Publications

In this study, we examined the hypothesis that dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) shares genetic risk factors with other diseases of presumed autoimmune etiology, and, therefore, the same multiple genes in combination with environmental factors lead to numerous different autoimmune diseases. In accordance with this hypothesis, we showed an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in first-degree relatives of patients with DCM. Also, T-cell activation, as reflected in high levels of the soluble interleukin-2 receptor, appears to identify patients with DCM with a clustering of autoimmune diseases

The development and application of a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) model for a travelingwave heterojunction phototransistor (TW-HPT) are presented. The model is enhanced using effective permittivity schemes at the dielectric interfaces and special techniques for the treatment of very thin material sheets. The 3D fullwave electgromagnetic model allows the numerical calculation of the output photocurrent, electrical characteristic impedance, light absorption, microwave losses as well as microwave and optical dispersion. Run in a fast, parallel processing, machine the simulation herein allowed (for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge) the simultaneous investigation of the optical and microwave characteristics of the traveling-wave structure. This is in contrast to the approach followed by other researchers in the past, as well as by popular simulation packages, based on which results only for the microwave property can be obtained. Snapshots of the field propagation inside the device provide valuable insight into its passive behavior and clearly demonstrate the device's velocity mismatch between the optical signal and the photogenerated electrical pulse. Numerical results for the effective refractive indices of the optical and electrical wave quantify the difference in the velocities of the two waves.

Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain modelling of a travelling-wave heterojunction phototransistor is presented. The electromagnetic model allows the simultaneous simulation of the optical and microwave properties of the travelling-wave structure. The results clearly demonstrate the effect of velocity mismatch between the optical wave and the photogenerated electrical wave.

Fiber dimensions and lignin and cellulose content of various highly productive, non-wood plants and agricultural residues were examined to assess their suitability for paper production. Plants like kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.) internodes gave very good derived values, especially slenderness ratio, which is directly comparable to some softwood and most hardwood species. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stalks, miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) have shorter fibers resulting to poorer flexibility and Runkel ratios, but still satisfactory slenderness ratios. Finally, fibers from olive tree (Olea europea L.) and almond tree (Prunus dulcis L.) prunings presented relatively short and thick fibers producing the poorest derived values among all the species examined. Fiber dimensions did not differ significantly within each species, when samples from different stalks/branches or different positions (base, middle top) were examined. The only exception were cotton stalks, where those differences did not have any significant effect on fiber derived values. Chemical analysis of the raw plant materials revealed satisfactory levels of α-cellulose content (close to 40%) and Klason lignin content (<30%) compared to those of hardwoods and softwoods. Relatively increased (>25%) lignin content in miscanthus, switchgrass and almond prunings may require additional pulping time and chemical charge compared to those of other non-wood raw materials. Analysis of samples at various heights/lengths of the plant materials showed that lignin and cellulose content depends on tissue maturity, but does not change significantly within each species. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The g factor of the first 2+ state of radioactive 76Kr (T1/2=14.8 h) has been measured, extending the systematics of the previously measured stable 78,80,82,84,86Kr isotopes. The measurement was performed with a radioactive 76Kr ion beam applying projectile Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics combined with the transient magnetic field technique. The 76Kr beam was produced and accelerated in batch mode (re-cyclotron method) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-Inch Cyclotron. A total of three production and acceleration cycles yielded six hours of beam on target with peak rates of 108 particles/s. About 5.6×104 particle-? coincidence events were recorded. The g factor g(76Kr;2 +1)=+0.37(11) was obtained by direct comparison to the known g(78Kr;2+1) value re-measured immediately after the 76Kr runs with the same setup and under almost identical kinematic conditions. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: While routine immunizations are very safe, their administration to healthy children requires minimization of immunization programmatic errors. In order to estimate the incidence and ascertain the nature of reported immunization errors in the Greek childhood population, we have undertaken a study using data from the National Poison Information Center in Greece, which also has the responsibility to address medication-induced errors. METHODS: All immunization errors concerning children and reported to the National Poison Information Center during the 2-yr period 1999-2000 were retrieved and the conditions of their occurrence were examined. The incidence of reported errors was calculated under the assumption that during each year 100,000 children are born in Greece, and during their childhood they receive a total of about 20 immunization doses of all childhood immunizations. RESULTS: There were 40 immunization errors reported, corresponding to a reported incidence of about 11 per million immunization doses. Of these errors, 20 concerned OPV, 13 DTP, 5 MMR, 1 Haemophilus influenza and 1 Hepatitis B immunizations. In 12 instances an erroneous route was used (out of which 11 concerned OPV), whereas overdose was documented in 13 instances (out of which 8 concerned OPV). The third most common error was administration of DTP instead of the recommended Td vaccine. No adverse patient outcomes were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In Greece, reported errors in immunization practice are relatively rare. Packaging modifications (about one in three errors in this study) of the OPV and DTP could further reduce their incidence.

We report on magnetic and magnetoresistance measurements in two categories of superconducting Nb films grown via magnetron sputtering and MgB2 bulk samples. In the first category, films of T-c = 9.25 K were produced by annealing during deposition. In these films, the magnetic measurements exhibited the so-called 'second magnetization peak' (SMP), which is accompanied by thermomagnetic instabilities (TMI). The characteristic field H-fj, where the first flux jump occurs, has been studied as a function of the sweep rate of the magnetic field. Interestingly, in the regime T < 6.4 K, the respective line H-fj(T) is constant, H-fj(T < 6.4 K) = 40 Oe. A comparison to TMI observed in MgB2 bulk samples is also performed. Our experimental findings cannot be described accurately by current theories on TMI. In the second category, films of T-c = 8.3 K were produced without annealing during deposition. In such films, we observed a peak effect (PE). In high magnetic fields the PE is accompanied by a sharp drop and a narrow hysteretic behaviour (DeltaT < 20 rnK) in the measured niagnetoresistance. In contrast to experimental works presented in the past, the comparison of our magnetic measurements with the magnetoresistance data suggests that the appearance of surface superconductivity rather than the melting transition of vortex matter is the cause of the observed behaviour.

The thermal reaction (at 140°C) of various 1′,2′-didehydro- 2′-deoxynucleosides afforded the corresponding furanyl nucleosides in good yields. The reaction kinetics were monitored by 1H NMR and the mechanism in terms of 'four-center complex fission' is discussed. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Health Informatics field is becoming more challenging as the globalization of economy, the advancement of the technology as well as innovative breakthroughs are being incorporated in the discipline. In Europe as well as in other countries the funding into the research areas of this field is increasing. In this chapter, a brief overview of the field as well the trends of Health Informatics are discussed with respect to the new dimensions that the education of the health care professionals has to tackle in the foreseeable future.

Objectives To evaluate, in a multicenter Phase II study, the safety and efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin, as first-line treatment in elderly and unfit patients with advanced bladder carcinoma. The toxicity of platinum-based chemotherapy combinations represents a common problem for elderly or unfit patients with advanced bladder carcinoma. Methods Patients with previously untreated inoperable or metastatic bladder carcinoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status greater than 2, age older than 75 years, or creatinine clearance of less than 50 mL/min were treated with carboplatin area under the curve 4 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2 on days 1 and 8, every 21 days for a total of six cycles. Results A total of 56 patients (48 men and 8 women, median age 75 years) were enrolled. Of these patients, 46% had a performance status of 2 to 3, 68% had a creatinine clearance of less than 50 mL/min, and 59% had distant metastases. The overall response rate was 36% (95% confidence interval 23.4% to 49.6%), and an additional 14 patients had disease stabilization (25%, 95% confidence interval 14.4% to 38.4%). The median time to progression was 4.8 months, the median overall survival was 7.2 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 26%. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity included anemia (18%); thrombocytopenia (16%); neutropenia (27%), with two episodes of febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalization; diarrhea (2%); and fatigue (5.5%). Two toxic deaths occurred during the study. Conclusions The combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin has some activity as first-line treatment of advanced bladder carcinoma in the elderly and those unfit for cisplatin-based chemotherapy, with manageable toxicity, and represents a reasonable choice for the treatment of such patients. © 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2004). «Το Έμφυλο [υποκείμενο] και Ολυμπισμός». (Gender and Olympism) Εισήγηση στο 8ο Πανελλήνιου Συνέδριο Πτυχιούχων Φυσικής Αγωγής & Αθλητισμού (ΠΕΠΦΑ), [περίληψη στα πρακτικά τoυ συνεδρίου]  7-9 Μαίου 2004, Αθήνα. [M in Apella]  

• Kamberidou, I. (2004). Gender and Olympism [in Greek]. Presentation at the 8th Panhellenic Conference of the Graduates of Physical Ed. and Sport (PEPFA), 7-9 May 2004, Athens Greece. PEPFA  [M in Apella]

We develop a Green’s function multiple-scattering formalism for the calculation of the density of states and the local density of states of the elastic field in periodic and nonperiodic structures consisting of nonoverlapping scatterers in a homogeneous host medium. The formalism is based on concepts and techniques developed in relation to the similar problem of electrons in solids. We apply the method to a specific example which demonstrates the existence of virtual bound states of the elastic field localized about a plane of nonoverlapping steel spheres in polyester. These states are manifested as dips in the transmission spectrum of the monolayer. They develop into narrow frequency bands in a phononic crystal built by a succession of such planes.

Shell model calculations have been performed for low-excitation states in the Zr isotopes between 90Zr and 96Zr with an emphasis on the g factors and electromagnetic decay rates for the lowest 2+ and 3- states. Overall the 2+ states are reasonably well described. In contrast, the 3- states present a puzzle because the measured g factors imply a single-particle configuration whereas the experimental E3 transition rates imply collective structures that cannot be explained by shell model calculations. A consistent description of the 3 - states in 90Zr and 96Zr is sought in terms of coupling between the single-particle structure and a collective octupole vibration.

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis has been reported after infections in immunocompromised hosts or in association with several malignancies. We report a case of secondary hemophagocytic syndrome after chemotherapy for multiple myeloma, which responded dramatically to dexamethasone, etoposide, and cyclosporin A.

Advances in mathematics and physics that deal with fractal geometry, fractal kinetics and chaotic dynamics have offered new insights for complex, kinetic and dynamical phenomena. These concepts can be applied to describe the heterogeneous nature of drug processes in the human body. Using these concepts, all processes related to gastrointestinal drug absorption (i.e. dissolution or release, transit and uptake) are considered to take place in non-homogeneous, disordered media. In pharmacokinetic modeling, fractal spaces and branching transport networks, or stochastic models, replace the classical compartmental models. Classical pharmacodynamics relies on the suppression or amplification of a steady-state baseline; however, the underlying physiological systems are often much more complex. Therefore, tools of nonlinear dynamics are used to analyze the drug effect.

Objective: We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate the activity of oral letrozole in women with relapsed or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: Twenty-seven patients were treated with letrozole at a dose of 2.5 mg once a day. Patients with measurable or evaluable disease (n = 21) and those with only increasing CA 125 serum levels (n = 6) were eligible. Paraffin-fixed histological sections from tumor specimens resected at the initial laparotomy were assessed for the presence of estrogen, and progesterone receptors. Results: Among the 21 patients with measurable or evaluable disease who were evaluated for response by WHO criteria, we observed one complete and two partial responses for an objective response rate of 15%. Using criteria for CA 125 response we obtained a marker response in 4 of 27 patients (15%), and the marker remained stable in 5 additional patients (18%). Letrozole treatment was generally well tolerated. No correlation was observed between tumor marker response or stabilization and either estrogen or progesterone receptor expression. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the aromatase inhibitor letrozole is an agent with some activity and limited toxicity for relapsed ovarian cancer. As we could not find any association between response and hormonal receptor expression, the underlying mechanisms of letrozole action have to be elucidated. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), has been recently isolated from children with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including bronchiolitis, and classified in the Pneumovirinae subfamily within the Paramyxoviridae family.|Since most bronchiolitis studies fail to detect any viral pathogen in part of the samples, we sought for the presence of hMPV in a well characterized bronchiolitis cohort.|Nasal washes were obtained from 56 children admitted to the hospital for acute bronchiolitis. RNA extraction and subsequent RT-PCR were used to detect hMPV, and correlated the presence of the virus with clinical characteristics of the disease.|PCR revealed the presence of hMPV in 16% of bronchiolitis cases, whereas respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 67.9%) was the most frequently encountered viral pathogen. hMPV was identified either as a unique viral pathogen or co-existed with RSV, with whom they shared a similar seasonal distribution. There were no differences in disease characteristics, either clinical or laboratory, between bronchiolitis cases where hMPV was present and those caused by RSV or other viral pathogens. These findings suggest that hMPV is a common and important causative agent in infants with bronchiolitis, with clinical characteristics similar to that of RSV.

We demonstrate that hydromagnetic acceleration can be the driving mechanism of outflows in GRB sources. Using semianalytical solutions of the full set of the steady, axisymmetric, ideal hydromagnetic equations in flat spacetime -- i.e., solving the momentum equation along the flow as well as in the transfield direction -- we model the acceleration of the baryon/e±/photon fluid that emanates from a stellar-mass compact object/debris-disk system. We prove that for highly relativistic, multiple-shell outflows one can study the motion of each shell using steady-state equations. Employing a radially self-similar model, we find that the flow is initially thermally and subsequently magnetically accelerated. The Lorentz force is capable of transferring close to a half of the total energy of an initially Poynting-dominated flow to baryonic kinetic energy.

Using relativistic, steady, axisymmetric, ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), we analyze the super-Alfvénic regime of a pulsar wind by solving the momentum equation along the flow, as well as in the transfield direction. Employing a self-similar model, we demonstrate that ideal MHD can account for the full acceleration from high (>>1) to low (<<1) values of σ, the Poynting-to-matter energy flux ratio. The solutions also show a transition from a current-carrying to a return-current regime, partly satisfying the current-closure condition. We discuss the kind of boundary conditions near the base of the ideal MHD regime that are necessary in order to have the required transition from high to low σ in realistic distances and argue that this is a likely case for an equatorial wind. Examining the MHD asymptotics in general, we extend the analysis of Heyvaerts & Norman and Chiueh, Li, & Begelman by including two new elements: classes of quasi-conical and parabolic field line shapes that do not preclude an efficient and much faster than logarithmic acceleration, and the transition σ=σc after which the centrifugal forces (poloidal and azimuthal) are the dominant terms in the transfield force-balance equation.

Using relativistic, steady, axisymmetric, ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), we analyze the super-Alfvénic regime of a pulsar wind by solving the momentum equation along the flow, as well as in the transfield direction. Employing a self-similar model, we demonstrate that ideal MHD can account for the full acceleration from high (>>1) to low (<<1) values of σ, the Poynting-to-matter energy flux ratio. The solutions also show a transition from a current-carrying to a return-current regime, partly satisfying the current-closure condition. We discuss the kind of boundary conditions near the base of the ideal MHD regime that are necessary in order to have the required transition from high to low σ in realistic distances and argue that this is a likely case for an equatorial wind. Examining the MHD asymptotics in general, we extend the analysis of Heyvaerts & Norman and Chiueh, Li, & Begelman by including two new elements: classes of quasi-conical and parabolic field line shapes that do not preclude an efficient and much faster than logarithmic acceleration, and the transition σ=σc after which the centrifugal forces (poloidal and azimuthal) are the dominant terms in the transfield force-balance equation.

The study aimed to identify task-related brain activation networks whose change in expression exhibits subject differences as a function of differential susceptibility to sleep deprivation. Brain activity during a non-verbal recognition memory task was investigated in an event-related functional MRI paradigm both prior to and after 48 h of sleep deprivation. Nineteen healthy subjects participated. Regional covariance analysis was applied to data. An activation network pattern was identified whose expression decreased from pre- to post-sleep deprivation in 15 out 19 subjects (P < 0.05). Differential decrease in expression correlated with worsening performance in recognition accuracy (P < 0.05). Sites of de-activation were found in the posterior cerebellum, right fusiform gyrus and precuneus, and left lingual and inferior temporal gyri; increased activation was found in the bilateral insula, claustrum and right putamen. A network whose expression decreased after sleep deprivation and correlated with memory performance was identified. We conclude that this activation network plays a role in cognitive function during sleep deprivation.

Purpose. To set up a theoretical basis for identifying biowaivers among Class II drugs and apply the methodology developed to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs). Methods. The dynamics of the two consecutive drug processes dissolution and wall permeation are considered in the time domain of the physiologic transit time using a tube model of the intestinal lumen. The model considers constant permeability along the intestines, a plug flow fluid with the suspended particles moving with the fluid, and dissolution in the small particle limit. The fundamental differential equation of drug dissolution-uptake in the intestines is expressed in terms of the fraction of dose dissolved. Results. The fundamental parameters, which define oral drug absorption in humans resulting from this analysis, are i) the formulation-related factors, dose, particle radius size, and ii) the drug-related properties, dimensionless solubility/dose ratio (1/q), and effective permeability. Plots of dose as a function of (1/q) for various particle sizes unveil the specific values of these meaningful parameters, which ensure complete absorption for Class II drugs {[}(1/q) < 1]. A set of NSAIDs were used to illustrate the application of the approach in identifying biowaivers among the NSAIDs. Conclusions. The underlying reason for a region of fully absorbed drugs in Class II originates from the dynamic character of the dissolution-uptake processes. The dynamic character of the approach developed allows identification of biowaivers among Class II drugs. Several biowaivers among the NSAIDs were identified using solubility data at pH 5.0 and in fed-state-simulated intestinal fluid at pH 5.0. The relationships of formulation parameters, dose, particle radius, and the drug properties, dimensionless solubility/dose ratio (1/q), and permeability with the fraction of dose absorbed for drugs with low 1/q values {[}(1/q) < 1] can be used as guidance for the formulation scientist in the development phase.

Recurrent viral infections are frequently observed in children with atopic asthma. In this study we investigated the ability of the synthetic immunomodulator pidotimod to affect in vitro the phenotype and/or cytokine profile of blood cells in relation to atopic asthma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 13 atopic asthmatic and 9 normal children and stimulated in culture with mitogen either in the presence or not of the drug. Expression of surface markers was evaluated by flow cytometry, and production of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma was measured in supernatants. Pidotimod was able to down-regulate the expression of CD30 on cells from both atopic and normal subjects. Because CD30 has been associated with Th-2 cells, this observation supports the possibility of pidotimod being able to affect the Th-1/Th-2 balance in atopic asthma.

We report on combined resistance and magnetic measurements in a hybrid structure (HS) of randomly distributed anisotropic CoPt magnetic nanoparticles (MN) embedded in a 160 nm Nb thick film. Our resistance measurements exhibited a sharp increase at the magnetically determined bulk upper-critical fields H-c2(T). Above these points the resistance curves are rounded, attaining the normal state value at much higher fields identified as the surface superconductivity fields H-c3(T). When plotted in reduced temperature units, the characteristic field lines H-c3(T) of the HS and of a pure Nb film, prepared at exactly the same conditions, coincide for H<10 kOe, while for fields H>10 kOe they strongly segregate. Interestingly, the characteristic value H=10 kOe is equal to the saturation field H-sat(MN) of the MN. The behavior mentioned above is observed only for the case where the field is normal to the film's surface, while it is absent when the field is parallel to the film. Our experimental results suggest that the observed enhancement of surface superconductivity field H-c3(T) is possibly due to the not uniform local reduction of the external magnetic field by the dipolar fields of the MN.

The band gap of half-metallic ferromagnets can be affected by the spin-orbit coupling, which introduces there a small, but non-vanishing, density of states. We study this effect in the case of Heusler alloys. We find that, as a rule, the spin polarization in the middle of the gap decreases for compounds of heavier elements.

The European Union aims to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010. Nevertheless, half the Europe-25 Member States possess limited innovation capacities. This article argues that the co-evolution patterns of physical and social technologies indicate two possible scenarios: either the forward-looking elements will start a chain reaction mobilising the rest of the national system, as in Ireland; or the dynamic elements will integrate sectorally and transnationally to the global system, leaving the rest of the economy in a permanent low-cost and low-competitiveness trap. The former is a win-win scenario for the European system of innovation, whereas the latter is second-best.

A small aperture seismic array was installed by the University of Athens, in the area of Tripoli, Greece, on July 16th 2003, in order to test the performance of seismic array processing in the area of Greece and assess its contribution to earthquake location, especially in offshore areas not azimuthally covered by the existing, conventional seismological networks. The array consists of four three-component seismological stations, one of them in the middle of a small, almost equilateral triangle, formed by the deployment of the other three stations. Despite the fact that array siting is a compromise of array installation criteria, equipment safety and logistics, the test character of the experiment can be served successfully. The array transfer function depicts good azimuthal coverage nonetheless the existence of side-lobes and a rather wide main lobe is characteristic of spatial aliasing and low resolution in the two-dimensional wavenumber domain. The resolvable wavenumber passband of the array permits the determination of most of the common seismic body wave phases (Pn, Pg, Sn, Sg, etc.) for local and regional events in the area of Greece. Location of recorded events was performed using slowness and backazimuth data, calculated by f-k analysis of the seismic waveforms. Preliminary results have been compared to epicentres calculated by the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens. Although some differences are observed, these are not significant and location results as well as overall array performance can be improved by array calibration and travel-time, azimuth and slowness correction calculations.

Several studies have indicated that age, hemoglobin and serum albumin are among the most important prognostic factors for survival of patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). Furthermore, recent data indicate that serum b2-microglobulin may be also significant. The recently proposed International Staging System (ISS) for multiple myeloma is based on serum albumin and b2-microglobulin. We designed a study to assess this model in patients with WM. Our analysis included 83 previously untreated patients with WM who required systemic treatment and in whom pretreatment values for both serum albumin and b2-microglobulin were available. Based on these variables the patients were stratified into three ISS stages. Stage I: albumin ≥ 3.5 g/dl and b2-microglobulin < 3.5 mg/dl, stage II: albumin < 3.5 g/dl and b2-microglobulin < 3.5 mg/gl or b2-microglobulin 3.5 - 5.5 mg/dl and stage III: b2-microglobulin > 5.5 mg/dl. Low albumin (3.5 g/dl) and high b2-microglobulin (≥ 3.5 mg/dl) were recorded in 45% and 52% of patients respectively. The distribution of patients in the three ISS stages was: stage I: 30%, stage II: 43% and stage III: 27%. The median overall survival from the date of treatment initiation was 115 months. The median survival according to ISS was not reached for stage I, 116 months for stage II and 54 months for stage III (P = 0.02). Our analysis indicated that the recently proposed ISS for multiple myeloma could stratify the patients with WM into three distinct subgroups with significantly different survival times. If this model is validated in independent series, it could provide a new staging system for WM based on readily available and reproducible variables. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective study presenting the experience of a teaching-oriented laparoendoscopic unit with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in order to add data to the international literature concerning issues such as epidemiology, intraoperative findings, conversion and complication rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study 5539 consecutive patients who underwent LC between 1990 and 2000 were included. Elective (n=4903) or emergent (n=636) LC was performed in all but 99 patients (who were converted to the open procedure). Conversion rate, complication rate, mortality, and length of stay were the main outcome parameters in this study. RESULTS: There was no intraoperative or in-hospital mortality in our series. The conversion rate was 1.8%. The complication rate was 2.92% (162 patients). The vast majority of our patients (92%) were discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: LC is a safe technique when up-to-date equipment and meticulous dissection techniques are employed. A specialized laparoscopic unit is important in a general surgery department, to have an experienced laparoscopic surgeon in all cases. In our opinion this is the only way to minimize common bile duct injuries and the rates of other major complications.

We develop a method for the calculation of ballistic transport from first principles. The multiple scattering screened Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method is combined with a Green-function formulation of the Landauer approach for the ballistic transport. We obtain an efficient O(N) algorithm for the calculation of ballistic conductance through a scattering region connected to semi-infinite crystalline leads. In particular we generalize the results of Baranger and Stone in the case of Bloch wave boundary conditions and, we discuss relevant properties of the S matrix. We consider the implications on the application of the formalism in conjunction with a cellular multiple scattering description of the electronic structure; and demonstrate the convergence properties concerning the angular momentum expansions.

This article deals with the economic exclusive zone delimitation agreement reached on the17th February 2003 between Cyprus and Egypt. It is the first agreement of this kind concluded in the Mediterranean, where delimitation issues are particularly delicate, not only because of the limited maritime space but also due to the particularly conflictual atmosphere which reigns notably in the Eastern basin of this sea.The article analyses, in the first place, the content of the agreement and the reactions generated by its conclusion. Furthermore, it argues on its side effects, namely the revival of the discourse concerning the exclusive economic zones issue in the Mediterranean sea.

The transport properties of pulsed-laser-deposited NiMnSb films on silicon as a function of film thickness were discussed. It was found that a low-temperature upturn was observed in the resistivity for film thicknesses of 130 nm and below. It was observed that as the film thickness decreased, the magnitude of both the resistivity upturn and the magnetoresistance increased. Analysis shows that the evolution of the field dependence of the magnetoresistance appeared similar to the silver chalcogenides and was indicative of a crossover from hole-dominated to electron-dominated transport as the temperature increased.

Using ideal magnetohydrodynamics we examine an outflow from a disk surrounding a stellar-mass compact object. We demonstrate that the magnetic acceleration is efficient (>~ 50% of the magnetic energy can be transformed into kinetic energy of γ > 102 baryons) and also that the jet becomes collimated to very small opening angles. Observational implications, focusing on the case of an initially neutron-rich outflow, are discussed in Königl's contribution.

Using ideal magnetohydrodynamics we examine an outflow from a disk surrounding a stellar-mass compact object. We demonstrate that the magnetic acceleration is efficient (>~ 50% of the magnetic energy can be transformed into kinetic energy of γ > 102 baryons) and also that the jet becomes collimated to very small opening angles. Observational implications, focusing on the case of an initially neutron-rich outflow, are discussed in Königl's contribution.

Leaves of Inula viscosa have been used in medicine from ancient times. Structures or cells with secreting activity were localized and a spectrum of products was histochemically identified within them. Leaf extracts were investigated with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Calluses produced from leaf-cell cultures were also subjected to histochemical reagents and tested with GC-MS and TLC to investigate their secreting ability compared with that in leaves. Little-differentiated callus cells are synthetically active and produce, as do its leaf cells, numerous polar compounds that could be of pharmaceutical interest. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London.

We report a rare case of a 21-year-old man with leptospirosis mimicking acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis. This case report aims at pointing out the need of taking into consideration the possibility of leptospirosis in patients with an influenza-like syndrome, headache accompanied by acute abdominal pain and a suspicious exposure in order to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.

The mean monthly shortwave (SW) radiation budget at the top of atmosphere (TOA) was computed on 2.5° longitude-latitude resolution for the 14-year period from 1984 to 1997, using a radiative transfer model with long-term climatological data from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP-D2) supplemented by data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction - National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP-NCAR) Global Reanalysis project, and other global data bases such as TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) and Global Aerosol Data Set (GADS). The model radiative fluxes at TOA were validated against Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) S4 scanner satellite data (1985-1989). The model is able to predict the seasonal and geographical variation of SW TOA fluxes. On a mean annual and global basis, the model is in very good agreement with ERBE, overestimating the outgoing SW radiation at TOA (OSR) by 0.93 Wm-2 (or by 0.92%), within the ERBE uncertainties. At pixel level, the OSR differences between model and ERBE are mostly within ±10 Wm-2, with ±5 Wm-2 over extended regions, while there exist some geographic areas with differences of up to 40 Wm-2, associated with uncertainties in cloud properties and surface albedo. The 14-year average model results give a planetary albedo equal to 29.6% and a TOA OSR flux of 101.2 Wm-2. A significant linearly decreasing trend in OSR and planetary albedo was found, equal to 2.3 Wm-2 and 0.6% (in absolute values), respectively, over the 14-year period (from January 1984 to December 1997), indicating an increasing solar planetary warming. This planetary SW radiative heating occurs in the tropical and sub-tropical areas (20° S-20° N), with clouds being the most likely cause. The computed global mean OSR anomaly ranges within ±4 Wm-2, with signals from El Niño and La Niña events or Pinatubo eruption, whereas significant negative OSR anomalies, starting from year 1992, are also detected.

There is growing evidence that relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei undergo extended (parsec-scale) acceleration. We argue that, contrary to some suggestions in the literature, this acceleration cannot be purely hydrodynamic. Using exact semianalytic solutions of the relativistic MHD equations, we demonstrate that the parsec-scale acceleration to relativistic speeds inferred in sources such as the radio galaxy NGC 6251 and the quasar 3C 345 can be attributed to magnetic driving. Additional observational implications of this model will be explored in future papers in this series.

There is growing evidence that relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei undergo extended (parsec-scale) acceleration. We argue that, contrary to some suggestions in the literature, this acceleration cannot be purely hydrodynamic. Using exact semianalytic solutions of the relativistic MHD equations, we demonstrate that the parsec-scale acceleration to relativistic speeds inferred in sources such as the radio galaxy NGC 6251 and the quasar 3C 345 can be attributed to magnetic driving. Additional observational implications of this model will be explored in future papers in this series.

The diamagnetic susceptibility of multiwall carbon nanotubes is studied as function of magnetic field and temperature. Both the low-field and the low-temperature susceptibility reveal a definite paramagnetic upturn in qualitative agreement with the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Analysis of the high-field magnetic susceptibility in terms of the orbital diamagnetism of quasi-two-dimensional graphite implies hole-doping and supports further the intrinsically divergent paramagnetic contribution of small metallic nanotubes. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The magnetic properties of two series of trivalent rare earth (R 3+) molecular complexes with hydrazone ligands (R=Ce, Pr, Dy, Ho, Er), adopting different crystal structures, have been investigated by static susceptibility measurements. At high temperatures, the magnetic response is dominated by the paramagnetic contribution of R3+ ions determined by the crystal-field interaction. At low temperatures (T<4K), an antiferromagnetic deviation is observed, most pronounced for the series with the heavier R3+ ions. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The magnetic properties of the Zr2FeV3O11 vanadate, characterized by a disordered distribution of diamagnetic Zn 2+ and high-spin Fe3+ ions, are studied using magnetization and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The dc susceptibility reveals antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe3 +spins with a Curie-Weiss temperature Θ = -58(1) K, followed by a transition to a frozen, spin-glass-like state at low temperature T f ≈ 2.55 K, indicating an inhomogeneous magnetic ground state. The temperature variation of the EPR parameters confirms the antiferromagnetic coupling of Fe3+ spins at high temperatures, while a distinct divergence is observed at T ≈ 55 K. This behavior is attributed to the inherent magnetic inhomogeneity of the system due to antiferromagnetic spin clusters.

We have grown films of the half-metallic ferromagnet NiMnSb on single crystals of the narrow gap semiconductor InSb by pulsed laser deposition. NiMnSb is a possible candidate for spin injection applications. The film depositions occurred at 200°C. X-ray diffraction studies indicate a high degree of (220) texture and no secondary phases. A saturation magnetization of four Bohr magnetons, μB. at 5 K and coercive fields down to 5 Oe at 300 K indicate the good quality of the films.

We study the magnetization and the magnetic phases of II-VI-based n-doped non-magnetic-semiconductor (NMS) / narrow to wide dilute-magnetic-semiconductor (DMS) / n-doped NMS quantum wells under in-plane magnetic field. The parallel magnetic field is used as a tool, in order to achieve non-step-like density of states in these -appropriate for conduction-band spintronics- structures.

Several epidemiological studies using sensitive detection methodologies have confirmed that the majority of acute asthma exacerbations follow upper respiratory tract infections–common colds. Most of these colds are due to human rhinoviruses (RVs). RVs are able to reach and replicate in epithelial cells of the lower airways and can activate these cells to produce pro-inflammatory mediators. Under some circumstances, RVs can also become cytotoxic to the epithelium. Atopic asthmatic individuals produce less interferon-gamma and more interleukin-10 than normal subjects in response to RV infection. Symptom severity as well as viral shedding after experimental RV infection, is inversely correlated with 'atopic' status, expressed as the interferon-gamma to interleukin-5 ratio. Expression of co-stimulatory molecules on immune cells is also affected in atopic asthmatics, suggesting an aberrant immune response to RV that may lead to suboptimal viral clearance and viral persistence. Some of the above effects can be reversed in vitro by corticosteroids, second-generation antihistamines or anti-oxidants; however, the optimal strategy for treating acute asthma exacerbations requires further research at both mechanistic and clinical levels.

This paper focuses on the question of discovering the keystone of the South-East (SE) Mediterranean geopolitical shell which is located on the crucial security problem faced by the state of Israel as well as on the question of how the Greek and Greek-Cypriot sides will cope with the impetuously immediate resolution of the Cyprus Issue in accordance with the Annan Plan on “a Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem” which creates a new strategic image for Cyprus with significant medium and short term repercussions for the entire SE Mediterranean geopolitical complex-and the Greek-Turkish & Turkish-Cypriot relations. This paper’s conclusion is the proposal to politically handle all negotiations, namely to actually negotiate in principle-so that the Greek-Cypriot side shall not be held responsible for an a priori dismissal of the Annan Plan-but it is the author’s estimate that the Greek and Greek Cypriot sides should not have accepted the said plan on 12/12/2002 unless it has incorporated the modifications suggested herein.

From a sample of 304 carbon stars in the central parts of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), ~27 per cent have Merrill-Sanford (MS) bands of the SiC2 molecule. The data are based on a uniform set of spectra taken with 2dF on the Anglo-Australian Telescope, and give useful statistics on the incidence of MS bands and on their correlation (or otherwise) with other properties. All of these are red stars, cooler than 3100 K. The proportion of stars showing the bands is highest amongst the coolest stars, but not all very cool stars show the bands. There is no evidence that MS bands are more common in J-type stars (carbon stars with a high 13C/12C ratio) than in N-type carbon stars, at least within this sample of LMC stars. There is no apparent correlation with stellar variability, or between the photospheric temperature [as measured by (J-K)] and the occurrence of the `hot' MS bands from excited molecular states.

Two different approaches were used to study the kinetics of the enzymatic reaction under heterogeneous conditions to interpret the unusual nonlinear pharmacokinetics of mibefradil. Firstly, a detailed model based on the kinetic differential equations is proposed to study the enzymatic reaction under spatial constraints and in vivo conditions. Secondly, Monte Carlo simulations of the enzyme reaction in a two-dimensional square lattice, placing special emphasis on the input and output of the substrate were applied to mimic in vivo conditions. Both the mathematical model and the Monte Carlo simulations for the enzymatic reaction reproduced the classical Michaelis-Menten ( MM) kinetics in homogeneous media and unusual kinetics in fractal media. Based on these findings, a time-dependent version of the classic MM equation was developed for the rate of change of the substrate concentration in disordered media and was successfully used to describe the experimental plasma concentration-time data of mibefradil and derive estimates for the model parameters. The unusual nonlinear pharmacokinetics of mibefradil originates from the heterogeneous conditions in the reaction space of the enzymatic reaction. The modified MM equation can describe the pharmacokinetics of mibefradil as it is able to capture the heterogeneity of the enzymatic reaction in disordered media.

A new methodology is presented for the model estimation of an import-export pollution balance across country borders based on the classification of the synoptic scale atmospheric circulation. As an application, the transboundary transport of SO2 and NOx across the Greek borders is investigated for the year 1995. The annual total inflow-outflow fluxes were derived by weighting the model results with the annual relative frequency of the corresponding synoptic type appearance. The results of the new modelling method are similar to those following the day-by-day calculation of the inflow-outflow fluxes for the whole year 1995 using the same models. The advantage of the new methodology is that it is definitely less time-consuming than the day-by-day calculations. Hence, the proposed methodology can be employed as a practical tool for several applications requiring the implementation of complex models over longer time periods. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a slowly progressive or nonprogressive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding skeletal muscle sarcomeric thin filament proteins. It is characterized by great heterogeneity at the clinical, histopathological, and genetic level. Although multiple molecular pathways are commonly affected in all NM patients, little is known about the molecular characteristics of muscles from patients in different NM subgroups. We have analyzed a group of global gene expression data sets for transcriptional patterns characteristic of particular nemaline myopathy classes. Differential expression between disease subgroups was primarily seen in mitochondrial-, structural-, and transcription-related genes. Multiple lines of evidence support the hypothesis that muscles from cases with "nontyping" NM, although clinically classified as typical NM, share a unique pathophysiological state and are characterized by distinct patterns of gene expression. Determination of the specific molecular differences in NM subgroups may eventually lead to improved prognostic determinations and treatment of these patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systemic chemotherapy on the monoclonal protein levels of patients with solid tumors who also have a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). All patients with solid tumors who were referred to our department for consideration of systemic chemotherapy were evaluated with serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) for the presence of MGUS. When MGUS was confirmed with immunofixation, serial SPEP was performed during and after completion of chemotherapy. Over a 6-year period, 21 patients with solid tumors and MGUS were prospectively identified and assessed. At least 50% reduction of serum monoclonal protein was noted in 4 of 11 patients treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel with a platinum analogue and in 5 of 7 patients who received an irinotecan-containing regimen. Our data indicate that in MGUS patients treated with irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens, a high incidence of reduction in their monoclonal protein levels is observed. Since topotecan, another topoisomerase I inhibitor, has some activity in multiple myeloma, further evaluation of irinotecan may be warranted. Evaluation of larger numbers of MGUS patients treated with chemotherapy for their underlying malignancy may help identify "in vivo" potentially active agents and regimens for patients with overt myeloma. © Springer-Verlag 2004.

This article demonstrates morphometric methods by applying them to an orthodontic sample. A total of 150 pretreatment cephalograms of consecutive patients (84 female, 66 male) were traced and digitized. Fifteen points were used for the analysis. The tracings were superimposed by the Procrustes method, and shape variability was assessed by principal component analysis. Approximately 70% of the total sample variability was incorporated in the first 5 principal components. The most significant principal component, accounting for 29% of shape variability, was the divergence of skeletal pattern; the second principal component, accounting for 20% of shape variability, was the anteroposterior maxillary relationship. It is recommended that Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis be incorporated into routine cephalometric analysis for more valid and comprehensive shape assessment.

BACKGROUND: Motor signs (MOSIs) are common in Alzheimer disease (AD) and may be associated with rates of cognitive decline, mortality, and cost of care. OBJECTIVE: To describe the progression and identify predictors of individual MOSIs in AD. METHODS: A cohort of 474 patients with AD at early stages was followed semiannually for up to 13.1 years (mean 3.6 years) in five centers in Europe and the United States. MOSIs were rated using a standardized portion of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Overall, 3,030 visits/assessments of MOSIs (average 6.4/patient) were performed. Prevalence and incidence rates were calculated, and cumulative risk graphs were plotted for individual non-drug-induced MOSI domains. Rates of change over time taking into account potential covariates were also estimated. With use of each MOSI domain as outcome in Cox models, predictors of MOSI incidence were identified. RESULTS: At least one MOSI was detected in 13% of patients at first examination and in 36% for the last evaluation. Total MOSI score increased at an annual rate of 3% of total possible score. Rates of annual change for speech/facial expression (4%), rigidity (2.45%), posture/gait (3.9%), and bradykinesia (3.75%) were of similar magnitude, and their occurrence increased from first (3 to 6%) to last (22 to 29%) evaluation. Tremor was less frequent throughout the course of the disease (4% at first and 7% at last evaluation) and worsened less (0.75% increase/year). CONCLUSIONS: Most motor signs occur frequently and progress rapidly in Alzheimer disease. Tremor is an exception in that it occurs less frequently and advances at slower rates.

We report on first-principles calculations for multilayers of zinc-blende half-metallic ferromagnets CrAs and CrSb with III-V and II-VI semiconductors, in the {[}001] orientation. We examine the ideal and tetragonalized structures, as well as the case of an intermixed interface. We find that, as a rule, half-metallicity can be conserved throughout the heterostructures, provided that the character of the local coordination and bonding is not disturbed. We describe a mechanism operative at the interfaces with semiconductors that can also give a non-integer spin moment per interface transition atom, and derive a simple rule for evaluating it.

We present the basic steps for the study of the linear near field absorption spectra of semiconductor quantum dots under magnetic field of variable orientation. We show that the application of the magnetic field alone is sufficient to induce -increasing the spot illuminated by the near field probe- interesting features to the absorption spectra.

Objectives: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used to improve outcome after cystectomy or for selection for bladder preservation in patients with bladder cancer. We have shown encouraging results using docetaxel and cisplatin in patients with advanced urothelial cancer. We are reporting the results of a phase II study using this combination as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods: Fifty patients were treated with docetaxel and cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 3 cycles prior to cystectomy. Median follow-up was 70.2 months. Results: Chemotherapy was well tolerated. 5-year survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were 51.92% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 37.76-66.08) and 52.47% (95%CI: 37.99-66.95). Multivariate analysis showed that clinical stage (cT) ≤ 3a was associated with improved 5-year survival (86.42% vs. 40.81%, p=0.027). Forty one patients underwent cystectomy. No tumor was found in 15 cases (36.6%). 5-year survival was 60.34% (95%CI: 52.2-68.48) and PFS was 57.11% (95%CI: 41.29-72.93). Absence of residual tumor was associated with improved 5-year survival (93.33% vs. 40.72%, p=0.031). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin is feasible and produced high pathological complete remission rate and excellent outcome in patients with no residual tumor. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

During two observational seasons of international campaign of YY Her we secured photometric data which covered the primary as well as the secondary minima and revealed unexpected outburst activity of this system.

Deep seismic and gravity measurements were conducted along profiles in CW Attica to investigate the subsurface structure of the area that suffered heavy damages after the Mw=5.9 of September, 7th 1999 earthquake. Within the framework of this investigation the following tasks were accomplished: a) Three long seismic lines of about 10km each, two of which in the epicentral area of Thriassion plain (west part of Athens) and one along the Parnitha Mtn-Penteli Mtn axis (central part of Athens) and b) eight gravity profiles, comprising 338 gravity measurements, four of which in the Thriassion plain, three in the meizoseismal area of Petroupoli, Aharnes and Thrakomacedones (east of Parnitha Mtn) and one along the Parnitha Mtn-Penteli Mtn axis.

Geopolitical and political reality as well as its proper reading were, are and will always be a challenge for all social and spiritual leaders. Today’s reality is characterised by the end of traditional hermeneutic systems, i.e. those stochastic examples from which the lot of social, political, economic and philosophical issues drew their “safe” and lucid answers. These traditional, holistic examples that were also used in the cases of individual national social formations as well as groups of national social formations were – roughly – the following two: the Socialist one and the Liberal one. The two conflicting worlds, the Eastern and Western ones respectively, rallied ideologically and geopolitically around these two axes. The government elites of the National Social Formations (NSF’s) that used to comprise these two worlds concur with this Procrustean division. The same phenomenon also characterized for nearly fifty years the respective political cultures and dominant ideologies as well as the geopolitical approaches of the said National Social Formations.

By using isothermal magnetization measurements in polycrystalline MgB2 samples, we estimate the H-c2(c) in the interval [0, T-c]. By combining these measurements to the estimated H-c2(ab) from the onset of the diamagnetic transition in isofield and isothermal magnetic measurements, an estimation of the anisotropy parameter can be achieved. The H-c2(c) values coming from high quality polycrystalline samples agrees nicely to those obtained on single crystals. Our results show a temperature variation of the gamma(T) = H-c2(ab) / H-c2(c) with gamma(T-c) approximate to 3.

Six- and five-coordinate Fe(II) complexes with the pincer Iigand 2,6-bis(imidazolylidene)pyridine (C-N-C), [(C-N-C)Fe(MeCN)3][BPh 4]2 and [(C-N-C)FeBr2], respectively, were synthesized. Substitution of tmeda in [FeCl2(tmeda)]2 by C-N-C gave the sixcoordinate {[Fe(C-N-C)(C-N-C*)][FeCl4]}, in which one of the pincer ligands is bound to the metal via the 2- and 5-imidazole carbons.

We analyze the important changes induced in the density of states of narrow-to-wide conduction-band dilute magnetic semiconductor quantum wells subjected to an in-plane magnetic field, B. We show quantitatively that the DOS diverges significantly from the famous step-like two-dimensional electron gas form, by providing results for many values of B and grades of spatial localization. This introduces changes in the pertinent electronic properties. The self-consistent approach is indispensable and the eigenvalue problem has to be solved for each subband index i, spin σ, and in-plane wave vector, e.g. kx. We can select the appropriate parameters so that the structure is populated by carriers of spin-down or exploit the effect of the depopulation of the higher spin-subbands to eliminate carriers with spin-up.

Purpose. i) To develop novel approaches for the construction of bio-equivalence ( BE) limits incorporating both the intrasubject variability and the geometric mean ratio (GMR), and ii) to assess the performance of the novel approaches in comparison to several scaled BE procedures and the classic unscaled average BE. Methods. Plots of the BE limits or the extreme GMR values accepted as a function of the coefficient of variation ( CV) were constructed for published and the developed scaled procedures. Two-period crossover BE investigations with 12, 24, or 36 subjects were simulated with assumptions of a CV 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%. The decline in the percentage of accepted studies was recorded as the true GMR for the two formulations was raised from 1.00 to 1.50. Acceptance of BE was evaluated by published and the developed scaled procedures, and, for comparison, by the unscaled average BE. Results. Two GMR-dependent BE limits are proposed for the evaluation of average BE: i) BELscG1 with Ln(Upper, Lower BE limit) = +/-{[}(5-4GMR)0.496s + Ln(1.25)], and ii) BELscG2 with Ln(Upper, Lower BE limit) = +/-{[}(3-2GMR)(0.496s + Ln(1.25))], where s is the square root of the intrasubject variance. The range of BE limits becomes narrower as GMR values deviate from unity, and increases with variability. The two new approaches exhibit the highest statistical power at low CV values. At high levels of variability, BELscG1 and BELscG2 show high statistical power, as well as the lowest percentages of acceptance among the scaled methods when GMR = 1.25. The latter becomes more obvious when a large number of subjects is incorporated in the studies. Conclusions. The GMR and CV estimates of the BE study can be used in conjunction with the GMR vs. CV plot for the assessment of average BE. The new approaches, BELscG1 and BELscG2, appear to be highly effective at all levels of variation investigated.

We recently found that female aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice that are deficient in oestradiol due to a targeted mutation in the aromatase gene show deficits in sexual behaviour that cannot be corrected by adult treatment with oestrogens. We determined here whether these impairments are associated with changes in general levels of activity, anxiety or 'depressive-like' symptomatology due to chronic oestrogen deficiency. We also compared the neurochemical profile of ArKO and wild-type (WT) females, as oestrogens have been shown to modulate dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic brain activities. ArKO females did not differ from WT in spontaneous motor activity, exploration or anxiety. These findings are in line with the absence of major neurochemical alterations in hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex or striatum, which are involved in the expression of these behaviours. By contrast, ArKO females displayed decreased active behaviours, such as struggling and swimming, and increased passive behaviours, such as floating, in repeated sessions of the forced swim test, indicating that these females exhibit 'depressive-like' symptoms. Adult treatment with oestradiol did not reverse the behavioural deficits observed in the forced swim test, suggesting that they may be due to the absence of oestradiol during development. Accordingly, an increased serotonergic activity was observed in the hippocampus of ArKO females compared with WT, which was also not reversed by adult oestradiol treatment. The possible organizational role of oestradiol on the hippocampal serotonergic system and the 'depressive-like' profile of ArKO females provide new insights into the pathophysiology of depression and the increased vulnerability of women to depression.

Using the first-principles layer-multiple-scattering method we developed in previous work, we analyze recent experimental data on the extinction of light by rectangular two-dimensional arrays of gold nanoparticles on a dielectric waveguide. The theoretical results reproduce accurately the measured spectra and provide a transparent physical picture of the underlying processes.

Ἡ ἠθικὴ πλευρὰ τοῦ ζητήματος, ὅπως καὶ τὸ ἀνακῦψαν ζήτημα τοῦ σεβασμοῦ τῶν διεθνῶν θεσμῶν καὶ τῆς διεθνοῦς νομιμότητας ἀπὸ πλευρᾶς τῆς βρετανο-ἀμερικανικῆς συμμαχίας ἔχει νομίζομε ἀναλυθεῖ καὶ ἀπαντηθεῖ καὶ μάλιστα ἐντόνως ἀπὸ τοὺς λαοὺς ὅλου τοῦ κόσμου καὶ βεβαίως καὶ ἀπὸ τὸν ἑλληνικὸ λαὸ σύσσωμο. Τὸ ζήτημα ὅμως τῆς γεωπολιτικῆς ἀναλύσεως ἀναφορικῶς πρὸς τὴν κατάσταση ἡ ὁποία θὰ προκύψει μετὰ ἀπὸ τὶς πολεμικὲς ἐπιχειρήσεις καὶ ἰδιαιτέρως οἱ ἐπιπτώσεις καὶ ἐπιδράσεις της στὴν ἑλληνικὴ πολιτικὴ ἀμύνης καὶ ἀσφάλειας πρέπει νὰ εἶναι ἀποτέλεσμα νηφαλίας σκέψεως, μὲ γνώμονα πάντοτε, τὰ ἐθνικὰ συμφέροντα.

Background: To compare survival between patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with epirubicin/paclitaxel (Taxol) or paclitaxel/carboplatin (Cp) chemotherapy. Patients and methods: From January 1999 to April 2002, 327 eligible patients with ABC were randomized to receive either paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 in a 3-h infusion followed by epirubicin (EPI) 80 mg/m2 (group A) or paclitaxel, as in group A, followed by Cp at an AUC of 6 mg × min/ml (group, B) every 3 weeks for six cycles. Results: After a median follow-up of 23.5 months, median survival was not significantly different between the two groups (22.4 months versus 27.8 months, P = 0.25), whereas median time to treatment failure was significantly longer in patients treated with paclitaxel/Cp (8.1 months in group A versus 10.8 months in group B, P=0.04). Both regimens were well tolerated. In total, 39 patients (24%) in group A and 46 (29%) in group B suffered at least one severe side-effect. Quality-of-life assessment and cost analysis did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the paclitaxel/Cp combination is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with ABC in which anthracycline administration has the potential of being harmful. © 2004 European Society for Medical Oncology.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of virus infection of the human respiratory tract during the first two years of life, with virtually all children experiencing at least one infection within this period. Although this usually leads to mild respiratory illness, some infants develop more severe disease (bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc.) affecting the lower airways and frequently requiring hospitalisation. There is evidence that bronchiolitis hospitalisations have increased during the last two decades and many of the hospitalised children develop wheezing later in life. The immune response to the virus is probably a major factor in the development or the expression of the pathological phenotype. In particular, a bias towards type-2 cytokine responses seems to be associated with more severe disease, whereas a type-1 response leads to more effective viral clearance and milder illness. Although the virus by itself triggers a type-1 response, a preexisting type-1 deficiency may contribute to the severity of the disease. In that sense, RSV bronchiolitis may serve as a marker, reflecting predisposition of the individual for virus induced wheezing early in life and/or asthma later in life.

A phase I pharmacokinetics and dose-finding study and a phase II study of the combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin HCI (PLD) and paclitaxel were conducted in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC). Sixty patients with recurrent or metastatic disease were enrolled in the study: 11 patients in the phase I study and 49 patients in the phase II study. In the phase I study, the initial dose level of PLD was 35 mg/m2 as a 1-h infusion with escalating increments of 5 mg/m2 until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. A fixed dose of paclitaxel (175 mg/m 2) was administered as a 3-h infusion. The combination was administered every 28 days. Pharmacokinetic studies performed on 10 patients indicated that the sequence of drug administration did not cause clinically significant modifications in the pharmacokinetics of either drug. The MTD for PLD was 45 mg/m2 (dose level 3) and the dose-limiting toxicity was febrile neutropenia, occurring in three of five patients. The phase II dose of PLD was 40 mg/m2 (dose level 2) and a total of 214 cycles were delivered. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in 26% patients and febrile neutropenia occurred in 16% of patients. Grade 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) was recorded in only one patient. The overall response rate was 28% for patients with non-nasopharyngeal tumors [95% confidence interval (CI) 15-45%] and 28.6% for the study population (95% CI 17-43%). The median survival for the study population was 9.7 months; 1-year survival was 38%. We conclude that the recommended dose for the combination of PLD and paclitaxel is 40 and 175 mg/m2 every 28 days, without granulocyte colony stimulating factor support. The combination of paclitaxel with PLD demonstrated activity in recurrent or metastatic HNC, a favorable toxicity profile and relative ease of administration. © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Objective: Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plasma levels are increased in patients with valvular heart disease. The present study investigates possible changes after mitral or aortic valve replacement (MVR, AVR). Methods: In this prospective study, ANP plasma levels were measured in 11 patients undergoing MVR for mitral stenosis, in 11 patients undergoing AVR for aortic valve stenosis, and in 6 patients without heart disease undergoing thoracotomy for lung resection (control group). Blood samples were collected preoperatively (1 day before), during, and 8 days after the operation by serial blood sampling and were determined by radioimmunoassay method. ANP values were correlated with the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the aortic cross-clamping time, and the left atrial filling pressures. Results: ANP plasma levels were increased in all patients with valvular heart disease preoperatively and did not change during anesthesia or CPB; nor were they correlated with CPB duration or atrial filling pressures. The left atriotomy did not alter ANP plasma levels. The intracardiac surgical manipulations as well as CPB did not influence the ANP secretion intraoperatively and during the first postoperative week. Patients who underwent lung resection showed no change of ANP plasma levels perioperatively. Conclusion: ANP levels are not altered during and 1 week after valve replacement and, therefore, do not reflect hemodynamic changes perioperatively. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

{Purpose. Better dosing is needed for antibiotics, including teicoplanin (TEI), to prevent emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Here, we assess the TEI pharmacokinetics (PK) related to a 10 mg/l minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) target in ICU children (4 to 120 months; n=20) with gram+infections. Methods. Standard administration of TEI was with three 10 mg/kg Q12h, loading infusions, and maintainance with 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg Q24h. During maintenance, 9 samples (3/day) were collected per patient and the PK analyzed with Nonlinear Mixed Effects Model (NONMEM). Results. Thirty-five percent of concentrations in older children (greater than or equal to2 months) vs. 8% in younger infants (<12 months) were below the target MIC. The global bicompartmental population PK parameters were {[}mean (interindividual CV%)] CL=0.23 l/h {[}72%]

This paper reports new photometric observations of minima of two very long-period eclipsing systems: AZ Cas (P=3402 °}) and EE Cep (P=2050 °). In order to match the observed depth of the primary minimum of AZ Cas we had to introduce a third light component. For EE Cep, the shape of the eclipse can be explained by a model that includes a dark precessing disk in the system.

The paper presents combined spectroscopic and photometric orbital solutions for five close binary systems: V 402Aur, SX Crv, V829 Her, VZ Lib and V753 Mon. The photometric data consist of new complete, multicolor light curves, while the spectroscopy has been recently obtained within the radial velocity program at the David Dunlap Observatory. For one target, SX Crv, new spectroscopic data were obtained using the 6.5 m Magellan telescope. A contact configuration was found through light curve modeling for all targets except V753 Mon. Our solution for V753 Mon resulted in a semidetached configuration with the slightly less massive component filling its Roche lobe.

Indicator dilution studies are used to provide estimates for several physiological parameters such as cardiac output as well as intra- and extravascular volumes. This study introduces a novel technique for the estimation of recirculatory parameters. A mathematical model based on a dispersion-convection partial differential equation (PDE), derived from the fractal geometry of the vascular tree and the hydrodynamics of the blood flow, is used to describe the spatiotemporal profile of tracers in the circulatory system. Initially, the equation is fitted to concentration-time (C, t) data of a tracer to derive the parameter estimates of the model equation; in a subsequent step, these estimates along with appropriate changes of the parameters of the PDE are used to generate the early concentration-time profile of a hypothetical appropriate tracer without recirculation. Thus, the area under the concentration-time curve of the first passage of the tracer is calculated and used for the estimation of various physiological parameters, including cardiac output, miscellaneous partial blood volumes, and the corresponding mean transit times. The procedure was applied successfully to literature data of various tracers from humans and dogs.

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a discrete subset of large B-cell lymphoma with unique clinicopathologic features. The question of optimal treatment emerges because it is an uncommon but not rare occurrence. A retrospective study was therefore conducted in a group of patients in Greece to evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcome in this disease. Twenty patients with PMBCL, with a median age of 42 years, treated at centers participating in the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group over the last 20 years, were reviewed. Thirteen (65%) had bulky disease at the time of presentation, 7 (35%) had superior vena cavae obstruction, and 15 (75%) had extranodal involvement. All received doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy, followed in 11 cases by mediastinal radiotherapy. With a median follow-up of 91 months, the median survival is 67.7 months. These data are consistent with those reported from other centers concerning the patient's characteristics, natural history, response pattern to chemoradiation therapy, and prognosis. Response to therapy proved of prognostic significance. A key question that remains is the prompt identification of patients who would benefit from innovative or more intensive therapies.

Background: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation after initial cytoreductive chemotherapy with the combination vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) is considered an effective therapy for many patients with newly diagnosed, symptomatic multiple myeloma. Response to initial cytoreductive chemotherapy is important for the long-term outcome of such patients. Thalidomide has recently shown significant antimyeloma activity. We studied the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of a liposomal doxorubicin-containing VAD regimen with thalidomide, administered on an outpatient basis, as initial cytoreductive treatment in previously untreated patients with symptomatic myeloma. Patients and methods: Thirty-nine myeloma patients were treated with vincristine 2 mg intravenously (i.v.), liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 i.v. administered as single dose on day 1, and dexamethasone 40 mg per os daily for 4 days. Dexamethasone was also given on days 15-18 of the first cycle of treatment. The regimen was administered every 4 weeks for four courses. Thalidomide was given daily at a dose of 200 mg at bedtime. Response to treatment was evaluated after four cycles of treatment. After completion of four cycles, the patients were allowed to proceed to high-dose chemotherapy or to receive two additional cycles of the same treatment. Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, 29 of the 39 patients (74%) responded to treatment. Four patients (10%) achieved complete and 25 (64%) partial response. Three patients (8%) showed minor response and seven (18%) were rated as non-responders. Major grade 3 or 4 toxicities consisted of neutropenia (15%), thrombocytopenia (15%), deep vein thrombosis (10%), constipation (10%), skin rash (5%) and peripheral neuropathy (5%). Two patients (5%) experienced early death due to infection. Conclusions: The combination of vincristine, liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD doxil) with thalidomide is an effective and relatively well-tolerated initial cytoreductive treatment.Prospective randomized studies are required in order to assess the effect of this regimen on the long-term outcome of patients with multiple myeloma.

The low-energy levels of 120Pd74 were populated by ? decay of 120Rh75, which was produced via projectile fragmentation of a 136Xe82 beam at 120 MeV/nucleon. Delayed ?-gated ? rays with energies of 438 and 618 keV were observed in coincidence with 120Rh75 fragments and assigned to the 21+ ? 0+ and 41+ ? 21+ transitions, respectively, in 120Pd74. Isomeric ?-ray transitions are also reported for 120Rh75 and 126Cd78. The low-energy structure of 120Pd74 shows remarkable similarity to those of the isotopic 108Pd62 and isotonic 128Xe74 suggesting that these nuclides share the same Z=50 and N=82 closed shell structures with neutron-rich 120Pd 74.

A batch mode process has been developed to produce a 76Kr (T1/2 = 14.8 h) radioactive ion beam at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-in. Cyclotron. First, a 6 particle ?A ? beam is run for 17 h to produce approximately 101476Kr atoms via the reaction 74Se(?, 2n)76Kr. Then, the krypton is separated from the target material and injected into the AECR-U ion source. Beam intensities as high as 3 × 108 particles per second are observed with an integrated beam current of 6(2) × 1011 particles per 24-h batch cycle. © 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic significance of the immunohistochemical expression of p53, bcl-2, c-erbB-2 and cathepsin-D in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: We analyzed 100 patients with ovarian carcinoma, FIGO Stage IC-IV who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and a platinum analogue (CP) (n = 46) or paclitaxel and a platinum analogue (TP) (n = 54). Immunohistochemical expression was studied on paraffin-embedded tissue from the primary tumor. Results: After a median follow-up of 55 months median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 16 and 41 months, respectively. Positive bcl-2 staining and absence of cathepsin-D expression were associated with an increased complete response rate in the CP group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.003) but not in the TP group. PFS and OS were not associated with the expression of any of the markers studied. FIGO stage (p = 0.006) and histology (p = 0.047) were the only independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion: Bcl2 and cathepsin D expression are associated with response to CP but not TP chemotherapy. P53, bcl-2, c-erb B-2 and cathepsin D expression was not correlated with PFS and OS in our study.

We examine how an in-plane magnetic field B modifies the density of states (DOS) in narrow-to-wide, conduction-band dilute-magnetic semiconductor quantum wells. We demonstrate that the DOS diverges significantly from the ideal steplike two-dimensional electron gas form and this causes severe changes to the physical properties, e.g., to the spin-subband populations, the internal and free energy, the Shannon entropy, and the in-plane magnetization M. We predict a considerable fluctuation of M in cases of vigorous competition between spatial and magnetic confinement.

Background: Small series and retrospective studies have suggested that treatment with gemcitabine may be associated with pulmonary toxicity. However, a prospective evaluation of cancer patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy without neoplastic involvement of the thorax and without administration of radiotherapy has not been performed. Patients and methods: To investigate this issue, 41 consecutive patients receiving gemcitabine and carboplatin underwent prospective evaluation of lung function, which included pulmonary symptoms, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases and radiographic studies. Assessment was performed before and after completion of chemotherapy in all patients. Patients with a substantial decline in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), defined as a drop of ≥20%, were reassessed 2 months later. Results: After chemotherapy, there were no significant changes in forced vital capacity (FVQ, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, alveolar volume or total lung capacity. In contrast, there was a significant decline in DLCO (73 ± 22 versus 67 ± 24% predicted; P = 0.017) and in carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO) (89 ± 24 versus 80 ± 24% predicted; P = 0.004). Arterial blood gases did not change following treatment. Ten of the 41 patients (24%) exhibited a substantial decline in DLCO, which, however, recovered within 2 months (DLCO at baseline, immediately after therapy and at 2 months after completion of treatment, 84 ± 14, 58 ± 16 and 77 ± 17% predicted, respectively; P < 0.001; baseline DLCO versus DLCO at 2 months, P > 0.05). Four of the 41 patients (10%) experienced dyspnea, which was self-limiting, with the exception of one patient who developed interstitial lung fibrosis. Among the various risk factors examined, older age, female gender and lower baseline DLCO were associated with more profound changes in DLCO post-treatment. Conclusions: This prospective analysis showed that the combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin induces a significant, but reversible, decrease in diffusion capacity, which is mostly asymptomatic. Thus, this regimen is safe as regards clinically significant lung toxicity. © 2004 European Society for Medical Oncology.

Pseudomonas luteola is uncommonly implicated in clinical infections, but it constitutes a significant nosocomial pathogen causing mainly infections associated with foreign material. This report describes an unusual case of a Pseudomonas luteola strain that infected and caused cutaneous abscess and bacteraemia in a previously healthy man.

Τα εκπαιδευτικά συστήματα κατά καιρούς ρυθμίζονται είτε για να διορθωθούν κάποιες ατέλειες της προηγούμενης ρύθμισης, είτε για να ανταποκριθούν σε νέες ανάγκες των καιρών. Οι ρυθμίσεις αυτές ονομάζονται συνήθως "εκπαιδευτικές μεταρρυθμίσεις"...Οι νέες τεχνολογίες μπορούν να προσφέρουν κάποιες δυνατότητες οι οποίες δε θα υπήρχαν χωρίς αυτές ή/ και θα κόστιζαν πολύ ακριβά...Το ερώτημα είναι μήπως η τεχνολογία φέρνει μαζί της το σπόρο μίας μεγάλης μεταρρύθμισης και όχι μίας μικρής ρύθμισης όπως αυτές που έγιναν κατά καιρούς...Η προσεχής μεταρρύθμιση φαίνεται ότι θα έχει πολλούς στόχους...Επομένως, το μελλοντικό σχολείο πρέπει να μεταπλασθεί σε "εργαστήριο γνώσης" όπου ο μαθητής παύει να είναι απλός θεατής και γίνεται "πρώιμος μέτοχος"...Τα παιδιά είναι περισσότερο έτοιμα από όλους μας για μία παρόμοια εναρκτήρια φάση της μεταρρύθμισης. Είναι απαραίτητη για να προχωρήσουν μπροστά οι ιδιαίτερα ταλαντούχοι μαθητές μας, αλλά θα επωφεληθούν σημαντικά και οι υπόλοιποι μαθητές για να γίνουν και αυτοί περισσότερο ταλαντούχοι...Το βιβλίο αυτό είναι αφιερωμένο σε νέες προσεγγίσεις της διδασκαλίας των μαθηματικών...Οι συγγραφείς του είναι όλοι άνθρωποι με μεγάλη εξειδίκευση και εμπειρία στα εκπαιδευτικά θέματα. Εντυπωσιάστηκα διαβάζοντας τις συνεισφορές τους λίγο πριν πάνε στο τυπογραφείο...

Introduction: Thalidomide is an oral agent with significant activity in one-third of patients with refractory myeloma. However, long-term continuous administration of thalidomide can be associated with significant side effects such as deep-vein thrombosis and peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, it is not clear whether continuous administration of thalidomide is necessary for its antimyeloma effect. We performed a phase II study with a combination that was based on the intermittent administration of thalidomide. Materials and methods: A total of 53 patients with previously treated myeloma received cyclophosphamide 150 mg/m2 p.o. every 12 h before meals on days 1-5, thalidomide 400 mg p.o. in the evening on days 1-5 and 14-18 and dexamethasone 20 mg/m2 in the morning after breakfast on days 1-5 and 14-18 (CTD). The CTD combination was repeated every 28 days for three courses. Subsequently, responding patients were scheduled to receive maintenance treatment with monthly courses of CTD administered only for the first five days of each month. Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, 32 patients (60%) achieved a partial response with a median time to response of 1.5 months. Among the 43 thalidomide-naïve patients, 67% responded. Toxicities were mild or moderate and the cumulative incidence of deep-vein thrombosis and peripheral neuropathy was 4 and 2%, respectively. The median time to progression for responding patients was 12 months and the median overall survival for all patients was 17.5 months. Conclusion: The oral, outpatient pulsed CTD regimen is associated with significant activity in patients with previously treated multiple myeloma. The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis and peripheral neuropathy appears to be lower than expected when thalidomide is being administered on a continuous basis. © 2004 The European Hematology Association. All rights reserved.

Radial velocity measurements and sine-curve fits to the orbital velocity variations are presented for the eighth set of 10 close binary systems: AB And, V402 Aur, V445 Cep, V2082 Cyg, BX Dra, V918 Her, V502 Oph, V1363 Ori, KP Peg, and V335 Peg. Half of the systems (V445 Cep, V2082 Cyg, V918 Her, V1363 Ori, and V335 Peg) were discovered photometrically by the Hipparcos mission, and all systems are double-lined (SB2) contact binaries. The broadening function method permitted improvement of the orbital elements for AB And and V502 Oph. The other systems have been observed for radial velocity variations for the first time; in this group are five bright (V<7.5) binaries: V445 Cep, V2082 Cyg, V918 Her, KP Peg, and V335 Peg. Several of the studied systems are prime candidates for combined light and radial velocity synthesis solutions. Based on the data obtained at the David Dunlap Observatory, University of Toronto.

The regions around the doubly magic nuclei 100Sn and 78Ni are of great interest from a nuclear structure standpoint. These nuclei also play a key role in the astrophysical rp- and r-processes, respectively. Recently, nuclei in these regions were studied at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University.

The regions around the doubly magic nuclei 100Sn and 78Ni are of great interest from a nuclear structure standpoint. These nuclei also play a key role in the astrophysical rp- and r-processes, respectively. Recently, nuclei in these regions were studied at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background: Vinorelbine (VRL) has been shown to be active in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) in phase II studies, alone or in combination. Its moderate toxicity profile is well tolerated in elderly patients. Patients and methods: Patients with metastatic prostate cancer, progressive after primary hormonal therapy, were randomised to receive intravenous VRL 30 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks, and hydrocortisone 40 mg/day or hydrocortisone alone until disease progression. Centres could choose to add aminoglutethimide 1000 mg/day to hydrocortisone as second-line hormone therapy (HT) for all their patients. Randomisation was stratified by centre. Further chemotherapy was allowed after progression. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The final analysis was performed on a total of 414 patients. Reported results were all based on intention-to-treat analyses. All progressions and responses were reviewed by an independent panel. Results: PFS was significantly prolonged in the VRL plus HT arm compared with the HT alone arm, according to the statistical hypothesis of the protocol (P=0.055 in the two-sided log-rank test with a pre-specified significance level of 10%). The 6-month PFS rates were 33.2% versus 22.8%, and the median durations of PFS were 3.7 versus 2.8 months. In the multivariate Cox analysis, which included age, Karnofsky performance status (PS), haemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase at study entry and number of prior hormonal treatments, the P value was decreased to 0.005. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate (≥50% decline sustained for at least 6 weeks) was significantly higher for VRL plus HT compared with HT (30.1% versus 19.2%; P=0.01). Clinical benefit, defined as a decrease in pain intensity or analgesic consumption or an improvement of Karnofsky PS for at least 9 weeks, and at least stable assessment in the other two, was also more frequently observed in patients who received VRL plus HT versus HT alone (30.6% and 19.2%; P=0.008). There was no statistical difference in overall survival. Forty-three per cent of patients in the HT arm received at least one line of further chemotherapy after progression, compared with 28% of patients in the VRL-based arm. Aminoglutethimide did not seem to result in better efficacy for either arm. VRL plus HT was well tolerated, with a median administered relative dose intensity of 90%; grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 6.5% of patients and non-haematological toxicity was rare. Conclusions: The combination of VRL and hydrocortisone compared with hydrocortisone alone resulted in improved clinical benefit, PFS and PSA response rate. This therapeutic gain is similar to that previously reported with mitoxantrone in combination with low-dose corticosteroids. There was no gain in survival; however, the combination is well tolerated in this elderly group of patients, who often present cardiac co-morbidities, and therefore offers an active and safe therapeutic option for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. © 2004 European Society for Medical Oncology.

A review of recent advances in spintronics is presented. We report the structural, magnetic, electrical and thermal properties of the ferromagnetic half-Heusler alloy NiMnSb grown by arcmelting. The bulk material is used to deposit highly crystalline thin films at low temperature (200°C) by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The structural and magnetic and transport properties of these films are nearly bulk-like suggesting that these films can be grown by PLD in multilayer structures for efficient spin injection in spintronics.

In this study, a comprehensive methodology for modelling the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic is proposed to predict the future disease burden and assess whether the recent decline in the incidence of HCV may affect the future occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases. Using the prevalence of HCV, the distribution of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients within the various transmission groups and their infection-onset times, it was possible to reconstruct the incident infections per year in the past that progressed to CHC in Greece. The natural history of the disease was simulated in subcohorts of newly infected subjects using transition probabilities derived either empirically between fibrosis stages 0-4 or from literature review. Annual estimates of the incidence and prevalence of CHC by fibrosis stage, HCC and mortality in Greece were obtained up to 2030. HCV incidence peaked in the late 1980s at five new infections/10,000 person-years. Under the assumption of 20-100% decline in HCV incidence after 1990, the cumulative number of incident cirrhosis and HCC cases from 2002-2030 was projected to be lower by 9.6-48.2% and 5.9-29.5%, respectively, than that estimated under the assumption of no decline. However, the prevalent cirrhotic/HCC cases and HCV-related deaths are predicted to decline in the next 30 years only under the assumption of complete elimination of new HCV infections after 1990. Despite the progress in the reduction of HCV transmission, primary prevention does not seem adequate to reverse the rise in the incidence of cirrhosis and HCC.

An attempt is made to examine the relationship of the surface circulation prevailing over Europe with the corresponding surface and 500 hPa over Greece by correlating Lamb weather types for western Europe and Hess and Brezowsky (HB) types for central Europe with those derived from a new classification scheme for the Greek area. It was found that it was difficult to formulate rules controlling the frequency distributions of the circulation types over the Greek area in relation to the circulation over western and central Europe. However, statistically significant correlation was found between certain types with high frequency, which is greater between Lamb and HB types with the surface circulation types over the Greek area, compared with 500 hPa circulation types. For the most correlated pairs, seasonal composites of mean sea-level pressure and 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies demonstrated that the formation of the circulation types over the Greek area depends on the extent, intensity of the anticyclonic or cyclonic centres, air mass characteristics, and stability profile in the lower troposphere over the regions examined, but especially over the central and eastern Mediterranean. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society.

An attempt is made to examine rainfall variability over the Greek area in relation to 500 hPa atmospheric circulation. Daily precipitation series from 22 evenly distributed Greek stations have been used for the period 1958-2000, along with the classification scheme of daily circulation types at 500 hPa for the same period. The seasonal frequency and the trends of circulation types have been calculated. It was found that there is a general positive trend of anticyclonic circulation types and a negative one for cyclonic types. The seasonal trends of rainy days and the precipitation totals have also been calculated and analysed. A general decreasing tendency of winter rainfall is observed; the decreasing trend during autumn and spring is less significant. Concerning the frequency and intensity of rainfall per circulation type, a decreasing tendency becomes evident for the majority of the stations during winter, whereas there is an increasing tendency during autumn. A multiple regression-cross-validation model was developed using the seasonal frequency of circulation types as predictors and the seasonal rainfall totals as predictants. Only the winter modelled precipitation shows a good agreement with the observed precipitation, whereas for the other seasons the agreement is relatively poor. This could be caused by the influence of different factors that are not captured by the classification scheme used. The proposed model could serve as a circulation-based downscaling method that could be further applied to geopotential data available from general circulation models in order to study regional climatological consequences of future climate scenarios. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society.

Language relativism can be associated with two major conceptions: that “eachlanguage has or is a particular spirit” and that “each language has or is a—real or imagined—territory.” Spirituality and territoriality combined giverise to the ideology of a language as a realm. This ideology of Modern Greekas a regime language has become dominant after the official establishment of astandard norm (demotic) and the resolution of the perennial “GreekLanguage Question.” As it is evidenced by a host of “language issues” raisedin the Greek newspapers since 1976, relativism has determined what countedas a “language issue” that was worth publishing, which language issues wereeligible for public debates, and the extent to which language issues were allowedto penetrate “public opinion.”

There are observational indications that relativistic outflows in AGNs are accelerated over distances that far exceed the scale of the central engine. Examples include the radio galaxy NGC 6251, where knots in the radio jets were inferred to accelerate from ∼0.13 c at a distance of ∼0.53 pc from the galactic nucleus to ∼0.42 c at r=1.0 pc, and the quasar 3C 345, where the Lorentz factor of the radio knot C7 was deduced to increase from ∼ 5 to >10 as it moved from r=3 pc to r=20 pc}. It is argued, using exact semianalytic solutions of the relativistic MHD equations, that this behavior is a signature of magnetic acceleration. The same basic driving mechanism may apply to the relativistic jets in AGNs, gamma-ray burst sources, and microquasars.

There are observational indications that relativistic outflows in AGNs are accelerated over distances that far exceed the scale of the central engine. Examples include the radio galaxy NGC 6251, where knots in the radio jets were inferred to accelerate from ∼0.13 c at a distance of ∼0.53 pc from the galactic nucleus to ∼0.42 c at r=1.0 pc, and the quasar 3C 345, where the Lorentz factor of the radio knot C7 was deduced to increase from ∼ 5 to >10 as it moved from r=3 pc to r=20 pc}. It is argued, using exact semianalytic solutions of the relativistic MHD equations, that this behavior is a signature of magnetic acceleration. The same basic driving mechanism may apply to the relativistic jets in AGNs, gamma-ray burst sources, and microquasars.

Spherically symmetric hydrodynamical outflows accelerated thermally in the vicinity of a compact object are studied by generalizing an equation of state with a variable effective polytropic index, appropriate to describe relativistic temperatures close to the central object and nonrelativistic ones further away. Relativistic effects introduced by the Schwarzschild metric and the presence of relativistic temperatures in the corona are compared with previous results for a constant effective polytropic index and also with results of the classical wind theory. By a parametric study of the polytropic index and the location of the sonic transition it is found that space time curvature and relativistic temperatures tend to increase the efficiency of thermal driving in accelerating the outflow. Thus conversely to the classical Parker wind, the outflow is accelerated even for polytropic indices higher than 3/2. The results of this simple but fully relativistic extension of the polytropic equation of state may be useful in simulations of outflows from hot coronae in black hole magnetospheres.

We report on magnetic measurements as a function of field, temperature and time (relaxation) in superconducting Nb films of critical temperature T-c = 9.25 K. The magnetic measurements as a function of field exhibited a "second magnetization peak" (SMP) which in general is accompanied by thermomagnetic instabilities (TMIs). The lines H-smp(T) where the SMP occurs and the H-fj(T) where the first flux jump in the virgin magnetization curves is observed, end at a characteristic point (T-0, H-0) approximate to (7.2K, 80 Oe). Relaxation measurements showed that for T < T-0 approximate to 7.2 K the activation energy U-0 and the normalized relaxation rate S exhibit non-monotonic behavior as a function either of temperature or field. The extrema observed in U-0 and S coincide with the points H-on(T) or H-smp(T) of the SMP. In the regime T > T-0 approximate to 7.2 K both U-0 and S present a conventional monotonic behavior. These results indicate that the SMP behavior observed in Our Nb films is promoted by the anomalous relaxation of the magnetization. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of markers of bone remodelling, and osteoclast activation/function in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We have measured serum levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1α), markers of bone resorption [N-telopeptide of collagen type-I (NTX), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform-5b (TRACP-Sb)] and bone formation [bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP)] in 40 MGUS patients. These parameters were compared with those of 42 newly diagnosed myeloma patients, and 45 healthy, gender- and age-matched controls. MGUS patients had elevated levels of NTX, sRANKL, and sRANKL/OPG ratio compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, TRACP-5b, MIP-1α and NTX were decreased in patients with MGUS compared with myeloma patients (P < 0.001), while OPG and bALP were increased (P < 0.001). Serum levels of MIP-1α, as well as TRACP-Sb, and sRANKL/OPG ratio were reduced, while bALP was increased in MGUS patients, even when compared with myeloma patients who had stage I/II disease. These results demonstrate that increased osteoclastogenesis leading to increased bone resorption is present in MGUS but seems to be compensated for by normal bone formation, which is absent in MM. Furthermore MIP-1α, bALP, and sRANKL/OPG may be useful tools for distinguishing between cases of MGUS and early myeloma.

Optimization of methods for ruling out Bacillus anthracis leads to increased yields, faster turnaround times, and a lighter workload. We used 72 environmental non-B. anthracis bacilli to validate methods for ruling out B. anthracis. Most effective were the use of horse blood agar, motility testing after isolates had a 2-h incubation in trypticase soy broth, and screening isolates with a B. anthracis-selective agar.

Objective. Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who relapse more than 6 months following completion of platinum-based primary chemotherapy are considered platinum-sensitive, and can be effectively retreated with cisplatin or carboplatin. The nucleoside analogue gemcitabine has proven activity in both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant disease. We conducted a phase II study using the combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine for the treatment of patients with relapsed platinum-sensitive and paclitaxel-pretreated EOC. Methods. Forty-three patients were treated with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m 2, intravenously, over 30 min on days 1 and 8, and carboplatin at AUC 5 on day 1. Courses were administered every 3 weeks on an outpatient basis. Results. Among 37 patients with measurable or evaluable disease, 15 (40.5%) achieved an objective response including 10 complete and 5 partial responses. The median overall survival was 24.5 months, and the median time to progression for all patients was 9 months. The treatment was well tolerated without toxic deaths; the most common toxicities were Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia that occurred in 69%, 26%, and 24% of patients, respectively. Conclusions. The combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine is a well-tolerated outpatient regimen with activity in patients with relapsed platinum-sensitive and paclitaxel-pretreated EOC. However, a randomized prospective study is justified to define whether the addition of gemcitabine to single-agent carboplatin results in improved efficacy in this subset of patients. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of serum beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) levels for virological breakthrough in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients under long term lamivudine monotherapy. METHODS: Serum beta2m levels were calculated at baseline and every three months during lamivudine monotherapy in 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B, using microparticle enzyme immunoassay technology to investigate their association with biochemical, virological and histological outcome data. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between serum beta2m levels and virological breakthrough. RESULTS: Seven of 25 (28%), nine of 25 (36%) and 14 of 25 (56%) chronic hepatitis B patients exhibited virological breakthrough at months 12, 24 and 36 of treatment, respectively. All chronic hepatitis B patients who did not show virological breakthrough in the follow-up period exhibited beta2m elevation in month 3 of treatment. The duration (in months) of serum beta2m elevation was significantly higher in the responders group than the nonresponders group (7.3 +/- 2.6 versus 3.8 +/- 3.4, P=0.02). In contrast to patients whose serum beta2m levels were increased at three months, patients whose beta2m levels were decreased had a 4.6 times higher risk of experiencing virological breakthrough (hazards ratio 4.6, 95% CI 1.22 to 17.36). When age, pretreatment serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA levels, and grade of liver disease were simultaneously included in the same Cox model, decreased beta2m status was still associated with increased risk of virological breakthrough (hazards ratio 12.2, 95% CI 1.28 to 116.8). CONCLUSIONS: In hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients under long term lamivudine monotherapy, serum b2m levels at three months of treatment, compared with baseline levels, are good predictors of risk for virological breakthrough.

BACKGROUND: The effect of dietary nucleotides on lipid metabolism has been the subject of clinical studies with conflicting results. We measured serum triglycerides, total cholesterol (total-C), and lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C) in preterm neonates fed formula with and without nucleotide supplements. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study included 150 healthy preterm neonates (gestational age, 33.0 +/- 1.9 weeks) matched for gestational age, birth weight, and gender. Subjects were assigned at birth to receive either a standard milk formula supplemented with nucleotides (group F-NT) or the same formula without nucleotides (group F). Serum was obtained before discharge (29.1 +/- 10.0 days of life) and triglycerides, total-C, and HDL-C were determined enzymatically. LDL-C and VLDL-C were estimated by the Friedewald formula. For statistical analysis t test, Mann Whitney-U test, two-way ANOVA, and chi2 test were used, as appropriate. The influence of several factors on serum lipid levels was evaluated by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Serum triglycerides, total-C, and VLDL-C levels did not differ between groups. HDL-C levels (median; 25th-75th percentiles) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in group F-NT (48.0 mg/dL; 40.5-57.0 mg/dL) than in group F (34.5 mg/dL; 27.2-44.0 mg/dL). On the contrary, LDL-C levels (median; 25th-75th percentiles) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in group F-NT (39.0 mg/dL; 26.0-54.0 mg/dL) than in group F (65.0 mg/dL; 41.0-73.0 mg/dL). In the multiple regression analysis, nucleotide supplementation was identified as one of the controlled independent factors influencing serum HDL-C and LDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm neonates fed from birth with formula supplemented with nucleotides have significantly higher HDL-C and lower LDL-C serum levels than do neonates fed unsupplemented formula. The clinical relevance of these results remains to be elucidated.

The forced swim test (FST) has been considered as a pharmacologically valid test of the depressive syndrome in rodents. However, few studies have focused on neurochemical and behavioral responses during FST in both male and female rats. Thus, we investigated certain behavioral and neuroendocrine responses as well as the serotonergic activity after the application of FST in both sexes. Our data show that the duration of immobility was increased in both male and female rats during the 2nd session of the FST. Sex differences are observed in some behavioral responses, such as head swinging that is mostly present in male rats. In female rats FST induced a decrease in serotonergic activity in hippocampus and hypothalamus while in male rats it induced an increase in serotonergic activity in hypothalamus. Corticosterone serum levels were elevated in both sexes. However, hippocampal GR mRNA levels tended to be increased in males and females respectively. Moreover, hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT)1A mRNA levels were decreased in female rats while in male rats hippocampal 5-HT1A mRNA levels were increased. These data have shown that FST induces "depressive like symptoms" in both sexes and provide evidence that sex differences characterize certain behavioral aspects in the FST. Notably, hippocampal and hypothalamic serotonergic activity has been differentially modified in male rats compared with female rats and these neurochemical findings could be relevant to the differentiated expression of 5-HT1A receptor. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity was also affected by FST application in a sex specific manner. The present results support that FST induced behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological alterations, which are sex dependent.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a carbohydrate-rich meal on post-prandial metabolic responses and skeletal muscle glycogen concentration. After an overnight fast, eight male recreational/club endurance runners ingested a carbohydrate (CHO) meal (2.5 g CHO - kg-1 body mass) and biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before and 3 h after the meal. Ingestion of the meal resulted in a 10.6 ± 2.5% (P < 0.05) increase in muscle glycogen concentration (pre-meal vs post-meal: 314.0 ± 33.9 vs 347.3 ± 31.3 mmol · kg-1 dry weight). Three hours after ingestion, mean serum insulin concentrations had not returned to pre-feeding values (0 min vs 180 min: 45 ± 4 vs 143 ± 21 pmol · 1-1). On a separate occasion, six similar individuals ingested the meal or fasted for a further 3 h during which time expired air samples were collected to estimate the amount of carbohydrate oxidized over the 3 h post-prandial period. It was estimated that about 20% of the carbohydrate consumed was converted into muscle glycogen, and about 12% was oxidized. We conclude that a meal providing 2.5 g CHO · kg-1 body mass can increase muscle glycogen stores 3 h after ingestion. However, an estimated 67% of the carbohydrate ingested was unaccounted for and this may have been stored as liver glycogen and/or still be in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a carbohydrate-rich meal on post-prandial metabolic responses and skeletal muscle glycogen concentration. After an overnight fast, eight male recreational/club endurance runners ingested a carbohydrate (CHO) meal (2.5 g CHO - kg-1 body mass) and biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before and 3 h after the meal. Ingestion of the meal resulted in a 10.6 ± 2.5% (P < 0.05) increase in muscle glycogen concentration (pre-meal vs post-meal: 314.0 ± 33.9 vs 347.3 ± 31.3 mmol · kg-1 dry weight). Three hours after ingestion, mean serum insulin concentrations had not returned to pre-feeding values (0 min vs 180 min: 45 ± 4 vs 143 ± 21 pmol · 1-1). On a separate occasion, six similar individuals ingested the meal or fasted for a further 3 h during which time expired air samples were collected to estimate the amount of carbohydrate oxidized over the 3 h post-prandial period. It was estimated that about 20% of the carbohydrate consumed was converted into muscle glycogen, and about 12% was oxidized. We conclude that a meal providing 2.5 g CHO · kg-1 body mass can increase muscle glycogen stores 3 h after ingestion. However, an estimated 67% of the carbohydrate ingested was unaccounted for and this may have been stored as liver glycogen and/or still be in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a carbohydrate-rich meal on post-prandial metabolic responses and skeletal muscle glycogen concentration. After an overnight fast, eight male recreational/club endurance runners ingested a carbohydrate (CHO) meal (2.5 g CHO - kg-1 body mass) and biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before and 3 h after the meal. Ingestion of the meal resulted in a 10.6 ± 2.5% (P < 0.05) increase in muscle glycogen concentration (pre-meal vs post-meal: 314.0 ± 33.9 vs 347.3 ± 31.3 mmol · kg-1 dry weight). Three hours after ingestion, mean serum insulin concentrations had not returned to pre-feeding values (0 min vs 180 min: 45 ± 4 vs 143 ± 21 pmol · 1-1). On a separate occasion, six similar individuals ingested the meal or fasted for a further 3 h during which time expired air samples were collected to estimate the amount of carbohydrate oxidized over the 3 h post-prandial period. It was estimated that about 20% of the carbohydrate consumed was converted into muscle glycogen, and about 12% was oxidized. We conclude that a meal providing 2.5 g CHO · kg-1 body mass can increase muscle glycogen stores 3 h after ingestion. However, an estimated 67% of the carbohydrate ingested was unaccounted for and this may have been stored as liver glycogen and/or still be in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Kamberidou, I. (2004).  “Slavery of the Mind and “Mental Imprisonment” (1870) in the harem: the Bodiless Society, a de-gendered or gender-neutral emancipatory social space? Opening presentation  (10.30 -11.00) to the ‘Virtual Harem’ for the Consultation Workshop on Gender and Technology, European Commission – Information Society DG. Avenue de Beaulieu 31   6/30, 1160 Brussels, 28 June 2004    [explanation of power structures, limits and lessons that can be drawn]   M. 1.  in Apella,

• Includes Consultation Workshop on Gender and Technology report on presentations, along with Preliminary Agenda/first draft (before corrections) for Gender and Technology Consultation Workshop, European Commission, Brussels 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal and pancreatic fistulas are characterized as serious complications following abdominal surgery, with a reported incidence of up to 27% and 46%, respectively. Fistula formation results in prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidity/mortality and increased treatment costs. Conservative and surgical approaches are both employed in the management of these fistulas. The purpose of the present study was to assess, evaluate and compare the potential clinical benefit and cost effectiveness of pharmacotherapy (somatostatin versus its analogue octreotide) versus conventional therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with gastrointestinal or pancreatic fistulas were randomized to three treatment groups: 19 patients received 6000 IU/day of somatostatin intravenously, 17 received 100 microg of octreotide three times daily subcutaneously and 15 patients received only standard medical treatment. RESULTS: The fistula closure rate was 84% in the somatostatin group, 65% in the octreotide group and 27% in the control group. These differences were of statistical significance (P=0.007). Overall mortality rate was less than 5% and statistically significant differences in mortality among the three groups could not be established. Overall, treatment with somatostatin and octreotide was more cost effective than conventional therapy (control group), and somatostatin was more cost effective than octreotide. The average hospital stay was 21.6 days, 27.0 and 31.5 days for the somatostatin, octreotide and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that pharmacotherapy reduces the costs involved in fistula management (by reducing hospitalization) and also offers increased spontaneous closure rate. Further prospective studies focusing on the above parameters are needed to demonstrate the clinicoeconomic benefits.

Τα φυτά ήταν εκεί. προϋπήρχαν. Φυτά μακρόβια. αείφυλλα. βαθύρριζα. ανθεκτικά. εύοσμα. λευκανθή. συμβόλιζαν αλληγορικά τα ιδεώδη. Φυτά που άγγιζαν. στόλιζαν. ζύμωναν την καθημερινότητα στην ιερή Aλτη. Φυτά με αναγεννητικές δυνάμεις. Η ισχυρή δρυς. Η λεύκα της θυσίας. Η λυγαριά της αγνότητας. Η μεθυστική άμπελος. Ο συναπτόμενος κισσός. Η ερωτική μυρτιά. Ο δοξασμένος φοίνικας. Η μαντική δάφνη. Η ιερή ελιά... Διαβάζοντας τα Συμβολικά φυτά των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων θα ανακαλύψετε όσα σχετικά είχε γράψει ο Θεόφραστος πριν από είκοσι τέσσερις αιώνες -αι παραδεδομέναι φήμαι παρά των μυθολόγων· ελάαν μεν γαρ λέγουσι την Αθήνησι. φοίνικα δε τον εν Δήλω. κότινον δε τον εν Ολυμπία. αφ ου ο στέφανος- και θα μάθετε πολλά για τη χρήση. το μύθο. την ονομασία. τη φυσική ιστορία. Τέλος. θα απολαύσετε το εικονογραφικό υλικό με τα φυτά της Ελλάδας. όπως αποτυπώθηκαν τον 18ο αιώνα από έναν μεγάλο ζωγράφο. Στην αρχαία Ολυμπία ό.τι απέμεινε απλώνεται. διαχέεται κι έρχεται από την όχθη της αθανασίας να αγγίξει το παρόν και το μέλλον. Τα φυτά εξακολουθούν ν αναπτύσσονται εκεί. ως αναπόσπαστο μέρος του ξακουστού τοπίου. Από την εφημερίδα του ΕΚΠΑ, Το Καποδιστριακό, 1/2/2005: Με την ευκαιρία της τέλεσης των Oλυμπιακών Αγώνων στην πατρίδα μας, πολλά ήταν τα βιβλία που κυκλοφορήθηκαν με θεματολόγιο αντλημένο από την ιστορία τους. Ένα από αυτά τα μελετήματα είναι και το εκδοθέν από την «Εστία» βιβλίο της επίκ. καθηγήτριας του Τμήματος Βιολογίας Σοφίας Ριζοπούλου που εκπόνησε σε συνεργασία με τη φοιτήτριά της Αννέτα Ρίζου, σχετικά με τα Συμβολικά φυτά των Oλυμπιακών Αγώνων. Ξεκινώντας τη μελέτη τους από ορισμένα εδάφια του Θεόφραστου που αναφέρονται σε συμβολικά φυτά και αντλώντας πλούσιο εικονογραφικό υλικό από το μνημειώδες έργο «Flora Graeca» του J. Sibthorp (1758-1796) και τα περιλαμβανόμενα σε αυτό σχέδια του F. L. Bauer (1760-1826), δημιούργησαν έναν κομψό και καλαίσθητο τόμο, πλούσια διακοσμημένο με ενδιαφέρουσες εικόνες. Στον πρόλογο του τόμου τονίζεται ότι «Με το εικονογραφικό υλικό, ως μέσο έκφρασης, το βιβλίο που κρατάτε στα χέρια σας, αφορά 25 φυτικά είδη που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν κατά τους αρχαίους Oλυμπιακούς Αγώνες. Η αναφορά μας έχει σχέση με τη χρήση, τον μύθο, την ονομασία, και τη φυσική και την ιστορία. Τα φυτά άγγιζαν, στόλιζαν και ζύμωναν την καθημερινότητα στην ιερή Άλτη».

The article concentrates on setting some specific criteria for the EIL (‘English as an international language’) classroom and raising teachers’ awareness of what is needed in order to identify and teach EIL classrooms. It starts by distinguishing between those communicative and teaching situations that are norm-bound and those that prioritise interlocutors’ mutual comprehensibility and cultural identity. On that basis, it goes on to delineate the EIL domain in norm-bound terms and suggests that teachers should also concentrate on teaching English as an intercultural language (EIcL). It subsequently addresses the following questions: What are the defining characteristics of an EIL/EIcL situation? How can a teacher identify such a situation and by what means can this be done? To what extent are EIL/EIcL situations similar to or different from other ESL, EFL, or more general ESOL situations? Are all EIL/EIcL situations around the world the ‘same’ and, if not, to what extent are they similar/different? To what extent do learners’ and teachers’ attitudes towards English, language learning and their own national, cultural and personal identity matter in EIL/EIcL learning/teaching?

NiMnSb has attracted a great deal of interest as a spin injector/detector in spintronic devices because it has a Curie temperature of 728 K and is predicted to be half-metallic (100% spin polarized). NiMnSb has been reported to have greatly reduced surface polarization, and to lose its half metallicity above 80 K. Here we report the investigation of the surface polarisation and electronic structure of NiMnSb by measurement of the transport spin polarization using point contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy, and anomalous Hall effect in thin films on Si(00 1). A comparison to bulk properties is made. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The magnetic properties of the polymerized phase of RbC60 have been investigated by static magnetization measurements. The magnetic susceptibility comprises a temperature dependent part that decreases rapidly below 50 K, where the metal-insulator transition and the subsequent antiferromagnetic ordering are expected according to electron spin resonance results. The temperature variation of this contribution resembles that of quasi-one-dimensional gapped systems and shows substantial field dependence suggesting a disordered antiferromagnetic phase.

A brief review is given of some results of our work on the construction of (I) steady and (II) time-dependent MHD models for nonrelativistic and relativistic astrophysical outflows and jets, analytically and numerically. The only available exact solutions for MHD outflows are those in separable coordinates, i.e., with the symmetry of radial or meridional self-similarity. Physically accepted solutions pass from the fast magnetosonic separatrix surface in order to satisfy MHD causality. An energetic criterion is outlined for selecting radially expanding winds from cylindrically expanding jets. Numerical simulations of magnetic self-collimation verify the conclusions of analytical steady solutions. We also propose a two-component model consisting of a wind outflow from a central object and a faster rotating outflow launched from a surrounding accretion disk which plays the role of the flow collimator. We also discuss the problem of shock formation during the magnetic collimation of wind-type outflows into jets.

A brief review is given of some results of our work on the construction of (I) steady and (II) time-dependent MHD models for nonrelativistic and relativistic astrophysical outflows and jets, analytically and numerically. The only available exact solutions for MHD outflows are those in separable coordinates, i.e., with the symmetry of radial or meridional self-similarity. Physically accepted solutions pass from the fast magnetosonic separatrix surface in order to satisfy MHD causality. An energetic criterion is outlined for selecting radially expanding winds from cylindrically expanding jets. Numerical simulations of magnetic self-collimation verify the conclusions of analytical steady solutions. We also propose a two-component model consisting of a wind outflow from a central object and a faster rotating outflow launched from a surrounding accretion disk which plays the role of the flow collimator. We also discuss the problem of shock formation during the magnetic collimation of wind-type outflows into jets.

A novel class of inhibitors of human digestive lipases have been developed. Various sterically hindered triacylglycerols based on 2-methyl- and 2-butylglycerol, and/or 2-methyl fatty acids were synthesized. The triacylglycerol analogues were tested for their ability to form stable monomolecular films at the air/water interface by recording their surface-pressure/molecular-area compression isotherms. The inhibition of human pancreatic and gastric lipases by the sterically hindered triacylglycerol analogues was studied by using the monolayer technique with mixed films of 1,2-dicaprin, which contained variable proportions of each inhibitor. Triolein analogues that contain a butyl group at the 2-position of the glycerol backbone or methyl groups both at the 2-position of glycerol, and the α-position of each oleic acid residue were potent inhibitors; this caused a 50 % decrease in HPL activity at 0.003 molar fraction.

Η διπλωματική εργασία μεταπτυχιακής ειδίκευσης, η οποία εγκρίθηκε από τη Γενική Συνέλευση του Τμήματος Θεολογίας Α.Π.Θ με το βαθμό «΄Αριστα» το Δεκέμβριο του 1992. Τα δύο πρωτότυπα σημεία στη μελέτη αυτή είναι ο ηθικός σχολιασμός των αντισυλληπτικών μεθόδων και τεχνικών μέσων (β΄κεφάλαιο) και η τυποποίηση των απαντήσεων των ποιμένων για την αντιμετώπιση των θεμάτων της τεκνογονίας και της αντισύλληψης στον ορθόδοξο γάμο (γ΄κεφάλαιο). Στην εισαγωγή της εργασίας επισημαίνεται η σπουδαιότητα του θέματος και παρατίθεται η σχετική με αυτό προβληματική. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο έχει τίτλο «H τεκνογονία ως σκοπός του γάμου στην ορθόδοξη παράδοση» και διαιρείται σε δύο υποενότητες. H πρώτη, η οποία επιγράφεται «Ο Γάμος και οι σκοποί του» αποτελείται από δύο παραγράφους. Στην πρώτη ορίζεται ο  χριστιανικός γάμος με βάση τη βιβλική και πατερική παράδοση, ενώ στη δεύτερη παράγραφο επιχειρείται προσπάθεια προσδιορισμού των σκοπών του. Στη δεύτερη ενότητα του ίδιου κεφαλαίου διερευνάται το πρόβλημα της τεκνογονίας όπως αυτό αντιμετωπίζεται στην ορθόδοξη θεολογία.  Το δεύτερο κεφάλαιο αναφέρεται στην «Aντισύλληψη και τον Οικογενειακό προγραμματισμό».  Περιγράφονται τα μέσα και οι μέθοδοι που χρησιμοποιούνται για αντισύλληψη. Επισημαίνεται ότι και οι φυσικές μέθοδοι απαιτούν τεχνική για την αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή τους και επομένως το ηθικό δίλημμα για την χρήση μιας φυσικής ή τεχνικής μεθόδου είναι πλασματικό. Και στη μία και στην άλλη περίπτωση εκείνο που κυρίως κρίνεται είναι η πρόθεση για φυγοτεκνία και όχι το χρησιμοποιούμενο μέσο. Όπως εξάλλου σημειώνεται, η γνώση των μέσων και των μεθόδων κρίνεται απαραίτητη, όχι μόνο για τους πιστούς αλλά και για τους πoιμένες, καθόσον ορισμένα από αυτά δεν δρουν μόνο αντισυλληπτικά, αλλά και εκτρωτικά. Το τρίτο κεφάλαιo επιγράφεται «H τεκνoγoνία στη σύγχρονη πoιμαντική πράξη» και αποτελεί το σημαντικότερο τμήμα της μελέτης, καθώς συνιστά καρπό ερευνητικής προσπάθειας. Η τέταρτη παράγραφος είναι η πλέον ενδιαφέρουσα και πρωτότυπη της μελέτης, καθώς ασχολείται με την τυπολογία της σύγχρονης ποιμαντικής στο θέμα αυτό, όπως προκύπτει από τις απαντήσεις των ερωτηθέντων πνευματικών. Τα ερωτήματα που τέθηκαν στους πνευματικούς ήταν τα εξής: α) Ποιος ο σκοπός του ορθόδοξου γάμου και ποιος της συζυγικής συνουσίας; β) Ο σύγχρονος χριστιανός έχει το δικαίωμα να ρυθμίζει τη γονιμότητα και να προγραμματίζει την οικογένεια; γ) Ποια είναι η θέση σας για την αντισύλληψη ως πράξη ρυθμίσεως των γεννήσεων και ποια για τα αντισυλληπτικά μέσα; δ) Ποια είναι η γνώμη σας για τη μέθοδο των  γόνιμων και άγονων ημερών; ε) Ποια είναι η σχέση της χρήσης αντισυλληπτικών μέσων και της συμμετοχής στο μυστήριο της Θείας Ευχαριστίας; στ) Ποια είναι η γνώμη σας για τη συζυγική συνουσία κατά την περίοδο της εγκυμοσύνης; στ) Ποια είναι η γνώμη σας για την εγκύκλιο του 1937; Οι ποιμαντικοί τύποι αναφέρονται στα προβλήματα της τεκνογονίας, του ελέγχου των γεννήσεων, της αντισύλληψης, της ρυθμίσεως της ανθρώπινης γονιμότητας και του προγραμματισμού της οικογένειας. 'Ετσι διακρίνονται δύο κυρίως γραμμές: α) H παραδοσιακή (που εκφράζεται με δύο τύπους: τον αυστηρό  και τον επιεική) και β) η νεωτερίζουσα. Ανάλογες με τους τύπους που αναφέρθηκαν είναι και οι  απαντήσεις στα ερωτήματα αυτά. Οι χαρακτηρισμοί αποτελούν προσωπικές εκτιμήσεις και επιλογές του γράφοντος. Η εργασία κατακλείεται με τον επίλογο, όπου παρουσιάζονται τα πορίσματα. Τέλος, στο παράρτημα παρατίθενται τρία κείμενα, που συνδέονται άμεσα με το υπό πραγμάτευση θέμα, δηλαδή: 1) Η περί του ζητήματος της τεκνογονίας εγκύκλιος της Ιεραρχίας της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος του 1937, 2) «Το διάγγελμα της Iεραρχίας της Εκκλησίας της Eλλάδoς προς τον λαόν περί τεκνογονίας (9.10.1978)», 3) Ο Νόμος υπ' αρ. 1036/1980 για τον οικογενειακό προγραμματισμό και για άλλες διατάξεις καθώς και τα στατιστικά στοιχεία με τις θέσεις των εγγάμων και αγάμων πνευματικών, που συμμετείχαν στην έρευνα. Σε επικείμενη έκδοση θα συμπεριληφθούν οι διορθώσεις των λαθών, τα οποία επισημάνθηκαν όλα αυτά τα χρόνια και θα προστεθεί η βιβλιογραφική ενημέρωσή της. ISBN 960- 7814-23-1. Κωδικός Βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 24999

We report the growth of single-phase, stoichiometric polycrystalline thin films of the half-Heusler ferromagnet NiMnSb, predicted to be half-metallic, on single crystal InSb (100) substrates heated at 200°C by pulsed laser deposition. The films exhibit saturation magnetization of 4 μB/ formula unit at 5 K and coercive fields of 2 Oe at 300 K indicative of their good structural quality. At low temperatures (7<200 K) the system behaves like a Heisenberg ferromagnet as expected for a half-metal, while at T>200 K it behaves like an itinerant ferromagnet. The resistivity of the film at 5 K is 6 μΩ cm. © 2004 American Institute of Physics.

We propose a process by which the kinetic energy of the protons, that carry most of the energy of GRB relativistic blast waves (RBW), is converted explosively into relativistic electrons of the same Lorentz factor, which then produce the observed prompt γ-ray emission of the burst. This conversion is the result of the combined effects of the reflection of photons produced within the flow by upstream located matter, their re-interception and conversion into e +e --pairs on the RBW by the pγ→ pe +e - reaction. This process depends on kinematic and dynamic thresholds; the former depends on the RBW Lorentz factor Γ while the second on the column density of the post shock matter to the pγ→e +e - reaction; this latter condition is in effect that of the criticality of a nuclear pile, hence the erminology. It is shown that, when operating near threshold, the resulting GRB spectrum produces its peak luminosity at energy (in the lab frame) E≃ mec2, thereby providing an answer to this outstanding question of GRBs.

Novel anomeric spironucleosides and 1'-cyano-2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyuridine, a structural analogue of known anti-HIV agent, were prepared by nucleophilic addition of organolithium reagents to 1'-cyano-2'deoxy- and 1'-cyano-2'-deoxy-2'beta-bromouridine derivatives, respectively. The yield and distribution of products depended on the reaction conditions, whichwere studied in detail. Although none of the compounds exhibited antiviral activit, twocompounds displayed cytostatic activity against both murine leukemia and human T-lymphocyte cells.

Novel anomeric spironucleosides and 1′-cyano-2′,3′- didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine, a structural analogue of known anti-HIV agents, were prepared by nucleophilic addition of organolithium reagents to 1′-cyano-2′-deoxy- and 1′-cyano-2′-deoxy- 2′$\beta$-bromo-uridine derivatives, respectively. The yield and distribution of products depended on the reaction conditions, which were studied in detail. Although none of the compounds exhibited antiviral activity, two compounds displayed cytostatic activity against both murine leukemia and human T-lymphocyte cells.

The synthesis and physical properties of arc melted NiMnSb were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. It was observed that the half metallicity in NiMnSb is supported by the integer saturation magnetization value at 5 K. It was found that the magnetic properties were due to magnetic moments localized at the Mn atoms. The results show that in the temperature region of 80 K to 150 K a crossover takes place from half metallic behavior to normal ferromagnetic behavior.

New BVRI CCD observations of the pulsating star SZ Lyn are presented. The light curves are analyzed using Fourier transform techniques and a new period is determined. A new ephemeris, based on recent times of maxima, is proposed. The photometric data collected over the last 40 years are used to determine the pulsational and orbital elements, since SZ Lyncis is a member of a binary system. The results are compared with those found in previous studies.

SZ Lyncis (=HD 67390) is a high amplitude Delta Scuti star, discovered by Hoffmeister in 1949. Van Genderen (1967) noticed that the residuals in the O-C diagrams followed a sinusoidal variation with a period of Porb = 3.091 years. Several years later, Barnes & Moffett (1975) improved this period to Porb = 3.138 years and suggested that the sinusoidal variations in the O-C diagrams, observed by van Genderen (1967), originate from the light travel time effect, since SZ Lyn is a member of a binary system. This hypothesis was confirmed by Bardin & Imbert (1984) with measurements of radial velocities. Soliman et al. (1986) found the pulsation period to be 0.120534896 days and the orbital period 1173.5 days.

The aim of this study was to investigate children‘s perceptions (i.e. expectations) of the interventions that teachers should implement to deal with their loneliness. The role of significant others in children‘s attempts to cope with loneliness and the children‘s perceptions of that role have been neglected by researchers. A random sample of 180 second, fourth and sixth graders from Athens, the capital of Greece, were individually interviewed. Qualitative analysis using the ‘concept-indicator model‘ (Strauss, 1987) showed that school-age children have an adequate understanding of the loneliness alleviation strategies that teachers can and should use. The strategies may be distinguished into the two already known broad categories of coping, that is problem-focused or active coping strategies (i.e. manifestation of interest and care, intervention in the peer group, encouragement to approach peers and make friends, consultation for personal improvement, informing parents), and emotion-focused or avoidance coping strategies (i.e., emotion regulation, encouragement to engage in activities and inability to cope). Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the role of the teacher in alleviating loneliness, for school-based interventions with this purpose, as well as for their contribution in the existing knowledge about coping with loneliness strategies.

Patsantaras, N. & Kamberidou, I. (2004). Technoethics-Technoethos. Second study presented [and submitted] at the Consultation Workshop on Gender and Technology in Brussels, 28 June 2004, Venue: European Commission, Information Society Directorate-General Miniaturisation, Embedded Systems, Societal Applications, June 28, 2004, Brussels. ***

• Also included, Consultation Workshop on Gender and Technology revised report,  along with our draft Policy Proposal on GENDER AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETY, July 2004.

A 10 year (1984-93) climatology is given of the global distributions of net shortwave (SW), net longwave (LW) and net all-wave radiation budget at both top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and at the Earth's surface, on a mean monthly basis, computed with a radiative transfer model with input data for key atmospheric and surface parameters. The model input data were taken from complete and comprehensive global climatological data sets, such as the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and National Center for Atmospheric Research Global Reanalysis or the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder, among others. Seasonal and latitudinal variations and mean annual and mean hemispherical and global averages are given, based on model results computed for each month of the period from January 1984 to December 1993. At TOA, the net incoming SW radiation has larger latitudinal variation and range of values (0-400 W m-2) than the outgoing LW radiation (100-350 W m-2). At the surface, the net downward SW radiation has similar features to that at TOA, but with smaller magnitudes. The net upward LW radiation is quite different than at TOA, with a smaller seasonal and geographical variability than the surface net SW radiation. The global system of Earth-atmosphere is found to be net radiatively heated at TOA by 3 W m-2; the Earth's surface is net heated by 98 W m-2, mainly due to solar absorption equal to 147 W m-2, a value in agreement with surface-based measurements. At TOA, there is a radiative energy surplus between 40 °S and 30 °N and a radiative loss poleward; however, at the surface the surplus regions extend from 70 °S to 70 °N. Globally, the atmosphere is found to absorb 27% of the incoming solar radiation at TOA, while it emits 79% of the outgoing terrestrial radiation.

Downwelling longwave fluxes, DLFs, have been derived for each month over a ten year period (1984-1993), on a global scale with a spatial resolution of 2.5x2.5 degrees and a monthly temporal resolution. The fluxes were computed using a deterministic model for atmospheric radiation transfer, along with satellite and reanalysis data for the key atmospheric input parameters, i.e. cloud properties, and specific humidity and temperature profiles. The cloud climatologies were taken from the latest released and improved International Satellite Climatology Project D2 series. Specific humidity and temperature vertical profiles were taken from three different reanalysis datasets; NCEP/NCAR, GEOS, and ECMWF (acronyms explained in main text). DLFs were computed for each reanalysis dataset, with differences reaching values as high as 30 Wm-2 in specific regions, particularly over high altitude areas and deserts. However, globally, the agreement is good, with the rms of the difference between the DLFs derived from the different reanalysis datasets ranging from 5 to 7 Wm-2. The results are presented as geographical distributions and as time series of hemispheric and global averages. The DLF time series based on the different reanalysis datasets show similar seasonal and inter-annual variations, and similar anomalies related to the 86/87 El Niño and 89/90 La Niña events. The global ten-year average of the DLF was found to be between 342.2 Wm-2 and 344.3 Wm-2, depending on the dataset. We also conducted a detailed sensitivity analysis of the calculated DLFs to the key input data. Plots are given that can be used to obtain a quick assessment of the sensitivity of the DLF to each of the three key climatic quantities, for specific climatic conditions corresponding to different regions of the globe. Our model downwelling fluxes are validated against available data from ground-based stations distributed over the globe, as given by the Baseline Surface Radiation Network. There is a negative bias of the model fluxes when compared against BSRN fluxes, ranging from -7 to -9 Wm-2, mostly caused by low cloud amount differences between the station and satellite measurements, particularly in cold climates. Finally, we compare our model results with those of other deterministic models and general circulation models.

Thalidomide, an oral agent with antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties, is being investigated extensively in the management of advanced cancer. Multiple studies with large numbers of patients have confirmed that this drug has significant activity in multiple myeloma. Some patients with myelofibrosis or myeodysplatic syndromes may reduce their need for transfusions after thalidomide treatment. The activity of thalidomide in solid tumors is less prominent. Studies in Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer appear more promising especially when thalidomide is combined with biological agents or with chemotherapy. Limited activity was demonstrated in patients with glioma, while thalidomide appears to be inactive in patients with head and neck cancer, breast or ovarian cancer. © 2004 European Society for Medical Oncology.

Highly spin polarized Heusler alloys, NiMnSb and Co2MnSi, attract a great deal of interest as potential spin injectors for spintronic applications. Spintronic devices require control of interfacial properties at the ferromagnet: semiconductor contact. To address this issue we report a systematic study of the ordinary and anomalous Hall effect, in Ni 1.15Mn0.85Sb films on silicon, as a function of film thickness. In contrast to the bulk stoichiometric material, the Hall carriers in these films become increasingly electron-like as the film thickness decreases, and as the temperature increases from 50 K toward room temperature. High field Hall measurements confirm that this is representative of the majority transport carriers. This suggests that current injected from a NiMnSb: semiconductor interface may not necessarily carry the bulk spin polarization. The films also show a low temperature upturn in the resistivity, which is linked to a discontinuity in the anomalous Hall coefficient. Overall these trends indicate that the application of Heusler alloys as spin injectors will require strictly controlled interfacial engineering, which is likely to be demanding in these ternary alloys.

Autopsy specimens are often used in molecular biological studies of disease pathophysiology. However, few analyses have focused specifically on postmortem changes in skeletal muscles, and almost all of those investigate protein or metabolic changes. Although some structural and enzymatic changes have been described, the sequence of transcriptional events associated with these remains unclear. We analyzed a series of new and preexisting human skeletal muscle data sets on approximately 12,500 genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated by the Affymetrix U95Av2 GeneChips from seven autopsy and seven surgical specimens. Remarkably, postmortem specimens (up to 46 h) revealed a significant and prominent upregulation of transcripts involved with protein biosynthesis. Additional upregulated transcripts are associated with cellular responses to oxidative stress, hypoxia, and ischemia; however, only a subset of genes in these pathways was affected. Overexpression was also seen for apoptosis-related, cell cycle regulation/arrest-related, and signal transduction-related genes. No major gene expression differences were seen between autopsy specimens with <20-h and 34- to 46-h postmortem intervals or between pediatric and adult cases. These data demonstrate that, likely in response to hypoxia and oxidative stress, skeletal muscle undergoes a highly active transcriptional, and possibly, translational phase during the initial 46-h postmortem interval. Knowledge of these changes is important for proper interpretation of gene expression studies utilizing autopsy specimens.

Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCT) are highly curable when treated with cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. We evaluated the safety and activity of a 3-day modified bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatinum (mBEP) regimen in patients with OGCT. Patients with FIGO stages I-IV OGCT were treated with three (stages I-III complete resection) or four cycles (incomplete resection or stage IV) of bleomycin 15 mg iv, etoposide 120 mg/m 2 iv, and cisplatin 40 mg/m 2 iv for 3 days every 3 weeks. Forty-eight patients (14 with dysgerminoma and 34 with non-dysgerminomatous tumors) were included in our study. Most patients had stage I disease (65%) and complete resection of their tumor (67%). Twenty percent of patients developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia with 4 episodes of neutropenic fever. During follow-up (median: 5 years), two patients developed progressive disease including one patient who died. All patients with stage I or II disease and all patients with dysgerminoma remain free of disease. However, 20% of patients with non-dysgerminomatous tumors stage III or IV experienced progressive disease. The modified 3-day BEP regimen was safe and effective in patients with OGCT. Further improvements are needed for patients with advanced, suboptimally debulked non-dysgerminomatous tumors. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

We evaluated the predictive value of several parameters, including the International Staging System (ISS) for myeloma, in patients with advanced disease treated with thalidomide-based regimens (TBR). We analyzed 119 patients, from 3 phase II studies. Patients with pretreatment β2 microglobulin < 3.5 mg/l and albumin ≥ 3.5 g /dl were scored ISS stage 1, patients with β2 microglobulin < 3.5 mg/1 and albumin < 3.5 g/dl or β2 microglobulin 3.5-5.5 mg/l regardless of albumin levels were scored ISS stage 2, patients with β2 microglobulin > 5.5 mg/l ISS stage 3. ISS stage was 1, 2 and 3 in 45, 32 and 23% of patients respectively. Seventy-four patients (62% achieved at least partial response. Median progression-free and overall survival were 8 months and 19.5 months respectively. ISS stage, serum LDH and performance status were independent predictive factors for survival. Based on these 3 variables a scoring system was developed with survival times of 38.1, 28.8 and 5.8 months for scores 0, 1 and 2 respectively. The ISS staging system was highly predictive for overall survival of patients with advanced myeloma treated with TBR. With the addition of performance status and serum LDH, a simple scoring system was developed which may help select patients likely to benefit from TBR. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Recent data have suggested that rituximab is an active agent for the treatment of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). However, the patients that are more likely to benefit have not been clearly defined. In order to address this question we evaluated 52 patients who were treated with single-agent rituximab in the context of prospective studies. Several clinical and laboratory variables were assessed for their correlation with response and time to progression. Twenty-three (44%) patients achieved a partial response after treatment with rituximab. Previously untreated and pretreated patients had the same probability for response. Higher response rates were noted in patients with serum monoclonal protein < 40 g/l, with serum albumin ≥ 35 g/l and with kappa light chain. The median time to progression for all patients was 13.8 months. A multivariate analysis indicated that elevated serum monoclonal protein levels and low serum albumin were the dominant variables associated with shorter progression. Presence of two, one or none of these adverse prognostic factors was associated with time to progression of 3.6 months, 11 months and more than 40 months, respectively. We conclude that rituximab is an effective treatment modality for patients with WM. Patients with both low levels of monoclonal protein and normal albumin are the best candidates for treatment with standard dose rituximab. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

In this paper we will discuss current research on the synthesis of the singing voice, its technical problems and esthetic issues, and the perspective of creating a vocal synthesizer which could be accessible to composers, musicians and musicologists, as a creative tool for composing, performing, and interpreting forgotten voice techniques of various cultures and bygone times.

A novel class of potent human pancreatic lipase (HPL) inhibitors was developed. Triacylglycerol analogues containing 2-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino) fatty acids were synthesized, and their ability to form stable films at the air/water interface was studied. The inhibition of human digestive lipases by the compounds synthesized was studied by the monolayer technique, and the triesters of glycerol and 2-methylglycerol with 2-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)oleic acid were found to be potent inhibitors of HPL.

Kamberidou, I., & Patsantaras, N. (2004).  The “Virtual Harem”: Technophobia or Exclusion? An Educational Perspective. Study presented (and submitted) at the Consultation Workshop on Gender and Technology, 28 June 2004, Venue: European Commission – Information Society DG. Avenue de Beaulieu 31   6/30, 1160 Brussels. **Includes. Gender and Technology Workshop first draft report on presentation  

In an XMM-Newton raster observation of the bright Local Group spiral galaxy M 33 we study the population of X-ray sources (X-ray binaries, supernova remnants) down to a 0.2-4.5keV luminosity of 1035erg/s - more than a factor of 10 deeper than earlier ROSAT observations. EPIC hardness ratios and optical and radio information are used to distinguish between different source classes. The survey detects 408 sources in an area of 0.80 square degree. We correlate these newly detected sources with earlier M 33 X-ray catalogues and information from optical, infra-red and radio wavelengths. As M 33 sources we detect 21 supernova remnants (SNR) and 23 SNR candidates, 5 super-soft sources and 2 X-ray binaries (XRBs). There are 267 sources classified as hard, which may either be XRBs or Crab-like SNRs in M 33 or background AGN. The 44 confirmed and candidate SNRs more than double the number of X-ray detected SNRs in M 33. 16 of these are proposed as SNR candidates from the X-ray data for the first time. On the other hand, there are several sources not connected to M 33: five foreground stars, 30 foreground star candidates, 12 active galactic nucleus candidates, one background galaxy and one background galaxy candidate. Extrapolating from deep field observations we would expect 175 to 210 background sources in this field. This indicates that about half of the sources detected are within M 33. (1 data file).

We have studied the vortex matter phase diagram in two carbon doped MgB2-xCx (x=0.04 and 0.1) single crystals. We have found that, as in pristine MgB2, the peak effect is also present in carbon doped crystals. The regime where the peak effect is developed is more extended in comparison to the undoped crystal. The enhancement of the peak effect regime, combined with the higher H-c2(c)(0), makes doped MgB2 more favorable for practical applications. The absence of significant bulk pinning below the line H-on(T), which denotes the onset points of the peak effect, implies that the Bragg glass phase is present for H

The dispersion characteristics and the field distributions for all kind of waves which can propagate in surface corrugated waveguides are calculated by a method based on the Floquet theorem. Numerical results are presented for several corrugated structures with rectangular and circular cross-section and a comparison is made with already established codes.

In an XMM-Newton raster observation of the bright Local Group spiral galaxy M 33 we study the population of X-ray sources (X-ray binaries, supernova remnants) down to a 0.2-4.5 keV luminosity of 1035 erg s-1 - more than a factor of 10 deeper than earlier ROSAT observations. EPIC hardness ratios and optical and radio information are used to distinguish between different source classes. The survey detects 408 sources in an area of 0.80 square degree. We correlate these newly detected sources with earlier M 33 X-ray catalogues and information from optical, infra-red and radio wavelengths. As M 33 sources we detect 21 supernova remnants (SNR) and 23 SNR candidates, 5 super-soft sources and 2 X-ray binaries (XRBs). There are 267 sources classified as hard, which may either be XRBs or Crab-like SNRs in M 33 or background AGN. The 44 confirmed and candidate SNRs more than double the number of X-ray detected SNRs in M 33. 16 of these are proposed as SNR candidates from the X-ray data for the first time. On the other hand, there are several sources not connected to M 33: five foreground stars, 30 foreground star candidates, 12 active galactic nucleus candidates, one background galaxy and one background galaxy candidate. Extrapolating from deep field observations we would expect 175 to 210 background sources in this field. This indicates that about half of the sources detected are within M 33. XMM-Newton is an ESA Science Mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and the USA (NASA). Full Table \ref{master} is only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/426/11

Εξετάζεται το ελάχιστο εγγυημένο εισόδημα ως μέσο για την αντιμετώπιση των νέων κοινωνικών κινδύνων σε συνδυασμό με μέτρα για την κοινωνική ένταξη των δικαιούχων. Υποστηρίζεται ότι οι κίνδυνοι του γήρατος, της αναπηρίας και του θανάτου μπορούν να αντιμετωπισθύν καλύτερα με την εθνική σύνταξη. Το ελάχιστο εγγυημένο εισόδημα αναφέρεται πρωτίστως στον κίνδυνο της ανεργίας και της φτώχειας. Η καθιέρωσή του προϋποθέτει εμπεριστατωμένες μελέτες, οικονομικές και άλλες, ώστε να εξετασθεί η αντοχή της ελληνικής οικονομίας και η αποτροπή του ενδεχομένου το εγγυημένο εισόδημα να αποτελέσει αντικίνητρο στην εργασία. Απαιτείται επίσης εκτεταμένος κοινωνικός και πολιτικός διάλογος. Χρήσιμη είναι η εμπειρία άλλων κρατών μελών που έχουν θεσπίσει το ελάχιστο εγγυημένο εισόδημα. Σε δώδεκα κράτη μέλη της Ε.Ε. έχει καθιερωθεί με λιγότερες ή περισσότερες προϋποθέσεις. Στο σύστημα με κύρια χαρακτηριστικά τύπου Bismarck που εφαρμόζει η Ελλάδα, η πρόνοια θεωρητικά έχει δευτερεύουσα σημασία σε σχέση με την κοινωνική ασφάλιση. Όμως οι εξελίξεις την τελευταία εικοσαετία δείχνουν ότι η πρόνοια φέρει το κύριο βάρος για την αντιμετώπιση των νέων κοινωνικών κινδύνων. Ο ρόλος της διευρύνεται και οι κανόνες και τεχνική που εφαρμόζει τείνουν να αντιστοιχούν σε δικαιώματα των δικαιούχων. Στα περισσότερα κράτη μέλη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ενώσεως αυτό έχει ήδη προ δεκαετίας αποτελέσει κοινωνική και πολιτική επιλογή. Το συμπέρασμα είναι ότι και στην Ελλάδα πρέπει να εξετασθεί η καθιέρωση αφ’ ενός του ελαχίστου εγγυημένου εισοδήματος ως μέσον για την κάλυψη των νέων κοινωνικών κινδύνων και αφ’ ετέρου της εθνικής συντάξεως ως μέσον για την κάλυψη της φτώχειας σημαντικής μερίδας των συνταξιούχων γήρατος, θανάτου και αναπηρίας.  

Παρά το γεγονός οτι η ενασχόληση των παιδιών με τον αθλητισμό συμβάλλει σημαντικά στην ισορροπημένη φυσική, ψυχική και κοινωνική τους ανάπτυξη, η φυσική δραστηριότητα όσο αυξάνεται η παιδική ηλικία παρουσιάζει σταδιακή μείωση. Βασική αιτία αυτής της μείωσης είναι η έλλειψη ικανοποιητικού ελεύθερου χρόνου, εξαιτίας του βάρους των απαιτήσεων της σύγχρονης εκπαίδευσης. Το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του ελεύθερου χρόνου των μαθητών αναλώνεται στη σχολική προετοιμασία, τα φροντιστήρια και τα ιδιαίτερα μαθήματα. Αν και η πλειοψηφία των μαθητών αθλείται, η έλλειψη ελεύθερου χρόνου αναδεικνύεται από την πλειονότητα του μαθητικού πληθυσμού ως το κατ’ εξοχήν πρόβλημα, που δυσκολεύει την ενασχόλησή τους με τον αθλητισμό. Αναδεικνύεται η ανάγκη για ορθολογικότερη διαχείριση του ελεύθερου χρόνου. Περισσότερη και στοχευμένη φυσική δραστηριότητα, μέσω της προώθησης της συμμετοχής σε εξωσχολικές δραστηριότητες, προκειμένου να προληφθούν οι συνέπειες της υποκινητικότητας. 

Τὸ Ἰνστιτοῦτον Μελετῶν Ἀνατολικῆς Εὐρώπης τοῦ Μονάχου (Osteuropa Institut München), τὸ ὁποῖον θεωρεῖται ὡς τὸ ἕνα ἀπὸ τὰ δύο καλλίτερα τῆς Γερμανίας στὸ ἐρευνητικόν του πεδίο, συνέταξε καὶ παρουσίασε προσφάτως ἐπιστημονικὴ μελέτη γιὰ τὶς συνέπειες τῆς ἐνδεχομένης ἐντάξεως τῆς Τουρκίας στὴν Εὐρωπαϊκὴν Ἕνωση. Τὸ γεγονὸς ἀπέσπασε τὴν προσοχὴ ὁλοκλήρου τοῦ γερμανικοῦ τύπου, διότι, ὅπως ὀρθῶς ἐπεσημάνθη, εἶναι ἡ πρώτη ἐπιστημονικὴ μελέτη ποὺ ἀσχολεῖται μὲ τὸ σύνολο τῶν συνεπειῶν ποὺ θὰ ἔχει μία πιθανὴ ἔνταξις τῆς Τουρκίας στὴν ΕΕ καὶ μάλιστα κατὰ τρόπον ἐμπεριστατωμένο, μεθοδικὸ καὶ ἀπηλλαγμένο πολιτικῶν σκοπιμοτήτων. Περαιτέρω, γιὰ πρώτη φορὰ διερευνῶνται ὀρθολογικῶς καὶ χωρὶς τὸ ἄγχος τῶν καταναγκασμῶν τῆς «political correctness» πιθανὲς ἐναλλακτικὲς μορφὲς σχέσεως τῆς Τουρκίας μὲ τὴν ΕΕ. Το παρόν κείμενο αποτελεί σχετικό υπηρεσιακὸ υπόμνημα του συγγραφέα, κατά την θητεία του, στο Ἰνστιτοῦτο Ἀμυντικῶν Ἀναλύσεων.

(2004). Γογγάκη Κ., Η αθλητική αξία κατά τους αρχαίους στοχαστές. Επτά Ημέρες, Ένθετο αφιέρωμα, με θέμα «Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες και Λογοτεχνία», Η Καθημερινή, Κυρ. 23 Μαΐου, 8-11.   Η νίκη στους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες αποτελεί για τη συνείδηση του αρχαίου κόσμου μια σημαίνουσα αξία, και γι’ αυτό απολαμβάνει της αναγνώρισης του συνόλου της κοινωνίας (Πίνδαρος, Σόλων, Σωκράτης, Πλάτων, Αριστοτέλης). Παρά τη γενική αποδοχή της αθλητικής αξίας, ωστόσο, κατά τη διάρκεια της αρχαιότητας εκφράστηκαν και ορισμένες αρνητικές εκτιμήσεις εναντίον των αθλητών και των αγώνων, από έναν αριθμό αρχαίων Ελλήνων στοχαστών και συγγραφέων. Το μέτρο, το βάθρο στο οποίο στηρίχτηκε ο κλασικός πολιτισμός, οδήγησε στη σωματική και στην ψυχική εναρμόνιση. Η σωματική άσκηση, όμως, ενίοτε ξεπερνούσε το μέτρο, χωρίς να συνοδεύεται δηλαδή και από μιαν αντίστοιχη ψυχική καλλιέργεια. Ο ιδιαίτερος τρόπος της ζωής των αθλητών, εξάλλου, ορισμένες φορές προκαλούσε το δημόσιο αίσθημα, ενώ και η απόδοση τιμών στους αθλητές έφτανε κάποτε σε όρια υπερβολής, με αποτέλεσμα να υπερτονίζεται η αξία της σωματικής ρώμης σε σύγκριση με τη σημασία της πνευματικής. Η υπέρμετρη αναγνώριση της αγωνιστικής νίκης λειτουργούσε κάπως, και ως κίνητρο στη συνείδηση ορισμένων αθλητών, για την υπερβολική ενασχόλησή τους με τον αθλητισμό, με στόχο την ανταλλαγή της αξίας με το όφελος, είτε αυτό αφορούσε σε πολιτικό, είτε σε οικονομικό, είτε και σε κοινωνικό επίπεδο. Τα φαινόμενα αυτά ήταν μεμονωμένα κατά την αρχαιότητα, απασχόλησαν πάντως ένα μέρος της διανόησης της εποχής, από το οποίο ασκήθηκε ιδιαίτερη κριτική. Σε ορισμένες, μάλιστα περιπτώσεις, όπως ο Ξενοφάνης ή ο Ευριπίδης, ο Διογένης, η κριτική κατά των αθλητών υπήρξε δριμύτατη, προφανώς επειδή ως άνθρωποι του πνεύματος αισθάνθηκαν ότι την ίδια στιγμή που η πολιτεία αναγνώριζε υπέρμετρα την σωματική ρώμη, δεν αναγνώριζε με τον ίδιο τρόπο την προσπάθειά τους η οποία απέβλεπε στο κοινό καλό.

Η μελέτη ξεκινά από τη διαπίστωση ότι η κοινωνική ασφάλιση στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση υφίσταται ασφυκτική πίεση από δύο πλευρές. Από τη μια μεριά από το σαρωτικό ρεύμα της εισαγωγής του ανταγωνισμού και των μηχανισμών της αγοράς και από την άλλη από το λιγότερο εμφανές, θα έλεγε κανείς υπόγειο, ρεύμα της εισαγωγής ή επεκτάσεως κανόνων κοινωνικής πρόνοιας. Τίθεται το ερώτημα μήπως στην έσχατη λογική κατάληξη αυτών των μεταρρυθμίσεων η κοινωνική ασφάλιση στην Ελλάδα καθίσταται κενή περιεχομένου. Το ερώτημα αυτό μπορεί να απαντηθεί, μόνο αν εξετασθεί ποιες διατάξεις αναδεικνύουν την εισαγωγή των κανόνων της αγοράς και του ανταγωνισμού στην κοινωνική ασφάλιση και ποιες διατάξεις την εισαγωγή ή επέκταση των κανόνων της κοινωνικής πρόνοιας. Εάν η εισαγωγή αυτών των διατάξεων θίγει τον πυρήνα του θεσμού της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, θα πρόκειται για πραγματική αποδυνάμωση του θεσμού, ενώ στην αντίθετη περίπτωση για φαινομενική. Η μελέτη θεωρεί ότι ο πυρήνας του θεσμού της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως περιλαμβάνει τα στοιχεία που συγκροτούν την έννοια της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, δηλαδή τα καθεστώτα που στηρίζονται στον νόμο και ως αποτέλεσμα της προελεύσεώς τους χαρακτηρίζονται από το γενικό και αφηρημένο των ρυθμίσεων, την υποχρεωτικότητα, την καθολικότητα και τη διευρυμένη κοινωνική αλληλεγγύη, η οποία συνεπάγεται τη δυνατότητα εφαρμογής του διανεμητικού συστήματος για την κάλυψη των δαπανών. Δεν αποκλείεται να περιλαμβάνει και συμβατικής προελεύσεως καθεστώτα, εφόσον συγκεντρώνουν τα χαρακτηριστικά των νομοθετικών καθεστώτων. Ο πυρήνας του θεσμού περιλαμβάνει επίσης τους ασφαλιστικούς κινδύνους που ανάγονται στον σκοπό της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, ενώ δεν περιλαμβάνει την οργάνωση και λειτουργία του ασφαλιστικού συστήματος και των επι μέρους οργανισμών κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως.             Στο πρώτο μέρος εξετάζεται η αποδυνάμωση  της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως από την εισαγωγή κανόνων ιδιωτικού δικαίου και μηχανισμών της αγοράς και υποστηρίζεται ότι είναι φαινομενική. Η επαγγελματική ασφάλιση αποτελεί την πλέον χαρακτηριστική περίπτωση εισαγωγής κανόνων του ιδιωτικού δικαίου στην κοινωνική ασφάλιση. Εξετάζονται τα ουσιώδη χαρακτηριστικά των Ταμείων Επαγγελματικής Ασφαλίσεως  (Τ.Ε.Α.) του ν. 3029/02 και διαπιστώνεται ότι η οργάνωση και λειτουργία τους συνδυάζει στοιχεία από τα αλληλοβοηθητικά σωματεία που λειτουργούν από ετών στην κοινωνική ασφάλιση, και από τις ανώνυμες εταιρείες και τους αλληλασφαλιστικούς συνεταιρισμούς, που λειτουργούν στην ιδιωτική ασφάλιση. Ωστόσο ο Έλληνας νομοθέτης έχει ενισχύσει τα κοινωνικά στοιχεία κατά τέτοιον τρόπο, ώστε, όταν χρηματοδοτούνται και από τον εργοδότη, εμπίπτουν στην έννοια του φορέα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως του άρθρου 2 παρ. 4 του ν. 2084/92. Ειδικότερα, τα Τ.Ε.Α. έχουν μη κερδοσκοπικό χαρακτήρα, ιδρύονται και λειτουργούν με βάση τις πρωτοβουλίες και συμφωνίες των κοινωνικών εταίρων, εποπτεύονται από τον Υπουργό Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων, υπάγονται στον έλεγχο της Εθνικής Αναλογιστικής Αρχής, εξασφαλίζουν την ίση μεταχείριση, δεν είναι επιλεκτικά κατά την υπαγωγή των ασφαλισμένων, προστατεύουν το δικαίωμα προσδοκίας των ασφαλισμένων και δικαιούχων παροχών κατά τη διάλυσή τους και επιτελούν, έστω και περιορισμένα, αναδιανεμητική λειτουργία. Η μελέτη υποστηρίζει ότι τα εννοιολογικά χαρακτηριστικά των Τ.Ε.Α. ταυτίζονται με τα χαρακτηριστικά των συνεταιρισμών του άρθρου 12 παρ. 5 του Συντάγματος. Τούτο έχει ως αποτέλεσμα η προστασία των Τ.Ε.Α. όσον αφορά τη νομική μορφή και την οργάνωσή τους να έχει έρεισμα στο άρθρο 12 παρ. 5 του Συντάγματος και όχι στο άρθρο 22 παρ. 5. Η νομοθετική αυτή επιλογή διακρίνει τα ελληνικά καθεστώτα επαγγελματικής ασφαλίσεως από τα αντίστοιχα των άλλων κρατών μελών της Ε.Ε., όπου οι αντίστοιχοι οργανισμοί έχουν τη μορφή σωματείων ή ασφαλιστικών επιχειρήσεων. Στη συνέχεια η μελέτη εξετάζει την εισαγωγή μηχανισμών ανάλογων με τους μηχανισμούς της αγοράς για την αξιοποίηση της περιουσίας των νομοθετικών οργανισμών και τις ενοποιήσεις των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών. Σήμερα, οι οργανισμοί κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως έχουν δικαίωμα να αξιοποιούν την περιουσία τους. Παρατηρείται μικρή διαβάθμιση όσον αφορά την έκταση και ελευθερία διαχειρίσεως των οργανισμών κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, των Τ.Ε.Α. και των ιδιωτικών ασφαλιστικών επιχειρήσεων. Ωστόσο, κατά τη μελέτη, η διαφοροποίηση αυτή δικαιολογείται από τη διαφορετική νομική φύση και το δημόσιο συμφέρον που συνίσταται στον ρόλο των κοινωνικοασφαλιστικών οργανισμών στο σύστημα κοινωνικής προστασίας. Όσον αφορά τις ενοποιήσεις, ο ανταγωνισμός είναι ιδιότυπος. Αναφέρεται στη σύγκριση με τα ελάχιστα όρια του Ιδρύματος Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων – Ενιαίου Ταμείου Ασφάλισης Μισθωτών (Ι.Κ.Α.- Ε.Τ.Α.Μ.) και του Ενιαίου Ταμείου Επικουρικής Ασφάλισης Μισθωτών (Ε.Τ.Ε.Α.Μ.) και οδηγεί σε ενοποιήσεις των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών στην περίπτωση που οι παροχές τους δεν κρίνονται ισοδύναμες. Επίσης, αναφέρεται σε ενοποιήσεις που επιβάλλονται για οργανωτικούς λόγους, δηλαδή για να μειωθούν οι δαπάνες διοικήσεως και να απλουστευθεί το σύστημα κοινωνικών ασφαλίσεων. Συνεπώς, το κριτήριο για την ενοποίηση είναι η αποδοτική ή μη λειτουργία όσον αφορά τις υπηρεσίες που παρέχονται και όσον αφορά το κόστος λειτουργίας. Ενοποιήσεις εταιρειών προβλέπονται και στο εμπορικό δίκαιο με παρόμοια τεχνική και συνέπειες. Η διαφορά εντοπίζεται στην πρωτοβουλία για την ενοποίηση, δεδομένου ότι στην κοινωνική ασφάλιση την έχει ο νομοθέτης. Η ενοποίηση δεν συνεπάγεται απαραίτητα μείωση των δαπανών ή αποδοτικότερη λειτουργία. Η χρησιμότητα των ενοποιήσεων πρέπει να τεκμηριώνεται κάθε φορά με συγκεκριμένες οικονομικές και αναλογιστικές μελέτες. Αφού ο νόμος καθορίζει ενιαίες προϋποθέσεις, κατηγορία και έκταση των παροχών για τους ασφαλιστικούς οργανισμούς,  η ενοποίηση των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών έχει ήδη γίνει έμμεσα και άτυπα και ως εκ τούτου η τυπική ενοποίηση δεν προσθέτει κατ’ ανάγκην  κάτι. Το πρώτο μέρος της μελέτης καταλήγει ότι η επαγγελματική ασφάλιση, οι κανόνες για την αξιοποίηση της περιουσίας, οι ενοποιήσεις δεν θίγουν τον πυρήνα του θεσμού της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, διότι η κοινωνική ασφάλιση μπορεί να περιλάβει καθεστώτα με τα κοινωνικά χαρακτηριστικά των Τ.Ε.Α. Εξ άλλου, η επιρροή του εμπορικού και ιδιαίτερα του δικαίου ιδιωτικής ασφαλίσεως στο δίκαιο της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως μπορεί να ωφελήσει την κοινωνική ασφάλιση όσον αφορά την αξιοποίηση της περιουσίας των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών με βάση κανόνες ιδιωτικού δικαίου και την τεχνική της αγοράς, τη σύγχρονη οργάνωση των ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών και την ανάπτυξη της επαγγελματικής ασφαλίσεως που κινείται στο όριο μεταξύ της ιδιωτικής και της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως. Συνεπώς, η εισαγωγή κανόνων του ιδιωτικού δικαίου και μηχανισμών ανάλογων με αυτών της αγοράς, όπως αυτοί που εξετάσθηκαν, μόνον φαινομενικά αποδυναμώνει την κοινωνική ασφάλιση.             Στο δεύτερο μέρος της μελέτης εξετάζεται η αποδυνάμωση από την εισαγωγή προνοιακών κανόνων και υποστηρίζεται ότι είναι πραγματική. Η σχέση της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως και της πρόνοιας έχει από ετών απασχολήσει την επιστήμη, ιδίως όσον αφορά τα κριτήρια της διακρίσεως των δύο εννοιών, τη νομική φύση των παροχών κ.λπ. Η θεωρία εξετάζει τη σχέση της κοινωνικής πρόνοιας με την κοινωνική ασφάλιση, ανεξάρτητα από το αν το σύστημα της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως είναι τύπου Bismarck ή Beveridge. Όμως, οι έννοιες και ο ρόλος της πρόνοιας και της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως ορίζoνται διαφορετικά σε κάθε σύστημα με αποτέλεσμα οι ίδιες παροχές που σε σύστημα τύπου Beveridge θεωρούνται κοινωνικοασφαλιστικές σε σύστημα τύπου Bismarck να θεωρούνται προνοιακές.             Η μελέτη θεωρεί ότι η διάκριση της πρόνοιας από την κοινωνική ασφάλιση θεμελιώνεται στο ποιος αναλαμβάνει τον κίνδυνο της φτώχειας. Όταν η κοινωνική ασφάλιση αναλαμβάνει αυτόν τον κίνδυνο, μετατρέπεται σε σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφάλειας τύπου Beveridge (αναφερόμαστε εδώ στην κοινωνική ασφάλεια ως θεσμό και όχι ως σκοπό της κοινωνικής προστασίας). Τα στοιχεία της έννοιας της πρόνοιας και τα στοιχεία της έννοιας της κοινωνικής ασφάλειας στο σύστημα τύπου Beveridge ταυτίζονται. Ειδικότερα, αυτά είναι η καθολική κάλυψη του πληθυσμού από τον κίνδυνο της φτώχειας με παροχές που χρηματοδοτούνται από τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό με βάση την αρχή της εθνικής αλληλεγγύης. Όταν η κοινωνική ασφάλιση δεν αναλαμβάνει τον κίνδυνο της φτώχειας, τότε η κοινωνική πρόνοια λειτουργεί διακριτά και παράλληλα με το σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως τύπου Bismarck. Τα στοιχεία της πρόνοιας και της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως διακρίνονται ως προς το ποιοι είναι οι δικαιούχοι των παροχών, ποιοι τις χρηματοδοτούν και σύμφωνα με ποιες αρχές. Στην πρόνοια δικαιούχοι είναι οι πολίτες, οι μόνιμοι κάτοικοι και, κατά την ορθότερη άποψη, όσοι διαμένουν στη χώρα, ενώ στην κοινωνική ασφάλιση μόνον όσοι εργάζονται (μισθωτοί, αυτοαπασχολούμενοι, αγρότες και δημόσιοι υπάλληλοι). Η χρηματοδότηση των προνοιακών παροχών γίνεται από τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό με βάση την αρχή της εθνικής αλληλεγγύης, ενώ η χρηματοδότηση των κοινωνικοασφαλιστικών παροχών γίνεται με βάση την αρχή της ανταποδοτικότητας σε συνδυασμό με την αρχή της εσωτερικής αλληλεγγύης. Το κριτήριο της επικουρικότητας της προνοιακής προστασίας σε σχέση με την κοινωνικοασφαλιστική έχει σημασία για τη διάκριση της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως από την πρόνοια σε σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως τύπου Bismarck, χωρίς όμως να επηρεάζει τη γενικότερη οριοθέτηση της πρόνοιας από την κοινωνική ασφάλιση. Στη συνέχεια εξετάζονται αφ’ ενός οι κατώτατες συντάξεις και το Επίδομα Κοινωνικής Αλληλεγγύης (Ε.Κ.Α.Σ.) και αφ’ ετέρου η κρατική χρηματοδότηση των οργανισμών κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, προκειμένου να διαπιστωθεί αν πρόκειται για κοινωνικοασφαλιστικές ή προνοιακές παροχές σύμφωνα με τα προναφερθέντα κριτήρια. Διαπιστώνεται ότι σε σύστημα τύπου Bismarck που κατ’ εξαίρεση καλύπτει τον κίνδυνο της φτώχειας, η σχετική παροχή χαρακτηρίζεται: 1) προνοιακή, όταν αποσκοπεί στην κάλυψη του κινδύνου της φτώχειας των ασφαλισμένων, χρηματοδοτείται από τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό και εφαρμόζεται η αρχή της εθνικής αλληλεγγύης και 2) κοινωνικοασφαλιστική, όταν αποσκοπεί στην κάλυψη του κινδύνου της φτώχειας των ασφαλισμένων και χρηματοδοτείται με βάση την αρχή της ανταποδοτικότητας σε συνδυασμό με την αρχή της εσωτερικής αλληλεγγύης.  Με βάση τα παραπάνω κριτήρια, τα κατώτατα όρια συντάξεων και το Ε.Κ.Α.Σ. στην Ελλάδα είναι προνοιακές παροχές, που χορηγούνται από τους ασφαλιστικούς οργανισμούς. Το περιεχόμενο της κρατικής μέριμνας – εγγυήσεως για την κοινωνική ασφάλιση συνοψίζεται στην ύπαρξη και στην καλή λειτουργία συστήματος τύπου Bismarck. To Κράτος, υποχρεούται να λαμβάνει τα κατάλληλα νομοθετικά και διοικητικά μέτρα, ώστε το σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως να λειτουργεί σύμφωνα με τους κανόνες και τις αρχές που το διέπουν. Σε δύο περιπτώσεις ενεργοποιείται ο εγγυητικός ρόλος του κράτους: α) στην περίπτωση της παραλείψεως ή της κακής οργανώσεως του κοινωνικοασφαλιστικού συστήματος, και β) στην περίπτωση της κακής λειτουργίας του κοινωνικοασφαλιστικού συστήματος που οφείλεται σε πράξεις ή παραλείψεις του κράτους. Ενδεικτικά, η πράξη ή η παράλειψη μπορεί να συνίσταται σε ανεπαρκή οικονομικό έλεγχο, παράλειψη καθιερώσεως και συντάξεως αναλογιστικών μελετών κ.λπ. Η κρατική χρηματοδότηση αλλοιώνει το σύστημα τύπου Bismarck, όταν το Κράτος αναλαμβάνει την οικονομική κάλυψη των δαπανών λειτουργίας του συστήματος κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως αντί για τις εισφορές ή φέρει το κύριο βάρος παράλληλα με τις εισφορές, χωρίς αυτό να οφείλεται στην ενεργοποίηση του εγγυητικού ρόλου του. Επίσης, το ίδιο συμβαίνει, όταν το Κράτος καθίσταται υπόχρεο των παροχών ή όταν η κοινωνική ασφάλιση αναλαμβάνει τον κίνδυνο της φτώχειας και οι παροχές χρηματοδοτούνται με βάση την αρχή της εθνικής αλληλεγγύης. Στην Ελλάδα, η οποία εφαρμόζει μεικτό σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως με προέχοντα τα χαρακτηριστικά του τύπου Bismarck, παρατηρείται ότι η κοινωνική ασφάλιση παρέχει προνοιακές παροχές (κατώτατες συντάξεις, Ε.Κ.Α.Σ.) και το κράτος συμμετέχει στη χρηματοδότηση της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως. Το σύστημα δεν μετατρέπεται σε σύστημα κοινωνικής ασφάλειας, επειδή χορηγεί προνοιακές παροχές. Η εσωτερική λογική του δεν ανατρέπεται από μεμονωμένες και αποσπασματικές ρυθμίσεις. Η κρατική συμμετοχή στη χρηματοδότηση δεν υπερβαίνει προς το παρόν τον συνταγματικό ρόλο του Κράτους ως εγγυητή της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως. Αν όμως το Κράτος καταστεί υπόχρεο για τις κοινωνικοασφαλιστικές παροχές, τότε θίγεται ο θεσμός της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, όπως έχει καθιερωθεί συνταγματικά στην Ελλάδα.                Η μελέτη επιβεβαιώνει ότι στην Ελλάδα η κοινωνική ασφάλιση χαρακτηρίζεται από δύο αντίρροπες τάσεις. Από τη μια, εισάγονται κανόνες του ιδιωτικού δικαίου και μηχανισμοί της αγοράς, που όμως φαινομενικά και μόνον αποδυναμώνουν την κοινωνική ασφάλιση. Από την άλλη, εισάγονται ή επεκτείνονται οι κανόνες και η τεχνική της πρόνοιας, που αποδυναμώνουν πραγματικά την κοινωνική ασφάλιση. Το κράτος τείνει να μετατραπεί από εγγυητής της υπάρξεως και της λειτουργίας του συστήματος κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως σε υπόχρεο για την καταβολή των παροχών. Παράλληλα, η κοινωνική ασφάλιση χορηγεί παροχές προνοιακές που αποσκοπούν στην κάλυψη του κινδύνου της φτώχειας των ασφαλισμένων, χρηματοδοτούνται από τον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό και εφαρμόζεται η αρχή της εθνικής αλληλεγγύης. Συνεπώς, ενώ στα συστήματα κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως τύπου Bismarck η διάκριση μεταξύ της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως και της πρόνοιας είναι κατά κανόνα σαφής, στην Ελλάδα τείνει να καταστεί συγκεχυμένη.             Τελικά, επιβεβαιώνεται ότι η εισαγωγή των κανόνων του ιδιωτικού δικαίου και των μηχανισμών της αγοράς μόνο φαινομενικά αποδυναμώνει τον θεσμό της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως, ενώ η εισαγωγή των κανόνων και της τεχνικής της πρόνοιας αποδυναμώνει τη λογική του ισχύοντος κοινωνικοασφαλιστικού συστήματος και, υπό αυτό το πρίσμα, αποδυναμώνει πραγματικά τον θεσμό της κοινωνικής ασφαλίσεως.  

The aim of this study is (a) to identify among the texts included in reading textbooks and anthologies in the Greek primary school those that, explicitly or implicitly, refer to loneliness; and (b) to approach their content and to attempt to analyze it from the viewpoint mainly of developmental psychology. The contribution of this study lies in the following aspects: (a) children's loneliness is a rather neglected issue of theoretical and empirical study in psychology; (b) loneliness is a universal human experience, with very important negative dimensions (it is associated with deviant development and poor mental health), as well as positive ones (it is associated with identity formation and creative activity); (c) literature texts provide a means for a profound understanding of loneliness; and (d) educators and psychologists should be aware of the facets of loneliness which are taught to children in order to be able to organize and implement the appropriate prevention and/or intervention strategies. Aspects and dimensions of loneliness are identified and discussed in terms of the existing theoretical approaches and the recent empirical findings within the field mainly of developmental psychology.

Στο παρόν κείμενο αναλύεται, σχολιάζεται και περιγράφεται καταρχάς το βασικό έργο της γεωγραφίας της "κριτικής σχολής", του Gearóid Ó Tuathail: Critical Geopolitics. Αποδεικνύεται λεπτομερώς και στοιχειοθετείται η μη κατανόηση από πλευράς του Gearóid Ó Tuathail, των διαφορών μεταξύ των επιστημονικών οντοτήτων που συνιστούν την γεωπολιτική ανάλυση και τη γεωστρατηγική σύνθεση. Επίσης, αποδεικνύεται μια μεγάλη σειρά παρανοήσεων, αναφορικά με τις έννοιες αυτές, από πλευράς του Gearóid Ó Tuathail και των εν Ελλάδι υποστηρικτών του. Το κείμενο θεμελιώνει επιστημολογικώς την έννοια της συστημικής γεωπολιτικής αναλύσως και την διαχωρίζει από την συνθετική διαδικασία της γεωστρατηγικής, η οποία αποτελέι μορφή εθνοκεντρικής στόχευσης, που καταλλήγει σε χάραξη κρατικής εξωτερικής πολιτικής.

Αποτελεί μια περιληπτική επανέκδοση της δημοσίευσης Κ. Γογγάκη (1998), «Οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες στην παιδική λογοτεχνία: Αsterix aux jeux Olympiques», Άθληση και Κοινωνία (Έκδοση ΤΕΦΑΑ Δημοκρίτειου Παν/μίου Θράκης), 19:88-96. Ένθετο αφιέρωμα με θέμα «Παιδί και Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες», Η Καθημερινή, Επτά Ημέρες, Κυρ. 29 Αυγ., 18-21.

Το άρθρο αποτελεί τη δημοσίευση της  εισήγησης που έγινε στη Νομαρχία του Κιλκίς για τη «γιορτή του πατέρα», τον Ιούνιο του 2002. Περιγράφει τα σύγχρονα μοντέλα του πατέρα και προβάλλει τη θεολογική άποψη για το πρότυπο Θεού-πατέρα, ώστε ο σημερινός πατέρας να έχει τη δυνατότητα να αντλεί από αυτό το μοντέλο. Μέρος της εισήγησης συμπεριλήφθηκε σε υποκεφάλαιο στη μεταδιδακτορική μελέτη μας για την υιοθεσία τέκνων.

In this paper, we identify and examine a notion of Daniel Stern's theory (1985, 1994, 1995) that was formulated only recently, in 1995, and has not received adequate attention by psychologists and psychiatrists. namely the "schema-of-being-with-the­-self". We regard it as a very important notion from both a developmental and a clinical point of view. We describe the main features of this kind of schema and comment upon its relation to several long-standing and recent theoretical formulations and research findings from psychoanalysis, infant psychology, and from the study of aloneness and loneliness.

Treatment for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) has usually been reserved for symptomatic patients and has included alkylating agent-steroid combinations and, more recently, nucleoside analogues. We now describe our experience with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) alone and in combination at our center. We treated 90 consecutive, previously untreated patients with symptomatic WM using either 2-CdA alone or in combination with other agents including prednisone (pred), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and rituximab (Rit) as follows: January 1991 to December 1992 - 2-CdA 0.1 mg/kg by continuous infusion (CI) over 24 hours for days (16 patients); December 1992 to December 1995 - 2-CdA 0.1 mg/kg CI over 24 hours for 7 days plus pred 60 mg/m2 orally daily for 7 days (20 patients); July 1996 to March 1998 - 2-CdA 1.5 mg/m2 by subcutaneous injection (SC) every 8 hours for 7 days plus Cy 40 mg/m2 orally twice daily for 7 days (37 patients); August 1999 to December 2001 - 2-CdA 1.5 mg/m2 SC every 8 hours for 7 days plus Cy 40 mg/m2 orally twice daily for 7 days plus Rit 375 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion (IV) weekly for 4 weeks (17 patients). For nearly all patients, a second course was repeated after at least 6 weeks. Responding patients were monitored without further treatment until relapse. Overall response (complete [CR] + partial response [PR]) was 94% for 2-CdA alone, 60% for 2-CdA/pred, 84% for 2-CdA/Cy, and 94% for 2-CdA/Cy/Rit. Median overall survival is 73 months for 2-CdA, 41 months for 2-CdA/pred, and has not been reached for 2-CdA/Cy or 2-CdA/Cy/Rit. Cause-specific survival for 2-CdA/pred is 78 months and has not been reached for all other programs. The only poor prognostic factor for cause-specific survival was hemoglobin < 9 g/dL. 2-CdA regimens provide excellent response rates and improve cause-specific survival, with minimal treatment and little toxicity. These observations support the potential role of 2-CdA regimens as the treatment of choice for previously untreated WM. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical trials comparing activator and headgear treatment have shown comparable effectiveness in the total result achieved, but the mechanism of correction is still uncertain. Most studies have used conventional cephalometric methods to evaluate treatment effects, and this might be a factor for the inconclusive results. The aim of this retrospective investigation was to compare the effects of activator and cervical headgear treatment with a superimpositional cephalometric method that could discern between vertical and horizontal effects as well as skeletal, dental, and rotational treatment results. The sample consisted of 2 groups of Class II Division 1 patients, treated without extraction by the same clinician (22 patients were treated with a modified activator-type functional appliance, and 30 patients were treated with a combination of cervical headgear and fixed edgewise appliances). Lateral cephalometric radiographs taken at the beginning of treatment and after Class II molar correction were evaluated conventionally and with a superimpositional method. Regarding the conventional cephalometric measurements, the only difference in the anteroposterior dimension between the 2 treatment modalities was the significantly reduced SNA angle in the headgear group. Both appliances appeared to produce minimal changes in FMA and GoGn-SN angles, and there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups. Regional superimpositions showed differences in the movement of molars: the maxillary molar was found to move more posteriorly and inferiorly in the headgear group. Conversely, the mandibular molar was found to move toward the occlusal plane more in the activator group. Assessment of mandibular skeletal changes showed that the mandible moved anteriorly by approximately 1 mm more in the activator than in the headgear group. The overall effect of the 2 appliances was found to be clinically comparable. However, the individual components of change showed differences characteristic of each appliance.

Objective: To determine postnatal changes in neonatal serum concentrations of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its soluble receptor (sIL-4R). Methods: Forty-five healthy term neonates, 25 of the neonates' mothers and 27 healthy adults (controls) participated in the study. Cytokine concentrations were measured in blood samples from the umbilical cord, from the neonates on the 1st and 5th day after birth, from mothers and from controls. Results: IFN-γ concentrations were significantly lower in the umbilical cord, compared to concentrations in the controls (p < 0.04), and increased significantly from the umbilical cord to levels in neonates on day 5 (p < 0.03). In mothers and the umbilical cord, IFN-γ concentrations were dependent on the mode of delivery, being higher after vaginal delivery than after elective Cesarean section (p < 0.005; p < 0.006, respectively). IL-4 concentrations in the umbilical cord for 1-day and 5-day neonates were significantly elevated compared to those in mothers (p < 0.001; p < 0.0007; p < 0.0001, respectively) and controls (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.006, respectively). sIL-4R concentrations in all neonatal samples were significantly elevated compared to those in controls (p < 0.0001), the highest being found in 1-day-old neonates. A strong negative correlation was found between IL-4 and sIL-4R concentrations in 1- and 5-day-old neonates (r = -0.48, p < 0.002; r = -0.45, p < 0.0065, respectively). Moreover, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio increased significantly from the umbilical cord to 5 days of life (p < 0.03). Conclusions: Our findings indicate an earlier development of IL-4 than IFN-γ, which could be viewed as a developmental characteristic in the ontogeny of the immune system.

Analysis is presented for Case II drug transport with axial and radial release from cylinders. The previously reported {[}J. Control Release 5 (1987) 37] relationships for radial release from films and slabs are special cases of the general solution derived in this study. The widely used exponential relation M-t/M-infinity = kt(n) describes nicely the first 60% of the fractional release curve when Case II drug transport with axial and radial release from cylinders is operating. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

We use exact self-similar solutions of the steady, axisymmetric, relativistic, hydromagnetic equations to study the formation of AGN jets. Our formalism allows us to examine the effects of the thermal, centrifugal, and electromagnetic forces on the flow acceleration and collimation. We apply our analysis to the jet in NGC 6251 and show that the puzzling sub-pc scale acceleration to mildly relativistic speeds recently inferred in this source from VLBI measurements can be attributed to magnetic driving.

We describe a photonic crystal disordered by stacking faults which can be realized in the laboratory and which exhibits an Anderson localization of light over certain regions of frequency. The localization length is obtained from a calculation of the transmittance of a slab of the material as a function of the thickness of the slab. The localization length depends on the frequency and the angle of incidence of the incident light. It appears that there are regions of frequency where all states of the electromagnetic field are either localized or delocalized, but we also find regions where localized states coexist with delocalized ones.

Angiogenesis represents an essential step in tumor proliferation, expansion, and metastasis. Tumor cells may express both proangiogenic and/or antiangiogenic factors. Under normal circumstances, angiogenesis is controlled through the equilibrium of these factors. This balance is disrupted in malignancy, resulting in promotion of angiogenesis. Among angiogenic molecules, VEGF appears to have a central role in the angiogenic process: it is the target of many proangiogenic factors, but it also regulates molecules that are implicated in endothelial proliferation. It has been suggested that VEGF may be a proximate angiogenic factor through which others act. The degree of angiogenesis and the expression of angiogenic factors have been associated with prognosis in several human neoplasms. In addition, angiogenesis offers a theoretically selective target for anticancer therapy, since it is only required for wound healing, endometrial proliferation, and pregnancy in healthy individuals. Antiangiogenic cancer treatment is still largely experimental and its clinical potential is currently being studied in clinical trials. Thalidomide, a drug with antiangiogenic properties, has shown significant efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody prolonged survival in patients with advanced colorectal and renal cell carcinoma. Although these results are encouraging, selection of patients is essential in order to target populations most likely to benefit from antiangiogenic therapy. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this study, we examined the long-term reductions in maximal isometric force (MIF) caused by a protocol of repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length. Furthermore, we wished to ascertain whether the reductions in MIF are dependent on muscle length - that is, are the reductions in MIF more pronounced when the muscle contracts at a short length. The MIF of the elbow flexors of seven young male volunteers was measured at five different elbow angles between 50° and 160°. On a separate day, the participants performed 50 maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position; that is, with the shoulder hyperextended at 45° and the elbow joint fixed at 140°. Following this exercise, the MIF at the five elbow angles, range of motion, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were measured at 24 h intervals for 4 days. On day 1, the decline in MIF was higher at the more acute elbow angles of 50° (42 ± 8%) and 70° (39 ± 8%; both P < 0.01) than at 90° (26 ± 4%) and 140° (16 ± 3%; both P < 0.01). No significant reduction in MIF was evident at an elbow angle of 160°. Maximal isometric force at an elbow angle of 140° was fully restored on day 3, whereas at an angle of 50° it remained depressed for the 4 day observation period. Restoration of MIF was a function of the elbow angle, with force recovery being less at the smaller angles. The range of motion was decreased by 14 ± 2° on day 1 (P < 0.01) and did not return to baseline values by day 4. Muscle soreness ratings remained significantly elevated for the 4 day period. Serum creatine kinase peaked on day 1 (522 ± 129 IU, P < 0.01) and decreased thereafter. We conclude that the disproportionate decrease in MIF at the small elbow angles and the length-specific recovery in MIF after repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length may be explained by the presence of overstretched sarcomeres that increased in series compliance of the muscle, therefore causing a rightward shift of the force-length relationship.

In this study, we examined the long-term reductions in maximal isometric force (MIF) caused by a protocol of repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length. Furthermore, we wished to ascertain whether the reductions in MIF are dependent on muscle length - that is, are the reductions in MIF more pronounced when the muscle contracts at a short length. The MIF of the elbow flexors of seven young male volunteers was measured at five different elbow angles between 50° and 160°. On a separate day, the participants performed 50 maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position; that is, with the shoulder hyperextended at 45° and the elbow joint fixed at 140°. Following this exercise, the MIF at the five elbow angles, range of motion, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were measured at 24 h intervals for 4 days. On day 1, the decline in MIF was higher at the more acute elbow angles of 50° (42 ± 8%) and 70° (39 ± 8%; both P < 0.01) than at 90° (26 ± 4%) and 140° (16 ± 3%; both P < 0.01). No significant reduction in MIF was evident at an elbow angle of 160°. Maximal isometric force at an elbow angle of 140° was fully restored on day 3, whereas at an angle of 50° it remained depressed for the 4 day observation period. Restoration of MIF was a function of the elbow angle, with force recovery being less at the smaller angles. The range of motion was decreased by 14 ± 2° on day 1 (P < 0.01) and did not return to baseline values by day 4. Muscle soreness ratings remained significantly elevated for the 4 day period. Serum creatine kinase peaked on day 1 (522 ± 129 IU, P < 0.01) and decreased thereafter. We conclude that the disproportionate decrease in MIF at the small elbow angles and the length-specific recovery in MIF after repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length may be explained by the presence of overstretched sarcomeres that increased in series compliance of the muscle, therefore causing a rightward shift of the force-length relationship.

In this study, we examined the long-term reductions in maximal isometric force (MIF) caused by a protocol of repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length. Furthermore, we wished to ascertain whether the reductions in MIF are dependent on muscle length - that is, are the reductions in MIF more pronounced when the muscle contracts at a short length. The MIF of the elbow flexors of seven young male volunteers was measured at five different elbow angles between 50° and 160°. On a separate day, the participants performed 50 maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position; that is, with the shoulder hyperextended at 45° and the elbow joint fixed at 140°. Following this exercise, the MIF at the five elbow angles, range of motion, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were measured at 24 h intervals for 4 days. On day 1, the decline in MIF was higher at the more acute elbow angles of 50° (42 ± 8%) and 70° (39 ± 8%; both P < 0.01) than at 90° (26 ± 4%) and 140° (16 ± 3%; both P < 0.01). No significant reduction in MIF was evident at an elbow angle of 160°. Maximal isometric force at an elbow angle of 140° was fully restored on day 3, whereas at an angle of 50° it remained depressed for the 4 day observation period. Restoration of MIF was a function of the elbow angle, with force recovery being less at the smaller angles. The range of motion was decreased by 14 ± 2° on day 1 (P < 0.01) and did not return to baseline values by day 4. Muscle soreness ratings remained significantly elevated for the 4 day period. Serum creatine kinase peaked on day 1 (522 ± 129 IU, P < 0.01) and decreased thereafter. We conclude that the disproportionate decrease in MIF at the small elbow angles and the length-specific recovery in MIF after repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length may be explained by the presence of overstretched sarcomeres that increased in series compliance of the muscle, therefore causing a rightward shift of the force-length relationship.

BACKGROUND: Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), a good indirect index of cerebral pathologic changes in Alzheimer disease (AD), is more severely reduced in patients with higher educational attainment and IQ when controlling for clinical severity. This has been interpreted as suggesting that cognitive reserve allows these patients to cope better with the pathologic changes in AD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether premorbid engagement in various activities may also provide cognitive reserve. DESIGN: We evaluated intellectual, social, and physical activities in 9 patients with early AD and 16 healthy elderly controls who underwent brain H(2)(15)O positron emission tomography. In voxelwise multiple regression analyses that controlled for age and clinical severity, we investigated the association between education, estimated premorbid IQ, and activities, and CBF. RESULTS: In accordance with previous findings, we replicated an inverse association between education and CBF and IQ and CBF in patients with AD. In addition, there was a negative correlation between previous reported activity score and CBF in patients with AD. When both education and IQ were added as covariates in the same model, a higher activity score was still associated with more prominent CBF deficits. No significant associations were detected in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: At any given level of clinical disease severity, there is a greater degree of brain pathologic involvement in patients with AD who have more engagement in activities, even when education and IQ are taken into account. This may suggest that interindividual differences in lifestyle may affect cognitive reserve by partially mediating the relationship between brain damage and the clinical manifestation of AD.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency and natural history of disease in patients with asymptomatic Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). Among 132 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with monoclonal IgM, 82 (27%) had symptomatic WM indicated by anemia, lymphadenopathy, or splenomegaly. Thirtyone patients had similar clinical features but were asymptomatic and followed without therapy until disease progression. There were 19 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance of IgM type (MGUS). In comparison to overt WM, patients with asymptomatic WM had significantly higher hemoglobin (Hgb) level (median, 12.1 v 9.7 g/dL), lower serum β2-microglobulin (B2M) level (median, 2.4 v 3.4 mg/L), and similar IgM peaks (median, 2.2 and 1.8 g/dL). The IgM component was 3.6 g/dL or less in all patients with asymptomatic disease. For asymptomatic WM, median time to disease progression was 6.9 years with rare morbidity. Prognostic factors for early progression were Hgb < 11.5 g/dL, B2M ≥ 3.0 mg/L, and IgM peak >3.0 g/dL. Combinations of these variables defined three risk groups for progression with markedly different median times to progression of >5 years, 2 years, and 0.5 year, respectively. Response rate and survival after institution of treatment were similar to those of patients treated promptly for overt disease. We conclude that, among patients with WM, 27% were asymptomatic with slow disease progression before the need for chemotherapy. Since disease outcomes after treatment were similar to those of patients treated at diagnosis, patients with asymptomatic disease should be identified and followed without treatment for as long as risks of complications remain low. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The multiarmed-bandit problem is often taken as a basic model for the trade-off between the exploration and utilization required for efficient optimization under uncertainty. In this article, we study the situation in which the unknown performance of a new bandit is to be evaluated and compared with that of a known one over a finite horizon. We assume that the bandits represent random variables with distributions from the one-parameter exponential family. When the objective is to maximize the Bayes expected sum of outcomes over a finite horizon, it is shown that optimal policies tend to simple limits when the length of the horizon is large.

A number of regulatory binding sites of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), such as the catalytic, the inhibitor, and the new allosteric sites are currently under investigation as targets for inhibition of hepatic glycogenolysis under high glucose concentrations; in some cases specific inhibitors are under evaluation in human clinical trials for therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes. In an attempt to investigate whether the storage site can be exploited as target for modulating hepatic glucose production, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins were identified as moderate mixed-type competitive inhibitors of GPb (with respect to glycogen) with K(i) values of 47.1, 14.1, and 7.4 mM, respectively. To elucidate the structural basis of inhibition, we determined the structure of GPb complexed with beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins at 1.94 A and 2.3 A resolution, respectively. The structures of the two complexes reveal that the inhibitors can be accommodated in the glycogen storage site of T-state GPb with very little change of the tertiary structure and provide a basis for understanding their potency and subsite specificity. Structural comparisons of the two complexes with GPb in complex with either maltopentaose (G5) or maltoheptaose (G7) show that beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins bind in a mode analogous to the G5 and G7 binding with only some differences imposed by their cyclic conformations. It appears that the binding energy for stabilization of enzyme complexes derives from hydrogen bonding and van der Waals contacts to protein residues. The binding of alpha-cyclodextrin and octakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-gamma-cyclodextrin was also investigated, but none of them was bound in the crystal; moreover, the latter did not inhibit the phosphorylase reaction.

It is now well established that solid tumors depend on angiogenesis. Promoters and inhibitors of angiogenesis are in balance and antiangiogenic strategies aim at repressing the angiogenic process, thus retarding solid tumor progression. Recent data suggest the importance of angiogenesis in hematologic malignancies and several studies reveal an increased angiogenesis in active multiple myeloma. Angiogenesis seems to be a prominent feature of MM progression, and seems to be correlated with the prognosis and the resistance of MM to chemotherapy. Numerous cell populations and cytokines are involved in angiogenesis in multiple myeloma and antiangiogenic therapy with thalidomide is effective in patients with refractory or relapsed disease. The combination of thalidomide and of other immunomodulatory agents with other therapeutic regimens could lead to more effective management of patients with multiple myeloma.

We present a study of bright X-ray sources in the central part of the Small Magellanic Cloud based on a survey performed with the Chandra X-ray Observatory (see accompanying poster by J. McDowell et al). From the 122 sources (at the 3σ level), detected within the 1280 arcmin2 covered by the survey, we concentrate on the 16 brightest sources (>100 counts; LX > 1035erg/s) for which we can perform detailed spectral and timing analysis. These sources include two known supernova remnants (in one of which we identify a weak central point-like source), seven known X-ray binaries, and five previously detected sources which are most likely pulsar binaries, based on spectra and variability from the Chandra data. Two sources were not detected by any previous scans and are new transient candidate X-ray binary pulsars. This work was supported in part by the SAO intern program under NSF grant AST-9731923 and in part by NASA Grant G02-3117X.