bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of mass immunization against influenza encephalopathy on mortality rates in children
Authors: Ono Shigetoo , Kudo Masanobu , Aoki Kazuo , Ezaki Fusako , Misumi Junichi
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: Since the Japanese influenza vaccination program for school children was terminated in 1994, a steep rise has been noted in the number of young children reported with fulminant influenza and influenza associated with acute encephalopathy/encephalitis. The purpose of the present study was to interpret and clarify the effect of mass influenza vaccination on mortality of Japanese children, aged <19 years, with influenza and influenza‐associated acute encephalopathy/encephalitis.

Methods
: The authors examined the distribution of mortality rates of children in Japan aged <19 years with influenza during 1950−2000, influenza associated with central nervous system (CNS) signs in the period 1950−1978, and the estimated cases of influenza associated with acute encephalopathy/encephalitis in the period 1987−2000.

Results
: Total influenza mortality among children aged <19 years has increased since 1990, with children aged <4 years after 1994 being the worst affected. The mean values of mortality rates of influenza associated with central nervous system signs during 1963−1978 and the estimated mortality of children aged <9 years during 1979−1994 were significantly lower than in some years before 1962, and after 1995 (P < 0.05). The annual mortality rates of influenza‐associated acute encephalopathy/encephalitis during 1995−2000 were significantly higher than the expected mortality of influenza associated with central nervous system signs in children aged <14 years (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
: The results of the present study suggest that mass immunization of school‐aged children reduced the mortality rate from influenza‐associated acute encephalopathy/encephalitis in children less than 9 years of age.
Rural Europe Redux? Reflections on Alternative Agro‐Food Networks and Paradigm Change
Authors: Goodman David
Published: February 2004

This paper examines some recent analyses of alternative agro‐food networks (AAFNs) and claims that these innovative modes of food provisioning are emblematic of a new rural development paradigm in Western Europe. A political‐economic critique of the territorialised, farm‐centric value added strategies underlying these claims suggests that this characterisation is overdrawn and premature. The neglect of the consumption side of the rural development equation also argues for a more modest assessment of AAFNs and their paradigmatic potential.
Social Exclusion in a Comparative Context
Authors: Reimer Bill
Published: February 2004

This paper outlines a framework for understanding social exclusion that is multidimensional, dynamic, multi‐leveled, and relational. Inspired by Polanyi's classification of the modes of economic inclusion, we propose that social inclusion and exclusion processes are rooted in four types of social relations: market (exchange and barter), bureaucratic (rational‐legal), associative (common interest), and communal (complex reciprocity and shared identity). Each type reflects different, but integrated processes of social exclusion and inclusion. These four types are outlined conceptually, then operationalized using data from a Canadian survey conducted in 1995 rural households. The results show the extent to which the four types of relations are used for social support, their interdependence, and their relationship to selected household characteristics and outcomes. The policy implications discussed emphasize the ways in which building capacity in all four types of relations can increase the level of social inclusion.
Still Left out in the Cold: Problematising Participatory Research and Development
Authors: Hayward Chris , Simpson Lyn , Wood Leanne
Published: February 2004

Participatory approaches to research and development have had relatively little academic or practitioner critique, resulting in a mythologising of the power of participatory methodologies to accomplish problem solving, emancipation or empowerment. Participation is also presented as evidence of social inclusion and is fostered as a strategy to counteract social exclusion. The purpose of this article therefore is to challenge and critique a range of definitions and perspectives of participation in terms of theory and practice. The paper focuses on two issues arising from the participatory literature and our own research experiences with communication technology projects based in rural and remote Queensland, Australia. We propose that non‐participation and peripheral participation are valid and legitimate choices exercised by community members that can be seen to be as individually empowering as participation. We also support the view of participation as both the means and the ends of development, a position that reflects the reality of participatory practice as fluid and variable over time. The paper concludes that both theoreticians and practitioners need to recognise and challenge the assumptions that underpin many participatory development projects.
Social or Economic Goals, Civic Inclusion or Exclusion? An Analysis of Rural Development Theory and Practice
Authors: Shortall Sally
Published: February 2004

Based on research conducted in Northern Ireland, this article examines two aspects of rural development practice. Firstly, it examines the emphasis given to social and civic development alongside economic development. Secondly, the idea that partnerships represent increased democracy and civic participation is explored. The theoretical framework is informed by the social capital debate, with particular reference to the work of Robert Putnam. It is argued that the social capital debate clarifies the importance of economic goals vis‐à‐vis social and civic goals. It is further argued that the social capital debate gives renewed impetus to a romantic naïve view of rural communities, where civic harmony and inclusion triumphs and there is little room for power struggles, exclusionary tactics by privileged groups, or ideological conflicts. This research corroborates that the rural development process is mired by difficulties because of unrealistic expectations, inadequate specification of goals, and a lack of central government responsibility for the process. It is suggested that the problems posed by area‐based development do not represent questions for local partnerships to address, but rather ones that must be taken up by national governments.
Conditionality and Aid Effectiveness Re‐evaluated
Authors: Morrissey Oliver
Published: February 2004

This paper evaluates aid by considering how effective aid has been in exerting leverage on policy choices. It is rather easy to demonstrate that if a country is unwilling to implement policy reforms, attaching conditions to aid will not ensure sustained reform. In this sense conditionality does not work. This ignores the fact that donors, through aid and conditions, can influence recipient policies. The argument of this paper is that if the analysis focuses on channels of influence, one can better identify ways to enhance aid effectiveness. Reform is a slow and difficult process and donors would be more effective ‘development partners’ if they see their role as being to support rather than force this process. In simple terms, donors should provide the information and technical assistance to help governments to make policy choices, rather than dictating choices by imposing conditions.
Innovative Sources of Development Finance: Global Cooperation in the Twenty‐first Century
Authors: Jha Raghbendra
Published: February 2004

This paper argues that in view of the resource crunch confronting many developing countries and the fall in overseas development aid flows to them, new sources of development finance need to be found. We consider international taxes, fees and levies that could considerably augment aid flows to developing countries and some of which may have coincident beneficial effects. Estimates of the revenue yield from such taxes and levies are also presented. The paper proposes the establishment of a ‘world development organisation’ to coordinate such effort. A formula for voting within the organisation and another for disbursal of such aid are suggested.
Relational Investing And Firm Performance
Authors: Bhagat Sanjai , Black Bernard , Blair Margaret
Published: February 2004

A substantial academic and popular literature argues that the performance of American corporations might improve if American corporations had long‐term outside investors (relational investors) who would hold large stakes, actively monitor management performance, and engage with management in setting corporate policy. Institutional investors can perhaps play this role. We provide the first large‐scale test of the hypothesis that relational investing can affect corporate performance. We consider ownership and performance data for more than 1,500 large U.S. companies over a thirteen‐year period (1983–1995). Our results provide a mixed answer to the question of whether relational investing affects corporate performance. Our data suggest that there was a period in the late 1980s—a period with a uniquely high level of hostile takeover activity—when the presence of a relational investor was associated with higher stock market returns. This cohort of relational investors may have been able to induce corporate restructuring, whose principal effect was to reduce growth rates while improving profitability. But this pattern was not found in the early 1980s or repeated in the early 1990s.
Equity‐Based Compensation for Employees: Firm Performance and Determinants
Authors: Frye Melissa B.
Published: February 2004

I examine the effect of employee equity‐based compensation (EBC) on firm performance and the determinants of EBC. Using two samples, I find that firms have come to rely more heavily on EBC than in the past. For both samples, I document a significant, positive relation between Tobin's q and the percentage of employee compensation that is equity based. For accounting returns, I find a positive relation with the earlier sample. However, for the later sample I find that greater use of EBC leads to lower levels of future accounting returns. I also find that the determinants of the proportion of EBC are different between the two samples.
Decimals And Liquidity: A Study Of The Nyse
Authors: Chakravarty Sugato , Wood Robert A. , Van Ness Robert A.
Published: February 2004

Using a carefully constructed matched sample of control (nondecimal) stocks, we isolate the effects of decimalization for a sample of NYSE‐listed common stocks trading in decimals. We find that the quoted depth as well as the quoted and effective bid‐ask spreads declined significantly following decimalization. Additionally, both the number of trades and trading volume declined significantly. Stock return volatilities display an initial increase but a decline over the longer term, probably as traders become more comfortable in their new milieu.
Contagion in financial markets after September 11: myth or reality?
Authors: Hon Mark T. , Strauss Jack , Yong Soo‐Keong
Published: February 2004

Major global events can lead to a change in the cross‐country correlation of assets. Using stock prices from 25 economies, we test whether the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, 2001, resulted in a contagion—an increase in correlation across global financial markets. Unlike prior works on contagion, we model the intrinsic heteroskedasticity. Our results indicate that international stock markets, particularly in Europe, responded more closely to U.S. stock market shocks in the three to six months after the crisis than before. Our evidence suggests that the benefits of international diversification in times of crisis are substantially diminished.
Syndicated Loan Announcements and Borrower Value
Authors: Gasbarro Dominic , Le Kim‐Song , Schwebach Robert G. , Zumwalt J. Kenton
Published: February 2004

Announcements of syndication loans increase borrowers' shareholder wealth if they are revolving credit agreements but not if they are term loans. Share price responses to revolving credit announcements are positive and significant, whereas the wealth effect for term loans is negative and significant. The results show that announcements from both the financial press and commercial information providers can affect borrower share price reaction. Overall, single syndication announcements appear to be more newsworthy than multiple announcements reported in the financial press, and we find evidence of information leakage, post‐announcement drift, or both.
Differences of Electroacupuncture-induced Analgesic Effect in Normal and Inflammatory Conditions in Rats
Authors: Sekido Reina , Ishimaru Keisou , Sakita Masakazu
Published: February 2004

It has been reported by Stein et al. that the immune system and peripheral opioid receptors are involved in the control of pain accompanying inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) is used to relieve various kinds of pain. However, little is known about the effect of electroacupuncture analgesia (EAA) during hyperalgesia elicited by inflammation. The aim of the present study was to compare (1) the individual variation of EAA, (2) the durability of EAA, and (3) the effect of naloxone on EAA between normal rats and rats subjected to acute inflammatory pain. Carrageenan was subcutaneously administered by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of the left hind paw to induce a nociceptive response. Nociceptive thresholds were measured using the paw pressure threshold (PPT). Rats received EA at 3 Hz in the left anterior tibial muscles for 1 hour after carrageenan injection. Naloxone was administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) or i.pl. injection just before EA. EAA was elicited in 15 of 29 normal rats. These rats were divided into responders and non-responders. EAA in the responder group was almost completely antagonized by i.p. injection of naloxone. In contrast, in all the rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation, EAA was elicited, lasted for at least 24 hours after carrageenan injection, and was dose-dependently antagonized by i.pl. injection, but not significantly by i.p. injection of naloxone. It seems likely that the EAA in the rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation differs from that in normal rats, and these findings suggest that peripheral opioid receptors are involved in EAA during inflammatory conditions.
Activation of Activator Protein-1 in Cells Exposed to Electrical Stimulation of Various Parameters Used in Electroacupuncture Therapy
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Feng , Lin Jaung-Geng , Liu Hsu-Jan , Lai I-Lu , Wu Shih-Lu , Hsiang Chien-Yun , Ho Tin-Yun
Published: February 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on activator protein-1 (AP-1) in recombinant liver cells. In order to elucidate the molecular effects of electrical stimulation on cells, AP-1 expression was detected by a luciferase assay. The parameters used were taken from clinical electroacupuncture (EA) therapy as follows: biphasic rectangular symmetrical pulses (frequency: 2, 10 and 100 Hz; pulse width: 50, 80, 130 and 250 μsec; intensity: 1, 2, 5 and 10 mA; time: 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes). S (10% fetal bovine serum in medium), SF (serum free medium) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment represented the experimental, negative and positive groups, respectively. We found that electrical stimulation with 10 Hz, a pulse width of 130 μsec, and a duration of 30 minutes gave a significant increase in AP-1 activity. In contrast, the intensity of the stimulation had no significant effect on AP-1 activity. In conclusion, our data suggest that electrical stimulation with an appropriate frequency, duration and pulse width could cause an increase in AP-1 activity in cells.
The Puzzle of Acupuncture
Authors: Wolfson Vladimir
Published: February 2004

Acupuncture is based on the theory of channels, which serve as pathways for energy (Qi). On the course of the channels, acupuncture points are described, and by stimulation of these points, therapeutic effects may be achieved. This system is very complex and both channels and acupuncture points are anatomically invisible. Unlike in Western medicine, scientists fail to trace both the origin and the progress of acupuncture theory. Having developed in its full form not later than the 2nd century BC, it never underwent fundamental change. On the other hand, it has become a part of modern Western medicine as an effective therapy and the existence of acupuncture points, specified thousands of years ago, has been demonstrated by modern science. It is hardly probable that acupuncture theory, although dating back to ancient times, could have originated in primitive civilization. The origin of the energy channel theory does not fit into the traditional developmental scheme. The existence of the theory cannot be explained other than by its being a product of a highly developed civilization.
A Retrospective Study on Clinical Features of and Treatment Methods for 77 Severe Cases of SARS
Authors: Lin Lin , Xu Yin-ji , He De-ping , Han Yun , Tang Guang-hua , Yang Zhi-Min , Yu Hui , Lin Zhi-xiu
Published: February 2004

In this retrospective study, clinical data including clinical manifestations, routine blood tests, chest radiographic imaging from 77 severe cases of SARS treated with integrated Chinese and Western medicine were collected and statistically analyzed. Twenty-nine (37.6%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, non-invasive ventilation was used in 40 (51.9%) cases, and invasive ventilatory procedure was performed in eight (10.3%) cases. Seventy (90.9%) patients were clinically cured and seven (9.0%) died. The duration of defervescence was 8.3 ± 5.0 days after admission. In the early stage, normal leucocyte count was seen in 46 (75.4%) of the 61 patients tested, decreased leucocyte count in 13 (21.3%) and elevated leucocyte count in only two (3.2%) cases. A decreased lymphocyte count was also seen in 23 (37.7%) cases of the 61 patients tested on admission, and by day 14, the number of patients with decreased lymphocyte count (1.11 ± 0.66 × 109) increased to 32 (47.7%) in 67 cases examined. Neutral granulocyte count was normal or decreased in 58 (95.0%) patients on admission, but elevated from the 7th day onward and peaked on day 21 in 32 (65.3%) of the 49 cases tested. All of the blood abnormalities returned to normal in the convalescent stage. Twenty-nine (37.6%) of the 77 severe cases of SARS patients demonstrated an extensive lung involvement. In comparison with the non-severe SARS cases, this group of patients showed significantly more pneumonic air-space opacities and ground glass-like changes on the chest radiographs ( p < 0.05, χ2 test). The role Chinese medicine played in the treatment of SARS was discussed.
Behavioral Effects of Ginkgo biloba L., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. and Gincosan®
Authors: Petkov V. D. , Belcheva S. , Petkov V. V.
Published: February 2004

The behavioral effects of a standardized extract from Panax ginseng roots (G115), of a standardized extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves (GK501) and of their combination (PHL-00701) (Gincosan®) were examined in experiments on rats with undisturbed memory and on rats with experimentally-impaired memory (by alcohol or by muscarinic- and dopamine-receptor antagonists), using methods for active avoidance (shuttle-box) and passive avoidance (step-down and step-through). On multiple administration G115, GK501 and PHL-00701 exerted favorable effects on learning and memory. These effects varied with the dose and administration schedules, with the rat strain and with the behavioral method. Based on earlier results, we discuss the role of changes in brain biogenic amines induced by the extracts in their mechanism of action. The present results allow for ranking G115, GK501 and their combination PHL-00701 (Gincosan®) among cognition-enhancing (nootropic) drugs.
Extracts from the Roots ofLindera strychifoliaInduces Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells and Prolongs Survival of Tumor-bearing Mice
Authors: Li Yun-Mo , Ohno Yasushi , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fukuda Kazunori , Ikoma Tetsuro , Ohno Takamasa , Akao Seigo , Takemura Genzou , Gotou Koushi , Fujiwara Hisayoshi
Published: February 2004

Lindera strychifolia, a scandent shrub Lauraceous medicinal plant, has been used in Chinese traditional medicine as a palliative and an anti-spasmodic. It also shows cytotoxic effects against several tumor cell lines and inhibits marcromolecule biosynthesis. This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of L. strychifolia extract against lung cancer cells using in vitro and in vivo models. Two human lung cancer cell lines A549 (adenocarcinoma) and SBC-3 (small cell carcinoma), and a non-tumor cell line 3T3-L1 (mice fibroblasts) were subjected to L. strychifolia extract treatment. On lung cancer cells, L. strychifolia induced cell growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, the extract did not show any significant cytotoxic effect on 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, the extract is specific for tumor cells. Tumor cells treated with L. strychifolia extract showed typical morphological appearance of apoptosis including nuclei fragmentation and cell condensation. The in vivo effects of L. strychifolia extract were investigated in C57BL/6 mice transplanted with Lewis lung cancer (LL-2) cells, and in BALB/c nude mice transplanted with A549 or SBC-3 human lung cancer cells. Oral administration of L. strychifolia extract prolonged survival time and inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis in the LL-2 cell mice model. Furthermore, in A549 or SBC-3 cell nude mice models, oral administration of L. strychifolia extract also significantly inhibited tumor growth at the 5.0 mg/ml concentration. These findings suggested that the components of L. strychifolia have anticancer activity and may contribute to clinical applications in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
Safety and Efficacy Needs to be Tested in an Appropriate Design
Authors: Park Jongbae
Published: February 2004

The Chungpyesagan-tang was developed for one of four human constitutional types in Korea. In order to test the effectiveness and efficacy, randomized controlled trials and placebo controlled trials, respectively are required. The safety question should be answered through control studies within the same constitutional population.
Antiviral Activity of Eight Commonly Used Medicinal Plants in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Lien-Chai , Cheng Hua-Yew , Liu Mei-Chi , Chiang Wen , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: February 2004

In an effort to find new antiviral agents from natural products, hot water extracts of eight traditionally used medicinal plants in Taiwan were investigated in vitro for their activities against adenoviruses (ADV) and herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Results demonstrated that all extracts exhibited antiviral activity with different degrees of potency. Only two extracts were active in suppressing both HSV and ADV infections. Three extracts inhibited only ADV infection whereas one extract blocked only HSV infection. These results suggested that the aforementioned medicinal plants merit further investigation.
Study of Sokei-Kakketu-To (Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang) in Adjuvant Arthritis Rats
Authors: Kanai Shigeyuki , Taniguchi Norimasa , Higashino Hideaki
Published: February 2004

To examine the effectiveness of the herbal medicine prescription, Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang (SJHXT), for pain relief, we performed a study using rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA). After injecting the adjuvant, AA rats were maintained for 6 months as a chronic pain model. Starting at 6 months, SJHXT was administered for 12 weeks. We measured the tail skin temperature and locomotor activity of rats using thermography and a metabolism measuring system, respectively, before and after 12 weeks of SJHXT administration. Normal rats were used as controls. Before SJHXT administration, the tail surface temperature and locomotor activity were significantly lower in the AA rats than in the control rats. The tail skin temperature and locomotor activity of SJHXT-treated AA rats were significantly higher than those of the control rats. These findings suggest that the pain relief effects of SJHXT may be primarily due to increased blood circulation.
Inhibitory Effect of Hypocrellin A on Protein Kinase C in Liver and Skeletal Muscle of Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Qu Xianqin , Dang Lei , Paul Seale J.
Published: February 2004

In this ex vivo study, the inhibitory activity of hypocrellin A (HA), a perylene quinonoid pigment isolated from the Chinese medicinal fungus Hypocrella bambuase, on protein kinase C (PKC) enzyme activity in insulin target tissues of obese Zucker rats was assessed. Pre-incubation with HA for 30 minutes significantly inhibited the activity of partially purified PKC enzyme from liver and soleus skeletal muscle in a dose-dependent manner ( IC 50=0.07 and 0.26 μg/ml, respectively). HA produced a greater inhibitory effect in enzyme prepared from the liver than enzyme prepared from soleus muscle. Since total PKC activity in these two insulin target tissues is the net result of several different isoforms of PKC, and PKC-θ is a major isoform expressed in the soleus skeletal muscle, the present data suggest that the naturally occurring compound, HA, may selectively inhibit certain PKC isoforms other than PKC-θ. Further investigations are required to determine which PKC isoforms are most susceptible to HA and whether changes in PKC signaling during treatment with HA can reverse abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin resistant and diabetic states.
The Effect of Herbal Medicine on Nerve Growth Factor in Estradiol Valerate-induced Polycystic Ovaries in Rats
Authors: Lee Jae Chang , Pak Sok Cheon , Lee Seung Hoo , Lim Sung Chul , Bai Young Hoon , Jin Cheon Sik , Kim Jeong Sang , Na Chang Su , Bae Chun Sik , Oh Ki Seok , Choi Bum Chae
Published: February 2004

A type of polycystic ovary resembling some aspects of human polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be induced in the rat with a single injection of long-acting estradiol valerate. Among several theories behind the development of polycystic ovaries (PCO), the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system draws much attention, and herbal medicine is known to relieve the abnormal symptoms of PCO. Two herbal formulas, Changbudodam-Tang (cang fu dao tan tang) and Yongdamsagan-Tang (long dan xie gan tang), were used in the present study. The administration of herbal medicine was done every other day for 60 days. The morphological changes of ovaries from herbal medicine treatment were compared to those from an oil-treated control group and an estradiol valerate-injected group. This study also examined the possible hypothesis of neurogenic participation in terms of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the pathology of ovarian dysfunction. The nerve growth factor was analyzed in the central nervous system and ovaries by immunohistochemistry. The main findings of the present study were: (1) PCO were fully developed in rats with a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate, (2) PCO resulted in the expression of NGF in the ovaries and the brain tissues, and (3) herbal medicine administration significantly decreased the elevated NGF staining in the ovaries without affecting the brain tissues significantly.
The Inhibitory Effects of 12 Medicinal Plants and Their Component Compounds on Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Cho Eun Ju , Yokozawa Takako , Rhyu Dong Young , Kim Hyun Young , Shibahara Naotoshi , Park Jong Cheol
Published: February 2004

The antioxidative activities of 12 medicinal plants and the compounds isolated from them were investigated using the thiocyanate method to evaluate inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation in the linoleic acid system. The peroxide levels gradually increased during incubation in the presence of linoleic acid over 3 days, and most of the plants inhibited lipid peroxidation. In particular, of the plants tested, Cudrania tricuspidata, Zanthoxylum piperitum, Houttuynia cordata and Ulmus parvifolia reduced lipid peroxidation more effectively as lipid peroxidation progressed, resulting in inhibition of about 80% relative to the control value by the 3rd day of incubation. In addition, the polyphenols isolated from the plants also showed marked and dose-dependent inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation. The compounds with the strongest activities were 3,4-dihydroxylbenzoic acid, quercetin, the quercetin glycosides quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinose, catechin, gallic acid, methyl gallate and rosamultin isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum, Houttuynia cordata, Rosa rugosa and Cedrela sinensis. Moreover, quercetin glycosides showed stronger activity than quercetin, suggesting that glycosylation increases the antioxidative activity of quercetin. Our results indicate that the medicinal plants and their polyphenols show promise as therapeutic agents for various disorders involving free radical reactions.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Patients with Chronic Headache: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Jeong Hyun-Ja , Hong Seung-Heon , Nam Yong-Che , Yang Hee-Sook , Lyu Yeoung-Su , Baek Seung-Hwa , Lee Hye-Jung , Kim Hyung-Min
Published: February 2004

Acupuncture has been widely used as a treatment for various conditions like headache and stroke, especially in Asian countries such as Korea and China. But few scientific investigations have been carried out. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the production of inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic headache (CH). Patients with CH were treated with acupuncture during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CH disappeared markedly after three months of treatment with acupuncture. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a normal group and those from the patients with CH, before and after treatment with acupuncture, were cultured for 24 hours in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The amount of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS culture supernatant was significantly increased in the patients with CH compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). But those cytokines came down toward the levels of the healthy group (p < 0.05) after treatment with acupuncture, although the levels still remained elevated. Plasma cytokine levels were analyzed to evaluate any change due to acupuncture treatment. There was little difference in the levels of IL-1β or IL-6 due to the treatment with acupuncture in the patients with CH, but significantly reduced plasma levels of TNF-α were observed. These data suggest that acupuncture treatment has an inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine production in patients with CH.
HIGH PRESSURE ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY OF COMPOSITION CONTROLLED Nd-123 BASED BULK MATERIAL
Authors: SELVA VENNILA R. , REZA GHORBANI S. , RAPP Ö. , VICTOR JAYA N.
Published: February 2004

High pressure electrical resistivity studies were carried out on the high temperature superconductor Nd 1-x Ca x Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ for various calcium concentrations x=0.00, 0.03, 0.06 and 0.10 obtained by the solid-state reaction method. The electrical resistivity study was performed using the four-probe technique with a Bridgman opposed anvil device. All four samples show an initial drastic fall in electrical resistivity up to a pressure of around 3 GPa that remains almost constant up to 8 GPa.
THE EVOLUTION OF STRATEGIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
Authors: FLEURY AFONSO , FLEURY MARIA TERESZA
Published: February 2004

The aim of this paper is to analyze how competencies are built and strategies are formulated in companies that are part of the international interorganizational networks. The theoretical framework merges concepts from Strategic Management, Resources Based View of the Firm and International Operations Management literature. The paper introduces an analytical model that enables a preliminary assessment of a firm's organizational competencies, starting from the analysis of its product/market configuration and competitive strategy. Based on data about the evolution of the telecommunications industry, a comprehensive picture is drawn consisting of: (i) the modifications in the competitive regime since the beginning of the privatization process, (ii) the strategies followed by Network Operators and Specialized Equipment Suppliers. Empirical evidence comes from field research carried out in the Brazilian Telecommunications industry which, due to its specific characteristics, allows for an assessment of the current situation of the world telecommunications industry. The findings show that there has been a radical shift in the strategic relevance of organizational competencies in the last 10 to 15 years. This led both Network Operators and Specialized Equipment Suppliers to move from strategies based on technology and operations towards strategies based on service delivery.
A LOW-COST EMBEDDED SYSTEM FOR INTERNET BASED POWER MEASUREMENT
Authors: YEARY M. , SWEENEY J. , SWAN B. , CULP C.
Published: February 2004

This paper introduces a low-cost (i.e. economically competitive, yet functionally robust) embedded system known as the InterDAQ (i.e. Internet Data AcQuisition). The current energy savings technology relies on conventional data logging systems, in which two major barriers exist. Foremost is the fact that retrieving the energy data is not convenient, and the cost of the data logging equipment is high. The interdisciplinary solution presented here to accomplish these goals is to include a miniature web server in a remote-logging module, which we designed as part of our device, thus allowing data to be accessed more frequently, via the Internet.

To illustrate a state-of-the-art application in which remote, low-cost monitoring is needed, it is worth mentioning that distributed power generation is gaining national and international attention.1–3 The main energy source of distributed power is derived from a fuel cell, a micro-turbine, or a photo-voltaic cell. Distributed power systems offer a potential increase in efficiency by localizing power generation and eliminating the need for transmission.1 Distributed power also offers increased reliability, uninterruptible service, and energy cost savings.2If an energy savings program is to be implemented, then a low-cost energy monitoring strategy is paramount. Our Internet appliance provides such a solution, and this paper summarizes our implementation details and provides a computer screen-capture of the data posted on the Web.
SAFETY-CRITICAL WIDE AREA NETWORK PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Authors: BAYRAK TUNCAY , GRABOWSKI MARTHA R.
Published: February 2004

There has been a considerable amount of research in the area of network performance evaluation. However, little of the research is focused on the evaluation of real-time safety-critical WANs, a need that motivated this research. Over the years, networks have been evaluated by different disciplines from different perspectives. Many of these evaluations focus on network technical performance, or an organization's performance when using a network, or individual users' performance when using a network. In this study, network performance was measured using empirical data from an operational WAN and by utilizing well-defined and well-known network performance metrics such as reliability, availability, and response time. In general, increased use of a real-time WAN in this study was associated with negative impacts on WAN performance and increased redundancy was generally associated with positive impacts, allowing greater system usage and higher network workload, as intended. The impacts of increasing redundancy on MTBF were mixed, as were the MTTR impacts; availability values varied considerably by port. The network performance data thus shows mixed empirical results from increases in network usage and redundancy, which highlights the importance of managing and measuring network performance at both the system and the local level.
A GRASP HEURISTIC FOR SOLVING AN EXTENDED CAPACITATED CONCENTRATOR LOCATION PROBLEM
Authors: HAN BERNARD T. , RAJA V. T.
Published: February 2004

Local Access Networks (LACNs) are often considered the "last mile" over the Internet provided that they are connected to some existing Wide Area Network backbone. In this paper, a revised LACN-WAN interconnection model is presented as an extension to the conventional Capacitated Concentrator Location Problem (CCLP). An efficient heuristic is also developed to seek near-optimal deployment of telecommunication devices (e.g. links, concentrators, etc.) while minimizing the total connection costs for the network interconnection. Our solution algorithm could serve as a decision-making tool in solving problems with a real world size (i.e. 120 nodes and 30 concentrators).
BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION IN A WIRELESS BROADCAST SYSTEM
Authors: CELIK ASLIHAN , NAHMIAS STEVE , RIGHTER RHONDA
Published: February 2004

We develop a model for broadcasting data to wireless appliances. Any data item may either be "pushed", or broadcast without waiting for requests for the item, or it may be "pulled", or broadcast in response to a request. Pushing items is cheaper than handling the individual requests, but if pushed items are not wanted, the bandwidth for broadcasting them is wasted. We determine the optimal allocation of bandwidth between pushed and pulled items.
A COMPARISON OF ASYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER MODE (ATM) AND HIGH SPEED ETHERNET: THE NETWORK DESIGN IMPLICATIONS TO A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
Authors: GUSTER DENNIS , SOHN CHANGSOO , SAFONOV PAUL , ROBINSON DAVID
Published: February 2004

Technological advances such as high speed Ethernet and ATM have provided a means for business organizations to employ high performance networking. However, few studies have been conducted to verify the architecture's typical performance in a business environment. This study analyzed the network performance of high speed Ethernet and ATM when they were configured as LAN backbones. The results revealed that ATM exhibited performance superior to high speed Ethernet, but when adjustments were made for differences in line speed, the throughput was similar. In addition to analyzing empirical data about each technologies' performance, the advantages and limitations of using ATM in a business network are discussed.
LEVERAGING IP FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Authors: ESWARAN P. K. , PRAKASH S. , FERGUSON DAVID D. , NAASZ KATHLEEN
Published: February 2004

Businesses are faced today with the challenge of leveraging existing network infrastructures while evolving to technologies that will provide a positive impact on their business performance. Internet Protocol (IP) is a technology foundation that many companies have begun to leverage, but IP requires a more integrated strategy for seamless migration and the achievement of its full benefits. In this paper, we examine the creation of an Enterprise IP Strategy from a business impact and a technology point of view and provide factors to consider when developing this strategy. A framework considering business perspective and technology umbrella is presented to guide businesses to make the right choice for networking needs. IP is a common thread that runs through various systems and networks comprising enterprise IT infrastructure. In the last five years, virtually everyone from shipping clerks to CEOs has been touched by IP's influence. Hence, IP provides a strategic vantage point for building a sound enterprise networking strategy.
BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION IN MULTICAST TREES WITH QoS CONSTRAINTS
Authors: KODIALAM M. , VENKATESWARAN V.
Published: February 2004

Growth in continuous media applications and group communications highlight the need for efficient multicast support. In multicast tree construction and resource reservation a central problem is ensuring that the determined multicast tree can support specified QoS requirements economically. In this paper, we focus on this specific problem under a typical QoS requirement that end-to-end delays must not exceed a specified limit. For the resulting optimization problem, we develop a fast and efficient algorithm that is suitable for implementing a router to perform real time provisioning for multicast sessions.
A TELECOMMUNICATION'S LEAN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE UTILITY INDUSTRY
Authors: GHAHRAMANI BAHADOR
Published: February 2004

The system designers and developers (SD&Ds) of a leading global Fortune 500 telecommunication corporation developed a Lean Management Information System (LMIS) for a Metropolitan Utility Company (MUC) located in the United States. The MUC needed a state-of-the-art information system to provide services for its expanding customer base, which was projected to grow at a rate of approximately 2.4% annually over the next ten years. This paper compares the legacy system with the LMIS and discusses lean management principles employed to design and develop the new system.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS THEORIES, MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT, PRACTICES, AND APPLICATIONS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: ISSUES AND ANALYSIS
Authors: GHAHRAMANI BAHADOR , TAN ZIXIANG
Published: February 2004

The primary purposes of this special issue are two-fold. First, this issue provides an arena for telecommunications' subject matter experts and scholars to present their research. Second, we aim to inform the journal readers of the new technologies, concepts, applications, innovations, and scientific breakthroughs in the field.
Postnatal ontogeny of glucose homeostasis and insulin action in sheep
Authors: Gatford K. L. , De Blasio M. J. , Thavaneswaran P. , Robinson J. S. , McMillen I. C. , Owens J. A.
Published: February 2004

Glucose tolerance declines with maturation and aging in several species, but the time of onset and extent of changes in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion and their contribution to changes in glucose tolerance are unclear. We therefore determined the effect of maturation on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in a longitudinal study of male and female sheep from preweaning to adulthood, and whether these measures were related across age. Glucose tolerance was assessed by intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT, 0.25 g glucose/kg), insulin secretion as the integrated insulin concentration during IVGTT, and insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (2 mU insulin·kg−1·min−1). Glucose tolerance, relative insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity each decreased with age ( P < 0.001). The disposition index, the product of insulin sensitivity, and various measures of insulin secretion during fasting or IVGTT also decreased with age ( P < 0.001). Glucose tolerance in young adult sheep was independently predicted by insulin sensitivity ( P = 0.012) and by insulin secretion relative to integrated glucose during IVGTT ( P = 0.005). Relative insulin secretion before weaning was correlated positively with that in the adult ( P = 0.023), whereas glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and disposition indexes in the adult did not correlate with those at earlier ages. We conclude that glucose tolerance declines between the first month of life and early adulthood in the sheep, reflecting decreasing insulin sensitivity and absence of compensatory insulin secretion. Nevertheless, the capacity for insulin secretion in the adult reflects that early in life, suggesting that it is determined genetically or by persistent influences of the perinatal environment.
Cholecystokinin pathways modulate sensations induced by gastric distension in humans
Authors: Lal Simon , McLaughlin John , Barlow Josephine , D'Amato Massimo , Giacovelli Giampaolo , Varro Andrea , Dockray Graham J. , Thompson David G.
Published: February 2004

Ingested fat releases CCK, causes gastric relaxation, delays gastric emptying, and limits meal size; however, the mechanistic link among these actions has not been established. Fatty acid release of CCK is chain-length sensitive; dodecanoic acid (C12) induces greater CCK release than decanoic acid (C10). The effect of C12 or C10 on tolerance to subsequent intragastric infusion of liquid was determined in healthy subjects, with and without the CCK1 receptor antagonist dexloxiglumide. Gastric wall relaxation after either fatty acid was assessed by graded volume distension and by barostat; gastric emptying was measured by gastric aspiration and by a [13C]octanoic acid breath technique. C12 released more CCK (mean plasma CCK after vehicle, 4.7 ± 0.8 pM; C10, 4.8 ± 0.3 pM; C12, 8 ± 1.2 pM; P < 0.05 C12 vs. C10 or vehicle) and reduced the volume of water (and of 5 and 25% glucose solutions) delivered at maximum tolerance compared with C10 or vehicle (volume of water tolerated after vehicle, 1,535 ± 164 ml; C10, 1,335 ± 160 ml; C12, 842 ± 103 ml; P < 0.05 C12 vs. C10 or vehicle); this effect was abolished by dexloxiglumide. Intragastric volumes were always similar at the limit of tolerance, and, whereas gastric relaxation occurred to similar degrees after the fatty acids, its duration was longer after C12, which also induced a longer delay in half-gastric emptying [ t1/2(min) after vehicle, 53 ± 2; C10, 67 ± 3; C12, 88 ± 7; P < 0.05 C12 vs. C10 or vehicle]. In conclusion, ingestion of a CCK-releasing fatty acid reduces the tolerated volume of liquid delivered into the stomach, primarily via a CCK1 receptor-mediated delay in gastric emptying.
Vibration-induced activation of muscle afferents modulates bioassayable growth hormone release
Authors: Gosselink K. L. , Roy R. R. , Zhong H. , Grindeland R. E. , Bigbee A. J. , Edgerton V. R.
Published: February 2004

The effects of tendon vibration on bioassayable growth hormone (BGH) secretion from the pituitary gland were investigated in anesthetized adult male rats. The tendons from predominantly fast-twitch ankle extensor muscles (gastrocnemius and plantaris) or a predominantly slow-twitch ankle extensor (soleus) were vibrated by using a paradigm that selectively activates group Ia afferent fibers from muscle spindles. The lower hindlimb was secured with the muscles near physiological length, and the tendons were vibrated for 15 min at 150 Hz and a displacement of 1 mm. Control rats were prepared similarly, but the tendons were not vibrated. Compared with control, vibration of the tendons of the fast ankle extensors markedly increased (160%), whereas vibration of the slow soleus decreased (68%), BGH secretion. Complete denervation of the hindlimb had no independent effects on the normal resting levels of BGH, but it prevented the effects of tendon vibration on BGH secretion. The results are consistent with previous findings showing modulation of BGH release in response to in vivo activation or in situ electrical stimulation of muscle afferents (Bigbee AJ, Gosselink KL, Grindeland RE, Roy RR, Zhong H, and Edgerton VR. J Appl Physiol 89: 2174–2178, 2000; Gosselink KL, Grindeland RE, Roy RR, Zhong H, Bigbee AJ, and Edgerton VR. J Appl Physiol 88: 142–148, 2000; Gosselink KL, Grindeland RE, Roy RR, Zhong H, Bigbee AJ, Grossman EJ, and Edgerton VR. J Appl Physiol 84: 1425–1430, 1998). These data provide evidence that this previously described muscle afferent-pituitary axis is neurally mediated via group Ia afferents from peripheral skeletal muscle. Furthermore, these data show that activation of this group Ia afferent pathway from fast muscles enhances, whereas the same sensory afferent input from a slow muscle depresses, BGH release.