bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work-related changes in peak expiratory flow among laboratory animal workers
Authors: Hollander A , Heederik D , Brunekreef B
Published: November 2002

Laboratory animal workers are at risk of developing allergic symptoms, of which asthmatic symptoms are the most severe. The aim was to study the relationship between allergic symptoms due to working with rats and variability and changes in peak expiratory flow (PEF). Several indices were used on the basis of the amplitude of the PEF or the differences in PEF between days with and without exposure to rat aeroallergens. Of the 398 rat workers, 73% completed PEF readings on at least 9 days, of whom 208 had PEF readings on working days with and without contact with animals. The overall prevalence rate of allergic symptoms (asthmatic, eye, nose and/or skin) among rat workers during the handling of rats was 17.3%. Asthmatic symptoms were reported by 6.7%. The PEF of the workers who reported asthmatic symptoms due to working with rats decreased significantly on days working with the animals (difference between the minimum PEF averaged over working days with animals and over days without animals (deltaPEFmin-min) = -73 L x min(-1)), compared to the workers without symptoms (2.2 L x min(-1)). This effect was more pronounced among workers with a late asthmatic response, i.e. the presence of asthmatic symptoms several hours after working with rats (deltaPEFmin-min = -11.6 L x min(-1)). Multiple regression analyses showed that only those with asthmatic symptoms several hours after working with rats and those with allergic symptoms had an increased deltaPEFmin-min. In addition, workers with asthmatic symptoms were also more likely to have a higher PEF variability than workers without asthmatic symptoms. However, no difference in PEF variability between days with and without animals contact was observed. This study shows that the peak expiratory flow of workers who reported asthmatic symptoms due to working with rats decreased significantly on days working with laboratory animals.
The role of ICAM-1 on T-cells in the pathogenesis of asthma
Authors: Stanciu LA , Djukanovic R
Published: November 2002

The capacity of inflammatory cells to adhere is critical to inflammatory responses and involves an array of adhesion molecules grouped into distinct families. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 has recently attracted much interest in view of increasing evidence that it plays a prominent role in allergic diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. Apart from its role in adhesion of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium, the extracellular matrix and epithelium, ICAM-1 mediates T-cell/T-cell, T-cell/target cell and T-cell/B-cell interactions. ICAM-1 on the surface of T-cells is thought to participate in signal transduction and may thus modulate several functions including activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Because ICAM-1 is the receptor for the major group of rhinoviruses, the most important cause of acute asthma attacks, binding of rhinovirus (RV) to ICAM-1 on T-cells may, at least theoretically, modulate their function. We review here the role of ICAM-1 in asthma and focus more specifically on its expression on T-cells. We present evidence for a general increase in ICAM-1 expression in this disease including recent observations of enhanced expression on the surface of T-cells in the airways lumen. Whilst the implications of intercellular adhesion molecule- upregulation in asthma remain to be fully elucidated, its participation in cell trafficking and activation are being considered as a target for treatment. We present here early attempts to interfere with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 as an adhesion molecule involved in cell influx and studies aimed preventing virus-induced exacerbations of asthma in children based on the knowledge that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is the receptor for rhinoviruses.
Possible recurrence of desquamative interstitial pneumonitis in a single lung transplant recipient
Authors: Verleden GM , Sels F , Van Raemdonck D , Verbeken EK , Lerut T , Demedts M
Published: November 2002

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis) is a disorder with a very poor prognosis for patients who do not respond to therapy with corticosteroids alone or in combination with immunosuppressive drugs, e.g. cyclophosphamide or azathioprine. For patients with end-stage disease, lung transplantation remains the only possibility for long-term survival. We describe a patient who received a left single lung transplant for end-stage desquamative interstitial pneumonitis. One year later, the patient again began complaining of exertional dyspnoea and a gradual decline in the transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TL,CO) was apparent. A recurrence of the primary disease in the transplanted lung was suspected on transbronchial biopsies. During treatment with high doses of steroids, a Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia developed, which was treated with co-trimoxazole. The patient completely recovered and, after a period of over 2 yrs, remained in an excellent condition, after which time he was lost from follow-up.
Asbestosis, pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening: three distinct benign responses to asbestos exposure
Authors: Gevenois PA , de Maertelaer V , Madani A , Winant C , Sergent G , De Vuyst P
Published: November 2002

The aim of this study was to investigate by computed tomography (CT) whether asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening and/or pleural plaques are statistically associated. We also tried to find criteria to differentiate between diffuse and circumscribed pleural thickening. From 231 exposed workers, only those subjects whose radiograph showed neither bilateral calcified pleural plaques nor small pulmonary opacities higher than 1/1 grade according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) Classification were considered. Scans were assessed for the presence of subpleural curvilinear lines, septal and intralobular lines, parenchymal bands, honeycombing, rounded atelectasis, pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening. CT scans revealed pleural and/or lung abnormalities in 99 workers. Pleural plaques were unilateral in one-third of cases with plaques. Diffuse pleural thickening, parenchymal bands and rounded atelectasis were unilateral in, respectively, 62 and 69 and 75% of cases with the abnormality. Septal and intralobular lines, and honeycombing were always bilateral. CT signs could be grouped into three patterns: 1) septal and intralobular lines, and honeycombing corresponding to pulmonary fibrosis; 2) pleural plaques corresponding to parietal pleural fibrosis; and 3) diffuse pleural thickening, rounded atelectasis and parenchymal bands corresponding to visceral pleural fibrosis. In these workers with a normal or near-normal radiograph, three groups of subjects with different responses were distinguished. Crow's feet and rounded atelectasis help to differentiate plaques from diffuse thickening.
Prospective evaluation of World Health Organization criteria to assist diagnosis of tuberculosis in children
Authors: Houwert KA , Borggreven PA , Schaaf HS , Nel E , Donald PR , Stolk J
Published: November 2002

Because of the difficulty in confirming childhood tuberculosis (TB), the World Health Organization (WHO) proposes a hierarchical approach to diagnosis using history and certain clinical features to help to improve the control of TB in communities. The objective of this study was to evaluate prospectively in children the diagnostic value of recent weight loss or failure to gain weight adequately, cough or wheezing for >2 weeks and recent household contact with an adult case of pulmonary TB. These evaluations were performed in 627 children presenting to the paediatric outpatient department of a tertiary hospital situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and serving a community with a very high incidence of TB (>1,000 per 100,000). If at least one of the criteria was present, the diagnosis of TB was investigated further by clinical investigation, Mantoux test, chest radiography and TB culture from gastric aspirate. One or more of the proposed criteria for diagnosing TB in childhood were present in 206 children (33%). TB confirmed by culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from gastric aspirate was found in 10 children (5%). After diagnostic work-up, 23 children (11%) were considered to have probable TB, whereas 173 (84%) were, after follow-up of 8 weeks, thought not to have TB. In this study the simultaneous presence of the three WHO criteria for suspecting TB had a positive predictive value of 63%. These results should assist in the more precise delineation of the predictive value of the proposed World Health Organization approach to the diagnosis of tuberculosis in childhood.
Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on bones and growth
Authors: Efthimiou J , Barnes PJ
Published: November 2002

Inhaled corticosteroids are recognized as the most effective anti-inflammatory therapy in patients with asthma and their early introduction is recommended by national and international guidelines. Concerns have been raised about potential adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids on bones and growth, as these appear to be more important clinically than effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which are more commonly measured. This review examines the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on biochemical bone markers, bone density and growth in adults and children with asthma, in view of the recent availability of a substantial amount of new clinical trial data. Examination of relevant retrospective and prospective data, involving 11 studies (1,240 patients) on biochemical bone markers and 14 studies (373 patients) on bone density over a wide dose range, have largely indicated no significant or clinically important effect on these measurements in adults or children with asthma. Markers of bone formation and resorption need to be measured concurrently for a reliable assessment of bone turnover to be made. Knemometry, measuring lower leg growth rate, is a sensitive technique for comparing the systemic activity of different inhaled corticosteroids, but does not relate to long-term growth. The majority of approximately 40 studies on inhaled corticosteroids and statural growth in children, over a wide recommended dose range, including a number of recent long-term, prospective studies, demonstrate little or no effect. Children taking above recommended doses of inhaled corticosteroids should have their growth monitored using stadiometry at least every 6 months by trained personnel. Most of the areas reviewed, particularly the relatively new areas of biochemical bone markers and bone density, require further properly controlled, long-term, prospective investigation, although the long-term value of bone markers appears limited. In summary, the data as it currently stands, suggests that doses of inhaled corticosteroids up to 1,000 microg x day(-1) in adults and 400 microg x day(-1) in children have no significant effect on bones and growth in the large majority of patients with asthma.
Occupational asthma caused by aluminium welding
Authors: Vandenplas O , Delwiche JP , Vanbilsen ML , Joly J , Roosels D
Published: November 2002

Work-related asthma has been documented in workers employed in the primary aluminium industry and in the production of aluminium salts. The role of aluminium in the development of occupational asthma has, however, never been convincingly substantiated. We investigated a subject who experienced asthmatic reactions related to manual metal arc welding on aluminium. Challenge exposure to aluminium welding with flux-coated electrodes, as well as with electrodes without flux, elicited marked asthmatic reactions. Manual metal arc welding on mild steel did not cause significant bronchial response. The results of inhalation challenges combined with exposure assessments provided evidence that aluminium can cause asthmatic reactions in the absence of fluorides. Awareness of this possibility may be relevant to the investigation of asthma in workers exposed to aluminium.
Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands are chemoattractants for normal human mesothelial cells
Authors: Palmer U , Liu Z , Broome U , Klominek J
Published: November 2002

Signalling through epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor leads to several cellular responses including cell division and cell migration. Since EGF receptors are expressed on normal mesothelial cells, this study investigated whether EGF receptor ligands act as chemoattractants on these cells. The study used Boyden chambers fitted with filters coated with the adhesive matrix proteins fibronectin, laminin, collagen type IV and the nonmatrix adhesive molecule poly-L-lysine, for the migration studies. Normal mesothelial cells migrated to EGF receptor ligands such as EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) at concentrations ranging 0.024-100 ng x mL(-1) (with a peak stimulation at 6.25 ng x mL(-1)), if matrix proteins were present as adhesive substrates. This migration was integrin-dependent, since the same cells failed to migrate in the absence of extracellular matrix molecules or when the Boyden chamber assay was performed in the presence of anti-beta1 integrin monoclonal antibodies. These findings describe for the first time epidermal growth factor receptor ligands acting as chemoattractants on normal mesothelial cells, and that signalling through epidermal growth factor receptors leading to mesothelial cell migration also requires the activation of integrins.
Defining critical windows in the development of the human immune system
Authors: West L J
Published: November 2002

Identifying critical windows in immune system development is crucial for determination of either safety or vulnerability to exposure to specific agents during rapidly changing phases of ontogeny. These phases in the human range from postconception early gestation through adolescence. A detailed understanding of these windows will facilitate avoidance of environmental toxins as well as allow improved planning for unavoidable exposures. Critical windows of immune development will be influenced by concomitant development, maturation and growth of other organ systems, thus the influence of potentially toxic exposures must be determined within a co-ordinated multisystem and multidisciplinary approach.
Practical aspects of including functional endpoints in developmental toxicity studies. Case study: immune function in HuCD4 transgenic mice exposed to anti-CD4 MAb in utero
Authors: Herzyk D J , Bugelski P J , Hart T K , Wier P J
Published: November 2002

Keliximab is a human-cynomolgus monkey chimeric (Primatized) monoclonal antibody with specificity for human and chimpanzee CD4. As the preclinical safety assessment of biopharmaceuticals requires evaluation in pharmacologically responsive species, comprehensive toxicology studies, including reproductive toxicity, of this antibody were conducted in a human CD4 transgenic mouse model. The reproductive toxicology studies included a preand postnatal development study that incorporated immunotoxicological evaluation of offspring (F1) mice. The potential effects of exposure to treating maternal mice (F0) with keliximab during pregnancy and lactation on offspring viability, physical growth, neurobehavioral development, reproductive function, lymphoid tissue morphological structure, lymphocyte subsets and host resistance to Candida albicans infection were assessed. The results showed no impairment of these functions. The use of F1 transgenic mice in study with keliximab provides an example of a novel practical approach to assess developmental immunotoxicity within a study of preand postnatal development designed in accordance with ICH Guidelines.
The rat as a model in developmental immunotoxicology
Authors: Smialowicz R J
Published: November 2002

Evidence is presented to demonstrate that the rat is a sensitive rodent species for developmental immunotoxicity testing of chemicals. A battery of immune function assays was performed in adult rats, which were exposed perinatally (i.e., during gestational, lactational, and//or juvenile development) to three different classes of environmental chemicals. The chemicals employed were the following: the organotins di-n-octyltindichloride (DOTC) and tributyltin oxide (TBTO); the polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbon 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD); and the organochlorine pesticides methoxychlor (MXC) and heptachlor (HEP). Suppression of immune function was observed in adult rats exposed to each of these chemicals during immune system development. The duration of immune function suppression in the rats so exposed ranged from three weeks (i.e., DOTC and MXC) to 19 months (i.e., TCDD) after the last exposure to the chemical.
The pig as a model of developmental immunology
Authors: Rothkötter H J , Sowa E , Pabst R
Published: November 2002

There are many limitations to analyse the developing immune system in humans, thus there is need for experimental animal models to study the environmental influences during the ontogeny of the immune system. However, risk assessment is difficult in using rodent models alone, especially as the intrauterine period of development is much shorter than that of humans. In addition to studies in dogs, the pig provides a variety of experimental approaches for developmental immuno-toxicology. The gestation period is 115 days and the occurrence of the different lines of T and B lymphocytes in the blood and organs of the porcine embryo and fetus is well documented. Fetal porcine B cells represent a naïve population developing without maternal idiotypic–antiidiotypic influences. The postnatal development is highly correlated to sufficient uptake of colostrum during the first 48 hours. Although many immunotoxicological experiments have been performed, there is a limited number of original publications about these studies. With the different strains of standard pigs and miniature pigs available and the rapid growing amount of immunological reagents, the pig represents an important experimental model for cost-effective studies in developmental immunotoxicology to analyse the risk of environmental hazards.
The nonhuman primate as a model of developmental immunotoxicity
Authors: Hendrickx A G , Makori N , Peterson P
Published: November 2002

Macaques are well suited for preclinical testing of biopharmaceutics due to reproductive and developmental similarities with humans. In order to characterize ontogeny of the immune system in this model, we studied lymphocyte and antigen-presenting cell populations in developing lymphoid tissues of rhesus macaque fetuses during the second and third trimesters [gestation days (GD) 75–145, term 165 days]. Systemic lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen and lymph nodes, and intestinal tissue) were examined for morphology and cell surface markers by immunohisto-chemistry. Lymphocytes were further characterized by flow cytometry for differentiation markers. Splenic tissue from early second trimester fetuses was populated mainly by CD20+ B cells while the thymus contained large numbers of CD3+ T cells. In the late second trimester (day 80), appro-ximately equal populations of B and T cells were present in both tissues and numerous dendritic cells (p55+) were present in the intestinal lamina propria. By the second trimester, the rhesus macaque fetal lymphoid system is well developed. Analysis of lymphoid organs from retinoic acid-treated fetuses indicated that the T-cell (thymus)-dependent compartment of the spleen white pulp in specimens with thymic aplasia showed a reduction in size and proportion of CD3+ T cells compared to controls. Our findings indicate that RA-induced thymic defects result in disrupted development of the splenic T-cell-dependent compartment.
Occupational injuries among Boston bicycle messengers
Authors: Dennerlein Jack Tigh , Meeker John D.
Published: November 2002

Background

Urban bicycle couriers may have a high incidence of injuries. Most messengers work as contractors and hence their injuries are not well documented.

Methods

To quantify injury rates and severity among urban bicycle couriers a convenience sample of 113 couriers in the city of Boston completed a two‐page self‐administered survey.

Results

Most working couriers have suffered at least one injury resulting either in days lost from work (70%) and in visits to a health‐care professional or hospital (55%). The annual incidence rate for injuries resulting in days away from work was 47/100‐bike couriers. Bone fractures accounted for the most days lost from work, followed by dislocations, sprains, and strains. Collisions and avoiding collisions with motor vehicles, including being “doored,” and collisions with pedestrians accounted for the majority (66%) of events leading to injury. Twenty‐four percent of messengers reported wearing a helmet on a regular basis, and 32% have health insurance.

Conclusions

Urban bicycle messengers are a poorly documented, largely unstudied workforce who suffer a very high rate of occupational injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:519–525, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Linkage to chromosome 6p12 in Mexico families
Authors: Bai Dongsheng , Alonso Maria E. , Medina Marco T. , Bailey Julia N. , Morita Ryoji , Cordova Sergio , Rasmussen Astrid , Ramos‐Peek Jaime , Ochoa Adriana , Jara Aurelio , Donnadieu Francisco R. , Cadena Gilbert , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Delgado‐Escueta Antonio V.
Published: November 2002

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common subtype of idiopathic epilepsy accounting for 4–11% of all epilepsies. We reported previously significant evidence of linkage between chromosome 6p12–11 microsatellites and the clinical epilepsy and EEG traits of JME families from Belize and Los Angeles. To narrow the JME region, we ascertained and genotyped 31 new JME families from Mexico using a later generation of Généthon microsatellites. Two point linkage analyses obtained significant Zmax values of 3.70 for D6S1573 and 2.65 for D6S1714 at θm = f = 0.10, and 3.49 for D6S465, 2.11 for D6S1960 at θm = f = 0.05 assuming autosomal dominant inheritance with 70% age‐dependent penetrance. Multipoint LOD score curve peaked at 4.21 for D6S1573. Haplotype and recombination analysis reduced the JME region to 3.5 cM flanked by D6S272 and D6S1573. These results provide confirmatory evidence that a major susceptibility gene for JME exists in chromosome 6p12 in Spanish‐Amerinds of Mexico. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of ulcerative colitis with the inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility locus IBD2 in non‐Jewish Caucasians and evidence of genetic heterogeneity among racial and ethnic populations with Crohn disease
Authors: Uthoff Sonja M.S. , Crawford Nigel P.S. , Eichenberger M. Robert , Hamilton Crystal J. , Petras Robert E. , Martin Eden R. , Galandiuk Susan
Published: November 2002

Genomewide scanning has been used to identify chromosomal regions encoding susceptibility loci to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The greatest evidence for linkage to IBD has been reported for a region of chromosome 12q14 surrounding the microsatellite marker D12S83, with a logarithm of odds score of 5.47 and a positive transmission disequilibrium test, and which was subsequently named IBD2. We wished to confirm this locus by genotyping the highly polymorphic microsatellites D12S1022, D12S1056, and D12S83, spanning a continuous region on chromosome 12 of 342 kb, in a cohort of nonrelated individuals with ulcerative colitis (89 patients), Crohn disease (121 patients), and population‐based control subjects (100 patients). In non‐Jewish Caucasians, one D12S1022 allele, one D12S1056 genotype, and three D12S83 alleles were found to have statistically significant differences in distribution between the two disease groups and the control population. These data support a significant association of IBD with the IBD2 locus in close vicinity to the three markers studied. The replication of genetic risk loci in a case control association study may indicate susceptibility genes in this region and may facilitate identification of candidate genes for IBD. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable difference in genotype distribution among Jewish Caucasian and African American patients affected with Crohn disease when compared with similarly affected non‐Jewish Caucasians. Using Fisher exact test, statistically significant distribution differences were observed for D12S1022 and D12S83. These data indicate that there may be significant genetic heterogeneity between different ethnic and racial IBD populations or may simply reflect differences in marker allele frequencies among populations. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extraction of phyllanthusols A and B from Phyllanthus acidus and analysis by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Durham D. G. , Reid R. G. , Wangboonskul J. , Daodee S.
Published: November 2002

Extracts of roots Phyllanthus acidus were examined by free zone capillary electrophoresis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), and MEKC using the sweeping technique which involves application of a negative potential to the inlet end of the capillary and very much longer than conventional injection times. The latter technique, using a buffer of 50 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 2) containing 80 mM sodium dodecylsulphate and 30% methanol was found to allow complete resolution of the active constituents of P. acidus, phyllanthusols A and B, from each other and from other extracted components in under 30 min. Several other components could be detected when hydrodynamic injection times of 500 s were used. The separation, combined with an appropriate extraction procedure and using an internal standard of proguanil, permitted quantification of both phyllanthusols. Calibrations were linear over the range 2–8 µg/mL for phyllanthusol A, and 1–4 µg/mL for phyllanthusol B. Within‐day and day‐to‐day repeatability RSDs were below 10%, and the precision of extraction RSD was around 14%. The limits of quantification and detection were 0.55 and 0.24 µg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
B Cell–dependent T Cell Responses
Authors: Tsuji Ryohei F. , Szczepanik Marian , Kawikova Ivana , Paliwal Vipin , Campos Regis A. , Itakura Atsuko , Akahira-Azuma Moe , Baumgarth Nicole , Herzenberg Leonore A. , Askenase Philip W.
Published: November 2002

Contact sensitivity (CS) is a classic example of in vivo T cell immunity in which skin sensitization with reactive hapten leads to immunized T cells, which are then recruited locally to mediate antigen-specific inflammation after subsequent skin challenge. We have previously shown that T cell recruitment in CS is triggered by local activation of complement, which generates C5a that triggers C5a receptors most likely on mast cells. Here, we show that B-1 cell–derived antihapten IgM antibodies generated within 1 day (d) of immunization combine with local challenge antigen to activate complement to recruit the T cells. These findings overturn three widely accepted immune response paradigms by showing that (a) specific IgM antibodies are required to initiate CS, which is a classical model of T cell immunity thought exclusively due to T cells, (b) CS priming induces production of specific IgM antibodies within 1 d, although primary antibody responses typically begin by day 4, and (c) B-1 cells produce the 1-d IgM response to CS priming, although these cells generally are thought to be nonresponsive to antigenic stimulation. Coupled with previous evidence, our findings indicate that the elicitation of CS is initiated by rapidly formed IgM antibodies. The IgM and challenge antigen likely form local complexes that activate complement, generating C5a, leading to local vascular activation to recruit the antigen-primed effector T cells that mediate the CS response.
Human CD25+CD4+ T Suppressor Cell Clones Produce Transforming Growth Factor β, but not Interleukin 10, and Are Distinct from Type 1 T Regulatory Cells
Authors: Levings Megan K. , Sangregorio Romina , Sartirana Claudia , Moschin Anna Lisa , Battaglia Manuela , Orban Paul C. , Roncarolo Maria-Grazia
Published: November 2002

T regulatory (Tr) cells are essential for the induction of peripheral tolerance. Several types of Tr cells exist, including CD4+ T cells which express CD25 constitutively and suppress immune responses via direct cell-to-cell interactions, and type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells, which function via secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. The relationship between CD25+CD4+ T cells and Tr1 cells remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate at the clonal level that Tr1 and CD25+CD4+ T cells are two distinct subsets of regulatory cells with different cytokine production profiles. Furthermore, CD25−CD4+ T cells can be rendered anergic by IL-10 and differentiated into Tr1 cells in the absence of CD25+CD4+ T cells. Cloned human CD25+CD4+ T cell populations are heterogeneous and only a subset of clones continues to express high levels of CD25 and is suppressive. The intensity of CD25, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4, and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor expression correlates with the suppressive capacity of the T cell clones. None of the CD25+CD4+ T cell clones with suppressive function produce IL-10, but all produce TGF-β. Suppression mediated by CD25+CD4+ T cell clones is partially dependent on TGF-β, but not on constitutive high expression of CD25. Together these data indicate that naturally occurring human CD25+CD4+ T cells are distinct from IL-10–producing Tr1 cells.
Norm estimates of interpolation matrices and their inverses associated with strictly positive definite functions
Authors: Levesley J. , Luo Z. , Sun X.
Published: November 2002

In this paper, we estimate the norms of the interpolation matrices and their inverses that arise from scattered data interpolation on spheres with strictly positive definite functions.
Nonlinear Carleman operators on Banach lattices
Authors: Feldman William
Published: November 2002

An operator, not necessarily linear, will be called a Carleman operator if the image of the positive elements in the unit ball are bounded in the universal completion of the range space. For certain Banach lattices, a class of (not necessarily linear) Carleman operators is characterized in terms of an integral representation and in a more general setting as operators satisfying a pointwise finiteness condition. These operators though not linear are orthogonally additive and monotone.
Classification of actions of discrete amenable groups on strongly amenable subfactors of type III_{𝜆}
Authors: Masuda Toshihiko
Published: November 2002

Using the continuous decomposition, we classify strongly free actions of discrete amenable groups on strongly amenable subfactors of type III

λ

_\lambda

,

0
>
λ
>
1

0>\lambda >1

. Winsløw’s fundamental homomorphism is a complete invariant. This removes the extra assumptions in the classification theorems of Loi and Winsløw and gives a complete classification up to cocycle conjugacy.
Prolongement de courants positifs a travers de petits obstacles
Authors: Poly Jean-Baptiste , Raby Gilles
Published: November 2002

In this paper, we prove an extension theorem through closed subsets having small Haussdorff dimension, for positive currents whose boundary satisfies some growth condition. As a corollary, we get the classical Harvey’s extension theorem for closed positive currents. Furthermore, we apply our result to study the boundary of holomorphic chains.
Irreducible plane curves with the Albanese dimension 2
Authors: Tokunaga Hiro-o
Published: November 2002

Let

B
B

be a plane curve given by an equation

F
(

X

0

,

X

1

,

X

2

)
=
0

F(X_{0}, X_{1}, X_{2}) = 0

, and let

B

a

B_{a}

be the affine plane curve given by

f
(
x
,
y
)
=
F
(
1
,
x
,
y
)
=
0

f(x, y) = F(1,x, y) = 0

. Let

S

n

S_{n}

denote a cyclic covering of

P

2

{\mathbf {P}}^{2}

determined by

z

n

=
f
(
x
,
y
)

z^{n} = f(x, y)

. The number
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="max Underscript n element-of bold upper N Endscripts left-parenthesis dimension normal fraktur upper I left-parenthesis upper S Subscript n Baseline right-arrow upper A l b left-parenthesis upper S Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis right-parenthesis right-parenthesis">

max

n
∈

N

(
dim
⁡
ℑ
(

S

n

→
Alb
⁡
(

S

n

)
)
)

\max _{ n \in {\mathbf {N}}} \left ( \operatorname {dim} \Im (S_{n} \to \operatorname {Alb} (S_{n})) \right )

is called the Albanese dimension of

B

a

B_{a}

. In this article, we shall give examples of

B

a

B_{a}

with the Albanese dimension 2.
Extensions of a theorem of Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund and of Rogosinski’s formula and an application to Universal Taylor series
Authors: Katsoprinakis E. , Papadimitrakis M.
Published: November 2002

This paper extends Rogosinski’s formula and the Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund Theorem about circular structure of the limit points of the partial sums of (C,1) summable Taylor series. Also a result about summability of

H
p

H^p

Taylor series is proved and an application on Universal Taylor series is given.
Developing and managing a romantic business relationship: life cycle and strategies
Authors: Zineldin Mosad
Published: November 2002

Companies operate in a highly competitive climate and offer a wide variety of new products and services to both individuals and business firms. Today, companies find themselves facing more aggressive competition, uncertain market conditions, and unlimited opportunities. Managers and marketers have witnessed that they have to respond and must change the way they do business with other companies. This new environment has led managers and marketers to realize that they must change and restructure the way of establishing and maintaining ongoing business relationships. The paper provides a different perspective. It analyses the process of establishment and development of a strategic business relationship over time by considering the life cycle and stages of this relationship. The paper also describes the evolution of strategic business relationships as a relation between people or as a love affair and a commitment to marriage which is ideally based on shared interest, love, mutual trustworthiness, and commitment to continue the relationship. It also provides some strategic and managerial implications.
Rationalising retail employment: a view from the outside looking in
Authors: Broadbridge Adelina
Published: November 2002

Adoption of a cost cutting or quantitative approach to labour scheduling in companies espousing an enhanced customer service is examined. Using empirical evidence from the labour scheduling process at one supermarket chain, the paper demonstrates that the longer‐term negative effects of adopting a purely quantitative approach to labour scheduling and the resultant staff shortages can lead to decreased employee well‐being, increased absenteeism and staff turnover levels. In turn, this not only pushes up costs of employment, but results in reduced customer service levels. Concludes that for many retailers a tension exists between espoused company thinking and organisational reality. For retailers with a commitment to a total customer service strategy such a quantitative approach to staffing issues is ineffective in the longer term.
The behavioral and developmental physiology of nematocysts
Authors: Kass-Simon G , Scappaticci, Jr. A A
Published: November 2002

Nematocysts are the nonliving secretions of specialized cells, the nematocytes, which develop from multipotent stem cells. Nematocysts are the means by which coelenterates capture prey and defend against predation. The 25 or more known types of nematocysts can be divided into to four functional categories: those that pierce, ensnare, or adhere to prey, and those that adhere to the substrate. During development a collagenous cyst, which may contain toxins, forms; a hollow thread, which becomes coiled as it invaginates, develops. Maturing nematocytenematocyst complexes migrate to their discharge sites and are deployed in specific patterns. The mechanisms of pattern determination are not clear. Discharge of nematocysts appears to involve increases in intracapsular osmotic pressure consequent upon release of bound calcium within the capsule; the eversion of the filament may depend upon release of structural tension consequent upon a loss of zinc from the thread. Evidence exists that discharge is initiated as a calcium-dependent exocytosis, triggered by an electrical signal resulting from the transduction of mechanical stimuli received at the nematocyte's cnidocil. Chemical signals transduced in adjacent sensory cells alter the frequency response of the nematocyte. In opposition to the nematocytenematocyst independent effector hypothesis, excitatory and inhibitory neuronal input appears to regulate discharge.
A FUZZY APPROACH TO SPEAKER VERIFICATION
Authors: TRAN DAT , WAGNER MICHAEL
Published: November 2002

This paper proposes a fuzzy approach to speaker verification. For an input utterance and a claimed identity, most of the current methods compute a claimed speaker's score, which is the ratio of the claimed speaker's and the impostors' likelihood functions, and compare this score with a given threshold to accept or reject this speaker. Considering the speaker verification problem based on fuzzy set theory, the claimed speaker's score is viewed as the fuzzy membership function of the input utterance in the claimed speaker's fuzzy set of utterances. Fuzzy entropy and fuzzy c-means membership functions are proposed as fuzzy membership scores, which are the ratios of functions of the claimed speaker's and impostors' likelihood functions. A likelihood transformation is also considered to relate current likelihood and fuzzy membership scores. We also proposed fuzzy scores using membership functions similar to those produced by noise-clustering-based method. This noise clustering concept provides very effective modifications to several methods, which can overcome some of the problems of ratio-type scores and greatly reduce the false acceptance rate. Experiments were performed to evaluate proposed normalization methods for speaker verification using the YOHO corpus. Experiments demonstrate that fuzzy methods and their noise clustering versions outperform conventional methods.
Increased reporting of occupational hearing loss: Workers' compensation in Washington State, 1984–1998
Authors: Daniell William E. , Fulton‐Kehoe Deborah , Cohen Martin , Swan Susan S. , Franklin Gary M.
Published: November 2002

Background

Workers' compensation claims for hearing loss increased two‐fold during 1984–1991 in Washington State.

Methods

This population‐based descriptive study examined 27,019 claims filed during 1984–1998 and accepted for hearing loss, in the workers' compensation jurisdiction that covers nearly all non‐federal workers in Washington State.

Results

The number of claims increased 12‐fold during 1984–1998. The annual incidence reached 2.6/1,000 workers statewide, and 70/1,000 in the most impacted industry. The increase involved all ages over 35 years, especially claimants over 65 years. Only 4% of providers accounted for 66% of claims. Most claimants (90%) received permanent partial disability compensation. In 1998, identifiable costs exceeded $57 million dollars.

Conclusions

The striking increase in claims is probably largely due to reporting phenomena unrelated to current work circumstances. However, occupational hearing loss is probably much more common than usually recognized, and contemporary workers may still face substantial risk for hearing loss. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:502–510, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autism, regression, and the broader autism phenotype
Authors: Lainhart Janet E. , Ozonoff Sally , Coon Hilary , Krasny Lori , Dinh Elena , Nice Julie , McMahon William
Published: November 2002

The broader autism phenotype (BAP) is a subclinical set of personality and other features that is thought to index familiality and/or genetic liability to autism. Eighteen parents of autistic probands with a history of language regression and 70 parents of autistic probands without regression were assessed for features of the BAP and compared with published rates in parents of nonautistic subjects. Parents of probands with regressive and nonregressive autism demonstrated similar rates of the BAP (27.8% vs. 32.9%; P = 0.33). The rate of the BAP was significantly higher in both groups of autism parents than in parents of nonautistic subjects (P ≤ 0.01). Thus, this measure of genetic liability is increased equally in families with both forms of autism when compared with controls. Environmental events are therefore unlikely to be the sole cause of regressive autism in our sample. Environmental events, however, may act in an additive or “second‐hit” fashion in individuals with a genetic vulnerability to autism. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a neocentromere in a rearranged Y chromosome with no detectable DYZ3 centromeric sequence
Authors: Godoy Assumpção Juliana , Berkofsky‐Fessler Windy , Viguetti Campos Nilma , Trevas Maciel‐Guerra Andréa , Li Shulan , Melaragno Maria Isabel , Palandi de Mello Maricilda , Warburton Peter E.
Published: November 2002

An 18‐year‐old woman was evaluated because of primary amenorrhea and hypogonadism. Chromosome analysis from peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed a nonmosaic 46,X,+mar constitution. The marker was shown to be a rearranged Y chromosome consisting of an inverted duplication of the long arm: rea(Y)(qter‐q11::q11‐qter). Deletion mapping analysis with Y‐specific STS showed that the marker lacked Yp and Y‐centromeric (DYZ3) sequences, but it was positive for Yq sequences tested. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with Y and X chromosome centromeric and pancentromeric probes showed no hybridization signals. The marker chromosome is present in 100% of the cells; therefore, it is mitotically stable despite the absence of DYZ3 centromeric sequence. Hybridization with CENP‐A and CENP‐C specific antibodies localized a neocentromere close to the breakpoint. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite element modelling of geared multi‐body system
Authors: Wang Yong , Cheung H. M. E. , Zhang W. J.
Published: November 2002

A dynamic model for geared multi‐body system containing gear, bar and shaft is proposed and a new gear element is particularly developed based on a specific finite element theory. The gear element can take into account time‐variant meshing stiffness, the gear errors, and the couplings between the torsional and the lateral vibrations of gears. The accuracy and reliability of the gear element are confirmed by comparing the simulated with the experimental results of rotational vibration accelerations. A gear–bar mechanism composing one sun gear, one planetary gear and two bars is simulated dynamically. The influences of non‐uniform gear speed, time‐variant meshing stiffness and bar stiffness on the dynamic behaviours are investigated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of tuberous roots of Pimpinella tirupatiensis Bal. & Subr., an endemic taxon from eastern ghats, India
Authors: Bakshu L. Md. , Venkata Raju R. R.
Published: November 2002

The tuberous roots of Pimpinella tirupatiensis (Apiaceae) were subjected to sequential extraction with different polar solvents and the extracts were tested against eight bacterial and three fungal pathogenic strains for antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of active extracts against six bacterial and two fungal strains were determined. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and were analysed for different phytochemicals. The active extracts contained significant amounts of alkaloids, flavonols, flavones and volatile oils. The hexane extract yielded an essential oil when subjected to GC with FID. The compounds were identified based on their retention indices and yielded 24 known compounds and one unknown compound. The major compounds are β‐bisabolene (9.2%), Δ‐3‐carene (8.9%), cis‐carveol (6.7%), elemol (5.8%), Δ‐cadinol (4.4%), methyl geranate (4.3%) and γ‐nonalactone (3.4%). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γ‐Sultines: a new class of flavour compounds
Authors: Yolka S. , Dunach E. , Loiseau M. , Lizzani‐Cuvelier L. , Fellous R. , Rochard S. , Schippa C. , George G.
Published: November 2002

3‐Propyl‐γ‐sultine has been identified for the first time in extracts of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). The chemical structure of this new molecule was confirmed by synthesis. Some other analogues were prepared using a general and efficient method. A biosynthetic pathway involving the presence of 3‐sulphanylhexanol as a precursor is proposed. In addition, the chirality of the natural sultine has been evaluated by chiral gas chromatography. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiazolidines and their oxidation products as flavouring compounds
Authors: Fernandez Xavier , Duñach Elisabet , Fellous Roland , Lizzani‐Cuvelier Louisette , Loiseau Michel
Published: November 2002

The selective oxidation reactions of thiazolidines were studied. The synthesis of 2‐ and 3‐thiazolines, as well as that of thiazoles, thiazolidine‐1‐oxides and thiazolidine‐1,1‐dioxides, are presented. Olfactory analysis of several of these compounds reveals interesting notes with thresholds in the ppm range, in most cases related to foodstuffs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile constituents of Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Burseraceae) bark
Authors: Kasali Adeleke A. , Adio Adewale M. , Oyedeji Adebola O. , Eshilokun Adeolu O. , Adefenwa Morufa
Published: November 2002

The composition of the essential oil of Boswellia serrata obtained by hydrodistillation of the bark of B. serrata was determined by the use of GC and GC–MS. Thirty‐five constituents were identified by their retention (Kováts) indices on Cpsil 5 and by their mass spectra. The essential oil of B. serrata predominantly comprised monoterpenoids, of which α‐pinene (73.3%) was the major constituent. Other monoterpenoids identified included β‐pinene (2.05%), cis‐verbenol (1.97%), trans–pinocarveol (1.80%), borneol (1.78%), myrcene (1.71%), verbenone (1.71%), limonene (1.42%), thuja‐2,4(10)‐diene (1.18%) and p‐cymene (1.0%), while α‐copaene (0.13%) was the only sesquiterpene identified in the oil. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal efficacy of Taxodium and Mentha oils against some human pathogenic fungi
Authors: Pandey K. P. , Shahi S. K. , Singh R. , Dutta S. , Dikshit A.
Published: November 2002

During antifungal screening of essential oils of some higher plants against human pathogenic fungi, oils of Mentha spicata (L.) and Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. exhibited significant activity against the test pathogens Epidermophyton floccosum (Harz) Langeron and Milochevitch, Microsporum gypseum (Bodin.) Guiart and Gregoraki and Microsporum nanum Fuentes. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the oil of M. spicata were found to be 1.8µl/ml for E. floccosum, M. gypseum and M. nanum. In the case of T. distichum the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were found to be 2.0µl/ml for M. gypseum and 2.5 µl/ml for E. floccosum and M. nanum. The oils also exhibited potency against heavy doses of inoculum (30 mycelial discs, each 5 mm in diameter) at these MICs concentrations. On comparison with the synthetic antifungal drugs myconazole and ketaconazole, these oils were found to be more effective. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition variability of essential oils in the ontogenesis of some plants
Authors: Góra Józef , Lis Anna , Kula Józef , Staniszewska Maria , Wołoszyn Alicja
Published: November 2002

The ontogenetic variability of chemical composition of the essential oils of Erigeron canadensis L., Daucus carota L. ssp. carota and Anethum graveolens L. was studied. A distinct dependence between the ontogenetic stage and the contents as well as the chemical composition of essential oils was observed. The results obtained are of significance for determining the most favourable time limit for picking plant raw material. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.