bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of performance‐excellence criteria to improvement of occupational safety and health performance
Authors: Ketola Jenni‐Maarit , Liuhamo Mika , Mattila Markku
Published: October 2002

There has been a lack of a common method for assessing and improving occupational safety and health (OSH) management through all‐round criteria. This article discusses a study that focuses on applying business‐excellence criteria for this purpose. The developed criteria for the safety self‐assessment were tested at least once in five different organizations. The study confirms that the application of the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence can effectively be used for finding strengths and areas for improvement in a company's OSH management system. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrology of stockpiled industrial coal exposed to rainfall
Authors: Curran K. J. , Droppo I. G. , Irvine K. N.
Published: October 2002

The movement of water and particulate matter through a simulated coal pile using a rainfall–coal‐pile simulator is investigated. In conjunction with coal‐pile management practices, this study indicates that coal‐pile systems change their internal and surficial structure with successive rainstorm events. This change in coal‐pile structure alters the proportions, rates and suspended solid concentrations within surface runoff and infiltration during subsequent storm events. Results demonstrate the need to determine the optimal coal‐pile slope that minimizes water contact time, but at the same time minimizes the potential for mass wasting and rill erosion. Promotion of a compacted surface is beneficial for the minimization of solids removal, and a stormwater detention pond with potential flocculant additive is suggested as a viable remedial measure for the containment and treatment of coal‐pile runoff. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winter chemical leaching from deciduous tree branches as a function of branch inclination angle in central Massachusetts
Authors: Levia Delphis F. , Herwitz Stanley R.
Published: October 2002

Leaching is an important process in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients from above‐ground vegetative surfaces to the forest floor. Little is known about winter leaching from deciduous tree species and the influence of branch inclination angle on leachate chemistry. Using a set of field‐based isolated branches harvested from mature crowns of Betula lenta, Carya glabra and Quercus rubra, we tested the null hypothesis that during winter neither branch inclination angle nor branch species would have a detectable influence on differences in leachate chemistry and the quantity of intercepted precipitation from the branch surface. Leachate concentrations were significantly greater from branches inclined at 20° than 5° or 38°. Absolute nutrient inputs were also greatest for branches inclined at 20°. The significantly enriched branchflow and greater total nutrient input from branches inclined at 20° were attributed to increased residence time of intercepted precipitation with the branch surface, the lower probability of branch drip than branches inclined at 5°, and only minimal differences in branchflow quantity compared with branches inclined at 38°. Branchflow was more enriched from all three branch angles during precipitation events of longer duration and lower intensity than shorter, intense events. The leachate quantities of K+ and Ca2+ differ significantly among species. Carya glabra and Quercus rubra leached more K+ than Betula lenta. All three species leached significantly different amounts of Ca2+, with Quercus rubra leaching the most and Carya glabra the least. The adaptive geometry of deciduous canopy trees should be considered in relation to the interception of precipitation and aqueous leaching during winter when the canopy is leafless. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bivariate frequency analysis: discussion of some useful concepts in hydrological application
Authors: Yue Sheng , Rasmussen Peter
Published: October 2002

Basic concepts such as conditional probability distributions, conditional return periods, and joint return periods are important to understand and to interpret multivariate hydrological events such as floods and storms. However, these concepts are not well documented in the open literature. This paper assembles and clarifies these concepts, and illustrates their practical utility. Relationships between joint return periods and univariate return periods are also derived. These concepts and relationships are demonstrated by applying a bivariate extreme value distribution to represent the joint distribution of flood peak and volume from an actual basin. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival in prospectively ascertained familial breast cancer: Analysis of a series stratified by tumour characteristics, BRCA mutations and oophorectomy
Authors: Møller Pål , Borg Åke , Evans D. Gareth , Haites Neva , Reis Marta M. , Vasen Hans , Anderson Elaine , Steel C. Michael , Apold Jaran , Goudie David , Howell Anthony , Lalloo Fiona , Mæhle Lovise , Gregory Helen , Heimdal Ketil
Published: October 2002

Dedicated clinics have been established for the early diagnosis and treatment of women at risk for inherited breast cancer, but the effects of such interventions are currently unproven. This second report on prospectively diagnosed inherited breast cancer from the European collaborating centres supports the previous conclusions and adds information on genetic heterogeneity and the effect of oophorectomy. Of 249 patients, 20% had carcinoma in situ (CIS), 54% had infiltrating cancer without spread (CaN0) and 26% had cancer with spread (CaN+). Five‐year survival was 100% for CIS, 94% for CaN0 and 72% for CaN+ (p = 0.007). Thirty‐six patients had BRCA1 mutations, and 8 had BRCA2 mutations. Presence of BRCA1 mutation was associated with infiltrating cancer, high grade and lack of oestrogen receptor (p < 0.05 for all 3 characteristics). For BRCA1 mutation carriers, 5‐year survival was 63% vs. 91% for noncarriers (p = 0.04). For CaN0 patients, mutation carriers had 75% 5‐year disease‐free survival vs. 96% for noncarriers (p = 0.01). Twenty‐one of the mutation carriers had undergone prophylactic oophorectomy, prior to or within 6 months of diagnosis in 13 cases. All but 1 relapse occurred in the 15 who had kept their ovaries, (p < 0.01); no relapse occurred in those who had removed the ovaries within 6 months (p = 0.04) Contralateral cancer was more frequently observed in mutation noncarriers, but this finding did not reach statistical significance. Our findings support the concept that BRCA1 cancer is biologically different from other inherited breast cancers. While current screening protocols appear satisfactory for the majority of women at risk of familial breast cancer, this may not be the case for BRCA1 mutation carriers. The observed effect of oophorectomy was striking. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PLU‐1 nuclear protein, which is upregulated in breast cancer, shows restricted expression in normal human adult tissues: A new cancer/testis antigen?
Authors: Barrett Angela , Madsen Bente , Copier John , Lu Pei Juan , Cooper Lucienne , Scibetta Angelo G. , Burchell Joy , Taylor‐Papadimitriou Joyce
Published: October 2002

The PLU‐1 gene is expressed at the level of message in breast cancers and breast cancer cell lines and shows restricted expression in normal adult tissues with the exception of testis. The predicted protein sequence contains several domains, including the PLU domain, which is shared by other proteins involved in transcription and/or development. We have developed a polyclonal antiserum to a C‐terminal fragment of the PLU‐1 protein, which shows little homology to other family members. Immunohistochemic analysis with the antiserum α‐PLU‐1C confirmed the nuclear localisation of PLU‐1. α‐PLU‐1C also reacted with the mouse homologue of PLU‐1 (mPlu‐1) but not with the closest family member, RBP2. Using Western blot analysis, PLU‐1 was shown to be well expressed in breast cancers and breast cancer cell lines, while it was not detected in a range of normal adult tissues. Our results suggest that the PLU‐1 protein may belong to the class of testis/cancer antigens. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective targeting of tumoral vasculature: Comparison of different formats of an antibody (L19) to the ED‐B domain of fibronectin
Authors: Borsi Laura , Balza Enrica , Bestagno Marco , Castellani Patrizia , Carnemolla Barbara , Biro Attila , Leprini Alessandra , Sepulveda Jorge , Burrone Oscar , Neri Dario , Zardi Luciano
Published: October 2002

We recently demonstrated that a human recombinant scFv, L19, reacting with the ED‐B domain of fibronectin, a marker of angiogenesis, selectively targets tumoral vasculaturein vivo.Using the variable regions of L19, we constructed and expressed a human “small immunoprotein” (SIP) and a complete human IgG1 and performed biodistribution studies in tumor‐bearing mice to compare the blood clearance rate,in vivostability and performance in tumor targeting of the 3 L19 formats [dimeric scFv (scFv)2, SIP and IgG1]. The accumulation of the different antibody formats in the tumors studied was a consequence of the clearance rate andin vivostability of the molecules. Using the SIP, the %ID/g in tumors was 2–5 times higher than that of the (scFv)2, reaching a maximum 4–6 hr after injection. By contrast, the accumulation of IgG1 in tumors constantly rose during the experiments. However, due to its slow clearance, the tumor‐blood ratio of the %ID/g after 144 hr was only about 3 compared to a ratio of 10 for the (scFv)2and 70 for the SIP after the same period of time. The differentin vivobehavior of these 3 completely human L19 formats could be exploited for different diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, depending on clinical needs and disease. Furthermore, the fact that ED‐B is 100% homologous in human and mouse, which ensures that L19 reacts equally well with the human and the murine antigen, should expedite the transfer of these reagents to clinical trials. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upregulation of GADD153 expression in the apoptotic signaling of N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR)
Authors: Xia Yuhe , Wong Nai‐Sum , Fong Wang‐Fun , Tideman Henk
Published: October 2002

The molecular basis for the pharmacologic effects of N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) was investigated by studying the gene(s) that this compound may upregulate in cultured human epithelial tumor cells. Treatment of the cultured human nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐derived cells (CNE3) with 4HPR caused modest cell‐cycle arrest at G1 and apoptosis. The mRNA levels of a total of 20 genes were downregulated with the majority of them involved in cell cycle‐related functions. Only the mRNA level of the growth arrest and DNA‐damage inducible gene (gadd153) was upregulated by approximately 7‐fold, with a concomitant increase in intracellular protein level. Similar upregulation of gadd153 by 4HPR was observed in HeLa and 2 other tumor cell lines. The 4HPR‐induced apoptosis was markedly enhanced in the CNE3 cells that transiently overexpressed the gadd153 protein. Unlike 4HPR, all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) had no effect on the mRNA or protein level of gadd153. The ability of 4HPR and ATRA to stimulate the promoter activity of gadd153 was then examined. In the HeLa cells, both 4HPR and ATRA caused a 2‐ to 4‐fold stimulation of the promoter activity of gadd153, but similar to the CNE3 cells, ATRA was incapable of upregulating the protein level of gadd153. This is the first demonstration that gadd153 is a 4HPR‐responsive gene in tumor cells and may have a functional role to play in 4HPR‐induced apoptosis. Furthermore, our data suggest that the expression of gadd153 can be regulated by 4HPR at the transcriptional level. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum HCGβ, CA 72‐4 and CEA are independent prognostic factors in colorectal cancer
Authors: Louhimo Johanna , Carpelan‐Holmström Monika , Alfthan Henrik , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Järvinen Heikki J. , Haglund Caj
Published: October 2002

In colorectal cancer, stage is considered to be the strongest prognostic factor, but also serum tumour markers have been reported to be of prognostic value. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19‐9, CA 242, CA 72‐4 and free β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) in colorectal cancer. Preoperative serum samples were obtained from 204 colorectal cancer patients, including 31 patients with Dukes' A, 70 with Dukes' B, 49 with Dukes' C and 54 with Dukes' D cancer. The serum levels of CEA, CA 19‐9, CA 242 and CA 72‐4 were measured with commercial kits with cut‐off values of 5 μg/L for CEA, 37 kU/L for CA 19‐9, 20 kU/L for CA 242 and 6 kU/L for CA 72‐4. The serum hCGβ was quantitated by an immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) with 2 pmol/L as a cut‐off value. Survival analyses were performed with Kaplan‐Meier life tables, log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. The sensitivity was 44% for CEA, 26% for CA 19‐9, 36% for CA 242, 27% for CA 72‐4 and 16% for hCGβ. The overall 5‐year survival was 55%, and in Dukes' A, B, C and D cancers the survival was 89%, 77%, 52% and 3%, respectively. Elevated serum values of all markers correlated with worse survival (p < 0.001). In Cox multivariate analysis, the strongest prognostic factor was Dukes' stage (p < 0.001), followed by tumour location (p = 0.002) and preoperative serum markers hCGβ (p = 0.002), CA 72‐4 (p = 0.003) and CEA (p = 0.005). In conclusion, elevated CEA, CA 19‐9, CA 242, CA 72‐4 and hCGβ relate to poor outcome in colorectal cancer. In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic significance was observed with hCGβ, CA 72‐4 and CEA. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards a typology of out‐migration from peripheral areas: a Scottish case study
Authors: Stockdale Aileen
Published: October 2002

During an era of counterurbanisation, the continued out‐migration of selected groups from rural areas has largely been ignored. This paper focuses on the nature of contemporary rural out‐migration flows and the relative importance of influencing factors in the decision‐making process, using questionnaire data and personal narratives from individual out‐migrants from rural Scotland. The analysis demonstrates the complexity of the decision‐making processes at work, involving the personal negotiation of different, and on occasions conflicting, influences using a typology of migrant types. The relative importance of the decision‐making processes operating in different rural areas is also highlighted. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment, intervention, and research with infants in out‐of‐home placement
Authors: Clyman Robert B. , Harden Brenda Jones , Little Christina
Published: October 2002

Infants constitute a large and increasing proportion of youth in out‐of‐home placement. These infants have very high rates of medical illnesses, developmental delays, and substantial risks for psychopathology. They receive varying amounts of services from a complex and poorly integrated service system that includes four principal service sectors: the child welfare, medical, early intervention, and mental health service sectors. These service systems are currently undergoing major changes in their policies, organization, and financing, such as the introduction of managed care into the child welfare system. In this article, we provide an overview of what is known about infants in out‐of‐home placement. We then summarize approaches to infant mental health assessment and intervention from a comprehensive perspective that addresses the infants' multiple problems and acknowledges that they need to receive services from multiple systems that are undergoing rapid change. We conclude by highlighting a number of critical areas in need of research. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
The placement of infants in foster care
Authors: Wulczyn Fred , Hislop Kristen Brunner , Harden Brenda Jones
Published: October 2002

The fundamental question explored in this study concerns the relationship between age and the risk of placement into foster care, the likelihood a child will leave placement, and the likelihood a child will return to foster care having been discharged. The study is based on the experiences of more than 690,000 children in 11 states over an eight‐year period, from 1990 to 1997. The results suggest quite strongly that very young children are at greatest risk of entry into foster care, particularly if they are from urban areas. Specifically, 1% of children under one year and 2.5% of children under the age of four months enter foster care. Moreover, once in care, children under the age of four months at the time of placement remain in foster care longer than other children. The implications of these findings for public policy and future research are discussed. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Congregate care for infants and toddlers: Shedding new light on an old question
Authors: Harden Brenda Jones
Published: October 2002

With the advent of the “crack” epidemic and the concurrent decrease in available foster homes for young children, the placement of infants and toddlers in residential congregate care settings has resurfaced in some of the larger urban areas of the United States. Despite the controversy surrounding this type of placement, current research on congregate care settings is almost nonexistent. The present study examines the congregate care facilities that were established in an urban area in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States, as a response to the placement crisis for young children in foster care. In addition, the study compares the development of a group of children placed in these settings with a group who were placed in foster home settings. Findings suggest that congregate care facilities differ in their appropriateness for young children based on the number of children in the home and the practice philosophy of the group home. The study documented that children reared in foster family homes fared better than their group‐reared counterparts on a variety of variables, including mental development and adaptive skills. In contrast, children reared in congregate care facilities were similar to foster home‐reared children regarding observed and reported behavior problems. Implications of these finding for policies and practices related to congregate care placements are discussed. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Developmental delay in young children in child welfare by initial placement type
Authors: Leslie Laurel K. , Gordon Jeanne N. , Ganger William , Gist Kristin
Published: October 2002

Estimates of developmental delay in children in out‐of‐home foster care range from 13–62%. Overlooked in these studies are comparisons of developmental delay differentiated by a child's initial placement type (i.e., biological parent, kinship care, or nonrelative foster care) following evaluation for possible abuse and/or neglect. The developmental status of children residing in these different placement types warrants further scrutiny by clinicians and policy makers, especially due to the recent trend towards family preservation efforts and the growing use of kinship care. Data were collected on 798 children, ages 3–36 months, who were admitted to San Diego's sole emergency shelter/receiving facility from April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999 for investigation of alleged maltreatment. Children admitted received a physical exam and developmental screening using the Denver Developmental Screening Test (Denver‐II). Sixty two percent of children (491) scored “suspect” on the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver‐II). Of these children, 73% received a developmental evaluation using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (Bayley‐II). Over 34% of these children evaluated scored more than 2 standard deviations below the mean on at least one component of the Bayley‐II regardless of placement type. Although children with “suspect” scores on the Denver‐II were more likely to be placed in nonrelative foster care (p< .013), there was no difference between placement types for children with delay on the Bayley‐II. Results for children released to their biological parent(s) should be viewed as preliminary, because these children were less likely to receive an evaluation compared to other children. However, results suggest that young children placed in kinship care are as likely to be developmentally delayed, based on the Bayley‐II, as those children placed in nonrelative foster care. Given concerns in the literature that children in kinship care receive fewer services than children in nonrelative foster care, this finding bears further investigation. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Evaluating teaching performance
Authors: Paulsen Michael B.
Published: October 2002

This chapter examines the fundamental concepts, principles, and practices that characterize the most effective of contemporary approaches to the evaluation of faculty teaching performance.
Protective effects of quercetin on ultraviolet A light‐induced oxidative stress in the blood of rat
Authors: Kahraman Ahmet , Inal Mine Erden
Published: October 2002

The oxidative effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) light (320–400 nm) and the antioxidant effects of quercetin were examined in rat blood.

For this purpose, rats were divided into three groups: control, ultraviolet (UV) and ultraviolet + quercetin (UV + Q). The UV and UV + Q groups were irradiated for 4 h a day with UVA light (1.25 mW cm2) during periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. Quercetin (50 mg kg−1 body wt.) was administered intraperitoneally in the UV + Q group rats before irradiation periods. Blood was taken 3, 6 and 9 days post‐treatment.

Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased after 9 days of daily exposure to UVA. Whole blood glutathione (GSH) levels significantly declined after 3–9 days of irradiation. Glutathione peroxidase activity on days 6 and 9 and glutathione reductase activities on days 3, 6 and 9 post‐irradiation were diminished significantly. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased significantly 3–9 days post‐irradiation.

The administration of quercetin before the 9‐day period of irradiation significantly reduced the increase in plasma MDA value. Whole blood GSH levels significantly decreased with the administration of quercetin on all days. Quercetin significantly increased antioxidant enzymes diminished by UVA irradiation.

Exposure of rats to UVA light leads to oxidative stress, reflected by increased MDA and reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The administration of quercetin appears to be a useful approach to reduce the damage produced by UVA radiation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and DNA methylation—how does it all fit together?
Authors: Geiman Theresa M. , Robertson Keith D.
Published: October 2002

DNA methylation is important in the control of gene transcription and chromatin structure. The complexities of this process are just beginning to be elucidated in relationship to other epigenetic mechanisms. Exciting new research in the areas of histone methylation and chromatin remodeling make it clear just how important the connections between these various mechanisms and DNA methylation are for the control of chromosome structure and gene expression. Emerging evidence suggests that chromatin remodeling enzymes and histone methylation are essential for proper DNA methylation patterns. Other histone modifications, such as acetylation and phosphorylation, in turn, affect histone methylation and histone methylation also appears to be highly reliant on chromatin remodeling enzymes. This review will summarize what is likely only the beginning of a flood of new information that will ultimately link all epigenetic modifications of the mammalian genome. A model will also be put forth to account for how chromatin modifications lead to genomic DNA methylation patterns. J. Cell. Biochem. 87: 117–125, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
14‐3‐3σ is a cruciform DNA binding protein and associates in vivo with origins of DNA replication
Authors: Alvarez David , Novac Olivia , Callejo Mario , Ruiz Marcia T. , Price Gerald B. , Zannis‐Hadjopoulos Maria
Published: October 2002

A human cruciform binding protein (CBP) was previously shown to bind to cruciform DNA in a structure‐specific manner and be a member of the 14‐3‐3 protein family. CBP had been found to contain the 14‐3‐3 isoforms β, γ, ε, and ζ. Here, we show by Western blot analysis that the CBP‐cruciform DNA complex eluted from band‐shift polyacrylamide gels also contains the 14‐3‐3σ isoform, which is present in HeLa cell nuclear extracts. An antibody specific for the 14‐3‐3σ isoform was able to interfere with the formation of the CBP‐cruciform DNA complex. The effect of the same anti‐14‐3‐3σ antibody in the in vitro replication of p186, a plasmid containing the minimal replication origin of the monkey origin ors8, was also analyzed. Pre‐incubation of total HeLa cell extracts with this antibody decreased p186 in vitro replication to approximately 30% of control levels, while non‐specific antibodies had no effect. 14‐3‐3σ was found to associate in vivo with the monkey origins of DNA replication ors8 and ors12 in a cell cycle‐dependent manner, as assayed by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay that involved formaldehyde cross‐linking, followed by immunoprecipitation with anti‐14‐3‐3σ antibody and quantitative PCR. The association of 14‐3‐3σ with the replication origins was maximal at the G1/S phase. The results indicate that 14‐3‐3σ is an origin binding protein involved in the regulation of DNA replication via cruciform DNA binding. J. Cell. Biochem. 87: 194–207, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Update of the AIM2000‐Program for atoms in molecules
Authors: Biegler‐König Friedrich , Schönbohm Jens
Published: October 2002

The second version of the program package AIM2000 is presented. AIM2000 makes use of the well established theory of atoms in molecules. AIM2000 analyzes the molecular structure and calculates properties of atoms in molecules as well as properties of interatomic surfaces. The program has an interactive, context‐sensitive help component and extensive 2D and 3D visualization components. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 1489–1494, 2002
Comparative study of metal‐porphyrins, ‐porphyrazines, and ‐phthalocyanines
Authors: Liao Meng‐Sheng , Scheiner Steve
Published: October 2002

A theoretical comparative study of complexes of porphyrin (P), porphyrazine (Pz), and phthalocyanine (Pc) with metal (M) = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn has been carried out using a DFT method. The calculations provide a clear elucidation of the ground states for the MP/Pz/Pc molecules and for a series of [MP/Pz/Pc]x− and [MP/Pz/Pc]y+ ions (x = 1, 2, 3, 4; y = 1, 2). There are significant differences among MP, MPz, and MPc in the electronic structure and other calculated properties. For FeP/Pz and CoP/Pz, the first oxidation occurs at the central metal, while it is the macroring of FePc and CoPc that is the site of oxidation. The smaller coordination cavity results in a stronger ligand field in Pz than in P. However, the benzo annulation produces a surprisingly strong destabilizing effect on the metal‐macrocycle bonding. The effects of Cl axial bonding upon the electronic structures of the iron(III) complexes of P, Pz, and Pc were examined, as was the bonding of pyridine (py) to NiP, NiPz, and NiPc. The porphinato core size plays a crucial role in controlling the spin state of FeIII in these complexes. FePc(Cl) is predicted to be a pure intermediate‐spin system, whereas NiPz(py)2 and NiPc(py)2 are metastable in high‐spin (S = 1) states. The NiPz/Pc(py)2 binding energy curve has only a shallow well that facilitates decomposition of the complex. The NiP(py)2 bond energy is small, but the relatively deep well in the binding energy curve ought to make this system stable to decomposition. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 1391–1403, 2002
An improved product construction of rotational Steiner quadruple systems
Authors: Ji L. , Zhu L.
Published: October 2002

An improved product construction is presented for rotational Steiner quadruple systems. Direct constructions are also provided for small orders. It is known that the existence of a rotational Steiner quadruple system of order υ+1 implies the existence of an optimal optical orthogonal code of length υ with weight four and index two. New infinite families of orders are also obtained for both rotational Steiner quadruple systems and optimal optical orthogonal codes. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 10: 433–443, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10025
New orthogonal designs of order 56
Authors: Evangelaras H. , Georgiou S. , Koukouvinos C.
Published: October 2002

Amicable sets of eight matrices are very useful in the construction of orthogonal designs using the Kharaghani array. In this article we use a simple procedure to construct many new amicable sets of eight matrices of order 7 and then new orthogonal designs of order 56. Some of these are restricted to be short amicable sets of two or four circulant matrices.. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 10: 387–393, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10030
Superoxide dismutase activities of spermatozoa and seminal plasma are not correlated with male infertility
Authors: Hsieh Yao‐Yuan , Sun Yu‐Ling , Chang Chi‐Chen , Lee Yi‐San , Tsai Horng‐Der , Lin Chich‐Sheng
Published: October 2002

Abnormal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is associated with defective sperm function. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is related with the scavenging of seminal ROS. We aimed to determine the effect of SOD activities of spermatozoa and seminal plasma on sperm quality. Semen samples from infertile couples who consented to the analyses were divided into two groups: 1) normospermia (n = 20); and 2) oligoasthenozoospermia (n = 31). The SOD activities of the spermatozoa and seminal plasma were measured by determining the inhibition of pyrogallol autoxidation. The SOD activities of spermatozoa and seminal plasma in both groups were compared. The relationships between the SOD activities and the sperm qualities were determined. We noted that SOD activities of sperm/seminal plasma in both groups were nonsignificantly different (group 1 vs. 2 = 0.77 ± 0.33/0.84 ± 0.40 U/mg protein for sperm, and 0.66 ± and 0.36/0.83 ± 0.47 U/ml for seminal plasma). SOD activities of sperm/seminal plasma were positively but nonsignificantly correlated with the sperm motility (SOD of sperm = 0.0008 × motility + 0.67; SOD of seminal plasma = 0.0006 × motility + 0.81) and concentration (SOD of sperm = 0.0006 × concentration + 0.67; SOD of seminal plasma = 0.0021 × concentration + 0.73). We concluded that SOD activities of sperm and seminal plasma were nonsignificantly correlated with the seminal quality. It appears that the SOD survey is not a useful tool for determining sperm fertilization potential. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:127–131, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of three different mycobacterial antigens with a novel lipopolysaccharide antigen for the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Meena Laxman S. , Goel Seema , Sharma S.K. , Jain N.K. , Banavaliker J.N. , Bedwal R.S. , Singh Yogendra
Published: October 2002

Demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a smear or culture is the most reliable method for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). In the last 10 years, several enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on mycobacterial antigens (such as antigen 60, 38 kDa antigen, and antigen Kp90) have been used for the rapid diagnosis of TB. In this study, we report the isolation of an immunodominant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen from M. tuberculosis H37Rv, which can be used for the serodiagnosis of TB. The LPS antigen was compared with three commercially available mycobacterium‐specific antigens for the detection of TB. The antigens were evaluated using serum samples obtained from 59 Indian patients (19 patients with active pulmonary TB, 20 with extrapulmonary TB, and 20 with nontuberculous pulmonary disease) and 20 healthy adults. Antigen 60 IgG (sensitivity 89%, specificity 97%) and LPS (sensitivity 84%, specificity 97%) were more sensitive and specific than 38 kDa antigen IgG (sensitivity 79%, specificity 97%) and Kp90 IgA (sensitivity 82%, specificity 40%). These results indicate that the LPS antigen can be used as a sensitive tool for the serodiagnosis of TB and could be utilized to develop an ELISA for the screening of patients for TB. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:151–155, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accelerated stability model for predicting shelf‐life
Authors: T. Magari Robert , P. Murphy Kevin , Fernandez Tracey
Published: October 2002

Second‐ and higher‐order degradation reactions sometimes cannot be approximated with linear or exponential relationships and need to be appropriately modeled. Events above the COULTER® HmX Analyzer white blood cell (WBC) counting threshold were recorded for the HmX PAK reagent system stored at five elevated temperatures. An accelerated stability model for a second‐degree polynomial degradation pattern was used. The shelf‐life of the reagent, along with 95% lower bound confidence intervals, is predicted using the same pattern of degradation as well as the Arrhenius approximation. Experiments indicated that the degradation of the HmX PAK reagent occurred in two phases, the lag phase and the degradation phase, in all tested temperatures. The phase durations are temperature‐dependent, and the Arrhenius approximation is appropriate (P=0.639). The degradation of the reagent during the lag phase was experimentally undetectable. Changes of the reagent were nonsignificant for a predicted period of 164 days at 25°C. The rate of degradation increased significantly later on during the degradation phase. The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval of this prediction indicated that it would take at least 326 days before the HmX PAK reagent would have any performance issue related to aging at storage temperature. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:221–226, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood group genotyping facilitates transfusion of β‐thalassemia patients
Authors: Castilho Lilian , Rios Maria , Pellegrino Jordão , T.O. Saad Sara , F. Costa Fernando
Published: October 2002

We evaluated the usefulness of blood group genotyping as a supplement to hemagglutination to determine the red blood cell (RBC) antigen profile of polytransfused patients with β‐thalassemia. We selected 10 alloimmunized patients who were receiving antigen‐matched RBCs based on phenotype, and had clinical evidence of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction. DNA was prepared from blood samples and RH E/e, K1/K2, FY A/FY B, and JK A/JK B alleles were determined by PCR‐RFLP. RH D/non‐D was determined according to the PCR product size associated with the RHD gene sequence in intron 4 and exon 10/3′UTR. RH C/c was tested by multiplex PCR. The phenotypes and genotypes of nine of the 10 samples were discrepant. Five of the discrepancies occurred in the Rh system. One sample was phenotyped as Rhcc and genotyped as RH C/C, and two samples were phenotyped as RhCc and genotyped as RH C/C. Two other samples were phenotyped as RhEe and genotyped as RH e/e. Three samples had discrepancies in the Kidd system with phenotype Jk(a+b+) and were genotyped as homozygous for JK B. One sample had a discrepancy in the Duffy system: it was phenotyped as Fy(a+b−) and homozygous for FY B. Genotyping was very important in determining the true blood groups of many polytransfused patients with β‐thalassemia, and it assisted in the identification of suspected alloantibodies and the selection of antigen‐negative RBCs for transfusion. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:216–220, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a new automated enzyme fluoroimmunoassay using recombinant plasmid dsDNA for the detection of anti‐dsDNA antibodies in SLE
Authors: Villalta D. , Bizzaro N. , Corazza D. , Tozzoli R. , Tonutti E.
Published: October 2002

ELISA methods to detect anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies are highly sensitive, but are less specific for the diagnosis of SLE than the immunofluorescence test on Crithidia luciliae (CLIFT) and the Farr assay because they also detect low‐avidity antibodies. This study evaluated the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a new automated fluoroimmunoassay (EliA dsDNA; Pharmacia, Freiburg, Germany). We compared the results with those obtained using a commercial CLIFT and an in‐house anti‐dsDNA IgG ELISA method, and verified its putative ability to detect only high‐avidity anti‐dsDNA antibodies. Sera from 100 SLE patients and 120 controls were studied. The control group included 20 healthy donors, 70 patients with other rheumatic diseases (32 systemic sclerosis (SSc); 18 primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA)), and 30 patients with various infectious diseases (ID). Anti‐dsDNA avidity was estimated using an ELISA method based upon the law of mass action, and a simplified Scatchard plot analysis for data elaboration; the apparent affinity constant (Kaa) was calculated and expressed as arbitrary units (L/U). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for SLE were 64%, 95.8%, 93.8% and 72.7%, respectively, for the EliA anti‐dsDNA assay; 55%, 99.2%, 98.5%, and 68.8%, respectively, for the CLIFT; and 64%, 93.3%, 90.6%, and 72.3%, respectively, for the in‐house ELISA. Although EliA anti‐dsDNA was positive mainly in SLE patients with high‐ (Kaa>80 L/U) and intermediate‐ (Kaa 30–80 L/U) avidity antibodies (45.3% and 49.9%, respectively), it was also positive in five (7.8%) SLE patients with low‐avidity anti‐dsDNA antibodies, and five controls (three SSc, one pSS, and one ID) (mean Kaa = 16.4 ± 9.04 L/U). In conclusion, EliA anti‐dsDNA assay showed a higher sensitivity than the CLIFT, and a good specificity and PPV for SLE. Its putative ability to detect only high‐avidity anti‐dsDNA antibodies remains questionable. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:227–232, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reference distributions for serum iron and transferrin saturation: A comparison of a large cohort to the world's literature
Authors: F. Ritchie Robert , E. Palomaki Glenn , M. Neveux Louis , Navolotskaia Olga , B. Ledue Thomas , Y.Craig Wendy
Published: October 2002

The appropriate clinical use of serum iron and transferrin saturation (TSAT) requires satisfactory reference intervals from birth to old age, and for males and females. This study identified 54 publications from 1974 to 2001 that met the criteria used in three prior meta‐analyses, and these were analyzed statistically. A summary of our review is presented along with our reference population data on these measurements. This analysis places previous publications in perspective and suggests possible reasons for the observed differences. Previous studies of the individual analytes, serum iron, transferrin, and TSAT values agree with the reference ranges presented in this study, although the entire experience over time and between sexes has not been available before. Our 95% reference ranges are somewhat broader than those of the smaller studies, but they agree well with those of the larger ones. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:246–252, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcomes management, expected treatment response, and severity‐adjusted provider profiling in outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Martinovich Zoran , Howard Kenneth I. , Leon Scott C.
Published: October 2002

To make use of psychotherapy research in practice, therapists need real‐time access to valid clinically relevant information about patients. The dose–effect and phase models of psychotherapy provide a theoretical background for empirically based psychotherapy management by describing the systematic nature of progress in therapy and guiding the selection of outcome criteria. Given this theoretical background, it is possible to derive appropriate models for monitoring cases in ongoing therapies (patient profiling) and identifying therapists' relative strengths and weaknesses (severity‐adjusted provider profiling). These applied methods may be used to inform decision making in ongoing psychotherapies and to support supervision and clinical training. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 1291–1304, 2002.
Integrating science and practice: Reclaiming the science in practice
Authors: Carter Jean A.
Published: October 2002

This article is intended to be somewhat provocative, stimulating discussion in our efforts to better integrate science and practice. Three major areas of divisiveness between science and practice are posited—understanding of practitioners' approach to practice, definition of scholarship, and the role of theory and diagnosis in practice. Some general principles are offered that may further our thinking about integration of the applications of science in the practice of psychology and the participation of practitioners in science: (a) all practitioners do evidence‐based practice; (b) scholarship has many forms, each of which provides an important piece of the puzzle of advancing knowledge; and (c) “eclectic” is a theoretically and practically meaningful term. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 1285–1290, 2002.
Neighborhood experiences, community connection, and positive beliefs about adolescents among urban adults and youth
Authors: Zeldin Shepherd , Topitzes Dimitri
Published: October 2002

Adults have become increasingly isolated from adolescents in their communities, and this condition contributes to negative stereotypes about teens. Integrating research‐ and practice‐based knowledge, a theoretical model was constructed to predict positive beliefs about adolescents, specifically the extent to which adults and adolescents believe that teens are motivated and competent to act on behalf of their neighborhoods. The model includes two pathways to positive beliefs about adolescents. It was hypothesized that the experience of volunteering, and residing in a neighborhood that is perceived as safe and having adequate resources, would be associated with positive beliefs about adolescents. It was further predicted that community connectedness, as assessed by individuals' sense of community and perceived norm of adult caring, would mediate these associations. The hypotheses were tested through analysis of phone interviews with adults and adolescents from a large northeastern city. The model received consistent, albeit not complete, support between both samples. Results indicate that an understanding of beliefs about teens lies, in significant part, in the neighborhood experiences of adults and adolescents and in their sense of connectedness with the places in which they live. Implications for further research in this emerging area of inquiry are identified. While community‐driven research poses methodological challenges, this inquiry also illustrates the theoretical and practical utility of grounding study hypotheses, in part, on the causal relationships that have been observed by practitioners in neighborhood settings. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is relative deprivation beneficial? the effects of richer and poorer neighbors on children's outcomes
Authors: Turley Ruth N. López
Published: October 2002

This study investigates the effects of a child's family income relative to the income of his or her neighbors. Relative deprivation theory predicts that having less than others in your reference group leads to negative psychological and behavioral outcomes. In contrast, theories of neighborhood resources predict that affluent neighbors are a valuable asset for children, even if such neighbors make children feel deprived. I define relative advantage as the income gap between children and their lower‐income neighbors and find that it has no effect on their test scores, self‐esteem, or behavior. In contrast, relative disadvantage (the income gap between children and their higher‐income neighbors) has a positive and significant effect on these outcomes, including self‐esteem. This analysis distinguishes between the number of higher‐income families and the magnitude of their income advantage, and it addresses the potential influence of selection bias. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new bioinorganic process for the remediation of Cr(VI)
Authors: Mabbett Amanda N , Macaskie Lynne E
Published: October 2002

Palladised biomass ofDesulfovibrio desulfuricansATCC 29577 (bio‐Pd(0)) effected reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under conditions where biomass alone or chemically‐prepared Pd(0) were ineffective. Reduction of 500 µmol dm−3Cr(VI) by 0.4 mg cm−3bio‐Pd(0) (Pd : biomass ratio of 1:1) was achieved from 1 mol dm−3formate/acetate buffer at pH 1–7 at room temperature; the optimum pH was 3.0. The ratio of mass of Pd : dry mass of biomass, and the need for finely ground bio‐Pd(0) were important parameters for optimal Cr(VI) reduction, with a ratio of 1:1 giving 100% reduction of 500 µmol dm−3Cr(VI) within 6 h at room temperature, decreasing to 30 min following heat treatment of the Pd(0)‐loaded biomass. The reduced Cr was recovered quantitatively as soluble Cr(III) at pH 3.0 with no poisoning of the bioinorganic catalyst with respect to continued reduction of Cr(VI).

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphological studies on the mechanisms of pigmentary organelle transport in fish xanthophores and melanophores
Authors: Kimler Victoria A. , Taylor John D.
Published: October 2002

Pigmentary organelle translocations within fish chromatophores undergo physiological color changes when exposed to external signals. Chromatophores can be isolated in high yields, and their pigmentary organelles can be tracked readily by microscopy. The combined efforts of morphology and biomolecular chemistry have led to the identification of and determination of the interrelationships between cytoskeletal elements and accessory proteins, motor molecules, cytomatrix, and pigmentary organelles of various sizes. Fish chromatophores have been classified as fast, intermediate, and slow translocators, based on the relative numbers of microtubules. Studies on cultured goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) xanthophores for over 20 years have demonstrated that in this slow translocator, tubulovesicular structures of the smooth endoplasmic reticular (SER) cisternae are involved in the disperson and aggregation of associated carotenoid droplets (CD) with some involvement of cytoskeletal elements. Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus L.) melanophore, a fast translocator, was also examined. Recent work demonstrates a bright fluorescent “starburst”‐like spot that we call an actin filament‐organizing center (AFOC) with radiating microfilaments, akin to the microtubule‐organizing center (MTOC) with radiating microtubules. Melanosomes translocate single‐file on microtubules and are not associated with SER cisternae. Slower CD dispersion or aggregation in goldfish xanthophores seems to be predominantly microfilament‐based transport, or microfilament‐ and microtubule‐based transport, respectively. Faster melanosome translocations in killifish melanophores are based on microtubules, with our evidence indicating microfilament involvement. Neural crest‐derived chromatophores are models for vesicular transport in axons, and immunocytochemical and imaging technologies may help to elucidate the cellular transport mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:470–480, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.