bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Perceived Personnel Selection System Fairness Determinants: Relations with Demographic, Personality, and Job Characteristics
Authors: Viswesvaran Chockalingam , Ones Deniz S.
Published: April 2004

This study explored the relative importance attached to various perceived personnel selection fairness determinants (e.g., selection system content‐based variables, features of selection system administration). We investigated how demographic variables (ethnicity and gender), individual differences characteristics (the Big Five and cognitive ability) and job characteristics (job complexity and domestic/expatriate assignment status) relate to the importance of ratings of perceived personnel selection system determinants. The results, especially for race/ethnicity analyses indicated that there might be differences across demographic groups in importance placed on different aspects of selection system characteristics. The magnitudes of the relationships were small to moderate for Asian–White and Hispanic–White comparisons. Asian–Hispanic and gender differences in importance assessments were small. Few individual differences variables (i.e., personality and cognitive ability) were associated with importance placed on various aspects of selection system characteristics. Notable exceptions were moderate positive relationships between general mental ability and importance of content‐based selection system characteristics, and moderate negative relationships between emotional stability, conscientiousness and cognitive ability, and importance of selection system context variables. The complexity levels of the jobs held by respondents did not appreciably affect the importance placed on the different selection system characteristics. There were few notable differences between importance assessments for domestic versus expatriate positions. Implications for practice, especially managing cultural diversity in organizations, and for theory development are discussed.
Osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bernstein C. N. , Leslie W. D.
Published: April 2004

Studies using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry have suggested a high prevalence of osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease. However, population‐based data on fracture incidence suggest only a small increased risk of fracture amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with the general population. Therefore, it would be helpful to identify patients with inflammatory bowel disease at particularly high risk for fracture so that these risks might be modified or interventions might be undertaken. The data on calcium intake as a predictor of bone mineral density are conflicting. Although there are data suggesting that a one‐time survey to determine current calcium intake will not help to predict bone mineral density in inflammatory bowel disease, persistently reduced calcium intake does appear to lead to lower bone mineral density. In the general population, body mass is strongly correlated with bone mineral density, which also appears to be true in Crohn's disease. Hence, subjects with inflammatory bowel disease and considerable weight loss, or who are obviously malnourished, could be considered for bone mineral density testing, and the finding of a low bone mineral density would suggest the need for more aggressive nutritional support. Although vitamin D is undoubtedly important in bone health, vitamin D intake and serum vitamin D levels do not correlate well with bone mineral density. Sex hormone deficiency can also adversely affect bone health, although a well‐developed strategy for sex hormone measurements in patients with inflammatory bowel disease remains to be established. Ultimately, the determination of genetic mutations that accurately predict fracture susceptibility may be the best hope for developing a simplified strategy for managing bone health in inflammatory bowel disease.

The therapy of osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease has been adapted from other osteoporosis settings, such as post‐menopausal or corticosteroid‐induced osteoporosis. To date, there remains no therapy proven to be efficacious in inflammatory bowel disease‐related osteoporosis; however, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and bisphosphonates have their roles.
Even population differentiation for maternal and biparental gene markers in Eugenia uniflora, a widely distributed species from the Brazilian coastal Atlantic rain forest
Authors: Salgueiro Fabiano , Felix Durvalina , Caldas José Fernando , Margis‐Pinheiro Márcia , Margis Rogério
Published: April 2004

Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Coastal Tropical Forest from the north‐eastern state of Ceara, to the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. E. uniflora plays an important role in the maintenance of ‘Restinga’ ecosystems, at the interface between forest and strand vegetation. Here, we characterize the genetic diversity, its allocation within and between populations and the possible components of nuclear and cytoplasmic gene flow that determine the spatial distribution of the genetic variability. Five E. uniflora populations encompassing distinct biogeographical components were sampled: populations at extremes of latitudinal distribution, at an oceanic island and close to the major urban centre of Rio de Janeiro. AFLP markers showed that genetic variance among studied populations was moderate (Fst = 0.211) with 78.9% of variability residing within populations. The estimated seed and pollen components of gene flow among populations were approximately equal, with a ratio between 1.003 and 0.713 in function of the cpDNA marker used. The five populations present a considerable genetic structure, as assigned by both nuclear and chloroplastic DNA markers. Our data suggest the existence of different glacial refugia and a limited pollen and seed gene flow, mainly between the southern and the other regions enclosed in the Atlantic rain forest. Therefore, any strategy of conservation and management has to assure the preservation of several populations along the Atlantic coast, to maintain the majority of the intra specific level of diversity.
Modelling distribution patterns in a species‐rich plant genus, Anthurium (Araceae), in Ecuador
Authors: Vargas J. H. , Consiglio T. , Jørgensen P. M. , Croat T. B.
Published: April 2004

Modelling potential species distributions has become a powerful tool for botanists in recent years. Using herbarium specimen data and GIS desktop software, we modelled the potential distribution of 36 endemic and 47 non‐endemic species of Anthurium (Araceae) in Ecuador based on mean annual temperature and humidity. Our results indicate the most important region for endemics in western Ecuador lies between the Andes and Coastal mountain ranges between 200 and 700 m, while for eastern Ecuador a belt of potential high diversity occurs directly along the foothills of the Andes under 1000 m. A very interesting result of this study highlights a site of predicted high species diversity at the borders of Guyas, Cañar, Bolivar, and Chimborazo, as well as sites within the Cordillera del Condor along the border with Peru. Potential richness for non‐endemic Anthurium species was similar to that of endemics with the inclusion of a large area of Amazonian lowlands in the east of the country. Over 40% of the protected areas in Ecuador occur in the eastern Amazonian lowlands, an area of low diversity for Anthurium endemics. Overall, for areas with potential high concentrations of endemic species identified in this study, only 3.1% are within Ecuador's protected areas.
Management strategies for plant invasions: manipulating productivity, disturbance, and competition
Authors: Huston Michael A.
Published: April 2004

The traditional approach to understanding invasions has focused on properties of the invasive species and of the communities that are invaded. A well‐established concept is that communities with higher species diversity should be more resistant to invaders. However, most recently published field data contradict this theory, finding instead that areas with high native plant diversity also have high exotic plant diversity. An alternative environment‐based approach to understanding patterns of invasions assumes that native and exotic species respond similarly to environmental conditions, and thus predicts that they should have similar patterns of abundance and diversity. Establishment and growth of native and exotic species are predicted to vary in response to the interaction of plant growth rates with the frequency and intensity of mortality‐causing disturbances. This theory distinguishes between the probability of establishment and the probability of dominance, predicting that establishment should be highest under unproductive and undisturbed conditions and also disturbed productive conditions. However, the probability of dominance by exotic species, and thus of potential negative impacts on diversity, is highest under productive conditions. The theory predicts that a change in disturbance regime can have opposite effects in environments with contrasting levels of productivity. Manipulation of productivity and disturbance provides opportunities for resource managers to influence the interactions among species, offering the potential to reduce or eliminate some types of invasive species.
Biological invasions at the gene level
Authors: Petit Rémy J.
Published: April 2004

Despite several recent contributions of population and evolutionary biology to the rapidly developing field of invasion biology, integration is far from perfect. I argue here that invasion and native status are sometimes best discussed at the level of the gene rather than at the level of the species. This, and the need to consider both natural (e.g. postglacial) and human‐induced invasions, suggests that a more integrative view of invasion biology is required.
Molecular Characterization of a Distinct Begomovirus Infecting Euphorbia pulcherrima in China
Authors: Ma X. Y. , Cai J. H. , Li G. X. , Qin B. X. , Zhou X. P.
Published: April 2004

Virus isolate G35 was obtained from Euphorbia pulcherrima showing leaf curl and vein thickening symptoms in Tianyang, Guangxi Province, China. The virus was transmitted by whiteflies to Nicotiana tabacum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Datura stramonium and E. pulcherrima. DNA‐A contains 2746 nucleotides, with two open reading frames (ORFs) in the virion‐sense DNA and four ORFs in the complementary‐sense DNA. When compared with the DNA‐A sequence of other begomoviruses, the total DNA‐A of isolate G35 was most closely related to that of Ageratum enation virus (79.9% sequence identity). However, the deduced coat protein of G35 is most like that of Pepper leaf curl virus from Bangladesh (94.9% amino acid sequence identity), and the AC1 of G35 is most like that of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus‐Okra (87.2% amino acid sequence identity). The molecular data showed that G35 is a distinct Begomovirus species, for which the name Euphorbia leaf curl virus (ELCV) is proposed.
Molecular Characterization of Cyst Nematode Species (Heterodera spp.) from the Mediterranean Basin using RFLPs and Sequences of ITS‐rDNA
Authors: Madani M. , Vovlas N. , Castillo P. , Subbotin S. A. , Moens M.
Published: April 2004

Fifteen populations of cyst‐forming nematodes belonging to 11 known and one unidentified species collected in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea were studied using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐rDNA sequences. RFLP profiles generated by the restriction enzymes AluI, AvaI, Bsh1236I, HaeIII, Hin6I, MvaI, PstI and RsaI are presented for Heterodera carotae, H. ciceri, H. fici, H. filipjevi, H. goettingiana, H. hordecalis, H. humuli, H. mediterranea, H. ripae and H. schachtii. Molecular data support the first detection of H. filipjevi from wheat in Italy and H. ripae from nettle in Greece. A relative high level of sequence divergence between populations of H. hordecalis was observed. This suggests that two species might presently be grouped under this taxon. The phylogenetic relationship between the Mediterranean cyst‐forming nematode species is analysed based on the ITS‐rDNA sequences.
Genetic Diversity of Phaeoisariopsis griseola in Kenya as Revealed by AFLP and Group‐specific Primers
Authors: Wagara I. N. , Mwang'ombe A. W. , Kimenju J. W. , Buruchara R. A. , Jamnadass R. , Majiwa P. A. O.
Published: April 2004

Genetic diversity of 50 Phaeoisariopsis griseola isolates collected from different agroecological zones in Kenya was studied using group‐specific primers and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Group‐specific primers differentiated the isolates into Andean and Mesoamerican groups, corresponding to the two common‐bean gene pools. Significant polymorphisms were observed with all the AFLP primer combinations used, reflecting a wide genetic diversity in the P. griseola population. A total of 207 fingerprints was generated, of which 178 were polymorphic. Cluster analysis of the polymorphic bands also separated the isolates into the two groups defined by group‐specific primers. All the isolates examined were grouped into three virulence populations; Andean, Afro‐Andean and Mesoamerican, and their genetic diversity measured. On average, greater diversity (91%) was detected within populations than between populations (9%). The genetic distance between Andean and Mesoamerican populations was higher (D = 0.0269) than between Andean and Afro‐Andean (D = 0.0095). The wide genetic diversity reported here has significant implications in breeding for resistance to angular leaf spot and should be taken into consideration when screening and deploying resistant bean genotypes.
Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus carbonarius in Corinth Raisin and Wine‐Producing Vineyards in Greece: Population Composition, Ochratoxin A Production and Chemical Control
Authors: Tjamos S. E. , Antoniou P. P. , Kazantzidou A. , Antonopoulos D. F. , Papageorgiou I. , Tjamos E. C.
Published: April 2004

Vineyard surveys of Corinth raisin cultivar carried out in the Peloponnese region of Greece during 2002 and of wine‐producing grape cultivars (Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Rouge) on the island of Rhodes, Greece, during 2003, demonstrated the occurrence of various Aspergillus spp. in berries of bunches at harvest. Aspergillus niger and A. carbonarius were predominantly isolated from sampled berries. Although the prevailing Aspergillus spp. isolates belonged mainly to A. niger aggregate, isolates of A. carbonarius were by far the most efficient Ochratoxin A (OTA) producers as revealed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test. This study provides the first evidence concerning the composition of Aspergillus populations in raisin and wine‐producing vineyards and offers convincing data for their ability to produce various levels of OTA in Corinth raisins and wine‐producing grapes in Greece. Furthermore, it demonstrates that chemical applications with the fungicide Switch, especially under low to intermediate Aspergillus infection of vineyards, could both significantly reduce the occurrence of OTA‐producing Aspergillus spp. and restrict sour rot severity. In contrast, vineyard applications with the fungicides Carbendazim or Chorus were ineffective in controlling the fungus in Corinth raisin cultivar.
The New Punitive Regulation
Authors: Baldwin Robert
Published: April 2004

There is now some evidence of a potential drift towards ‘punitive’ approaches to regulation in which greater emphasis is placed on criminal sanctions. This new enthusiasm for punishment can be seen in government policy, legislation and some regulators' public stances. There is evidence, however, that companies (even top ones) deal with punitive regulatory risks in a confused manner and that even when they do act rationally, this may not lead to compliance. One response to punitive approaches and their limitations is to move towards greater reliance on stimulating the self‐regulatory capacities of corporations. Such stimulation, however, has to be carried out with an awareness of the dangers of self‐regulation – notably that it may lead to controls that lack legitimacy, prove unfair and are exclusive and inefficient.
Mozzarella cheese: 40 years of scientific advancement
Authors: Kindstedt Paul S
Published: April 2004

An overview is presented of selected advances in the science of mozzarella cheese during the past 40 years. This is not intended to be a comprehensive review but rather to focus on several key milestones in the ongoing quest to understand the physicochemical basis for cheese structure and function. In keeping with the theme of this symposium, this paper highlights the pivotal role that Professor P. F. Fox had in shaping my understanding of mozzarella structure–function and the direction of my research during the past decade. The unfolding of mozzarella science has ebbed and flowed, with significant advances being made early on that were not fully recognized until much later.
Heat stability of milk
Authors: Singh Harjinder
Published: April 2004

The heat stability of milk has been the subject of a considerable amount of research for about a century. This research has been aimed mainly at understanding the effects of compositional and processing factors on heat stability and elucidating the mechanisms of protein coagulation. This paper provides an overview of the factors that influence the pH dependence of the heat stability of normal and concentrated milks. The principal heat‐induced changes in the milk system that contribute to coagulation are discussed. Current knowledge of the mechanisms of heat coagulation in normal and concentrated milks is also reviewed.
Dairy enzymology
Authors: Stepaniak Leszek
Published: April 2004

The properties and the significance of the principal indigenous enzymes in milk, milk coagulants, enzymes from dairy microorganisms participating in cheese ripening, and spoilage enzymes are discussed. In particular, the properties of plasmin, lipases, phosphatases, enzymes from somatic cells, enzymes involved in antimicrobial and antiviral systems in milk, enzymes from lactic acid bacteria, propionibacteria, and microorganisms involved in smear‐ and mould‐ripened cheese are reviewed. Some assay methods and the impact of some processing factors on selected enzymes are also discussed.
Cheese technology
Authors: Farkye Nana Y
Published: April 2004

Cheese is a highly nutritious food with many diverse flavours and textures. It can be used as a snack or as part of a dish or prepackaged convenience food. The diversity of cheese is due to an increasing knowledge of the technology of cheesemaking, and the biochemistry and microbiology of cheese ripening. Professor Pat Fox's research career over the past 40 years has contributed to our understanding of cheese technology, biochemistry and microbiology. This paper highlights Pat Fox's contributions in the area of cheese technology.
Inactivation of protozoan parasites in red blood cells using INACTINE PEN110 chemistry
Authors: Zavizion Boris , Pereira Mercio , De Melo Jorge Milena , Serebryanik Diana , Mather Thomas N. , Chapman John , Miller Nathan J. , Alford Bernadette , Bzik David J. , Purmal Andrei
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND:The transmission of parasites, includingBabesia, plasmodia, andTrypanosoma cruzi, via transfusions is an important public health concern. INACTINE technology is a pathogen‐reduction process that utilizes PEN110, an electrophilic agent that inac‐tivates a wide range of pathogens by disrupting nucleic acid replication. The present study investigated the effect of PEN110 treatment on the viability of protozoa in RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:B. microti‐parasitized RBCs from infected hamsters were treated with PEN110 and inoculated to naïve animals. Parasitemia was detected by blood smears and PCR. Human RBCs infected withP. falciparumwere treated with PEN110 and incubated with fresh RBCs.P. falciparummultiplication was detected by blood smears. Human RBCs spiked withT. cruziand treated with PEN110 were analyzed for the presence of live parasites using in‐vitro infectivity assay or by inoculating susceptible mice.

RESULTS:Treatment of RBCs infected withB. microtiorP. falciparumwith 0.01 to 0.1 percent (vol/vol) PEN110 resulted in parasite inactivation to below the limit of detection during 24 hours.T. cruziinoculated into human RBCs was inactivated below the limit of detection by 0.1 percent PEN110 after 3 hours.

CONCLUSION:The study demonstrates that treatment of blood with PEN110 is highly effective in eradicating transfusion‐transmitted protozoan parasites.
Better preservation of early hematopoietic progenitor cells when human peripheral blood progenitor cells are cryopreserved with 5 percent dimethylsulfoxide instead of 10 percent dimethylsulfoxide
Authors: Abrahamsen Jenny Foss , Rusten Leiv , Bakken Anne M. , Bruserud Øystein
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that cryopreservation of PBPCs in 5 percent DMSO is superior to 10 percent DMSO with regard to CD34+ cell viability and preservation of mature clonogenic cells. Nevertheless, preservation with 5 percent DMSO of primitive progenitors responsible for long‐term post‐transplant reconstitution must be characterized before this decreased concentration is further evaluated in clinical studies of autotransplantation in cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PBPCs from 15 patients with malignant diseases were cryopreserved in 5 and 10 percent DMSO and stored in liquid nitrogen for at least 14 months before the preservation of long‐term culture‐initiating cells (LTC‐ICs) was evaluated.

RESULTS: LTC‐IC survival was significantly better after PBPC cryopreservation with 5 percent DMSO instead of 10 percent DMSO (median, 43 colonies vs. 7 colonies, p = 0.003) The frequency of 5‐week LTC colony‐forming cells showed a significant correlation with the percent‐age and number of viable CD34+ cells but not to the number of mature colony‐forming cells in cryopreserved PBPCs.

CONCLUSION: Primitive progenitor cells in PBPC autografts from patients with malignant disorders can be cryopreserved with 5 percent DMSO, and the number of viable CD34+ cells can be used as a marker for the number of primitive progenitors in the graft.
ABO and Rh(D) phenotype frequencies of different racial/ ethnic groups in the United States
Authors: Garratty George , Glynn Simone A. , McEntire Robin ,   Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Commonly quoted ABO/Rh(D) frequencies in the US are usually from relatively small studies with racial or ethnic categories often judged by name or appearance.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 10‐year demo‐graphic database that contained racial or ethnic and ABO/Rh(D) phenotype data on 3.1 million allogeneic and autologous donors giving blood at five blood centers in the US was used to compute ABO and Rh(D) phenotypes in various racial/ethnic groups. The racial or ethnic category was designated by the donor.

RESULTS: The highest percentage of Group O was found in Hispanic (56.5%), North American Indian (54.6%), and black non‐Hispanic (50.2%) donors. Hispanic and black non‐Hispanic donors had a much lower percentage (7.3 and 7.1%, respectively) of Rh– compared to white non‐Hispanic donors (17.3%). Group O Rh– and Group B Rh– were found more commonly (8.0 and 1.8%, respectively) in white non‐Hispanic donors than in Hispanic (3.9 and 0.7%), black non‐Hispanic (3.6 and 1.3%), and Asian (0.7 and 0.4%) donors.

CONCLUSIONS: These data confirmed that the highest percentages of ORh+, BRh+/ABRh+, and Rh– are present in Hispanic, Asian, and white non‐Hispanic donors, respectively. These are the largest and most accurate data of ABO/Rh(D) phenotype frequencies for the major racial/ethnic donor groups in the US.
Preoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Segal Jodi B. , Blasco‐Colmenares Elena , Norris Edward J. , Guallar Eliseo
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) involves withdrawal of whole blood with concurrent infusion of fluids to maintain normovolemia. The aim of this study was to quantify the efficacy and safety of preoperative ANH with a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were identified through MEDLINE (1966‐2002) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Database and with hand searching of journals. All trials of preoperative ANH reporting on allogeneic transfusion, bleeding, or adverse outcomes were included. Paired reviewers independently abstracted data. Outcomes were pooled using random‐effects models.

RESULTS: A total of 42 trials compared hemodilution to usual care or to another blood conservation method. The risk of allogeneic transfusion was similar among patients receiving ANH and those receiving usual care (relative risk [RR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.01), or another blood conservation method (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96‐1.28). Hemodiluted patients, however, were transfused from 1 to 2 fewer units of allogeneic blood. They had less total bleeding than patients receiving usual care (91 mL; 95% CI, 25‐158 mL), although more intraoperative bleeding. Only one‐third of studies reported on adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: The literature supports only modest benefits from preoperative ANH. The safety of the procedure is unproven. Widespread adoption of ANH cannot be encouraged.
Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements in the US versus Ephedra as a Chinese Medicine
Authors: Mehendale Sangeeta R. , Bauer Brent A. , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: April 2004

Ephedra has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) without significant adverse effects. Ephedra-containing dietary supplements are widely used in the United States to promote weight reduction and energy enhancement. However, there are significant safety concerns regarding the use of ephedra-containing dietary supplements, especially when such use occurs by consumers without medical supervision. This article reviews and contrasts the usage of ephedra as a dietary supplement in the US against an herbal medication in TCM. The potential adverse effects of ephedra-containing dietary supplements are also reviewed.
Osthole Improves Aspects of Spatial Performance in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Tsuen , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Wang Wen-Hsin , Chen Chia-Sheng , Lin Chun-Ju , Wu Chi-Rei
Published: April 2004

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorating effects of Cnidiuim monnieri L. Cusson (CM) and osthole, a constituent of CM, on the spatial performance deficit in scopolamine (SCOP)-treated or ovariectomized (OVA) rats. CM improved the deficit of spatial performance, and reversed the lower plasma estradiol levels caused by SCOP in female rats. In addition, osthole (3 and 10 mg/kg, sc) improved the performance deficit in OVA rats. It (10 and 30 μg/brain, icv) also improved the performance deficit caused by SCOP in intact female rats, and at 30 μg/brain improved the deficit in OVA rats. However, osthole did not alter the latency swum to reach the visible target in SCOP-treated and OVA rats. Accordingly, we suggested that osthole is an active constituent of CM, and possesses ameliorating effects on the spatial performance deficits in SCOP-treated female rats or OVA rats. The action mechanism of the effects of osthole on performance deficits was related to the estrogen-like properties and activating the central cholinergic neuronal system.
Intraperitoneal Injection of Ginseng Extract Enhances Both Immunoglobulin and Cytokine Production in Mice
Authors: Liou Chian-Jiun , Li Ming-Liang , Tseng Jerming
Published: April 2004

Ginseng is one of the most widely used Chinese herbal medicines. In this report, the relatively short-term effect of ginseng extract on the immunoglobulin production and cytokine production was studied. The ginseng extract was prepared by boiling the ground ginseng root in 50% ethanol. The specific pathogen-free mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with various doses of ginseng extract for 3 consecutive days. The results indicated that the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG and IgA were significantly elevated after the mice were i.p. injected with 4 g/kg/day of ginseng extract. Under in vitro condition, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated spleen cells showed a dose-dependent increase in secretion of IgM, IgG and IgA. However, at a higher dosage (4 g/kg/day), the amount of IgA secretion began to decline. The serum level of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ [T-helper (Th)1-type cytokines] and IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2-type cytokines) were significantly elevated after the mice were i.p. injected with 2 g/kg/day or higher doses of ginseng extract. The amount of cytokine secretion by concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated spleen cells was also significantly enhanced after the mice were i.p. injected with 0.4 g/kg/day or higher dose of ginseng extracted. To further confirm the results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the spleen cells were cultured for 36 hours in the presence of 1 μg/ml of Con A. Total mRNA was isolated and assayed for mRNA expression using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results revealed that expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA were dose-dependently enhanced by the ethanol extract of ginseng. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression were also elevated in the spleen cells of ginseng-treated mice in comparison with that of the control group. In addition, we observed that the concentrations of IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b in culture supernatants of spleen cells were dose-dependently increased by in vivo treatment of ginseng extract, suggesting that both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines were involved in IgG production. Our observation in this study demonstrated that the Chinese herbal drug ginseng was able to regulate antibody production by augmenting Th1- (IL-2, IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine production.
Inhibitory Effect ofSpirodela polyrhixaon the Secretion of NO in LPS-stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Ko Woo Shin , Kim Young Hee , Yoon Jung Won , Yoon So Woon , Kim Han Do
Published: April 2004

Spirodela polyrhixa Schleid has been used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. Since nitric oxide (NO) is one of the major inflammatory parameters, we studied the effect of aqueous extracts of Spirodela polyrhixa (AESP) on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. AESP inhibited the secretion of NO in macrophages, without affecting cell viability. The protein level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in peritoneal macrophages was also decreased by AESP. Transient transfection assay of reporter plasmid and gel shift assay indicated that AESP blocked the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which was considered to be a potential transcription factor for iNOS expression. AESP also blocked the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory protein I kappa B-alpha (IκB-α). These results suggest that AESP could exert its anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing the synthesis of NO through inhibition of NF-κB activity.
SINGLE SPIN ASYMMETRIES FOR LOW ENERGY π±'S AND FOR ρ MESONS AT RHIC ENERGIES
Authors: HERRERA G. , LEÓN-MONZÓN I. , MARTÍNEZ CASTRO J.
Published: April 2004

The production asymmetry of both π and ρ mesons in the reaction p↑p→hX is calculated in a two-component model in which hadrons are produced by a nonperturbative recombination process and by fragmentation of quarks in the final state. Thomas precession in the recombination mechanism seems to be responsible of the single spin asymmetry. We obtain a good description of experimental data. Predictions of single spin asymmetries for ρ production at RHIC energies are presented.
DENSITY OF STATES METHOD AT FINITE ISOSPIN DENSITY
Authors: TAKAISHI TETSUYA
Published: April 2004

The density of states method is applied for lattice QCD at a finite isospin density. The advantage of this method is that one can easily obtain results for various values of parameters (quark mass, coupling constant and the number of flavors). We compare results for the chiral condensate and the quark number density with those from the R-algorithm and find that they are in good agreement. By calculating the chiral condensate we obtain information on the phase structure for various quark flavors and isospin chemical potentials. We also show results for the chiral condensate at two different quark masses and at two different isospin densities which are not easily obtainable in the conventional Monte Carlo method.
10D N=1 MASSLESS BPS SUPERMULTIPLETS
Authors: MKRTCHYAN H. , MKRTCHYAN R.
Published: April 2004

We consider d=10, N=1 supersymmetry algebra with maximal number of tensor charges Z and introduce a class of orbits of Z, invariant w.r.t. the T8 subgroup of massless particles' little group T8⋉ SO (8). For that class of orbits we classify all possible orbits and little groups, which appear to be semidirect products T8⋉ SO (k1)×⋯× SO (kn), with k1+⋯+kn=8, where compact factor is embedded into SO (8) by triality map. We define actions of little groups on supercharge Q and construct corresponding supermultiplets. In some particular cases we show the existence of supermultiplets with both Fermi and Bose sectors consisting of the same representations of tensorial Poincaré. In addition, complete classification of supermultiplets (not restricted to T8-invariant orbits) with rank-2 matrix of supersymmetry charges anticommutator, is given.
HYPERNION NUMBERS AND THEIR USE IN THE ANALYSIS OF NETWORKS DRIVEN BY NONSINUSOIDAL SOURCES
Authors: BERKOVICH Y. , SHENKMAN A.
Published: April 2004

A method of using hypercomplex numbers for the analysis of linear electric circuits with nonsinusoidal voltages and currents has been proposed. Similar to the complex number method for circuits with sinusoidal voltages and currents, the proposed method reduces the analysis of nonsinusoidal circuits to the analysis of direct-current circuits. A special system of hypercomplex numbers, called hypernions, has been created in order to obtain a new efficient method for analyzing nonsinusoidal networks. This system is interesting in that it expands the concept of numbers and attaches meaning to equations and transformations involving discontinuous functions and makes it possible to describe various non-Euclidean spaces. It is shown that the proposed method of analysis of linear nonsinusoidal electric networks makes it possible to carry out numerical calculations for complex circuits by using standard software.
AN EFFICIENT LOW-SWING MULTITHRESHOLD-VOLTAGE LOW-POWER DESIGN TECHNIQUE
Authors: RJOUB A. , ALROUSAN M. , ALJARRAH O. , KOUFOPAVLOU O.
Published: April 2004

New low-power design architecture based on low-swing voltage technique is proposed in this paper. A new CMOS inverter of three output-voltage levels is used to achieve this target. To verify the validity of the proposed technique, three different logic families are used. SPICE simulation results for the three logic families show that more than 45% power dissipation can be saved, without sacrifice the speed operation. Comparison results between the proposed technique and other techniques based on low-swing voltage, shown the superiority of our technique in reducing the power dissipation. Based on 2.4 V supply voltage, a 16 * 16-bit multiplier is implemented by using the proposed technique in 0.25μm silicon technology.
A HARMONY OF LINEAR AND NONLINEAR OSCILLATIONS: WIEN BRIDGE-BASED MIXED-MODE CHAOTIC CIRCUIT
Authors: KILIÇ RECAİ
Published: April 2004

Mixed-mode chaotic circuit (MMCC) designed by combining the common dynamics of autonomous Chua's circuit and nonautonomous MLC (Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua) circuit is not only extremely simple system but also exhibits both autonomous and nonautonomous chaotic dynamics via a switching method. In this study, focusing on the alternative design of MMCC circuit, we have proposed Wien bridge-based MMCC circuit replacing the LC resonator of MMCC circuit with a Wien bridge-based RC configuration. Wien bridge-based MMCC circuit presents a harmony of both linear and nonlinear oscillations and it provides the possibility of studying linear oscillations, autonomous and nonautonomous chaotic oscillations in the same circuit structure. By using the Wien bridge RC configuration, MMCC circuit has more tuning circuit parameters and inductor element count is reduced. The circuit behavior of Wien bridge-based MMCC is confirmed by PSpice simulations.
EVALUATING POWER EFFICIENT DATA-REUSE DECISIONS FOR EMBEDDED MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH
Authors: KOUGIA STAMATIKI , CHATZIGEORGIOU ALEXANDER , NIKOLAIDIS SPIRIDON
Published: April 2004

Power consumption of multimedia applications executing on embedded cores is heavily dependent on data transfers between system memory and processing units. The purpose of this paper is to extend an existing power optimizing methodology based on data-reuse decisions, in order to determine the optimal solution in a rapid and reliable way. An analytical approach is proposed by extracting expressions for the number of accesses to each memory layer. Moreover, the design space is further reduced since these analytical expressions are calculated only for a subset of all transformations. The results concerning the power efficiency of data-reuse transformations are in agreement to those in previous studies. However, the exploration time of the design space is significantly reduced. The proposed methodology is also applied to the case of multiple parallel processing cores, proving that the relative effect of each transformation is independent on the number of processors and the applied memory architecture.
QUANTUM COMPUTATION BY MEASUREMENTS
Authors: LEUNG DEBBIE W.
Published: April 2004

We first consider various methods for the indirect implementation of unitary gates. We apply these methods to rederive the universality of 4-qubit measurements based on a scheme much simpler than Nielsen's original construction [quant-ph/0108020]. Then, we prove the universality of simple discrete sets of 2-qubit measurements, again using a scheme simplifying the initial construction [quant-ph/0111122]. Finally, we show how to use a single 4-qubit measurement to achieve universal quantum computation, and outline a proof for the universality of almost all maximally entangling 4-qubit measurements.
QUANTUM AND CLASSICAL CORRELATIONS BETWEEN PLAYERS IN GAME THEORY
Authors: SHIMAMURA JUNICHI , ÖZDEMIR ŞAHIN KAYA , MORIKOSHI FUMIAKI , IMOTO NOBUYUKI
Published: April 2004

Effects of quantum and classical correlations on game theory are studied to clarify the new aspects brought into game theory by the quantum mechanical toolbox. In this study, we compare quantum correlation represented by a maximally entangled state and classical correlation that is generated through phase damping processes on the maximally entangled state. Thus, this also sheds light on the behavior of games under the influence of noisy sources. It is observed that the quantum correlation can always resolve the dilemmas in non-zero sum games and attain the maximum sum of both players' payoffs, while the classical correlation cannot necessarily resolve the dilemmas.
PRIMATE ANATOMY, KINEMATICS, AND PRINCIPLES FOR HUMANOID DESIGN
Authors: AMBROSE ROBERT O. , AMBROSE CATHERINE G.
Published: April 2004

The primate order of animals is investigated for clues in the design of humanoid robots. The pursuit is directed with a theory that kinematics, musculature, perception, and cognition can be optimized for specific tasks by varying the proportions of limbs, and in particular, the points of branching in kinematic trees such as the primate skeleton. Called the Bifurcated Chain Hypothesis, the theory is that the branching proportions found in humans may be superior to other animals and primates for the tasks of dexterous manipulation and other human specialties. The primate taxa are defined, contemporary primate evolution hypotheses are critiqued, and variations within the order are noted. The kinematic branching points of the torso, limbs and fingers are studied for differences in proportions across the order, and associated with family and genus capabilities and behaviors. The human configuration of a long waist, long neck, and short arms is graded using a kinematic workspace analysis and a set of design axioms for mobile manipulation robots. It scores well. The re-emergence of the human waist, seen in early prosimians and monkeys for arboreal balance, but lost in the terrestrial pongidae, is postulated as benefiting human dexterity. The human combination of an articulated waist and neck will be shown to enable the use of smaller arms, achieving greater regions of workspace dexterity than the larger limbs of gorillas and other hominoidea.
Left ventricular mechanoenergetics after hyperpolarized cardioplegic arrest by nicorandil and after depolarized cardioplegic arrest by KCl
Authors: Kobayashi Shuichi , Yoshikawa Yoshiro , Sakata Susumu , Takenaka Chikako , Hagihara Hiroji , Ohga Yoshimi , Abe Takehisa , Taniguchi Shigeki , Takaki Miyako
Published: April 2004

We hypothesized that there are no differences in left ventricular (LV) mechanoenergetics between after hyperpolarized cardioplegic arrest by nicorandil (nicorandil arrest) and after depolarized one by high potassium chloride (KCl arrest). The aim of the present study was to test this hypothesis using LV curved end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR) and linear pressure-volume area (PVA)-myocardial oxygen consumption per beat (Vo2) relation. All hearts underwent 30 min global ischemia (30°C) after infusion of 5 ml of cardioplegia. Cardioplegia consisted of either 30 mmol/l KCl (7 hearts) or nicorandil (100 μmol/l) in Tyrode solution (6 hearts). After a 30-min blood reperfusion, ESPVR and Vo2-PVA relation were assessed again. Mean end-systolic pressure (ESPmLVV) and mean PVA at midrange LV volume (PVAmLVV) significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased to 79.1 ± 13.4% and 85.4 ± 17.1% of control after KCl arrest and to 85.3 ± 14.8% and 86.4 ± 16.9% of control after nicorandil arrest. There were no significant differences in both decreases of mean ESPmLVV and PVAmLVV between each arrest. The slopes of Vo2-PVA relations were also unchanged after each arrest. There was a significant ( P < 0.005) difference in the decreases of mean Vo2 intercepts of Vo2-PVA relations between post-KCl arrest (73.9 ± 8.2% of control) and post-nicorandil arrest (99.2 ± 10.1% of control), however. Proteolysis of α-fodrin due to Ca2+ overload was significantly marked after KCl arrest. The present results indicate that the total calcium handling in excitation-contraction coupling is transiently impaired after KCl arrest, whereas it is unchanged after nicorandil arrest. This suggests the possibility that nicorandil is a better cardioplegia than KCl.
Goal planning: a retrospective audit of rehabilitation process and outcome
Authors: Duff Jane , Evans Matthew J , Kennedy Paul
Published: April 2004

Objective: To consider the effectiveness of a goal planning programme for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and address some of the current evidence gaps in goal setting.

Design: Retrospective audit.

Subjects: Consecutive series of 65 newly injured SCI patients.

Main outcome measures: The Needs Assessment Checklist (NAC) has been specifically developed for the SCI population, and is used to assess patient attainment in core rehabilitation areas. A ‘Goal Planning Progress’ form was also used to specifically detail the goal planning process.

Results: Across the 65 patients, 396 goal planning meetings were held with 6176 goals set in total. Seventy-two per cent of the goals set at the first goal planning meeting were achieved by the second meeting. The rate of achievement at subsequent meetings was 68%. Significant differences in the number of planned rehabilitation days, number of goal planning meetings, and goals set were identified between injury categories. Significant positive correlations were found between the number of goals set and achievement, as measured by the NAC, in certain rehabilitation domains.

Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that the Needs Assessment and Goal Planning framework is effective in planning SCI rehabilitation. The capacity of this goal planning system to reflect individual need has also been established. Further systematic analyses of this process could potentially lead to more efficient rehabilitation and the identification of care pathways within clinical areas.
Development and preliminary assessment of the measurement properties of the Seating Identification Tool (SIT)1
Authors: Miller William C , Miller Francine , Trenholm Karen , Grant Desiree , Goodman Kristen
Published: April 2004

Objective: To present and discuss the development and measurement properties of the Seating Identification Tool (SIT), a screening tool designed to identify the need for formal seating and wheelchair intervention among institutionalized elderly. Specifically, investigation of the inter-rater and test–retest reliability, sensitivity, specificity, the positive and negative predictive values of the SIT was conducted.

Design: A two-week retest design.

Setting: A long-term care facility in London, Ontario, Canada.

Subjects: Forty-two randomly selected residents with an average age of 83 years who had a disability and required the use of a wheelchair as their main mode of mobility.

Intervention: Two health care assistants from a long-term facility collected data using the SIT. One rater assessed all subjects two weeks later to evaluate test–retest reliability. Diagnostic properties (validity) were determined by having all subjects assessed by a seating therapist.

Main measurement: The SIT and formal evaluation by a therapist experienced in seating.

Results: The ICC for both test–retest and inter-rater reliability was 0.83. A cut-off score of 2 maximized the sensitivity (100%) and specificity (64% and 57% for raters 1 and 2 respectively) and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.855 and 0.862 for raters 1 and 2). The positive and negative predictive values ranged from 82 to 100%.

Conclusion: The SIT is a quick, easy to use, reliable and valid screening tool that can be used to facilitate clinical referral for formal intervention. Other potential uses include population-based surveys to estimate the need for including seating intervention in strategic planning for the institutionalized elderly.
Quality of general movements and the development of minor neurological dysfunction at toddler and school age
Authors: Hadders-Algra Mijna , Mavinkurve-Groothuis Annelies MC , Groen Sabina E , Stremmelaar Elisabeth F , Martijn Albert , Butcher Phillipa R
Published: April 2004

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of assessing infants' general movements (GMs) using a new classification and its validity in predicting complex minor neurological dysfunction (MND) at toddler and at school age.

Design: Prospective study of two groups of infants, each consisting of a mix of low-risk and high-risk infants.

Setting: University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands.

Subjects: Group A consisted of 16 low-risk and 21 high-risk infants; group B of 28 low-risk and 24 high-risk infants.

Main outcome measures: Between term age and four months post term: multiple assessments of neurological condition by means of (a) assessment of GMs, and (b) a traditional neurological examination. GMs were classified into four classes using a standardized qualitative description: two classes of normal movements (normal-optimal and normal-suboptimal) and two classes of abnormal movements (mildly and definitely abnormal movements). Follow-up neurological examination with special attention to presence of MND was carried out in group A at 1% years, in group B at 4-9 years.

Results: GMs could be assessed reliably. They were stable over age in about 60% of the infants. Both the condition of the GMs and the infant neurological condition were significantly related to neurological condition at follow-up. Best prediction of complex MND was achieved when both types of infant assessment at the age of 2-4 months post term were combined.

Conclusions: The assessment of GMs is a valuable tool, in particular when combined with the traditional neurological examination, to predict at early age the development of complex MND.