickle‐bed reactors using a neural network approach
Authors: Piché Simon , Larachi Faïçal , Iliuta Ion , Grandjean Bernard P A
Published: September 2002

Current correlations aimed at estimating the extent of liquid back‐mixing, via an axial dispersion coefficient, in trickle‐bed reactors continue to draw doubts on their ability to conveniently represent this important macroscopic parameter. A comprehensive database containing 973 liquid axial dispersion coefficient measurements (DAX) for trickle‐bed operation reported in 22 publications between 1958 and 2001 was thus used to assess the convenience of the few available correlations. It was shown that none of the literature correlations was efficient at providing satisfactory predictions of the liquid axial dispersion coefficients. In response, artificial neural network modeling is proposed to improve the broadness and accuracy in predicting the DAX, whether the Piston–Dispersion (PD), Piston–Dispersion–Exchange (PDE) or PDE with intra‐particle diffusion model is employed to extract the DAX. A combination of six dimensionless groups and a discrimination code input representing the residence‐time distribution models are used to predict the Bodenstein number. The inputs are the liquid Reynolds, Galileo and Eötvos numbers, the gas Galileo number, a wall factor and a mixed Reynolds number involving the gas flow rate effect. The correlation yields an absolute average error (AARE) of 22% for the whole database with a standard deviation on the AARE of 24% and remains in accordance with parametric influences reported in the literature.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradation of chlorophenols using the cell‐free culture broth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized in polyurethane foam
Authors: Choi Sue Hyung , Moon Seung‐Hyeon , Gu Man Bock
Published: September 2002

A cell‐free culture broth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized in polyurethane foam has been evaluated for the biodegradation of chlorophenols. Lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and oxalate concentrations in cell‐free culture broth were measured and compared to find the optimum combination of secondary metabolites for the highest biodegradation of chlorophenols. The isozyme distributions and their expression levels were significantly different and changed with increases in the culture time. The oxalate concentration was also found to vary, depending on culture time. Cell‐free broth containing an optimal combination of secondary metabolites showed the greatest biodegradation of 2,4,5‐chlorophenol in the presence of veratryl alcohol and H2O2. Phenols with greater numbers of chlorines were degraded more efficiently by this cell‐free culture broth according to the results of biodegradation experiments for five chlorophenols, including 2‐, 4‐, 2,4‐, 2,4,5‐, and pentachlorophenol, as well as phenol. This degradation efficiency correlated well with remaining lignin peroxidase activity during degradation. Cell‐free culture broths may readily be used for biodegradation of highly recalcitrant chemicals since the system would not be affected by the toxicity of the chemicals nor would the adsorption characteristics of the cells be of concern.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of hardness in fermentation broth by electrodialysis
Authors: Lee Hong‐Joo , Oh Suk Jung , Moon Seung‐Hyeon
Published: September 2002

Lysine fermentation broth was desalinated by electrodialysis to reduce hardness concentrations as a pretreatment procedure for the purification and recovery of amino acids. Electrodialysis performance was investigated in terms of the rate of reduction in conductivity in dilute solutions and electrodialysis cell resistance for different ion exchange membranes at a constant current density. Among the membranes investigated in this study, membranes with high water content showed the better performance for hardness removal. Fouling experiments revealed that organics gave rise to fouling effects on the anion exchange membrane during demineralization of the lysine fermentation broth. The pulsed electric field with the half‐wave power enhanced the electrodialysis performances by mitigating membrane fouling in desalination of the lysine fermentation broth. This study successfully demonstrated the potential use of pulse power as an effective cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) method during electrodialysis of fermentation broth.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Ammonium fumarate production by free or immobilised Rhizopus arrhizus in bench‐ and laboratory‐scale bioreactors
Authors: Riscaldati Emanuele , Moresi Mauro , Federici Federico , Petruccioli Maurizio
Published: September 2002

Ammonium fumarate production from glucose‐based media by Rhizopus arrhizus NRRL 1526 with mycelial growth controlled by phosphorus limitation exhibited mixed‐growth‐associated product formation kinetics, with growth‐associated production related to secondary mycelial growth only. The contribution of the primary mycelial growth phase was minimised by resorting to prolonged batch production using free mycelia under intermittent glucose feeding or repeated batch production using immobilised mycelia. The metabolic activity of free or immobilised mycelia was limited by fumarate accumulation or by oxygen diffusion phenomena, respectively. For batch cultures in a 15 dm3 stirred bioreactor the peripheral impeller speed (vI) was increased from 1.88 to 3.3 m s−1, and the fumarate yield coefficient on glucose increased from 0.25 ± 0.01 to 0.42 ± 0.02 g g−1, while the malate yield coefficient on fumarate (YM/F) reduced from 0.46 ± 0.01 to 0.14 ± 0.01 g g−1. With a net increase in the fumarate‐to‐malate ratio from 2 to 6.5, a vI value of 3.3 m s−1 gave the best fermentation performance and provided a basis for further scale‐up studies.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenol degradation in rotating biological contactors
Authors: Israni Sameer H , Koli Shrikant S , Patwardhan Ashwin W , Melo J S , D'souza S F
Published: September 2002

The biodegradation of synthetically‐prepared phenol wastewater was studied in a single stage, bench‐scale rotating biological contactor (RBC). The effect of process variables, namely rotational speed (40–175 rpm), input phenol loading (1754–3508 mg phenol m−2 h−1), input hydraulic loading (8.77–23.42 dm3 m−2 h−1), and temperature of wastewater (20–30 °C) on the amount of phenol removed in the system was investigated. It was observed that an increase in the speed of rotation significantly improved the performance. An increase in the hydraulic loading rates caused a reduction in the phenol removal rate, while an increase in the organic loading rate resulted in an improvement in performance. An increase in temperature caused an increase in the microbial activity and therefore gave better performance. A mathematical model has been developed based on oxygen transfer and kinetics of biodegradation.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimation of uncertainties in the performance indices of an oxidation ditch benchmark
Authors: Abusam A , Keesman K J , Spanjers H , van Straten G , Meinema K
Published: September 2002

Estimation of the influence of different sources of uncertainty is very important in obtaining a thorough evaluation or a fair comparison of the various control strategies proposed for wastewater treatment plants. This paper illustrates, using real data obtained from a full‐scale oxidation ditch wastewater treatment plant, how the effect of the various uncertainty sources can be quantified. A Monte Carlo simulation analysis method was preferred over a first‐order variance analysis method because it is more reliable and it provides the complete probability distribution. For various sources of uncertainty, except for the additive modelling error, samples were selected using the efficient Latin Hypercube Sampling technique. Large deviations in the benchmark performance indices from the nominal values, due to uncertainty in influent loads and parameter values, were found, in particular, for effluent quality and total sludge production indices. However, relatively smaller deviations are found due to uncertainty in the states' initial conditions. The effect of the model structural uncertainty on the performance indices was found to be negligible.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Transvaginal sonography in the detection of retained products of conception after first‐trimester spontaneous abortion
Authors: Wong Shell Fean , Lam Man Ho , Ho Lau Cheung
Published: September 2002

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the use of transvaginal sonography to detect retained products of conception after first‐trimester spontaneous abortion.

Methods

All women who arrived at our hospital with spontaneous first‐trimester abortions were included in this study and underwent transvaginal sonography. A sonographic diagnosis of “incomplete abortion” was based on a bilayer endometrial thickness of more than 8 mm. The final diagnosis of complete or incomplete abortion was based on the histopathologic findings at dilatation and curettage. The sensitivity and specificity of both clinical and sonographic examinations for detecting products of conception were assessed.

Results

A total of 113 women were recruited, and 14 were excluded for various reasons. Among 52 women with a clinically incomplete abortion, only 50% had retained products of conception. The use of transvaginal sonography resulted in a 29% (15/52) reduction of surgical intervention in these women. On the other hand, 30% (14/47) of women with a clinical diagnosis of complete abortion had retained products of conception. The sensitivity and specificity of cervical status for detecting retained products of conception were 65% and 56%, respectively, whereas the overall sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal sonographic examination (bilayer endometrial thickness 8 mm or less) were 100% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

Transvaginal sonography is a useful supplement to clinical assessment in women who experience a spontaneous first‐trimester abortion. If this modality is used to assess the uterine cavity, the cervical status can be ignored. Use of transvaginal sonography should reduce unnecessary general anesthesia and uterine curettage. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:428–432, 2002
Sonographic detection of diffuse peripheral nerve enlargement in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
Authors: Beekman Roy , Visser Leo H.
Published: September 2002

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is a disorder characterized by a tendency to develop focal neuropathies after trivial traumas. On teased nerve fiber studies, sausage‐shaped myelin sheath swellings (tomacula) are found. We report the sonographic findings in a patient with genetically proven HNPP. We were able to demonstrate enlargement of several peripheral nerves, even nerves that were clinically unaffected. Enlargement was found not only at typical nerve entrapment sites but also outside these sites. This diffuse nerve enlargement may play an important role in the pathogenesis of entrapment neuropathies in HNPP patients. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:433–436, 2002
Sonographically guided percutaneous sclerosis using 1% polidocanol in the treatment of vascular malformations
Authors: Jain Rajeev , Bandhu Suman , Sawhney Sukhpal , Mittal Ravi
Published: September 2002

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of sonographically guided percutaneous injection of 1% polidocanol for sclerosis of peripheral vascular malformations.

Methods

Patients with vascular malformations of soft tissues were invited to enroll in the study. Gray‐scale and color Doppler sonography were performed to determine the texture, margins, and size of the lesions and to determine whether high‐velocity blood flow was present. Using real‐time sonographic guidance, lesions were punctured with a 20/21‐gauge spinal needle. When possible, venous return was occluded before injection. For each injection, 1–6 ml of 1% polidocanol was injected into 1 or more sites within the lesion. The sclerosing agent was not aspirated after injection. Repeat radiography was performed 1 month after each injection session. The procedure was repeated if the patient did not have a complete response, defined as an 80% or greater decrease in the volume of the lesion or resolution of the presenting symptoms.

Results

Of the 15 patients enrolled, 9 had venous malformations, 3 had lymphangiomas, 1 had a recurrent aneurysmal bone cyst, 1 had a venous pseudoaneurysm, and 1 had an arteriovenous malformation of the pinna. Each patient received 1–20 injections of 1% polidocanol (mean ± standard deviation, 3.3 ± 4.8 injections). This treatment resulted in a complete response of 7 venous malformations, 3 lymphangiomas, and the arteriovenous malformation and partial response of 2 venous malformations, the recurrent aneurysmal bone cyst, and the venous pseudoaneurysm. Only minor complications occurred.

Conclusions

Sonographically guided percutaneous injection of 1% polidocanol for sclerosis of peripheral vascular lesions is simple, effective, and safe. This technique is especially effective in cases of soft tissue venous malformation and lymphangioma. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:416–423, 2002
The African green revolution as a pro‐poor policy instrument
Authors: Mosley Paul
Published: September 2002

In opposition to a number of the presentations at the Conference, we argue that the development of foodcrop agriculture needs to be considered as a pivotal poverty reduction strategy in Africa—in spite of the sector's erratic performance which has seen a number of ‘mini‐green revolutions’ take off, falter and crash back to earth. We insist that for at least five reasons—the scale‐neutrality of hybrid seed technology, its labour‐intensity, its tendency to reduce risks, its ability to reduce the prices of poor people's basic foods and its ability to stimulate off‐farm linkages—the hybrid seed revolution, partial though it has been, needs to be supported and sustained, and not dismissed as fated to fail in African conditions. We support this conclusion by two estimates of poverty impact of these ‘new’ technologies—a quick and dirty estimate based on four channels of impact only (income of adopter households, labour market, consumer prices and off‐farm linkages) and an estimate derived from a multi‐market model of Uganda, in which about one‐tenth of the poverty reduction achieved in Uganda since 1992 is ascribed to productivity change in maize and cassava. We note that a number of domestic and aid policy factors—from weak rural infrastructure and financial systems to food aid—have tended to reduce either the incentive to introduce new technologies, and/or the poverty‐elasticity of their introduction. To reduce many of the different poverties from which Africa suffers, we argue, the policies responsible for the underdevelopment of its cereal crops need coordinated reform across many countries; in preparing such reform, inspiration can be taken from the policies which preceded the surge in agricultural productivity in India, Indonesia and China 30 years ago. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Livelihood diversification: increasing in importance or increasingly recognized? Evidence from southern Ethiopia
Authors: Carswell Grace
Published: September 2002

Drawing on research from southern Ethiopia this article presents evidence that non‐farm and off‐farm activities are carried out by a significant proportion of adults and make an important contribution to livelihoods. It shows that there is a high involvement of women in diversification and that the contribution of diversification activities to cash incomes is particularly important for poorer households. The single most important activity is trading, while labouring for others is also important. The paper also shows the need for greater historical depth in the understanding of livelihood diversification. In highland Wolayta non‐farm activities (particularly trading and labouring for others) have a long history. In the case of the latter people worked as labourers as part of a set of arrangements that enabled them to gain access to key resources. These arrangements were deeply embedded in complex social relations. As these institutional arrangements have changed, so ‘diversification activities’ have become more visible. Consideration of the historical and social contexts is thus critical for a firm understanding of livelihood change and the changing role and importance of diversification activities. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rural livelihoods in Sri Lanka: an indication of poverty?
Authors: Marzano Mariella
Published: September 2002

In rural Sri Lanka the demands of using appropriate methodologies for identifying poverty and subsequently persons who may or may not benefit from development interventions are challenging and made more difficult when considering the villager's own perceptions of what it means to be poor. Investigations into livelihoods can promote an awareness of the nature of activities that people engage in and the resources they are able or would like to access with the associated conflicts over entitlements. In a village setting the hierarchical nature of these strategies may highlight people's vulnerability. This has further implications for development in Sri Lanka where decisions over the allocation of agricultural assistance, particularly at a local level, is often biased towards those who focus entirely on agriculture and thus are considered to be ‘real’ farmers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the transnational community of non‐government organizations: governance or poverty reduction?
Authors: Townsend Janet G. , Porter Gina , Mawdsley Emma
Published: September 2002

Non‐government organizations working in development form a transnational community which has a new role in imperialism today. We explored the knowledge economy of this community with NGDOs in Ghana, India, Mexico and Europe and found it to be largely donor‐controlled and generally top‐down, often against the will of committed individual actors. Governability is arguably a greater priority to donors than the most effective poverty reduction. The new managerialism and its audit culture impose demands on NGDOs that tend to work against any ‘listening’ to southern NGDOs or their clients, so that the sharing of local knowledge and ideas is very restricted. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NGOs, gender and indigenous grassroots development
Authors: Henshall Momsen Janet
Published: September 2002

This paper looks at two very similar efforts by indigenous communities to develop a tourist attraction based on their own culture and to market it in two very different environments: California and Mexico. Both groups have been displaced from their traditional areas, are being advised by a woman consultant and are expecting women community members to provide cultural performances and crafts for sale to visitors. Unlike the NGOs involved, the communities see this tourism activity as a reclamation and reaffirmation of a culture that has been almost lost, rather than as an exercise in local economic development. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land reform: still a goal worth pursuing for rural women?
Authors: Jacobs Susie
Published: September 2002

Land reform has recently become a topic of interest to the media. Given historical experience and current changes, are land reform policies still worthwhile objects of struggle for rural women? The article discusses arguments ‘against’: for instance, women have been excluded from most past land reforms, and many rural people have had to diversify their livelihood bases, so that agriculture has diminished in importance. Despite these and other points, the article argues that land reform which includes women would be of great benefit: it would increase food security, would allow wives to keep better control over their own incomes, and would increase women's status more generally. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myocardial tagging with 3D‐CSPAMM
Authors: Ryf Salome , Spiegel Marcus A. , Gerber Michael , Boesiger Peter
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To introduce a true three‐dimensional (3D) tagging technique for the assessment of myocardial tissue motion.

Materials and Methods

To generate a 3D tagging grid, a complementary spatial modulation of magnetization (CSPAMM) was applied in three spatial directions. Imaging was performed using a conventional fast 3D gradient‐echo sequence. For automatic analysis of the 3D‐CSPAMM data set, evaluation software, based on a 3D extension of the HARP technique, was used.

Results

Successful application of the 3D‐CSPAMM technique in healthy subjects allowed the accurate determination of quantitative 3D motion patterns in the human heart.

Conclusion

3D‐CSPAMM may contribute to the quantification of the local 3D myocardial motion pattern throughout the cardiac cycle. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:320–325. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution selective three‐dimensional magnetic resonance coronary angiography with navigator‐echo technique: Segment‐by‐segment evaluation of coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Watanabe Yuji , Nagayama Masako , Amoh Yoshiki , Fujii Masako , Fuku Yasushi , Okumura Akira , Van Cauteren Marc , Stuber Matthias , Dodo Yoshihiro
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of high‐resolution selective three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in the evaluation of coronary artery stenoses.

Materials and Methods

In 12 patients with coronary artery stenoses, MRCA of the coronary artery groups, including the coronary segments with stenoses of 50% or greater based on conventional x‐ray coronary angiography (CAG), was performed with double‐oblique imaging planes by orienting the 3D slab along the major axis of each right coronary artery‐left circumflex artery (RCA‐LCX) group and each left main trunk‐left anterior descending artery (LMT‐LAD) group. Ten RCA‐LCX and five LMT‐LAD MR angiograms were obtained, and the results were compared with those of conventional x‐ray angiography.

Results

Among 70 coronary artery segments expected to be covered, a total of 49 (70%) segments were fully demonstrated in diagnostic quality. The identification of segmental location of stenoses showed as high an accuracy as 96%. The retrospective analysis for stenosis of 50% or greater yielded the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 80%, 85%, and 84%, respectively.

Conclusion

Selective 3D MRCA has the potential for segment‐by‐segment evaluation of major portions of the right and left coronary arteries with high accuracy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:238–245. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of hematopoietic bone marrow in male professional cyclists by magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine
Authors: Altehoefer Carsten , Schmid Andreas , Büchert Martin , Ghanem Nadir A. , Heinrich Lothar , Langer Mathias
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate hematopoietic bone marrow of male professional cyclists in relation to performance data and laboratory data, and in comparison to age‐matched healthy volunteers.

Materials and Methods

Twenty male cyclists and 44 volunteers (27 males and 17 females) were prospectively studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at high‐field strength. A sagittal T1‐weighted (T1‐w) spin‐echo (SE) sequence, a gradient‐echo (GE) sequence with an echo time (TE) for out‐of‐phase (OOP) imaging, and a turbo inversion‐recovery sequence with short inversion time (TIRM) for fat suppression was used. The averaged bone marrow signal intensity (SI) of three adjacent vertebrae was related to the signal of an adjacent nondegenerative disk.

Results

The cyclists revealed a significantly different SI as compared to male volunteers in the OOP (0.34 ± 0.14 vs. 0.28 ± 0.09, P < 0.05) and T1‐w sequences (1.62 ± 0.19 vs. 1.77 ± 0.30, P < 0.05). Only in TIRM was there a significant difference compared to female volunteers (0.36 ± 0.08 vs. 0.44 ± 0.04, P < 0.01). MRI data of cyclists did not correlate to hemoglobin, erythrocyte, or reticulocyte counts; ferritin, relative heart volume, relative maximal power (rPmax; W/kg bw), or relative maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). A borderline linear correlation was found for hematocrit (OOP: r = 0.42, P = 0.06; TIRM: r = 0.44, P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Bone marrow hyperplasia is observed in male professional cyclists in the axial skeleton. The MR findings are probably independent of mechanically induced marrow edema. A multifactorial cause must be considered, as single laboratory and performance data did not appear to contribute significantly to these results. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:284–288. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Image‐guided surgery for anal fistula in a 0.5T interventional MRI unit
Authors: Gould S.W.T , Martin S. , Agarwal T. , Patel B. , Gedroyc W. , Darzi A.
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To determine whether MR‐guided anorectal surgery is feasible, and to develop techniques for MR‐guided anal fistula surgery.

Materials and Methods

Six patients with pilonidal sinus (PNS), and 21 with suspected anal fistulae were operated on in the GE Signa SPIO 0.5T interventional MRI unit. Procedures were performed with magnet‐safe Lockhart‐Mummery fistula probes. Preprocedural and intra‐operative MRI (IOMRI) techniques were used to identify the extent of the fistula tracts and septic foci, and to ensure the adequacy of the surgical procedure.

Results

IOMRI demonstrated the PNS lesions and the adequacy of excision. Imaging failed to demonstrate a fistula in two patients, as confirmed by surgical examination. No images were obtained in one patient due to his size (weight in excess of 100 kg). In 18 patients a fistula tract or abscess was demonstrated and IOMRI was used to assess the adequacy of the surgical procedure. In three patients this demonstrated incomplete drainage of septic foci, which was not obvious on inspection of the surgical field. We believe that in these patients IOMRI prevented an incomplete procedure and the potential requirement for a second operation. Further surgery was performed to rectify this situation. The fistula tract was laid open in 13 patients, and a Seton drain was inserted in five.

Conclusion

MRI‐guided surgery for anal fistula is feasible. IOMRI demonstrates the exact anatomy of the tracts and abscesses, and confirms that all have been adequately treated. We believe it may become particularly useful in surgery for recurrent and complex anal fistulae, and may lead to fewer recurrences. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:267–276. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of left ventricular performance through temporal pressure variations measured by MR velocity and acceleration mappings
Authors: Tasu Jean‐Pierre , Mousseaux Elie , Colin Patrice , Slama Michel S. , Jolivet Odile , Bittoun Jacques
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To describe a method for assessing pressure variation vs. time (dp/dt) using blood flow acceleration measured by MRI, and to demonstrate its applicability in estimating left ventricular (LV) function.

Materials and Methods

The method was tested in vitro using a pulsatile phantom, and a strong correlation was found between transducer and MRI determinations of dp/dt (r = 0.98). Selected aortic flow parameters were then measured in 10 patients and the results were compared with transducer measurements of the LV dp/dt.

Results

The correlation coefficients for the reference estimations of global myocardial function and MRI were 0.59 for aortic velocity, 0.74 for aortic acceleration, and 0.86 for aortic dp/dt.

Conclusion

MR measurements of velocity and acceleration within the ascending aorta offer a noninvasive method for determining indices, such as the aortic dp/dt, that are closely correlated with the global myocardial contractility function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:246–252. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of automated and manual MRI volumetry of hippocampus in normal aging and dementia
Authors: Hsu Yuan‐Yu , Schuff Norbert , Du An‐Tao , Mark Kevin , Zhu Xiaoping , Hardin Dawn , Weiner Michael W.
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To determine whether automatic and manual measurements of hippocampal volume differences on MRI between normal aging, cognitive impairment (CI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) yield similar results.

Materials and Methods

Reliability was determined for an automatic and a manual method on nine volunteers (22–83 years old) who underwent MRI twice in 1 day. Hippocampal volumes of 20 cognitively normal subjects (mean age 74.0 ± 6.2 years) and age‐matched patients (20 CI and 20 AD) were compared.

Results

The intraclass correlation for automatic calculations of hippocampal volume was 0.94; for manual tracing it was 0.99. Volume differences between cognitively normal, CI, and AD subjects from the automatic and manual methods were similar.

Conclusion

Because the automatic calculations were faster and less susceptible to rater bias than manual tracing, this automated method is expected to be very useful for analyzing hippocampal changes in studies of aging and dementia. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:305–310. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of right ventricular volume measurement between segmented k‐space gradient‐echo and steady‐state free precession magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Alfakih Khaled , Thiele Holger , Plein Sven , Bainbridge Gavin J. , Ridgway John P. , Sivananthan Mohan U.
Published: September 2002

Purpose

To compare right ventricular volume measurements and their reproducibility between steady‐state free precession (SSFP) and conventional turbo gradient‐echo (TGE) imaging.

Materials and Methods

Right ventricular volumes and observer variabilities were compared between SSFP and TGE in 31 subjects (21 normal volunteers and 10 subjects with heart failure). For further internal validation of the right ventricular volumes, the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) stroke volumes were compared for the normal volunteers.

Results

The volumes as measured by SSFP were significantly larger than for TGE (mean bias end‐diastolic volume [EDV] 11.1 ± 14.2, end‐systolic volume [ESV] 9.8 ± 9.75). SSFP had lower interobserver variability (SSFP EDV −10.1 ± 11.6 vs. TGE EDV −6.2 ± 18.5) and intra‐observer variability (SSFP EDV −2.0 ± 6.3 vs. TGE EDV −6.1 ± 14.8). The mean absolute differences between LV and RV stroke volumes for 21 normal volunteers were: TGE 5.8 ± 12.9 (r2 = 0.72), SSFP 4.6 ± 6.9 (r2 = 0.92).

Conclusion

SSFP and TGE yield different measurement values of RV volumes with SSFP, providing a more reproducible measurement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:253–258. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of Cu+ and Cu2+ ions with α‐alanine. A density functional study
Authors: Marino Tiziana , Russo Nino , Toscano Marirosa
Published: September 2002

The Cu+ and Cu2+ preferred binding sites on α‐alanine and their affinity values for this amino acid were determined at the density functional level using three different hybrid exchange correlation potentials and the 6–311++G** basis set. The results demonstrated that the two ions both give stable complexes with α‐alanine but the stability order of the metalated species and the coordination sites are different depending on the nature of the cation. In particular, the Cu+–α‐alanine ground‐state structure is characterized by an η2‐N,O coordination with the nitrogen and oxygen atoms belonging to the amino and carbonyl groups, respectively. In contrast, the most stable complex of the Cu2+–α‐alanine system has an η2‐O,O coordination with the cation bonded to the —CO2− moiety of the zwitterionic form of the amino acid. Comparison with the Cu+ and Cu2+ affinity values for glycine, computed at the same levels of theory, demonstrated that the relative values do not change significantly as different hybrid functionals are used, although the absolute affinities are strongly influenced by the choice of the hybrid potential. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.