bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between panoramic and intra‐oral radiographs for the assessment of alveolar bone levels in a periodontal maintenance population
Authors: Persson Rigmor E. , Tzannetou Sappho , Feloutzis Andreas G. , Brägger Urs , Persson G. Rutger , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: September 2003

Background:  Information about the agreement between intra‐oral (I‐O) and panoramic (OPG) radiographs is limited.

Aims:  (1) To assess the agreement between I‐Os and OPGs for direct measurements of the distance between the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone level (BL) as well as the proportional values in relation to the root length (CEJ–BL/root length), and (2) to explore the symmetry between the left‐ and right‐side measurements.

Material and Methods:  I‐Os and OPGs were studied in 292 periodontal maintenance subjects (mean age 55.5 years, SD±12.6) with on average 22.4 teeth (SD±4.1 range: 6–28). The images were measured using a PC software program. Site‐based I‐O and OPG values for CEJ–BL as well as CEJ–BL/root length were compared. OPG values of CEJ–BL/root length values between the left and right sides were also studied.

Results:  A total of 11,395 linear distances (CEJ–BL plus CEJ–apex) from the I‐Os and 21,462 linear distances from the OPGs were measured. The intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between sets of readings of CEJ–BL varied between 0.80 and 0.89 (p<0.001), with the best agreement for tooth 22 (ICC: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83–0.92). The ICCs for CEJ–BL/root length varied between 0.54 and 0.92. Mean differences between I‐O and OPG values were in the 0.00–0.04 mm range for the CEJ–BL/root length comparisons. The maxillary anterior sextant demonstrated a 1.4 × enlargement by OPG for the CEJ–BL/root length comparisons. No distortions were observed for mandibular sextants. Left‐ and right‐side symmetry of periodontal bone loss was demonstrated. ICC varied between 0.79 (95.00% CI: 0.71–0.84, p<0.01) and 0.53 (95.00% CI: 0.36–0.65, p< 0.01).

Conclusions:  I‐O and OPG radiograph readings are in great agreement. Alveolar bone loss appeared to have a symmetrical distribution pattern. Hence for periodontal assessments, OPG radiographic readings may, at least in part, substitute for full‐mouth periapical radiographic evaluation.
Keynote paper: Unlocking the learning value of wireless mobile devices
Authors: Roschelle J.
Published: September 2003

Abstract Many researchers see the potential of wireless mobile learning devices to achieve large‐scale impact on learning because of portability, low cost, and communications features. This enthusiasm is shared but the lessons drawn from three well‐documented uses of connected handheld devices in education lead towards challenges ahead. First, ‘wireless, mobile learning’ is an imprecise description of what it takes to connect learners and their devices together in a productive manner. Research needs to arrive at a more precise understanding of the attributes of wireless networking that meet acclaimed pedagogical requirements and desires. Second, ‘pedagogical applications’ are often led down the wrong road by complex views of technology and simplistic views of social practices. Further research is needed that tells the story of rich pedagogical practice arising out of simple wireless and mobile technologies. Third, ‘large scale’ impact depends on the extent to which a common platform, that meets the requirements of pedagogically rich applications, becomes available. At the moment ‘wireless mobile technologies for education’ are incredibly diverse and incompatible; to achieve scale, a strong vision will be needed to lead to standardisation, overcoming the tendency to marketplace fragmentation.
Educational scenarios for cooperative use of Personal Digital Assistants
Authors: Pinkwart N. , Hoppe H.U. , Milrad M. , Perez J.
Published: September 2003

Abstract  Based on experience in orchestrating collaborative learning scenarios with ubiquitous computing technology, three approaches for extending co‐constructive modelling and discussion environments with Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) connected through a wireless network are described. One application is an annotation tool, the second one replicates a modelling system on the PDA and the third one makes use of a wireless optical reader in addition to the PDA. They all provide ‘lightweight’ synchronisation mechanisms in PC‐based environments. General design and implementation strategies for such extensions are discussed in terms of model, view and controller.
Serum hepcidin in clinical specimens
Authors: Dallalio Gail , Fleury Thomas , Means Robert T
Published: September 2003

Summary. The hepatic antimicrobial protein, hepcidin, is implicated in duodenal iron absorption and mobilization. Overexpression of the hepcidin gene is associated with a hypoferraemic, microcytic, iron‐refractory anaemia. On the basis of these observations, it has been proposed that hepcidin is a mediator of the common clinical syndrome, anaemia of chronic disease (ACD), and recent findings evaluating urinary hepcidin production in patients support this hypothesis. In the present report, serum hepcidin concentrations were measured in 55 specimens submitted for ferritin determination, and in 37 specimens collected from anaemic patients undergoing diagnostic bone marrow examination. The serum hepcidin concentration exhibited a statistically significant correlation with serum ferritin concentrations in both patient subsets. No statistically significant correlations were observed between serum hepcidin and other laboratory markers of iron status or anaemia diagnosis. Serum hepcidin does not appear to correlate as well with clinical diagnosis as urinary hepcidin, suggesting that a better understanding of the clearance and metabolism of this protein is required to understand fully its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of ACD.
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) load and interleukin‐10 in EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Muti Giuliana , Klersy Catherine , Baldanti Fausto , Granata Simonetta , Oreste Pierluigi , Pezzetti Laura , Gatti Marta , Gargantini Livio , Caramella Marianna , Mancini Valentina , Gerna Giuseppe , Morra Enrica ,   for the Co‐operative Study Group on PTLDs
Published: September 2003

Summary. Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are heterogeneous severe complications occurring in 1–10% of transplanted patients. In most cases, PTLDs are associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection but, recently, some clinical studies have reported an increasing number of EBV‐negative PTLDs. Several studies have emphasized the critical role of the early identification of patients at risk for PTLD, in prompting the adoption of either pre‐emptive strategies or timely treatment. To this purpose, monitoring of EBV DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is considered to be a useful test. Moreover, recently, the role of interleukin (IL)‐10 in EBV‐related diseases has been remarked, and high levels of IL‐10 have been detected in PTLD patients. In this study, both EBV load and IL‐10 were monitored in 38 PTLD patients at diagnosis and during follow‐up, as well as in a control group, in order to establish the diagnostic role of the two tests, their relationship with the different PTLD subsets (EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative) and their behaviour during treatment. Results of our study suggest that the usefulness of IL‐10 assay for early diagnosis of PTLD is similar to that of EBV load quantification, and its clinical diagnostic value is lower in EBV‐negative than in EBV‐positive PTLDs.
A novel missense mutation (1060G → C) in the phosphoglycerate kinase gene in a Japanese boy with chronic haemolytic anaemia, developmental delay and rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Ueda Ikuyo , Hirashima Yoshiaki , Sawai Yasuko , Usuku Tomohiro , Kano Gen , Kuriyama Kikuko , Todo Shinjiro , Sugimoto Tohru , Kanno Hitoshi , Fujii Hisaichi , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: September 2003

Summary. We report the case of a 3‐year‐old Japanese boy with phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) deficiency (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man entry 311800). The patient had anaemia and jaundice at birth, necessitating exchange transfusions for 2 d. After one red blood cell transfusion at age 2 months, his Hb level was 8–9 g/dl, his reticulocyte counts were 300–500 × 109/l, and his total bilirubin level was 25·65–42·75 µmol/l. The patient suffered two episodes of respiratory infection‐associated haemolytic crisis and rhabdomyolysis during early infancy. At age 3·0 years, his developmental milestones (developmental quotients measured using the Tsumori–Inage methods) score was 49% (normal 74–131%), and his height was below average by −2·0 standard deviations. The diagnosis of PGK1 deficiency was made based on his remarkably low (< 10% of normal) erythrocyte PGK enzyme activity level and the identification of a novel missense (1060G→C) PGK1 gene mutation. This mutation results in the Ala‐353Pro amino acid substitution, which has been designated PGK Kyoto. The patient developed the full clinical symptoms of PGK1 deficiency including haemolytic anaemia, myopathy, central nervous system disorder and growth retardation, which is unusual.
Clinically significant newly presenting autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura in adults: a prospective study of a population‐based cohort of 245 patients
Authors: Neylon Annette J. , Saunders Peter W. G. , Howard Martin R. , Proctor Stephen J. , Taylor Penelope R. A. ,   on behalf of the Northern Region Haematology Group
Published: September 2003

Summary. The true incidence and prognosis of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults is unknown. We present the results of a prospective study in a population‐based cohort of newly presenting adults (≥ 16 years) with ITP and platelet count of < 50 × 109/l, which took place between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1999 in the former Northern Health Region in the UK (population 3·08 million). A total of 245 cases were confirmed by bone marrow examination with a median follow‐up of 60 months (range 6–78 months). There were 134 females/111 males (1·2:1). Overall incidence was 1·6 per 105 per annum. Absolute incidence was similar for both sexes, with highest age‐specific incidence in those aged > 60 years. Thirty patients (12%) presented with frank bleeding, and 28% were asymptomatic. Forty‐five patients (18%) received no treatment, and 135 (55%) received first‐line treatment only. Thirty patients (12%) underwent splenectomy. There were four deaths (1·6%) from bleeding and/or the complications of therapy in this cohort, but only one was in the acute phase of the illness. The majority of patients (155 out of 245) achieved remission (platelet count > 100 × 109/l), with a further 59 (24%) in partial remission with no symptoms (platelet count 30–100 × 109/l). This population‐based study suggests that the traditional view of adult ITP as being a predominantly chronic disease that preferentially affects females needs to be modified.
Introducing a nutrition screening tool: an exploratory study in a district general hospital
Authors: Jordan Sue , Snow Dawn , Hayes Chris , Williams Anne
Published: September 2003

Background. Concerns have been raised that patients’ nutrition is a neglected aspect of care. Accordingly, ‘nutrition screening tools’ have been devised to ensure that all patients are assessed by nurses and, where appropriate, referred to dieticians. The tool adopted in our hospital was the ‘Nursing Nutritional Screening Tool’.

Aim. To investigate the impact of this screening tool on: nutrition‐related nursing documentation; patient care at mealtimes; dietician referral.

Methods. This study was conducted on two similar general medical wards in a United Kingdom (UK) district general hospital, with the help of staff and patients (n = 175) admitted during two study periods, May 1999 and January 2000. Data were collected over 28 days before and after introduction of the screening tool on one of the wards. For both wards, in each stage of the study, data were collected b: review of patients’ notes, non‐participant observations of mealtimes. Frequencies of dietician referral and documentation of weight were compared by cross‐tabulations and χ2 tests. Nine months later, the findings were discussed with ward sisters in a group interview.

Findings. Introduction of the screening tool impacted on the process but not the outcomes of screening. Use of the screening tool increased the frequency of nutrition‐related documentation: the proportion of patients with weights recorded increased on the intervention ward (P < 0·001), and decreased on the comparator ward. Frequency of dietician referral decreased on both wards, but differences were statistically insignificant. There was no observable change in patient care at mealtimes. The nurses in charge of the wards felt that introduction of the screening tool had raised awareness of nutrition‐related care.

Conclusions. Meeting patients’ nutritional needs is a complex aspect of care which may benefit from introduction of structured guidelines. However, the potential of screening tools to improve care is limited by diverse factors, which warrant further exploration.
Sexual health and women with bipolar disorder
Authors: McCandless Fiona , Sladen Claire
Published: September 2003

Aim. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the importance of sexual health promotion strategies for women with bipolar disorder in order to stimulate interest and debate in this area of care.

Background. Sexual health promotion is an important aspect of holistic nursing care. However, the literature indicates that nurses are reluctant to discuss sexual health and sexual behaviour with their clients. People with bipolar disorder warrant special consideration with regards to sexual health because the nature of the manic, or hypomanic, mood state is associated in some cases with sexually risky behaviour. For women with bipolar disorder, the associated risks include the threat of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. To ignore sexual health and sexual behaviour in mental health care increases the vulnerability of women who may already be at risk of sexual exploitation.

Case example. A brief case example is included to demonstrate how the sexual health of a young woman with bipolar disorder was promoted. The sexual health promotion that was incorporated into her care enabled her to make a choice about appropriate contraception, and also provided her with the opportunity to explore acceptable boundaries in different types of interpersonal relationships. As a result of the episodic nature of Bipolar disorder, it is impossible to state whether the positive outcomes from this strategy will be enduring or not.

Conclusion. Consideration of sexual health is an essential element of the care of women with Bipolar disorder. To ignore it is to neglect an important sphere of human behaviour that can be affected by the condition.
Disseminated mucocutaneous leishmaniasis resulting from chronic use of corticosteroid
Authors: Motta Ana Carolina F. , Arruda Darlene , Souza Cacilda S. , Foss Norma T.
Published: September 2003

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a granulomatous disease clinically characterized by ulcerated skin and mucosal lesions whose clinical manifestations can regress spontaneously, but with possible long subclinical evolution. The course of the disease is often related to the host immune response. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and microscopic findings of cutaneous and mucosal lesions of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in a patient who presented an unusual form of the disease associated with an immunosuppressive state.
The papulokeratotic type of solitary benign lichenoid keratosis
Authors: Schepis Carmelo , Lentini Maria , Batolo Dario , Palazzo Rosaria
Published: September 2003

A 67‐year‐old housewife was referred to us for a papulonodular keratotic lesion on the left side of the left eyebrow (Fig. 1). The lesion had started to develop 6 months earlier and had gradually reached a size of 2 cm in diameter. It was firm, nonitching, and painless on pressure.

Papulokeratotic lesion on the left eyebrow

image

Histologic examination of a punch biopsy obtained from the reddish edge of the nodule showed a jagged epidermal profile with areas of hyperplasia alternating with areas in which the epidermis was thin. The epidermis showed multifocal acanthosis, diffuse hypergranulosis, and hyperorthokeratosis; only focal hyperparakeratosis was present. The basal layer showed spotty areas of liquefaction degeneration, with superimposed lymphocytic infiltrate, and exocytoses that indented the profile of the dermo‐epidermal junction. Focally, some eosinophilic bodies were present. Keratinocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei were also present in the lower layer of the epidermis (Fig. 2).

Histologic examination showing epidermis with acanthosis, hypergranulosis, and hyperorthokeratosis; keratinocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei can also be seen in the lower layer. The papillary dermis shows a band‐like lymphocytic infiltrate (original magnification, × 10)

image

The papillary dermis showed a mostly band‐like infiltrate consisting predominantly of lymphocytes, a few melanin‐poor histiocytes, and very rare eosinophils; telangiectases and solar elastosis were also present.
Sporotrichosis with widespread cutaneous lesions: report of 24 cases related to transmission by domestic cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: De Lima Barros Mônica Bastos , De Oliveira Schubach Armando , Galhardo Maria Clara Gutierrez , Schubach Tânia Maria Pacheco , VMD  , Reis Rosani Santos dos , Conceição Maria José , Valle Antônio Carlos Francesconi do
Published: September 2003

Background Sporotrichosis most commonly presents as a localized lymphocutaneous infection following traumatic inoculation of soil, vegetables or organic substrates contaminated with the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Cases of widespread cutaneous lesions are rare. There have been isolated reports of household outbreaks of sporotrichosis involving cats and humans.

Methods We report 24 cases of culture‐proven sporotrichosis presenting with widespread cutaneous lesions.

Results These 24 cases are part of an epidemic currently occurring in Rio de Janeiro. All patients reported contact with cats with sporotrichosis and 17 reported a history of a scratch or bite. Clinical manifestations included fixed lesions at multiple anatomical sites, and fixed lesions associated with the lymphocutaneous, bilateral lymphocutaneous and mucosal forms of the disease. Two patients were alcoholics and one patient was diabetic, while the remaining patients did not present any immunosuppressing condition. All patients responded to treatment with itraconazole.

Conclusions The domestic cat has played an important role in the transmission of sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro and seems to have contributed to this unusual clinical manifestation.
A case of cutaneous paragonimiasis with pleural effusion
Authors: Dainichi Teruki , Nakahara Tsuyoshi , Moroi Yoichi , Urabe Kazunori , Koga Tetsuya , Tanaka Masato , Nawa Yukifumi , Furue Masutaka
Published: September 2003

Background  Paragonimiasis is an infectious disease caused by Paragonimus, which persists in the lung of mammals. Infection in the skin is very rare.

Results  A subcutaneous tumor with itching developed on the right lateroabdominal region of a 55‐year‐old man 10 days after eating fresh‐water crab. It was surgically excised 2 months later. Examination of a specimen of the surgically excised tumor revealed an abscess containing many eosinophils. Parasites or other infectious organisms were not found in sections. The blood eosinophil count of the patient was elevated, and P. westermani‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer was strongly detected in the serum. The tumor was diagnosed as cutaneous paragonimiasis caused by P. westermani. Three months after eating the crab, a chest X‐ray film showed a pleural effusion. P. westermani‐specific IgG antibody was also detected in the pleural fluid. The patient was given 75 mg/kg/day of praziquantel for 3 days. The pleural effusion gradually disappeared after the medication.

Conclusions  This patient had cutaneous paragonimiasis with a skin tumor that was diagnosed prior to the expression of a pleural effusion.
Demodex infestation in a child with leukaemia: treatment with ivermectin and permethrin
Authors: Damian Diona , Rogers Maureen
Published: September 2003

Background  Demodex mites are almost ubiquitous on older adult skin but are infrequent in young children. In immunocompromised patients, demodicosis may be more frequent and severe, and systemic therapy may be needed to achieve clinical resolution.

Case report  A six‐year‐old boy having maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with widespread erythema and scaling of the face. Skin scrapings were negative and the eruption worsened despite the completion of chemotherapy and the use of topical corticosteroids. Pustules developed on the face and around the eyelids, associated with bilateral blepharitis and lower lid chalazia. Skin biopsy then revealed heavy infestation with Demodex folliculorum. The child was treated with a combination of topical permethrin and oral ivermectin, with a total of four doses of ivermectin given over 6 weeks. The facial eruption had completely resolved 3 months after initiation of this combined treatment.

Comment  Demodex infestation can cause dramatic facial and eyelid inflammation in immunocompromised patients. Oral ivermectin, in combination with topical permethrin, can be a safe and effective treatment for severe demodicosis.
Linear polarized infrared irradiation using Super Lizer™ is an effective treatment for multiple‐type alopecia areata
Authors: Yamazaki Masashi , Miura Yuko , Tsuboi Ryoji , Ogawa Hideoki
Published: September 2003

Background  Super Lizer™ is a linear polarized light instrument, which has been used with good effect in orthopedics and anesthesiology to treat arthralgia and neuralgia with a high output of infrared radiation.

Aim  To test Super Lizer™'s efficacy for the treatment of alopecia areata.

Methods  Fifteen patients over 18 years of age, diagnosed with alopecia areata and displaying symptoms of patchy hair loss, were topically irradiated with infrared radiation using the Super Lizer™. The patients were irradiated intermittently for an interval of 3 min once every week or every 2 weeks.

Results  Seven of 15 (46.7%) of the irradiated areas showed hair regrowth 1.6 months earlier than the nonirradiated areas (χ2 official approval, P = 0.003). With regard to adverse effects caused by Super Lizer™ treatment, only one patient complained of a sensation of heat in the irradiated area.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that Super Lizer™, with its noninvasive properties, is a useful apparatus for the treatment of mild forms of alopecia areata.
Physiological regulation of P‐glycoprotein, MRP1, MRP2 and cytochrome P450 3A2 during rat ontogeny
Authors: Rosati Anna , Maniori Silvia , Decorti Giuliana , Candussio Luigi , Giraldi Tullio , Bartoli Fiora
Published: September 2003

P‐glycoprotein and the multidrug resistance‐related proteins MRP1 and MRP2 belong to the ATP binding cassette family of proteins and transport a wide range of substrates. These proteins are also involved in metabolic and excretory processes of xenobiotics. The rat genes mdr1a and mdr1b code for P‐glycoproteins, while mrp1 and mrp2 genes code for MRP1 and MRP2 proteins, respectively. In this study, the physiological modulation of the level of transcript for these genes during rat ontogeny in the liver, kidney, lung, brain and heart was analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. An increasing level of transcript during ontogeny was demonstrated for mdr1a and mdr1b in all tissues considered, as well as for mrp2, which was detected only in the liver and kidney. In contrast, mrp1 transcript, present in all tissues, did not show any modulation. The maximum level of expression was reached in adult animals and a significant decrease was demonstrated in aging rats. Western blot analysis with C219 and M2III‐6 monoclonal antibodies confirmed this different pattern of expression during ontogeny in the liver. The physiological regulation of cytochrome P450 3A2 was also considered: in the rat liver, an increase in the level of transcript during ontogeny, with a maximum in 60‐day‐old rats and a decrease in 8‐month‐old rats, was evident.
Variation in Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larva formation
Authors: Viney Mark E. , Gardner Michael P. , Jackson Joseph A.
Published: September 2003

Dauer larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans are formed when young larvae experience conditions of low food availability and high conspecific population density; non‐dauer, third stage larvae are formed in conditions of plenty. This developmental response to environmental conditions is an example of phenotypic plasticity; that is, an environmentally induced change in phenotype and, as such, a manifestation of a genotype–environment interaction. Extensive variation was found in reaction norms of phenotypic plasticity of dauer formation among wild lines of C. elegans. Recombinant‐inbred lines were constructed from parental lines with very different reaction norms of dauer formation. These recombinant‐inbred lines had a wide range of reaction norms, of a range greater than that set by the parental lines. The natural variation in reaction norms of dauer formation in C. elegans is, presumably, an adaptation to enhance fitness under the lines' different natural prevailing conditions. The genetic basis of this variation, as well as its phenotypic consequences, are now ripe for further investigation.
Concomitant induction of apoptosis and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in cultured rat luteal cells by nuclear factor‐κB and oxidative stress
Authors: Nagaosa Kaz , Shiratsuchi Akiko , Nakanishi Yoshinobu
Published: September 2003

It has previously been shown that expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (mcp)‐1 and apoptosis of luteal cells occur concomitantly during the estrous cycle in the rat corpus luteum; however, luteal cells containing mcp‐1 mRNA did not seem to be apoptotic. In the present study, the relationship between the induction of apoptosis and mcp‐1 expression in cultures of dispersed rat luteal cells was examined. Both apoptosis and mcp‐1 expression were spontaneously induced in cultured luteal cells in a manner inhibitable by antioxidative reagents or an inhibitor of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐kB. However, the cells containing mcp‐1 mRNA were distinct from those undergoing apoptosis, and the inhibition of apoptosis by the pan‐caspase inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk did not influence the induction of mcp‐1 expression. These results collectively indicate that oxidative stress simultaneously, but independently, induces apoptosis and mcp‐1 expression in luteal cells through the activation of nuclear factor‐kB. This phenomenon might help to explain how monocytes/macrophages accumulate in regressive corpora lutea where their target apoptotic cells exist.
Gene silencing in chick embryos with a vector‐based small interfering RNA system
Authors: Katahira Tatsuya , Nakamura Harukazu
Published: September 2003

In this paper, the use of vector‐based RNA interference (RNAi) to specifically interfere with gene expression in chick embryos is reported. In ovo electroporation was carried out to transfer a small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vector into chick embryos. En2 was chosen for the target gene because the family gene, En1, is expressed in a similar pattern. Four sets of 19‐mer sequences were designed with the En2 open reading frame region connected to a sequence of short hairpin RNA (shRNA), which exerts siRNA effects after being transcribed, and inserted into pSilencer U6‐1.0 vector. En2 and En1 expression were suppressed by the siRNA whose sequence completely matched En2 and En1. Suppression occurred when the siRNA sequence differed by up to two nucleotides from the target sequence. The sequence that differed by four nucleotides from the target gene did not show siRNA effects. One set that completely matched the En2 target did not show siRNA effects, which may be due to location of the siRNA in the target gene. Thus, multiple sets of shRNA must be prepared if we are to consider. This system will greatly contribute to the analysis of function of genes of interest, because the target gene can be silenced in a locally and temporally desired manner.
Caenorhabditis elegans DAF‐21 (HSP90) is characteristically and predominantly expressed in germline cells: Spatial and temporal analysis
Authors: Inoue Tadao , Takamura Katsumi , Yamae Hisanori , Ise Naoto , Kawakami Manabu , Tabuse Yo , Miwa Johji , Yamaguchi Yasunori
Published: September 2003

Three monoclonal antibodies against antigens that exist in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line have previously been described. In the present study, a full‐length mRNA for one of these antigens was isolated, and by sequencing its corresponding cDNA, it was predicted that the protein would show a high homology with the 90 kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) in other species, and with the protein of daf‐21, a previously identified hsp90 homologue. The spatial and temporal distribution of the antigen (DAF‐21) was analyzed in C. elegans, and the localization of daf‐21 mRNA, as detected by in situ hybridization, agreed with that detected by the monoclonal antibody. Under normal conditions, daf‐21 mRNA is characteristically distributed in postembryonic germ cells derived from Z2 and Z3 cells in both hermaphrodites and males. Under heat stress conditions, however, daf‐21 mRNA was not only detected in germ cells, but also apparently expressed all over the body. In addition, the DAF‐21 protein seemed to be localized in the perinuclear region of somatic cells.
Sustaining cultural vitality in a globalizing world: the Balinese example
Authors: Lietaer Bernard , De Meulenaere Stephen
Published: September 2003

It is generally accepted that massive tourism and a vibrant indigenous culture are mutually exclusive. Bali has so far proven to be an exception to this rule. This article explores a hitherto overlooked socio‐economic mechanism behind that exception. It is a dual complementary currency system used for centuries by highly decentralized and democratic decision‐making organizations. The reasons why such a dual currency system is so effective in mobilizing popular cultural creativity is investigated, and a systems framework is proposed to determine the conditions under which this model could be applicable outside of Bali. This framework is then tested with a second case study: traditional shell currencies in Papua New Guinea. Finally, some potential applications in areas in the world other than traditional cultures are portrayed.
Internet banking adoption among mature customers: early majority or laggards?
Authors: Mattila Minna , Karjaluoto Heikki , Pento Tapio
Published: September 2003

Finland is a world leader in electronic banking, and over 39.8 percent of all retail banking transactions were made over the Internet in August 2000. Using the data of a large survey, we analyzed mature customers’ Internet banking behavior. Internet banking was the third popular mode of payment among mature customers. Household income and education were found to have a significant effect on the adoption of the Internet as a banking channel, so that over 30 percent of wealthy and well‐educated mature males make e‐banking their primary mode of making payments. Perceived difficulty in using computers combined with the lack of personal service in e‐banking were found to be the main barriers of Internet banking adoption among mature customers. Internet banking was also found to be more unsecured among mature customers than bank customers in general.
Apparel sourcing: assessing the true operational cost
Authors: Lowson Robert H.
Published: September 2003

In a earlier debate, it was suggested that for many reasons, the decision by a retailer to source low‐cost clothing offshore from low‐wage suppliers may be ill‐advised. We were able to show that using lower priced textiles and apparel manufactured by foreign sources could be sub‐optimal operations strategy. In numerous cases, those relying upon this form of procurement failed to consider all the relevant information. Despite the obvious attraction of low cost, there were serious trade‐offs and disadvantages. We classified the latter as the hidden costs of importing (for example, delays, use of airfreight, administrative and quality costs, etc.) and the inflexibility costs. When properly attributed and quantified, these disadvantages often outweighed the benefits of low cost foreign supply. It was at this point that we proposed the need for an objective, axiomatic framework (widely accepted across the textile industry) to demonstrate the full implications of domestic versus offshore purchasing – a total acquisition cost model. Here, we expand this thinking, and begin to explore how such a model can be developed using the data obtained from a sample of international textile and clothing retailers and their suppliers.
Feeling valued at work? A qualitative study of corporate training consultants
Authors: White Marian , Mackenzie‐Davey Kate
Published: September 2003

Examines what makes employees feel valued by their employer, through a survey of training consultants operating at Brathay, an educational charitable trust, associate training consultants working with Brathay to support both its youth and corporate work, and training consultants operating in a commercial organization. Clusters responses under the headings of fairness, environment and inclusion. Suggests differences that may exist between the different types of employees sampled, and their needs/expectations in terms of feeling valued by their employer.
The analytic hierarchy process in project evaluation
Authors: Liang Wen‐Yau
Published: September 2003

A decision to terminate a project can demoralize project managers and team members, and increase concerns about job security. For these reasons, managers tend to delay project termination decisions. However, such delays can put a damper on the normal operation of a company. Therefore, corporations have been seeking to develop a number of methods and techniques to assist with decision making in project evaluation. Benchmarking has gained increasing acceptance as a technique that enhances business processes. This paper is concerned with the development of a model using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for the evaluation of project termination or continuation, which is based on the benchmarking method. The benchmarking of project evaluation, the operation of AHP, is presented along with a case study. A R&D case study in Taiwan is used to illustrate the approach, the framework of which was entered on an Excel spreadsheet. This approach has provided the decision maker with an alternative for evaluating the status of a project and making the right call.
Attitudes of US and European managers to supplier selection and assessment and implications for business performance
Authors: Kannan Vijay R. , Choon Tan Keah
Published: September 2003

As competition motivates firms to exploit their core competencies, outsourcing takes on greater significance. Increased reliance on supplier capabilities and technologies, however, increases the impact that supplier selection and assessment can have on the buying firm and in particular, its performance. While prior studies of supply management provide considerable evidence of the criteria used by firms to select and assess suppliers, they provide little insight into the relationships between selection and assessment and the buying firm's performance. This research describes an empirical study of attitudes towards supplier selection and assessment of American and European companies and their impact on business performance. Results illustrate that while both American and European managers consider objective selection and assessment criteria such as cost and price to be more important than subjective criteria such as supplier commitment, it is the more subjective criteria that have a greater impact on firm performance. Moreover, while for American companies there are strong relationships between attitudes towards supply management and performance, similar relationships do not appear to hold for European companies.
A system dynamics framework for benchmarking policy analysis for a university system
Authors: Salhieh Loay , Singh Nanua
Published: September 2003

This paper proposes a policy analysis framework for a University system that incorporates benchmarking technique to design effective policies for closing the gaps in performance. Once a university adopts a policy, decision‐makers must evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in achieving desired performances. Incorporating benchmarking techniques into the developed dynamic framework can identify the gaps in performance and a feedback mechanism to develop effective policies for closing the gaps. In this paper benchmarking is utilized as an indicator and a change agent to design effective policies. The proposed dynamic framework is developed using a system dynamics approach.
Mutual Guarantee Associations for Small and Micro‐Entrepreneurs: Lessons Learned from Europe and Africa
Authors: De Gobbi Maria Sabrina
Published: September 2003

Mutual guarantee associations (MGAs) can be a viable solution to the problem of access to credit from banks for those small entrepreneurs who cannot offer sufficient collateral, in particular for artisans. After providing a general description of an MGA, the most successful model in Europe, both in number and in volume of guarantees, is considered and its factors of success are analysed. Findings from Europe as well as from some developing countries are presented. Some applications of the MGA scheme in a few African countries are described and potential ways to improve the current situation of those MGAs are highlighted. An MGA is an association comprised of entrepreneurs who join together to create an organization which establishes a dialogue with banks. The association plays the role of an intermediary between artisans and banks: small‐ and micro‐ enterprises (SMEs) join the association to obtain credit from banks and the association negotiates with banks to secure loans for its members. Successful MGAs strengthen private initiatives and SMEs, which is widely regarded as a key ingredient to development and poverty‐alleviation in most countries. They may become strong entities which can deal with banks on an equal level, helping SMEs gain access to credit that is normally unavailable.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Cash Flow and Dividend Changes in Nigeria
Authors: Adelegan Olatundun J.
Published: September 2003

The purpose of this study is to re‐evaluate the incremental information content of cash flows in explaining dividend changes, given earnings. I carry out an 882 firm‐year study by analysing the dividend changes‐cash flow relationship on a sample of 63 quoted firms in Nigeria over a wider testing period from 1984 to 1997. Despite the fact that I used a wider testing period than previous studies and more refined cash flow measures than previous studies, I also introduced dummy variables to capture economic policy changes in the economy. The association of cash flows with dividend changes is tested using the modified Lintner‐Brittain model as adopted in Charitou and Vafeas (1998) on pooled cross sectional/time series data from the full sample of observations from 1984‐97. The models are estimated using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method and I do find a significant relationship between dividend changes and cash flow unlike previous studies. The empirical results reveal that the relationship between cash flows and dividend changes depend substantially on the level of growth, the capital structure choice, size of each firm and economic policy changes.
Prospects and Challenges for Developing Securities Markets in Ethiopia: An Analytical Review
Authors: Tessema Asrat
Published: September 2003

This paper is an analytical review of the prospects and challenges of developing securities markets in Ethiopia. With the fall of communism and the emergence of capitalism, many countries around the world are moving toward market‐oriented economies and securities markets are springing up on all continents around the globe. Securities markets have come to symbolize to many the essence of capitalistic economic relations. When studying the economies of developing countries, the first thing that becomes apparent is the existence of immense and, to a considerable extent, unemployed human resources as well as an acute shortage of capital. Shortage of capital is a major constraint in the realization of economic development. Recognizing the role that securities markets play in mobilizing capital, more than a dozen African countries have established stock markets. Ethiopia is not one of them. There is little current research which focuses on Africa's securities markets. This study helps to contribute to that effort by focusing on Ethiopia, the second largest country in sub‐Saharan Africa plagued with major economic problems. The paper concludes by recommending the establishment of a stock market and providing suggestions on how to do it.
The identity politics of multicultural nationalism: A comparison between the regular public addresses of the Belgian and the Spanish monarchs (1990–2000)
Authors: Maddens Bart , Berghe Kristine Vanden
Published: September 2003

Abstract. A nation‐state confronted by sub‐national claims may opt for a corporatist or managerial approach, where the centre accommodates ethnic and regional claims and at the same time develops an identity politics of multicultural or multination nationalism. In this way, it is attempted to re‐legitimise the nation as a community that allows different cultural and ethnic groups to live together in harmony. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the regular public addresses of the monarchs in the period 1990–2000, this article investigates to what extent Belgium and Spain have adopted such a strategy of multicultural nationalism. It is shown that multiculturalism is the core value of the Belgian nationalist discourse, in the sense that the Belgian nation is constantly defined in terms of its constituent cultural segments. The Spanish nationalist discourse is predominantly unitary and hardly reflects the compound nature of the state. Democracy is the core value of this discourse. It is argued that the more unitary representation of the Spanish nation is due to the lack of elitist consensus about the compound nature of the state and the dominant position of Hispanic culture.
Structure versus culture again: Corporatism and the ‘new politics’ in 16 Western European countries
Authors: Todosijević Bojan , Enyedi Zsolt
Published: September 2003

Abstract.  Various authors have hypothesized that corporatist institutional arrangements favor the development of ‘new politics’: new social movements, concern for issues such as peace and ecology, postmaterialist orientation and voting for left‐libertarian parties. This article analyzes the relationships between corporatism and ‘new politics’ using Siaroff's (1999) corporatism scores for 16 West European countries and data from Inglehart et al.'s (1998) World Value Survey. The results of the analysis show that corporatism is related to higher membership in peace movements and also to belief in the urgency of ecological problems. However, it is unrelated to postmaterialist values, votes for ‘new parties’, approval of the environmentalist and feminist movements, and willingness to contribute financially to environmental protection. The relationships between corporatism and ‘new politics’ is shown to be somewhat mediated by economic factors, while the hypothesis that postmaterialism is a principal factor behind the popularity of the new social movements is not substantiated.
The politics of liberalisation: Privatisation and regulation‐for‐competition in Europe's and Latin America's telecoms and electricity industries
Authors: Levi‐Faur David
Published: September 2003

Abstract. This article sheds some light on the interaction between politics and learning in the diffusion of liberalisation. It does so by specifying the conditions and ways in which politics and learning interact and thus sustain cross‐national and cross‐sectoral variations in the spread of liberalisation. The process of liberalisation is analysed against data from 32 European and Latin American countries and two sectors. The indicators employed cover the issue of privatisation as well as regulatory reform. An analytical framework is presented that, for the first time, allows a systematic quantitative examination of the contrasting predictions of the Policy Sector Approach (PSA) and the National Patterns Approach (NPA). Four different combinations of variations and similarities across sectors and nations are identified and explained. These explanations are grounded in actor‐centred historical institutionalism. The empirical evidence points to the failure of Latin America to become ‘European’ despite the appearance of sweeping and comprehensive liberalisation. In addition, the article demonstrates how rational actors act in different institutional environments while accommodating the process of learning to their advantage, and how their actions are constrained by different historical legacies of state formation and varied levels of risks and rewards inherent in different sectors.
Emergency department overcrowding in the United States: an emerging threat to patient safety and public health
Authors: Trzeciak S , Rivers E P
Published: September 2003

Numerous reports have questioned the ability of United States emergency departments to handle the increasing demand for emergency services. Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is widespread in US cities and has reportedly reached crisis proportions. The purpose of this review is to describe how ED overcrowding threatens patient safety and public health, and to explore the complex causes and potential solutions for the overcrowding crisis. A review of the literature from 1990 to 2002 identified by a search of the Medline database was performed. Additional sources were selected from the references of the articles identified. There were four key findings. (1) The ED is a vital component of America’s health care “safety net”. (2) Overcrowding in ED treatment areas threatens public health by compromising patient safety and jeopardising the reliability of the entire US emergency care system. (3) Although the causes of ED overcrowding are complex, the main cause is inadequate inpatient capacity for a patient population with an increasing severity of illness. (4) Potential solutions for ED overcrowding will require multidisciplinary system-wide support.
Entry overload, emergency department overcrowding, and ambulance bypass
Authors: Fatovich D M , Hirsch R L
Published: September 2003

Objectives:To describe an experience of emergency department (ED) overcrowding and ambulance bypass.

Methods:A prospective observational study at Royal Perth Hospital, a major teaching hospital. Episodes of ambulance bypass and their characteristics were recorded.

Results:From 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2001, there were 141 episodes of ambulance bypass (mean duration 187 min, range 35–995). Monday was the most common day with 39 (28%) episodes. Entry block alone was the most common reason bypass was activated (n=38, 30.4%). The mean number of patients in ED at these times was 40 (occupancy 174%), including nine in the corridor, seven awaiting admission, and 14 waiting to be seen. Episodes attributable to entry block were typically preceded by a presentation rate of ⩾10 patients per hour for ⩾2 hours (OR 6.2, 95% CI 4.3 to 8.5). Mid-afternoon to early evening was the most common time for activation. Ambulance bypass is increasing in frequency and duration.

Conclusions:Entry overload resulting in entry block results from overwhelming numbers of patients presenting to the ED in a short space of time. Entry block impairs access to emergency care. Unless something is done in the near future, the general public may no longer be able to rely on EDs for quality and timely emergency care. A “whole of system” approach is necessary to tackle the problem.