bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and quantitative changes in acetylcholine receptor distribution at the neuromuscular junction following free muscle transfer
Authors: Hua Jiang , Samuel Tay Sam Wah , Kumar V.P.
Published: August 2002

The qualitative and quantitative changes in acetylcholine receptor distribution were studied in the gracilis muscle of the Wistar rat following free neurovascular transfer. Even at 30 weeks after transfer, the morphology of the neuromuscular junction failed to return to the presurgical state. The number of acetylcholine receptors at the reinnervated neuromuscular junction also remained lower than the control. The persistent weakness following free neurovascular muscle transfer may be attributed to these qualitative and quantitative changes at the neuromuscular junction. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Block of recombinant nicotinic receptor channels by IgG from myasthenic patients
Authors: Krampfl Klaus , Dengler Reinhard , Bufler Johannes
Published: August 2002

In myasthenia gravis (MG), specific antibodies directed against nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channels are produced. Recently, a distinct blockade of native embryonic‐type nAChR channels by purified IgG from MG patients has been demonstrated. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of myasthenic IgG with recombinant embryonic‐ or adult‐type nAChR channels expressed on human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. For the experiments, the patch clamp technique was applied in combination with an ultra‐fast application system for agonists. Repetitive 20‐ms pulses of 1 mM acetylcholine (ACh) were applied with or without purified IgG added to the perfusion system. The purified IgG from MG patients blocked currents through both, embryonic‐ and adult‐type nAChR channels to a similar extent. A block by myasthenic IgG of adult‐type nAChR channels, which are present exclusively at the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular synapse, was shown to occur. The reversible pharmacological blockade of adult‐type nAChR channels by myasthenic IgG may be one factor responsible for rapid fluctuations of weakness or rapid recovery of muscle strength after plasmapheresis in MG. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Metabolic costs of force generation for constant‐frequency and catchlike‐inducing electrical stimulation in human tibialis anterior muscle
Authors: Ratkevicius Aivaras , Quistorff Bjørn
Published: August 2002

Metabolic costs of force generation were compared for constant‐frequency and catchlike‐inducing electrical stimulation. Repetitive catchlike‐inducing trains consisted of 2 interpulse intervals (IPIs) at 12.5 ms, 1 IPI at 25 ms, and 5 IPIs at 50 ms. Constant‐frequency trains consisted of 8 IPIs at 37.5 ms. One train was delivered to the peroneal nerve every 2.5 s for 36 times under ischemic conditions. Anaerobic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) turnover was determined using 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P‐MRS) of the human tibialis anterior muscle. Compared with constant‐frequency trains, catchlike‐inducing trains produced a faster force generation and were more effective in maintaining the force–time integral as well as peak force. However, ATP costs of force generation were similar for the catchlike‐inducing and constant‐frequency stimulation (6.7 ± 1.1 and 6.6 ± 1.0 μmol ATP/kg wet weight/N·s, respectively, P = 0.601). This suggests that the positive effects of catchlike‐inducing stimulation on force maintenance are mediated by potentiated Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum rather than by lower metabolic costs of muscle force generation. Our findings also suggest that catchlike‐inducing stimulation produces larger forces in fatigued muscle than constant‐frequency trains and thus may be beneficial for muscle training or rehabilitation when muscle loading needs to be maintained in repetitive contractions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Effects of training on contractile properties of paralyzed quadriceps muscle
Authors: Gerrits H.L. , Hopman M.T.E. , Sargeant A.J. , Jones D.A. , De Haan A.
Published: August 2002

Effects of two different training regimens on the contractile properties of the quadriceps muscle were studied in six individuals with spinal cord injury. Each subject had both limbs trained with the two regimens, consisting of stimulation with low frequencies (LF) at 10 HZ or high frequencies (HF) at 50 HZ; one limb of each subject was stimulated with the LF protocol and the other with the HF regimen. Twelve weeks of daily training increased tetanic tension by ∼20%, which was not significantly different between training regimens. Interestingly, after HF but not LF training, the unusual high forces at the low frequency range of the force–frequency relationship decreased, possibly due to a reduced activation per impulse. After LF but not HF training, force oscillation amplitudes declined (by 33%) as relaxation tended to slow, which may have opposed possible effects of reduced activation as seen after HF training. Finally, fatigue resistance also increased rapidly after LF training (by 43%) but not after HF training. These results indicate that different types of training may selectively change different aspects of function in disused muscles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
When to use the combined sensory index
Authors: Kaul Matthew P. , Pagel Keith J. , Dryden John D.
Published: August 2002

A recently developed electrodiagnostic technique, the combined sensory index (CSI), has been recommended for its greater sensitivity in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The CSI requires a greater number of procedures and therefore involves greater time, cost, and patient discomfort than does conventional electrodiagnostic testing. The CSI is composed of three commonly used electrodiagnostic techniques. There is a close correlation between the components of the CSI, and in most cases, all three components of the CSI are in agreement. We performed a study to develop and validate an algorithm that could be used to identify subsets of patients with CTS in whom CSI testing is particularly useful. Subjects were consecutive outpatient veterans referred by a heterogeneous group of specialists and generalists for electrodiagnostic evaluation of paresthesias in a median distribution with nocturnal exacerbation of symptoms. The CSI served as our gold standard. Using our simple algorithm, we found that in approximately 95% of cases, it was unnecessary to perform the CSI. This management strategy improves patient comfort and reduces electrodiagnostic cost while identifying the minority of patients for whom the CSI is indicated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1078–1082, 2001
Parameter identification for a suction‐dependent plasticity model
Authors: Simoni L. , Schrefler B. A.
Published: August 2002

In this paper, the deterministic parameter identification procedure proposed in a companion paper is applied to suction‐dependent elasto‐plasticity problems. A mathematical model for such type of problems is firstly presented, then it is applied to the parameter identification using laboratory data. The identification procedure is applied in a second example to exploitation of a gas reservoir. The effects of the extraction of underground fluids appear during and after quite long periods of time and strongly condition the decision to profit or not of the natural resources. Identification procedures can be very useful tools for reliable long‐term predictions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constitutive model for the dynamic and high‐pressure behaviour of a propellant‐like material: Part II: Model development and applications
Authors: Trumel Harvé , Dragon André , Fanget Alain , Lambert Philippe
Published: August 2002

This paper presents the second part of a work that aims at developing a mechanical model for the behaviour of propellant‐like materials under high confining pressure and strain rate. The model is to be employed to determine the temperature rise due to mechanical dissipation during a dynamic penetration event. Using the kinematical and thermodynamic background derived in the first part, a viscoelastic–viscoplastic–compaction model is put forward and identified. Viscoelasticity and compaction refer to the elastomeric nature of the material, while viscoplasticity, including implicit damage through dilatancy, reflects its granular nature. Some numerical exercises are performed, in view of determining the major model forces and weaknesses, and of assessing the numerical algorithm robustness. A penetration event is preliminarily simulated, and a temperature rise field predicted. Necessary model improvements are finally discussed, together with several ways of research for a longer term approach. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical study of flexural buckling of foliated rock slopes
Authors: Adhikary D. P. , Mühlhaus H.‐B. , Dyskin A. V.
Published: August 2002

The occurrence of foliated rock masses is common in mining environment. Methods employing continuum approximation in describing the deformation of such rock masses possess a clear advantage over methods where each rock layer and each inter‐layer interface (joint) is explicitly modelled. In devising such a continuum model it is imperative that moment (couple) stresses and internal rotations associated with the bending of the rock layers be properly incorporated in the model formulation. Such an approach will lead to a Cosserat‐type theory. In the present model, the behaviour of the intact rock layer is assumed to be linearly elastic and the joints are assumed to be elastic–perfectly plastic. Condition of slip at the interfaces are determined by a Mohr–Coulomb criterion with tension cut off at zero normal stress. The theory is valid for large deformations. The model is incorporated into the finite element program AFENA and validated against an analytical solution of elementary buckling problems of a layered medium under gravity loading. A design chart suitable for assessing the stability of slopes in foliated rock masses against flexural buckling failure has been developed. The design chart is easy to use and provides a quick estimate of critical loading factors for slopes in foliated rock masses. It is shown that the model based on Euler's buckling theory as proposed by Cavers (Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering 1981; 14:87–104) substantially overestimates the critical heights for a vertical slope and underestimates the same for sub‐vertical slopes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network and service management for wide‐area electronic commerce networks
Authors: Papavassiliou Symeon
Published: August 2002

This paper focuses on the effective management of wide‐area electronic commerce networks supporting services and applications that require high availability and reliability as well as fast reconstitution time, in the event of failures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the bit permutation networks obtained from the line digraphs of bit permutation networks
Authors: Hwang Frank K. , Yen Chih‐Hung
Published: August 2002

A bit permutation network is an s‐stage interconnection network composed of dn−1 d × d crossbar switches in each stage. This class of networks includes most of the multistage interconnection networks. Recently, Chang et al. [Networks 33 (1999), 261–267] showed that an s‐stage d‐nary bit permutation network N with dn inputs (outputs) can be characterized by an (s − 1)‐vector (k1, …, ks−1), where kt ∈ {1, …, n − 1}. In this paper, we give a simple (but not trivial) formula to determine the characteristic vector of a new network G(N)+, which is, approximately, the line digraph of N. We use this formula to obtain relations between some well‐studied bit permutation networks. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An algorithm for constructing minimal c‐broadcast networks
Authors: Lee Shiwoo , Ventura José A.
Published: August 2002

c‐Broadcasting is a special process to disseminate a single message, originated at any node in a network, to all other nodes of the network by letting each informed node transmit the message to at most c neighbors simultaneously. A minimal c‐broadcast network (c‐mbn) is a communication network in which c‐broadcasting can be completed in minimum time from any node. An optimal c‐broadcast network (c‐obn) is a c‐mbn with the smallest number of edges. Previous studies showed that c‐obn's are extremely difficult to find. A network compounding algorithm is proposed to construct sparse c‐mbn's with n1n2 − i nodes by connecting a subset of nodes from several copies of a c‐mbn with n1 nodes using the structure of another c‐mbn with n2 nodes, such that n1 ≥ 1 and 0 ≤ i < n2, satisfying ⌈logc+1(n1n2 − i)⌉ = ⌈logc+1 n1⌉ + ⌈logc+1n2⌉. Computational results are also provided. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Testosterone treatment increases the metabolic capacity of adult avian song control nuclei
Authors: Wennstrom Kira L. , Reeves Brendan J. , Brenowitz Eliot A.
Published: August 2002

In songbirds, the size of brain nuclei that control song learning and production change seasonally. These changes are mainly controlled by seasonal changes in plasma testosterone (T) concentration. One hypothesis to explain why it may be adaptive for these areas to regress in the fall is that this would decrease the metabolic demand of maintaining a large song system when singing is reduced or absent. We used a marker for cellular metabolism to examine birds with regressed song nuclei and compared them to birds whose song nuclei were induced to grow by administration of exogenous T. Photorefractory male Gambel's white‐crowned sparrows were captured during their autumnal migration and kept in outdoor aviaries on a natural photoperiod. We implanted birds with Silastic™ capsules containing T or with empty implants. Three weeks later the birds were sacrificed. We assayed the brains for cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity and measured the volume of four song nuclei: HVc, RA, 1MAN, and area X. All four nuclei increased in volume in response to T treatment. T treatment increased the metabolic capacity of area X, HVc, and RA relative to surrounding tissue but had no effect on the metabolic capacity of 1MAN. These results support the hypothesis that song nuclei are more metabolically active under the influence of T than they are when plasma T levels are low. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 48: 256–264, 2001
Ovariectomy attenuates dendritic growth in hormone‐sensitive spinal motoneurons
Authors: Hebbeler S. L. , Verhovshek T. , Sengelaub D. R.
Published: August 2002

The lumbar spinal cord of rats contains the sexually dimorphic, steroid‐sensitive spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB). Dendritic development of SNB motoneurons in male rats is biphasic, initially showing exuberant growth through 4 weeks of age followed by a retraction to mature lengths by 7 weeks of age. The initial growth is steroid dependent, attenuated by castration or aromatase inhibition, and supported by hormone replacement. Dendritic retraction is also steroid sensitive and can be prevented by testosterone treatment, but is unaffected by aromatase inhibition. Together, these results suggest a role for estrogens during the initial growth phase of SNB development. In this study, we tested whether ovarian hormones could support SNB somal and dendritic development. Motoneuron morphology was assessed in normal males and in females perinatally masculinized with dihydrotestosterone and then either ovariectomized or left intact. SNB motoneurons were retrogradely labeled with cholera toxin‐HRP at 4 or 7 weeks of age and reconstructed in three dimensions. Initial growth of SNB dendrites was reduced after ovariectomy in masculinized females. However, no differences in dendritic length were seen at 7 weeks of age between intact and ovariectomized masculinized females, and lengths in both groups were significantly lower than those of normal males. Together with previous findings, these results suggest that estrogens are involved in the early growth of SNB dendrites, but not in their subsequent retraction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 48: 301–314, 2001
Developmental changes in BDNF protein levels in the hamster retina and superior colliculus
Authors: Frost Douglas O. , Ma Yun‐Tao , Hsieh Ted , Forbes M. Elizabeth , Johnson James E.
Published: August 2002

Quantitative studies of ontogenetic changes in the levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and its effector, BDNF protein, are not available for the retinal projection system. We used an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure developmental changes in the tissue concentration of BDNF within the hamster retina and superior colliculus (SC). In the SC, we first detected BDNF (about 9 pg/mg tissue) on embryonic day 14 (E14). BDNF protein concentration in the SC rises about fourfold between (E14) and postnatal day 4 (P4), remains at a plateau through P15, then declines by about one‐third to attain its adult level by P18. By contrast, BDNF protein concentration in the retina remains low (about 1 pg/mg tissue) through P12, then increases 4.5‐fold to attain its adult level on P18. The developmental changes in retinal and collicular BDNF protein concentrations are temporally correlated with multiple events in the structural and functional maturation of the hamster retinal projection system. Our data suggest roles for BDNF in the cellular mechanisms underlying some of these events and are crucial to the design of experiments to examine those roles. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 173–187, 2001
A divide and conquer approach to computing the mean first passage matrix for Markov chains via Perron complement reductions
Authors: Kirkland Stephen J. , Neumann Michael , Xu Jianhong
Published: August 2002

Let MT be the mean first passage matrix for an n‐state ergodic Markov chain with a transition matrix T. We partition T as a 2×2 block matrix and show how to reconstruct MT efficiently by using the blocks of T and the mean first passage matrices associated with the non‐overlapping Perron complements of T. We present a schematic diagram showing how this method for computing MT can be implemented in parallel. We analyse the asymptotic number of multiplication operations necessary to compute MT by our method and show that, for large size problems, the number of multiplications is reduced by about 1/8, even if the algorithm is implemented in serial. We present five examples of moderate sizes (of orders 20–200) and give the reduction in the total number of flops (as opposed to multiplications) in the computation of MT. The examples show that when the diagonal blocks in the partitioning of T are of equal size, the reduction in the number of flops can be much better than 1/8. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the direct and indirect a posteriori RLSL algorithm
Authors: Bunch J. R. , Le Borne R. C. , Proudler I. K.
Published: August 2002

The numerical properties of two implementations of the a posteriori recursive least squares algorithm, the direct and the indirect algorithms, are analysed in order to qualify their numerical trustworthiness. Although both implementations include update recursions that have the potential for large relative errors, the manner in which they are propagated into the update recursions for the reflection coefficients is shown to differ. It is this difference that allows for the direct implementation to be more numerically trustworthy with respect to the indirect implementation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensional model reduction in non‐linear finite element dynamics of solids and structures
Authors: Krysl P. , Lall S. , Marsden J. E.
Published: August 2002

A general approach to the dimensional reduction of non‐linear finite element models of solid dynamics is presented. For the Newmark implicit time‐discretization, the computationally most expensive phase is the repeated solution of the system of linear equations for displacement increments. To deal with this, it is shown how the problem can be formulated in an approximation (Ritz) basis of much smaller dimension. Similarly, the explicit Newmark algorithm can be also written in a reduced‐dimension basis, and the computation time savings in that case follow from an increase in the stable time step length.

In addition, the empirical eigenvectors are proposed as the basis in which to expand the incremental problem. This basis achieves approximation optimality by using computational data for the response of the full model in time to construct a reduced basis which reproduces the full system in a statistical sense. Because of this ‘global’ time viewpoint, the basis need not be updated as with reduced bases computed from a linearization of the full finite element model.

If the dynamics of a finite element model is expressed in terms of a small number of basis vectors, the asymptotic cost of the solution with the reduced model is lowered and optimal scalability of the computational algorithm with the size of the model is achieved. At the same time, numerical experiments indicate that by using reduced models, substantial savings can be achieved even in the pre‐asymptotic range. Furthermore, the algorithm parallelizes very efficiently.

The method we present is expected to become a useful tool in applications requiring a large number of repeated non‐linear solid dynamics simulations, such as convergence studies, design optimization, and design of controllers of mechanical systems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instationary aeroelastic computation of yacht sails
Authors: Schoop Heinrich , Bessert Nicolas
Published: August 2002

Effective schemes exist to calculate aerodynamic forces for thin bodies and structural dynamics of flexible membranes. The fluid dynamic of thin wings in a irrotational flow leads to the lifting surface theory. Neglecting the inertia of the membrane the structural dynamics are solved by the non‐linear (FEM).But the interaction of flexible membranes and an irrotational flow causes problems due to the different nature of the mathematical equations. On the one hand, there is a partial differential equation for the structural dynamics and on the other hand, there is a singular integral equation for the aerodynamics. The numerical discretization scheme has to fit these different types of equation.

Our work introduces a new interaction scheme to couple the singular integral equation of the lifting surface theory with the non‐linear FEM of the membrane static. The fundamental examinations, showed by Schoop et al. (International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 1998; 41: 217–219), are applied to realistic sail geometries and the aerodynamics is extended to instationary flow conditions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Home Depot's Special Projects Support Team Powers Information Management for Business Needs
Authors: Albers Brad
Published: August 2002

The rapid growth of Home Depot has presented major challenges to its information systems function—all
the way from a trillion‐character set of legal documents to a fully integrated e‐commerce
capability in less than four years. The projects were successfully designed and executed by means of a highly
collaborative, multi‐specialty team. Especially notable are the interpersonal skills required of team
members and the deliberate focus and training of those members on creativity and personal growth. ©
2001 Homer TLC, Inc.
Applying Deming's Process Improvement Techniques to Banking
Authors: Reid Richard A. , Chesterson Catherine A.
Published: August 2002

A small‐business loan department of a branch of a large bank wondered why clients were not enrolling as
expected in an automatic loan payment program that offered many advantages. Rather than seeing this as a marketing
problem, they dug deep into the program's process and discovered a variety of real problems which, once
identified, were relatively easy to fix. The critical step was to correctly identify the problem—and they
found that applying classic Total Quality Management (TQM) analysis tools worked remarkably
well. Even in this non‐manufacturing situation, the work process was what needed scrutiny in order to
improve. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Conduction velocity of dendritic potentials in a cultured hippocampal neuron model
Authors: Poznanski Roman R.
Published: August 2002

In this study the conduction velocity of dendritic potentials in an ionic cable model with low‐inactivating sodium channels and known electrical parameters was compated with conduction velocities estimated from the peak latencies of optical imaging experiments in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Dendrites with conduction velocities less than 0.08 m/s were found to propagate dendritic potentials in a weakly active manner through a low‐density of TTX‐sensitive Na+P channels distributed along the dendritic cable model, while a higher density of TTX‐sensitive Na+P channels produced a greater yet a non‐uniform conduction velocity of such amplified dendritic potentials. The results show that a low‐density of TTX‐sensitive Na+P channels slows down the speed of passive dendritic conduction to values compatible with optical data in dendrites of cultured hippocampal neurons.
The effect of ethanol on the number of cells in the cochlear nucleus of the male adult rat: A stereological study
Authors: Agar Erdal , Boşnak Mehmet , Korkmaz Adnan , Demi̇r Şerif , Ayyildiz Mustafa
Published: August 2002

The effects of ethanol consumption on the means of total neuron numbers in the cochlear nucleus (CN) of male adult rats were investigated by using the disector/fractionator technique to make a precise and unbiased estimate of the total number of neurons in the CN. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control, 10%, 25%, 35% ethanol‐consuming groups and four parallel groups given vitamin E in addition to the ethanol. The total number of neurons was significantly decreased by 11.9%, 26.4%, 46.3% in left VCN, 12.7%, 33.6%, 46.5% in right VCN, 8.5%, 32.3%, 49.1% in left DCN, 11.0%, 32.9%, 51.0% in right DCN in rats consuming 10%, 25%, and 35% ethanol, respectively. The administration of vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day i.p) to ethanol consuming rats for 20 days partially prevented ethanol‐induced cell death in both subdivisions of CN. The results of the present study imply that the CN of adult rats is susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of ethanol and that these effects can be partially blocked by vitamin E.
Effect of basement membrane components on assembly of 3‐pyroglutamylamyloid β‐protein
Authors: Kiuchi Yoichi , Isobe Yoshihiko , Kijima Haruko , Kajita Sumiyo , Saito Takashi , Fukushima Kiyomi
Published: August 2002

3‐pyroglutamyl amyloid β‐protein is major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Basement membrane (BM) components co‐localize with amyloid in the plaque. We investigated the potential of BM components, such as type IV collagen (collagen IV), laminin and entactin, to prevent assembly of 3‐pyroglutamyl amyloid β‐protein 3‐42 (Aβ3pE‐42) and to induce a disassembly of Aβ3pE‐42 fibril. For this we used thioflavin T fluorometric assays. All BM components significantly inhibited Aβ3pE‐42 fibril formation (Molar ratio; Aβ:collagen IV = 136:1, Aβ:laminin = 180:1, Aβ:enactin = 20:1). The inhibitory effect of BM components was in a dose‐dependent manner. Collagen IV and laminin significantly disrupted pre‐formed AβpE‐42 fibril, whereas enactin without effect. We propose that BM components may be involved in senile plaque formation by regulating both AβpE‐42 fibril formation and disassembly of the fibril.
Limited yet informative: pathological alterations observed on human skeletal remains from third and second millennia bc collective burials in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Blau Soren
Published: August 2002

While syntheses of palaeopathological studies have been undertaken in many parts of the world, until recently little was known about human health in the past in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Focusing on skeletal pathologies, this paper documents the results of the first synthetic palaeopathologlcal study for this country. The collections of archaeological human skeletal remains come from three sites dating to the third and two sites dating to the second millennia bc and consist predominantly of disarticulated, partially fragmented and often cremated remains.

The paper initially discusses potential explanations for the neglected study of human skeletal remains from the UAE. This discussion is followed by an outline of the types of burial practices employed in the past in this region and their effects on preservation. The nature of the collections and the methodology employed in their study are described. Using specific headings, the pathological findings are then documented, followed by a discussion of the results of the skeletal analysis in light of the available archaeological evidence. Finally, it is shown that although limited by preservation, analyses of human skeletal remains provide valuable details about the types of diseases that affected people in the past in the UAE. While less detailed than some palaeopathological syntheses, the results presented in this paper lay the foundations for further work on humans in the past in eastern Arabia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No meat on that beautiful shore: the prehistoric abandonment of subtropical Polynesian islands
Authors: Anderson Atholl
Published: August 2002

In the Pacific there are two main groups of so‐called ‘mystery islands’, i.e. islands that were settled and then abandoned (or their populations died out) in prehistory. One consists of low coral islands in the equatorial zone and the other of high basaltic islands in the subtropical zone. Consideration of environmental and archaeological evidence about the latter suggests that they lay in a relatively impoverished zone of faunal resources (marine mammals, seabirds, inshore fish and invertebrates) and were also marginal to the full deployment of tropical agriculture. It is argued that vulnerability to significant faunal depletion by over‐exploitation, without the ability to compensate by agricultural production provides an explanation of settlement discontinuation in the subtropical islands and potentially for the mystery islands as a whole. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An example of unhealed osteochondritis dissecans of the medial cuneiform
Authors: Anderson T.
Published: August 2002

One hundred and thirty‐six well‐preserved medieval skeletons were excavated in advance of redevelopment in Norwich. A 13–15‐year‐old displayed a large circular defect on the distal articular surface of the right medial cuneiform. This is considered to be an example of unhealed osteochondritis dissecans. The atypical site, apparently the first published case of osteochondritis dissecans involving this bone in either archaeological or clinical material, has prompted this short note. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local government, democratization and state reconstruction in Africa: toward integration of lessons from contrasting eras
Authors: Harbeson John W.
Published: August 2002

This article argues for an historical synthesis of the 1970s lessons of the effort to achieve sustainable grassroots development with the explorations of the 1980s and 1990s in quest of sustainable political and economic liberalization that have centered primarily on the national level. To do so, the article contends that it is equally necessary to disaggregate, but then integrate, interdependent processes of state reconstruction and democratization. These enterprises require a harvesting of the insights of theory and the lessons of practice for each other. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confronting the challenges of urban development in São Paulo: the Operações Interligadas/Urbanas
Authors: Hewitt W. E. (Ted)
Published: August 2002

This article examines the contribution of international municipal cooperation (IMC) to the resolution of long standing planning challenges in the city of São Paulo (Brazil), South America's largest urban agglomeration. Specifically, the study investigates the early development and subsequent evolution of a planning‐related project developed in collaboration with the city of Toronto, Canada. In its first phase–dubbed the Operações Interligadas (OI)–the initiative was directed towards expansion and improvement of São Paulo's housing stock. The second phase, known as the Operações Urbanas, has focused more broadly on urban renewal. As will be shown, both phases of the programme have provided an important fund‐raising mechanism for confronting the challenges of urban growth and change. At the same time, however, the study reveals a number of limitations to the overall strategy, perhaps restricting its use as a model for other developing world cities. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short wavelength light reflecting films from side‐chain liquid crystal homopolymers with chiral spacers
Authors: Cowie J. M. G. , Duncan D. M.
Published: August 2002

A series of acrylate monomers with alkoxy tails of varying lengths are synthesised and polymerised. The butoxy analogue had a stable enantiotropic cholesteric liquid crystalline phase which formed a grandjean texture when prepared as a thin film between glass slides. The polymer was mixed with a low molar mass nematic liquid crystal in various proportions and the pitch of the chiral nematic phases were determined using a cano‐wedge cell technique. The polymer prepared from (S)‐2‐(4‐butoxyphenyl‐4′‐benzoyloxy)‐1‐methyl ethyl acrylate had a pitch length of 113 nm which indicates that the polymer film could be employed in optical devices requiring selective reflection of light with short wavelengths in the region of 170 nm. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughened polypropylene with balanced rigidity. V. Melt rheological properties
Authors: Wang Jingwu , Zhang Hongjie , Cao Shaokui , Liu Jun , Liu Songjie
Published: August 2002

In continuation of our endeavor to develop and characterize the high performance polypropylene composites and their toughening master batches (TMBs), we report here the melt rheological properties of toughened polypropylene with balanced rigidity (TRPP). The relations of shear stress (τ), shear rate $(\dot{\gamma})$, apparent viscosity (η
a), temperature (T) and compositions of TRPPs were systematically investigated. Experimental data revealed that under ordinary shear flow conditions, the TRPP melts showed a pseudo‐plastic feature. Based on the complexity of the melt flow of the blended poly‐component/multiphase polymer system and together with our experimental and related literature results, the relationship between η
a and T for blended polymer melts was recommended to be expressed by the equation: log η
a = α0 + α1/T, where α1 was defined as the temperature coefficient of apparent viscosity. The relationship between τ and $\dot{\gamma}$ can be expressed by the equation: $\tau = \hbox{k} \dot{\gamma}^{\rm n}$, and the exponent n is decreased as τ increasing. At a given τ or $\dot{\gamma}$, the η
a of TRPPs decreased with ethylene‐propylene to styrene‐butadiene elastomer ratios from 20/80 to 100/0, increased with total elastomer content in TRPP and decreased with elastomer amount in TMB increasing. The manner of changes in η
a with compositions were not affected by the τ or T. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of naphthoquinones of Impatiens species
Authors: Lobstein A. , Brenne X. , Feist E. , Metz N. , Weniger B. , Anton R.
Published: August 2002

A convenient and reliable reversed phase‐HPLC method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of naphthoquinones present in the aerial parts of Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae) during two growing seasons (May to August 1998 and June to October 1999). Maximal content (0.8–1.1%) of 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone and its 2‐methylated derivative was observed in flowers collected between July and August. The procedure was applied to compare the pigment content in three other species of Impatiens but showed 2.5–37 times lower levels than those found in I. glandulifera. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voltammetric determination of parthenolide in spiked human plasma and urine
Authors: Belal F. , Galal A. M. , Al‐Majed A. , El‐Feraly F. S.
Published: August 2002

The voltammetric behaviour of parthenolide, a biologically active sesquiterpene lactone, was studied using direct current (DCt), alternating current and differential‐pulse polarography (DPP). Parthenolide developed well‐defined cathodic waves over the whole pH range in Britton–Robinson buffers. At pH 10 the diffusion current constant was 3.54 ± 0.08 (± standard deviation; n = 8). The current vs concentration plots were rectilinear over the range 4–36 and 1–28 µg/mL in the DCt and DPP modes, respectively, with a minimum detectability of 0.06 µg/mL (about 1 × 10−7 M) using the latter technique. The waves were characterised as being diffusion controlled, although adsorption phenomenon played a limited role in the electrode process. The described analytical method was applied to the determination of parthenolide in spiked human urine and plasma; the percentage recoveries were 95.72 ± 0.22 and 94.0 ± 0.13 (± standard deviation; n = 9), respectively. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Ascochyta caulina phytotoxins by high‐performance anion exchange chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection
Authors: Evidente Antonio , Andolfi Anna , Vurro Maurizio , Zonno Maria Chiara
Published: August 2002

A simple and sensitive method has been developed for the rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytotoxins produced by Ascochyta caulina, a potential mycoherbicide for the biocontrol of Chenopodium album. Considering that the two main toxins produced by this fungus, namely ascaulitoxin and trans‐4‐amino‐D‐proline, and the third toxin, identified as 2,4,7‐triamino‐5‐hydroxyoctandioic acid, have an amino acid nature, high‐performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection was the best method for their detection. The method was used to measure the toxin content in the culture filtrates of different strains of A. caulina. The developed method could be employed as a tool to select more virulent strains by determining the higher toxin producers, if in vitro toxin accumulation was related to pathogen virulence. The chemical characterisation of the third toxin purified from A. caulina culture filtrates is also reported. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome in a father and a female fetus: early prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis and autosomal dominant transmission
Authors: Morin Gilles , Gekas Jean , Naepels Philippe , Gondry Jean , Devauchelle Bernard , Testelin Sylvie , Sevestre Henri , Thépôt François , Mathieu Michèle
Published: August 2002

Ultrasonography in a female fetus revealed cystic cervical hygroma, severe micrognathia, and vertebral and upper limb anomalies suggestive of cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome (CCMS) which was diagnosed ultrasonographically at 16 weeks' gestation. The father is affected and presents with a Pierre Robin sequence, short stature and typical costovertebral anomalies. CCMS is a rare and severe disorder. The high frequency of sporadic cases, vertical transmission, and the excess of sibs affected via horizontal transmission suggest dominant autosomal mutation with possible germinal mosaicism. The vertical familial case detailed in the present report is a reminder of the high risk when one parent or one sibling is affected and the extreme variability of phenotype and costal ossification. Early prenatal ultrasound diagnosis is possible in a severely affected fetus. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical screening for chromosomal disorders and neural tube defects (NTD): is adjustment of maternal alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) still appropriate in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)?
Authors: Sancken Ulrich , Bartels Iris
Published: August 2002

Maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been reported to be decreased in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The objective of the present study was to reinvestigate this finding in detail. Maternal serum levels of AFP, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3) in 114 diabetic women, of whom 84 had IDDM, were compared to those of 19,251 control pregnancies in the second trimester (15th to 20th gestational weeks). The mean body weight at the date of sampling was 73.7 kg in all diabetic women, 72.7 kg in women with IDDM and 68.3 kg in non‐diabetic women, respectively. Body weights were significantly (p<0.001) elevated in all diabetic pregnancies. Using weight‐adjusted MoM (multiple of the median) values no statistical difference of serum levels in diabetic and non‐diabetic pregnant women was found. Median MoM levels were 1.01 (hCG), 1.01 (uE3), 1.06 (AFP) in all diabetic women, and 0.95 (hCG), 0.96 (uE3), 0.96 (AFP) in women with IDDM, respectively. Ignoring adjustment for maternal weight leads to a reduction of all serum parameters in diabetic pregnancies. However, median MoM values of all three analytes are not statistically different when compared to non‐diabetic pregnancies. This finding is contrary to the results of former studies from the 1970s and 1980s. It is concluded that progress in insulin adjustment and blood glucose surveillance of diabetic patients on the whole has balanced out serum levels. Therefore adjustment of serum AFP values for diabetic status no longer seems reasonable. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Musculoskeletal disease in diabetes
Authors: Browne Duncan L. , McCrae Fiona C. , Shaw Ken M.
Published: August 2002

The musculoskeletal complications of diabetes are frequently neglected in the clinical consultation. Hyperglycaemia, insulin levels and genetic variations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of skeletal abnormalities seen with diabetes. Several musculoskeletal conditions are seen almost exclusively with diabetes whilst others are seen more frequently. Links between the musculoskeletal and microvascular complications of diabetes have been suggested. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive patient‐held record for diabetes. Part one: initial development of the Diabetes Databank
Authors: Bridgford Anna , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: August 2002

To develop a comprehensive patient‐held diabetes record, a prototype ‘databank’ was designed by a multi‐disciplinary group, issued to 115 patients from a community‐based multi‐ethnic sample (the Fremantle Diabetes Study), and evaluated after 6 months (Phase 1). The prototype was pocket‐sized with color‐coded, loose‐leaf sections covering diabetes and other conditions. Of 92 patients contactable at the end of Phase 1 (80% of the original sample), 84% supported the databank concept, 52% thought it aided diabetes control, and 39% felt it directly benefited management. Although blood glucose testing and recording increased (P<0.01), mean HbA1c levels were similar before and after Phase 1. Approximately 50% of Phase 1 patients took the databank to appointments. Information was recorded at two‐thirds of these visits. Forgetfulness was the major reason for non‐use. A comprehensive patient‐held record was supported by most patients and their feedback was used to produce a modified version for larger scale assessment by patients and health care workers in Phase 2. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dietetic treatment of obesity
Authors: Beattie Alison H.
Published: August 2002

Obesity has a direct, proportional link to morbidity and mortality, and despite the proven medical benefits of weight loss treatment failure rates are high. Historical approaches to weight management within the health service have focused solely on dietary issues. It is now widely accepted that dietary advice given in isolation is ineffective in inducing and sustaining significant weight loss. Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease and any successful weight management programme should provide tailored dietary advice and facilitate permanent behavioural and lifestyle change. In addition, realistic goals (10% body weight loss) should be recommended. Exercise and physical activity suggested should be geared to individual capabilities. This article addresses how dietitians are treating obesity and what factors other than traditional diet sheets are essential components of a weight management programme. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Databases for outcomes research: what has 10 years of experience taught us?
Authors: Bosco Lynn
Published: August 2002

This paper describes how the mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is being executed through the many programs that it has developed and implemented. The Evidence‐based Practice Center program was developed to provide systematic reviews on common and expensive conditions and health technologies and to ensure that this information is used to improve health care outcomes and costs. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse provides an internet‐based source of clinical practice guidelines that are produced by clinical specialty organizations for the primary purpose of improving health care delivery and outcomes. Relevant to this symposium on databases, AHRQ has supported the development of databases to track hospital utilization on a state‐by‐state basis. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) allows comparisons between states and within regions of individual states. New initiatives have been launched to evaluate interventions across systems rather than focusing on the individual patient (Translating Research into Practice—TRIP). The Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) program was developed to conduct real world evaluations to better understand the benefits and risks of single and combined therapy. Both programs further the mission of the AHRQ to improve the outcomes and quality of health care, with additional focus on the cost‐effectiveness, patient safety, and increasing access to care for all. Information on programs developed by the AHRQ is available in more detail at the Agency Web site http://www.ahrq.gov. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miscible blends of styrene–cinnamic acid copolymers with poly(ethyl methacrylate)
Authors: Bouslah Naima , Amrani Farouk
Published: August 2002

Differential scanning calorimetry and inverse gas chromatography have been used to investigate the miscibility behaviour of blends of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) with styrene–cinnamic acid statistical copolymers PSCA5, PSCA8, PSCA23 having compositions of, respectively, 5, 8 and 23 mol% of cinnamic acid. Several probes with different chemical nature and polarity have been used to determine the polymer–solute and polymer–polymer interaction parameters. DSC and CPGI measurements indicate that poly(ethyl methacrylate) is miscible with each poly[(styrene)‐co‐(cinnamic acid)] copolymer as established from the observation of a single composition‐dependent glass transition temperature. This deduction is corroborated by the IGC data; comparison of the experimental retention volume of the blend with the algebraic average retention volumes of the pure components, together with negative values of the apparent polymer–polymer interaction parameter, establish the miscibility of the studied systems. Furthermore, the polymer–polymer interaction parameters are found to show marked probe dependence; this is discussed in terms of the Δχ effect. As indicated by the variation of the glass transition temperature with blend composition, the application of the Kwei and the Schneider approaches to the calorimetric results suggests the occurrence of strong specific interactions within the blends; the strength of these intermolecular interactions increases with the cinnamic acid content in the PSCA copolymer.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry