bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early reconstitution of the T‐cell repertoire after non‐myeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is from post‐thymic T‐cell expansion and is unaffected by graft‐versus‐host disease or mixed chimaerism
Authors: Bahceci Erkut , Epperson Diane , Douek Daniel C. , Melenhorst J. Joseph , Childs Richard C. , Barrett A. John.
Published: September 2003

Summary. To study immune recovery after non‐myeloablative, reduced‐intensity stem cell allografts (NST) and T‐cell‐depleted myeloablative transplants (TCD), we measured T‐cell subset recovery by flow cytometry, T‐cell repertoire by spectratyping and thymic T‐cell output using a T‐cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay. We found a rapid and comparable increase in lymphocyte numbers in both NST and TCD, supporting the presence of a powerful drive for lymphocyte recovery after transplant. Spectratyping on d 45 and 100 revealed almost complete normalization of the T‐cell repertoire in NST patients by d 45, whereas TCD patients demonstrated marked skewing of the repertoire, persisting to d 100. After NST, there was a significantly higher number of TREC‐positive CD4+ and CD8+ cells (P = 0·02 and P = 0·01 respectively). However, in both NST and TCD, early T‐cell recovery after transplant appeared to result entirely from post‐thymic T cells, the expansion pattern of which is most influenced by the starting T‐cell dose, but not markedly by graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) or mixed chimaerism. These results define important qualitative differences in the T‐cell repertoire according to the type of transplant schedule used.
Upregulation of osteoclast α2β1 integrin compensates for lack of αvβ3 vitronectin receptor in Iraqi‐Jewish‐type Glanzmann thrombasthenia
Authors: Horton Michael A. , Massey Helen M. , Rosenberg Nurit , Nicholls Brian , Seligsohn Uri , Flanagan Adrienne M.
Published: September 2003

Summary. Osteoclasts utilize αvβ3 integrin adhesion to bone matrix during bone resorption. We have generated osteoclasts from the peripheral blood of Iraqi‐Jewish patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) who are completely deficient in β3 integrin and exhibit a haemorrhagic diathesis resulting from the absence of platelet αIIbβ3. We show that, in contrast to osteoclasts generated from normal subjects or patients with αIIb integrin deficiency, GT osteoclasts lack αvβ3. These osteoclasts exhibited a two‐ to fourfold increase in α2 and β1 integrin expression, whereas other αv integrins, including αvβ5, were not significantly affected. An accompanying decrease in bone resorption was observed, with 44% and 59% declines in pit number and depth, respectively, and resorption lacunae showed abnormal morphology on scanning electron microscopy. However, osteoclasts from GT developed in similar numbers to controls and exhibited an otherwise ‘normal’ phenotype. We conclude that the observed rise in α2β1 expression compensates for the chronic genetic deficiency of αvβ3 in osteoclasts from patients with GT and is sufficient to enable bone resorption to proceed, albeit to a submaximal extent. This explains why Iraqi‐Jewish patients with GT do not have osteopetrosis.
Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in young patients with myocardial infarction and its relationship with the fibrinolytic function and the protein C system
Authors: Zorio Esther , Castelló Remedios , Falcó Cristina , España Francisco , Osa Ana , Almenar Luis , Aznar Justo , Estellés Amparo
Published: September 2003

Summary. Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a fibrinolytic inhibitor. Studies in coronary artery disease have reported increased TAFI activity (TAFI Act) and low TAFI antigen (TAFI Ag) levels. This controversy might be explained by the polymorphisms of its gene. Only the Thr325Ile polymorphism modulates both TAFI Ag and Act levels in vitro. This study assessed TAFI Ag and Act levels, TAFI Thr325Ile polymorphism, the fibrinolytic and protein C systems and some prothrombotic mutations in a young patient group (n = 127, aged < 51 years, with myocardial infarction) and a control group (n = 99) with similar characteristics. Patients exhibited hypofibrinolysis and higher plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels. Although TAFI Ag was lower, TAFI Act level was significantly higher in patients and positively correlated with PAI‐1, protein C inhibitor and the euglobulin lysis time. No differences between groups were found according to the Thr325Ile polymorphism. Irrespective of the genotype, patients had higher TAFI Act levels. The Ile‐325 variant exhibited lower TAFI Ag levels. We suggest that the hypofibrinolysis observed in these patients results from an increase in both PAI‐1 and TAFI Act, which is not related to the Thr325Ile polymorphism. Patients have high TAFI Act with low TAFI Ag levels, probably because of an increased stability of TAFI related to a fibrinolytic hypofunction.
Careful nursing: a model for contemporary nursing practice
Authors: Meehan Therese Connell
Published: September 2003

Background. Careful nursing, a system of nursing developed in Ireland by Catherine McAuley in the early years of the 19th century and used by Irish nurses at the Crimean war, has been described as Ireland's legacy to nursing. Although records of careful nursing have been preserved, it has received little attention in the nursing literature.

Aim. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary content analysis of the mainly primary source historical documentation of the careful nursing system and present it within the structure of a contemporary conceptual model of nursing.

Methods. The documents describing the careful nursing system were studied and re‐studied to gain understanding of the philosophical assumptions underlying careful nursing and of the thinking, attitudes, actions and practice of the nurses. Content relating to the four central nursing concepts was identified and summarized.

Results. Careful nursing definitions of person, environment, health and nursing are presented. Ten key concepts of careful nursing practice are identified as disinterested love, contagious calmness, creation of a restorative environment, ‘perfect’ skill in fostering safety and comfort, nursing interventions, health education, participatory‐authoritative management, trustworthy collaboration, power derived from service and nurses’ care for themselves. The spiritual dimension of human life and the spiritual in nursing emerge as important characteristics of the model.

Conclusions. The results of this preliminary analysis require further verification and critical examination. However, the careful nursing model illuminates important aspects of professional nursing and could be further developed to conceptualize and guide nursing practice.
Lyme disease presenting with multiple erythema migrans lesions: an illustrative case
Authors: Weed Brent , Davis Mark D. P.
Published: September 2003

A 39‐year‐old, previously healthy male park ranger presented to the emergency room with a 24‐h history of a rapidly progressive, widespread, painful skin eruption associated with severe viral illness‐like symptoms of fever as high as 40 °C, generalized migratory arthralgias, exhaustion, and malaise with prostration. On physical examination, confluent urticarial plaques, many with dusky and bruise‐like central discoloration, were observed involving approximately 90% of the skin, sparing the scalp, palms, and soles (Fig. 1). He was febrile with a temperature of 39 °C, and had signs of dehydration with orthostatic hypotension. Physical examination, including cardiovascular and neurologic examination, was otherwise normal. There was no evidence of lymphadenopathy.

Confluent urticarial plaques

image

Because the patient was severely dehydrated, he was admitted to the hospital service for intravenous fluids and further evaluation. He was started on oral doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily. Within 3 h, he experienced increased arthralgia, malaise, and fever. Because of the possibility that these symptoms represented a reaction to the antimicrobial, the medication was changed to ceftriaxone, 2 g intravenously every 24 h.

A skin biopsy was obtained from the edge of one of the plaques on the patient's back (Fig. 2). The biopsy showed scant perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates consistent with urticaria. Borrelia‐like spirochetes were observed on dark‐field examination of the tissue. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Lyme disease screen was positive. Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were as follows: immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Western blot) showed five bands with molecular weights of 66, 45, 41, 39, and 23 kDa; immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were positive, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for B. burgdorferi in the skin, but negative in blood. A search for serologic markers for ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever was negative.

Biopsy of urticarial plaque

image

Over the following 4 days, the patient's skin eruption cleared, leaving mild postinflammatory pigmentary changes; he still felt listless and tired. One week later, his systemic symptoms had resolved, and he returned to work.
Effect of 17‐α‐ethynylestradiol on germ cell proliferation in organ and primary culture of medaka (Oryzias latipes) testis
Authors: Song Miyeoun , Gutzeit Herwig O.
Published: September 2003

Organ cultures and primary cell cultures of medaka (Oryzias latipes) testis were compared with respect to cell viability and cell proliferation. The analysis by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry showed that in both cultures, the cells remained viable for at least 1 day and cell proliferation could be analyzed reliably by BrdU incorporation. The proliferating cells were mostly spermatogonia located at the periphery of the testis in tissue sections. Both culture systems were used to study the effect of 17‐α‐ethynylestradiol on cell proliferation. The results obtained with organ and primary cultures were consistent: low concentrations (0.01 and 1 nm) of synthetic estrogen stimulated cell proliferation slightly, while a higher concentration (100 nm) had an inhibitory effect. Both culture methods are suitable for the analysis of substances that might interfere with germ cell proliferation or other functions in spermatogenesis.
“Super mechano systems” – a report on the IEE Tustin/UKACC annual lecture given by Professor Katsuhisha Furuta
Authors: Buckingham Rob
Published: September 2003

Summarises the content of the IEE Tustin lecture presented by Professor Katsuhisha Furuta of the Tokyo Institute of Technology. The work discussed is part of the $10 million super mechano systems project which concentrates on developing walking machines based largely on pendulae principles.
A remotely controlled robot operates construction machines
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro
Published: September 2003

A Tokyo‐based construction company, Fujita Corporation, has developed the unmanned “Tele‐Earthwork System”. It features a remotely controlled robot which manipulates conventional construction machines (such as backhoes and bulldozers) in the same way as a human operator. The robot can be easily disassembled into several sub assemblies (usually stored as disassembled parts in individual packages) for easy transportation. Following shipment to a work site the robot can be re‐assembled in the cockpit of the backhoe/bulldozer, and made operational within a couple of hours. The developer believes that this hybrid human/robot approach will be very important in the future, both for emergency situations where human access is hazardous, and for the automatization of construction machinery in general.
The allocation of death in the Salem witch trials: a public choice perspective
Authors: Mixon Franklin G. , Treviño Len J.
Published: September 2003

World folklore and history are replete with examples that involve economics principles. The present note builds upon other published work by providing an empirical public choice analysis of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Our analysis suggests that the pattern of accusations during this episode was non‐random, and works to support the public choice argument that Reverend Parris and the other ministers used the witchcraft hysteria as a “crusade” against residents of east Salem village because they supported – against the wishes of Parris and the west Salem villagers – economic and political alignment with the neighboring Salem town.
An exploratory perspective of service brand associations
Authors: O’Cass Aron , Grace Debra
Published: September 2003

Over the past 20 years the commercial importance of services has been realised, highlighting the importance of research to understand service brands and their meaning for consumers. However, to date, the branding models developed lack empirical testing, are derived from the perspective of brand practitioners rather than consumers, and pay little attention to the branding of services. This study seeks consumer‐based information via qualitative and quantitative methods regarding brand dimensions that hold meaning to consumers for branded services. The results indicate a number of key dimensions that are important to consumers for both goods and services, such as core product/service, experience with brand and image of user. Dimensions such as feelings and self‐image congruence were not found to be important, while word‐of‐mouth, servicescape, and employees held importance for branded services. The results also indicate significant relationships for brand dimension importance and brand associations, associations and attitudes, and attitudes and intentions. The results suggest important implications for brand managers, in addition to providing a platform on which future research can be built to further understand service branding.
Purchaser‐originated benchmarking: PROBING
Authors: Current John R. , Weber Charles A.
Published: September 2003

Benchmarking has long been recognized as an important business activity. The primary goal of benchmarking is to produce a product or execute a process that is at least as good as the best firms producing similar products or performing similar processes. Important components of benchmarking include: determining what to benchmark, identifying the “best of the best”, collecting internal and external data and data associated with the “the best”, and analyzing how a firm can move from its current capability to that of the best. To date, benchmarking has been considered primarily as a producer/vendor based activity. This paper proposes that in many situations benchmarking should be viewed as a customer/purchaser based activity. The primary benefit of purchaser‐originated benchmarking is that it facilitates the collection of competitor's data and allows the customer to determine directly the product/process requirements desired.
Exchange Rate Policy and Currency Substitution: The Case of Africa's Emerging Economies
Authors: Elkhafif Mahmoud A.T.
Published: September 2003

This paper examines the dynamic of currency substitution (CS) in Egypt and South Africa. The study also assesses the causal relationships of this phenomenon. There are three main CS‐related differences between the two countries. These are (1) the orientation of economic policy, (2) the degree and level of CS, and (3) the trend of CS. During the study period 1991‐2001, Egypt used the exchange rate as an anchor to its economic programme. While in the case of South Africa, the authorities directly targeted inflation. During this period, CS in Egypt started at a substantial level and experienced a steady decline. Conversely, CS in South Africa started at an insignificant level, but observed an uninterrupted increase. The results suggest that the elasticity of CS, with respect to exchange rate, of South Africa is 2.3 times that of Egypt, and that the speed of adjustment in South Africa is 5 times faster than in Egypt. Granger‐causality tests indicate a unidirectional relationship from the exchange rate to CS, in both Egypt and South Africa. The test for the interest rate differential and CS indicate that causality runs from the former to the latter in South Africa, but it runs in the opposite direction in Egypt. The study suggests that despite the cost of the exchange rate anchoring policy, it is more suitable to a high CS environment. Inflation targeting policy can be effective in achieving its objective as long as the CS is insignificant.
Predicting Household Poverty: A Methodological Note with a Kenyan Example
Authors: Mwabu Germano , Kimenyi Mwangi S. , Kimalu Paul K. , Nafula Nancy , Manda Damiano Kulundu
Published: September 2003

Household surveys provide data that is used for identifying and measuring the poverty status of households and individuals. However, carrying out such surveys is expensive, especially in poor developing countries. Thus it is important to make maximum use of the available survey data in developing countries, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa, where such data are expensive to collect and analyse. This paper develops a simple method for using poverty indices derived from survey data for a given year, to predict poverty rates for subsequent periods without having to conduct a new household survey. We illustrate the workings of the method with data from Kenyan household surveys for 1994 and 1997.
Mapping the range and scope of emergency nurse practitioner services in the Northern and Yorkshire Region: a telephone survey
Authors: Marr S , Steele K , Swallow V , Craggs S , Procter S , Newton J , Sen B , McNabb A
Published: September 2003

Objective:To map the range and scope of emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) services in the Northern and Yorkshire Region as part one of a three phased study investigating the developing role of the ENP on a multi-professional context.

Methods:A telephone survey was conducted in the 48 hospital trusts within the region. Semi-structured interviews were arranged with the senior nurses responsible for accident and emergency services in responding departments. Data collection entailed completion of a form comprising 14 open-ended questions designed to elicit information about the range and scope of ENP services (as defined by the Royal College of Nursing). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results:Interviews were conducted at 35 (73%) of the sites, 22 (63%) of which had an ENP service as defined above. Wide variation was found in the range of services in relation to: hours/days of availability; age range and sources of referrals of patients accessing the service; clinical caseloads of ENPs and the referral pathways to other services.

Conclusion:The findings from the survey highlight the organic, context specific nature of ENP role developments in response to national government initiatives, professional agendas, and local service needs.
Predictors of falls in a high risk population: results from the prevention of falls in the elderly trial (PROFET)
Authors: Close J C T , Hooper R , Glucksman E , Jackson S H D , Swift C G
Published: September 2003

Objectives:The prevention of falls in the elderly trial (PROFET) provides evidence of the benefits of structured interdisciplinary assessment of older people presenting to the accident and emergency department with a fall. However, the service implications of implementing this effective intervention are significant. This study therefore examined risk factors from PROFET and used these to devise a practical approach to streamlining referrals from accident and emergency departments to specialist falls services.

Methods:Logistic regression analysis was used in the control group to identify patients with an increased risk of falling in the absence of any intervention. The derived predictors were investigated to see whether they also predicted loss to follow up. A second regression analysis was undertaken to test for interaction with intervention.

Results:Significant positive predictors of further falls were; history of falls in the previous year (OR 1.5 (95%CI 1.1 to 1.9)), falling indoors (OR 2.4 (95%CI 1.1 to 5.2)), and inability to get up after a fall (OR 5.5 (95%CI 2.3 to 13.0)). Negative predictors were moderate alcohol consumption (OR 0.55 (95%CI 0.28 to 1.1)), a reduced abbreviated mental test score (OR 0.7 (95%CI 0.53 to 0.93)), and admission to hospital as a result of the fall (OR 0.26 (95%CI 0.11 to 0.61)). A history of falls (OR 1.2 (95%CI 1.0 to 1.3)), falling indoors (OR 3.2 (95%CI 1.5 to 6.6)) and a reduced abbreviated mental test score (OR 1.3 (95%CI 1.0 to 1.6)) were found to predict loss to follow up.

Conclusions:The study has focused on a readily identifiable high risk group of people presenting at a key interface between the primary and secondary health care sectors. Analysis of derived predictors offers a practical risk based approach to streamlining referrals that is consistent with an attainable level of service commitment.
Incidence and prevalence of domestic violence in a UK emergency department
Authors: Boyle A , Todd C
Published: September 2003

Background:American and Australian studies indicate that domestic violence is common among patients attending for emergency care. It is not clear whether this applies to patients attending emergency departments in the UK.

Methods:A single centre cross sectional study. Adult patients attending the emergency department of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge were interviewed in randomly allocated time blocks, using validated questions from a US study. Potential participants were excluded if they (1) were unwilling (2) had an altered mental status (3) had a companion who refused to leave (4) were too ill (5) were unable to speak English (6) personal contacts of the interviewer.

Results and Conclusions:256 completed interviews were returned out of a possible 307 (84.8%). The incidence of domestic violence was 1.2% (95% CI 0.2% to 3.4%). The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 22.4% (95% CI 15.6% to 30.4%) among men and 22.1% (95% CI 15.1% to 30.5%) among women. The incidence and prevalence rates of domestic violence were considerably lower than in the US study, but similar to prevalence rates recorded in British community surveys. A significant association was found between reported domestic violence and reported deliberate self harm in women (odds ratio 75.4 95% CI 13.1% to 433.7). There was no significant association between higher use of medical care and domestic violence.

Interpretation:Domestic violence is common among patients attending for emergency care in the UK. There is a significant association between domestic violence and deliberate self harm in women, further work is required to see if this association is causal. Larger emergency department surveys are required to confirm these results.
A pragmatic approach to timely disease surveillance in the emergency department
Authors: Chan J T K , Cameron P A
Published: September 2003

Background:Computerised emergency department (ED) logs have been in use for more than 20 years. Despite this, public health authorities have failed to fully utilise this important surveillance tool.

Setting:Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH) is a 500 bed community hospital with ED attendance of 350–400 patients a day in Hong Kong.

Intervention:After the introduction of an ED computerised management system across Hong Kong in 1997, AHNH monitored common presentations using standard statistical software. Deviations from average attendance frequency were reported to public authorities. Experience during 1999 and 2000 calendar years is reported.

Results:Apart from the usual seasonal variation in presentations such as respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis, specific public health interventions appeared warranted in presentations related to dog bites, bee stings, rubella, hand foot and mouth, chicken pox, and scooter injuries.

Discussion:ED computer information systems should be an effective tool for disease surveillance. In communities where this is not the case, public health authorities should insist on timely access and reporting of ED attendance data.
Paramedic accuracy in using a decision support algorithm when recognising adult death: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jones T , Woollard M
Published: September 2003

Background:Prolonged advanced life support for cardiac arrest victims who present with non-shockable arrhythmias in an out of hospital setting is associated with extremely poor survival rates. This and the risks associated with rapid ambulance transport to hospital have resulted in the development of decision support algorithms, enabling paramedics to recognise when adult death has occurred. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy with which paramedics used such an algorithm.

Method:This prospective 16 month cohort study evaluated 188 events of recognition of adult death (ROAD) by paramedics in the period from November 1999 to February 2001.

Results:Of 188 ROAD applications, errors were made in 13 cases (6.9%, 95% CI 3.7 to 11.5. Additionally, there was one adverse clinical incident associated with a case in which ROAD was applied (0.5%, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.9%). ECG strips were unavailable for eight cases, although ambulance records indicated a rhythm of asystole for each of these. Assuming this diagnosis was correct, ROAD was used 174 times without errors (93%, 95% CI 88 to 96%). Assuming that it was not, the ROAD protocol was applied without errors in 166 cases (88.3%, 95% CI 82.8 to 92.5%). None of the errors made appeared to be attributable to poor clinical decision making, compromised treatment, or changed patient outcome. The mean on-scene time for ambulance crews using the ROAD policy was 60 minutes.

Conclusion:Paramedics can accurately apply a decision support algorithm when recognising adult death. It could be argued that the attendance of a medical practitioner to confirm death is therefore an inappropriate use of such personnel and may result in unnecessarily protracted on-scene times for ambulance crews. Further research is required to confirm this, and to determine the proportion of patients suitable for recognition of adult death who are actually identified as such by paramedics.
Comparison of a long spinal board and vacuum mattress for spinal immobilisation
Authors: Luscombe M D , Williams J L
Published: September 2003

Objectives:This study was designed to compare the stability and comfort afforded by the long spinal board (backboard) and the vacuum mattress.

Methods:Nine volunteers wearing standardised clothing and rigid neck collars were secured on to a backboard and vacuum mattress using a standard strapping arrangement. An operating department table was used to tilt the volunteers from 45 degrees head up to 45 degrees head down, and additionally 45 degrees laterally. Movements of the head, sternum, and pubic symphysis (pelvis) from a fixed position were then recorded. The comfort level during the procedure was assessed using a 10 point numerical rating scale (NRS) where 1=no pain and 10=worst pain imaginable.

Results:The mean body movements in the head up position (23.3v6.66 mm), head down (40.89v8.33mm), and lateral tilt (18.33v4.26mm) were significantly greater on the backboard than on the vacuum mattress (p<0.01 for all planes of movement). Using the NRS the vacuum mattress (mean score=1.88) was significantly more comfortable than the backboard (mean score=5.22) (p<0.01).

Conclusions:In the measured planes the vacuum mattress provides significantly superior stability and comfort than a backboard.
Intra-articular therapy in osteoarthritis
Authors: Uthman I , Raynauld J-P , Haraoui B
Published: September 2003

The medical literature was reviewed from 1968–2002 using Medline and the key words “intra-articular” and “osteoarthritis” to determine the various intra-articular therapies used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid are the most frequently used intra-articular therapies in osteoarthritis. Other intra-articular substances such as orgotein, radiation synovectomy, dextrose prolotherapy, silicone, saline lavage, saline injection without lavage, analgesic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, somatostatin, sodium pentosan polysulfate, chloroquine, mucopolysaccharide polysulfuric acid ester, lactic acid solution, and thiotepa cytostatica have been investigated as potentially therapeutic in the treatment of arthritic joints. Despite the lack of strong, convincing, and reproducible evidence that any of the intra-articular therapies significantly alters the progression of osteoarthritis, corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid are widely used in patients who have failed other therapeutic modalities for lack of efficacy or toxicity. As a practical approach for a knee with effusion, steroid injections should be considered while the presence of symptomatic “dry” knees may favour the hyaluronic acid approach. The virtual absence of serious side effects, coupled with the perceived benefits, make these approaches attractive.
Bell's Inequalities for Any Spin
Authors: González-Robles V. M.
Published: September 2003

John Ju Sakurai's classical book in quantum mechanics makes a very illuminative presentation that studies entangled states in a two spin s=1/2 particles system in a singlet state. A Bell's inequality emerges as a consequence. Bell's inequality is a relationship among observables that discriminates between Einstein's locality principle and the nonlocal point of view of orthodox quantum mechanics. Following Sakurai's style we propose, by making natural induction, a generalization for Bell's inequality for any two spin-s particles in a singlet state (s integer or half-integer). This inequality is expressed as a function of a θ parameter, which is a measure of the angle between two possible directions in which the spin is measured. Besides the expression for this general inequality we have found that: (a) for any finite half-integer spin Bell's inequality is violated for some interval of the θ-parameter. The right limit of this interval is fixed and equal to π/2, while the left one comes closer and closer to this value as spin number grows. A function fit shows clearly that the size of this θ-interval over which Bell's inequality is violated diminishes asymptotically to zero as 1/s1/2; (b) an analogous behavior for any finite integer spin.

For large spins the disagreement between Einstein's locality principle and the nonlocal point of view in orthodox quantum mechanics disappears.
A General Framework for Upper and Lower Possibilities and Necessities
Authors: Tsiporkova Elena , de Baets Bernard
Published: September 2003

We show that a (fuzzy) multivalued mapping carries a possibility and necessity measure defined over (fuzzy) subsets of a first universe into a system of upper and lower possibilities and necessities defined over (fuzzy) subsets of a second universe. Upper possibilities (resp. lower necessities) form again a possibility measure (resp. necessity measure), while lower possibilities and upper necessities both form a confidence measure. The approach presented is based on possibilistic conditioning, in particular on the definitions of conditional possibilities and necessities in a general framework based on triangular norms and conorms. In case of a multivalued mapping, upper and lower possibilities and necessities can be expressed equivalently in terms of conditional possibilities and necessities of lower and upper inverse images under the given multivalued mapping, or in terms of a basic possibility assignment and a basic necessity assignment. In case of a fuzzy multivalued mapping, such equivalent expressions cannot be established in general. Upper and lower possibilities and necessities can then be introduced in two alternative ways. For normalized fuzzy multivalued mappings or crisp multivalued mappings, interesting relationships are obtained.
A Highly Adaptive Algorithm for Fuzzy Modelling of Systems
Authors: Campello R. J. G. B. , Nazzetta R. M. , do Amaral W. C.
Published: September 2003

An optimization-based methodology for on-line discrete-time fuzzy relational model identification is proposed. Approximated solutions for extended fuzzy relational equations are derived without the necessity of the previous identification of an appropriate initial fuzzy relation. A heuristic is used making the algorithm capable of solving the identification problem when the fuzzy relational matrix is biased. A set of quadratic performance indices containing only fuzzy quantities provides accurate results and allows the utilization of a simple optimization method. The efficiency of the proposed methodology is illustrated using two numerical examples in which synthetic data are generated by the identified models.
Fuzzy Number Approximation
Authors: Jiménez Mariano , Rivas Juan Antonio
Published: September 2003

As the number of parameters involved in an economic model is often uncertain, we propose that it be estimated using fuzzy numbers. Since we move in an environment of uncertainty, it is logical to leave room for deviation in estimating membership functions. We should recall that when soft max-min operators are used, the resulting deviation is never greater than the variation introduced in estimating the initial data. Often, the result of our calculations is not a triangular fuzzy number. In this paper we study the value of approximating the resulting non-linear fuzzy number using a triangular fuzzy number having the same support and kernel. Finally, we present a simple method for weighing this approximation.
Development and Implementation of a Neural Knock Detector Using Constructive Learning Methods
Authors: Ortmann Stefan , Glesner Manfred
Published: September 2003

The world-wide demands for reasonable fuel consumption and reduced engine emissions force engine developers to improve the combustion process. Automobile makers are expecting to meet these demands by increasing the engine compression ratio. However, this improvement leads back to the problem of engine knock and appropriate engine control. Thus, the ability to detect engine knock with high precision will be mandatory for car makers. We propose a detection scheme that consists of two main blocks: multi-feature extraction and neural classification. This paper gives a short overview of the concept and presents a developed constructive learning algorithm for the cycle-by-cycle detection task.
Missing Values and Learning of Fuzzy Rules
Authors: Berthold Michael R. , Huber Klaus–Peter
Published: September 2003

In this paper a technique is proposed to tolerate missing values based on a system of fuzzy rules for classification. The presented method is mathematically solid but nevertheless easy and efficient to implement. Three possible applications of this methodology are outlined: the classification of patterns with an incomplete feature vector, the completion of the input vector when a certain class is desired, and the training or automatic construction of a fuzzy rule set based on incomplete training data. In contrast to a static replacement of the missing values, here the evolving model is used to predict the most possible values for the missing attributes. Benchmark datasets are used to demonstrate the capability of the presented approach in a fuzzy learning environment.
Fuzzy Traffic Management for Modern Telecommunications
Authors: Hellendoorn Hans , Seising Rudolf
Published: September 2003

We describe applications of fuzzy logic in the area of broadband telecommunication networks. Call Admission Control (CAC) and Usage Parameter Control (UPC) play an important role in the traffic management of ATM networks (Asynchronous Transfer Mode). We present "fuzzy solutions" for this control tasks and we show their success by presenting simulation results and heuristic valuations.
ECG Diagnostics by Fuzzy Decision Making
Authors: Grauel Adolf , Ludwig Lars A. , Klene Georg
Published: September 2003

The analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) helps physicians make their cardiac diagnosis. Therefore a large store of medical knowledge and practical experience is required. In this paper we report on our investigations of a rule-based fuzzy logic system that processes ECG data using the knowledge of a medical expert. The aim is to give support to the physician for his diagnosis. In this first consideration we discuss single modules of the rule-based system proposed and moreover we present the used input and output variables of the rulebases. The performance of the implemented rule-based fuzzy logic system is tested using ECGs with abnormalities in the P and T wave as well as in the QRS complex. The system's output corresponds to the analysis of these ECGs by a medical expert.
Comma 32 805/32 768
Authors: Haluška Ján
Published: September 2003

We find a fifth approximation of the Just Intonation which generalizes Equal Temperament. The intervals causing a dilemma are the second and the minor seventh and the tritone because they are unambiguous in Just Intonation (the relative frequencies 10/9, 9/8, 8/7 and 7/4, 16/9, 18/10 and 45/32, 64/45, respectively). If we do not consider the second and seventh with the relative frequencies 8/7 and 7/4, respectively, all the music intervals in this approximation either coincide with he Just Intonation interval values (the octave, fifth, fourth, second (9/8) and the minor seventh (16/9)) or are exactly the one comma distant from the corresponding Just Intonation intervals. This comma is 32 805/32 768 ≈ 1.00112915, which is less than the ratio of frequencies of the perfect and the equal tempered fifths (≈ 1.00112989).
Canonical Hierarchical Decomposition of Choquet Integral Over Finite Set with Respect to Null Additive Fuzzy Measure
Authors: Fujimoto Katsushige , Murofushi Toshiaki , Sugeno Michio
Published: September 2003

In this paper, we provide the necessary and sufficient condition for a Choquet integral model to be decomposable into a canonical hierarchical Choquet integral model constructed by hierarchical combinations of some ordinary Choquet integral models. This condition is characterized by the pre-Znclusion-Exclusion Covering (pre-IEC). Moreover, we show that the pre-IEC is the subdivision of an IEC and that the additive hierarchical structure is the most fundamental one on considering a hierarchical decomposition of the Choquet integral model.
An Integrated Framework for Generalized Nearest Prototype Classifier Design
Authors: Kuncheva Ludmila I. , Bezdek James C.
Published: September 2003

We propose a Generalized Nearest Prototype Classifier (GNPC) as a common framework for a number of classification techniques. Specifically we consider clustering-and-relabeling; Parzen's classifier; radial basis functions (RBF) networks; learning vector quantization (LVQ) type classifiers; and nearest neighbor rules. To classify an unlabeled point x the GNPC combines the degrees of similarity of x to a set of prototypes. Five questions are addressed for these GNPC families: (1) How many prototypes do we need? (2) How are the prototypes found? (3) How are their class labels obtained? (4) How are the similarities defined? (5) How are the similarities and label information combined? The classification performance of a set of GNPCs is illustrated on two benchmark data sets: IRIS and the 2-spirals data. We study the resubstitution error of the GNPC as a function of the number of prototypes. Our conclusions are that: (a) unsupervised selection (or extraction) of prototypes followed by relabeling is inferior to the techniques that use labels to guide them towards prototypes; (b) the edited nearest neighbor rule is a viable option for GNPC design which has not received the attention it deserves.
The Effect of Musical Style on Restaurant Customers' Spending
Authors: North Adrian C. , Shilcock Amber , Hargreaves David J.
Published: September 2003

Classical music, pop music, and no music were played in a British restaurant over the course of 18 evenings. The mean spend per head for each table was calculated for starters, main courses, desserts, coffee, bar drinks, wine, overall drink bill, overall food bill, and total spend. Total time spent in the restaurant was also measured. A MANOVA analysis revealed that there was an overall significant difference between the conditions with classical music leading to higher spending than both no music and pop music. Univariate analyses indicated that there were differences between the conditions on mean spend per head on starters, coffee, total spend on food, and overall spend. These findings were consistent with the limited previous research, which indicated that the playing of background classical music led to (a) people reporting that they were prepared to spend more and (b) higher actual spending. The results indicate that restaurant managers can use classical music to increase customer spending, and the results are discussed in terms of three possible explanations for this.
Examining Road Rage / Aggressive Driving
Authors: Burns Ronald G. , Katovich Michael A.
Published: September 2003

Reports on road rage/aggressive driving imply that most everyone who drives could be involved and affected by such emotions. As victims, witnesses, perpetrators, or protectors, many drivers are confronted with at least some type of aggression and violence on the roadways. Despite inconsistent definitions and subsequent questionable measurements of road rage/aggressive driving, formal social control efforts directed at problematic drivers seem to be the preferred approach for prevention. The present study used newspaper accounts for issue identification regarding the proposed causes of road rage/aggressive driving. It was found that personal/individual factors are more often noted than environmental cues regarding the causes of road rage. In contrast to the more popular crime control approach, a nontraditional application of crime prevention through environmental design, which focuses on traffic facilitation, is offered to address violent and aggressive drivers.
Ego Identity Status and Self-Monitoring Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Kumru Asiye , Thompson Ross A.
Published: September 2003

This research examines the association between identity status and self-monitoring behavior including age and gender differences in these variables in 476 adolescents (15 to 22 years old) in Turkey—a non-Western society characterized by traditional and modernist cultural elements. Identity was assessed with the Extended Version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and self-monitoring was measured by the Self-Monitoring Scale. Identity and self-monitoring were significantly associated for ideological identity with identity-achieved students lowest and diffusion students highest in self-monitoring. There were no associations for interpersonal or general identity status. Consistent with research in North America, there were significant increases in identity achievement and moratorium with age and no gender differences in identity status. Males were significantly higher than females in self-monitoring, but there were no age differences. These findings are discussed in relation to the influences on identity formation in Turkey.
Positive Individual and Social Behavior among Gang and Nongang African American Male Adolescents
Authors: Taylor Carl S. , Lerner Richard M. , von Eye Alexander , Bobek Deborah L. , Balsano Aida B. , Dowling Elizabeth , Anderson Pamela M.
Published: September 2003

To explore potential bases of positive development among gang youth, attributes of positive individual and social behavior were assessed in individual interviews with 45 African American adolescent male members of inner-city Detroit gangs and 50 African American adolescent males from the same communities but involved in community-based organizations aimed at promoting positive youth development. As anticipated, the groups differed in regard to the majority of interview questions and to positive attribute scores pertaining to parents/family, peer relations, school/education, drug use, sexual activity, religious activities/religiosity, racial/ethnic identity, role models/confidants, and neighborhood/safety. The correlations of attributes scores were more often significant (i.e., coupled) for the gang than for the nongang youth. Consistent with the ideas that all young people have resources pertinent to positive development and that, therefore, gang and nongang youth would have some resource comparability, across the nine attributes, about one quarter of the gang youth had total positive attribute scores that were above the average total positive attribute score for the nongang youth. Implications of these findings for both research and applications to programs seeking to promote positive youth development among diverse youth are discussed.
His and Hers: Evaluating Husbands' Reports of Wives' Housework
Authors: Bryant W. Keith , Kang Hyojin , Zick Cathleen D. , Chan Anna Y.
Published: September 2003

Data from the 1985–1986 waves of the Panel Study on Income Dynamics are used to analyze reporting errors in husbands' estimates of wives' housework time relative to wives' self‐reported estimates. The difference between husbands' and wives' estimates is an average of −0.32 hours per week or approximately 20 minutes. This small difference is not statistically significant from zero. We also find, however, that husbands of poorly educated, nonemployed wives who have no children underreport their wives' housework time. In contrast, husbands of highly educated wives, who typically spend less than average time in housework, tend to overreport their wives' housework time.
The Impact of Energy Efficient House Construction on Homeownership Costs: A Comparative Study in Gainesville, Florida
Authors: Smith Marc T. , Jones Pierce
Published: September 2003

The goal of this study was to determine whether the Energy Star home program, as implemented in Gainesville, Florida, is reducing energy use and therefore costs relative to other homes and the extent of the savings. Analysis of Energy Star qualified houses found the savings were appreciable and statistically significant. The indicated energy savings for the average Energy Star household were $180 per year, which was capitalized to indicate a value increase of the average housing unit of $4,500 and the ability to afford a mortgage of $2,255 more than in the absence of the energy savings. The financial implications of these savings suggest that affordable housing policy needs to factor in continuing ownership costs in addition to the cost of the structure (the ‘first cost’) associated with purchasing a home. If the operating costs can be reduced, then the ability of a household to afford homeownership is improved.
For a Few Euros More
Authors: Benoit Kenneth , Marsh Michael
Published: September 2003

Although perceived by candidates and parties as important in affecting political outcomes, the link between spending and success in multi-candidate, multiparty election campaigns remains unproven. Not only are there relatively few studies of campaign spending effects in multi-party systems, there are none examining the effect under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system. Our study examines spending effects in the Irish local elections of 1999 using STV with district magnitudes between 3 and 7 seats, contested by a median of 10 candidates in each district. Using detailed data on 1,838 candidates from 180 local constituencies and 30 councils, we provide precise estimates of the relationship between campaign spending at the candidate level in each district and electoral success, including the probability of winning. In a context where spending is miniscule relative to other contexts, and takes place under a completely different electoral system, our results echo previous studies from other contexts showing a strong effect of challenger spending and only weak effects of incumbent spending. Once allowance is made for the endogeneity of incumbent spending, however, we find a much less substantial difference between the effectiveness of spending by challengers and by incumbents, except on the marginal effect of spending on the probability of winning, where challenger spending is shown to be much more important.