bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Paths of Development
Authors: Gereffi Gary , Fonda Stephanie
Published: July 2003

Development is the key challenge facing human society. The essence of development is to improve the quality of life, yet the striking technological revolutions of recent years have not resulted in better living conditions for most of the world’s population. These contrasts are not limited to comparisons between advanced industrial and developing societies; they are also reflected in starkly differing patterns of development within the third world.

Five broad theoretical perspectives frame much of the literature on regional paths of development: neoclassical economics, world-systems/dependency theories, the developmental state, institutional analysis, and marxism. While these approaches are general in nature, there are marked affinities between individual theories and the experience of particular regions in the third word.

Our review focuses on four third-word regions: Latin America, East Asia, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. East Asia comes out on top according to almost all indicators of economic and social development, followed by Latin America, South Asia, and, at a considerable distance from the rest, Africa. The comparative analysis of the paths of development followed in these regions not only generates useful insights about concrete development processes; it also serves as a tool for refining development heory itself, and points to promising new areas of research.
Refugees, Immigrants, and the State
Authors: Hein Jeremy
Published: July 2003

A realist versus nominalist debate within the field of international migration questions whether refugees are fundamentally distinct from immigrants or whether the category is a social construction masking similarities with immigrants. Contemporary refugee and immigrant flows conform to patterns of the world system. However, refugee migrations are caused by changes in the nation-state. Like immigrants, refugees organize migration through social networks, but the composition of their networks and the effects of migration on social identity differ. In a host society, both populations adapt with household economic strategies that secure multiple income sources, although the state plays a greater role in the adaptation of refugees. The partial convergence of two migration forms once presumed opposite reveals general patterns in international migration and adaptation, supporting the nominalist perspective. The remaining differences suggest that refugees are primarily distinguished by their relationship to the state, thus supporting the realist perspective.
Formal Models of Collective Action
Authors: Oliver Pamela E.
Published: July 2003

This review focuses on formal theories and models of collective action. There are many types of collective action, and they cannot all be captured with the same formal model. Four types of models are reviewed: single-actor models which treat the “group” behavior as given; models of the interdependent aggregation of individual choices into collective action; models of the collective decisions of individuals with different interests; and models of the dynamic interactions among collective actors and their opponents. All models require simplifying assumptions about some aspects of a situation so that others may be addressed. Models of the aggregation of individual choices have shown the greatest recent growth, have employed a wide variety of assumptions about individual behavior and coordination mechanisms, have identified complex interaction effects of group heterogeneity, and generally exhibit thresholds, discontinuities, and internal group differentiation. Models of dynamic interactions require further development but promise to be enriched by accumulating empirical time series data on collective events. Greater attention is urged to technical issues of formal symbolic mathematical analysis, experimental design, response surface analysis, and technical problems in the reduction and presentation of complex interactions.
Recent Advances in Longitudinal Methodology
Authors: Petersen Trond
Published: July 2003

It is common to all types of longitudinal data that one observes some social unit from at least two points in time. With such data several opportunities for analysis arise that are not present in cross-sectional data, for example, to study change processes and to account for unobserved variables in a more robust manner. There are many types of longitudinal data. I review some recent advances in analyzing two types: event histories and panel data. In Part I of this article I focus on seven recent advances in analyzing event history data: (i) techniques for dealing with unobserved explanatory variables, (ii) peculiarities of various sampling frames, (iii) time-aggregation bias, (iv) discrete time methods, (v) estimation procedures such as those based on Cox's partial likelihood, (vi) local hazard-rate models, and (vii) continuous state space models. In Part II of the article I focus on recent advances in analyzing panel data, with an emphasis on how panel data allows one better to take account of unobserved variables in the types of static relationships usually estimated with cross-sectional data.
Moral Panics: Culture, Politics, and Social Construction
Authors: Goode Erich , Ben-Yehuda Nachman
Published: July 2003

Social problems may fruitfully be looked at as constructed phenomena, that is, what constitutes a problem is the concern that segments of the public feel about a given condition. From the constructionist perspective, that concern need not bear a close relationship with the concrete harm or damage that the condition poses or causes. At times, substantial numbers of the members of societies are subject to intense feelings of concern about a given threat which a sober assessment of the evidence suggests is either nonexistent or considerably less than would be expected from the concrete harm posed by the threat. Such over-heated periods of intense concern are typically short-lived. In such periods, which sociologists refer to as “moral panics,” the agents responsible for the threat—“folk devils”—are stereotyped and classified as deviants. What accounts for these outbreaks or episodes of moral panics? Three theories have been proposed: grassroots, elite-engineered, and interest group theories. Moral panics are unlike fads; though both tend to be relatively short-lived, moral panics always leave an informal, and often an institutional, legacy.
Religion and Political Legitimation
Authors: Billings Dwight B. , Scott Shaunna L.
Published: July 2003

Sociologists have always recognized the “double function” of religion in the legitimation of power and privilege and in protest and opposition, but theories of secularization and modernization predicted the declining significance of religion in contemporary public life. We review new approaches to religious activism and legitimation efforts in the United States and in the world-system that stress the interrelatedness of religion and politics. Then we evaluate the contributions of new theories of social movements and culture, Marxism, and feminism to new conceptualizations of the relationships among religious struggles, inequality, and political order today.
Why Fertility Changes
Authors: Hirschman Charles
Published: July 2003

There is considerable controversy over the causes of the completed fertility transitions that occurred in most industrial countries from 1870 to 1930 and the “new” fertility transitions that are currently underway in the developing world. New data and empirical analyses of both historical and contemporary fertility declines have weakened the standard theory of the demographic transition, but none of the plethora of new theories of fertility change have emerged as hegemonie or as alternative guides to empirical research. The vast body of empirical evidence on the origins, speed, and correlates of fertility declines in different historical and geographical settings shows more diversity than a simple theory of fertility change would predict. The challenge for the field is to develop a common theoretical framework that will accommodate the diversity of historical paths from high to low fertility.
Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives on Corporate Organization
Authors: Fligstein Neil , Freeland Robert
Published: July 2003

The study of corporate governance has expanded both its theoretical and its empirical scope. We define governance broadly to include the social organization of firms and their relations to their suppliers, customers, competitors,and states. This review examines both economic and sociological theories to evaluate their efficacy at accounting for the comparative data on firms. Our review of the comparative literature suggests that there is no evidence of convergence across societies toward a single form of governance, and that this is mainly a function of three factors: the timing of entry into industrialization and the institutionalization of that process, the role of states in regulating property fights and rules of cooperation and competition between firms, and the social organization of national elites. The theories that function best are those that consider political, institutional, and evolutionary factors as causal. This is a cautious conclusion as many of the theories have not been evaluated because of the difficulty in producing comparative measures.
Beyond Rationality in Models of Choice
Authors: Macy Michael W. , Flache Andreas
Published: July 2003

There is increasing sociological interest in formal models of action driven by a calculus of expected utility. We believe these efforts to extend microeconomic models to extraeconomic exchange can benefit from specification of societal constraints on individual choice. One type of constraint locates the actor in an evolving network of social ties that limit opportunities for exchange. Another approach assumes that choices are influenced by unintended outcomes that operate behind the backs of the actors. Considerable progress has been made in the past two years incorporating social structure and unintended consequences into formal models based on individual choice optimization. We critically examine leading contributions to network exchange theory (part 1) and evolutionary models of collective action (part 2), and assess how these and related developments may shape the future of rational choice theory and its place within sociology.
US Socioeconomic and Racial Differences in Health: Patterns and Explanations
Authors: Williams David R. , Collins Chiquita
Published: July 2003

This chapter reviews recent studies of socioeconomic status (SES) and racial differences in health. It traces patterns of the social distribution of disease over time and describes the evidence for both a widening SES differential in health status and an increasing racial gap in health between blacks and whites due, in part, to the worsening health status of the African American population. We also describe variations in health status within and between other racial populations. The interactions between SES and race are examined, and we explore the link between health inequalities and socioeconomic inequality both by examining the nature of the SES gradient and by identifying the determinants of the magnitude of SES disparities over time. We consider the ways in which major social structures and processes such as racism, acculturation, work, migration, and childhood SES produce inequalities in health. We also attend to the ways in which other intervening factors and resources are constrained by social structure. Measurement issues are addressed, and implications for health policy and future research are described.
Decreased Levels of Cystatin C, an Inhibitor of the Elastolytic Enzyme Cysteine Protease, in Acute and Subacute Phases of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Gupta-Malhotra Monesha , Levine Daniel M. , Cooper Rubin S. , Zabriskie John B.
Published: June 2003

Elevation of tissue-destructive proteases has been reported in acute Kawasaki disease. Cystatin C is a naturally occurring inhibitor of elastolytic cysteine protease in humans. Serum cystatin C deficiency in human beings has been linked to atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. We investigated the serum levels of cystatin C during acute Kawasaki disease. Serum samples from 17 acute Kawasaki disease patients were collected before and after immunoglobulin therapy and also at a median of 17 days after the therapy. Eight adults and 10 children without intercurrent infections served as control patients. Children with Kawasaki disease prior to therapy had significantly lower levels of cystatin C compared to adults (p = 0.002) and control children (p = 0.001). The low levels persisted 1–106 days after the therapy. Compared to control children and adults, children with Kawasaki disease had significantly lower serum levels of cystatin C in the acute stage before immunoglobulin therapy and in the subacute phase after the immunoglobulin therapy.
Time-Dependent Changes in the Plasma Concentration of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kaden Jens J. , Dempfle Carl-Erik , Sueselbeck Tim , Brueckmann Martina , Poerner Tudor C. , Haghi Dariusch , Haase Karl K. , Borggrefe Martin
Published: June 2003

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are believed to play a pathophysiologic role in acute myocardial infarction (MI). The time course of their plasma concentrations in correlation with the extent of myocardial damage is unclear. In a prospective study, 20 patients with proven acute MI underwent successful reperfusion within 6 h after the onset of symptoms. The patients were divided into two groups according to the size of their MI, i.e. large or moderate MI. Plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were determined on admission, and after 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. MMP-2 levels remained unchanged over time in both groups. The plasma concentration of MMP-9 was elevated on admission in patients with large MI versus moderate MI (195 ± 190 versus 78 ± 63 ng/ml, p < 0.01) as determined by left ventriculography, and returned to baseline (18 ± 16 ng/ml) by 1 week after MI. TIMP-1 levels rose slowly in patients with large MI and returned to baseline at 6 months. The ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 was significantly increased on admission in both groups and returned to baseline at 48 h. These data suggest that MMP-9 might play a pathophysiologic role during the early phase of acute MI.
Estrogen Receptor Dinucleotide (TA) Polymorphism Does Not Predict Premature Myocardial Infarction in Caucasian Women
Authors: Petrovič Daniel , Peterlin Borut
Published: June 2003

In this association study, we tested the hypothesis whether the estrogen receptor gene dinucleotide (TA) polymorphism is a risk factor for premature myocardial infarction in Caucasian women. We also investigated the relationships between estrogen receptor gene dinucleotide (TA) polymorphism and serum lipid levels. One-hundred and forty-one women with premature myocardial infarction were compared with healthy women. Cases and controls did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in distribution of the estrogen receptor dinucleotide (TA) gene polymorphism alleles. Neither could we demonstrate the length of the dinucleotide (TA) repeats of the estrogen gene to be associated with premature myocardial infarction in Caucasian women. Subjects with larger alleles (both alleles of ≧19 repeats) did not differ in serum lipid levels (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) from subjects with other genotypes. We may conclude that in Caucasian women the length of the dinucleotide (TA) repeat in the regulatory region of the α-estrogen receptor gene is neither associated with premature myocardial infarction nor with serum lipid levels.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Ofloxaxin Otic Solution for the Treatment of Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Abes Generoso , Espallardo Noel , Tong Michael , Subramaniam K. Nalliah , Hermani Bambang , Lasiminigrum Lina , Anggraeni Ratna
Published: June 2003

The objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness and incidence of adverse events of ofloxacin otic solution for suppurative otitis media compared with other treatments. All randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized comparative clinical trials published from 1966 to 2000 using ofloxacin otic solution as one of the interventions were reviewed and data were extracted and analyzed. Eleven clinical trials (9 randomized and 2 nonrandomized) enrolling 1,484 adults and children were finally included in the analysis. Five studies employed clear concealment procedure in the allocation of treatment whereas evaluation of outcome was at least single-blinded in 6 trials. The probability of overall cure rate was higher with 0.3% ofloxacin otic solution than with other topical or systemic antibiotics in 9 of the studies analyzed (OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 2.04, 3.50). Resolution of secondary outcome parameters evaluated at least 1 week after treatment was higher with 0.3% ofloxacin otic solution: resolution of otalgia (4 trials; OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.2, 4.82); resolution of otorrhea (11 trials; OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 2.12, 3.65), and bacterial eradication rate (6 trials; OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 2.54, 5.87). A subgroup analysis of 4 studies comparing ofloxacin otic solution with antibiotic- and steroid-containing otic solution showed a higher cure rate for ofloxacin otic solution (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.52, 4.90). Another subgroup analysis on 3 studies comparing ofloxacin otic solution with oral systemic antibiotics showed higher resolution of otorrhea with ofloxacin otic solution (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 2.12, 3.65). Of 4 studies with data on adverse events, the probability of adverse events was lower with ofloxacin otic solution than with other topical antibiotics (OR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.42). Subgroup analysis showed that 0.3% ofloxacin otic solution showed better results in terms of overall cure rate, resolution of otorrhea, otalgia, bacterial eradication rate and incidence of adverse events. Whether due to chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) or draining tympanostomy tube, the overall cure rate (CSOM OR = 4.86; with tympanostomy tube OR = 2.13) and resolution of otorrhea (CSOM OR = 4.42; with tympanostomy tube OR = 1.66) were likewise in favor of 0.3% ofloxacin otic solution. The studies included in this meta-analysis showed generally homogenous results in all clinical and laboratory outcomes analyzed, except for the evaluation of adverse events. The authors conclude that 0.3% ofloxacin otic solution is better than other otic antibiotic drops and other oral antibiotics in terms of overall cure rate and resolution of secondary outcome parameters. Estimates on the beneficial effects of ofloxacin otic solution are limited to the period of study included in this review.
Location-Dependent Patterns in Cardio-Autonomic Dysfunction in Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Strittmatter M. , Meyer S. , Fischer C. , Georg T. , Schmitz B.
Published: June 2003

Background and Study Purpose: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a common complication of acute cerebrovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible location-dependent difference in cardio-autonomic function in patients with ischaemic stroke. Patients and Methods: Sympathetic function was prospectively assessed by determining plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine in 19 patients with left-hemisphere (LH), 14 with right-hemisphere (RH) and 6 with brainstem/cerebellar (BS) stroke. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and transcranial flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery were recorded during the first 5 days after stroke. Results: Stroke caused an initial increase in sympathetic function in all 3 groups with a spontaneous decrease in norepinephrine in LH (p < 0.01) and BS stroke (p < 0.05) only. Norepinephrine was significantly higher in RH than in BS stroke (p < 0.05). The alterations in autonomic function were paralleled by a sustained elevation in cardiovascular parameters mainly in RH stroke. Conclusions: Plasma catecholamines are feasible in monitoring location-dependent autonomic dysfunction in ischaemic stroke. Hemispheric lateralization in autonomic control should be taken into account in the management of stroke because of an increased susceptibility to cardio-autonomic dysfunction in patients with RH stroke.
Mutation Screening of the MAPT and STH Genes in Polish Patients with Clinically Diagnosed Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Żekanowski Cezary , Pepłońska Beata , Styczyńska Maria , Gustaw Katarzyna , Kuźnicki Jacek , Barcikowska Maria
Published: June 2003

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and is connected with about 10% of all dementias. In approximately half of all FTD cases, a positive family history has been reported. To date, several mutations at the tau protein gene (MAPT) were identified causing familial and sporadic FTD. Extensive polymorphic variability at the MAPT gene has also been shown to be a risk factor in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The recently described gene Saitohin (STH), located in the intron 9 of MAPT gene, was also reported to be polymorphic. In the present study 23 unrelated Polish patients with clinically defined sporadic and familial FTD were screened for mutations at the MAPT gene. No pathogenic mutations were found in the group. Several novel silent intronic and exonic mutations were identified, most of them associated with two common haplotypes. In the reported group no correlation between extended MAPT haplotype and APOE genotype was determined. There was also no observed relation between age of onset and APOE status. At the STH gene only a common polymorphic change was found. It is postulated that MAPT mutations are not connected with most of the FTD cases in the Polish population.
Age-Dependent Association between the Q7R Polymorphism in the Saitohin Gene and Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Combarros Onofre , Rodero Lucía , Infante Jon , Palacio Enrique , Llorca Javier , Fernández-Viadero Carlos , Peña Nicolás , Berciano José
Published: June 2003

A vigorous controversy exists over whether tau tangles or amyloid-β plaques are the primary cause of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it is not well established whether genetic variation in tau is associated with AD. A recently identified novel protein, named Saitohin (STH), shares tissue expression pattern with tau, and preliminary evidence in a North American population indicates that a polymorphism at codon 7 (Q7R) of the STH gene is a predisposing factor for sporadic AD. A case-control study utilizing a clinically well-defined group of 315 sporadic AD patients and 307 control subjects was performed to test this association. The current study reveals that increased risk of AD associated with the STH RR genotype (OR 2.17, p = 0.04) is limited to late-onset (after the age of 72 years) AD cases.
A polymorphic, telomeric-like sequence microsatellite in the Neotropical fish Prochilodus
Authors: Hatanaka T. , Henrique-Silva F. , Galetti Jr. P.M.
Published: June 2003

A microsatellite locus from the Neotropical fish genus Prochilodus was isolated using PCR-based isolation of microsatellite arrays. Of 470 positive clones, 15 were sequenced, and 10 of them showed an (AATTT)n repeat. Primers were designed, and analysis of polymorphism revealed 11 alleles in three Prochilodus species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed signals predominantly in the telomeric regions of several chromosomes. The description of this microsatellite may contribute to studies of the population structure of this fish group.
Effects of Haloperidol and Atypical Neuroleptics on Psychomotor Performance and Driving Ability in Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Kagerer Sabine , Winter Catja , Möller Hans-Jürgen , Soyka Michael
Published: June 2003

The influence of antipsychotic treatment on the neuropsychological and psychomotor performance of schizophrenic patients is still a subject of investigation. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of atypical neuroleptics in comparison with a conventional dopamine antagonist neuroleptic (haloperidol) on several dimensions of psychomotor performance (visual perception, attention, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance) considered to be of relevance in evaluating driving fitness. Psychomotor performance was assessed by means of the ART 90, a computerized Act and React Test which is generally used in diagnosis of psychomotor performance. The 49 participating patients were examined at discharge following psychopathological stabilisation; 20 received haloperidol, 29 received an atypical neuroleptic. Our findings demonstrate a remarkably reduced psychomotor performance in the haloperidol-treated group of schizophrenic patients compared with patients treated with atypical neuroleptics. Only 1 (5%) subject passed all subtests without major failures and could be regarded as competent to drive. Among patients with atypical neuroleptics, 7 patients (24%) passed all test parameters without major failures.
Mapping the Royal Road and Other Hierarchical Functions
Authors: Wiles Janet , Tonkes Bradley
Published: July 2003

In this paper we present a technique for visualising hierarchical and symmetric, multi-modal fitness functions that have been investigated in the evolutionary computation literature. The focus of this technique is on landscapes in moderate-dimensional, binary spaces (i.e., fitness functions defined over {0,1}n, for n ≤ 16). The visualisation approach involves an unfolding of the hyperspace into a two-dimensional graph, whose layout represents the topology of the space using a recursive relationship, and whose shading defines the shape of the cost surface defined on the space. Using this technique we present case-study explorations of three fitness functions: royal road, hierarchical-if-and-only-if (H-IFF), and hierarchically decomposable functions (HDF). The visualisation approach provides an insight into the properties of these functions, particularly with respect to the size and shape of the basins of attraction around each of the local optima.
Place and Chips: Virtual Communities, Governance and the Environment
Authors: Smith Roy
Published: July 2003

This article examines the significance of virtual communities whose formation has been facilitated by advances in communications technologies. This involves discussing the evolving role and autonomy of national governments in relation to processes of globalization, set within the context of the challenges faced by governments to coordinate global responses to environmental degradation.

The Principality of Sealand, the Global State of Waveland and the Dominion of Melchizedek are discussed. It is argued that it is less their claims to state-hood that is significant but rather the ability to act autonomously that they represent. Governance is considered as a process that extends beyond national policy decision-making. This more inclusive approach pays more attention to both civil society and, in relation to advances in telecommunications, the methods various actors utilize to further their agendas.
Movements, Networks, Hierarchies: A Gender Perspective on Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Bretherton Charlotte
Published: July 2003

Environmental governance may be distinguished from environmental management by the implication that, in the former, some form of participatory process is involved. Here, the focus is upon the potential for women's movements and networks to influence the principles and practices of global environmental governance (GEG). It is contended that, in principle, women are uniquely placed to oppose the dominant norms informing GEG; and that women's participation would, in consequence, be crucial to the achievement of equitable and environmentally sound forms of governance. In practice, however, a number of factors combine to create divisions between women, and hence to impede transnational mobilization by women around environmental issues. This article examines these issues.
Challenging Global Environmental Governance: Social Movement Agency and Global Civil Society
Authors: Ford Lucy H.
Published: July 2003

In line with a critical theoretical perspective, which sees global environmental governance as embedded in the wider neoliberal global political economy, this article argues that accounts of global environmental governance grounded in orthodox International Relations lack an analysis of agency and power relations. This is particularly visible in the problematic assertion that global civil society—where social movements are said to be located—presents a democratizing force for global environmental governance. Through a critical conceptualization of agency the article analyzes social movements (including NGOs) and the challenges to global environmental governance, with an illustration of movements campaigning against toxic waste. It suggests that the potentiality of radical social movement agency is best understood through a neo-Gramscian approach, which identifies global civil society as simultaneously a site for the maintenance of, as well as challenges to, hegemony. It explores the extent to which global social movements constitute a counter-hegemonic challenge.
POSEIDONIOS D'APAMÉE ET LES JUIFS
Authors: Berthelot Katell
Published: June 2003

In this article I have tried to show that both Strabo's text (16.2.34-46) and Diodorus' text (34-35.1.1-5) about the Jews can be attributed to Posidonius of Apamea and that they do not contradict each other; nor do they contradict Josephus' testimony in the Against Apion (2.79), where it is very difficult anyway to determine what exactly goes back to Posidonius. His vision of the Jews can be summarized as follows: although he considered Moses as a wise and pious man who founded an admirable political and religious community, for political and philosophical reasons Posidonius greatly despised and disliked the Judaism of his time, which he regarded as a degenerate version of the Mosaic project.
The effect of haemodilution on blood/biomaterial contact-mediated CD11b expression on neutrophils: ex vivo studies
Authors: Gourlay Terence , Samartzis Ioannis , Taylor Kenneth M
Published: June 2003

Modern cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) systems are getting smaller, both in terms of the exposed surface area of biomaterials and the priming volume. In a series of studies utilizing a rat recirculation model, we demonstrated that the magnitude of the inflammatory response seen under these conditions is proportional to the surface area of exposed material, a finding that supports the use of miniature systems in terms of moderating the inflammatory response. However, the second impact of miniature perfusion systems, the reduced priming volume with concomitant reduction in haemodilution, was not investigated with reference to inflammation. The present study was designed to determine whether this change in CPB haematocrit profile has any effect on the inflammatory response. In common with previous studies by this group, we employed the expression of the integrin CD11b on neutrophils as a marker of neutrophil activation, and hence the inflammatory response, in a rat recirculation biomaterial testing model, containing di-(2-ethyl-hexyl)-phthalate plasticized polyvinyl chloride of the type commonly employed in CPB circuits.

The results demonstrated that neutrophil activation is influenced by haemodilution. We studied five groups of animals, each with different mean induced haematocrit: Group 1 (41.39 /1.27%); Group 2 (30.939 /2.85%); Group 3(24.839 /1.36%); Group 4 (20.609 /3.47%); Group 5(20.489 /1.31%). Groups 1 and 5 animals were controls, neither of which underwent the period of recirculation. Rather, these controls were employed to isolate the noncontact effect of haemodilution on CD11b expression. We found that there were differences in per cent change in CD11b expression from start to end of the recirculation period between Group 1 (109.549 /49.53%), Group 2(189.19 /18.68%), Group 3 (224.289 /43.97), Group 4(368.979 /24.28%) and Group 5 (1279 /57.8%). There were intergroup statistically significant differences (p B /0.05).

These results confirm that there is a relationship between haematocrit level and biomaterial contact-mediated activation of neutrophils. Furthermore, these studies confirm that haemodilution alone has no effect on neutrophil activation. One possible explanation for this outcome is that with higher levels of haemodilution, neutrophils have a greater opportunity to contact surface ‘receptor’ sites on the biomaterial, resulting in more neutrophil activation. Whatever the mechanism, these data tend to support the modern trend towards lower circuit surface area and higher haematocrit.
Concordance across species in the reproductive and developmental toxicity of tetrachloroethylene
Authors: Beliles Robert P
Published: June 2003

Reproductive and developmental toxicities resulting from exposure to tetrachloroethylene include delayed or impaired conception, sperm quality, death during development, developmental neurotoxicity, and growth retardation. In most cases there was concordance between rodents and humans. The risk assessments indicated that neurotoxicity was the most sensitive endpoint for inhalation, whereas growth retardation was the most sensitive endpoint when exposure was by the oral route. The reference concentration (RfC) of 0.01 ppm was based on neurotoxicity among human subjects. The reference dose (RfD) of 0.0006 mg/kg per day was based on small for gestation age infants. In both cases, studies in rodents supported the credibility of these assessments. For the RfD, similar findings for other trihalomethanes have been reported. The latter part of pregnancy and early life may constitute a susceptible period for alterations leading to behavioral deficits. During this period, the capacity to metabolize tetrachloroethylene is reduced and may further contribute to the sensitivity during this phase of development. Studies suggest that an effect on dopamine metabolism is a plausible mode of action for some types of neurotoxicity. In addition, it has been suggested that this alteration may affect reproductive integrity by influencing prolactin levels.
Specific amino-acid residues in the N-terminus and TM3 implicated in channel function and oligomerization compatibility of connexin43
Authors: Lagrée Valérie , Brunschwig Karin , Lopez Patricia , Gilula Norton B. , Richard Gabriele , Falk Matthias M.
Published: June 2003

To identify signals that convey connexin oligomerization compatibility, we have aligned amino-acid sequences of α and β group connexins (Cx)and compared the physico-chemical properties of each homologous amino-acid residue. Four positions were identified that consistently differed betweenα and β-type connexins; two are located in the N-terminal domain(P1 and P2, corresponding to residues 12 and 13 of the Cx43 sequence), and two in the third trans-membrane-spanning domain TM3 (P3 and P4, corresponding to residues 152 and 153 of the Cx43 sequence). Replacement of each of these residues in Cx43 (an α-type connexin) with the corresponding residues of Cx32 (a β-type connexin) resulted in the assembly of all variants into gap junctions; however, only the P4 variant was functional, as indicated by lucifer yellow dye transfer assays. The other three variants exerted a moderate to severe dose-dependent, dominant-negative effect on co-expressed wild-type (wt) Cx43 channel activity. Moreover, a significant dose-dependent,trans-dominant inhibition of channel activity was observed when either one of the N-terminal variants was co-expressed with wt Cx32. Assembly analyses indicated that dominant and trans-dominant inhibitory effects appeared to be based on the oligomerization of wt and variant connexins into mixed connexons. Interestingly, the identified N-terminal amino acids coincide with the position of naturally occurring, disease-causing missense mutations of severalβ-connexin genes (Cx26, Cx30, Cx31, Cx32). Our results demonstrate that three of the identified discriminative amino-acid residues(positions 12, 13 and 152) are crucial for Cx43 channel function and suggest that the N-terminal amino-acid residues at position 12/13 are involved in the oligomerization compatibility of α and β connexins.
Systems modelling of a coal-based steam power plant
Authors: Mohan M , Gandhi O. P. , Agrawal V. P.
Published: July 2003

A power plant manager has to minimize operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses while ensuring the reliability, safety, and security of supply in order to remain competitive in the global market. The performance of a steam power plant (SPP) is a function of its basic structure (i.e., layout and design), availability (maintenance aspects), operation efficiency (trained manpower), safety and security, and other regulatory aspects. Understanding of its structure will help in the improvement of performance, design, maintenance planning, and so on. A mathematical model using the graph theory and matrix method is developed to evaluate the performance of a coal-based SPP. Detailed methodology for developing a system structure graph (SSG), various system structure matrices, and their permanent functions are described for the boiler of an SPP (a macro level system). Structural interconnections between six systems of boiler are considered for developing an SSG of a boiler. To carry out complete structural modelling and analyses of the boiler, system structure graphs of its six systems and their subsystems are presented. A top-down approach for complete analysis of any system is also given.

This method can be extended further for modelling a complete SPP by incorporating a turbogenerator macro system and its subsystems, thus converting real-life SPP from a block diagram into a mathematical model for analysis and synthesis of a power plant from different perspectives.
Design charts for the selection of acoustical enclosures for diesel engine generator sets
Authors: Osman T. A.
Published: July 2003

It has been realized that attenuation of the noise radiated from diesel engine generating sets is a challenge for the designer. The enclosure, which may be designed for noise reduction, has to allow for the flow of the necessary amount of air. The present work is an attempt to tackle such a contradictory problem. A mathematical model is developed to predict the enclosure design configuration. The parameters affecting the insertion loss, such as enclosure and silencer dimensions, number of baffles, and sound absorption material specifications are taken into account. To verify the developed model, experimental measurements based on ISO 8528 part 10 are conducted. Four different generating sets covering a wide range of power rating are employed. The effect of changing each parameter on the insertion loss is studied separately for the chosen range. Design charts, based on the results of the present investigation, are constructed to facilitate the section of a proper acoustical enclosure configuration at the preliminary design stage.
Baclofen Treatment for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Drake Roger G , Davis Lori L , Cates Marshall E , Jewell Michele E , Ambrose Sandra M , Lowe Joette S
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVE:

Previous studies have shown the efficacy of γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor agonists in treating anxiety in patients with panic disorder and in treating depression and anxiety in alcoholic patients. We hypothesized that baclofen, a GABAB agonist, would be an effective treatment in the symptomatic management of veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS:

Fourteen male veterans with chronic, combat-related PTSD were enrolled in an open-label, 8-week, monotherapy trial of baclofen titrated to a maximum of 80 mg/d in 3 divided doses. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and secondary outcome measures included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions.

RESULTS:

In the 11 patients who completed the 8-week trial, the mean total CAPS score decreased significantly from baseline (from 82.9 ± 16.1 to 63.5 ± 21.2). The avoidance and hyperarousal subscales showed significant decreases (from 36.2 ± 6.2 to 26.5 ± 9.6 and from 31.9 ± 6.5 to 22.1 ± 7.1, respectively), whereas the re-experiencing subscale remained unchanged. Significant improvements were also noted on all secondary outcome measures. Treatment response was noted within the first 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained throughout the trial. Baclofen therapy was well tolerated, as only 1 patient dropped out due to adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Baclofen therapy was effective in treating both the PTSD symptoms and accompanying depression and anxiety in patients with chronic PTSD due to combat. Larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of baclofen in the treatment of PTSD.
Shear and objective stress rates in hypoplasticity
Authors: Kolymbas D. , Herle I.
Published: June 2003

This paper addresses some questions referring to shear within the context of hypoplasticity and the importance of objective stress rates in constitutive modelling. A short introduction to the stress changes due to rotations is followed by a discussion of the merits of the individual objective stress rates. It is shown that many of them differ only by terms that pertain to the constitutive description of a material. Apart from this it is shown that the Zaremba–Jaumann stress rate can lead to inconsistencies. This is, however, rather of academic importance and it appears that the use of Ṫ instead of any objective stress rate produces only minor or even undiscernible errors. Finally, a question referring to limit states is addressed, which is of particular interest with respect to hypoplasticity: should the limit state be defined by Ṫ=0 or by T̊=0? Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodegradable polymers based on renewable resources. VII. Novel random and alternating copolycarbonates from 1,4:3,6‐dianhydrohexitols and aliphatic diols
Authors: Yokoe Makito , Aoi Keigo , Okada Masahiko
Published: June 2003

Novel copolycarbonates containing 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐D‐glucitol or 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐D‐mannitol units, with various methylene chain lengths, were synthesized by bulk and solution polycondensations, of several combinations of carbonate‐modified sugar derivatives and aliphatic diols. Bulk polycondensations of 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐2,5‐bis‐O‐(phenoxycarbonyl)‐D‐glucitol or 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐2,5‐bis‐O‐(phenoxycarbonyl)‐D‐mannitol with four α,ω‐alkanediols having methylene chain lengths of 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively, at 180 °C afforded the corresponding copolycarbonates with number‐average molecular weight (Mn) values up to 19.2 × 103. 13C NMR analysis disclosed that these polymers had scrambled structures in which the sugar carbonate and aliphatic carbonate moieties were nearly randomly distributed along a polymer chain. However, solution polycondensations between 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐2,5‐bis‐O‐(p‐nitrophenoxycarbonyl)‐D‐glucitol or 1,4:3,6‐dianhydro‐2,5‐bis‐O‐(p‐nitrophenoxycarbonyl)‐D‐mannitol, and the α,ω‐alkanediols in sulfolane or dimethyl sulfoxide at 60 °C gave well‐defined copolycarbonates having regular structures consisting of alternating sugar carbonate and aliphatic carbonate moieties with Mn values up to 33.8 × 103. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that all the copolycarbonates were amorphous with glass‐transition temperatures ranging from 1 to 65 °C, which decreased with increasing lengths of the methylene chain of the aliphatic diols. Additionally, all the copolycarbonates were stable up to 310–330 °C as estimated by thermogravimetric analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2312–2321, 2003
Benchmarking secondary structure prediction for fold recognition
Authors: McGuffin Liam J. , Jones David T.
Published: June 2003

If secondary structure predictions are to be incorporated into fold recognition methods, an assessment of the effect of specific types of errors in predicted secondary structures on the sensitivity of fold recognition should be carried out. Here, we present a systematic comparison of different secondary structure prediction methods by measuring frequencies of specific types of error. We carry out an evaluation of the effect of specific types of error on secondary structure element alignment (SSEA), a baseline fold recognition method. The results of this evaluation indicate that missing out whole helix or strand elements, or predicting the wrong type of element, is more detrimental than predicting the wrong lengths of elements or overpredicting helix or strand. We also suggest that SSEA scoring is an effective method for assessing accuracy of secondary structure prediction and perhaps may also provide a more appropriate assessment of the “usefulness” and quality of predicted secondary structure, if secondary structure alignments are to be used in fold recognition. Proteins 2003;52:166–175. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gedächtnisleistung im Alter:
Authors: Wolf Oliver T. , Kirschbaum Clemens
Published: June 2003

Zusammenfassung. Das höhere Lebensalter ist durch zahlreiche Veränderungen des Hormonsystems charakterisiert. Besonders markant ist die Abnahme der Sexualsteroidhormone (Östradiol, Progesteron, Testosteron, DHEA), während die basalen Spiegel des “Stresshormons“ Cortisol stabil bleiben oder leicht ansteigen. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit diskutiert die Relevanz dieser hormonellen Veränderungen für Funktion und Struktur des Gehirns am Beispiel der Gedächtnisleistung im höheren Lebensalter. Bei älteren Frauen wurden wiederholt gedächtnisverbessernde und neuroprotektive Effekte von Östradiol berichtet. Inwieweit und in welche Richtung Progesteron die Östrogeneffekte moduliert, ist noch unklar, da sowohl synergistische als auch antagonistische Effekte berichtet wurden. Die Rolle des Testosterons für die Gedächtnisleistung des alternden Mannes ist bisher kaum untersucht. Mehrere Studien haben hingegen gezeigt, dass DHEA bei gesunden älteren Männern und Frauen keine positiven Effekte auf die Gedächtnisleistung ausübt. Das Nebennierenrindenhormon Cortisol verschlechtert akut Leistungen des Arbeitsgedächtnisses und des deklarativen Gedächtnisses. Darüber hinaus gibt es vermehrt Hinweise darauf, dass erhöhte basale Cortisolspiegel im Alter sowohl zu einer Verschlechterung der Gedächtnisleistung als auch zu einer Verringerung des Hippocampusvolumens führen. Zusammengenommen verdeutlichen diese Befunde, dass Steroidhormone die Struktur und Funktion des menschlichen zentralen Nervensystems nachhaltig beeinflussen.
Bewerten und Verhalten:
Authors: Neumann Roland
Published: June 2003

Zusammenfassung. Annäherungs- und Vermeidungsverhalten spielt eine zentrale Rolle in einer Umwelt, die sowohl Möglichkeiten der Befriedigung von Bedürfnissen als auch Risiken und Gefahren birgt. In traditionellen Modellen der Motivationspsychologie wird Annäherungs- und Vermeidungsverhalten als Funktion von Erwartung und Wert gesehen ( Tolman, 1932 ; Ajzen, 1985 ). Danach ergibt sich die Verhaltenstendenz aus der Abwägung des Wertes der angenommenen Konsequenz und der Instrumentalität einer Handlung. Im Folgenden soll ein alternativer Ansatz skizziert werden, wonach appetitives und aversives Verhalten nicht ausschließlich auf einer Kalkulation möglicher Konsequenzen dieses Verhaltens beruht, sondern bereits Teil der mentalen Repräsentation affektiver Ereignisse ist. Dies ist insbesondere dann relevant, wenn Einstellungen oder Emotionen das Verhalten steuern.