bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of non‐linear variation of dielectric constant with moisture for mug grains using microstrip ring structure
Authors: Abegaonkar Mahesh P. , Karekar R. N. , Cho Young‐Ki , Aiyer R. C.
Published: January 2003

The non‐linear variation of dielectric constant with moisture in the grains using a microstrip ring resonator (MRR) is reported. A MRR is perturbed using mug grains (Phaseolus Radiatus Linn.) having different moisture contents (7% to 42%), at 8 azimuthal orientations (partial overlay). Out of the two orthogonal degenerate modes (even and odd) of the MRR, only the even mode is sensitive to the strength of perturbation (grain moisture). The perturbation equation for even mode resonance frequency fe reported by Yogi et al. [5] is modified for the present case. It is seen that the variation of dielectric constant with moisture content in the grains is non‐linear. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 221–224, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10726
Electromagnetic scattering from a thick circular aperture
Authors: Lee Haeng S. , Eom Hyo J.
Published: January 2003

Electromagnetic scattering from a circular aperture in a thick conducting plane is analyzed. Numerical computations are performed to evaluate the near and far zone radiation fields in terms of the aperture geometry and incident polarization state. A salient difference in the near‐zone field behavior between TM and TE wave incidences is discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 228–231, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10728
Efficient implicit finite element analysis of sheet forming processes
Authors: van den Boogaard A. H. , Meinders T. , Huétink J.
Published: January 2003

The computation time for implicit finite element analyses tends to increase disproportionally with increasing problem size. This is due to the repeated solution of linear sets of equations, if direct solvers are used. By using iterative linear equation solvers the total analysis time can be reduced for large systems. For plate or shell element models, however, the condition of the matrix is so ill that iterative solvers do not reach the huge time‐savings that are realized with solid elements. By introducing inertial effects into the implicit finite element code the condition number can be improved and iterative solvers perform much better. An additional advantage is that the inertial effects stabilize the Newton–Raphson iterations. This also applies to quasi‐static processes, for which the inertial effects finally do not affect the results.

The presented method can readily be implemented in existing implicit finite element codes. Industrial size deep drawing simulations are executed to investigate the performance of the recommended strategy. It is concluded that the computation time is decreased by a factor of 5 to 10. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical methods for a posteriori error estimation in engineering applications
Authors: Prudhomme Serge , Oden J. Tinsley , Westermann Tim , Bass Jon , Botkin Mark E.
Published: January 2003

This work presents an extension of the goal‐oriented error estimation technique to the engineering analysis of three‐dimensional linear elastic bodies. In the series of examples shown, the errors are estimated with respect to local displacement and stress components. The paper also introduces novel means to compute lower bounds on the error in the energy norm based on a cost‐effective postprocessing of the upper bound error estimates. The numerical results indicate that the method can be used effectively for complex engineering applications. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of symmetric indirect Trefftz method to free vibration problems in 2D
Authors: Chang Jiang‐ren , Liu Ru‐feng , Kuo Shyh‐rong , Yeih Weichung
Published: January 2003

A symmetric indirect Trefftz method is developed to solve the free vibration problem of a 2D membrane. It is proved that in this approach the spurious eigensolution exists, and an auxiliary matrix is constructed to help extraction of the spurious solution using the generalized singular‐value decomposition. In addition to the spurious eigensolution, this regular formulation suffers from its ill‐posed nature, i.e. the numerical instability. In order to deal with the numerical instability, the Tikhonov's regularization method, in conjunction with the generalized singular‐value decomposition, is suggested. The proposed approach has some merits when compared with other regular boundary element formulations reported so far; namely the capacity of representing eigenmodes and the ability to deal with a multiply connected domain of genus 1. Several numerical examples are demonstrated to show the validity of the current approach. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of medication recall using medication pictures and lists in telephone interviews
Authors: Kimmel Stephen E. , Lewis James D. , Jaskowiak Jane , Kishel Lori , Hennessy Sean
Published: January 2003

Purpose

To determine the effect of reading medication lists and providing medication pictures on recall of non‐aspirin non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NANSAIDs) during telephone interviews in a case–control study.

Methods

After a series of indication‐specific questions, a list of all available NANSAIDs was read to study participants and a series of pictures was reviewed when available. Recall was defined as enhanced if a participant recalled NANSAID use only after the memory aids.

Results

Among the 1484 participants who reported NANSAID use, 94 (6.3%) recalled their NANSAID use only after the memory aids. Several groups demonstrated enhanced recall following the memory aids: men (odds ratio (OR): 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 2.69), users of non‐prescription versus prescription NANSAIDs (OR 2.28; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.30), those using >2 other medications (OR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.69), those who did not have all of their medication containers available during the interview (OR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.42) and cases versus controls (OR 1.90; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.28).

Conclusion

The reading of medication names with the availability of medication photographs enhanced recall by approximately 6%. The use of this type of memory aid may reduce recall bias in case–control studies that rely on medication recall, depending on the overall prevalence of medication use and the effect size of the drug on the outcome. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agreement between patient self‐report and a Veterans Affairs national pharmacy database for identifying recent exposures to antibiotics
Authors: Metlay Joshua P. , Hardy Christine , Strom Brian L.
Published: January 2003

Purpose

The dramatic rise in antibiotic drug resistance among community pathogens has stimulated interest in the epidemiological relationship between antibiotic exposure and drug resistance. In assessing the strength of this relationship, studies are hampered by the lack of data on the accuracy of subject self‐report of antibiotic exposure. The authors compared self‐report with pharmacy dispensing data to determine the accuracy of self‐reported antibiotic exposure.

Methods

The study design was a cross‐sectional survey of veterans seen at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in 1999 and 2000. Subjects reported exposures to antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs through a structured telephone interview. The instrument included open‐ended questions, condition‐specific prompts and drug‐specific prompts. Subject responses were linked to a national VA pharmacy database that served as the reference standard for evaluating self‐reported exposures.

Results

The authors found that the sensitivity of self‐report of antibiotic exposure increased with increasing use of prompts. A comprehensive assessment of antibiotic exposure identified 73% of antibiotic exposures, compared to 73% of antihypertensive drug exposures and 92% of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug exposures.

Conclusions

Assessment of antibiotic exposure appears to be comparable to assessment of other chronic and episodic drugs. Multistep assessment of exposure improves the sensitivity of assessment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antipsychotic medication coprescribing in a large state hospital system
Authors: Jaffe Ari B. , Levine Jerome
Published: January 2003

Purpose

To systematically characterize antipsychotic medication coprescribing (‘polypharmacy’) in a large state hospital system.

Methods

All antipsychotic prescriptions written for all adult in‐patients (N=8212) in New York state‐run civil facilities for the year 1999 were identified using the Integrated Research Database (IRDB) created by the Information Systems Division of the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. Antipsychotics were considered to be intentionally coprescribed only when both were prescribed for an overlapping period of 28 days.

Results

Coprescribing of typical, atypical, and depot antipsychotics comprised 31% of antipsychotic prescribing episodes. Medications were usually coprescribed with medications from outside their own antipsychotic class. Patient factors, such as age, diagnosis, and history of prior hospitalization, affected coprescribing rates ( p<0.001 for all indicated variables). Atypical antipsychotic medications were less likely to be given with another antipsychotic than were oral or depot typical medications.

Conclusions

Coprescribing of antipsychotic drugs is a common practice in the New York State hospital system. The analysis of large clinical databases can yield valuable information about the kinds of complex pharmacotherapy regimens actually utilized in the treatment of the most severely ill patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient information leaflets–helpful guidance or a source of confusion?
Authors: Bjerrum Lars , Foged Annette
Published: January 2003

Background

According to the European Community Directive 92/27, pharmaceutical companies are responsible for working out patient information leaflets (PILs) for all products marketed, and every PIL should comply with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and be phrased so that it is easily understandable by the patient. However, the volume of information included in the PIL may differ for different brands, and furthermore, the same drug may be registered for different indications. Patients may therefore receive different drug information when they renew prescriptions for the same generic drug.

Objectives

To examine if PILs on different brands of generically identical drugs contain inconsistent and diverging information that may lead to confusion.

Design

Case‐finding among patients who contacted a pharmacy because of problems related to the information retrieved from the PIL.

Setting

Inquiries to a Danish pharmacy during one year (1 June 2000–31 May 2001).

Results

Different brands of generically identical products included PILs with substantial inconsistencies. Diverging information about indications for drug use, adverse effects, drug‐drug interactions and precautions and considerations concerning pregnancy and breastfeeding resulted in inquiries to the pharmacy.

Conclusion

Patients may be confused by inconsistent information in PILs from different brands of generically identical drugs. Confusion about drug treatment may lead to reduced compliance and initiatives should be taken to coordinate information in PILs covering the same generic product. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lesions missed on prostate biopsies in cases sent in for consultation
Authors: Kronz Joseph D. , Milord Rolando , Wilentz Robb , Weir Edward G. , Schreiner Stephanie R. , Epstein Jonathan I.
Published: January 2003

Background

There are no reports on how often lesions are missed on prostate needle biopsies.

Methods

Over a 10‐month period, 8/99 to 5/00, 3,251 prostate biopsy cases were seen in consultation.

Results

We identified 87 (2.7%) patients with missed lesions (n = 9 academic hospitals; n = 44 community hospitals; n = 34 commercial labs). Overall, 119 lesions were missed in 87 patients. Missed lesions were as follows: small atypical glands suspicious for cancer (41 lesions in 35 patients), prostatic adenocarcinoma (39 cancers in 32 patients), high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (34 lesions in 30 patients), and HGPIN with adjacent small atypical glands (five lesions in five patients)—some men with more than one type of missed lesion. Detection of the missed lesions would have resulted in either: a definite change in care in 15 of 3,251 (0.5%) patients or a possible change in care (bilateral cancer vs. unilateral cancer; HGPIN vs. atypical) in 17 (0.5%) patients. In 21 (24%) of the cases, the slides were seen by at least two pathologists prior to consultation at our hospital.

Conclusions

Although the number of prostate biopsies with missed lesions in a consult‐based population of prostate biopsies appears relatively high (2.7%), the detection of the missed lesions would have only effected a definite change in care in 0.5% of all patients or a possible change in care in another 0.5% of patients. Our data underestimates missed lesions, as the entire specimen was not submitted for review in 41% of cases. Although our incidence of missed lesions gives some indication as to the magnitude of the problem, it cannot be equated with the risk of missing lesions in unselected cases. Prostate 54: 310–314, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of human prostasomes isolated from three different sources
Authors: Carlsson Lena , Nilsson Ove , Larsson Anders , Stridsberg Mats , Sahlén Göran , Ronquist Gunnar
Published: January 2003

Background

Prostasomes are organelles secreted by human prostate epithelial cells and appear freely in semen. Most prostasomal functional and biochemical characteristics have been settled on basis of seminal prostasomes (SP).

Methods

Three types of prostasomes, viz., from seminal plasma, prostate gland (native), and prostate cancer bone metastasis, were isolated and compared for their biochemical and functional characteristics.

Results

Flow cytometry showed that all three types of prostasomes had a similar size distribution and electrophoresis revealed close similarities in banding pattern. Also, a high cholesterol/phospholipid ratio and some marker enzymes were distinctive common features. The unusual chromogranin B (CgB)/chromogranin A (CgA) ratio with CgB in abundance over CgA, previously found only in SP, was also valid for the native (NP) and metastasis‐derived prostasomes (MP). The latter prostasome type contained a 10‐fold higher amount of CgA compared to the others. SP and MP showed the same promotive effect on sperm forward motility, whereas NP did not. All three prostasome types exhibited an antibacterial activity against Bacillus megaterium.

Conclusions

Since the three prostasome types were isolated from different environments, our data support the view that the common characteristics were prostasome‐genuine. Prostate 54: 322–330, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 in bone metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Masuda Hiroshi , Fukabori Yoshitatsu , Nakano Katsuya , Takezawa Yutaka , cSuzuki Takanori , Yamanaka Hidetoshi
Published: January 2003

Background

Prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to bone. The skeletal metastases of prostate cancer origin are osteoblastic rather than osteolytic. Recently, the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in prostate cancer cell lines was detected. The present study indicated the existence of BMP‐7 in normal prostate tissue, but its function has not been clarified. The mechanism by which prostate cancer causes osteoblastic metastasis is not clear. We investigated the expression of BMP‐7 and ‐6 in normal and metastatic bone tissues to clarify the biological relationship between the expression of BMPs and bone metastasis in prostatic cancer.

Methods

Six samples of normal bone tissue and nine samples of bone metastasis tissue were collected during the autopsies of six patients with prostate cancer. Total RNA was extracted from these samples. After reverse transcription (RT) of the RNA samples, the expression of BMP‐6 and ‐7 in each sample was measured by the real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as an internal standard.

Results

Although the expression of BMP‐7 was detected in five out of seven (71%) metastatic bone lesions of prostate cancer, it was not detected in normal bone tissues. The expression level of BMP‐7 was significantly higher in metastatic bone lesions than in normal bone (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the level of expression of BMP‐6 in metastatic bone lesions from prostate cancer and the level in normal bone tissue (P = 0.81).

Conclusions

These results suggest that high expression of BMP‐7 in metastatic bone lesions of prostate cancer is related to osteoblastic metastasis. BMP‐7 in the bone metastasis tissue indicates that the cells expressing BMP‐7 probably originated from the prostate, because we have detected high expression of BMP‐7 in the prostate. Prostate 54: 268–274, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
R726L androgen receptor mutation is uncommon in prostate cancer families in the united states
Authors: Gruber Stephen B. , Chen Hong , Tomsho Lynn P. , Lee Nana , Perrone Erin E. , Cooney Kathleen A.
Published: January 2003

Background

A mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, namely AR R726L, was described in 2% of Finnish men with sporadic or familial prostate cancer and was associated with an approximately sixfold increased risk of prostate cancer. We set out to determine the incidence of this mutation in a sample of men with either early‐onset and/or familial prostate cancer in the United States.

Methods

Five hundred forty‐eight men with prostate cancer from 411 unrelated families participating in the University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Genetics Project (PCGP) were studied. Allele‐specific oligonucleotide hybridization was used to detect the presence of the AR R726L mutation in germline DNA.

Results

None of the 548 prostate cancer patients studied, including 513 White, 29 African American, 3 Asian, and 3 Hispanic men, were found to carry the AR R726L allele. Therefore, the prevalence of this allele is significantly less than that observed among Finnish men with prostate cancer (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The AR R726L allele does not account for a significant proportion of early‐onset and/or familial prostate cancer in the United States. Prostate 54: 306–309, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of cystatins, high molecular weight cytokeratin, and proliferation markers in prostatic adenocarcinoma and hyperplasia
Authors: Mirtti Tuomas , Alanen Kalle , Kallajoki Markku , Rinne Ari , Söderström Karl‐Ove
Published: January 2003

BACKGROUND

Prostatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy among men in the western world but the diagnostic and prognostic criteria for it are still not clearly defined. Additional means for its diagnosis and prognosis are clearly needed. Previously it has been shown that cystatin A is expressed in the basal cells of normal prostate and the expression disappears in prostatic carcinoma.

METHODS

We have now studied the expression of both cystatins A and B in benign prostatic hyperplasias (BPH), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PIN) and carcinomas of the prostatic epithelium and compared it with the expression of high molecular weight (HMW) cytokeratin as well as the proliferation markers cyclin A and Ki‐67. The expression of the proteins was immunohistochemically assessed using 33 total prostatectomy specimens.

RESULTS

Cystatin A was expressed in the basal cells in all cases of BPH, low‐grade PIN, and high‐grade PIN whereas carcinomas showed no staining of cystatin A. The 34βE12 cytokeratin expression was similar to basal cystatin A staining and was not seen in carcinoma foci. Cystatin B showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression in the columnar epithelial cells. The decrease in median cytoplasmic staining of cystatin B in carcinomas compared to other lesions was significant, but there was a significant increase in expression with dedifferentiation of carcinoma. Also cyclin A and Ki‐67 staining were significantly different in non‐carcinomatous foci compared to carcinoma foci and had a remarkably similar negative correlations with basal cystatin A and 34βE12 staining.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that cystatin expression can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma and especially cystatin A in the distinction between high grade PIN and grade I carcinoma. Prostate 54: 290–298, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a potent antibacterial factor isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: guanidine, N‐[3‐[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]propyl]‐N‐dodecyl‐, a potential source of error in the analysis of antibacterial agents
Authors: Abraham‐Nordling Mirna , Gudmundsson Gudmundur H. , Grunewald Johan , Agerberth Birgitta , Griffiths William J.
Published: January 2003

The widespread use of antibiotics in modern society has encouraged the search for new antibacterial compounds. In this laboratory investigations are being made to identify and characterise novel antibacterial peptides. With this in mind, the antibacterial properties of human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from sarcoidosis patients is being investigated. In this communication we report on the identification and characterisation of a highly active non‐peptide antibacterial compound isolated from BAL fluid. The structure of this active compound was elucidated by high‐resolution accurate mass and tandem mass spectrometry to be guanidine, N‐[3‐[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]propyl]‐N‐dodecyl‐. This compound does not appear to be endogenous, and its presence in BAL fluid extracts presents a potential source of error in analysis of antibacterial agents. The biological effects of guanidine, N‐[3‐[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]propyl]‐N‐dodecyl‐ have not previously been described in the literature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the ‘wrong’ active pharmaceutical ingredient in a counterfeit Halfan™ drug product using accurate mass electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, accurate mass tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Wolff Jean‐Claude , Thomson Linda A. , Eckers Christine
Published: January 2003

Methodology is presented for identifying an unknown active (pharmaceutical) ingredient (AI) in a counterfeit drug product. A range of mass spectrometric techniques, i.e., accurate mass mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), has been employed to determine the AI in a counterfeit Halfan™ suspension, an antimalarial drug. In particular, use of LockSpray accurate mass MS/MS allowed identification of parts of the molecule from fragments, hence limiting the number of possible elemental compositions for the nominal mass of 278 found for the AI in the counterfeit product. The analysis of the isotope pattern observed for the protonated molecule further reduced the number of possible elemental compositions. A literature search for readily commercially available compounds of molecular formula C12H14N4O2S suggested that the AI was either sulfamethazine or sulfisomidine. An LC/MS separation of those two compounds and reference MS/MS spectra obtained for sulfamethazine and sulfisomidine led to the conclusion that the AI in the counterfeit Halfan™ suspension is sulfamethazine, which is an antibacterial agent. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of co‐eluting structural analog internal standards for expanded linear dynamic range in liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Guoen
Published: January 2003

Non‐linear standard calibration curves occur frequently in liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS), necessitating the use of non‐linear regression curve fitting or a reduction in assay dynamic range. Non‐linearity can be minimized by the use of stable isotope internal standards, if the cause of curve bending is ionization saturation. Unfortunately, stable isotope internal standards can be difficult or expensive to synthesize. Structural analog internal standards, if sufficiently close to analytes both in chemical structures and HPLC retention times, may mimic the effect of stable isotope internal standards. Tentative experimental evidence supporting this concept is presented in this paper. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of malonyl‐ginsenosides in the authentication of ginseng
Authors: Kite Geoffrey C. , Howes Melanie‐Jayne R. , Leon Christine J. , Simmonds Monique S. J.
Published: January 2003

Different negative ion electrospray (ES) source conditions are required to concentrate the ion current in [M–H]– for malonylated and non‐malonylated ginsenosides. However, both can be ionised optimally in a single liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis by employing switchable voltages in the post‐source ion optics of a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Coupled with automatic MS/MS scanning and post‐acquisition neutral loss data analysis, this method provides a means of profiling the malonylated and acetylated ginsenosides in ginseng extracts. Analyses revealed numerous malonylated ginsenosides that could be partially characterised by serial MS/MS experiments. The ratio of mRb1 to other isomeric forms present and to mRb2 and mRc appears to show consistent differences among Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), P. quinquefolius (American ginseng) and P. notoginseng (Sanchi ginseng). The ratio of malonylated to non‐malonylated ginsenosides is reduced in the red form of Asian ginseng compared with the white form and there is a concomitant increase in the levels of the corresponding acetylated ginsenosides. The ability to analyse malonylated ginsenosides is an important contribution to the range of chemical characteristics that can be used to authenticate the different species of ginseng and will assist in quality control and standardisation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Escherichia coli using immunomagnetic separation and bacteriophage amplification coupled with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Madonna Angelo J. , Cuyk Sheila Van , Voorhees Kent J.
Published: January 2003

The application of whole cell analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) has emerged as a valuable tool for rapidly identifying/detecting bacteria. This technique requires minimal sample preparation and is simple to perform, but is generally limited to purified samples of bacteria at concentrations greater than 1.0 × 106 cells/mL. In this paper, we describe a bacterial detection method that integrates immunomagnetic separation with bacteriophage amplification prior to MALDI‐MS analysis. The developed method consists of three main stages: (1) isolation of a target bacterium by immunomagnetic separation; (2) infection of the immuno‐captured bacterium with a lytic bacteriophage; and (3) assay of infected medium for bacteriophage progeny using MALDI‐MS to produce a molecular weight signal for the virus capsid protein. With this technique, the presence of Escherichia coli in broth was determined in less then 2 h total analysis time at a concentration of ∼5.0 × 104 cells/mL. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen exchange studies on Alzheimer's amyloid‐β peptides by mass spectrometry using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and electrospray ionization
Authors: Kraus Mario , Bienert Michael , Krause Eberhard
Published: January 2003

The conformation and aggregation behavior of synthetic Alzheimer's amyloid peptides (Aβ) has been investigated using hydrogen‐deuterium exchange measured by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric fragmentation of deuterated Aβ peptides was carried out by collision‐induced dissociation, inlet fragmentation, and post‐source decay. In contrast to the C‐terminally truncated peptides Aβ(1‐40) and Aβ(1‐36) showing full hydrogen‐deuterium exchange, Aβ(1‐42) and the pyroglutamyl peptide Pyr3‐Aβ(3‐42) produced more complex signal patterns resulting from the formation of β‐sheet‐structured oligomers having 18–20 strongly protected protons. Using mass spectrometric fragmentation the results show that the reduced isotope exchange of Aβ(1‐42) can be attributed to the central part of the chain comprising residues 8‐23. This confirms involvement of the hydrophobic binding domain LVFFA in the course of Aβ aggregation and demonstrates that hydrogen‐deuterium exchange in combination with mass spectrometry is well suited for structural analysis of monomeric and reversibly associated amyloid peptides using picomole quantities of material. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collision‐induced dissociation of the phenylsilane molecular ion
Authors: Choe Joong Chul
Published: January 2003

The high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation of the phenylsilane molecular ion generated by electron ionization has been investigated using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). It was observed that the dissociation of the molecular ion (M+.) occurs mainly via [MH]+, [M2H]+., and [M3H]+, followed by two consecutive losses of C2H2. The structures of the precursors for the [MCH3]+, [MSiH]+, and [MSiH2]+. ions are proposed. The data suggest that the molecular ion undergoes rearrangements to several isomers prior to dissociation, including the ion containing a five‐membered carbon ring. Reaction mechanisms are proposed for the dissociations via the isomeric molecular ions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of experimental design for optimisation of the cold plasma ICP‐MS determination of lithium, aluminum and iron in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Authors: Bianchi F. , Careri M. , Maffini M. , Mangia A. , Mucchino C.
Published: January 2003

A sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of 7Li, 27Al and 56Fe by cold plasma ICP‐MS was developed and validated. Experimental design was used to investigate the effects of torch position, torch power, lens 2 voltage, and coolant flow. Regression models and desirability functions were applied to find the experimental conditions providing the highest global sensitivity in a multi‐elemental analysis. Validation was performed in terms of limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantitation (LOQ), linearity and precision. LODs were 1.4 and 159 ng L−1 for 7Li and 56Fe, respectively; the highest LOD found being that for 27Al (425 ng L−1). Linear ranges of 5 orders of magnitude for Li and 3 orders for Fe were statistically verified for each compound. Precision was evaluated by testing two concentration levels, and good results in terms of both intra‐day repeatability and intermediate precision were obtained. RSD values lower than 4.8% at the lowest concentration level were calculated for intra‐day repeatability. Commercially available soft drinks and alcoholic beverages contained in different packaging materials (TetraPack®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), commercial cans and glass) were analysed, and all the analytes were detected and quantitated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sustainability treaty between the Netherlands and Costa Rica: a new perspective on environmental and development cooperation
Authors: Glasbergen Pieter , Miranda Miriam
Published: January 2003

In this article, we analyse a new type of bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable development. The keystone of this new structure is the sustainability treaty that the Netherlands has arranged with Costa Rica (the statement of intent dates from 1992). This treaty was conceived to assist both countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development through specific measures. The basis for the cooperative effort is a platform of equality, reciprocity and participation. Thus, the treaty fits in with—or may even be seen as a pilot for—a shifting perspective on development cooperation. We conclude that Costa Rica has been engaged in a learning process; this is much less if at all the case in the Netherlands. On the grounds of the analysis, we formulate several conditions for a new (environmental) development paradigm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Minimum requirements for sustainable use of forests in national forest programmes. Elements and principles developed for a study of Swiss forest policy
Authors: Bisang Kurt , Zimmermann Willi
Published: January 2003

Both the United Nations Conference on Economic Development in 1992 and the European Union have called for the creation of national forest programmes (NFPs) as a means of ensuring the sustainable development of forests. In recent years, international organizations have also discussed and defined several elements that such NFPs should incorporate. Different concepts prevail, however, and policy experts have not yet reached a uniform and coherent understanding of the concept. In this paper, we develop minimum requirements for a Swiss NFP on the basis of a discussion and comparison of different definitions of NFPs and national environmental plans. We argue that a range of process, content and objective‐oriented elements should be included. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
An index of sustainable economic welfare for Poland
Authors: Gil Sebastian , Sleszynski Jerzy
Published: January 2003

The index of sustainable economic welfare (ISEW) developed by HE Daly and JB Cobb Jr is an attempt to create a measure of sustainable development. In this paper, we have computed the ISEW for Poland for the years 1980–97.

It turns out that after some fluctuations in 1980–85, a decline of the index in 1986–90 is observed. The ISEW reached its lowest values in 1989–90. Up to 1995, we can observe a growth dynamic at the beginning and falling in succeeding years, which eventually shows a tendency back downward that started in 1996.

It seems that the recent decrease in ISEW can be attributed to categories such as long‐term environmental damage, ozone layer depletion, losses caused by commuting and road accidents. Moreover, growing welfare inequalities penalize the value of ISEW in recent years much more significantly than before. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Lessons in promoting sustainable development in EU Structural Funds programmes
Authors: Moss Timothy , Fichter Heidi
Published: January 2003

This paper assesses and compares the experiences of 12 Objective 1 and 2 regions across the EU which conducted pilot projects on methods of promoting sustainable development by means of Structural Fund programmes. It demonstrates how the regions translated the concept of sustainable development into practical applications that are compatible with structural funding procedures, relevant to the needs of specific programme areas and acceptable to programme partnerships. The paper analyses their experiences in terms of developing new methodologies, redesigning programme objectives, adapting management tools and opening up procedures to greater participation and dialogue. A central argument is that the success of the efforts to promote sustainable development via structural funding depends to a considerable extent on the ability of those involved to address local or regional issues of concern, to build on existing procedures and objectives of programme management and to respect the institutional framework of operation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Strategy without ontology
Authors: Powell Thomas C.
Published: January 2003

Professor Arend's critique raises fundamental epistemological issues for strategy research, particularly the concern that pragmatist philosophy forecloses access to objective truth and scientific progress. This response discusses the empiricist underpinnings of pragmatism, and addresses Professor Arend's specific concerns about the connections between competitive advantages and firm performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The context of dominance: an industry‐driven framework for exploiting reputation
Authors: Shamsie Jamal
Published: January 2003

In spite of the growing interest in sustainable advantages, there has been little effort by strategy researchers to investigate market dominance. In this paper, the extent of dominance by leading firms is linked to the ability to develop and exploit their reputation as a key resource. Results from a wide spectrum of consumer product markets indicate that the advantages that stem from reputation are typically tied to specific industry characteristics. In particular, dominance is more likely to be observed in industries that offer consumer products that are purchased frequently and have lower prices. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal ventral hippocampal damage modifies serum corticosterone and dopamine release responses to acute footshock in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Chrapusta Stanislaw J. , Egan Michael F. , Wyatt Richard J. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Lipska Barbara K.
Published: January 2003

Rats with excitotoxic neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHL) manifest in early adulthood a variety of behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities mimicking those seen in patients with schizophrenia. Some of these aberrations implicate malfunction of the midbrain dopamine systems. We studied NVHL effects on dopamine release in the rat frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum during acute stress caused by inescapable continuous footshock (0.45 mA). Serum total corticosterone and prolactin levels were used as peripheral indices of stress. As an indirect index of dopamine release, tissue 3‐methoxytyramine levels attained in vivo 10 min after monoamine oxidase inhibition was assayed in rats sacrificed by instantaneous microwave fixation of the brain tissue. Nonshocked NVHL rats showed significantly less nucleus accumbens' 3‐methoxytyramine accumulation than their sham counterparts. Frontal cortical 3‐methoxytyramine levels rose similarly after 20‐min footshock in both groups of rats, but while it normalized after 60‐min footshock in the sham rats, it did not decrease in the NVHL rats. Nucleus accumbens' 3‐methoxytyramine was significantly elevated after either 20‐min or 60‐min footshock in both groups, whereas striatal 3‐methoxytyramine was significantly elevated in the NVHL rats only. Serum corticosterone showed similar elevations in the sham and NVHL rats, but the patterns differed in that there was no attenuation after 60‐min footshock in the latter. The lesion did not affect serum prolactin response. These data indicate that neonatal ventral hippocampal damage enhances and prolongs certain neural and neuroendocrine responses to acute physical stressor(s), and thus may affect adaptation and enhance detrimental effects of stress. Synapse 47:270–277, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrocarbon‐induced changes to metabolic and detoxification enzymes of the Australian crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)
Authors: Pollino Carmel A. , Holdway Douglas A.
Published: January 2003

The toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons to marine aquatic organisms has been widely investigated; however, the effects on freshwater environments have largely been ignored. Selected biomarkers were measured in a freshwater species, the crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis). Fish were exposed to either a water‐accommodated fraction (WAF) of crude oil or a dispersed crude oil water‐accommodated fraction (DCWAF) for 3 days and were depurated for 14 days. Generally, biomarkers were altered following the short‐term exposures but recovered after 14 days of depuration. Metabolic enzymes measured in gill tissue were citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). As a result of WAF and DCWAF exposures, citrate synthase and LDH activities increased. Enzyme activities returned to control levels following depuration. Subsequent to the WAF exposure, hepatic ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity levels were higher than controls and they returned to control levels during depuration. For the DCWAF exposure, EROD was induced by a TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons) concentration of 14.5 mg/L; however, after depuration the 14.5 mg/L TPH group had lower EROD activity than did controls. There were no changes in liver‐ to body‐weight ratios or the histopathological organization of gill or liver tissues. As the majority of biomarkers returned to control levels after 14 days of depuration, rainbowfish were able to recover from short‐term exposures to crude oil and dispersed crude oil. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 21–28, 2003.
Alternative inocula as activated sludge surrogate culture for a toxicity test
Authors: Paixão S. M. , Santos P. , Baeta‐Hall L. , Tenreiro R. , Anselmo A. M.
Published: January 2003

The use of activated sludge to assess the potential toxicity and environmental impact of chemicals and wastewaters suffers from several drawbacks related to the heterogeneity, absence of standardization, and health risk associated with this mixed‐sewage population. To search for reliable testing inoculum alternatives, the performance of two commercial inocula (BI‐CHEM® and BIOLEN M112), a garden‐soil inoculum and a pure culture of Pseudomonas sp., was compared with an activated sludge inoculum (AS) in the inhibition respiration test ISO 8192‐1986 (E). The respiration rates of microbial inocula were assayed for the reference compound 3,5–dichlorophenol. The acute toxicity values (IC50) ranged from 6.7 mg/L (Pseudomonas sp.) to 22.7 mg/L (garden soil), overlapping the expected values for activated sludge microorganisms despite the bacterial diversity. The assayed microbial inocula also showed higher reproducibility than AS and an overall similarity of catabolic profiles obtained with Biolog EcoPlates was observed between AS and some mixed inocula. These results point to the potential ability of such inocula as surrogate cultures in relevant activated sludge–based bioassays. New, well‐defined, standardized, and safe tools will then be available for monitoring the ecological impact of hazardous substances and effluents, thus providing environmental protection. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 37–44, 2003.
Uptake and accumulation of dissolved, radiolabeled nodularin in Baltic Sea zooplankton
Authors: Karjalainen M. , Reinikainen M. , Lindvall F. , Spoof L. , Meriluoto J.A.O.
Published: January 2003

The mass occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria is a recurrent phenomenon in the Baltic Sea. Grazers may obtain toxins either through ingestion or by direct exposure to dissolved toxins. Despite this, there is little knowledge about the accumulation of cyanobacterial toxins in planktonic organisms present during these blooms. Toxin analyses of tissue samples are complicated to carry out and, because of the small size of microscopic planktonic organisms, often difficult to execute. Therefore, we wanted to use a precise and sensitive method to study toxin uptake and accumulation in zooplankton. We used chemically tritiated nodularin, 3H‐dihydronodularin, to study the uptake of dissolved nodularin, a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin produced by Nodularia spumigena. Cultures of the calanoid copepods Acartia tonsa and Eurytemora affinis, and an oligotrich ciliate Strombidium sulcatum were exposed to 3H‐dihydronodularin in filtered seawater, using naturally occurring concentrations of dissolved nodularin (5 μg L−1). All three species took up measurable amounts of radiolabeled nodularin. After 48 h we detected 0.37 ± 0.22 μg toxin g C−1 (mean ± sd) in A. tonsa and 0.60 ± 0.15 μg toxin g C−1 in E. affinis, whereas 1.55 ± 0.50 μg toxin g C−1 was detected in S. sulcatum after 24 h. The minimum bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 3H‐dihydronodularin was 12 for A. tonsa and 18 for E. affinis. For S. sulcatum our results indicate a maximum BCF of 22. However, because the uptake studies for this species were done in the presence of bacteria, possible particulate transfer cannot be excluded. Nevertheless, our results indicate that dissolved nodularin can be taken up by planktonic organisms. Therefore, the vectorial transport of dissolved toxins to higher trophic levels seems possible, even if some planktonic grazers would avoid feeding on toxic cyanobacteria filaments. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 52–60, 2003.
DYNAMICS OF OPEN-ECONOMY BUSINESS-CYCLE MODELS: ROLE OF THE DISCOUNT FACTOR
Authors: Kim Sunghyun Henry , Kose M. Ayhan
Published: January 2003

This paper examines the dynamic implications of different preference formulations in open-economy business-cycle models with incomplete asset markets. In particular, we study two preference formulations: a time-separable preference formulation with a fixed discount factor, and a time-nonseparable preference structure with an endogenous discount factor. We analyze the moment implications of two versions of an otherwise identical open-economy model—one with a fixed discount factor and the other with an endogenous discount factor—and study impulse responses to productivity and world real-interest-rate shocks. Our results suggest that business-cycle implications of the two models are quite similar under conventional parameter values. We also find that the approximation errors associated with the solutions of these two models are of the same magnitude.
APPLIED MACROECONOMETRICS Carlo A. Favero Oxford University Press, 2001
Authors: Scott Alasdair
Published: January 2003

This book has an ambitious objective: “the discussion and the practical illustration of techniques used in applied macroeconometrics” (p. v). At less than 300 pages, the text is relatively small, which implies that it will have problems competing with many of the heavyweight general econometric texts in terms of scope. On the other hand, there is the potential for it to address issues that these sorts of texts typically do not. Several come to mind: At a “high” level, the importance of interdependence in systems and the ongoing issue of identification; and at a practical level, problems with short samples, data revisions, and unobserved variables.
Imaging of Atomic Columns in [110] Silicon
Authors: Krivanek Ondrej L. , Rez Peter
Published: January 2003

The images of [110] silicon and other diamond-cubic materials recently
pub-lished by Izui1 and others all show the crystalline
lattice distorted: pairs of atomic columns which should be 1.36 Å
(d400) apart are depicted as white dots separated
by about 1.65Å. Two other puzzling features are that the images invariably
show atoms as white rather than dark, and that the atomic columns are fully
resolved only in thicker specimen regions, never near the specimen
edge.
The Compatibility of the CBED and Structure Imaging Techniques
Authors: Goodman P. , Spence J. , Olsen A. , Roth R.
Published: January 2003

By combining the high resolution TEM structure imaging technique with
that of convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) the range of structural
types which can be usefully imaged can be extended to include those with
large cell dimensions in the beam direction.The operating conditions which
allow the JEM 100B to provide both lattice images and fine-focus CBED
patterns from the same specimen region by electronic switching and without
mechanical alteration to the specimen position or pole-piece changes have
been therefore investigated. While the structure images provide valuable
two-dimensional information on crystallite microphase structure and defect
structure, CBED patterns obtained from the same microphase can be used: (i)
To determine the c axis (beam direction) dimension (1) (ii) To seek regions
of axially oriented crystal suitable for lattice imaging in bent or ductile
materials (iii) To determine crystal thickness (2) (iv) To determine the
space-group of small crystals (3) (v) To determine, in favorable cases, the
three dimensional fault vector from the analysis of HOLZ lines where there
is insufficient tilt available for conventional g.b analysis (4).