bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEQUENTIAL AND PARALLEL ALGORITHMS FOR CAUSAL EXPLANATION WITH BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Authors: MOOLE BHASKARA REDDY , VALTORTA MARCO
Published: November 2004

This paper presents a new sequential algorithm to answer the question about the existence of a causal explanation for a set of independence statements (a dependency model), which is consistent with a given set of background knowledge. Emphasis is placed on generality, efficiency and ease of parallelization of the algorithm. From this sequential algorithm, an efficient, scalable, and easy to implement parallel algorithm with very little inter-processor communication is derived.
R&D ACTIVITIES OF NEW ZEALAND FIRMS BY SIZE
Authors: FISHER JIM , KIRK C. , TAYLOR D.
Published: November 2004

Most companies recognise that it is essential that they engage in Research and Development activities.

In 1988/89 however New Zealand stood 17 on a list of 23 OECD countries with only 0.98 percent of its GDP allocated to R&D. This article describes a recent study of the R&D activities of 89 small, medium, and large New Zealand firms, which indicated that a number of significant differences exist between the R&D policies and practices of each type of firm.

It would appear that numbers of small/medium sized New Zealand firms, and even some large firms, do not recognise the importance of investing in R&D in tighter economic times as well as in times of economic expansion.

If the competitive position of New Zealand industry is to be improved R&D management must become more aware of the activities of the competition, and perhaps focus on process development and the acquisition of innovative technology from abroad.
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR SINGAPORE COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE PEOPLES' REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Authors: MARSHALL ROGER , LEONG DAVID , CHOO JOELLE , KOH SHIRLEY , THAY PEGGY
Published: November 2004

In recent years a significant number of Singapore companies have invested in the PRC, and a large number are set to follow in their path. The purpose of this research is to ascertain the Critical Success Factors (CSF) that have, in the opinion of senior executives, determined success in this market. Thus a guideline is produced to help executives of potential new entrants by indicating to them where their attention should be focused.

The data is gathered in two modes: survey and interview. Initially a sample of twenty-six companies was surveyed and asked a battery of questions to establish the relevant factors. These CSFs were analyzed for different industries under the headings of entry mechanisms, human resource factors, Government incentives, infrastructure and political factors. Two companies were then interviewed in depth in order to flesh out the survey data.
CHINESE ENTREPRENEURS IN ACTION: THE CASE OF TIAN HE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE
Authors: TRIGO VIRGINIA
Published: November 2004

Through studying the special case of Tian He High-and-New Technology Industrial Development Zone in Guangzhou, this work investigates the outgrowth of private entrepreneurship in China, a major force that will contribute to shape the country's future economic model. Following a case study design, using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews, this study characterises the private entrepreneurs who are operating in the Zone, their motivations to go into private business, and the facilitating or constraining factors in the environment that contributed to their decision.
COMPARISON OF PROPORTIONAL HAZARDS MODELING, ADDITIVE HAZARDS MODELING AND PROPORTIONAL INTENSITY MODELING WHEN APPLIED TO REPAIRABLE SYSTEM RELIABILITY
Authors: WIGHTMAN DAVE , BENDELL TONY
Published: November 2004

In an Industrial Reliability setting a number of modeling techniques are available which allow the incorporation of explanatory variables; for example, Proportional Hazards Modeling, Proportional Intensity Modeling and Additive Hazards Modeling. However, in many applied settings it is unclear what the form of the underlying process is, and thus which of the above modeling structures is the most appropriate, if any.

In this paper we discuss the different modeling formulations with regard to such features as their appropriateness, flexibility, robustness and ease of implementation together with the author’s experience gained from application of the models to a wide selection of reliability data sets. In particular, a comparative study of the models when applied to a software reliability data set is provided.
DESIGNING COMPONENT TEST PLANS FOR SYSTEM RELIABILITY VIA MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING
Authors: RAJGOPAL JAYANT , MAZUMDAR MAINAK
Published: November 2004

For prediction or verification of system reliability, it is often necessary to conduct individual tests of components that comprise the system. The question then arises as to how the total test efforts should be allocated among different components so as to minimize test costs. This paper describes the role of mathematical programming in obtaining the optimum test plans. The problem is formulated on the notion of producer’s and consumer’s risks in traditional acceptance sampling plans. Examples are given for different distributions of component failure times and for a series and a parallel system.
AN ECONOMIC ACCELERATED LIFE TEST ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING PLAN
Authors: LIN DAMING , CHIU W.K.
Published: November 2004

A cost model for an accelerated life test sampling plan is constructed. This model incorporates the cost of a life test and the cost of decision on a batch of components. The Arrhenius model is adopted for the life-stress relationship. Then the method of deriving an economic sampling plan is presented. A numerical example is given for illustration purpose.
ACCELERATED LIFE TESTS ON WEIBULL MODEL WITH SOME PARAMETER CHANGE
Authors: HUANG WEN-TAO , LIN HUEI-TSAN
Published: November 2004

Most of literature on accelerated life tests always assume that the domain of level of stress is known so that the life-stress relationship keeps unchanged as long as the level of stress applied is in this domain. However, in many practical situations the upper bound of such domain is usually unknown, especially for a new product. To consider such problem, we focus on the Weibull model and assume that, through some transformation, there is a linear relationship between the concerned parameter (involved in life distribution) and stress level. It is permitted that this relationship may change when the level of stress exceeds some bound, however its linearity is unchanged. To save time, we consider the data are either from type I or type II censored sampling. Some simulation results are also provided.
A FINITE RANGE DISCRETE LIFE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: LAI C.D. , WANG D.Q.
Published: November 2004

Discrete life data arise in many practical situations and even for continuous data we may find cases where the data are presented in grouped form, so that a discrete model can be used. In this paper, we propose a new two-parameter discrete lifetime distribution for modeling this type of data. The distribution under consideration has some interesting ageing properties; in particular, it is able to describe bathtub-shaped failure rate as well as upside-down bathtub-shaped mean residual life. We use this discrete distribution to model Halley’s mortality data and find it fits reasonably well. The proposed model, though quite simple in appearance, is flexible and potentially useful in describing various types of failure time. Some analytical results will also be presented.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPARATIVE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES EVALUATING QUALITY & RELIABILITY IN ENGINEERING DESIGN
Authors: BOHORIS GEORGE A.
Published: November 2004

In this paper a new generalization of the Wilcoxon test is proposed for the comparative reliability evaluation of alternative engineering designs. Using Monte Carlo simulations the performance of the new test is assessed against the results provided by four other two-sample tests for censored reliability data, i.e., the Gehan-Wilcoxon, Peto-Prentice, Logrank and modified Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The results of the simulations suggest that the Wilcoxon alternatives based on weight functions that are reliability function estimates, such as the Peto-Prentice and the Bohoris-Wilcoxon, are the most preferable for routine use.
GENERATION AND RETRIEVAL OF PROBABILISTIC DIAGNOSTIC DATA FOR REAL-TIME SYSTEM FAILURES
Authors: LANDER LESLIE C. , CHANG YU LO CYRUS
Published: November 2004

The generation and retrieval of comparison-based probabilistic diagnostic data for fault location in homogeneous systems is presented. A distance-based approach avoids the exponential size of a priori test information. The operation-time computation complexity is O(m), where m is the number of links and O( log m) when some prior reference data is stored. Optimizations for hard real-time systems are provided.
THE VOID EFFECT OF MEVVA W ION IMPLANTATION ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF H13 STEEL
Authors: YANG JIANHUA , ZHANG TONGHE
Published: November 2004

H13 steel samples were implanted with tungsten using a metal vapor vacuum arc (MEVVA) ion source, with an implantation dose of 1×1017 cm -2, an extraction acceleration of 30 kV and pulsed ion beam fluxes of between 0.3 mA·cm -2 and 6 mA·cm -2. The surface mechanical properties and microstructure for the W-implanted samples was characterized by the Rutherford backscattering spectroscope (RBS) and a high voltage electron microscope (HVEM). Experimental results of wear and hardness indicated that the hardness and wear of H13 steel increased when the voids were produced by tungsten ion implantation with a high pulsed current density. Forming causes for voids and their influence on the tungsten concentration depth profile in the implanted H13 steel and the surface mechanical properties were discussed in terms of spike theory.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NICKEL ULTRA-THIN FILMS AND THE INTERACTION WITH OXYGEN ON THE SrTiO3(100) SURFACE STUDIED BY SOFT X-RAYS PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: KAMARATOS M. , VLACHOS D. , FOULIAS S. D. , ARGIRUSIS CH.
Published: November 2004

The electronic properties of very thin Ni films on the SrTiO 3(100)- Fe doped surfaces and their interaction with oxygen have been studied by soft X-rays photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Nickel starts to become metallic on the surface in the very early adsorption stages. Oxygen adsorption on the nickel covered SrTiO 3(100) surface leads gradually to an almost complete oxidation of the nickel overlayer. The oxidation seems to take place through two different oxidation states, which according to the literature are due to the Ni 2+ and Ni 3+ species. The heating of the O / Ni / SrTiO 3 system at 850 K, causes a partial reduction of the nickel overlayer.
THE EFFECT OF PREPARED PARAMETERS ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF ELECTRODEPOSITED NANOCRYSTALLINE NICKEL COATING
Authors: DAI C. Y. , PAN Y. , JIANG S. , ZHOU Y. C.
Published: November 2004

The nanocrystalline nickel coating was synthesized by pulse-jet electrodeposition from modified Watts bath. Pulse and jet plating was employed to increase the deposition current density, decrease diffusion layer, increase the nucleation rate and in this case the prepared method would result in fine-grained deposits. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the microstructure, the surface morphology, the crystal preferred orientation and the variety of the lattice parameter respectively. The influence of pulse parameters, namely peak current density, the duty cycle and pulse frequency on the grain size, surface morphology, crystal orientation and microstructure was studied. The results showed that with increasing peak current density, the deposit grain size was found to decrease markedly in other parameters at constant. However, in our experiment it was found that the grain size increased slightly with increasing pulse frequency. For higher peak current density, the surface morphology was smoother. The crystal orientation progressively changed from an almost random distribution to a strong (111) texture. This means that the peak current density was the dominated parameter to effect the microstructure of electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel coating. In addition, the lattice parameter for the deposited nickel is calculated from XRD and it is found that the calculated value is less than the lattice parameter for the perfect nickel single crystal. This phenomenon is explained by the crystal lattice mismatch.
Arterial baroreflex alters strength and mechanisms of muscle metaboreflex during dynamic exercise
Authors: Kim Jong-Kyung , Sala-Mercado Javier A. , Rodriguez Jaime , Scislo Tadeusz J. , O'Leary Donal S.
Published: November 2004

Previous studies showed that the arterial baroreflex opposes the pressor response mediated by muscle metaboreflex activation during mild dynamic exercise. However, no studies have investigated the mechanisms contributing to metaboreflex-mediated pressor responses during dynamic exercise after arterial baroreceptor denervation. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of cardiac output (CO) and peripheral vasoconstriction in mediating the pressor response to graded reductions in hindlimb perfusion in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs before and after sinoaortic denervation (SAD) during mild and moderate exercise. In control experiments, the metaboreflex pressor responses were mediated via increases in CO. After SAD, the metaboreflex pressor responses were significantly greater and significantly smaller increases in CO occurred. During control experiments, nonischemic vascular conductance (NIVC) did not change with muscle metaboreflex activation, whereas after SAD NIVC significantly decreased with metaboreflex activation; thus SAD shifted the mechanisms of the muscle metaboreflex from mainly increases in CO to combined cardiac and peripheral vasoconstrictor responses. We conclude that the major mechanism by which the arterial baroreflex buffers the muscle metaboreflex is inhibition of metaboreflex-mediated peripheral vasoconstriction.
Electric field strength of membrane lipids from vertebrate species: membrane lipid composition and Na+-K+-ATPase molecular activity
Authors: Starke-Peterkovic Thomas , Turner Nigel , Else Paul L. , Clarke Ronald J.
Published: November 2004

Intramembrane electric field strength is a very likely determinant of the activity of ion-transporting membrane proteins in living cells. In the absence of any transmembrane electrical potential or surface potential, its magnitude is determined by the dipole potential of the membrane's lipid components and their associated water of hydration. Here we have used a fluorometric method to quantify the dipole potential of vesicles formed from lipids extracted from kidney and brain of 11 different animal species from four different vertebrate classes. The dipole potential was compared with the fatty acid composition and with the Na+-K+-ATPase molecular activity of each preparation. The magnitude of the dipole potential was found to be relatively constant across all animal species, i.e., 236–334 mV for vesicles prepared from the total membrane lipids and 223–256 mV for phospholipids alone. The significantly lower value for phospholipids alone is potentially related to the removal of cholesterol and/or other common soluble lipid molecules from the membrane. Surprisingly, no significant dependence of the dipole potential on fatty acid composition was found. This may, however, be due to concomitant compensatory variations in lipid head group composition. The molecular activity of the Na+-K+-ATPase was found to increase with increasing dipole potential. The fact that the dipole potential is maintained at a relatively constant value over a wide range of animal species suggests that it may play a fundamental role in ensuring correct ion pump conformation and function within the membrane.
Modeling a hydropic recipient twin in twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: van den Wijngaard Jeroen P. H. M. , Umur Asli , Krediet Raymond T. , Ross Michael G. , van Gemert Martin J. C.
Published: November 2004

We developed a mathematical model of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) that includes a hydropic recipient twin, adding interstitial and intracellular fluid compartments, fetal congestive cardiac failure, and the dynamics of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) mediators to our previous TTTS model. Ten differential equations for each twin, coupled by the net fetofetal transfusion of blood and blood components, i.e., colloids, osmoles, and RAS mediators, describe the development of fetal arterial and venous blood volumes, blood osmolality and colloid osmotic pressure (COP), interstitial fluid volume and COP, intracellular fluid volume, amniotic fluid volume and osmolality, and RAS mediator concentration. We included varying placental anastomoses, placental sharing, and amnionicity. The 20 differential equations were solved numerically from 0 to 40 wk with a 0.6-s time step. Consistent with clinical experience, model predictions are as follows. Unidirectional arteriovenous anastomoses and arteriovenous anastomoses inadequately compensated by oppositely directed anastomoses cause severe TTTS that includes a hydropic recipient. Adequately compensated arteriovenous anastomoses simulated TTTS without hydrops. The probability that oppositely directed anastomoses prevent onset of a hydropic recipient after TTTS onset, i.e., the largest interval between onset of TTTS and onset of hydrops in the recipient, was best for a venovenous anastomosis, closely followed by an arterioarterial and finally an oppositely directed arteriovenous anastomosis. Hydropic recipients have decreased amniotic fluid volume. Unequal placental sharing and amnionicity modify hydrops onset. In conclusion, our model simulates a sequence of events that results in a hydropic recipient twin in severe TTTS. The model may allow an assessment of the efficacy of current therapeutic interventions for TTTS cases that include a hydropic recipient twin.
Tyrosine kinase inhibition affects skate anion exchanger isoform I alterations after volume expansion
Authors: Musch Mark W. , Goldstein Leon
Published: November 2004

Upon exposure to hypotonic medium, skate red blood cells swell and then reduce their volume by releasing organic osmolytes and associated water. The regulatory volume decrease is inhibited by stilbenes and anion exchange inhibitors, suggesting involvement of the red blood cell anion exchanger skAE1. To determine the role of tyrosine phosphorylation, red blood cells were volume expanded with and without prior treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor piceatannol. At the concentration used, 130 μM, piceatannol nearly completely inhibits p72syk, a tyrosine kinase previously shown to phosphorylate skAE1 (M. W. Musch, E. H. Hubert, and L. Goldstein. J Biol Chem 274: 7923–7928, 1999). Hyposmotic-induced volume expansion stimulated association of p72sykwith a light membrane fraction of skate red blood cells. Piceatannol did not inhibit this association but decreased hyposmotically stimulated increased skAE1 tyrosine phophorylation. Movement of skAE1 from an intracellular to a surface detergent-resistant membrane domain and tetramer formation were not inhibited by piceatannol treatment. Two effects of hyposmotic-induced volume expansion, decreased band 4.1 binding and increased ankyrin, were both inhibited by piceatannol. These results suggest that at least one event requiring p72sykactivation is pivotal for hyposmotic-induced increased transport; however, steps that do not require tyrosine phosphorylation may also play a role.
Impact of Growth Hormone Status on Body Composition and the Skeleton
Authors: Mukherjee Annice , Murray Robert D. , Shalet Stephen M.
Published: November 2004

Severe growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) induces a well-defined clinical entity encompassing, amongst the most reported features, abnormalities of body composition, in particular increased fat mass, especially truncal, and reduced lean body mass. The results from virtually all treatment studies are in agreement that GH replacement improves the body composition profile of GHD patients by increasing lean body mass and reducing fat mass. More recently, the observations have been extended to adults with partial GHD, defined by a peak GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia of 3–7 µg/l. These patients exhibit abnormalities of body composition similar in nature to those described in adults with severe GHD; these include an increase in total fat mass of around 3.5 kg and a reduction of lean body mass of around 5.5 kg. The increase in fat mass is predominantly distributed within the trunk. The degree of abnormality of body composition is intermediate between that of healthy subjects and that of adults with GHD. The impact of GH replacement on body composition in adults with GH insufficiency, although predictable, has not been formally documented. The skeleton is another biological endpoint affected by GH status: in adults with severe GHD, low bone mass has been reported using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and other quantitative methodologies. The importance of low bone mass, in any clinical setting, is as a surrogate marker for the future risk of fracture. Several retrospective studies have documented an increased prevalence of fractures in untreated GHD adults. Hypopituitary adults with severe GHD have reduced markers of bone turnover which normalize with GH replacement, indicating that GH, directly or via induction of insulin-like growth factor-I, is intimately involved in skeletal modelling. Whilst the evidence that GH plays an important role in the acquisition of bone mass during adolescence and early adult life is impressive, the impact of GHD acquired later in adulthood is less clear. Recently we examined the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and age in 125 untreated adults with severe GHD using DEXA. A significant positive correlation was observed between BMD (z-scores) and age at all skeletal sites studied. Overall, few patients, except those aged less than 30 years, had significantly reduced bone mass (i.e. a BMD z-score of less than –2); correction of BMD to provide a pseudo-volumetric measure of BMD suggested that reduced stature of the younger patients may explain, at least in part, this higher frequency of subnormal BMD z-scores. Despite normal BMD, however, an increase in fracture prevalence may still be observed in elderly GHD adults as a consequence of increased falls related to muscle weakness and visual field defects.
β-Cells in Type 2 Diabetes: A Loss of Function and Mass
Authors: Maedler K. , Donath M.Y.
Published: November 2004

Type 2 diabetes mellitus manifests itself in individuals who lose the ability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin to maintain normoglycaemia in the face of insulin resistance. The ability to secrete adequate amounts of insulin depends on β-cell function and mass. Chronic hyperglycaemia is detrimental to pancreatic β-cells, causing impaired insulin secretion and playing an essential role in the regulation of β-cell turnover. This paper will address the effect of chronically elevated glucose levels on β-cell turnover and function. In previous studies we have shown that elevated glucose concentrations induce apoptosis in human β-cells due to an interaction between constitutively expressed Fas ligand and upregulated Fas. Human β-cells produce interleukin (IL)-1β in response to high glucose concentrations, independently of an immune-mediated process. This was antagonized by the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory cytokine also found in the β-cell. Therefore the balance of IL-1β and IL-1Ra may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Inhibition of glucotoxicity represents a promising therapeutic stratagem in diabetes therapy to preserve functional β-cell mass.
Optimizing Growth Hormone Efficacy: An Evidence-Based Analysis
Authors: Lustig Robert H.
Published: November 2004

For almost two decades, recombinant growth hormone (GH) has been in abundant supply to treat GH-deficient subjects to final height, yet the results continue to be suboptimal. Although there are numerous potential causes for this underachievement, the issues of poor compliance, ineffective dosing and lack of efficacy monitoring have been frequently promulgated to explain the phenomenon. Compliance is tied to knowledge, which is best promoted at the time of diagnosis by hospital-based personnel. GH pens have improved acceptability, but data on improvement in compliance are lacking. No GH device or delivery system has yet been shown to increase final height. Daily (or six times per week) dosing is clearly more effective, but increasing GH dose, especially during puberty, has a tendency to advance bone age and pubertal progression, which mitigates many of the effects. Finally, titration of dose to the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I level may prove to be useful in promoting final height; however, the converse is not true, i.e. increments in IGF-I level have not been shown to correlate with increments in height velocity. Thus, these issues with respect to achievement of final height are far from solved.
Adrenopause
Authors: Nawata Hajime , Yanase Toshihiko , Goto Kiminobu , Okabe Taijiro , Nomura Masatoshi , Ashida Kenji , Watanabe Tetsuhiro
Published: November 2004

Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) and DHEA-S are steroids that are abundantly produced by the adrenal gland. Plasma concentrations of DHEA and DHEA-S increase during adrenarche but decrease steadily after puberty. Although DHEA and DHEA-S have few intrinsic androgenic actions, they have recently attracted widespread attention due to their beneficial anti-aging effects. We clarified the beneficial effects of DHEA as an anti-aging steroid with regard to its stimulation of the immune system and its anti-diabetes, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-dementia (neurosteroid), anti-obesity and anti-osteoporosis effects. There are two possible biochemical and molecular mechanisms: direct action via the DHEA receptor on the target gene; and indirect action. We identified a high affinity of DHEA binding in human T-lymphocytes by searching for the target genes that are induced in activated T-lymphocytes in the presence of DHEA, determined the gene sequence and named DHEA-induced dual p38-specific phosphatase (DDSP). DDSP transgenic mice have been created to identify the anti-aging effects of DDSP. The conversion of DHEA to estrone by cytochrome P450 aromatase in primary cultured human osteoblasts was clarified. We are currently undertaking an open trial of DHEA replacement therapy.
Growth Hormone Treatment of Short Children Born Small for Gestational Age: A US Perspective
Authors: Chernausek Steven D.
Published: November 2004

Research during the last decade shows clearly that growth hormone (GH) therapy causes a sustained increase in growth velocity when applied to short children born small for gestational age (SGA). This occurs even though GH deficiency per se is an unlikely explanation for their lack of catch-up growth. In the United States, children born weighing less than –2 SD for gestational age and who show no growth recovery (usually defined as stature persisting below –2 SD at age 2 years) are eligible for GH treatment using doses up to 0.48 mg/kg per week. The management of these children brings new challenges to the pediatric endocrinologist. Intrauterine growth retardation reflects a variety of etiologies, some of which merit special consideration and may respond variably to GH. The dose of GH used exceeds physiologic replacement and is higher than that commonly used to treat other non-GH-deficient conditions such as Turner syndrome. Thus, what constitutes optimal therapy in terms of dose, timing and patient selection remains an important question. While GH therapy provides a means by which one aspect of the SGA syndrome can be helped, there are other issues for SGA apart from height. Future efforts should include studies that better define how GH should be used in the short child born SGA and address more broadly the medical, social and psychological needs of these patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Continuous Growth Hormone Treatment of Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Hokken-Koelega Anita , van Pareren Yvonne , Arends Nicolette , Boonstra Venje
Published: November 2004

Twelve years of growth hormone (GH) therapy of short children born small for gestational age (SGA) have demonstrated that GH is an effective and well-tolerated therapy. Most children will reach a normal adult height (AH). AH of 55 SGA adolescents was comparable for those treated with a GH dose of 1 or 2 mg/m2 (∼0.033 or 0.066 mg/kg) per day, mean (SD) AH SDS being –1.2 (0.7) and –0.8 (0.7), respectively. GH therapy had no influence on the age at onset, the progression of puberty, duration of puberty and pubertal height gain. GH therapy induced higher fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin levels after 1 and 6 years, but 6 months after GH stop, all levels returned to normal. At baseline mean systolic blood pressure was significantly increased, but both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly during 6 years of GH and remained so after GH stop. GH therapy demonstrated a beneficial effect on serum lipid profiles, body composition, bone mineral density and head growth. Treatment with 2 mg GH/m2 per day induced mean serum IGF-I levels of +2 SDS, whereas IGF-I levels remained within the normal range with 1 mg GH/m2 per day. In conclusion, long-term GH therapy of short SGA children with 1 mg/m2 per day appears to be effective and safe. Since the future consequences of high serum IGF-I levels during long-term GH therapy with 2 mg/m2 per day are as yet unknown, it seems safer to treat short prepubertal SGA children with a GH dose of 1 mg/m2 per day when children are to be treated continuously for many years.
The Role of the World Health Organization in Promoting Medical Genetics in Latin America
Authors: Boulyjenkov Victor
Published: November 2004

The Human Genetics Program of the World Health Organization (WHO) has analyzed the needs for genetic services worldwide and the promotion of genetic approaches for the prevention of diseases linked to primary health care. This article presents a summary of the most important initiatives of the WHO in this field, which have served as a background for the Consultation in Medical Genetics in Latin America, which took place in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in June 19, 2003, and whose working reports are published in this special issue of Community Genetics.
Medical Genetics Services in the City of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Brunoni Decio
Published: November 2004

The city of São Paulo is located in the center of a metropolitan area with nearly 18 million inhabitants and 300,000 births/year. The currently existing medical genetics services are unable to meet the demand, due to their insufficient physical and personnel infrastructure. Institutions and experts in medical genetics could give short training and refresher courses to health professionals to enable them to work in the public health network. The city has a reasonably well developed health care network, represented by the Single Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS) and by the Family Health Program (Programa de Saúde da Família – PSF). The financial resources for such actions originate in the budget of the managing agencies of such systems. The limitations of genetic services provided to the population of the city could be overcome in a short period of time by developing programs within the public health care network. The city has institutions, professionals and financial resources to make this project feasible. To that end, the competent authorities of the São Paulo State and City Secretariats of Health should take managerial responsibility for the genetic services in the city.
Genetic Services in Colombia
Authors: Giraldo Alejandro
Published: November 2004

Medical genetic services, including clinical genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical and molecular genetics and paternity testing, are performed in Colombia in the more developed medical schools or university institutions, in nine major cities of the country. Accessibility to genetic services is limited by medical care reimbursement laws which do not cover clinical genetic services nor genetic tests. Paternity testing is performed free of charge by a governmental welfare institution, if a legal claim is made against an alleged father. Basic teaching of genetics in medical schools is mandatory, but is very uneven and limited to the better schools. Postgraduate medical genetic training is offered by four different programs of similar quality. Research is performed on some of the most prevalent genetic conditions and on population genetic issues.
Medical Genetics in Paraguay
Authors: Ascurra de Duarte Marta
Published: November 2004

Paraguay is a developing country with low levels of health coverage, with 81% of the population without health insurance, a proportion that reaches 98.1% among the poor, 93% among the rural population and 91.7% among the mainly Guarani-speaking population. The infant mortality rate is 19.4 per 1,000, although there is gross under-reporting. Maternal mortality rate is alarmingly high at 110.9 per 100,000 livebirths, reaching 420.5 in rural areas. There are only two clinical geneticists and four biochemists trained in human genetics, and virtually all genetic services in the country are concentrated in the ‘Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud’ (IICS) from the National University. The teaching of medical genetics in medical schools is included in physiology and pathology courses, while at the postgraduate level, training in medical genetics is limited to pediatrics and gynecology. In 1999, a pilot newborn screening program was initiated to determine the frequency of congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria and to provide early treatment for affected babies. Another pilot project recently launched by the Ministry of Health is the Program for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects, mandating folic acid fortification of flour, but as of the end of 2003 it had not been implemented. Paraguay lacks adequate resources to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment of genetic conditions.
Community Genetic Services in Latin America and Regional Network of Medical Genetics
Authors: Kofman-Alfaro Susana , Penchaszadeh Victor B.
Published: November 2004

The World Health Organization sponsored a Consultation on Community Genetic Services and a Regional Network of Medical Genetics in Latin America in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on June 19, 2003. The main recommendations of the meeting included: (a) the call for government funding of services, research and education in medical genetics; (b) the conduct of epidemiological research on the prevalence and types of birth defects, genetic disorders and genetic predispositions to common diseases; (c) the education of health professionals in genetics; (d) the education of genetic professionals in community health and public health genetics; (e) the fostering of interactions between clinical geneticists, public health personnel, primary health care workers and community organizations, and (f) a better planning of regionalized services to avoid duplication and inefficiency.
Change in Parameters before and after Alpha-1-Blocker Therapy for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Using Color Doppler Ultrasound Urodynamics: Possible Application for Prediction of Clinical Outcome
Authors: Watanabe Yuichi , Yokoyama Teruhiko , Ozawa Hideo , Nishiguchi Jun , Nose Hiroyuki , Kumon Hiromi
Published: November 2004

Introduction: We previously developed a noninvasive video urodynamic study using color Doppler ultrasonography. We sought the best flow velocity-related parameter which would allow prediction of an improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after α1-blocker treatment. Methods: Twenty-two men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with a nonselective α1-blocker (urapidil) were included. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before and after α1-blocker treatment. We measured the flow velocities using a transperineal ultrasound technique in the distal prostatic urethra just proximal to the external urethral sphincter (V1) and in the sphincteric urethra (V2), and used them to obtain the velocity ratio (VR = V1/V2). The corresponding functional cross-sectional areas of the urethra at these two sites (A1 and A2) were calculated as Qmax/V. All these parameters obtained by the velocity-flow urodynamics were compared before treatment and after 4 weeks. Results: After treatment, V1 and VR were decreased, and A1 was increased. V2 correlated best with the change in IPSS before and after α1-blocker therapy, with Spearman’s rho of 0.584. All men with V2 exceeding 50 cm/s did not show an improvement in the LUTS. Conclusions: The maximum flow velocity at the sphincteric urethra (V2) can predict the subjective outcome of α1-blocker treatment. The velocity-flow parameters changed after α1-blocker treatment. We confirmed that the transperineal ultrasound urodynamic study is not only noninvasive but also informative.
Transurethral Prostatectomy and Inguinal Hernia Repair in a Single Session
Authors: Guvel Sezgin , Nursal Tarik Zafer , Kilinc Ferhat , Egilmez Tulga , Yaycioglu Ozgur , Ozkardes Hakan
Published: November 2004

Introduction: We aimed at evaluating the outcomes of transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair performed in a single session. Patients and Methods: Fifty-six patients (mean age 68 ± 8.3 years) in whom transurethral prostatectomy was performed combined with an inguinal hernia repair were included into the study. Type of anesthesia, technique of inguinal hernia repair, hospitalization time, and the complications encountered were recorded. Cost comparisons were made using the official price-lists of the Turkish Medical Assocation. All patients were asked whether they were satisfied with the outcome of both operations performed in one session. The data obtained from the patients who underwent both operations in one session were compared with those obtained from 56 patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy only (control group). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test corrected for continuity according to the Yates or the Fisher exact test. Results: The operations were performed in 19 patients under general, in 20 patients under epidural, and in 14 patients under spinal anesthesia. Three patients were given general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia combined. In 6 patients bilateral and in 50 patients unilateral hernia repair was performed. In 11 repairs, polyprolene mesh grafts were utilized; in 2 repairs, a laparoscopic method was used, and in the remaining 49 repairs, one of the conventional techniques (McVay, Bassini, or Shouldice) was employed. There were no significant differences with regard to early and late postoperative complications and satisfaction between study group and control group (p > 0.05). Combined prostatectomy and hernia repair allows approximately 30% cost profit. Conclusions: Performing transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in one session decreased the number of the operations and anesthesias, hospital stay, and thus health costs and did not cause an increase in operative and postoperative morbidity.
Diplopia – An Unusual Primary Manifestation of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Singh Iqbal , Khaitan A.
Published: November 2004

It is relatively unusual that initial symptoms of renal cell cancer begin with the metastatic involvement of other sites. Intracranial metastases especially in the paranasal sinuses may be unusual not only to surgeons but also to physicians. In this report, we present a case where a metastasis was first manifest as a sphenoid sinus secondary with ocular and visual disturbances prior to the demonstration of the primary tumor site. It turned out to be a case of diplopia masquerading as a metastatic renal cell cancer.
Possible Association between Serotonin Transporter Promoter Region Polymorphism and Extremely Violent Crime in Chinese Males
Authors: Liao Ding-Lieh , Hong Chen-Jee , Shih Hao-Ling , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: November 2004

The neurotransmitter, serotonin, has been implicated in aggressive behavior. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT), which reuptakes serotonin into the nerve terminal, plays a critical role in the regulation of serotonergic function. Previous western reports have demonstrated that the low-activity short (S) allele of the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic-region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism is associated with aggressive behavior and associated personality traits. In the present study, we investigated this 5-HTTLPR genetic polymorphism in a group of Chinese males who had been convicted for extremely violent crime (n = 135) and a normal control group (n = 111). The proportion of S-allele carriers was significantly higher in the criminal group than in the controls (p = 0.006). A significant association was not demonstrated for the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse or alcohol abuse in the criminal group. Our findings demonstrate that carriage of the low-activity S allele is associated with extremely violent criminal behavior in Chinese males, and suggests that the 5-HTT may be implicated in the mechanisms underlying violent behaviors.
Association Analysis for the C-1019G Promoter Variant of the 5-HT1A Receptor Gene with Auditory Evoked Potentials in Major Depression
Authors: Chen Tai-Jui , Yu Younger W.-Y. , Hong Chen-Jee , Chen Ming-Chao , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: November 2004

Involvement of the serotonergic system in N1 and P2 components of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) has been implicated. Moreover, studies have indicated the presence of heritability in the genesis of AEP components. The serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor gene is a strong candidate for N1 and P2 components of the AEPs because 5-HT1A receptor regulates the firing of serotonergic neurons. The present study tested the hypothesis that the 5-HT1A promoter genetic polymorphism (C-1019G) is associated with N1 and P2 components of AEPs in unmedicated major depression patients. The sample consisted of 221 Chinese patients (mean age: 44.3 years; male/female: 93/128) diagnosed with major depression. AEPs and 5-HT1A genotyping were done for each patient. Patients with the C/C genotype had a significantly shorter P2 latency when compared with C/G or G/G genotype patients (p = 0.049), and the difference in P2 latency was significant among the 5-HT1A genotype groups in male patients (p = 0.031) but not in female patients (p = 0.398). These findings suggest that this 5-HT1A polymorphism may affect AEP P2 latency in a gender-dependent manner. Further studies with other genetic polymorphisms in the serotonergic system may help to clarify the relation between serotonergic function and AEP components.
Reduced White Matter Volume of the Caudate Nucleus in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Takase Katsunori , Tamagaki Chiharu , Okugawa Gaku , Nobuhara Kenji , Minami Tomohisa , Sugimoto Tatsuya , Sawada Satoshi , Kinoshita Toshihiko
Published: November 2004

To examine volumetric abnormality, the caudate nucleus was measured in patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects using magnetic resonance imaging. The absolute and relative volumes of white matter in the caudate nucleus were found to be significantly smaller in patients with schizophrenia compared to those in healthy subjects. There were significant correlations between dosages of neuroleptics during the previous year and absolute gray matter volumes of the caudate nucleus as well as relative white matter volumes in patients with schizophrenia. These findings suggest that reduced white matter volume of the caudate nucleus may be a factor affecting the abnormal connectivity of the corticostriatal loop, and that neuroleptic medication would be related to white matter alteration in patients with schizophrenia. Our result replicates a previous study reporting that there is a lack of negative correlation between age and caudate nucleus volume. We also suggest that the disease process of schizophrenia might interfere with normal aging.
Positive Association between T-182C Polymorphism in the Norepinephrine Transporter Gene and Susceptibility to Major Depressive Disorder in a Japanese Population
Authors: Inoue Kazuyuki , Itoh Kunihiko , Yoshida Keizo , Shimizu Tetsuo , Suzuki Toshio
Published: November 2004

Norepinephrinergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system appears to have a major impact on the symptomatology in major depressive disorder and the human norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene is one of the key candidates for genetic studies in major depressive disorder. The authors established a new allele-specific PCR-based genotyping procedure and examined whether the NET T-182C polymorphism was associated with the susceptibility to major depressive disorder in a Japanese population. This study included 145 patients with major depressive disorder (according to DSM-IV) and 164 healthy volunteers. There was a significant difference in the genotype distribution between major depressive disorder patients and healthy volunteers (p = 0.02), and the C/C genotype was associated with lesser susceptibility to major depressive disorder. The NET T-182C polymorphism may be in part related to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder in a Japanese population.
Central and Peripheral Evaluation of Rupatadine, a New Antihistamine/Platelet-Activating Factor Antagonist, at Different Doses in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Barbanoj Manel J. , García-Gea Consuelo , Morte Adelaida , Izquierdo Iñaki , Pérez Iñaki , Jané Francesc
Published: November 2004

Aims: To assess peripheral anti-H1 and central nervous system (CNS) activity of single increasing doses of rupatidine fumarate (RU), a new antihistamine/platelet-activating factor antagonist compound, in comparison with hydroxyzine and placebo. Methods: Eighteen healthy young subjects of both sexes took part in a crossover, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Treatments tested were: RU 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg and hydroxyzine 25 mg, as a positive standard. Before and several times after drug intake, peripheral anti-H1 activity was appraised by the skin reactivity to intradermal injection of histamine. CNS effects were also obtained by objective tests of psychomotor performance and subjective mood scales. Results: All active treatments showed a significant reduction of the wheal and flare reaction in relation to placebo, RU displaying a potent dose-dependent inhibition pattern. The global nonparametric Friedman test to changes from placebo in 15 objective variables from psychomotor performance showed a significant impairment of similar magnitude after hydroxyzine 25 mg (p = 0.01) and RU 80 mg (p = 0.02), but this was slower in development and recovery after the latter. After RU 40 mg, a smaller impairment was also obtained (p = 0.04). Activity (p = 0.01) and drowsiness (p = 0.02) scales showed significant changes, the subjects feeling less active and more drowsy after all active treatments. Conclusion: RU presents a potent dose-dependent peripheral anti-H1 activity, displaying psychomotor impairment activity only at the highest dose (80 mg), while therapeutically relevant lower doses (10 and 20 mg) were similar to placebo.