bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in bone mineral content following hormone treatment for endometriosis
Authors: Fukushima M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe effects of danazol and buserelin on the bone mineral content (BMC) of 19 Japanese women with endometriosis were studied. Subjects received 24‐week courses of oral danazol (400 mg/day) or intranasal buserelin (900 μg/day). Trabecular BMC of the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) was monitored by computerized tomography scans pretreatment, at the end of treatment and 6 months post‐treatment. In the buserelin group there was a significant decrease in BMC (10–25.4%, P < 0.01) which was not fully reversed 6 months after therapy, and increased parameters of bone resorption. In the danazol group, there was a slight gain in BMC despite a decrease in serum estrogen. Danazol and buserelin have similar success in the treatment of endometriosis, but the decrease in BMC at L3 suggests that cumulative bone loss may follow repeated buserelin therapy.
Structural plasticity and tianeptine: cellular and molecular targets
Authors: McEwen B.S. , Magarinos A.M. , Reagan L.P. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryThe hippocampal formation, a structure involved in declarative, spatial and contextual memory, undergoes atrophy in depressive illness along with impairment in cognitive function. Animal model studies have shown that the hippocampus is a particularly sensitive and vulnerable brain region that responds to stress and stress hormones. Studies on models of stress and glucocorticoid actions reveal that the hippocampus shows a considerable degree of structural plasticity in the adult brain. Stress suppresses neurogenesis of dentate gyrus granule neurons, and repeated stress causes remodeling of dendrites in the CA3 region, a region that is particularly important in memory processing. Both forms of structural remodeling of the hippocampus are mediated by adrenal steroids working in concert with excitatory amino acids (EAA) andN-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. EAA and NMDA receptors are also involved in neuronal death that is caused in pyramidal neurons by seizures, head trauma, and ischemia, and alterations of calcium homeostasis that accompany age-related cognitive impairment. Tianeptine (tianeptine) is an effective antidepressant that prevents and even reverses the actions of stress and glucocorticoids on dendritic remodeling in an animal model of chronic stress. Multiple neurotransmitter systems contribute to dendritic remodeling, including EAA, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), working synergistically with glucocorticoids. This review summarizes findings on neurochemical targets of adrenal steroid actions that may explain their role in the remodeling process. In studying these actions, we hope to better understand the molecular and cellular targets of action of tianeptine in relation to its role in influencing structural plasticity of the hippocampus.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of tianeptine versus SSRI in the short-term treatment of depression
Authors: Kasper S. , Olié J.P. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryA meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of tianeptine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in the short-term treatment of depression. Consecutive selection and inclusion processes allowed five studies to be selected: two studies on tianeptine versus fluoxetine, two studies on tianeptine versus paroxetine, and one study on tianeptine versus sertraline. A total of 1348 patients were included in the five studies; 681 subjects received an SSRI and 667 tianeptine.A strict step-by-step methodology was applied in order to legitimize this meta-analysis and to interpret the results. Considering all the patients or those with a Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) inclusion score greater than 28, none of the assessed parameters (MADRS total score and responder rate) revealed any significant difference between the two treatment groups. Further analysis based on clinical global impression (CGI) items found no significant difference, except for CGI item 3 (therapeutic index), where a tendency (P=0.06 or 0.07 depending on the methodology) was found in favor of tianeptine. All in all, this study confirmed that tianeptine is at least as effective as SSRI, with a trend for a better acceptability profile in the treatment of depressed patients.
Pathophysiology of depression: the concept of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Duman R.S. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryNeuronal plasticity or remodeling is most often discussed with regard to cellular and behavioral models of learning and memory. However, neuronal plasticity is a fundamental process by which the brain acquires information and makes the appropriate adaptive responses in future-related settings. Dysfunction of these fundamental processes could thereby contribute to the pathophysiology of mood disorders, and recovery could occur by induction of the appropriate plasticity or remodeling. These possibilities are supported by preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating that there are structural alterations that occur in response to stress and in patients with mood disorders. Moreover, antidepressant treatment may oppose these effects by regulation of signal transduction and gene expression pathways linked to neuronal plasticity. These findings comprise a novel conceptual framework for future studies of the etiology of mood disorders and for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
The hippocampus and depression
Authors: Sheline Y.I. , Mittler B.L. , Mintun M.A. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryThe effect of depression on the hippocampus has become the focus of a number of structural and functional neuroimaging studies. In the past two decades, advances in neuroimaging techniques now allow the examination of subtle changes in both regional structure and function that are associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Many studies using 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measurement have reported decreases in hippocampal volume among depressed subjects compared with controls, whereas other studies have not found any volume loss. Differences among studies have been discussed. In some studies, the volume loss appears to have functional significance including an association with memory loss. Furthermore, we have found a trend towards loss of 5-HT2Areceptors in the hippocampus using positron emission tomography (PET) to detect regional changes in [18F]altanserin binding. Functional imaging extends the sensitivity and specificity of structural imaging and will lead to a better understanding of affective disorders.
Interaction of katabatic winds and mesocyclones near the eastern coast of Greenland
Authors: Klein Thomas , Heinemann Günther 
Published: December 2002

AbstractSatellite images occasionally show the existence of mesocyclones (MCs) close to the eastern coast of Greenland, especially in the region of Angmagssalik/Tasiilaq. The forcing mechanisms of such MCs are investigated by means of numerical simulations with a three‐dimensional mesoscale model. The special characteristics of the East Greenland topography are shown to be a key factor for the development of the MCs. The channeling of the flow in large valleys along the East Greenland coast leads to a convergence, implying a vertical stretching of the flow through the valleys and the generation of cyclonic vorticity. This convergence can be strong during intense katabatic storms, so‐called Piteraqs, which are a much‐feared phenomenon in that area of Greenland. During these situations the synoptic environment enforces the katabatic flow. The results of the simulations suggest a close relationship between the occurrence of Piteraqs and the generation of mesoscale vortices close to the East Greenland coast. An improved understanding of these processes will help forecasters to advise aircraft and ship operations near the coast of East Greenland. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
A one‐dimensional Kalman filter for the correction of near surface temperature forecasts
Authors: Galanis George , Anadranistakis Manolis 
Published: December 2002

AbstractA one‐dimensional Kalman filter is proposed for the correction of maximum and minimum near surface (2 m) temperature forecasts obtained by a Numerical Weather Prediction model. In our study we used only one parameter (observed temperature), employing in this way scalar system and observation equations, and a limited time interval (7 days). As a result, our algorithm can be easily run on any PC with only minor technical support. The corresponding results are rather impressive, since the systematic error of our time series almost disappears, and they show the merit of post‐processing even when only a simple method is applied. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
Enhancing swimming pool management decisions with climate information
Authors: Changnon David , Sparks Jesse , Burgoyne Andrew , Hahn Chad , Seymour Ross 
Published: December 2002

AbstractHistorical climate conditions were examined to determine whether climate information could improve decisions concerning the seasonal maintenance and operations of regional outdoor swimming pools in heavily urbanised northeastern Illinois. Key weather‐sensitive issues defined for pool companies concern time periods for maintenance (including pool painting), weather limits to pools being open, and hot days which extend hours of pool operation. The specific conditions included the frequency of spring and fall painting periods (defined as dry conditions for two or more days with Tmax ≥18°C (65°F) and Tmin ≥4°C (40°F)); summer inclement weather days (days with precipitation ≥2.54 mm (0.10 inch) with not more than 2 consecutive hours of dry conditions during open swimming hours and/or Tmax ≤21°C (70°F)); and hot days (Tmax ≥32°C (90°F)) were examined.Climatic records for the region going back 42 years revealed that there were nearly twice as many fall painting periods as those in the spring, indicating that greater emphasis should be placed on pool painting after the swimming season. The average number of inclement weather days was more than twice the number the company budgeted for at the beginning of each swimming season. Plans to extend swimming hours on hot days involves a risky decision since the number of hot days varies dramatically from year‐to‐year in the Chicago region. Studies showed that winter negative sea‐surface temperature anomalies in the central Pacific were related to an above average number of spring painting periods. Also, a higher number of hot summer days occur following El Niño‐classified winters. Results reveal that decision‐makers in the swimming pool management industry can improve several management decisions by including climate information. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
Gene density and transcription influence the localization of chromatin outside of chromosome territories detectable by FISH
Authors: Mahy Nicola L. , Perry Paul E. , Bickmore Wendy A. 
Published: December 2002

Genes can be transcribed from within chromosome territories; however, the major histocompatibilty complex locus has been reported extending away from chromosome territories, and the incidence of this correlates with transcription from the region. A similar result has been seen for the epidermal differentiation complex region of chromosome 1. These data suggested that chromatin decondensation away from the surface of chromosome territories may result from, and/or may facilitate, transcription of densely packed genes subject to coordinate regulation.
To investigate whether localization outside of the visible confines of chromosome territories can also occur for regions that are not coordinately regulated, we have examined the spatial organization of human 11p15.5 and the syntenic region on mouse chromosome 7. This region is gene rich but its genes are not coordinately expressed, rather overall high levels of transcription occur in several cell types. We found that chromatin from 11p15.5 frequently extends away from the chromosome 11 territory. Localization outside of territories was also detected for other regions of high gene density and high levels of transcription. This is shown to be partly dependent on ongoing transcription. We suggest that local gene density and transcription, rather than the activity of individual genes, influences the organization of chromosomes in the nucleus.
CUTTING CARBON EMISSIONS AT A PROFIT (PART II): IMPACTS ON U.S. COMPETITIVENESS AND JOBS
Authors: Krause Florentin , DeCanio Stephen J. , Hoerner J. Andrew , Baer Paul 
Published: December 2002

This article examines how an integrated least‐cost implementation of the Kyoto Protocol in the United States would affect U.S. competitiveness and jobs. Drawing on previous work, the authors analyze integrated emission reduction strategies based on a $50/ton carbon tax (including border tax adjustments), a payroll tax cut, energy‐productivity–oriented market reforms, and international flexibility mechanisms. This policy portfolios is compared to conventional approaches that omit market and fiscal reforms.Input‐output data are used to estimate the impact on export prices of goods and services produced in the United States. Similar data are used to translate changes in GDP and energy production into employment impacts in energy and nonenergy sectors. The costs of providing transitional assistance for workers in the coal industry are compared to the GDP benefits of a profitable Kyoto strategy.The analysis shows that relative to purchasing international emission rights, productivity‐raising domestic market, institutional, and fiscal reforms offer much broader advantages for tradE‐exposed U.S. industries. Though allowance purchases alone increase export prices of U.S. manufactured goods and services, an integrated no‐regrets strategy reduces export prices for the large majority of U.S. industries and limits the impact of climate protection policies on the few most energy‐intensive basic materials industries to very small levels. Relative to the baseline, an integrated least‐cost implementation of the Kyoto target increases economy‐wide employment levels by several hundred thousand jobs in 2010.
Further Study on the Performance of Mergers among Credit Associations in Japan
Authors: Hoshino Yasuo , Turnbull Stephen J. 
Published: December 2002

The recent trends toward consolidation in financial markets, both global and national, and the difficult state of the Japanese financial industry suggest the importance of an examination of consolidation in the Japanese financial industry. Recent mega-mergers have produced enormous banks such as the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, but as usual in Japan the health of the financial industry depends substantially on small and medium-size institutions. There the recent trend toward merger extends back a few decades. This study reports a further examination of performance of mergers among credit associations (CA) in Japan, using a sample of 25 pairs of merging and non-merging institutions. Each pair is chosen for comparability in terms of variates such as size and geography. Performance is measured by 19 financial ratios sampled during the period of 1983–1998. Considering pre-versus post-merger values of various ratios, mergers have significant positive effects on ratios such as non-personnel expenses ratio, income ratio after tax, loan-deposit ratio, deposit per office and deposit per association's member. But mergers have rather negative effects on net equity ratio and ratio of current expense to current income. On balance mergers are a positive factor in the CA industry. These results contradict the conclusions of earlier studies (Hoshino, 1988). Among relative financial ratios (comparing merging and non-merging CA), the effect of merger on yield on interest received and non-personnel expenses ratio are shown to be positive in this sample, contradicting previous results. However, in general the financial characteristics of merging CA are rather inferior to those of non-merging CA.
Solution properties of gas‐phase‐polymerized sodium acrylate microparticles. II. Sizing and thickening efficiencies
Authors: Sanderson R. D. , Sadiku E. R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe application testing of sodium polyacrylate prepared by spray polymerization as a textile sizer was carried out. Six monomer samples of sodium acrylate, with concentrations ranging from 30 to 45%, were prepared, polymerized, and used on textile yarns to test the sizing and thickening efficiencies of the polymer. Of the six textile yarns treated with the size, only samples 5 and 6, which had the lowest monomer concentration of 30%, had an adequate sizing efficiency comparable to that of the commercial sodium polyacrylate. A Duplan breaking figure of 3 × blank (unsized) yarn (312 in this instance) or more is satisfactory for successful weaving on an industrial high‐speed loom. The two satisfactory samples had Duplan figures of 1067 and 1151, whereas the remaining four samples tested had Duplan values ranging from 393 to 769. The commercially available sodium polyacrylate size had a Duplan figure of 1146. For good sizing efficiency, therefore, a low monomer concentration of 30% or more in the preparation of sodium polyacrylate seemed desirable. Although the Duplan values for the two samples prepared with a monomer concentration of 45% (samples 1 and 2) were similar (419 and 398, respectively), the Duplan values of the samples prepared with a monomer concentration of 40% (samples 3 and 4) varied markedly (769 and 393, respectively). Samples 5 and 6, prepared with a lower monomer concentration (30%), exhibited similar Duplan values (1067 and 1151, respectively), which made them commercially acceptable as sizing agents. The thickening efficiency of the gas‐phase‐polymerized sodium polyacrylate was satisfactory when the polymer concentration was less than 0.2%. Above this concentration, the gas‐phase‐polymerized sodium polyacrylate had a low viscosity in comparison with that of the commercially available thickener. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1044–1050, 2003
Fiber–matrix interactions in aramid‐short‐fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites
Authors: Vajrasthira Chanthipa , Amornsakchai Taweechai , Bualek‐Limcharoen Sauvarop 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers reinforced with two types of aramid short fibers, m‐aramid (Teijin‐Conex) and copoly(p‐aramid) (Technora), were investigated in this study with respect to the fiber loading. In general, both types of composites exhibited very similar stress–strain behaviors, except that Technora–TPU was stronger than Conex–TPU. This was primarily due to the intrinsic strength of the reinforcing fibers. Both types of fibers reinforced TPU effectively without any surface treatment. This could be attributed to good fiber–matrix interactions, which were revealed by the broadening of the tan δ peak in dynamic mechanical analysis. Furthermore, the morphologies of cryogenically fractured surfaces of the composites and extracted fibers, investigated with scanning electron microscopy, revealed possible polar–polar interactions between the aramid fibers and TPU matrices. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1059–1067, 2003
Rheological properties of silicon polymer networks: The influence of the crosslink density
Authors: Robert C. , Crespy A. , Bastide S. , Lopez‐Cuesta J.‐M. , Kerboeuf S. , Artigue C. , Grard E. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis study was focused on the influence of the microstructural properties of a silicon polymer network on its rheological properties. Two commercial silicon oils were mixed in different ratios to form, by hydrosilylation, networks with different crosslink densities. The chemical compositions of the oils were determined by NMR, whereas their molecular weights and viscosities were studied with gel permeation chromatography and viscosimetry, respectively. The different networks were characterized through their crosslink densities. Afterward, the rheological properties were studied. The formulation notably influenced some characteristic values of the rheological behavior: the α‐transition temperature and the onset temperature of the caoutchoutic plateau shifted toward higher temperatures as the crosslink density increased, the storage modulus at the onset temperature of the caoutchoutic plateau increased with the crosslink density, and the amplitude of the peak associated with the α‐transition temperature decreased. These behaviors were explained as follows: as the crosslink density increased, a drastic decrease in the amount of free chains in the network occurred, and both phenomena induced a large decrease in the chain mobility, which might explain the aforementioned behavior. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1152–1160, 2003
Gas‐phase ethylene polymerization using zirconocene supported on mesoporous molecular sieves
Authors: Kumkaew P. , Wanke S. E. , Praserthdam P. , Danumah C. , Kaliaguine S. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractMesoporous molecular sieves, with pore diameters of 2.6–25 nm, were impregnated with methylaluminoxane and bis(butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride and tested as catalysts for the gas‐phase homopolymerization of ethylene at ethylene pressures of 200 psi and temperatures of 50–100°C and for 1‐hexene/ethylene copolymerization at 70°C. The activities and activity profiles, at constant Zr and Al contents, depended on the pore size of the supports and the polymerization temperature. Maximum activities for both the homopolymerizations and copolymerizations were observed for catalysts made with supports having pore diameters of 2.6 and 5.8 nm. Homopolymerization activities were highest at temperatures of 70–80°C; average homopolymerization and copolymerization activities up to 9000 kg of polyethylene/(mol of Zr h) were obtained. The weight‐average molecular weights (Mw's) were not a function of the support pore size but decreased with increasing reaction temperatures, from about 260,000 at 50°C to about 165,000 at 100°C. The polydispersities were essentially constant at 2.5 ± 0.2 for the homopolymers. Mw's for the 1‐hexene/ethylene copolymers had an average value of 117,000 with an average polydispersity of 2.8. The amount of triisobutyl aluminum added to the reactor significantly affected the activity and activity profiles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1161–1177, 2003
Dispersion polymerization of acrylamide with quaternary ammonium cationic comonomer in aqueous solution
Authors: Song B. K. , Cho M. S. , Yoon K. J. , Lee D. C. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractCopolymer particles consisting of acrylamide (AM) and acryloyloxyethyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (AODBAC) were prepared by dispersion polymerization in an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate and in the presence of poly(acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PAOTAC) as the stabilizer. The average particle size ranged from 4 to 7 μm, andMwandMnwere 2–6 ×106g/mol and 1–3 × 106g/mol, respectively. The effects of the AM/AODBAC ratio, monomer, initiator, salt, and stabilizer concentration on the particle size and molecular weight were studied. Increase of the AODBAC/AM ratio resulted in a decrease in the molecular weight and an increase in particle size. With the increase of the AODABA/AM ratio, the dispersion became less stable during long storage. Due to the presence of the salt, ionization of the quaternary ammonium groups in the dispersed particles is considered significantly suppressed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1101–1108, 2003