bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐modal investigation of a business process and information system redesign: a post‐implementation case study
Authors: Eriksson Darek M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMulti‐modal systems thinking (MST) has emerged in recent years as an alternative scientific paradigm to the more established ones, founded on positivistic, hermeneutic and critical bases, respectively. Among others, MST offers a system researcher and practitioner the multi‐modal theory as an analysis and design tool. An attempt to use this is presented in this article. More specifically, a situation where an implementation of a new business process, supported by a new computerized information system, has taken place causing some unpredicted and unwanted consequences is presented. This case is analysed with the help of multi‐modal theory, leading to an identification of system design shortcomings. This exercise shows that the employed theory is a powerful tool for construction of multi‐perspective models; it provides plausible intelligibility for why unexpected consequences emerged. Further, its use generated some heuristics for future systems modelling, analysis and design. The study also shows that the theory is ambiguous in its application; this in turn calls for its further development and operationalization. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of co‐ordination: re‐scripting research for multi‐agent environments
Authors: Dash D. P. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper examines some of the contributions of Gerard de Zeeuw to scholarship in general and to the study of multi‐agent contexts in particular. His general contribution to scholarship revolves around the notions of research and improvement of action. In de Zeeuw's scholarly writings, research has been viewed as a developing narrative. As the practice of research expands in any field, it comes in contact with greater and greater variety of disturbances and this creates a strain on the basic script on which the narrative of research in that field is based. This can lead to a narrative break‐off. However, sometimes the script can be so modified as to restore the flow of the narrative, until another period of strain is experienced. Such a narrative break‐off is evident in the so‐called applied disciplines where researchers cannot ignore the influence of various agents while seeking to bring about improvements in a practical context. Here, the context of research becomes a multi‐agent context, where multiple viewpoints and frameworks intercede in the process of creation of various effects. The paper describes the kind of response developed in the work of de Zeeuw to deal with the task of improving co‐ordination in multi‐agent contexts. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flowing
Authors: Kooistra Jan 
Published: August 2002

Abstract‘The absence of a terminology is not a problem of the absence of truth for things that cannot be named, but the problem of the incompatibility in principle between, on the one hand, the need to order and, on the other, the result of an ordering, as this incompatibility is expressed in the procedure of particular inclusion and exclusion’. Formulated this way one could summarise the dilemma de Zeeuw was—and still is—trying to by‐pass during his scientific life. How to judge the quality of reasoning in the social sciences when you are part of the same system? Flowing was written on the occasion of the superannuation of de Zeeuw. It is showing the kind of escape from this dilemma that systems theory is offering—at least the kind of escape de Zeeuw is offering from his view of systems theory. Flowing refers to a special kind of systems. The structure of these systems is simultaneously both the means and the outcome of the social practices associated with elements of the system. Flowing is a narration—a narration about the social practice of survival. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of gastrointestinal neoplasms
Authors: Ferraris Renato , del Piano Amalia , Galli Joseph J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA concise review is presented of the current applications and techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the field of diagnostic imaging of oncologic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, with a summary of the diagnostic possibilities of MRI in the various types of tumor pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. We conclude with a review of the specific situations in which MRI presents distinct advantages over other diagnostic imaging methods (such as computed tomography and ultrasound). Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:122–129, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo measures of dopaminergic radioligands in the rat brain: Equilibrium infusion studies
Authors: Kilbourn Michael R. , Sherman Phillip S. , Kuszpit Kyle 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe application of an equilibrium infusion method for measuring specific in vivo radioligand binding in the conscious rat brain was evaluated for two ligands of the dopaminergic system, (+)‐α‐[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) and d‐threo‐[11C]methylphenidate (MePhen). Both radioligands can be successfully utilized to reach equilibrium distributions in rat brain within 1 h; combinations of tritiated and carbon‐11‐labeled radiotracers can furthermore be used to obtain simultaneous measures of the neuronal membrane dopamine transporter (using [3H]MePhen) and vesicular monoamine transporter (using [11C]DTBZ) in the same animal. These studies provided quantitative measures of distribution volume ratios, which represent specific radioligand binding. Stereospecificity of in vivo binding was demonstrated using equilibrium infusions of the low‐affinity isomers of each ligand, (−)‐α‐[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) and l‐threo‐[11C]methylphenidate, both of which produced uniform brain distributions and no specific binding. Specific binding of (+)‐α‐[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine was blocked by co‐infusion of tetrabenazine, but was unaffected by administration of methylphenidate, haloperidol, or apomorphine. Specific binding of d‐threo‐[11C]methylphenidate, conversely, was blocked with unlabeled methylphenidate but not affected by tetrabenazine or the dopamine receptor ligands. Equilibrium measures of in vivo radioligand binding, as utilized in this study, offer a quantitative means to evaluate acute and chronic drug effects on in vivo radioligand binding in the rat brain. Synapse 43:188–194, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of PET ligands (+)N‐[11C]ethyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate and (+)N‐[11C]propyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate for muscarinic cholinergic receptors: A PET study with microdialysis in comparison with (+)N‐[11C]methyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate in the conscious monkey brain
Authors: Nishiyama Shingo , Tsukada Hideo , Sato Kengo , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Ohba Hiroyuki , Harada Norihiro , Takahashi Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe developed PET ligands (+)N‐[11C]ethyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate ([11C](+)3‐EPB) and (+)N‐[11C]propyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate ([11C](+)3‐PPB) for cerebral muscarinic cholinergic receptors. The distribution and kinetics of the novel ligands were evaluated for comparison with the previously reported ligand (+)N‐[11C]methyl‐3‐piperidyl benzilate ([11C](+)3‐MPB) in the monkey brain (Macaca mulatta) in the conscious state using high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET). At 60–91 min postinjection, regional distribution patterns of these three ligands were almost identical, and were consistent with the muscarinic receptor density in the brain as previously reported in vitro. However, the time–activity curves of [11C](+)3‐EPB and [11C](+)3‐PPB showed earlier peak times of radioactivity and a faster clearance rate than [11C](+)3‐MPB in cortical regions rich in the receptors. Kinetic analysis using the three‐compartment model with time–activity curves of radioactivity in metabolite‐corrected arterial plasma as input functions revealed that labeling with longer [11C]alkyl chain length induced lower binding potential (BP = k3/k4), consistent with the rank order of affinity of these ligands obtained by an in vitro assay using rat brain slices and [3H]QNB. The cholinesterase inhibitor Aricept administered at doses of 50 and 250 μg/kg increased acetylcholine level in extracellular fluid of the frontal cortex and the binding of [11C](+)3‐PPB with the lowest affinity to the receptors was displaced by the endogenous acetylcholine induced by cholinesterase inhibition, while [11C](+)3‐MPB with the highest affinity was not significantly affected. Taken together, these observations indicate that the increase in [11C]alkyl chain length could alter the kinetic properties of conventional receptor ligands for PET by reducing the affinity to receptors, which might make it possible to assess the interaction between endogenous neurotransmitters and ligand‐receptor binding in vivo as measured by PET. Synapse 40:159–169, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of axial deformation on vibration of tall buildings
Authors: Swaddiwudhipong Somsak , Lee Seng‐Lip , Zhou Qin 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn this paper, the governing equations of a frame‐core wall building are formulated through the continuum approach and the whole structure is idealized as a shear–flexural cantilever. The effect of axial deformation in the frame is considered and incorporated in the formulation of the governing equations. The Bubnov–Galerkin method is used to transform the governing differential equations into a set of algebraic equations. Numerical examples are solved and the results compared with the values obtained from the finite element package ‘ETABS’. The study indicates that the effect of axial deformation should be considered especially for tall and/or slender buildings. The proposed method is simple and efficient, provides reasonably accurate results and can be easily implemented on any personal computer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sound and faulty arguments generated by preservice biology teachers when testing hypotheses involving unobservable entities*
Authors: Lawson Anton E. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA sample of preservice biology teachers (biology majors) enrolled in a teaching methods course formulated and attempted to test six hypotheses to answer a causal question about why water rose in a jar inverted over a burning candle placed in a pan of water. The students submitted a lab report in which arguments and evidence for testing each hypothesis were presented in an if/then/therefore hypothetico‐predictive form. Analysis of written arguments revealed considerable success when students were able to manipulate observable hypothesized causes. However, when the hypothesized causes were unobservable, such that they could be only indirectly tested, performance dropped, as shown by use of three types of faulty arguments: (a) arguments that had missing or confused elements, (b) arguments whose predictions did not follow from hypotheses and planned tests, and (c) arguments that failed to consider alternative hypotheses. Science is an enterprise in which unobservable theoretical entities and processes (e.g., atoms, genes, osmosis, and photosynthesis) are often used to explain observable phenomena. Consequently, if it is assumed that effective teaching requires prior understanding, then it follows that these future teachers have yet to develop adequate hypothesis‐testing skills and sufficient awareness of the nature of science to teach science in the inquiry mode advocated by reform guidelines. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 237–252, 2002
Adverse effects of prenatal methimazole exposure
Authors: Di Gianantonio Elena , Schaefer Christof , Mastroiacovo Pier P. , Cournot Marie P. , Benedicenti Francesco , Reuvers Minke , Occupati Brunella , Robert Elisabeth , Bellemin Beatrice , Addis Antonio , Arnon Judy , Clementi Maurizio 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundA specific phenotype of methimazole (MMI) induced malformations has recently been postulated. MMI embryopathy is characterized by minor dysmorphic features, choanal atresia and/or esophageal atresia, growth retardation, and developmental delay.MethodsWe prospectively studied the outcome of pregnancy in 241 women counseled by 10 Teratology Information Services (TIS) of the European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS) because of MMI exposure, and compared them with those of 1,089 pregnant women referred to TIS because of exposure to nonteratogenic drugs (control group). Information was obtained by mail or telephone interview.ResultsThere was no increase in the general rate of major anomalies or of spontaneous or induced abortions in the MMI‐exposed group in comparison with the control group. Two newborns were affected with one of the major malformations that are part of the postulated embryopathy.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that choanal as well as esophageal atresia may have a higher incidence than expected in fetuses exposed to MMI between 3 and 7 gestational weeks. Until further data are available, thyrotoxicosis should be treated with propylthiouracil, as it is apparently safer for use during the fertile period. Teratology 64:262–266, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The toxicities of a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a microcystin to Daphnia magna
Authors: Reinikainen M. , Meriluoto J. A. O. , Spoof L. , Harada K.‐i. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components of zooplankton diets. However, studies with PUFAs from cyanobacteria indicate toxic properties. We investigated the toxicity of the PUFA γ‐linolenic acid and the cyanobacterial peptide toxin microcystin‐LR to Daphnia. The PUFA was acutely toxic at a concentration of 9 μg ml−1. The effect of microcystin‐LR was not statistically significant at the concentration used (3 μg ml−1), but an additive effect with the PUFA was observed. Relative to LC50‐values of well‐known pollutants, the PUFA was intermediately toxic. The activity equaled that of microcystin‐LR, which is commonly treated as one of the most potent cyanobacterial toxins. Our results suggest that the toxic properties of PUFAs deserve more attention. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 444–448, 2001
The Fourth Generation: New Strategies Call for New Eco‐Indicators
Authors: Simons Lucas , Slob Adriaan , Holswilder Houke , Tukker Arnold 
Published: August 2002

AbstractUnder pressure from public opinion, the attitude of companies toward environmental issues has changed
considerably since the 1970s. Over the past decades, there have been three distinct generations of environmental
strategies and indicators. Now, at the beginning of a new century, we can start to see the contours of the fourth
generation of environmental strategies and indicators—a generation that eventually will change the rules of
the business game. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evidence for a new structure in a mixed metal sulphate system by EXAFS
Authors: Lima R. J. C. , Sasaki J. M. , Ayala A. P. , Freire P. T. C. , Guedes I. , Melo F. E. A. , Mendes‐Filho J. , Valerio M. E. G. , Macedo Z. S. , de Lima J. F. , Mastelaro V. R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractEXAFS measurements on and above the CsLIII absorption edge were performed in LiCsSO4 (LCS) and in the system Li1.44Rb0.11Cs0.45SO4 (LRCS), aiming at the identification of the local symmetry around Cs ions in this new mixed metal sulphate LRCS. EXAFS simulations were also carried out and the results of the LRCS agrees well with recent single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction measurements, confirming that a new crystalline phase is expected for the mixed system LiCsSO4–LiRbSO4. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different analytical methodologies for the preconcentration and determination of trace chromium by XRF in medicinal herbs with effects on metabolism
Authors: López de Ruiz Rosa E. , Olsina Roberto A. , Masi Adriana N. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe essentiality of chromium and the disturbances that its deficiency produces in humans are of interest, have the detection and determination of chromium in drugs of vegetable origin used in phytotherapy are of great importance. With the purpose of improving the sensitivity by increasing the peak‐to‐background ratios in trace element determinations by x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis in biological samples, the high concentration of lower atomic number elements (C, H, O, N) must be removed. These elements can produce non‐specific enhancement and absorption effects on the characteristic radiation of the elements of interest. The analytical methodologies for eliminating interferences were realized in different ways in solid and liquid samples. In the first case, the assay was done on dried and calcined herbs and the variables related to the method such as drying time, grinding time, calcination time, calcination temperature, quantity of ash for pellet preparation, pressure for pellet preparation, etc, were studied. In the second case, two methods were evaluated: (a) lixiviation with different acids or acids mixtures and (b) infusion or brewing of medicinal herbs. In both cases, it was necessary to develop a preconcentration method for the determination of Cr by XRF. The optimum parameters for preconcentration and thin‐film preparation were also studied. The methodologies were applied with very good results to the determination of trace Cr in the medicinal herb Taraxacum officinale and in synthetic samples. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspects of reproduction in the eastern rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) and their implications for captive management
Authors: Wrogemann Dorothea , Zimmermann Elke 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe eastern rufous mouse lemur is one of the smallest primate species. It inhabits the eastern rain forest of Madagascar. Its reproductive biology has not been examined because of its rarity in laboratories. We present the first data on reproduction and variation in reproductive success from a breeding colony of wild‐caught Microcebus rufus. The eastern rufous mouse lemur shows a seasonal change in testicular size and in the occurrence of estrus. Females had 2.5 cycles (range, one to four) per season. The estrous cycle length was 59 days (range, 51–66), the duration of vaginal opening during estrus was 7.5 days (range, 5–8), receptivity occurred on the third day of estrus, gestation length was 56.5 days (range, 56–57), litter size was two neonates (range, one to three). The frequency and duration of mating behavior varied widely among the pairs. Copulation seemed to occur on a single day per estrus within the first to fourth hour after light change to red light. In four cases (three pairs), copulation lasted between 15 and 240 seconds. Breeding success can be increased by choosing mates carefully. Microcebus rufus seems to be a seasonal breeder like its sibling species Microcebus murinus. In wild‐caught animals, males seemed to adapt quickly (first season) to the conditions of captivity, whereas in the females, individual variation (first to third season) in reproductive activity was observed. Air humidity of >60% seems to facilitate the breeding success in wild‐caught pairs. First pregnancy and successful rearing of offspring occurred in the second and fourth year of captivity in two of three females. Wild‐caught eastern rufous mouse lemurs seemed to demonstrate variation in adapting to the conditions of captivity with regard to sex and individuality. Zoo Biol 20:157–167, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iatrogenic Thyrotoxicosis: Causal Circumstances, Pathophysiology, and Principles of Treatment—Review of the Literature
Authors: Meurisse Michel , Gollogly Laragh , Degauque Cyrille , Fumal Isabelle , Defechereux Thierry , Hamoir Etienne 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThyrotoxicosis is the clinical syndrome that results when tissues are exposed to high levels of circulating thyroid hormones. In most instances thyrotoxicosis is due to hyperthyroidism, a term reserved for disorders characterized by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Nevertheless, thyrotoxicosis may also result from a variety of conditions other than thyroid hyperfunction. The present report focuses on the etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis may be caused by (1) subacute thyroiditis (a result of lymphocytic infiltration, cellular injury, trauma, irradiation) with release of preformed hormones into circulation; (2) excessive ingestion of thyroid hormones (“thyrotoxicosis factitia”); (3) iodine‐induced hyperthyroidism (radiologic contrast agents, topical antiseptics, other medications). Among these causes of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis, that induced by the iodine overload and cytotoxicity associated with amiodarone represents a significant challenge. Successful management of amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis requires close cooperation between endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons. Surgical treatment may have a leading yet often underestimated role in view of the potential life‐threatening severity of this disease, whereas others kinds of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis are usually treated conservatively.
Loop Ileostomy versus Loop Colostomy for Defunctioning Low Anastomoses during Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Rullier Eric , Le Toux Nathalie , Laurent Christophe , Garrelon Jean‐Luc , Parneix Michel , Saric Jean 
Published: August 2002

Abstract.Several studies have compared loop ileostomy with loop colostomy to defunction colorectal anastomoses. The discordant results may be due to the heterogeneity of the indications. We therefore performed a retrospective study to compare the two procedures in a homogeneous group of patients operated on electively for rectal cancer. Among 462 consecutive patients undergoing rectal resection for cancer during 1986–1998, 60 had a loop colostomy and 107 a loop ileostomy to defunction a low anastomosis. The two groups were similar with respect to age, gender, obesity, tumor stage, and duration before closure (109 vs. 104 days; p= 0.28). All the stoma‐related complications that occurred after construction and after closure of the stoma were recorded. There were no stoma‐related deaths in the two groups. After stoma construction, the morbidity rate was significantly higher following loop colostomy than after loop ileostomy (35% vs. 19%; p= 0.02). After stoma closure the complication rate was significantly higher in the colostomy group than in the ileostomy group (34% vs. 12%; p= 0.004). The risk of surgical reintervention related to the morbidity of both construction and closure of the stoma was twice as high after loop colostomy than after loop ileostomy (22% vs. 9%; p= 0.03). The results of this study showed that, in our experience, the overall stoma‐related morbidity and risk of reoperation were significantly lower after loop ileostomy than after loop colostomy. This suggests that loop ileostomy is the best procedure for defunctioning colorectal anastomoses electively. We therefore recommend using a loop ileostomy during rectal cancer surgery.