bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constituency Campaigning in Britain 1992-2001
Authors: Denver David , Hands Gordon , Fisher Justin , MacAllister Iain
Published: September 2003

Constituency (local) campaigning in British general elections has been transformed over the past ten years or so. Firstly, national party headquarters have taken an increasingly large role in planning and managing constituency campaigns. Although the pace of change has varied across the major parties, all are heading down the same road. Secondly, campaigning on the ground has also changed. Technological and other changes have led to a decline in the use of traditional campaign techniques and increased use of new methods, especially in `key' seats. These developments are charted using data derived from a unique set of nationwide surveys of election agents at the last three general elections. Finally, the article returns (briefly) to the debate about the electoral effects of constituency campaigning, presenting data relating to its impact in each of the three elections concerned.
Real-Time Health Monitoring of Mechanical Structures
Authors: Keller Eric , Ray Asok
Published: September 2003

The paper presents development and experimental validation of a real-time health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method for residual life prediction of ductile-alloy structures. Application areas include fatigue crack damage in mechanical structures such as those in aircraft, surface ship, submarines, civil infrastructures, and power plants. The technical approach relies on fusion of heterogeneous information derived from physics-based models of fatigue damage and real-time sensor data. This ultrasonic-sensor-based NDE method requires theoretical formulation and experimental validation: (i) a stochastic damage model under fatigue crack initiation and propagation; and (ii) filter algorithms for on-line damage estimation and remaining life. The analytical part of the work is supported by laboratory experimentation on a special-purpose fatigue test apparatus that is equipped with computer-based ultrasonic, optical, and mechanical sensing devices.
An Evaluation of Some Emerging Techniques for Gear Fault Detection
Authors: Wang Wenyi
Published: September 2003

This paper presents an evaluation of some emerging techniques for gear fault detection based on vibration signal processing. These techniques acquire diagnostic information by processing the synchronously averaged signal using the continuous wavelet analysis, resonance demodulation and autoregressive (AR) modeling approaches. The evaluation results show that all three techniques are very promising for detecting and diagnosing localized gear faults, and are more effective than the traditional gear diagnostic techniques. Among the three techniques, the AR modeling method is probably the most promising one for implementation into an automated diagnostic system due to its effectiveness and simplicity in formulation.
A New Fiber Optic Based Method for Delamination Detection in Composites
Authors: Xu Ying , Leung Christopher K. Y. , Yang Zhenglin , Tong Pin , Lee Stephen K. L.
Published: September 2003

The early detection of closed delamination is important for ensuring the safety of laminated composite structures. In this article, an approach for delamination detection using fiber-optic interferometric technique is introduced. The integral strain along a fiber that is surface-attached to the composite is measured as a function of load position. By comparing the integral strain versus load position curve (or its first or second derivatives) for the undamaged and delaminated cases, the delamination location and size can be determined. To demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, numerical and experimental investigations have been carried out. The results of the study indicate that the proposed technique is applicable for delamination detection in both simply supported beams and beams on elastic foundation.
Review Paper: Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure
Authors: Chang Peter C. , Flatau Alison , Liu S. C.
Published: September 2003

Increased awareness of the economic and social effects of aging, deterioration and extreme events on civil infrastructure has been accompanied by recognition of the need for advanced structural health monitoring and damage detection tools. Today, these tasks are done by visual inspection and very traditional methods such as the tap test. This labor-intensive task is done at a frequency of less than once every two years for bridges, and on an as-needed basis for other infrastructures such as buildings. Structural health monitoring techniques based on changes in dynamic characteristics have been studied for the last three decades. When the damage is substantial, these methods have some success in determining if damage has occurred. At incipient stages of damage, however, the existing methods are not as successful. A number of new research projects have been funded to improve the damage detection methods including the use of innovative signal processing, new sensors, and control theory. This survey paper highlights these new research directions.
Antecedents and Consequences of Self-Verification: Implications for Individual and Group Development
Authors: London Manuel
Published: September 2003

This article presents an integrative, multilevel model of individual and group development. It extends a model of small group development that holds that self-verification—through self-disclosure and sharing feed-back—produces interpersonal congruence (group members seeing each other as they see themselves), which especially helps groups that are heterogeneous, working on tasks that require judgment, or both. The model presented here proposes that components of self-awareness—self-evaluation, confidence in self-other relationships, and self-development orientation—affect motivation for self-verification, and that leader and peer behavior, group facilitation, and one-on-one coaching and mentoring stimulate self-disclosure and feedback. Self-verification is proposed to encourage individuals and groups to set learning goals and value differences.
Contingent HRD: Toward a Theory of Variation and Differentiation in Formal Human Resource Development
Authors: Kuchinke K. Peter
Published: September 2003

Based on the assertion that prevalent generic models of HRD are not able to adequately account for the variety of human resource development (HRD)arrangements, strategies, and processes in organizations, this article proposes that a contingency framework can lead to a more differentiated and realistic understanding of HRD in actual practice. Several groups of contingency factors are advanced, and their potential influence illustrated with reference to an empirical investigation of 29 U.S. organizations. The resulting set of propositions invite future empirical verification with the goal of exploring more closely the context-dependent nature of human resource development and to advance the empirical knowledge base of our field.
Laser Doppler Imaging in the Investigation of Lower Limb Wounds
Authors: Khan Faisel , Newton David J.
Published: September 2003

Good blood supply is a primary determinant for the healing of acute and chronic wounds alike. Chronic wounds commonly occur in the lower extremity in man. Scientists are forever looking for objective techniques with which tissue perfusion may be measured with accuracy. Laser Doppler imaging is a very useful technique for measuring microvascular perfusion in wounds because it involves no contact and produces a color image representing flow distribution over an area of tissue. In this article, the authors discuss its application to the assessment of lower limb wounds, and they review published studies in which it has been used to investigate a range of wound types. This review examines the study of healing mechanisms, treatment effects, risk prediction, healing potential, and underlying pathology. It also considers areas in which laser Doppler imaging is still to be exploited fully.
An Uncommon Sighting—Lupus Vulgaris of the Foot
Authors: Rekha A. , Ravi A. , Sundaram Sandhya , Prathiba D.
Published: September 2003

Lupus vulgaris (LV)is a progressive form of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB)that may occur in a patient with a moderate or high degree of immunity. The incidence of LV has declined with that in TB; it is relatively uncommon even in developing countries. LV commonly presents in the head and neck regions as flat plaques. Variants of LV form huge, soft, tumor-like forms with deep tissue and cartilage destruction resulting in deformities. The authors report a case of LV in a patient who presented with an ulcero-proliferative growth in the lower extremity, mimicking a malignancy.
Asymmetric Reduction of α,β-Unsaturated Cyclic Ketones by a Yeast
Authors: Matsumoto Kazutsugu , Kawabata Yoichi , Takahashi Jun , Fujita Yoshitomo , Hatanaka Minoru
Published: September 2003

The asymmetric reduction of the carbon-carbon double bond of α,β-unsaturated cyclic compounds proceeds with high enantioselectivity when catalyzed by Yamadazyma farinosa IFO 10896. Microbial reduction of 2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one followed by PCC oxidation affords the optically active (R)-2-methyl-1-cyclohexanone of 95% ee. On the other hand, the sequential reactions of (E)-2-propylidene-1-cyclohexanone gives the unsaturated ketone possessing an S-configuration at the C-2 position.
Room Temperature Ultraviolet Electroluminescence from Poly(methylphenylsilane)
Authors: Xu Yonghua , Fujino Takahiro , Naito Hiroyoshi , Oka Kunio , Dohmaru Takaaki
Published: September 2003

Using carefully purified poly(methylphenylsilane) (PMPS), we have successfully fabricated PMPS LEDs which emit UV light at room temperature for the first time. The study of I-V characteristics of PMPS LEDs indicates that Trapped-Charge-Limited (TCL) currents dominate the charge transport in LEDs at high current region.
Electrocatalytic Dehalogenation of Chloroaromatics on Palladium-loaded Carbon Felt Cathode in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Tsyganok Andrey I , Yamanaka Ichiro , Otsuka Kiyoshi
Published: September 2003

The selective dechlorination of highly toxic chloroaromatic herbicides based on phenoxyacetic acid was successfully achieved under mild experimental conditions in aqueous medium by electrocatalytic reduction at palladium-loaded carbon felts. Such cathode material is in principle available for dechlorination of chloroaromatics having different molecular structure.
Reduction and Agglomeration of Silver in the Course of Formation of Silver Nano Cluster in Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Yanagihara Naohisa
Published: September 2003

Characterization of Ag nanocluster in poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, and kinetic observation on the polymerization of MMA in the presence of silver(I) complex have been investigated. On the basis of these studies, it was revealed that the growing polymer radical is responsible for the reduction of Ag ion and the heat-treatment appears to play an important role for the agglomeration and the formation of Ag cluster.
Phase Transformation of High Silica BEA to OU-1 and MTW
Authors: Rao PR Hari Prasad , Ueyama Korekazu , Kikuchi Eiichi , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: September 2003

Phase transformation of high silica BEA to OU-1 and MTW was demonstrated for the first time. Zeolite OU-1, an analogous material to SSZ-31 and NCL-1, was synthesized using tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) as a structure directing agent. The influence of Na and Al ions on stabilization of BEA phase during crystallization is presented.
Addition of Grignard and Organolithium Reagents to the Negatively Charged Sulfur Atom of 2,2-Bis(diethylamino)ethan-2-ylium-1-dithioate
Authors: Nakayama Juzo , Otani Takashi , Sugihara Yoshiaki , Ishii Akihiko
Published: September 2003

A range of Grignard and organolithium reagents added to the negatively charged sulfur atom of the inner salt 1, despite the presence of the positively charged carbenium carbon, to give enethiolates 4, which were methylated by MeI to give dithioacetals 3 as the final product in excellent yields. A mechanism involving a single-electron-transfer process from nucleophiles to 1 is presented for this thiophilic addition.
Enhanced DNA Photocleavage by a Subnanomolar Amount of Mercury(II) Porphyrin
Authors: Tabata Masaaki , Sarker Ashish Kumar , Watanabe Keiichi
Published: September 2003

Mercury (II)-porphyrin complex as low as 3 × 10−7 mol dm−3 significantly accelerated single and double strand scissions of pBluescript plasmid DNA upon visible photoirradiation with the formation of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, and other oxygen radicals which were confirmed by EPR measurement.
Photochromism of an Indolylfulgide Trapped in a Hybrid Sol-Gel Matrix
Authors: Biteau John , Chaput Frédéric , Yokoyama Yasushi , Boilot Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2003

An indolyfulgide has been trapped in a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix prepared by the sol-gel process using methyltriethoxysilane. Photochromic properties of doped films have been studied.
Direct Observation of Correlation between Crystalline-State Deuterium Transfer and Racemization of 1-Cyanoethylcobaloxime Complex by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Ohhara Takashi , Uekusa Hidehiro , Ohashi Yuji , Tanaka Ichiro , Kumazawa Shintaro , Niimura Nobuo
Published: September 2003

The [(R)-1-cyanoethyl-dα] group, which has a deuterium atom attached to the chiral carbon and is bonded to the cobalt atom, in a cobaloxime complex with pyridine as an axial base ligand is inverted to the opposite configuration on exposure to visible light with retention of the single crystal form. The C-D bond is not cleaved in the process of the inversion.
Skeletal Ni-P Amorphous Alloy(R-Ni-P) as a Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Li Hexing , Wang Weijiang , Zong Baoning , Min Enze , Deng Jing-Fa
Published: September 2003

Ni-P amorphous alloy with skeletal structure like Raney nickel was prepared by alkali leaching of a Ni-Al-P amorphous alloy obtained by the rapid quenching method, which exhibits high selectivity and activity for the hydrogenation of the organic compounds with various unsaturated functional groups.
Time-on Stream Performance of Co-Ni/TiO2 and HZSM-5 Catalyst Systems for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Jothimurugesan K , Gordon T , Gangwal S K
Published: September 2003

Time-on-stream Fischer-Tropsch (FT) product distributions using a 5% Co-5% Ni/TiO2 catalyst and a catalyst prepared by mixing this catalyst with HZSM-5 underwent dramatic variations during the first 20 h of operation. Deactivation of the FT catalyst over 100 h was significantly lower in the presence of HZSM-5.
Potential antimicrobial agents: Trifluoromethyl‐10H‐phenothiazines and ribofuranosides
Authors: Singh Girwar , Kumar Neeraj , Yadav Ashok K. , Mishra A. K.
Published: September 2003

The zinc salts of substituted 2‐amino benzenethiols, on condensation with 2‐chloro‐3‐nitro‐5‐trifluoromethyl benzene, in presence of sodium acetate and ethanol and subsequent formylation gave the corresponding 2‐formamido‐substituted diphenylsulfides. From them substituted 2‐trifluoromethyl‐10H‐phenothiazines have been synthesized via Smiles rearrangement. Ribofuranosides α‐ and β‐ anomers were synthesized by the condensation of phenothiazines with sugar in toluene in presence of SnCl4 at 0°C and 155–160°C, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:481–486, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10165
Synthesis of ribosylated 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Ren Zhong‐Xu , Chen Xiao‐Min , Li Zhan‐Jiang , Huang Zhi‐Tang
Published: September 2003

Ribosylated 1,2,3‐triazole 4 and 5 were synthesized in moderate yields by the reaction of aroyl‐substituted heterocyclic ketene aminals 1 or 2 with 2,3,5‐tri‐O‐benzoyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl azide (3). Their structures were determined by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:487–490, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10167
An aminoimidazole and its utility in heterocyclic synthesis
Authors: Elkholy Yehya M. , Erian Ayman W.
Published: September 2003

Aminoacetonitrile (1) reacted with acetamidinium chloride to give 4‐aminoimidazole (4), which reacted with DMFDMA to yield imidazole derivative 7 and with benzylidinemalononitrile and ethoxymethylene malononitrile to give imidazo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives 12 and 15. Compound 1 reacted with β‐crotononitrile to yield pyridine derivative 20. Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivative 23 could be obtained via the reaction of 20 with DMFDMA. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:503–508, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10178
Synthesis and antivirus activity of 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives
Authors: Wang Qingmin , Liu Gang , Shao Ruilian , Huang Runqiu
Published: September 2003

Reaction of 6‐phenyl‐4‐thioxo‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐one with alkyl halide in the presence of 1 equiv. of sodium hydroxide resulted in 4‐alkylthio‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐one in good yield, whereas the above reaction provided 2‐alkoxyl‐4‐alkylthio‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine in the presence of 2 equiv. of sodium hydroxide. 6‐Phenyl‐4‐thioxo‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐one was oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to give 6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐dione. Further treatment with ethyl bromoacetate or (substituted) benzyl bromides yielded 2,4‐dialkoxy‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazines. At the same time, a small amount of 2‐dimethylamino‐4‐alkoxy‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazines were isolated. Preliminary bioassays indicate that the title compounds possess good activities against tobacco mosaic virus. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:542–545, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10189
Child protective intervention in the context of welfare reform: The effects of work and welfare on maltreatment reports
Authors: Slack Kristen Shook , Holl Jane L. , Lee Bong Joo , McDaniel Marla , Altenbernd Lisa , Stevens Amy Bush
Published: September 2003

Recent changes in welfare policy have produced changes in parental work and welfare receipt. These factors are assessed in relation to investigated
reports of child abuse and neglect using survey data on 1998 welfare recipients in nine Illinois counties, in conjunction with longitudinal
administrative data on cash welfare benefits, employment, and child abuse and neglect reports. Trend analyses show that rates of child maltreatment
reports among welfare recipients have risen since the passage of PRWORA in 1996. Findings from multivariate analyses indicate that parental employment
has a protective effect on reports to child protection systems (CPS), that this effect is greatest when combined with welfare receipt, and
that this effect becomes stronger over time. Those who receive welfare in the absence of employment face a significantly greater risk of CPS
involvement, even compared with those who neither work nor receive welfare. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and
Management
Linking program implementation and effectiveness: Lessons from a pooled sample of welfare‐to‐work experiments
Authors: Bloom Howard S. , Hill Carolyn J. , Riccio James A.
Published: September 2003

This paper addresses the question: How does implementation influence the effectiveness of mandatory welfare‐to‐work programs?
Data from three large‐scale, multi‐site random assignment experiments were pooled; quantitative measures of program implementation
were constructed; and multilevel statistical modeling was used to examine the relationship between program implementation and effects on
short‐term client earnings. Individual‐level data were analyzed for 69,399 sample members and group‐level implementation data were
analyzed for 59 local programs. Findings indicate that, other things being equal, earnings effects are increased by: an emphasis on quick client
employment, an emphasis on personalized client attention, staff caseloads that do not get too large, and limited use of basic education. Findings also
show that mandatory welfare‐to‐work programs can be effective for many types of people, and that focusing on clients who are especially
job‐ready (or not) does not have a consistent influence on a program's effectiveness. © 2003 by the Association for Public
Policy Analysis and Management
Non‐AUG translation initiation of mRNA encoding acidic ribosomal P2A protein in Candida albicans
Authors: Abramczyk Dariusz , Tchórzewski Marek , Grankowski Nikodem
Published: September 2003

The eukaryotic 60S ribosomal subunit has a set of very acidic proteins (P‐proteins), which form a distinct lateral protuberance called the stalk structure. This protein complex is directly involved in the elongation step of polypeptide synthesis. In our study on acidic ribosomal P‐proteins from the human opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans, we isolated and characterized one of the genes, called CARP2A, and its product, the P2A protein. The CARP2A gene is intron‐less, present in a single copy per haploid genome, and transcriptionally active. The open reading frame of the studied gene contains information for a sequence of 108 amino acids. Based on this, the molecular mass and isoelectric point of the P2A protein were theoretically calculated to be 10.85 kDa and 3.7, respectively. The characteristic feature of the CARP2A gene transcript is the presence of a GUG start codon, which is rare in eukaryotic organisms and not previously reported in yeast. To our knowledge this is the first report showing the presence of a naturally occurring non‐AUG start codon on mRNA in yeast species. The nucleotide sequence of CARP2A has been deposited in the GenBank data library under Accession No. AF317661. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Casein‐derived bioactive phosphopeptides: role of phosphorylation and primary structure in promoting calcium uptake by HT‐29 tumor cells
Authors: Ferraretto Anita , Gravaghi Claudia , Fiorilli Amelia , Tettamanti Guido
Published: September 2003

Casein phosphopeptides β‐CN(1–25)4P and αs1‐CN(59–79)5P, from β‐ and αs1‐casein, respectively, both carrying the characteristic ‘acidic motif’ Ser(P)‐Ser(P)‐Ser(P)‐Glu‐Glu, were chemically synthesized and administered to HT‐29 cells differentiated in culture, which are a used model of intestinal epithelium for absorption studies. Both casein phosphopeptides caused an increase of [Ca2+]i due to influx of extracellular Ca2+. The response was quantitatively higher with β‐CN(1–25)4P than αs1‐CN(59–79)5P. The synthetic peptide corresponding to the ‘acidic motif’ was ineffective and the dephosphorylated form of β‐CN(1–25)4P almost inactive. The lack of the N‐terminally located five amino acids, or sequence modifications within the N‐terminal segment of β‐CN(1–25)4P, caused a total loss of activity, whereas the lack of the C‐terminal segment preserved activity. In conclusion, the influx of calcium into HT‐29 cells caused by β‐CN(1–25)4P appears to depend on the phosphorylated ‘acidic motif’ and the preceding N‐terminal region.
New gene selection method for classification of cancer subtypes considering within‐class variation
Authors: Cho Ji-Hoon , Lee Dongkwon , Park Jin Hyun , Lee In-Beum
Published: September 2003

In this work we propose a new method for finding gene subsets of microarray data that effectively discriminates subtypes of disease. We developed a new criterion for measuring the relevance of individual genes by using mean and standard deviation of distances from each sample to the class centroid in order to treat the well‐known problem of gene selection, large within‐class variation. Also this approach has the advantage that it is applicable not only to binary classification but also to multiple classification problems. We demonstrated the performance of the method by applying it to the publicly available microarray datasets, leukemia (two classes) and small round blue cell tumors (four classes). The proposed method provides a very small number of genes compared with the previous methods without loss of discriminating power and thus it can effectively facilitate further biological and clinical researches.
Interdomain dynamics and ligand binding: molecular dynamics simulations of glutamine binding protein
Authors: Pang Andrew , Arinaminpathy Yalini , Sansom Mark S.P. , Biggin Philip C.
Published: September 2003

Periplasmic binding proteins from Gram‐negative bacteria possess a common architecture, comprised of two domains linked by a hinge region, a fold which they share with the neurotransmitter‐binding domains of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs). Glutamine‐binding protein (GlnBP) is one such protein, whose crystal structure has been solved in both open and closed forms. Multi‐nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations have been used to explore motions about the hinge region and how they are altered by ligand binding. Glutamine binding is seen to significantly reduce inter‐domain motions about the hinge region. Essential dynamics analysis of inter‐domain motion revealed the presence of both hinge‐bending and twisting motions, as has been reported for a related sugar‐binding protein. Significantly, the influence of the ligand on GlnBP dynamics is similar to that previously observed in simulations of rat glutamate receptor (GluR2) ligand‐binding domain. The essential dynamics analysis of GlnBP also revealed a third class of motion which suggests a mechanism for signal transmission in GluRs.
Anti‐herbicide single‐chain antibody expression confers herbicide tolerance in transgenic plants
Authors: Eto Junichi , Suzuki Yoshihito , Ohkawa Hideo , Yamaguchi Isomaro
Published: September 2003

An anti‐chlorpropham single‐chain variable‐fragment (scFv) gene was introduced into Arabidopsis in a manner to express the antibody fragment in each of four different subcellular compartments. The accumulation of scFv in transgenic plants was detected by targeting the fragment in the endoplasmic reticulum or apoplastic space, or by expressing the fragment as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein, while no accumulation could be detected by targeting the fragment in the cytosol. Transgenic plants accumulating the scFv gene at a high level in the endoplasmic reticulum had enhanced tolerance to chlorpropham in comparison with the non‐transformants.
Cost‐effectiveness of transvaginal sonography and saline infused sonography in the evaluation of menorrhagia
Authors: Dijkhuizen F.P.H.L.J. , Mol B.W.J. , Bongers M.Y. , Brölmann H.A.M. , Heintz A.P.M.
Published: September 2003

Objectives:To assess the cost‐effectiveness of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and saline infused sonography (SIS) in the diagnostic work‐up of women with menorrhagia.Methods:We performed a decision analysis in which we compared the percentage of patients treated successfully and cost of six strategies for the evaluation of menorrhagia: (0) hormonal treatment, (I) treatment of all patients with balloon ablation, (II) TVS and therapeutic hysteroscopy, (III) TVS, SIS and therapeutic hysteroscopy, (IV) SIS and therapeutic hysteroscopy, and (V) diagnostic hysteroscopy and therapeutic hysteroscopy. Hormonal treatment was considered to be the reference strategy to which the five strategies were compared. Data were obtained from the published literature. In order to evaluate the robustness of our results, we performed extensive sensitivity analyses, in which we varied sensitivity and specificity of TVS and hysteroscopy, the prevalence of intracavitary abnormalities, as well as costs of TVS and SIS.Results:We found that the strategy starting with SIS (IV) and the strategy with diagnostic hysteroscopy (V) revealed the highest number of patients treated successfully for menorrhagia. In terms of cost‐effectiveness, SIS for all patients was superior over immediate diagnostic hysteroscopy for all patients. Strategies starting with TVS were less effective than the strategy starting with SIS.Conclusions:We recommend SIS as the procedure of first choice in the work‐up for women with menorrhagia.
Analgesic efficacy of intramuscular opioids versus epidural analgesia in labor
Authors: Jain S. , Arya V.K. , Gopalan S. , Jain V.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To compare analgesic efficacy of intramuscular opioids: meperidine and tramadol with epidural analgesia. Methods: One hundred and twenty‐eight term nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy and vertex presentation were randomized to receive either epidural (n=43), meperidine (n=39) or tramadol (n=44). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of pain. The parameters analyzed were analgesic efficacy, effect on labor, other maternal side effects, perinatal outcome and maternal satisfaction. Results: Median VAS scores following first dose were 0 (0–5), 5 (3–8) and 5 (3–8) in epidural, meperidine and tramadol groups, respectively. Ninety percent of women rated analgesia as good to excellent in the epidural group as compared with 72% of women in the meperidine group and 65% in tramadol group. However, epidural caused a significant prolongation of first (P<0.05) and second (P<0.01) stage of labor with an increased number of operative deliveries (27% in the epidural, 7.6% in the meperidine, and 11.4% in the tramadol groups, P<0.05). In the epidural group 40% women had urinary retention and 16% had motor weakness, whereas sedation was the only side effect seen in the meperidine (41%) and tramadol groups (9%). Respiratory depression was noted among three neonates in the meperidine group, two in the tramadol group and none in the epidural group. Conclusions: The analgesic efficacy and maternal satisfaction is better with epidural analgesia than with opioids. Analgesia provided by meperidine and tramadol is comparable and approximately 50% of women rated the analgesia as good. Meperidine is better in the second stage than tramadol. Hence in developing nations where availability of facilities is the main limiting factor, intramuscular opioids can be considered suitable alternatives.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in adnexal masses
Authors: Demirkiran F. , Kumbak B. , Bese T. , Arvas M. , Benian A. , Aydin S. , Uzun H. , Sanioglu C. , Aydinli K. , Kösebay D.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To determine cyst fluid and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in patients with ovarian masses and to investigate the efficiency of this modulator in the clinical management of cystic pelvic masses. Methods: Needle puncture for cyst fluid aspiration were performed on 88 cystic ovarian masses intraoperatively. Forty‐five patients with benign and 43 patients with malignant ovarian pathology were analyzed for cyst fluid and serum VEGF concentrations. Both cystic fluid and serum VEGF concentration were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Cyst fluid VEGF levels of malignant cysts (40.65±17.69 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those of benign cysts (12.53±6.13 ng/ml; P<0.001). Similarly, higher serum VEGF concentrations were found in patients with malignant disease (0.72±0.17 ng/ml) compared with benign cysts (0.33±0.11 ng/ml; P<0.001). A statistically significant correlation was observed between cyst fluid and serum VEGF levels in both malignant and benign cysts. For serum VEGF, at a cut‐off value of 0.41 ng/ml; sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 95%, 78%, 80% and 95%, respectively. No significant correlation between cyst fluid VEGF concentration and tumor stage or grade could be found. Conclusions: Significantly higher concentrations of VEGF are present in cyst fluid and serum of patients with malignant ovarian cysts compared with benign ovarian ones. There is no relation between VEGF and tumor stage or grade.
Anemia during pregnancy in a Chinese population
Authors: Xiong X. , Buekens P. , Fraser W.D. , Guo Z.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To study prevalence, risk factors, and birth outcomes of women with anemia during pregnancy in a Chinese population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed based on 16 936 pregnancies delivered between January 1989 and December 1990 in Suzhou, China. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin less than 10 g/dl. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and to control for confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 10.3% at the first trimester, 18.9% at the third trimester. Overall, 26.2% pregnant women experienced anemia in pregnancy. Anemia during early pregnancy was not associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, anemia in later pregnancy was inversely associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Conclusions: Anemia during pregnancy does not increase the risk of poor birth outcomes.
Dysmenorrhea treatment with a single daily dose of rofecoxib
Authors: Şahin İ. , Saraçoğlu F. , Kurban Y. , Türkkanı B.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of single daily doses of rofecoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2, in dysmenorrhea. Methods: Fifty‐five patients were included in this randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. Patients were randomized to use placebo, naproxen sodium (550 mg), 25 and 50 mg doses of rofecoxib in various orders. Pain intensity, analgesic efficacy of drugs, total number of pills used and side effects were evaluated. Results: Rofecoxib with daily single doses of 25 and 50 mg decreased the pain intensity in a manner similar to naproxen sodium. Most of the patients (85.45% and 96.46%) evaluated the analgesic efficacy of rofecoxib as ‘perfectly effective’. Rofecoxib was found to be effective for pain relief both in primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were less than those with naproxen sodium. Conclusions: A ‘one a day’ dose of 25 mg rofecoxib is an effective choice with lower gastrointestinal adverse effects than naproxen sodium.
A randomized study of total abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Ribeiro S.C. , Ribeiro R.M. , Santos N.C. , Pinotti J.A.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To evaluate operative time, blood loss and inflammatory response in patients submitted to hysterectomy. Methods: Sixty patients referred for hysterectomy were prospectively randomized to total abdominal hysterectomy (n=20), vaginal hysterectomy (n=20), or laparoscopic hysterectomy (n=20). The operative time, blood loss (variation in erythrocyte and hemoglobin) and inflammatory answer (CRP and interleukin‐6 dosages) were compared by using Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn non‐parametric test and variance analysis with repeated measurements. Results: Operative time was shorter for vaginal hysterectomy, and there was no significant difference between total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Reduction in erythrocyte and hemoglobin was more noticeable after vaginal hysterectomy, followed by total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. CRP levels increased steadily from vaginal hysterectomy to laparoscopic hysterectomy and then to total abdominal hysterectomy. The increase in interleukin‐6 was substantially higher in total abdominal hysterectomy, whereas no difference was noted between vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Conclusions: Vaginal hysterectomy presents superior results in terms of operative time and inflammatory response when compared with total abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy and it should be the first option for hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered when the vaginal approach is unfeasible, showing clear advantages over abdominal hysterectomy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin in cervicovaginal secretions as a predictor of preterm delivery
Authors: Sanchez‐Ramos L. , Mentel C. , Bertholf R. , Kaunitz A.M. , Delke I. , Loge C.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detected in cervicovaginal secretions of patients with symptoms suggestive of preterm labor is a predictor of preterm birth. Methods: Women presenting to labor and delivery with symptoms of preterm labor were invited to participate. After collecting secretions with a cotton‐tipped applicator from the posterior fornix and endocervical canal, we placed the swab in a test tube containing 1 ml of normal saline. From this solution, we performed qualitative and quantitative hCG measurements. Qualitative and quantitative hCG results from women who delivered at term were compared with those delivering prior to 37 weeks’ gestation. Results: Samples were obtained and analyzed from 86 women at a mean (± standard deviation) gestational age of 30.7±2.9 weeks. Of the 86 subjects enrolled, 28 (32.6%) delivered preterm. A positive rapid qualitative assay from cervicovaginal secretions between 24 and 34 weeks’ gestation was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of preterm delivery (relative risk 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38, 4.98). The likelihood ratios for a positive and negative test were 2.19 (95% CI 1.35, 3.56) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.30, 0.85) respectively. Using a cut‐off of 19 mIU/ml, similar diagnostic accuracy for predicting preterm birth was obtained with the quantitative test 1.93 (95% CI 1.14, 3.26) and 0.62 (95% CI 0.40, 0.98). Conclusions: Qualitative and quantitative hCG measurements from cervicovaginal secretions may be useful predictors of preterm birth in symptomatic patients. The qualitative hCG test can be used at the bedside with results obtained in minutes.
“In vivo” intraneuronal trafficking of G protein coupled receptors in the striatum: regulation by dopaminergic and cholinergic environment
Authors: Bloch Bertrand , Bernard Véronique , Dumartin Brigitte
Published: September 2003

We have studied “in vivo” neurochemically identified striatal neurons to analyze the localisation and the trafficking of dopamine and acetylcholine G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) (D1R, D2R, m2R and m4R) under the influence of neurotransmitter environment. We have identified receptors in tissue sections through immunohistochemical detection at the light and electron microscopic level. We have identified receptors in normal animals and after acute and chronic stimulations. We have quantified receptors through image analysis at the electron microscopic level in relation to various subcellular compartments. Our results demonstrate that, in normal conditions, GPCRs are mostly associated with plasma membrane of the striatal neurons, mostly at extra‐synaptic sites. In certain instances (m4R; D2R), receptors have prominent localisation inside the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Our results also show that two distinct receptors for a same neurotransmitter may have distinct subcellular localisation in a same neuronal population (m2R versus m4R) and that the same neurotransmitter receptor (m4R) can have distinct localisation in distinct neuronal populations (cytoplasm versus cell surface). After acute stimulation, cell surface receptors undergo dramatic subcellular changes that involve plasma membrane depletion, internalisation in endosomes and in multivesicular bodies. Such changes are reversible after the end of the stimulation and are blocked by antagonist action. Chronic stimulation also provokes changes in subcellular localisation with specific pattern: plasma membrane depletion, and exaggerated storage of receptors in rough endoplasmic reticulum and eventually Golgi complex (D1R; m2R and m4R). Decreasing chronic receptor stimulation reverses such changes. These results demonstrate that, “in vivo”, in the striatum, GPCRs undergo complex intraneuronal trafficking under the influence of neurochemical environment in conditions that dramatically modulate the number of cell surface receptors available for interaction with neurotransmitters or drugs. This confirms that “in vivo”, the trafficking and the subcellular compartmentalization of GPCRs may contribute to regulate neuronal sensitivity and neuronal interactions in physiological, experimental and pathological conditions, including in therapeutic conditions.
Ultrastructure of auxiliary and gonimoblast cells during carposporophyte development in the red alga Cryptopleura ruprechtiana (Delesseriaceae, Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Delivopoulos Stylianos G.
Published: September 2003

The ultrastructure sequence for the complete post‐fertilization development is described in Cryptopleura ruprechtiana (C. Agardh) Kylin, a member of the Delesseriaceae. Following fertilization the diploid nucleus is transferred to the auxiliary cell. This contains typical red algal proplastids, cytoplasmic concentric membranes, numerous small vacuoles and lipid bodies. Crystalline inclusions and virus‐like particles are also present. In addition darkly staining spherical masses possibly represent dehydrated haploid chromatin. The multinucleate auxiliary cell produces initially one large gonimoblast initial and subsequently many smaller gonimoblast initials. The first formed generative gonimoblast cell is similar in cellular structure to the auxiliary cell. Gonimoblast initials are uninucleate but through caryokinesis they become multinucleate. They undergo repeated cleavage to form more gonimoblast cells. Subsequent, centripetal cytokinesis results in the formation of clusters of gonimoblast cells. A new type structural cap or association is observed in the septal plugs that interconnect gonimoblast initials. Terminal or generative gonimoblast cells cleave to form additional gonimoblast cells. Only terminal gonimoblast cells are differentiated to carpospores.
Evolution and cell biology of dopamine receptors in vertebrates
Authors: Callier Sophie , Snapyan Marina , Le Crom Stéphane , Prou Delphine , Vincent Jean‐Didier , Vernier Philippe
Published: September 2003

Dopamine, one of main modulatory neurotransmitters of the nervous system acts on target cells through two classes of G protein‐coupled receptors, D1 and D2. The two dopamine receptor classes display different structures, interact with different regulatory partners (including heterotrimeric G proteins) and, accordingly, have independent evolutionary origins. In vertebrates, each of these receptor classes comprises several subtypes, generated by two steps of gene duplications, early in vertebrate evolution. In the D1 receptor class, the D1A, D1B, D1C and D1D subtypes, and in the D2 class, the D2, D3 et D4 receptor subtypes have been conserved in most vertebrate groups. This conservation has been driven by the acquisition, by each receptor subtype, of a small number of specific properties, which were selected for adaptive purpose in vertebrates. Among these properties, affinity for dopamine, the natural ligand, intrinsic receptor activity, and agonist‐induced desensitization clearly distinguish the receptor subtypes. In addition, each dopamine receptor subtype is addressed to a specific location within neuronal networks, although detailed information is lacking for several receptor subtypes. Receptors localization at diverse subcellular places in neurons may also differ from one subtype to another, resulting in different ways of regulating cell signalisation. One challenge for future research on dopamine and its receptors would be to identify the nature of the protein partners and the molecular mechanisms involved in localizing receptors to the neuronal plasma membrane. In this respect, the evolutionary approach we have undertaken suggests that, due to gene duplications, a reasonable degree of freedom exists in the tight organisation of dopamine receptors in neurons. This “evolvability” of dopamine systems has been instrumental to adapt the vertebrate species to nearly all the possible environments.
Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: AL-QATTAN M. M.
Published: September 2003

Prolonged ischaemia sometimes occurs in replantation and free flap surgery. The re-establishment of circulatory flow to the ischaemic tissue leads to a cascade of events which augments tissue necrosis. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of this ischaemia-reperfusion injury and discusses different methods to modulate this injury.
Biodegradable Controlled Release Glass in the Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Authors: LENIHAN D. V. , CARTER A. J. , GILCHRIST T. , HEALY D. M. , MILLER I. A , MYLES L. M. , GLASBY M. A.
Published: September 2003

The experiments in this paper were concerned with the recovery of function and ease of application of an entubulation technique using a biodegradable, controlled release glass tube (CRG) for the repair of a transected peripheral nerve. The peroneal nerves of 15 New Zealand White rabbits were repaired with either a CRG tube filled with freeze-thawed muscle, or a conventional freeze thawed muscle graft (FTMG). These were compared with controls in which a CRG was used to enclose the cut ends of a nerve separated by a 1 cm gap. Electrophysiological and morphometric assessment was carried out 6 months after repair. No statistical difference was found in any test between the FTMG and the CRG tube filled with freeze thawed muscle. The CRG tube and 1 cm gap produced inferior levels of recovery of function when compared with the other two repair groups.
Incidence of Bilateral Symptoms in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: PADUA L. , PADUA R. , NAZZARO M. , TONALI P.
Published: September 2003

We prospectively studied 266 hands in 133 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in order to evaluate: the incidence of bilateral CTS symptoms; correlation between severity, duration of symptoms and bilateral occurrence of CTS; agreement of clinical and neurophysiological findings; and the neurophysiological findings in asymptomatic hands in unilateral CTS, The incidence of bilateral clinical CTS in our population was 87%. Neurophysiological impairment of median nerve was observed in about half of the asymptomatic hands. Follow-up of patients with unilateral CTS showed that contralateral symptoms developed in most cases. We found a significant positive correlation of bilateral CTS with the duration of symptoms, whereas there was no correlation with the severity of symptoms. Our data suggest that bilateral impairment of median nerve is the rule in patients with CTS and probably it has been underestimated in previous studies.
Identification and Preservation of Palmar Cutaneous Nerves During Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: TOMAINO M. M. , PLAKSEYCHUK A.
Published: September 2003

We looked for crossing cutaneous nerve branches during standard open carpal tunnel release and attempted to preserve them. Open carpal tunnel release was performed on 34 hands in 29 patients. Crossing cutaneous nerves were identified in 47% of hands and successfully preserved in each case. No patient experienced postoperative pillar pain or scar hypersensitivity.
Functional Outcome of Anterior Transposition of the Vascularized Ulnar Nerve for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: ASAMI A. , MORISAWA K. , TSURUTA T.
Published: September 2003

Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is a widely used treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome, but neurolysis performed at the time of surgery may impair the blood supply to the ulnar nerve. This study compared the results of intramuscular anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with or without preserving the extrinsic vessels of the ulnar nerve in 35 patients. The postoperative nerve conduction velocity and the clinical results were better in the group in which the extrinsic vessels were presented.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: SARHADI N. S. , KORDAY S. N. , BAINBRIDGE L. C.
Published: September 2003

This study presents a review of 26 cases of radial tunnel syndrome in 25 patients seen in a single hand consultant’s practice over a period of 2.5 years. The protocol for diagnosis was the reproduction of patient’s symptoms on pressure over a palpable tender spot along the course of the radial tunnel, painful resisted supination or resisted middle finger extension, all of which were abolished on infiltration of the tender area with a local anaesthetic solution. The presence of at least two out of three objective signs was necessary for the diagnosis. Initially all cases were treated conservatively, by steroid injection in 25 and physiotherapy in one, with long-term relief of pain in 16. Nine failures were treated surgically, with complete relief of pain in seven. Radial tunnel syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain around the hand and or elbow.