Publications

Purpose: Both paclitaxel and cisplatin have moderate activity in patients with metastatic or recurrent cancer of the cervix, and the combination of these two agents has shown activity and possible synergism in a variety of solid tumors. We administered this combination to patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer to evaluate its activity. Patients and Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients were treated on an outpatient basis with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over a 3-hour period followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 administered intravenously with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. The chemotherapy was administered every 3 weeks for a maximum of six courses. Results: Sixteen patients (47%; 95% confidence interval, 30% to 65%) achieved an objective response, including five complete responses and 11 partial responses. Responses occurred in 28% of patients with disease within the radiation field only and in 57% of patients with disease involving other sites. The median duration of response was 5.5 months, and the median times to progression and survival for all patients were 5 and 9 months, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included anemia in 18% of patients and granulocytopenia in 15% of patients. Fifty-three percent of patients developed some degree of neurotoxicity; 21% of cases were grade 2 or worse. Conclusion: The combination of paclitaxel with cisplatin seems relatively well tolerated and moderately active in patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. The significant incidence of neurotoxicity is of concern, and alternative methods of administration of the two agents could be evaluated. Then, further study of this combination, alone or with the addition of other active agents, is warranted.

We examined the properties of photonic crystals that consist of nonoverlapping chiral spheres in a dielectric medium. We considered the effect of the chiral property of the spheres on the frequency band structure of the electromagnetic field in the crystal and on the transmittance properties of a slab of the crystal, and we estimated the optical activity of the crystal.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the complete ribosomal RNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) region of 36 isolates of Verticillium lecanii and related species gave a single 620 bp product in 31 isolates. Five isolates received as V. lecanii, however, gave a single product of 600 bp. Restriction fragment analysis of the PCR products from all isolates gave consistent patterns for the 31 isolates with a 620 bp product. The five isolates with the 600 bp product showed only minor discrepancies to these, generally related to the size of only one restriction fragment. The total ITS region was sequenced from 10 typical 620 bp isolates and one 600 bp isolate. Sequence variation between the isolates varied from 0 to 14.5%, and the 20 bp size discrepancy was found to relate to an insertion or deletion in the centre of the ITS1 region.

The pathogenesis of venous thrombosis involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. In order to estimate the frequency of the factor V Leiden, the prothrombin G20210A, and the MTHFR C677T mutations in the Greek population, we analyzed 160 healthy Greek blood donors by PCR amplification and detected allele frequencies of 2.5%, 2.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. The allele frequencies were compared with reported frequencies of other populations of southern Europe. The identification of these common genetic risk factors for thrombosis should enable easy DNA diagnosis and carrier detection in a high proportion of cases and will contribute to a better understanding of the interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the part played by several parameters in the prognosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty imprint smears from fresh endometrial tumor specimens were studied immunocytochemically for the expression of p53, bcl-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Also, the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the tumor tissue was measured. The data obtained were related to survival, and associations were sought between the parameters studied. RESULTS: Strong associations were found between advanced stage, high grade, lymph node metastases at diagnosis, nonendometrioid histology and p53 expression with poor survival. Bcl-2 expression was associated with good five-year survival. ER expression was associated marginally with good five-year survival, but PR expression was not. A strong association was found between p53 and advanced disease, stage and lymph node metastases at diagnosis. An association between EGFR positivity and survival was not found. CONCLUSION: p53 Expression of uterine tumors is an independent and strong indicator of poor prognosis. Even patients with stage I and II disease at surgery who have p53-positive tumors must be considered at high risk.

Starting from the first Greek judicial decision relative to domain names, the author presents the issue of protecting distinctive signs in case they are used by third parties as an Internet address. In the first section he makes a brief introduction into the technical and organisational peculiarities of the domain names and in the following sections he examines the legal problems from the aspects of trademark law, unfair competition law, law of tort and protection of the name. By providing examples from other countries' case law, where similar cases have arisen, he displays the potential as well as the limits of the traditional law of distinctive signs in the digital world.

An isocratic reversed-phase HPLC method was developed to determine cefepime levels in plasma and vitreous fluid. Cefepime and the internal standard cefadroxil were separated on a Shandon Hypersil BDS C18 column by using a mobile phase of 25 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate (pH 3) and methanol (87:13, v/v). Ultraviolet detection was carried out at 270 nm. The retention times were 4.80 min for cefepime and 7.70 min for cefadroxil. This fast procedure which involves an efficient protein precipitation step (addition of HClO4), allows a quantification limit of 2.52 mu g ml(-1) and a detection limit of 0.83 mu g ml(-1). Recoveries and absolute recoveries of cefepime from plasma were 96.13-99.44% and 94-102.5% respectively. The intra-day and inter-day reproducibilities were less than 2% for cefepime at 10, 30, 50 mu g ml(-1) (n=10). The method was proved to be suitable for determining cefepime levels in human plasma and was modified to measure vitreous fluid samples. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies of the energetics of synoptic-scale systems and similar kinds of investigation have traditionally used a Eulerian framework. In this study, the energetics of a synoptic-scale system have been considered using a quasi-Lagrangian method, in order to isolate the disturbance under consideration within a volume which moves together with the system at each stage of its development. Applying a Lagrangian framework implies that the dimensions of the computational area can be framework on the basis of predetermined criteria. In this study, an area surrounding a depression as shown on the surface analysis, has been selected. This area moves together with the centre of the depression. The energetics results obtained using such a quasi-Lagrangian scheme are compared to those obtained by using a Eularian framework. The synoptic-scale system studied here is a wintertime frontal depression, the greatest development of which occurred in the central Mediterranean on 7 December 1991. This depression moved east accompanied by significant temperature changes, heavy precipitation and gale force winds.

Recent observations of blazars have established that their γ-ray emission is associated, as a rule, with very fast variability (as short as ~15 minutes for the TeV photons of Mrk 421); as such, these observations push the theoretical models for the production of the required relativistic electrons to their limits. Herein we investigate the possibility that ``blobs'' loaded with relativistic protons could produce such an activity. We show that, if the proton number density in a blob exceeds a certain critical value, then reflection of its own synchrotron produced photons on some external ``mirror,'' such as a line-emitting cloud, can initiate a feedback process in which the protons can lose most of their energy content in a blob crossing time, resulting in a flare of the same duration. By performing a dimensional analysis, we find the necessary conditions for such an instability to occur, and we show that the conditions required are consistent with those usually assumed to prevail within the relativistic jets of this class of active galactic nuclei.

Rhinoviruses are the main cause of the common cold and precipitate the majority of asthma exacerbations. RT-PCR followed by internal probe hybridisation or Southern blotting, or nested PCRs are currently the most sensitive methods for their identification. However, none of the published techniques can differentiate satisfactorily rhinoviruses from other picornaviruses. Examination of the restriction maps of sequenced rhinoviruses, revealed a highly conserved BglI restriction site (GCCnnnnnGGC), located exactly in the middle of the 380-bp amplicon generated with the OL26-OL27 primer pair, which has been used extensively in the past to identify picornaviruses. Such a site was either not present, or positioned differently in other picornaviruses of known sequence. It was, therefore, considered that digestion of rhinovirus amplicons with this enzyme would result in two equal length fragments, generating a single 190-bp band in gel electrophoresis. In contrast, either one undigested 380-bp band or a double-band pattern would appear in amplicons from other picornaviruses. To test this hypothesis, Bgl digestions of OL26-OL27 amplicons from cultured and wild-type rhinoviruses, whose identity was confirmed by acid lability, as well as from echo, polio and coxsackie viruses were carried out. All rhinovirus samples were digested successfully generating single bands. Among the other picornaviruses, only 6.6% presented a single band pattern, while the rest were as predicted from the model. With a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity over 90%, the method described, which is rapid and remarkably easy to perform, can be used to distinguish rhinoviruses from other picornaviruses to a considerable extent.

Rhinoviruses are epidemiologically connected to the majority of acute asthma exacerbations; however, their ability to infect and replicate in the lower airways is disputed. A frequent argument against this possibility involves the temperature preference for rhinovirus replication, generally accepted to be 33 degrees C, the temperature of the nasal passages. However, this argument is based on studies with a single rhinovirus serotype. In this study, differences in temperature preferences were evaluated between several serotypes and relative titers were determined than can be achieved at upper and lower airway temperatures. Rhinovirus serotypes 1b, 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 41, and 70 were titrated in Ohio-HeLa cell cultures at either 33 degrees C or 37 degrees C. Possible selection by culture temperature was examined by continuous culture at 33 degrees C and 37 degrees C for 2-4 passages and subsequent titration at both temperatures. Finally, nasal aspirate samples derived from patients with wild-type rhinoviral common colds were cultured at 33 degrees C and 37 degrees C and RT-PCR was used to assess rhinovirus replication at each temperature. The majority of the serotypes and wild-type viruses replicated slightly better at 33 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. However, titers achieved after one or more replicative cycles at 37 degrees C were still high enough to initiate infection. Furthermore, in some instances equal or even better replication was observed at 37 degrees C. It is concluded that temperature preferences may vary between rhinoviruses and are not likely to be a prohibitive factor for infection of the lower airways.

Virtual patient records provide a means for integrated access to patient information that may be scattered around different healthcare settings. Within the boundaries of a health district providing all levels of care, this concept can be implemented in an Intranet environment to support longitudinal patient care activities across the participating healthcare providers. Since medical information is stored on multiple Intranet sites in various forms (e.g. codified data, transcribed documents, and images), a suite of appropriate tools is needed to enable access to such information in combined form. In most cases, however, access to medical information should be restricted to authorized users. To serve this purpose, a prototype search engine incorporating an authorization and access control functionality has been developed and presented in this paper. The system is based on the signature file access method and an experimental implementation written in JAVA is also described.

The Adriatic region was chosen as one of the test areas in the GSHAP program and, consequently, its seismic hazard was computed. The standard hazard map chosen by GSHAP represents PGA with a 475-year return period. Some other parameters, as the spectral acceleration and the uniform hazard response spectra for the main Adriatic towns, have been computed for a better representation of the regional hazard. The most hazardous area remains identified in the Cephalonia zone, where strong earthquakes frequently occur. The Southern Apennines are characterised by a slightly lower hazard, while the Adriatic Sea itself, the Po plain and the Apulian peninsula are almost aseismic.

Magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments have traditionally been critical in the determination of the microscopic wave functions of particular nuclear states. Measurements on nuclei at high spin and energy, as well as on nuclei in superdeformed states have yielded a wealth of information on their structure. The techniques developed for these measurements are now being extended to the study of nuclei far-from-stability such as those which will be accessible via reactions with radioactive beams. Very precise determinations of the magnetic moments of the 21+ states of Cr, Ti, Zr, Se and Nd isotopes, recently carried out via "projectile excitation", place very tight constraints on existing nuclear models, from single particle calculations in the 1fp shell to extended IBM models, and further highlight the importance of the interplay between single particle and collective excitations across the table of isotopes. The experimental results will be presented and compared with theoretical calculations.

A small proportion of patients with plasma cell myeloma have a solitary plasmacytoma of bone. Strict staging criteria, including normal MR imaging studies of the axial skeleton and the long bones and absence of monoclonal plasma cells detected by flow cytometry or PCR, are required for diagnosis. Radiotherapy at a dose of 4500 cGy is required to eradicate the local tumor. Many patients enjoy prolonged disease-free survival, but the incidence of systemic relapse is high. It is expected, however, that if strict diagnostic criteria are applied some patients may be cured. Extramedullary plasmacytoma is an even rarer plasma cell disease which usually occurs in the head and neck area. Careful microscopic and immunohistochemical studies are required for the correct diagnosis, because this disease can be confused with other malignancies, particularly lymphomas. The treatment of choice is radiotherapy which, in cases of head and neck plasmacytomas, should encompass the adjacent lymph nodes. Most patients with extramedullary plasmacytoma can be cured, and fewer than 30% develop a distant failure in the form of multiple myeloma or multiple extramedullary tumors.

Coastal zone of the Ithaki Island consists mainly of calcareous rocks (>80%) of the Ionian geotectonic zone and secondarily of Neogene sequences, flysch and Quaternary deposits. Due to the presence of carstic limestones, vegetation is poor with the ‘makia’ type of vegetation to cover almost the half of the coastal land. In terms of coast formation, four types of coasts have been identified, according to Shepard’s genetic classification; these are coasts of: tectonic origin, terrestrial deposition, subaerial erosion and marine erosion. The small coastal towns and villages occupy only the 3,1% of the coastal land being developed primarily on Quaternary deposits and in areas with small (10%) topographic slope. Beaches suitable for touristic activities are present within protected small bays and usually are associated with the presence of fluvial deposits reworked by the existed wave activity.

Two binuclear copper(II) complexes with macrocyclic Schiff bases Cu2LI(CH3COO)2·5H2O (complex I) and Cu2LII(CH3COO)2·2H2O (complex II) were synthesized and then characterized by IR, UV, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. TGA was used to investigate the desolvation of lattice water molecules. IR spectra demonstrated the formation of the cyclic compound and together with chemical elemental analysis were used to propose the structure of the complexes. The UV spectra of both complexes are typical for binuclear copper(II) complexes with Robson-type ligands. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements corroborated by EPR and low-temperature isothermal magnetization data confirmed the formation of copper dimers with antiferromagnetic exchange coupling constants of -400 and -1250 cm-1 for complexes I and II, respectively, residing outside the usual range for the phenoxide bridged Cu(II) complexes. This implies the possibility that additional superexchange paths through the macrocyclic ligand may affect the intradimer exchange interaction as well as the phenoxide oxygen bridges.

g factors of the 21+ and 41+ states in 92,94Zr have been measured via Coulomb excitation of isotopically pure 92,94Zr beams in inverse kinematics in combination with the transient field technique. The high precision results, g(92Zr; 21+ = -0.180(10) and g(94Zr; 21+ = -0.329(15) as well as the new data on the 41 state, g(92Zr; 41+) = -0.50(11), provide, for the first time, clear evidence of the dominant role of d5/2 neutrons in the wave functions of these nuclei just above the N = 50 shell closure. Moreover, the data imply increased purity of the d5/2 neutron component in the wave function with increasing spin. © 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

We present a spintronic semiconductor field-effect transistor. The injector and collector contacts of this device were made from magnetic permalloy thin films with different coercive fields so that they could be magnetized either parallel or antiparallel to each other in different applied magnetic fields. The conducting medium was a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formed in an AlSb/InAs quantum well. Data from this device suggest that its resistance is controlled by two different types of spin-valve effect: the first occurring at the ferromagnet-2DEG interfaces; and the second occurring in direct propagation between contacts. © 1999 The American Physical Society.

A convenient approach to model MHD steady axisymmetric outflows is the so-called self-similar technique wherein the physical variables are factorized and a scaling law is assumed along one of the coordinates. This scaling depends on the astrophysical process under investigation. In this note we summarize all possible self-similar MHD outflow solutions; furthermore, we briefly discuss the main properties of a class of solutions which are self-similar in the meridional direction and allow to analyse in simple terms the dynamical properties of an outflow close to its rotational axis. Special attention is focused on the asymptotic structure of collimated winds. It will be shown that different regimes are possible for jets, in particular they can be either thermally or magnetically confined, depending on the physical conditions of the flow. This analysis is complementary with the well known radial self-similar models which are invoked to study winds from accretion disks.

A convenient approach to model MHD steady axisymmetric outflows is the so-called self-similar technique wherein the physical variables are factorized and a scaling law is assumed along one of the coordinates. This scaling depends on the astrophysical process under investigation. In this note we summarize all possible self-similar MHD outflow solutions; furthermore, we briefly discuss the main properties of a class of solutions which are self-similar in the meridional direction and allow to analyse in simple terms the dynamical properties of an outflow close to its rotational axis. Special attention is focused on the asymptotic structure of collimated winds. It will be shown that different regimes are possible for jets, in particular they can be either thermally or magnetically confined, depending on the physical conditions of the flow. This analysis is complementary with the well known radial self-similar models which are invoked to study winds from accretion disks.

The interaction of diflunisal ion (DF) with beta-cyclodextrin (PCD), gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma CD), and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP beta CD) was studied in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 5-37 degrees C and various CD concentrations using a home-made diflunisal ion-selective electrode. Typical direct binding plots and Scatchard plots were obtained with HP beta CD. The Scatchard model for one class of binding sites was used for the estimation of binding parameters for the DF/HP beta CD interaction. The estimates for n (number of binding sites per CD molecule) were in all cases very close to unity, indicating 1:1 complexation. The association constant (K) estimates decrease with increasing temperature. Sigmoidal direct binding plots and concave-downwards Scatchard plots were obtained with various beta CD or gamma CD concentrations. The Hill model was used for the estimation of the binding parameters for the DF/beta CD and DF/gamma CD interactions. Both the Hill coefficients and the binding constants were markedly dependent on the CD concentration. These findings indicate the cooperative character of DF/beta CD and DF/gamma CD interactions. The foe energy change, Delta G, and the thermodynamic parameters, Delta H and Delta S, were estimated for each of the interactions studied using the Van't Hoff equation. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

XRD, magnetic and EPR studies of the mixed phase La0.5Gd0.5Ba2Cu3Oy high-Tc superconductor after prolonged (one year) `aging' at room temperature are reported. Within this time period a pronounced change of the superconducting behavior and the homogeneity of the diamagnetic shielding signal accompanied by substantial structural changes, reduction of the impurity phase BaCuO2+x and increase of the EPR spectrum's intensity of Cu2+ magnetic defects is detected. The `aging' effects are related to strain-relaxation taking place during room temperature annealing that induces the formation of Cu2+ defect centers.

The magnetic properties of the mixed high-Tc superconductors Ea0.5R0.5Ba2Cu3O6+x (R - rare earth) are studied after prolonged 'aging' at room temperature (RT) for 1 year. Enhancement of the superconducting properties comprising the increase of the inhomogeneous diamagnetic signal for members of the series with the larger R-ion radius is detected after RT 'aging'. For the members with the larger R-ion radius the diamagnetic signal has been come more stronger whereas for the members with the smaller R-ion radius the time evolution of the superconducting properties remained almost the unchanged and the diamagnetic signal slightly decreases after 'aging'. The growth of the EPR intensity of localized Cu2+ centers complying with the rise of the normal-state magnetic susceptibility after prolonged storage at RT, is detected. The time evolution effects are related to slow ion diffusion processes that can be induced by stress-relaxation in the mixed Ea0.5R0.5Ba2Cu3O6+x structure, most pronounced for large R-ion radius. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and tolerance of single-agent docetaxel and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods: Thirty-three chemotherapy-naive patients (median age, 65 years) with histologically confirmed pancreatic cancer were treated, after appropriate premedication, with docetaxel (100 mg/m2) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 μg/m2/d subcutaneously days 2 through 10) every 3 weeks. World Health Organization performance status was 0 to 1 in 28 patients (85%) and 2 in 5 patients (15%). Twenty-nine patients had stage III and IV disease. Results: One complete response (3%) and one partial response (3%) were observed for an overall response rate of 6% (95% confidence interval, 2.1% to 14.2%). Nineteen patients (58%) had stable disease and 12 (36%) had progressive disease. The duration of the two objective responses was 10 and 28 weeks, and the median time to tumor progression was 20 weeks. The median overall survival was 36 weeks. The actuarial 1-year survival was 36.4%. The performance status improved in seven of 21 assessable patients (24%) and pain improved in 14 of 21 (67%) assessable patients; five patients (29%) experienced weight gain during treatment. Disease-related asthenia, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea improved in 29%, 15%, 67%, and 47% of the assessable patients, respectively. Serum concentrations of CA 19-9 were decreased by more than 50% in seven patients (35%). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in four patients (12%) and eight patients (24%), respectively, with two episodes of febrile neutropenia. There were no treatment-related deaths. Grade 3/4 asthenia occurred in three patients. Conclusion: Although docetaxel has a marginal objective activity in pancreatic cancer, it seems to have an important effect on tumor growth control, conferring a clinical benefit.

In this study an attempt is made to investigate the upper-tropospheric downstream development over north-west Europe, which leads to surface cyclogenesis in the central Mediterranean. A case study is analysed to demonstrate that the upper-tropospheric downstream development could be closely related to the upper-tropospheric frontogenesis that appears upon the north-eastern flank of a blocking high. The frontogenesis is characterised by a jet streak within a strongly baroclinic zone and a tropopause folding associated with cold stratospheric air intrusion into the troposphere. According to this interpretation, the eddy ageostrophic divergence of eddy geopotential fluxes (dispersion and spreading of eddy kinetic energy), other than friction dissipation and barotropic conversion to the mean flow, is mainly responsible for the loss of kinetic energy from a decaying depression of synoptic scale that has passed the mature stage. This dispersed eddy kinetic energy accumulates in the vicinity of the aforementioned jet streak where it is transferred downstream and further triggers the generation or rejuvenation of a new disturbance.

The patterns of monthly precipitation distributions in Greece, during the months of the year, are studied. Using factor analysis T-mode on mean monthly precipitation for a long period, we try to establish characteristic patterns of precipitation distribution. Only two of the eigenvectors (factors) were found statistically significant, namely factor I, explaining 67% of total variance and referring to the months of the period from October to March (cold period) and factor II, explaining 23% of total variance and referring to the months from April to September (warm period). During the cold period precipitation is maximum on Western Greek mainland and along the Western Asia Minor coast and islands while minima are shown in Cyclades islands, Attika, Thessaly, Macedonia and Thrace. On the other hand, during the warm period precipitation shows maxima in Central and North continental areas and the interior of Peloponese while minima appeared again in Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete. Finally, the various areas of the country are distributed in 4 categories, depending on the combination of plus or minus of the normalized factor scores, for each period.

The acceleration of electrons at a shock front can produce characteristic patterns in the variation of the spectral index of the synchrotron emission as a function of flux. Using a simple model of the acceleration process, we present a discussion of these patterns and show how they compare with the variations in the emission of the same electrons via inverse Compton scattering of isotropically distributed target photons from an external source. The "soft lag" behaviour is observed in synchrotron emission, and should also be present in the inverse Compton flux. Shock models can also show "hard lag" behaviour of the synchrotron emission, but this is more difficult to achieve in the inverse Compton emission, because of Klein-Nishina effects. In some cases, the time scales of rise and fall of both the synchrotron and inverse Compton fluxes can depend on the acceleration mechanism.

Objectives: The non-penetrating Vascular Clip System (VCS) was tested experimentally and compared with the conventional suture method on the venous system. Materials and Nethods: In five pigs, 30 transverse venotomies were carried out in the jugular and renal veins, and vena cava. Fifteen venotomies were reconstructed using autosuture clips and 15 using the standard needle and suture method. Eight weeks later, following phlebography, the specimens were examined macro- and microscopically. Results: For both methods, the veins remained patent; however, significant stenosis of 8.9% (95% CI: 0.6-17.1) for the renal vein and 8.5% (95% CI: 1.2-15.7) for the vena cava occurred when the suture technique was used. The intima to media height ratio remained the same. The anastomosis time with the clips was significantly shorter (p < 0.05), while the endothelium remained intact without any hyperplasia or inflammatory changes, which are usual findings of the suture technique. Conclusion: Early and mid-term results show that the VCS clipped anastomotic technique seems to be effective and acceptable for venous reconstructions.

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is an unusual low-grade lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by the production of monoclonal IgM. The clinical manifestations associated with WM can be classified as those related to direct tumor infiltration, by the amount and specific properties of circulating IgM, and by the deposition of IgM in various tissues. Asymptomatic patients should be followed without treatment. The management of the disease relies on the administration of systemic chemotherapy to reduce tumor load and on the application of plasmapheresis to remove circulating IgM. Standard treatment consists of oral chlorambucil, which induces response in at least 50% of patients, resulting in a median survival of approximately 5 years. Nucleoside analogues (cladribine, fludarabine) are effective in most previously untreated patients. These agents are the treatment of choice for patients with disease resistant to alkylating agents. New treatment approaches include high-dose therapy with stem-cell support and administration of monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies.

Ὁ σκοπὸς τοῦ παρόντος πονήματος εἶναι σαφής. Προσπαθεῖ νὰ ἐκφράσει διαυγῶς μιὰν πραγματικότητα: τὴν κατ’ ἐξοχὴν ἐπιβολὴ καὶ ἐπικυριαρχία τῶν ἐπιταγῶν τῆς γεωπολιτικῆς ἐπὶ τῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν τοῦ διεθνοῦς δικαίου. Αὐτὸ καθίσταται ἀπολύτως σαφὲς κατόπιν τῆς μελέτης στοιχείων ἐντοπιζομένων σὲ περιπτώσεις ὅπως «ἡ τύχη» τῶν μέτρων οἰκοδομήσεως ἐμπιστοσύνης ποὺ συνεζητήθησαν τὴν 17η Μαΐου 1988 μεταξὺ τῶν δύο -τότε- ὑπουργῶν ἐξωτερικῶν τῆς Ἑλλάδος καὶ τῆς Τουρκίας Παπούλια καὶ Γιλμὰζ στὴν Βουλιαγμένη, ὅπως καὶ τῆς Συμφωνίας τῆς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως τῆς 8ης Σεπτεμβρίου τοῦ ἰδίου ἔτους, ποὺ καθώριζε τὶς «κατευθηντήριες γραμμὲς γιὰ τὴν πρόληψη ἀτυχημάτων καὶ ἐπεισοδίων στὰ διεθνῆ ὕδατα καὶ τὸν διεθνῆ ἐναέριο χῶρο.

Τα θεμέλια της γεωπολιτικής, ως σύγχρονης γεωγραφικής ἀναλυτικής μεθόδου, ἐτέθησαν απὸ τον γεωγράφο, Friedrich Ratzel. Το παρόν, πραγματεύεται τη γερμανική γεωγραφία και τη γέννηση της γεωπολιτικής, ως γεωγραφικής αναλυτικής μεθόδου.

Οἱ ἑλληνοτουρκικὲς σχέσεις, μέρος τῶν ὁποίων εἶναι καὶ ἡ ἑλληνοτουρκικῆ φιλία, δὲν μποροῦν νὰ ἐξετασθοῦν ἐκτὸς τοῦ εὐρυτέρου γεωπολιτικοῦ πλαισίου ποὺ ρυθμίζει τὶς σχέσεις ὄχι μόνον μεταξὺ τῶν δύο χωρῶν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν συνολικὴ διεθνοπολιτικὴ πραγματικότητα στὴν Εὐρασία. Το παρόν άρθρο, αναλύει τη γεωπολιτικὴ διάσταση τῶν ἑλληνοτουρκικῶν σχέσεων, την ἑλληνοτουρκικὴ φιλία καὶ τον ρόλο τῶν ΗΠΑ.

Η εργασία επιχειρεί να δώσει απαντήσεις στα παρακάτω ερωτήματα: α) Υπήρχαν φαινόμενα βίας στα αρχαία αθλήματα; β) Ποιός ήταν ο χαρακτήρας και η μορφή αυτών των φαινομένων; γ) Μέσα από ποιές φιλολογικές πηγές αντλούμε τις μαρτυρίες για το θέμα αυτό; και δ) Πώς παρουσιάζεται η βία μέσα από τα κλασικά κείμενα; Περαιτέρω επιχειρείται να ερμηνευτούν τα φαινόμενα βίας στην αρχαία εποχή α) λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την ιδιαιτερότητα της αρχαίας κοινωνίας, και επίσης β) συνδέοντας το κοινωνικό φαινόμενο της βίας στα αθλήματα με τα άλλα δομικά χαρακτηριστικά της κοινωνίας στην οποία ανήκει. Διερευνά η μελέτη, επομένως, τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τα φαινόμενα βίας στα αρχαία αθλήματα και το πώς αυτά συνδέονται με τα άλλα χαρακτηριστικά της αρχαίας κοινωνίας, ούτως ώστε να διαπιστωθούν οι ηθικοί συμβολισμοί που πιθανόν υποκρύπτονται κάτω από τα φαινόμενα αυτά και οι οποίοι είναι απόρροια των κοινωνικών συνθηκών της αρχαίας κοινωνίας. Με τον τρόπο αυτό επιτυγχάνεται και μια συγκριτική συσχέτιση των φαινομένων βίας στα αθλήματα της αρχαιότητας με τον χαρακτήρα των φαινομένων της σύγχρονης βίας στον αθλητισμό.

Η εργασία διερευνά τα κίνητρα ανάπτυξης των Ελληνοδανικών σχέσεων από τα μέσα περίπου του 17ου αιώνα, όταν η Δανία άρχισε εμπορικές σχέσεις με το Λεβάντε, μέχρι σήμερα. Τα ισχυρά κίνητρα που υποκίνησαν τον Δυτικοευρωπαϊκό κόσμο να έρθει σε επαφή με τη σύγχρονη Ελλάδα ήταν κυρίως το κλασικό παρελθόν της και η αρχαιολατρία που αναπτύχθηκε από τα μέσα του 18ου αιώνα. Σημαντικά, όμως, υπήρξαν και τα θρησκευτικά κίνητρα (όπως η γνωριμία του Christian Bastholm, Δανού εκκλησιαστικού διαφωτιστή, με τον Αδαμάντιο Κοραή, ή η προσπάθεια για συνεργασία της ευαγγελικής και ορθόδοξης εκκλησίας), η άνθηση του δυτικοευρωπαϊκού εμπορίου στη Μεσόγειο, και, ιδίως, τα πνευματικά και καλλιτεχνικά κίνητρα, τα οποία έθεσαν τις βάσεις του φιλελληνισμού στη Δανία.             Στην εργασία γίνεται εκτενής αναφορά των Δανών περιηγητών στην Ελλάδα που από τις αρχές του 19ου αιώνα, με μια διάθεση φιλολογική και αρχαιολογική –όπως συνέβη και με τους άλλους Ευρωπαίους- εκδηλώνουν το ενδιαφέρον τους για την Ελλάδα. Μεταξύ αυτών ο Peter Oluf Brøndsted, πρωτεργάτης της καλλιέργειας του ενδιαφέροντος για την κλασική παράδοση στη Δανία, ο «παραμυθάς» Hans Christian Andersen, οι αδελφοί Hans Christian και Theophilus Edward Hansen, αρχιτέκτονες σημαντικών κτισμάτων, όπως του Πανεπιστημίου, της Μητρόπολης Αθηνών, της Ακαδημίας, της Βιβλιοθήκης, του Ζαππείου.             Το 1864 φθάνει στην Αθήνα ο πρώτος Δανός νεοελληνιστής, ο φιλόλογος Jean Pio, βασικός συντελεστής της καλλιέργειας της νεοελληνικής φιλολογίας στη Δανία. Τριάντα χρόνια μετά το θάνατό του μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον για τη νεοελληνική φιλολογία θα υπάρξει από τον καθηγητή Carsten Høeg, ενώ λίγο μετέπειτα τα πολιτικά θέματα της Ελλάδας αντανακλώνται στον τύπο. Γίνονται μεταφράσεις νεοελληνικών έργων, ενώ από το 1960 εισέρχεται δυναμικά στο χώρο της μετάφρασης του νεοελληνικού έργου (Παλαμά, Θεοτοκά, Καζαντζάκη, Μυριβήλη) ο  Ole Wahl Olsen, ο μεταφραστής που θα κάνει γνωστό τον Αντώνη Σαμαράκη σε όλο τον κόσμο. Το 1964 οι γάμοι του τέως βασιλιά Κων/νου με τη βασιλόπαιδα της Δανίας Άννα-Μαρία δυναμώνει όπως είναι φυσικό το ενδιαφέρον για την Ελλάδα, το οποίο παρέμεινε και μετά τη φυγή του τέως.  Ο Olsen αποτελεί και ιδρυτικό μέλος της «Komiteen for Demokrati Greakenlan», της Επιτροπής που αγωνίστηκε για την ηθική και οικονομική στήριξη των Ελλήνων στην Ελλάδα επί Χούντας. Η ευαισθητοποιημένη σε θέματα δημοκρατίας και ελευθερίας Δανία ανέλαβε πολλές πρωτοβουλίες για την αποκατάσταση της δημοκρατίας στην Ελλάδα. Στη Δανία, χώρα με δυνατή κλασική παράδοση, δεν ήταν εύκολη η δημιουργία νεοελληνικής κατεύθυνσης σπουδών. Τελικά στη χώρα αυτή συνέβη ό,τι και στην υπόλοιπη Ευρώπη. Το πέρασμα στη νεότερη Ελλάδα και στη γραμματεία της θα γίνει μέσα από εκείνους που είχαν βαθιά γνώση της αρχαίας ελληνικής γραμματείας. Η εργασία, περαιτέρω διερευνά τη συγκρότηση θεσμοθετημένων ακαδημαϊκών νεοελληνικών σπουδών, το φιλοσοφικό πλαίσιο των σπουδών, την απήχηση των σπουδών αυτών στη Δανική κοινωνία, καθώς επίσης τις τάσεις και τα ιδεολογικά ρεύματα που επικρατούν στις εκδόσεις των νεοελληνικών κειμένων στη Δανία.

Η εισήγηση στο συνέδριο δημοσιεύθηκε στα Πρακτικά και αποτέλεσε τη μοναδική από θεολογικής απόψεως ανακοίνωση για το οικολογικό πρόβλημα. Προβλήθηκε, η διαδομένη στους θεολογικούς χώρους θέση, ότι το οικολογικό πρόβλημα είναι κυρίως ηθικό και οφείλεται στη διατάραξη της σχέσης ανθρώπου-Θεού και κατόπιν ανθρώπου-περιβάλλοντος. Αν θεωρηθεί καθ’ αυτόν τον τρόπο, είναι δυνατό να βρεθούν λύσεις με τη βοήθεια της  ανάλογης παιδείας και αλλαγής νοοτροπίας, δηλαδή μιας ειλικρινούς μετάνοιας.

Από τα πρώτα έργα της έντεχνης ποίησης που θεματοποιούν την δημοτικής καταγωγής μορφή του βρυκόλακα, η μπαλλάντα "Ελεονώρα" του Γερμανού ποιητή Gottfried August Burger άσκησε σημαντική επίδραση στη διαμόρφωση της ευρωπαϊκής Ρομαντικής ποίησης. Η παρούσα μελέτη εξετάζει το θρησκευτικό περιεχόμενο του ποιήματος και τη μεταφραστική του τύχη στην Ελλάδα, από την πρώτη προσπάθεια μεταγραφής του (1847) ως την τελευταία της εκδοχή (1959).

In this study day by day synoptic conditions are classified over the Attica peninsula for a period of sixteen years. Eight synoptic categories which are demonstrated to be statistically distinct are selected with respect to the atmospheric circulation in the lower troposphere. Furthermore, a methodology is proposed to classify the mesoscale patterns for the same period on the basis of surface wind measurements, and this distinguishes eleven distinct mesoscale categories. In general, the frequency analysis reveals that the anticyclonic circulation dominates while the weak mesoscale flows prevail, with preference in May and June. A day by day cross tabulation of the synoptic flow patterns with the mesoscale categories is then performed in order to identify the association of the synoptic conditions with the mesoscale flow regime. It was found that the synoptic conditions at the level of 850 hPa are closely related to the observed surface local flows and therefore it is suggested that the synoptic categories can be used for the identification of the most favourable mesoscale atmospheric circulation.

A widespread phenomenon in astrophysics is the outflow of plasma from the environment of stellar or galactic objects. This plasma outflows range from nonuniform winds to highly collimated jets which are common to many stages of stellar evolution. For example, collimated outflows are found around young stars (e.g., as in HH 30), older mass losing stars (as in eta-Carinae), symbiotic stars (e.g. in R Aqr), planetary nebulae nuclei (as in the hourglass nebula), black hole X-ray transients (as in GRS 1915+105 and GRO J1655-40), low- and high-mass X-ray binaries and recently also in cataclysmic variables (e.g. T Pyxidis). Similarly, they are also found emerging from the nuclei of many radio galaxies and quasars. Nevertheless, despite their abundance the questions of the formation, acceleration and propagation of nonuniform winds and jets have not been fully resolved. One of the main difficulties in dealing with the theoretical problem posed by cosmical outflows is that their dynamics needs to be described - even to lowest order - by the highly intractable set of the MHD equations. As is well known, this is a nonlinear system of partial differential equations with several critical points, and only very few classes of solutions are available for axisymmetric systems obtained by assuming a separation of variables in several key functions. This hypothesis allows an analysis in a 2-D geometry of the full MHD equations which reduce then to a system of ordinary differential equations. By a systematic method we construct general classes of exact and self-consistent axisymmetric MHD solutions. The unifying scheme contains three large groups of exact MHD outflow models, (I) meridionally self-similar ones with spherical critical surfaces, (II) radially self-similar models with conical critical surfaces and (III) generalized self-similar models with arbitrary shape critical surfaces. This classification includes known polytropic models, such as the classical Parker description of a stellar wind and the Blandford and Payne (1982) model of a disk-wind; it also contains nonpolytropic models, such as those of winds/jets in Sauty and Tsinganos (1994), Lima et al (1996) and Trussoni et al (1997). Besides the unification of all known cases under a common scheme, several new classes emerge and some are briefly analyzed; they could be explored for a further understanding of the physical properties of MHD outflows from various magnetized astrophysical rotators. We also propose a new class of exact and self-consistent MHD solutions which describe steady and axisymmetric hydromagnetic outflows from the magnetized atmosphere of a rotating gravitating central object with possibly an orbiting accretion disk. The plasma is driven by a thermal pressure gradient, as well as by magnetic rotator and radiative forces. At the Alfvenic and fast critical points the appropriate criticality conditions are applied. The outflows start almost radially but after the Alfven transition and before the fast critical surface is encountered the magnetic pinching force bends the poloidal streamlines into a cylindrical jet-type shape. The terminal speed, Alfven number, cross-sectional area of the jet, as well as its final pressure and density obtain uniform values at large distances from the source. The goal of the study is to give an analytical discussion of the two-dimensional interplay of the thermal pressure gradient, gravitational, Lorentz and inertial forces in accelerating and collimating an MHD flow. A parametric study of the model is given, as well as a brief sketch of its applicability to a self-consistent modeling of collimated outflows from various astrophysical objects. For example, the obtained characteristics of the collimated outflow in agreement with those in jets associated with YSO's. General theoretical arguments and various analytic self-similar solutions have recently shown that magnetized and rotating astrophysical outflows may become asymptotically cylindrical, in agreement with observations of cosmical jets. A notable common feature in all such self-consistent, self-similar MHD solutions is that before final cylindrical collimation is achieved, the jet passes from a stage of oscillations in its radius, Mach number and other physical parameters. It is shown that under rather general assumptions this oscillatory behaviour of collimated outflows is not restricted to the few specific models examined so far, but instead it seems to be a rather general physical property of an MHD outflow which starts noncylindrically before it reaches collimation. It is concluded thence that astrophysical jets are topologically stable to small amplitude, time-independent perturbations in their asymptotically cylindrical shape. Also, similarly to the familiar fluid instabilities these oscillations may give rise to brightness enhancements along jets.

Health informatics is an emerging and important multi-disciplinary field that involves, informatics but also medicine, nursing, engineering, biology and other-related subjects. A co-ordination of this field at a postgraduate level becomes important now in Europe where other European Community programs such as the 'Telematics for Health Care' will require at the Fourth Framework Programme (94-99) adequate human resources of higher potential and knowledge. This European M.Sc. course meets all the above objectives. The Curriculum was developed according to the results of the ERASMUS Workshop, which was held in Athens on 13-15 September 1990 under the ERASMUS Contract number ICP-90-G-0009/12. The implementation now runs under the contract ICP-95-G-1038/12. The 6-year evaluation of the course based both on staff and student evaluation proved that the M.Sc. course in health informatics has been successful.

The Information Technology is rapidly being integrated into Educational Institutions and Health Care Environments. Although the use of computer for education and training is not new to the academic society, further prospects are available through the use of emerging technologies as the Multimedia and the World Wide Web. In today's rapidly changing healthcare environment, the need for high quality, cost effective education for employees, consumers, and students is gaining increased attention. The development of customised computer-based training programs has long been beyond the capabilities or financial resources of most healthcare organisations; however, with recent advancements in technology, this situation is rapidly changing. The Nurses represent the greater part of the Health Care Professionals thus the education of this group is of outmost importance for the health-care environments. The World Wide Web can be used as an educational tool in order to have better-educated Nurses not only by supporting the Academic institutions but also by providing Distance Learning Education covering new aspects of the Nursing Science. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the ways in which the emerging technologies of Multimedia and the World Wide Web can enhance the learning process, and also provide education at a distance.

We have obtained spectra at the Ca ii triplet of individual red giants in seven Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) star clusters whose ages range from ~4 to 12 Gyr. The spectra have been used to determine mean abundances for six of the star clusters to a typical precision of 0.12 dex. When combined with existing data for other objects, the resulting SMC age-metallicity relation is generally consistent with that for a simple model of chemical evolution, scaled to the present-day SMC mean abundance and gas mass fraction. Two of the clusters (Lindsay 113 and NGC 339), however, have abundances that are ~0.5 dex lower than that expected from the mean age-metallicity relation. It is suggested that the formation of these clusters, which have ages of ~5 Gyr, may have involved the infall of unenriched gas, perhaps from the Magellanic Stream. The spectra also yield radial velocities for the seven clusters. The resulting velocity dispersion is 16 +/- 4 km s^-1, consistent with those of the SMC planetary nebula and carbon star populations.

We report on a Greek girl with pancytopenia, short stature, clinodactyly, cleft palate, exopthalmus, strabismus, café-au-lait spots, and mild mental retardation in whom chromosomal analysis excluded Fanconi anemia. The occurrence of erythroleukemia in the family and the presence of macrocytosis in her father and low blood counts in her sister favor the diagnosis of an inherited syndrome of familial marrow dysfunction rather than that of a sporadic case.

The attempted intermolecular addition of malonyl radicals to 1',2'- unsaturated nucleosides has led to the unexpected formation of furanones. Thus, only catalytic amounts of ceric(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN), induce a Ferrier rearrangement. The unsaturated lactone was isolated in good yield and can serve as a precursor for the synthesis of optically active products.

The attempted intermolecular addition of malonyl radicals to 1',2'-unsaturated nucleosides has led to the unexpected formation of furanones. Thus, only catalytic amounts of ceric(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN), induce a Ferrier rearrangement. The unsaturated lactone was isolated in good yield and can serve as a precursor for the synthesis of optically active products. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

One of the main problems in assessing the mode of action of various treatment modalities is the method of measuring the treatment change. The purpose of the present study was to develop a cephalometric method that would permit a detailed evaluation of the individual growth processes (skeletal and dental) that contribute to the overall change in occlusal relationship. The change in molar relationship was resolved in five components, i.e. translation of the maxilla, of the upper molar, of the mandible, of the lower molar, and rotation of the mandible. These movements were recorded using regional superimposition of various structures, with the aid of a computer program. Derotation of the mandible was performed to remove any confounding effects of total mandibular rotation on the interpretation of the measurements. The results show that assessment of treatment effects can be carried out by comparison of the five resulting vectors.

Chromosome specific comparative genome hybridisation (CGH) is a novel approach for the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities. It combines flow sorting of chromosomes, degenerate oligonucleotide primed (DOP)-PCR and a modified comparative genome hybridisation (CGH) technique to define the site and extent of intrachromosomal duplications. Chromosome specific paint probes for aberrant chromosomes and their normal homologues from four subjects with unbalanced duplications within chromosomes 2p11-15, 3q25-26, 5q34-qter, and 12q23-24.2 were made. They were then cohybridised on normal metaphase spreads and the ratio of their relative intensities of hybridisation analysed. The results were compared to those of similar experiments where regular CGH was performed on the same four patients. We provide evidence that this method can detect duplications and deficiencies which might be missed by conventional CGH, as the ratio of hybridisation of abnormal/normal DNA is 2:1 rather than 3:2. It is the method of choice where mosaicism is present or where only one of several homologous chromosomes is duplicated. Furthermore, it suggests that DOP-PCR amplifies all or most of the euchromatic regions of the genome equally.

The aim of this paper is to examine the importance of computer-based simulation by the demonstration and study of complex systems and the presentation of essential tools and applications that can help health professionals deliver good quality practicals, which is now impeded by cost and/or technical constrains. The tools that have been developed in the framework of the Courseware Authoring for Scientific Training (COAST) project are the "modeler environment," which is used to describe the different tools and mathematical functions available for building models, and the "simulation author environment," which is used for building simulation sequences and providing the required tools and functions. This effort provides scientists with new technological and cost-effective means, specifically based on multimedia simulation, for preparing educational material, so as to gradually replace laboratory practicals that are gradually becoming more expensive, and improves student's understanding of complex systems.

This thesis describes an effort to combine various specialties of earth sciences (applied geophysics, hydrogeology, tectonics, stratigraphy, geomorphology), with the final objective to determine the subsurfacial geological conditions of the basin located on the plateau, north of the city of Tripolis and the assessment of its hydrogeological conditions. The wider region of the Tripolis plateau faces shortage problems for fresh water supply and irrigation. The small number of water consuming infrastructures and natural springs, that lie around the margins of this plateau with relatively small supplies, cannot satisfy the existing irrigation and watering needs of the wider region and particularly those of the city of Tripolis. For the successful exploitation of the water consuming infrastructures, the investigation of the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the Tripolis plateau was highly required. The geological and borehole data for this area were limited, mostly based on projects that had been accomplished in the past, but no systematic study on the determination the subsurface geological and hydrogeological conditions of area was carried out. Given that homogeneity in the distribution of measurement points is required for the best coverage of the research area, the (geophysical) geoelectrical soundings, using the Schlumberger array, proved to be the most suitable for this application. Seventy two (72) in situ electric resistivity measurements were scheduled on the geological formations outcropping throughout the area, ten (10) in situ electric resistivity measurements were scheduled next to already drilled boreholes and two hundred thirty five (235) resistivity soundings (VES), were carried out for investigating the deeper structures.After the interpretation of the geological and geophysical data, ƒ the lithology, the thickness and the hydrogeological behaviour of the postalpine sediments were investigated, ƒ the shape of the alpine basement was clarified, and ƒ the tectonic structure of the alpine basement was mapped.In particular, the shape and the thickness of the post-alpine sediments were determined. Two different environments of deposition were detected and two individual sub basins were located (a) the northernmost sub basin of NestaniMantineia and (b) the southernmost sub basin of Tripolis. The shape and the depth of the alpine basement were defined in detail for the majority of the measurement sites, with the exception of an area around the Tripolis Industrial Region (VI.PE.), where the thickness of the recent sediments is estimated to be exceeding 250 metres. By applying this methodology, the investigation of several structural zones (faults, thrusts) and the delimitation of reversed structures (Nestani, Merkovouni) of the Pindos unit formations, were made possible. The collected information and data were organised and imported in a Geographic Information System for future enhancement, acting as a dynamic digital geodatabase for the whole area. From this process new information was derived concerning ƒ the assessment of hydrogeological conditions, regarding the subsurface water reservoirs, and ƒ the investigation of the sinkhole system growth and operation throughout the basin. Typical optimum conditions for water reservoir existence were located at the regions where -due to the reversed structure of Pindos unit formations- the permeable limestone overlie the semi-permeable marly layers or the impermeable flysch. Such regime was detected in the region of eastern Mantineia. Similar regime was detected at the Merkovouni reversed structure, with the difference of the limited volume of the limestone and therefore the control of the regulative reserves should be very careful. Favourable conditions for water reservoirs can also exist in regions where the alpine basement consists exclusively of carbonate formations of either Pindos unit or Tripolis unit. The water existence is controlled by the purity of carbonate formations regarding the argillaceous or siliceous admixture, the degree and level of karstification and the orientation of the main tectonic structures (faults, thrusts). Regarding the Pindos unit carbonate formations, the geophysical measurements showed that the limestone with resistivity values less than 350 Ohm.m, are compatible with water existence, while resistivity values larger than 450 Ohm.m, imply the predominance of compact and arid Pindos unit limestone. Water reservoirs inside limestone beds were detected in the central parts of the Saga-Nestani sub basin, in the central parts of the Milia sub basin and at the Tripolis industrial region. On the contrary, the regions where the alpine basement consists of either the semipermeable marly limestones or the impermeable flysch, are characterised by the lack of water presence and consequently these areas are not ideal for new water consuming infrastructures.As far as the growth of sinkhole systems, the results of this thesis made clear that the development of the karst network is connected exclusively with the presence of the pure carbonate formations of Tripolis unit. It is remarkable that in the cases of Nestani and Kanata sinkhole systems, developed within the Pindos unit formations, the geophysical research revealed that they tectonically overlie the Tripolis limestones, without the interference of the Tripolis flysch, at a relatively small depth, thus facilitating the development of karst networks in these regions.

The curriculum development of medical informatics related courses and their adoption into the faculty curriculum is one of the main tasks of the present day educators. To this end the Internet technology has supported this task. The Internet was born in December of 1969 and has grown phenomenally since. Its graphically interactive, user-friendly modality, the World Wide Web (WWW), is younger and growing even more explosively. By its nature, the WWW is a tool ideally and uniquely suited for the advancement education. This paper describes the design, development and the implementation of a Web Site for supporting the education of the students in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Athens. The application will be used also in the European project Nightingale.

The NIGHTINGALE Project (NIGHTINGALE Project: HC1109 DGXIII Contract and Technical Annex, European Commission, December 1995) which started on the 1st of January, 1996, after the approval of the European Commission, has a 36 month duration. It is essential in planning and implementing a strategy in training the nursing profession in using and applying healthcare information systems. NIGHTINGALE contributes towards the appropriate use of the developed telematics infrastructure across Europe by educating and training nurses in a harmonious way across Europe in the upcoming field of nursing informatics. NIGHTINGALE develops courseware material based on the curriculum development process using multimedia technologies. Computer based training software packages in nursing informatics will be the basis of the training material and the corresponding courses. CD-ROM based training and reference material will also be provided in the courses whereas the traditional booklets, teaching material and textbooks can also play an adequate role in training. NIGHTINGALE will disseminate all information and courseware material freely to all interested parties through the publications of the proceedings of the conferences, through the establishment of the world wide web (WWW) server in nursing informatics for Europe (http://www.dn.uoa.gr/nightingale), which will become a depository of nursing information knowledge across Europe as well as a dissemination node of nursing informatics throughout the European members states for the benefit and welfare of the European citizen.

The unknown performance of a new experiment is to be evaluated and compared with that of an existing one over a finite horizon. The explicit structure of an optimal sequential allocation policy is obtained under pertinent reward/loss functions, when the experiments are characterized by random variables with distributions from the one parameter exponential family.

The objectives of these studies were, first, to determine the effect of elevated luminal viscosity on the gastrointestinal absorption of four model drugs and, second, to identify the key processes influencing drug absorption under elevated viscosity conditions. Studies were conducted in vitro and in healthy female mongrel does under fasting conditions. In the canine model, both the rate and extent of paracetamol and hydrochlorothiazide absorption were significantly decreased by the coadministration of 15 g guar gum dissolved in 500 ml normal saline. In the case of cimetidine, the rate but not extent of absorption was decreased. Owing to the high variability in the data, no statistically based conclusion could be drawn about the effects of coadministered guar gum on the oral absorption of the poorly soluble mefenamic acid. Based on the in vitro data, it appears that substantial reductions in the dissolution rate of paracetamol, hydrochlorothiazide and cimetidine account for the effects observed in vivo. It is concluded that the effect of an elevation in the intraluminal viscosity on drug absorption is greatest for highly soluble drugs, and results from a combination of a decrease in dissolution rate and gastric emptying rate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects which hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) may exert on oral drug absorption, in cases where this soluble fiber is administered to regulate blood lipid levels. Studies were conducted in vitro and in healthy female mongrel dogs using two different grades of HPMC, i.e. K8515 HPMC and ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) HPMC. The maximum plasma concentration, C-max, of paracetamol and both the C-max and the area under the concentration-time curve, AUC, of cimetidine were significantly decreased by the coadministration of 10 g of K8515 HPMC or 7.5 g of UHMW HPMC dissolved in 500 mL normal saline under fasting conditions. No statistically significant effects were observed on hydrochlorothiazide or mefenamic acid absorption. Based on in vitro data and previous studies it appears that reductions in gastric emptying and dissolution rate of paracetamol account for the effect observed in vivo. For cimetidine, a drug which can be absorbed from both the small and the large intestine, the indigestibility of HPMC in the colon in addition to the great reduction of dissolution rate led to reductions of both the C-max and AUC values. The long T-max values, even in the absence of HPMCs and the more modest reduction of the dissolution rate of hydrochlorothiazide by the HPMCs are thought to have precluded the observation of any significant alterations in the in vivo absorption profile. Owing to its erratic absorption, no statistically based conclusion could be drawn about the effects of coadministered HPMC on the oral absorption of the poorly soluble mefenamic acid. It is concluded that the effects of HPMCs on drug absorption in dogs are most pronounced for compounds with absorption profiles that are dependent on gastric emptying, i.e. compounds that are highly water soluble and that exhibit short T-max values. Compounds with long absorption profiles appear to be less susceptible to changes in absorption behavior due to coadministration of HPMCs. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aberrant expression of apoptosis-related genes including the 'cell death suppressor gene' bcl-2, may play an important pathogenetic role in cancer expression by 2-CdA, and or GST would provide a basis for their efficacy in suppressing arthritis by interfering with the upregulation of bcl-2 mRNA in the synovial lining cells (Muller-Laduer et al., 1995). However, the lack of a direct inhibitory effect on the induction of bcl-2 biosynthesis at the relatively high concentrations tested suggests that both GST and 2-CdA exert their beneficial effects in these patients through a bcl-2 independent mechanism.

{The temperature dependence of the EPR spectra of the recently discovered Ag6S3O4 phase in the Ag-O-S system prepared by two methods, the known method of co-precipitation from aqueous solution and a new method depending on the interaction of Ag2S and Ag2SO4 solid reagents, has been investigated. No EPR spectra were observed at room temperature, while at liquid helium temperature a number of EPR spectra have been recorded, which disappeared upon increasing temperature up to liquid nitrogen temperature. The sample obtained by the co-precipitation method revealed an intense, rich EPR spectrum that has been tentatively interpreted assuming the presence of at least two different Ag2+ ion complexes, one monomer resulting in an intense anisotropic, rhombic EPR powder pattern with g1 = 1.93(1)

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) linewidth of (Formula presented) in (Formula presented) is studied as a function of Er concentration. The EPR spectrum complies with the crystal-field ground doublet, while linewidth analysis shows the presence of exchange narrowing. Comparison of the theoretical EPR linewidth with the experimental data provide evidence for the presence of nearest-neighbor exchange interactions of the order of 1 K, most probably anisotropic along the a and b crystallographic axes. © 1998 The American Physical Society.

The EPR spectrum of (Formula presented) ions in (Formula presented) 0.5) is studied as a function of temperature. In the oxygen-deficient superconducting phase, the (Formula presented) EPR spectrum comprises a broad EPR line described by a rhombic g tensor and anisotropic linewidths along the principal axes. Analysis of the EPR linewidth provides an estimate for the effective isotropic exchange interaction, (Formula presented) between (Formula presented) ions, indicating that the magnetic ordering of the (Formula presented) sublattice is determined by the interplay between the short-range exchange interactions and the long-range dipole-dipole interactions. © 1998 The American Physical Society.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic hepatitis C appears to have a highly variable natural course with 20% of patients developing cirrhosis within 20 years, while the majority of them run a relatively mild course. We studied the relationships of epidemiological, biochemical and virological features with histological severity (grade) and liver disease progression (stage). METHODOLOGY: Liver histology, serum HCV RNA level and HCV genotype were determined in a well-defined cohort of 152 consecutive (100 males, 52 females) patients with chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS: Patients with minimal or mild chronic hepatitis were significantly younger than those with moderate or severe chronic hepatitis (mean age: 41.1 vs 49.5 years respectively, p=0.003). On the other hand, patients with no or mild fibrosis compared to those with moderate or severe fibrosis and to those with cirrhosis were significantly more frequently males (73%, 64% and 43%, p=0.01), parenteral drug users (36%, 11% and 11%, p=0.01) and infected with other than 1b genotype (86%, 52% and 33%, p<0.0001), significantly younger (mean age: 37, 48 and 58 years, p<0.0001) and had significantly lower HCV RNA levels (geometric mean: 6.9, 19.2 and 17.5 x 10(5) eq/ml, p=0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that stage was significantly related only to patient age (p<0.0001), HCV genotype (p=0.0025) and HCV RNA level (p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In chronic hepatitis C, histological severity seems to be associated only with patient age, while progression of the disease is mainly associated with patient age, HCV genotype and viremia level.

The mechanism of 2-deoxyribonolactone formation from the reaction of photogenerated 2'-deoxyuridin-1'-yl radical with molecular oxygen in water has been investigated.

The mechanism of 2-deoxyribonolactone formation from the reaction of photogenerated 2′-deoxyuridin-1′-yl radical with molecular oxygen in water has been investigated.

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome and the prognosis of patients with ovarian germ cell malignancies who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy immediately after initial surgery. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with ovarian germ cell tumors who were referred for consideration of treatment to the Departments of Medical Oncology participating in the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Results. Over a 14-year period 53 patients were included in our study. There were 13 patients with dysgerminoma and 40 patients with nondysgerminomatous tumors. Forty percent of patients underwent complete resection of their tumors. Platinum-based chemotherapy consisted primarily of cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB) in 9 patients; bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) in 15 patients; and bleomycin, etoposide, and carboplatin (BEC) in 25 patients. With a median follow-up of 39 months, 5 patients developed progressive disease and died of their tumor and 1 patient died of bleomycin- induced lung toxicity with no evidence of active tumor. The 5-year overall survival was 100% for patients with dysgerminoma and 85% for patients with nondysgerminomatous tumors. Eighty percent of patients with advanced nondysgerminomatous tumors and residual disease after surgery remain disease free. Conclusion. With this study we confirm that patients with ovarian germ cell malignancies have a favorable outcome when treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination of paclitaxel given by three-hour infusion, and carboplatin as first- line chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). Background: Paclitaxel is an active agent in ABC. Furthermore, our group has shown that the combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin is effective in anthracycline-resistant ABC. Patients and methods: From January 1996 until March 1997, 66 women with ABC were treated with paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) by three-hour infusion followed by carboplatin at an AUC of 6 mg x min/ml every three weeks. The median age of the patients was 56 years (range 28-75). A total of 39 patients had received adjuvant chemotherapy and 22 of them were treated with an anthracycline or mitoxantrone-containing regimen. Results: A total of 324 cycles (median: six) were administered, 273 (85%) of them at full dose. The median number of delivered cycles was six. The median delivered dose intensity (DI) of paclitaxel was 55.1 mg/m2/week (range 30.5-69.3) and the relative DI was 0.95 (range 0.5-1.2). Eight patients (12%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5%-22%) achieved complete and 28 (42%, 95% CI: 30%-55%) partial responses. Grade 3-4 toxicities included anemia (5%), granulocytopenia (24%), thrombocytopenia, nausea/vomiting and allergic reaction (3% each), myalgias/arthralgias and neurotoxicity (1,5% each). Febrile neutropenia occurred in eight (12%) patients. Alopecia was universal. After a median follow-up of 17.3 (range 0.07- 24.5) months, 48 (72%) patients have demonstrated tumor progression and 24 (36%) have died. Median time to progression was 8.6 (range 0.07- 23+) months and median survival 20.4 (range 0.07-24.5+) months. Conclusions: The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has moderate activity in ABC and can be easily delivered on an outpatient basis with manageable toxicity. This regimen may be useful especially in patients to whom anthracyclines or cisplatin administration is precluded because of other concomitant diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the docetaxel-cisplatin combination in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods: Chemotherapy-naive patients with histologically confirmed, measurable stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, a World Health Organization (WHO) performance status of 0-2 and adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and cardiac function were eligible for the study. Patients received docetaxel (100 mg/m2) as an one-hour infusion on day 1 and cisplatin (80 mg/m2) as a 30-min infusion with appropriate hydration on day 2. Granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G-CSF; 150 μg/m2, SC) was given on days 3 to 13. Treatment was repeated every three weeks. Results: Fifty-three patients were enrolled (28 with stage IIIB and 25 with stage IV). One complete and 23 partial responses were observed (overall response rate (OR): 45%; 95% CI: 34,1%-61.8%). The response rate was 57% and 32% in patients with stages IIIB and IV disease (P = NS). The median time to progression was 36 weeks and the median survival 48 weeks; the one-year survival was 48%. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 23 patients, 15 of whom were hospitalized for neutropenic fever; two patients died of sepsis. Grade 2 neurotoxicity was observed in six patients and grade 3 in five patients; grade 3 fatigue occurred in seven patients, grade 3-4 mucositis in four patients and grade 3- 4 diarrhea in six patients. Mild allergic reactions and oedema were observed in five and four patients, respectively. The median dose intensity was 30 mg/m2/week for docetaxel and 24 mg/m2/week for cisplatin, corresponding to 91% and 89% of the specified protocol doses, respectively. Conclusions: The docetaxel-cisplatin combination is an active regimen in advanced NSCLC, but hematologic toxicity remains high despite the prophylactic use of G-CSF.

The synthesis of protected 1',2'-didehydro-2'-deoxyadenosines has been optimized by incorporating a phosphoranylidene protection of the adenine amino function. These unsaturated adenosines have served as substrates for the electrophilic iodopivaloyloxylation leading to new nucleosides modified at the anomeric position. Reaction of halopivaloates 10, 11 and 12 with tributyltin hydride generates indirectly C-1' radicals through a beta-(acyloxy)alkyl rearrangement. Rate constants for these rearrangements have been measured by using free-radical clock methodology and comparison of these data with previous reported results provides structural information about the nature of this important class of radicals. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The synthesis of protected 1',2'-didehydro-2'-deoxyadenosines has been optimized by incorporating a phosphoranylidene protection of the adenine amine function. These unsaturated adenosines have served as substrates for the electrophilic iodopivaloyloxylation leading to new nucleosides modified at the anomeric position. Reaction of halopivaloates 10, 11 and 12 with tributyltin hydride generates indirectly C-1' radicals through a $\beta$- (acyloxy)alkyl rearrangement. Rate constants for these rearrangements have been measured by using free-radical clock methodology and comparison of these data with previous reported results provides structural information about the nature of this important class of radicals.

In Europe, coordinated activities in healthcare informatics education started in the late 1980's with the establishment of European Courses in Health Telematics. At the same time the European Commission foresaw the need for spreading the knowledge of IT in the Healthcare Sector. Therefore the EC, since then, have supported the initiatives that aim to create awareness, stimulate diffusion, educate and train the users (healthcare professionals) in the application of Information Technology to the Healthcare Sector. Such initiatives are the NIGHTINGALE project, which is an essential project in the planning and implementation of strategy in training the Nursing profession in using and applying healthcare information systems, the IT EDUCTRA project, which is a very practical project in the field of the education and training of the Healthcare Professionals in Information Technologies, and the ERASMUS Master's Course, which is aiming at giving those working, or intending to work in the health service and related activities a broad, advanced postgraduate education in Health Informatics.

In Europe, coordinated activities in healthcare informatics education started in the late 1980s with the establishment of European courses in health telematics. At the same time the European Commission foresaw the need for spreading the knowledge of Information Technology (IT) in the healthcare sector. Therefore the EC, since then, has supported the initiatives that aim to create awareness, stimulate diffusion, and educated and train the users (healthcare professionals) in the application of IT in health care [I]. Initiatives, such as the NIGHTINGALE project, are essential for the planning and implementation of strategies for training the nursing profession in using and applying healthcare information systems. Other projects are the IT EDUCTRA project, which is a practical project in the field of education and training of healthcare professionals in information technologies, and the ERASMUS Master's Course, which aims at giving those working (or intending to work) in the health service and related activities, a broad, advanced postgraduate education in health informatics.

We present a program for the calculation of the frequency band structure of an infinite photonic crystal, and of the transmission, reflection and absorption coefficients of light by a slab of this crystal. The crystal consists of a stack of identical slices parallel to a given surface; a slice may consist of a number of different components, each of which can be either a homogeneous plate or a multilayer of spherical particles of given periodicity parallel to the surface.

We present first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and hyperfine fields of 3d and 4sp impurities on the (001) surface of Ni. The calculations are based on the local-spin-density-functional theory and employ a Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green's function method for impurities at surfaces. The systematic behaviour obtained for the hyperfine fields of the 4sp adatoms or impurities in the first surface layer is completely different from that found in the bulk. Instead of a single maximum with a very large hyperfine-field value at about the end of an sp series, the adatoms exhibit two maxima with a pronounced minimum in between. This behaviour can be traced back to the reduced coordination number of the adatoms which leads to a much smaller relative splitting of the bonding and antibonding peaks, and to the lower symmetry at the surface which results in an on-site s-p(z) hybridization. The hyperfine fields found for the 3d impurities at the surface are determined basically by the ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic coupling of the local impurity moment to the substrate magnetization and are therefore more or less similar to those for bulk impurities.

We present first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and hyperfine fields of 3d and 4sp impurities on the (001) surface of Ni. The calculations are based on the local-spin-density-functional theory and employ a Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green's function method for impurities at surfaces. The systematic behaviour obtained for the hyperfine fields of the 4sp adatoms or impurities in the first surface layer is completely different from that found in the bulk. Instead of a single maximum with a very large hyperfine-field value at about the end of an sp series, the adatoms exhibit two maxima with a pronounced minimum in between. This behaviour can be traced back to the reduced coordination number of the adatoms which leads to a much smaller relative splitting of the bonding and antibonding peaks, and to the lower symmetry at the surface which results in an on-site s-p: hybridization. The hyperfine fields found for the 3d impurities at the surface are determined basically by the ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic coupling of the local impurity moment to the substrate magnetization and are therefore in more or less similar to those for bulk impurities.

We present first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and hyperfine fields of 4sp impurities un the (001) surfaces of Ni and Fe. The calculations are based on the local-spin-density functional theory and employ a Green's function method for impurities at surfaces. The systematic behavior obtained for the hyperfine fields of adatoms or impurities in the first surface layer is completely different from that found in the bulk, mainly due to the reduction of the symmetry and the coordination number at the surface. Our results explain the surprisingly small hyperfine-field values measured for Se adatoms and provide challenging predictions to be confirmed by future experiments.

We present first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and hyperfine fields of 4sp  impurities on the (001) surfaces of Ni and Fe. The calculations are based on the local-spin-density-functional theory and employ a Green's function method for impurities at surfaces. The systematic behavior obtained for the hyperfine fields of adatoms or impurities in the first surface layer is completely different from that found in the bulk, mainly due to the reduction of the symmetry and the coordination number at the surface. Our results explain the surprisingly small hyperfine-field values measured for Se adatoms and provide challenging predictions to be confirmed by future experiments.

The Evolution of Information Technology is rapid. Electronic circuits substitute mental activities and new Technology invades to all aspects of life. Nursing, which is like all the other Health related professions information-intensive, could use the new Technology to be facilitated. The implementation of Informatics to Nursing was supported by the growing information that Nursing has to manage. The definition of Nursing Informatics was put on 1980 and since then a lot attempts to define Nursing Informatics have followed. The applications of Nursing Informatics are focused on four fields of Nursing: Administration of Nursing, Clinical Practice, Education, and Research. The first applications of Nursing Informatics made visible the need for the development of a Unified Language System. The efforts, today, are focused on two fields: to establish a standard definition of the terms of or related to Nursing Informatics, to establish standard definitions and Classification Schemes for the Nursing Phenomena and Practice so that they can be processed by Nursing Informatics. In solving these problems important role plays the study of Linguistics. Another important factor that should be taken into account is the Development of International Standards of general acceptance that enhances communication aspects. Apart from the International Standardisation Organisations, other non-profit organisations have constituted Special Groups that are dealing with the promotion of Nursing Informatics. Final Nursing Informatics should follow the previous attempts of Nursing to establish a Unified Language System. All the steps of the development of the application are described. In particular subjects that are covered are: the scope of the application, the collection of the material, the designing and building up of the Database, the development of a User Interface and the characteristics of the Application.

The analysis of force systems from an ideal arch has shown that the ratio of the moments produced by a straight wire connecting two malaligned brackets depends on the ratio of the angulations of the brackets to the interbracket axis. Although this result permits assessment of the relative forces and moments, prediction of future tooth movement requires knowledge of the position of center of resistance as well. In this study, the forces and moments produced by a straight portion of an arch wire were transferred from the brackets to the center of resistance. The purpose was to compare the force system at the brackets to the force system at the center of resistance and to assess whether bracket geometry can be applied to predict initial tooth movement. A computer model was used to simulate two teeth connected by a straight portion of wire. Forces and moments were calculated with the use of equations derived from elementary beam theory. The results show that the force system at the center of resistance may be of an entirely different "geometry" type than that at the bracket. Factors that influence the force system include the interbracket distance, the angulation of the teeth, the length of the tooth root, and the width of the bracket.

A chain of impurity cells in a photonic insulator introduces impurity modes of the electromagnetic field over a narrow band of frequencies. We introduce a model of this band in the manner of a tight-binding description of impurity bands in semiconductors, and use it to describe waveguiding along the chain, and, in particular, across a corner of 90°  . We also point out the possibility of using impurity bands in photonic insulators to study wave propagation along an effectively one-dimensional disordered chain.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of any form of 21α-hydroxylase deficiency among Greek women with hyperandrogenic symptoms, and to test the predictive value of basal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in the early follicular phase as a screening index for patient preselection to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) testing. Eighty-eight unselected women with hyperandrogenic symptoms were examined in the Gynecological Endocrinology Unit of the Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Athens University. Using the ACTH-stimulated 17-OHP values at 60 minutes (17-OHP60) the study population was divided into four groups (A, B, C and D). Clinical and basal hormonal parameters as well as serum 17-OHP60 values and human leukocyte antigens were studied. Both clinical and basal hormonal parameters could be used to distinguish only patients with severe 21α-hydroxylase deficiency (group A). In contrast, patients with moderate non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH; group B), heterozygotes for NC-CAH (group C), and unaffected females (group D) can be diagnosed and classified only by serum 17-OHP60 values. In conclusion, the incidence of NC-CAH in Greek females with hyperandrogenic symptoms is 3.4%. The positive predictive value of basal 17-OHP is only 13% for this disease. Only 17-OHP60 helps to diagnose and classify moderate and mild forms of NC-CAH. Thus, it seems that ACTH testing is imperative in every subject suspected of this enzymatic disorder.

SERUM levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in 48 healthy, termed neonates on the 1st (N1), 5th (N5) and 40th (N40) day after birth, compared with those in maternal serum (MS), umbilical cord (UC) and adult controls. Cytokine Values in N1 and N5 were significantly elevated, than those in UC and in controls (P<0.0001). IL-1β and IL-6 declined significantly from N1 to N40 (P<0.0001), while TNF-α increased significantly from N1 to N5 and declined thereafter. MS∞IL-1β and IL-6, but not MS∞TNF- α, were significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.0001). IL-1β values depended on the mode of delivery. In conclusion, the increased concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α during the perinatal period might suggest their involvement in an inflammation-like process during normal parturition, and reflect also a newborn immune response to the stress of delivery and environmental changes.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is considered an important determinant of the balance between T-helper type 1 and 2 cytokines and has been used experimentally for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, contrasting results have been reported relative to the Th-1/Th-2 cytokine profile in atopic patients. In this study, we examined cytokine production by polyclonally activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from children with atopic dermatitis, and assessed the influence of in vitro IFN-gamma pretreatment on these cells. A fraction of PBMC isolated from children with severe atopic dermatitis, as well as from age-matched controls, was initially exposed to IFN-gamma. After washing, both treated and untreated cells were then put into culture either alone or with the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin. IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma production were measured in the supernatants using commercially available ELISAs. PBMC from atopic patients produced more IL-4 (P = 0.04) and IL-10 (P = 0.03) and less IFN-gamma (P = 0.01) than controls, when stimulated with PHA. Interestingly, in PMA + ionomycin stimulated cultures, the atopic cytokine profile was different with more IL-5 (P = 0.0068) and less IFN-gamma production (P = 0.00046) than the control group. When cells were pretreated with IFN-gamma, there were no significant differences between patients and controls. PBMC from children with atopic dermatitis show alterations in cytokine production, compatible in general terms with the Th-1/Th-2 model. Exposure of PBMC to IFN-gamma before activation results in a reduction of these differences, so that cytokine production becomes similar in the atopic and normal groups.

Purpose. To develop a simple approach for investigating absorption kinetics, which does not require modeling assumptions or intravenous data. Methods. The concentration (C) -time (t) data are plotted as a phase plane plot (dC/dt versus C). Errorless C,t data were generated from one and two compartment models employing first-order, zero-order and Michaelis-Menten input kinetics, and the phase plane plots were constructed. A simple test based on the ratio of slopes of the separate linear regression analyses of absorption and elimination data of the phase plane plot is proposed to justify or not the presence of zero-order input kinetics. Errant data were used to assess the performance of the test developed. Literature data of theophylline and nitroglycerin formulations were analyzed using the phase plane plot. Input rate-time profiles were constructed for one compartment model drugs utilizing the data of the phase plane plot. Results. The geometric forms of the phase plane plots derived from the errorless data of the various pharmacokinetic models were found to be indicative of the absorption kinetics. Very good results were obtained when the test for the discernment of absorption kinetics was applied to errant data. Zero-order absorption kinetics were justified (i) for the transdermal absorption of nitroglycerin and (ii) only for a certain period of time, for the gastrointestinal absorption of theophylline. Conclusions. Investigation of absorption kinetics can be accomplished with the phase plane method. The cumulative character of the classical percent absorbed versus time plots can be misleading in justifying the presence of zero-order input kinetics.

We review first-principles calculations of the size effect in dilute transition-metal alloys. The calculations apply local density functional theory and a Green's function method based on the KKR multiple-scattering formalism. In each cell, the full anisotropic potential in included and the forces on the atoms are calculated by the Hellmann-Feynman theorem. The method is applied to predict the atomic positions around d+sp impurities in Cu and Al. The results compare favorably with experimental data from extended X-ray-absorption-fine-structure and lattice-parameter measurements.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of 21 monthly cycles of pamidronate therapy in patients with advanced multiple myeloma. Patients and Methods: Patients with stage III myeloma and at least one lyric lesion received either placebo or pamidronate 90 mg intravenously administered as a 4-hour infusion monthly for 21 cycles. At study entry, the patients were stratified according to whether they were to receive first-line (stratum 1) or second-line (stratum 2) antimyeloma chemotherapy. Skeletal events (pathologic fracture, radiation or surgery to bone, and spinal cord compression) and hypercalcemia were assessed monthly. Results: The results of the first nine previously reported cycles are extended to 21 cycles. Of the 392 randomized patients, efficacy could be evaluated in 198 who received pamidronate and 179 who received placebo. After 21 cycles, the proportion of patients who developed any skeletal event was lower in the pamidronate-group (P= .015). The mean number of skeletal events per year was less in the pamidronate-group (1.3) than in placebo-treated patients (2.2; P = .008). Although survival was not different between the pamidronate-treated group and placebo patients overall, stratum 2 patients who received pamidronate lived longer than those who received placebo (14 v 21 months, P = .041). Pamidronate was safe and well tolerated during the 21 cycles of therapy. Conclusion: Long-term monthly infusions of pamidronate as an adjunct to chemotherapy are superior to chemotherapy alone in reducing skeletal events in stage III multiple myeloma patients, and may improve the survival of patients on salvage therapy.

The role of the anisotropic impurity scattering in the determination of the low-field Hall coefficient of Al-4d dilute alloys is investigated by means of systematic theoretical calculations, as well as experimental measurements for Al-Zr and AI-Mo. The theoretical results, obtained without using any adjustable parameter, are in excellent agreement with the experimental data and a consistent interpretation of the systematic variation of the low-field Hall coefficient for aluminium-based dilute alloys with transition-metal impurities is given. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of the anisotropic impurity scattering in the determination of the low-field Hall coefficient of Al-4d dilute alloys is investigated by means of systematic theoretical calculations, as well as experimental measurements for AlZr and AlMo. The theoretical results, obtained without using any adjustable parameter, are in excellent agreement with the experimental data and a consistent interpretation of the systematic variation of the low-field Hall coefficient for aluminium-based dilute alloys with transition-metal impurities is given.

The temperature dependence of the magnetic, electrical conductivity, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties of Fe8V10W16O85has been investigated. The magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed an almost Curie-Weiss law behavior above room temperature and an additional magnetic interaction at low temperature, causing a steep rise of magnetization as the liquid helium temperature was approached. The value of the magnetic moment at high temperature,μeff=1.80μB, suggests a predominance of trivalent iron ions in a low-spin state. In the 300-4.2 K temperature range a difference between the zero field cooling (ZFC) and the field cooling (FC) modes was recorded. This irreversible behavior might be related to the presence of weakly coupled clusters. The EPR measurements revealed a broad, temperature-dependent resonance line at high temperature and two weaker lines at low temperature. The two low-temperature lines were attributed to antiferromagnetically coupled high-spin Fe3+ion clusters and to high-spin iron ions placed at sites with low symmetry of the crystal field. The broad line at high temperature was separated into two Lorentzian lines. These component lines were attributed to the two paramagnetic centers connected with the Fe3+ions involved in the magnetic structure of Fe8V10W16O85: dominant low-spin centers and a small admixture (<15%) of the high-spin centers. The line broadening and shift of the resonance field of the two component lines with decreasing temperature were studied and analyzed using a model of the EPR lines of antiferromagnets. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity showed a typical semiconducting-type behavior with an activation energy of 0.40 eV. The hopping mechanism of small polarons was proposed to explain the transport properties of the sample. © 1998 Academic Press.

We report a systematic study of the spin-polarization energy of 3d impurities in monovalent simple-metal hosts, by means of self-consistent, local-spin-density-functional, impurity-in-jellium calculations, and propose a phenomenological model for the interpretation of our results.

We report a systematic study of the spin-polarization energy of 3d impurities in monovalent simple-metal hosts, by means of self-consistent, local-spin-density-functional, impurity-in-jellium calculations, and propose a phenomenological model for the interpretation of our results. {[}S0163-1829(98)03424-9].

The age and dynamics of the young LMC clusters SL 666 and NGC 2098 were investigated using CCD observations obtained with the 3.9m Anglo-Australian Telescope. SL 666 was found to have an age of 1 - 1.25 x 10(8) yr, while NGC 2098 is somewhat younger, with an age of 6.3 - 7.9*E(7) yr. In the case of SL 666 the good quality of the acquired data allowed the construction of the main sequence luminosity function as a function of radius, which revealed mass segregation, also confirmed from star counts. Since the age of SL 666 is significantly lower than the mean relaxation time of at least 5 x 10(8) yr calculated for this cluster and since the mass range of the cluster members does not permit us to assume faster energy equipartition, the observed mass segregation seems to be due to the way stars form in the cluster. Indications on a star formation scenario are examined. Disruption time is also discussed and there is strong evidence that the cluster is bound. NGC 2098 shows strong evidence of mass segregation, but further observations are needed in this case.

Maternal serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF) antigen concentrations were measured, by a microparticle EIA, in 28 pregnant women during the 2nd trimester, in 27 during the 3rd and in 34 during labor. Extremely elevated and scattered over a broad range antigen values were observed in AF, compared to those in MS samples (p < 0.0001). CEA values in both MS (100% < 5 ng/mL) and in AF did not differ significantly with advancing gestation, while CA125 in MS (6.5% > 32.5 U/mL) and in AF declined significantly with gestational age (p < 0.0001). In contrast SCC values in both MS (42.5% > 1.5 ng/mL) and in AF increased significantly with the progression of pregnancy (p < 0.0001). Amniotic fluid CA125 and less prominent SCC values were significantly higher in the 2nd trimester pregnancies, complicated by fetal anomalies, compared to those in normal pregnancies (p < 0.02 and p < 0.05 respectively). Serum CA125 was lower in the prolonged pregnancies (p < 0.05), while CEA and SCC in AF were significantly elevated (p < 0.003 and p < 0.01, respectively). A good correlation was found in CA125 and SCC values between MS and AF (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001; r = 0.32, p < 0.004 respectively), while no correlation was observed between MS and AF CEA values. In conclusion, the presence of considerable CEA, CA125 and SCC levels in amniotic fluid during pregnancy suggests their involvement in biological functions, associated with fetal development and maturation. Maternal serum CEA, in contrast to CA125 and SCC, is not influenced by pregnancy, remaining a reliable tumor marker in monitoring also pregnant cancer patients.

In this study an attempt is made to examine and analyse the mean characteristics of the katabatic flows at the western slope foot of a 1024m high knife edge mountain using a meteorological tower and three surface meteorological stations. In addition, the frequency distribution of the occurrence of the katabatic flow over one year period is studied along the characteristics of the flow arriving in the neighbouring urban area at a distance of 1.5km. It was found that the katabatic flow occurs mainly in autumn and spring with the highest frequency in April. The flow is generally characterised by small depth as it is affected substantially by the background flow. The expected direction of the katabatic wind dominates mainly at the level of 7 m, where the influence of the background flow is minimised. At the level of 18m the wind direction shifts, due to the interaction of the katabatic wind with the background flow. The katabatic flow can penetrate at a distance of 1.5 km being substantially weakened.

In this paper, we deal with the ARIMA (Box-Jenkins) model of the gridded mean annual air temperature for the area included by the co-ordinates: 20°- 30°E, 35°- 45°N, (thus the South Balkan area, the most of its percentage covered by Greek peninsula). We analyse the gridded temperature time series which existed from 1851 to 1996. With the theoretical model's construction, we try to forecast the annual temperature till the year 2006, and the results were satisfactory enough. Also, from the analysis we found that the autocorrelation function (ASF) and the partial autocorrelation function (PASF) of the residuals were not significant, and the ARIMA model is quite reliable.

The NIGHTINGALE project, which is an EU financed project, is considered as essential in planning and implementation of strategy in training the nursing profession in using and applying healthcare information systems. Therefore, NIGHTINGALE gives a new perspective in Nursing Informatics Education in Europe. In 1997 some major goals of the NIGHTINGALE project were accomplished. These achievements are described in this document.

PURPOSE: A national study to register all working nursing personnel and nursing students; to estimate the nursing needs of the Greek population beyond the year 2000; to design a nursing resource master plan for the nursing needs of Greece. DESIGN: First, a questionnaire was distributed to register all nursing personnel. Second, required personnel were estimated according to the population of each of the country's regions. Third, a master plan for developing nursing personnel to the year 2010 was developed. RESULTS: The number of nursing personnel was found to be 35,715 which included 11,497 RNs and health visitors, 22,318 assistant nurses, 1,900 midwives. The number of students was 9,252. The majority of nursing personnel work in areas with the highest population. The need for nursing personnel was estimated to be 62,000: 36,300 RNs, 21,700 assistant nurses and 4,000 midwives. CONCLUSIONS: There is a serious shortage of RNs in the Greek health services resulting in a downgrading of nursing care quality.

In a phase II study, 66 patients with advanced breast cancer (median age 56 years; range, 28 to 75 years) were treated with paclitaxel (Taxol), 175 mg/m2 infused over 3 hours, and carboplatin (Paraplatin), dosed to attain an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 6 mg x min/mL; treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. A total of 38 (58%) patients had received prior adjuvant chemotherapy, 21 with a regimen containing an anthracycline or mitoxantrone (Novantrone). As of May 1997, 295 cycles of paclitaxel- carboplatin have been administered, 248 (84%) at full dose. The relative dose intensity of paclitaxel is 0.9 (range, 0.5 to 1.2). Of the 66 patients, 8 (12%) have achieved a complete response and 27 (41%) a partial response, for a total response rate of 53%. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities have included anemia (5%), leukopenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (5%), nausea/vomiting (7%), myalgias/arthralgias (4%), allergic reaction, neurotoxicity, and infection (2% each). Alopecia has been universal. Median time to progression is 8.9 months; median survival has not yet been reached. We conclude that the combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has significant activity in advanced breast cancer and can easily be administered on an outpatient basis with manageable toxicity.

We model the acceleration of electrons at a shock front in a relativistic blazar jet and compute the radiation they emit in a post-shock region which contains a homogeneous magnetic field. The full space, time and momentum dependence of the electron distribution is used in this calculation. It is shown that the ` homogeneous'\ synchrotron model is recovered, provided the downstream speed of the plasma away from the shock front is nonrelativistic, and provided that the light travel times across the face of the shock front is unimportant. By varying the rate at which particles are picked up by the acceleration process, we calculate the time-dependence of the spectra. Since the magnetic field strength is assumed constant within the emission region, each frequency band can be identified with electrons of a particular energy. We find that for a band in which the electrons are accelerated rapidly compared to the rate at which they cool, the spectra typically harden during phases of rising flux, and soften during phases of falling flux, as has been observed in the objects PKS 2155-304 and Mkn 421. However, in a frequency band in which the timescales are comparable, the reverse behaviour is to be expected. We discuss the extent to which observations of both the stationary spectrum and the spectral variability of the synchrotron component of blazar emission can be used to constrain the model.

The temperature dependence of the EPR spectrum for the α-phase of iron tungstate has been investigated in the temperature range of 40-260 K. At temperatures between T1 ≈ 250 K and T2 ≈ 205 K where the antiferromagnetic phase transition occurs, a relatively narrow EPR line arising from the dominant iron(III) species has emerged, gaining intensity with the temperature increase. Its linewidth temperature evolution could be described by Huber equation, with TN = 200 K, which is consistent with the peak seen in magnetic susceptibility measurements, while the corresponding g-factor shifts to higher fields reflecting the build-up of internal field emerging from increasing short-range order in the spin system. At temperatures lower than T2, a very broad and distorted EPR line with temperature dependent g-factor and linewidth has been observed reflecting the corresponding rise of the magnetic susceptibility below the antiferromagnetic phase transition, presumably arising from magnetic clusters embedded in the antiferromagnetic background. © Springer-Verlag 1998.

On two separate days eight male subjects performed a 10- or 20-s cycle ergometer sprint (randomized order) followed, after 2 min of recovery, by a 30-s sprint. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at rest, immediately after the first sprint and after the 2 min of recovery on both occasions. The anaerobic ATP turnover during the initial 10 s of sprint 1 was 129 ± 12 mmol kg dry weight-1 and decreased to 63 ± 10 mmol kg dry weight-1 between the 10th and 20th s of sprint 1. This was a result of a 300% decrease in the rate of phosphocreatine breakdown and a 35% decrease in the glycolytic rate. Despite this 51% reduction in anaerobic ATP turnover, the mean power between 10 and 20 s of sprint 1 was reduced by only 28%. During the same period, oxygen uptake increased from 1.30 ± 0.15 to 2.40 ± 0.23 L min-1, which partially compensated for the decreased anaerobic metabolism. Muscle pH decreased from 7.06 ± 0.02 at rest to 6.94 ± 0.02 after 10 s and 6.82 ± 0.03 after 20 s of sprinting (for all changes P < 0.01). Muscle pH did not change following a 2-min recovery period after both the 10- and 20-s sprints, but phosphocreatine was resynthesized to 86 ± 3 and 76 ± 3% of the resting value, respectively (n.s. 10- vs. 20-s sprint). Following 2 min of recovery after the 10-s sprint subjects were able to reproduce peak but not mean power. Restoration of both mean and peak power following the 20-s sprint was 88% of sprint 1, and was lower compared with that after the 10-s sprint (P < 0.01). Total work during the second 30-s sprint after the 10- and the 20-s sprint was 19.3 ± 0.6 and 17.8 ± 0.5 kJ, respectively (P < 0.01). As oxygen uptake was the same during the 30-s sprints (2.95 ± 0.15 and 3.02 ± 0.16 L min-1), and [Phosphocreatine] before the sprint was similar, the lower work may be related to a reduced glycolytic ATP regeneration as a result of the higher muscle acidosis.

On two separate days eight male subjects performed a 10- or 20-s cycle ergometer sprint (randomized order) followed, after 2 min of recovery, by a 30-s sprint. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at rest, immediately after the first sprint and after the 2 min of recovery on both occasions. The anaerobic ATP turnover during the initial 10 s of sprint 1 was 129 ± 12 mmol kg dry weight-1 and decreased to 63 ± 10 mmol kg dry weight-1 between the 10th and 20th s of sprint 1. This was a result of a 300% decrease in the rate of phosphocreatine breakdown and a 35% decrease in the glycolytic rate. Despite this 51% reduction in anaerobic ATP turnover, the mean power between 10 and 20 s of sprint 1 was reduced by only 28%. During the same period, oxygen uptake increased from 1.30 ± 0.15 to 2.40 ± 0.23 L min-1, which partially compensated for the decreased anaerobic metabolism. Muscle pH decreased from 7.06 ± 0.02 at rest to 6.94 ± 0.02 after 10 s and 6.82 ± 0.03 after 20 s of sprinting (for all changes P < 0.01). Muscle pH did not change following a 2-min recovery period after both the 10- and 20-s sprints, but phosphocreatine was resynthesized to 86 ± 3 and 76 ± 3% of the resting value, respectively (n.s. 10- vs. 20-s sprint). Following 2 min of recovery after the 10-s sprint subjects were able to reproduce peak but not mean power. Restoration of both mean and peak power following the 20-s sprint was 88% of sprint 1, and was lower compared with that after the 10-s sprint (P < 0.01). Total work during the second 30-s sprint after the 10- and the 20-s sprint was 19.3 ± 0.6 and 17.8 ± 0.5 kJ, respectively (P < 0.01). As oxygen uptake was the same during the 30-s sprints (2.95 ± 0.15 and 3.02 ± 0.16 L min-1), and [Phosphocreatine] before the sprint was similar, the lower work may be related to a reduced glycolytic ATP regeneration as a result of the higher muscle acidosis.

On two separate days eight male subjects performed a 10- or 20-s cycle ergometer sprint (randomized order) followed, after 2 min of recovery, by a 30-s sprint. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at rest, immediately after the first sprint and after the 2 min of recovery on both occasions. The anaerobic ATP turnover during the initial 10 s of sprint 1 was 129 ± 12 mmol kg dry weight-1 and decreased to 63 ± 10 mmol kg dry weight-1 between the 10th and 20th s of sprint 1. This was a result of a 300% decrease in the rate of phosphocreatine breakdown and a 35% decrease in the glycolytic rate. Despite this 51% reduction in anaerobic ATP turnover, the mean power between 10 and 20 s of sprint 1 was reduced by only 28%. During the same period, oxygen uptake increased from 1.30 ± 0.15 to 2.40 ± 0.23 L min-1, which partially compensated for the decreased anaerobic metabolism. Muscle pH decreased from 7.06 ± 0.02 at rest to 6.94 ± 0.02 after 10 s and 6.82 ± 0.03 after 20 s of sprinting (for all changes P < 0.01). Muscle pH did not change following a 2-min recovery period after both the 10- and 20-s sprints, but phosphocreatine was resynthesized to 86 ± 3 and 76 ± 3% of the resting value, respectively (n.s. 10- vs. 20-s sprint). Following 2 min of recovery after the 10-s sprint subjects were able to reproduce peak but not mean power. Restoration of both mean and peak power following the 20-s sprint was 88% of sprint 1, and was lower compared with that after the 10-s sprint (P < 0.01). Total work during the second 30-s sprint after the 10- and the 20-s sprint was 19.3 ± 0.6 and 17.8 ± 0.5 kJ, respectively (P < 0.01). As oxygen uptake was the same during the 30-s sprints (2.95 ± 0.15 and 3.02 ± 0.16 L min-1), and [Phosphocreatine] before the sprint was similar, the lower work may be related to a reduced glycolytic ATP regeneration as a result of the higher muscle acidosis.

Objective - To determine the degree of hypophyseal deficiency in Kallmann's syndrome, and the effects of Gn-RH priming and HRT. Patients and Methods - Seven female patients with complete Kallmann's syndrome were subjected to dynamic tests (chlorpromazine, TRH and double Gn-RH provocation test) immediately after their first admission to the hospital. In five patients the diagnosis was established for the first time (unprimed patients), while in the other two cases the diagnosis has been established earlier and the patients were already receiving hormonal replacement therapy (HRT-primed patients). In the 5 unprimed patients, 100 μg Gn-RH s.c. were administered daily for 28-32 days and the double Gn-RH test was repeated immediately after. Results - The gonadotropic response of the unprimed patients in the administration of Gn-RH was insufficient, mainly in the second stimulation, with secretory dominance of FSH (ratio LH/FSH <1), while after the monthly Gn-RH priming, the gonadotropic response to Gn-RH had improved, with a considerable increase in the peak values of plasma FSH and LH after both stimulations, and the LH/FSH ratio was reversed to >1. In the two primed patients, the gonadotropic response to Gn-RH administration was better in both stimulations than that of the unprimed patients. Conclusions - Both the short-term Gn-RH and the long-term HRT priming improve the secretory promptitude of the hypophyseal cells for both gonadotropins, while after long-term Gn-RH priming the LH-secreting cells are capable of both release and synthesis of the hormone, as can be seen by the results of the second stimulation in the Gn-RH primed patients. Consequently, for women with Kallmann's syndrome who wish to become pregnant, ovulation induction and conception can be achieved sooner and with less cost if they are previously primed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of bcl-2, p53 oncoproteins, and Ki-67 antigen in a series of transitional cell bladder carcinomas and its relation to the traditional prognostic indicators and patient's survival. One hundred six cases with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were examined for detection of bcl-2, p53 proteins, and Ki-67 antigen (MIB1 antibody). Bcl-2 immunohisto-chemical positivity was observed in 52% of TCCs and in 577% of low-grade and 44% of high-grade TCCs. Bcl-2 was also detected in normal urothelium and dysplastic lesions with basal cell expression, showed a significant inverse correlation with overall bcl-2 positivity. The loss of bcl-2 protein expression in higher-stage TCCs was statistically significant (pt = .01). P53 protein was overexpressed in 50% of TCCs and more frequently in invasive and in carcinomas in situ than in superficial TCCs (Pt = .03). In contrast, detection of p53 was not observed in normal and dysplastic urothelium. P53 positivity was related to the degree of differentiation and to the stage of the disease (Pf = .01 and Pt = .03, respectively). Concerning Ki-67 antigen, its expression was found in 57.5% of TCCs. There was a strong overall correlation of Ki-67 with tumor stage (Pt = .002) and grade (Pf = .002). Univariate statistical analysis showed that the expression of p53 and Ki-67 was significantly correlated to poor prognosis (p = .02, P = .02, respectively). On multivariate analysis, none of these markers but only stage and grade were significantly correlated to prognosis (P = .02, respectively). These findings suggest that overexpression of bcl-2 protein may be an early event in tumorigenesis. Tumors with loss of bcl-2 positivity and overexpression of p53 and Ki-67 had an unfavorable prognosis; however, in multivariate analysis, they had no independent prognostic value.

An RT-PCR assay using primers from the 5'-UTR of the GBV-C/HGV genome was used to detect viremia, and a serological assay was used to detect past exposure to GBV-C/HGV, in sera from 106 imprisoned Greek intravenous drug users. High seroprevalence rates indicative of the parenteral route of transmission of the virus were found (32.1% for GBV-C RNA and 46.2% for anti-GBV-C E2). These rates were nonetheless lower in comparison to the corresponding rates of HCV infection markers (64.2% for HCV RNA and 77.4% for anti-HCV). Statistically significant univariate associations were observed between GBV-C-RNA positivity and younger age (P=0.006) and HCV-RNA positivity (P=0.024), as well as with higher serum alanine aminotransferase levels (P< 0.001); this latter association was shown to be independent of coinfection with HCV and of age by a multiple logistic regression model. Apparently, GBV-C/HGV had spread readily by needle-sharing in prison, while causing acute subclinical hepatitis in infected inmates. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial 5'-UTR of the GBV-C/HGV genome from 16 seropositive individuals, which delineated their grouping within genotype 2, also revealed a close genetic relationship between two sets of sequences from 4 drug addicts, 3 of whom admitted to sharing needles while imprisoned.

Karyotypic studies of bone marrow were conducted in 79 previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma who received a standard programme of chemotherapy. An abnormal karyotype was observed in 46% of patients, virtually all showing multiple abnormalities consistent with a long period of preclinical clonal evolution. Patients with an abnormal pattern showed various aberrations with hyperdiploidy in 64%, pseudodiploidy in 5% and hypodiploidy in 31%. The number of chromosomes affected ranged from two to 19 (median 10), with at least one trisomy in 83%, one monosomy in 75%, and one translocation in 42% of patients. Lymphoma-like karyotypes were present in 17% of patients with an abnormality but were not associated with atypical clinical features, such as an extramedullary mass, leukaemia, or increased serum lactate dehydrogenase. Monosomy or deletion of chromosome 13 was present in 47% of patients with an abnormal pattern, who lived for a shorter duration (median 10 months) than patients with other abnormalities (median 34 months) or with diploidy (median 35 months). The cause of the short survival of patients with monosomy or deletion of chromosome 13 was not clear, but further studies on the relationship with specific oncogenes are indicated.

The daily relationship between synoptic circulation in the lower troposphere and air quality conditions is demonstrated over the Athens Metropolitan Area (AMA) for the period between 1983 and 1995. This approach utilises eight distinct synoptic categories at the isobaric level of 850 hPa and air quality indicators with respect to O3, NO2, CO, SO2 and black smoke (BS). It is demonstrated that high concentrations of photochemical pollutants and SO2 are closely related to the synoptic scale circulation while CO and BS show a weaker correlation. The most favourable synoptic pattern for the accumulation of high concentrations is the open anticyclonic circulation and for the occurrence of extreme events the closed anticyclone. NO2 and BS present the highest frequency of severe events. The seasonal analysis reveals that the bad and extreme air quality conditions due to O3 and NO2 prevail in the warm season while during the cold season CO and SO2 events prevail. The synoptic category representing a combination of high and low pressure systems, commonly associated with an intense wind flow over the Aegean Sea in the warm period, seems to favour the accumulation of photochemical pollutants, especially O3, over the AMA. The converse relationship was found for the SO2 case. During cold periods, the synoptic category characterised by ’zonal flow’ seems to favour the development of bad conditions for NO2 and particularly CO.

Purpose: The standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder is radical cystectomy. While radical cystectomy cures many patients with this tumor, almost 50% of them will develop metastatic disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been proposed for these patients in an attempt to reduce the probability of relapse and to improve survival. To assess whether adjuvant chemotherapy does benefit patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, we reviewed all phase II and III studies published in the English literature over the last 20 years. Methods: A review of all published reports was facilitated by the use of Medline computer search and by manual search of the Index Medicus. Results: Several comparative, nonrandomized studies have indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong disease-free survival. Four randomized studies have been conducted and all had a suboptimal patient accrual. Three studies used a cisplatin-containing combination chemotherapy and included primarily patients with non-organ-confined transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. All three studies indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy improve disease-free survival and two of them also showed improvement in event-free survival and overall survival, respectively. Conclusion: Published series have been unable to establish an undisputed benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy over radical cystectomy alone for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The interpretation of the available data is compromised by several methodologic and statistical problems. Thus, adjuvant chemotherapy cannot be considered as a standard treatment for all patients with muscle-invasive carcinoma of the bladder. Well-designed prospective randomized studies are needed to clarify the rob of adjuvant chemotherapy in this disease. However, outside a protocol setting, there is some evidence that patients with extravesical disease or with lymph node involvement may benefit from adjuvant treatment with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. No data support such an approach for patients with muscle-invasive but organ-confined bladder cancer.

Although the combination of paclitaxel with doxorubicin has yielded high response rates in metastatic breast cancer, severe cardiotoxic events have been reported in several patients. The rationale for our study was to evaluate the activity of paclitaxel/doxorubicin combination in patients with this disease but to avoid excessive cardiotoxicity. Therefore, we administered 4 cycles of doxorubicin/paclitaxel followed by 6 cycles of standard cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) regimen. Study medication consisted of doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 as a 15-min intravenous infusion followed by paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 as a 3-hour infusion. CMF regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 as 1-hour intravenous infusion followed by methotrexate 40 mg/m2 and 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 bolus injection. The main toxicity of doxorubicin/paclitaxel treatment phase was neutropenia (WHO grade 3/4, 58%), but we observed only one cardiac adverse event. Toxicities of the CMF treatment phase were not significant. Of 24 patients evaluable for response, 2 (8%) had complete responses and 11 (46%) achieved partial response. Ten additional patients (42%) had stable disease. The median time to progression was 12 months and the median overall survival was 18.5 months. The sequential administration of doxorubicin and paclitaxel followed by CMF appeared active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing postnatal age on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), a very early and sensitive marker of immune activation and response in the serum of newborn infants. Serum sICAM-1 was measured by EIA (T Cell Diagnostics) in 20 healthy adults (controls) and in 43 (24 females/19 males) healthy neonates, of whom 28 were full term, and 15 were born at a gestational age between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, on the 1st, 5th and 30th day of life. Neonatal serum sICAM-1 values showed a very significant increase (P < 0.01) from the 1st day (137.3 ± 62.0 ng/ml) to the 5th day (259.3 ± 124.0 ng/ml) and then to the 30th day of life (415.0 ± 114.0 ng/ml), being significantly lower on the 1st day (P < 0.01), whereas significantly higher on the 30th day of life (P < 0.05), than those in healthy adults (305 ± 195 ng/ml). Serum sICAM-1 values on the 1st day of life depended on both the mode of delivery (significantly higher in neonates born vaginally) and the gestational age at birth (significantly lower in those born at a gestational age over 38 weeks). A significant strong correlation was found in sICAM-1 values between the 1st and the 5th day following delivery (r(p) = 0.77, P < 0.009). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate a significant rise of serum sICAM-1 during the 1st month of life in healthy neonates suggesting a progressively increased activation of the neonatal immune system.

The objective of this study is to identify and establish the day-by-day relationship between mesoscale circulation and the air quality status over the Metropolitan area of Athens for a period of 13 years and to further investigate its temporal and spatial variability. Eleven distinct mesoscale patterns are identified using a formulated methodology based on surface wind measurements. The air quality conditions are classified into seven distinct classes according to the method of the Air Quality Indicators for five main pollutants namely, O3, NO2, SO2, CO and black smoke (BS). It was found that severe and bad air quality conditions over specific parts of the examined area are associated with the weak mesoscale patterns of southern direction or calm conditions. The good and moderate conditions are established mainly under northerly airflows. The most serious pollution problem favored even by intense northerly flow is attributed to O3 during the warm period in the northern zone. High concentrations of O3, NO2 and SO2 in the warm period are remarkably related to the pure sea breeze circulation, especially in the central and northern zone.

The title C-1' radical, obtained by photolysis of the corresponding tert-butyl ketone in water, was studied spectroscopically by EPR and laser flash photolysis methods and computationally. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The title C-1' radical, obtained by photolysis of the corresponding tert-butyl ketone in water, was studied spectroscopically by EPR and laser flash photolysis methods and computationally.

The magnetic Compton profiles (MCPs) measured in the [100], [110], [111] and [112] directions in single-crystal nickel with an incident photon beam of energy 224 keV are presented and discussed. The momentum resolution achieved, of 0.43 atomic units, improves on previous studies by almost a factor of two, and facilitates the interpretation of the MCPs in terms of the underlying spin-dependent momentum densities. Calculations have been performed using the linear muffin-tin orbital method, within both the local spin-density approximation (LSDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Comparison with experiment reveals the limitations of the LSDA at low momentum, where the GGA is better able to reproduce the contribution of the s- and p-like electrons. All of the calculations overestimate the moment associated with the d-like electrons, for momenta corresponding to the first Brillouin zone. We also confirm the existence of the so-called Umklapp shoulders, which derive from the Fermi surface topology.

Στα Πρακτικά δημοσιεύεται η εισήγηση στο συνέδριο που απευθυνόταν κυρίως σε φιλοσόφους και ιατρούς απ’ όλο τον κόσμο. Δύο χρόνια πριν από την υποβολή της διδακτορικής μας διατριβής, η παρούσα εισήγηση απετέλεσε καλή δοκιμή των απόψεων μας  για το θέμα της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής από θεολογική άποψη, σε ακαδημαϊκό κοινό. Αρκετές από τις θέσεις και απόψεις της εισήγησης αυτής  συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη διδακτορική διατριβή.

AIMS: To determine HIV and hepatitis infection prevalence and correlates with risk behaviour. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study: voluntary, anonymous HIV, hepatitis (HCV, HBV and HDV) surveillance and questionnaire on risk factors. SETTING: Korydallos Prison, Athens and Ag. Stefanos Prison, Patra, Greece. PARTICIPANTS: Of 544 drug users imprisoned for drug related offences, all completed the questionnaire and 533 blood samples were collected. MEASUREMENTS: HIV (by anti-HIV-1), HCV (by anti-HCV), HBV (by anti-HBc, HBsAg) and HDV (by anti-HDV) prevalence. Data on demography, legal status, drug use, sharing of injecting equipment. FINDINGS: Of the 544 drug users, 375 (68.9%) had injected drugs (IDUs) at some time, 35% of whom had injected whilst in that prison. Of the 533 blood samples tested, one was positive for anti-HIV-1 (0.19%), 310 for anti-HCV (58.2%), 306/531 (57.6%) for anti-HBc, 34/527 (6.5%) for HBsAg and 12/527 (2.3%) for anti-HDV. Prevalence rates for IDUs only were 0.27% for HIV-1, 80.6% for hepatitis C, 62.7% for hepatitis B and 3.3% for hepatitis D. Ninety-two per cent of IDUs injecting in prison shared needles, indicating that IDUs inject less but share more during incarceration. Multiple logistic regression revealed needle-sharing as the most important risk factor for HCV infection in IDUs. Prior knowledge of a positive hepatitis result did not appear to inhibit IDUs from practising risky behaviours in prison. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemic of hepatitis B and C among imprisoned IDUs identified by this study constitutes a major public health problem. Prevention programmes, such as counselling, HBV vaccination, community-based methadone maintenance treatment and syringe exchange schemes, are necessary in order to prevent a further spread.

By a systematic method we construct general classes of exact and self-consistent axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) solutions describing flows that originate in the near environment of a central gravitating astrophysical object. The unifying scheme contains two large groups of exact MHD outflow models: (I) meridionally self-similar models with spherical critical surfaces; and (II) radially self-similar models with conical critical surfaces. This classification includes known polytropic models, such as the classical Parker description of a stellar wind and the Blandford &38 Payne model of a disc wind; it also contains non-polytropic models, such as those of winds/jets in Sauty &38 Tsinganos, Lima, Tsinganos &38 Priest, and Trussoni, Tsinganos &38 Sauty. Besides the unification of all known cases under a common scheme, several new classes emerge and some are briefly analysed; they could be explored for a further understanding of the physical properties of MHD outflows from various magnetized and rotating astrophysical objects in stellar or galactic systems.

By a systematic method we construct general classes of exact and self-consistent axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) solutions describing flows that originate in the near environment of a central gravitating astrophysical object. The unifying scheme contains two large groups of exact MHD outflow models: (I) meridionally self-similar models with spherical critical surfaces; and (II) radially self-similar models with conical critical surfaces. This classification includes known polytropic models, such as the classical Parker description of a stellar wind and the Blandford &38 Payne model of a disc wind; it also contains non-polytropic models, such as those of winds/jets in Sauty &38 Tsinganos, Lima, Tsinganos &38 Priest, and Trussoni, Tsinganos &38 Sauty. Besides the unification of all known cases under a common scheme, several new classes emerge and some are briefly analysed; they could be explored for a further understanding of the physical properties of MHD outflows from various magnetized and rotating astrophysical objects in stellar or galactic systems.

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of single-agent docetaxel in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma and impaired renal function. Methods. Eleven consecutive patients previously untreated for metastatic disease with renal impairment (median serum creatinine level of 2.6 mg/dL) were treated with intravenous docetaxel 100 mg/m2 for 1 hour every 21 days. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered at a dose of 5 μg/kg/day subcutaneously from days 5 to 14. Results. Five of 11 patients achieved a partial response, with time to progression of responding patients ranging from 5 to 22 months or more. The median overall survival rate was 11 months. Renal function improved in 5 of 8 patients with tumor- related renal impairment. Toxicity was primarily hematologic, with 5 patients developing grade 3 or 4 neutropenia; nonhematologic toxicities were manageable. Conclusions. Our preliminary data indicate that single-agent docetaxel therapy may represent an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and renal insufficiency precluding cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy.

Pretreatment values of CEA, CA125, SCC and TPS were measured in 130 women with 1) ovarian carcinoma (n = 25), 2) breast cancer (n = 20), 3) endometrial cancer (n = 14), 4) cervical squamous cell carcinoma (n = 20), 5) cervical adenocarcinoma (n = 9) and 6) benign gynaecological diseases (n = 42) in order to evaluate the usefulness of multiple markers in diagnosing and monitoring patients with gynaecological cancer. Antigen values were significantly higher in the cancer groups than those in the benign one (p < 0.0001). CEA values were significantly elevated in the 2nd and 5th groups, CA125 in the 1st and 5th, SCC in the 4th and 5th, and TPS in the 1st, 2nd and 5th compared to the remaining groups (p < 0.04-p < 0.0001). In advanced stage diseases, significantly higher antigen values, except for SCC, than those in limited rumours were measured (p < 0.05-p < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results suggest that, multiple markers may be more efficienti than the use of single markers in accurately identifying malignant from benign gynaecological diseases and in monitoring cancer patients.

Το ερώτημα, αρχικά, τέθηκε από τους συντάκτες του περιοδικού «Σύναξη»  και τελικά αποτέλεσε τον τίτλο του άρθρου, στο αφιέρωμα για τη Βιοηθική. Ο σκοπός του άρθρου, που αργότερα ενσωματώθηκε μερικώς σε ανάλογο κεφάλαιο της διδακτορικής διατριβής, ήταν να φανεί εάν στο θέμα της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής, η σύγχρονη ορθόδοξη θεολογική σκέψη επηρεάζεται από τις αποφάσεις και τις εγκυκλίους των ετεροδόξων εκκλησιών και ιδιαίτερα της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής Εκκλησίας. Με τα δεδομένα που εξετάσαμε δεν διαφάνηκε κάποιος επηρεασμός από τα ετερόδοξα κείμενα ή η ανάλογη βιασύνη στην ορθόδοξη θεολογία και στην ποιμαίνουσα εκκλησία να καταδικάσει ή να αποδεκτεί τις  μεθόδους της  υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής. Η μετάφραση της Κατήχησης της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής Εκκλησίας έγινε από το αγγλικό κείμενο.   

Στα Πρακτικά δημοσιεύεται η εισήγηση στο συνέδριο που απευθυνόταν κυρίως σε φιλοσόφους και ιατρούς απ’ όλο τον κόσμο. Δύο χρόνια πριν από την υποβολή της διδακτορικής μας διατριβής, η παρούσα εισήγηση απετέλεσε καλή δοκιμή των απόψεων μας  για το θέμα της υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής από θεολογική άποψη, σε ακαδημαϊκό κοινό. Αρκετές από τις θέσεις και απόψεις της εισήγησης αυτής  συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη διδακτορική διατριβή. (βλέπε στην ιστοσελίδα http://www.biusante.parisdescartes.fr/histoire/medicina/?auteur=FANARAS,%20Vassilios%20G )

The aim of this article is to describe the concept, the source, the characteristics and the main manifestations of a rather neglected issue in child development, namely egocentrism in school-age children, according to David Ekind's theory. Egocentrism takes on a unique form in each stage of cognitive development and constitutes a negative but necessary by-product of each stage. First, we describe briefly the concept, the source and the decline of egocentrism in general as well as those of the sensorimotor and the preoperational egocentrism. Then, the association between egocentrism in school-age children and concrete operational abilities is discussed. The "assumptive realities", that is, the inability to distinguish between the products of thought and the perceptual data, is analyzed as the main characteristic of concrete operational egocentrism. This form of egocentrism manifests itself as a differentiation failure between the transient and the abiding rules, between the subjective and the objective rules, and between the particular and the universal rules. With the emergence of formal operational abilities, children become able to decentrate their thought by testing hypotheses against reality and discovering their arbitrary nature. Finally, several educational implications, that is, ways through which the educator can reduce his/her students' egocentrism and facilitate their transition to higher levels of cognitive functioning, are suggested.

Τα ερωτήματα που τίθενται στην εργασία είναι: α) Η παρουσία του ηττημένου αθλητή στο συνολικό έργο του Πινδάρου, β) η κατάσταση στην οποία περιέρχεται ο ηττημένος αθλητής, γ) η θεώρηση της ήττας του αθλητή κατά τον Πίνδαρο, δ) η σημασία της αγωνιστικής νίκης, ε) η εικόνα αυτής της νίκης στον Πίνδαρο, και στ) η έννοια του ηττημένου ως αντίποδα του νικητή. Τελικό ερώτημα της εργασίας είναι η αξιολογία της ήττας κατά τον ποιητή και, οι από τον άνθρωπο και τον αθλητή απορρέουσες δυνατότητες αξιοποίησης της εμπειρίας της ήττας.

In this article, we offer a brief description of the current theories of adolescent egocentrism, namely Piaget's, Elkind's and Lapsley's theories. Aspects from Blos', Mahler's and Josselson's psychodynamic views, as well as from Selman's theory of interpersonal understanding are integrated into Lapsley's theory. For each theory, the content, the source, the main forms and the developmental features of egocentrism are discussed. In conclusion, we attempt to evaluate the explanatory power of these theories and we suggest a model of adolescent egocentrism which includes physical, cognitive, social and emotional factors.

Το παρόν άρθρο αναφέρεται στις ἰσλαμικὲς ὀργανώσεις καὶ αναλύει ενδελεχώς τον ρόλο τους, ειδικότερα στὴν πολιτικοϊστορικὴ πορεία της Τουρκίας. Εν ολίγοις, ο συγγραφέας αποδεικνύει ότι τὸ Ἰσλὰμ αποτελεί τὸ κυρίαρχο καὶ οὐσιαστικὸ ἰδεολογικὸ ὑπόβαθρο καὶ τὸν κύριο γνώμονα γιὰ τὴν πολιτικὴ δράση τῶν μουσουλμάνων. Ἀποδεικνύει επίσης, ὅτι οἱ ρίζες τῶν ἰσλαμικῶν ἀδελφοτήτων ἐντοπίζονται στὴν προσπάθεια τῆς καλπαζούσης ἐκκοσμικεύσεως, τοῦ ἀκρίτου ὅσο καὶ βιαίου ἐκδυτικισμοῦ εἰς μίαν κοινωνίαν ἡ ὁποία σὲ εὐρὺ κοινωνικὸ καὶ πολιτιστικὸ ἐπίπεδο ἀπέχει πολύ, χωρὶς αὐτὸ νὰ ἀποτελεῖ μομφή, ἀπὸ τὸν μέσον ἰδεότυπο τῆς μεταβιομηχανικῆς δυτικῆς κοινωνίας.

Οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες αποτελούν θέμα ιδιαίτερο αγαπητό στην παιδική λογοτεχνία. Με αφορμή την έκδοση του Dargaud ‘Αsterix aux jeux Olympiques’ η εργασία αυτή εξετάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο παρουσιάζονται οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες στη λογοτεχνία αυτού του είδους, το περιεχόμενο του κόμικ, καθώς επίσης και το στόχο του συγγραφέα. Επισημαίνονται τα θετικά και τα αρνητικά δεδομένα της έκδοσης, οι ιστορικές αλήθειες και οι ανακρίβειες, και, κυρίως, τα μηνύματα προς τους νέους στους οποίους απευθύνεται η έκδοση, τα οποία, λόγω και του ταυτόχρονου οπτικού ερεθίσματος, είναι ιδιαίτερα ισχυρά. Το συμπέρασμα που προκύπτει, εν τέλει, είναι οτι πίσω από την ευχάριστη ατμόσφαιρα του κόμικ, το οποίο έχει μεταφραστεί και στα αρχαία ελληνικά από τον Φάνη Κακριδή, παρουσιάζονται με μονοσήμαντο τρόπο οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες, ο αρχαίος κλασικός πολιτισμός, αλλά και ο νεοελληνισμός. Ο συγγραφέας του κόμικ φέρνοντας τον συμπαθή ήρωα των Γαλατών στην Ολυμπία το 52 π.Χ. επιχειρεί να συνδέσει τους Γαλάτες με τους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες με τους οποίους δεν είχαν καμία σχέση, συνδέοντας έτσι τους Γάλλους με την αρχαία Ολυμπία και τον κλασικό πολιτισμό. Ο τρόπος, όμως, που χρησιμοποιεί τον ολυμπιακό μύθο και τους αθλητές της Ολυμπίας είναι ανιστόρητος, καθώς οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες δεν ήταν μια αφελής ιστορία φολκλορικού χαρακτήρα, αλλά ένας θεσμός σφυρηλατημένος από την αντιφατικότητα της ανθρώπινης φύσης. Είναι εντελώς διαφορετικό να παρουσιάζεται η αντιφατικότητα της φύσης του ανθρώπου, και άλλο η βία. Ο συγγραφέας επιδιώκει τη δημιουργία ενός μύθου για τους σύγχρονους Γάλλους, ενώ το θέμα των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων αποτελεί μόνο το πρόσχημα για τον εξωραϊσμό και την προβολή αυτού του, αλλότριου, μύθου.

Η εργασία διερευνά το νόημα της Ολυμπιακής νίκης, όπως αυτό απορρέει από τα κλασικά  κείμενα. Η νίκη στην κλασική αρχαιότητα αποτελεί ‘αρετή’, για  την  οποία ο νικητής δικαιούται τον έπαινο και τη δόξα. Η νίκη αποτελεί την απόδειξη της εύνοιας του θεού και έχει επομένως, διάσταση θεϊκή. Ταυτόχρονα αποτελεί την απόδειξη της εκπλήρωσης του ιδανικού της πόλης, της διάπλασης δηλαδή του τέλειου νέου. Η τελετή της στέψης και ο κώμος του νικητή που συνεχίζεται ως την επάνοδό του στην πατρίδα, θυμίζουν την αποθεωτική στέψη του αρχαίου βασιλιά που ενσάρκωσε τον “ενιαυτό δαίμονα’’ στην τοπική του μορφή. Το στεφάνι της στέψης αντίστοιχα εκφράζει την θρησκευτική και ηθική αξία του εξαγνισμού που μεταδίδεται στον αθλητή δια της νίκης. Η νίκη τον ανυψώνει σε επίπεδα θεϊκού ήρωα και τον μετατρέπει  σε  αντικείμενο λατρείας. Τα επίθετα που του αποδίδονται είναι δηλωτικά  της  θρησκευτικής  αξίας της νίκης και ταυτίζουν αυτήν με την ίδια την ευτυχία. Το νόημα της αγωνιστικής νίκης επομένως είναι η εξύψωση και μιας μορφής θεοποίηση του ήρωα–νικητή στην αρχαιότητα. Η νίκη φαίνεται επομένως πως είναι το ιερό Κέντρο, το κέντρο της λατρείας, η Εστία, η πεμπτουσία των αρχαίων αγώνων. Η έννοια της Νίκης μήπως συμπίπτει, όμως, με αυτήν του «υπείροχον έμμεναι» που κυριαρχεί στον κόσμο ιδεών του Ομήρου; Υπήρχε κάτι πριν το «υπείροχον»; Μήπως οι Ετρούσκοι ή οι Τυρρηνοί, μήπως οι Πρωτοέλληνες, ο Θησέας; Τι υπήρχε, άραγε, πριν το «υπείροχον»;  

Χρήση παραπομπής και βιβλιογραφίας/ When citing: Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (1997). 1827-1997. 170 Χρόνια από την Ναυμαχία του Ναυαρίνου. Φιλέλληνες αγωνιστές. ΓΡΑΜΜΑ- GRAMMA,  Griechische Zeitschrift fur Deutschland und Europa. Attika Press, Frankfurt. ΑΦΙΕΡΩΜΑ, τεύχος 48, 15 Σεπτ.-15 Οκτ. 1997, σελ. 74-77.

We report a systematic study of lattice relaxation effects around 3d and 4sp impurities in aluminum, using the full-potential Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green function method. Our results for the magnetic properties of the impurities seem to resolve the discrepancy between experiment and previous calculations. In addition, the calculated atomic displacements and total volume changes are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data.

The dynamics of a case of cyclogenesis over the central Mediterranean associated with heavy precipitation, especially over the southeast Aegean Sea, have been investigated on the basis of the analyses of two meteorological parameters, namely, the isobaric absolute and relative vorticity and the isentropic potential vorticity. On the whole, the two approaches demonstrate the important role of the upper level dynamics in the initiation of the surface cyclogenesis and seem to identify the same features: interaction of a region of positive absolute vorticity advection ahead of a 500 hPa trough with a shallow frontal system, in the first approach, and an isentropic potential vorticity anomaly at the upper levels with a low level baroclinic zone in the second approach. Furthermore, the analysis of potential vorticity identified an intense low level potential vorticity anomaly, for which there are indications that this is associated with diabatic heating and is important for the deepening of the system. This makes potential vorticity analysis preferable for forecasters. Special emphasis is given to the upper-level circulation and the vorticity field over the major European region before the surface cyclogenesis commences, since it is considered to be crucial for the forecasting of the event.

Various methods, such as address-calculation sorts, distribution counting sorts, radix sorts, and bucket sorts, use the values of the numbers being sorted to increase efficiency but do so at the expense of requiring additional storage space. In this paper, a specific implementation of bucket sort is presented whose primary advantanges are that (i) linear average-time performance is achieved with an additional amount of storage equal to any fraction of the number of elements being sorted and (ii) no linked-list data structures are used (all sorting is done with arrays). Analytical and empirical results show the trade-off between the additional storage space used and the improved computational efficiency obtained. Computer simulations show that for lists containing 1,000 to 30,000 uniformly distributed positive integers, the sort developed here is faster than both Quicksort and a standard implementation of bucket sort. Furthermore, the running time increases with size at a slower rate.

The temperature dependence of the EPR spectra of Y0.5Sm0.5 Ba2Cu3O6+x ceramic in tetragonal phase has been investigated at low temperatures. The complicated EPR spectra resulted from different paramagnetic centers: isolated divalent copper ions, exchange coupled copper pairs of ions, and molecular oxygen ions. The observed temperature dependence of the linewidth of exchange coupled copper ions has been interpreted in frames of a model of the collective motion of magnetic moments. The intensity of EPR spectra of molecular oxygen ions has shown critical behaviour at 3.60 K, where the intensity increased considerably.

The diagnostic value of antimyosin scanning in 7 patients with biopsy- proven cardiac amyloidosis was examined in this study. Antimyosin imaging was positive in all amyloid patients, with more intense uptake in patients with heart failure.

Spectra of 480 blue horizontal branch (BHB) stars in ω Centauri have been obtained using the multiobject fiber spectroscopic facility, Autofib, at the 3.9 m AAT. Preliminary analysis in the temperature range 7500K - 8200K indicates that a large fraction of BHB stars are at lower metallicities compared to the RR Lyrae stars and the giants. This could possibly be used to elucidate how mass loss efficiency varies with metallicity. The data can also be used together with simulated HBs to derive the variation of HB luminosity with metallicity.

A case of Saharan cyclogenesis associated with the equatorward intrusion of a trough at the end of the Atlantic storm track is investigated. It is shown that a potential vorticity anomaly resulting from a baroclinic wave life cycle associated with the polar jet interacts with the low-level baroclinicity over subtropical Africa beneath the subtropical jet. It is suggested that low-latitude synoptic-scale cyclogenesis events of this type can be triggered only by upper-level potential vorticity anomalies if they have a sufficient depth scale and that the interaction may be aided by the presence of low static stability associated with a well-mixed boundary layer. A weak cold front also forms during the cyclogenesis event associated with the convergence of the baroclinicity of the polar trough front with the baroclinicity of the subtropical heat low.

The polypeptide angiogenin, a normal constituent of human plasma, might be involved in endothelium homeostasis, angiogenesis, and neovascularization accompanying various diseases. This study aimed at determining angiogenin serum concentrations in the perinatal period of healthy newborns and at forming a baseline for this protein, which in the future may serve as a diagnostic index in developmental errors of the placenta and/or newborn. One milliliter of blood was drawn on d 1 and 4 of life from 30 healthy full-term neonates, and angiogenin serum concentrations were measured by an enzyme immunoassay using a commercially available kit. In 10 cases angiogenin serum concentrations were also measured in the maternal serum before delivery and in the umbilical vein serum. Angiogenin serum concentrations (μg/L) were significantly higher in maternal serum (225.7 ± 49.6) compared with umbilical vein serum (119.0 ± 34.2) (p < 0.0002), as well as that compared with day 1 (166.4 ± 44.9) (p < 0.01) but not to d 4 neonatal serum (240.8 ± 52.6). Angiogenin serum concentrations showed a statistically significant increase from d 1 to 4 (p < 10-7), as well as from umbilical cord serum to d I neonatal serum (p < 0.0002). A statistically significant correlation existed between values in umbilical cord serum and d I neonatal serum (r = 0.84, n = 10, p < 0.002) and between those in d I and 4 neonatal serum (r = 0.37, n = 30, p < 0.04). Sex, birth weight, or mode of delivery did not influence angiogenin serum concentrations. We conclude that a rapid increase of angiogenin serum concentrations to maternal levels takes place during the first four postnatal days in healthy full-term neonates.

This paper narrates the way chemists have been using the electron to account for one of the most intriguing problems, namely the bonding of two neutral atoms to form a molecule. The chemists' attempts to account for the mechanism of the homopolar bond, first in the context of the old quantum theory and after 1926 in the context of wave mechanics, brought the specter of reductionism to physics. We argue that the chemists' successful appropriation of the electron strengthened, first, the autonomy of physical chemistry and, then, of quantum chemistry with respect to physics.

Purpose: We investigated the activity of combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, ifosfamide, methotrexate and vinblastine in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 consecutive patients was treated with 30 mg./m.2 cisplatin on days 1 through 3, 1.5 gm./m.2 ifosfamide with mesna on days 1 through 3, 30 mg./m.2 methotrexate and 3 mg./m.2 vinblastine on day 1 plus 5 μg./kg. granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on days 7 through 11. Courses were repeated every 21 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. Results: Major toxicity was granulocytopenia in 56% of patients, including 11 episodes of granulocytopenic fever. Anemia and thrombocytopenia developed in a third of the cases. No other significant toxicity or treatment related death was noted. An objective response was achieved in 20 patients (62.5%, 95% confidence interval 44 to 79). Median time to progression was 7 months and median survival was 13 months. Conclusions: The cisplatin, ifosfamide, methotrexate and vinblastine regimen appeared active in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. This regimen was associated with significant but manageable hematological toxicity and the incidence of mucositis or renal impairment was low. Prospective randomized studies are needed to assess whether the addition of ifosfamide to other active agents will improve the survival of patients with this disease.

Consider a finite state irreducible Markov reward chain. It is shown that there exist simulation estimates and confidence intervals for the expected first passage times and rewards as well as the expected average reward, with 100% coverage probability. The length of the confidence intervals converges to zero with probability one as the sample size increases; it also satisfies a large deviations property.

This study aims to investigate the day by day relationship between mesoscale circulation and air quality over the Metropolitan Athens for a period of thirteen years spatially and seasonally. Eleven distinct mesoscale patterns are remarkable based in a formulated methodology based on surface and upper air wind measurements. The air quality conditions were attributed into seven distinct classes for five main pollutants namely, O3, NO2, SO2, CO and Black Smoke (BS). It was found that the severe and bad air quality conditions over the Metropolitan Athens area are mainly associated with weak southerly flows. The most serious pollution problem in AMA is attributed to O3 in the warm period when is favoured even by intense northerly flow. Due to the complex topography and the distribution of industrial and anthropogenetic activities in the examined area, the relationship between the air pollutant’s concentration and mesoscale air circulation presents important spatial characteristics that are further investigated.

In order to identify possible correlations between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hormonal and biochemical parameters of bone metabolism, or bone density, 24 postmenopausal women were studied. Serum IL-6, estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, the urinary secretion of calcium, phosphorus and hydroxyproline, and bone density of the lumbar spine, femur and radius were measured. No significant correlation was found between IL-6 and the biochemical parameters. A negative correlation was found between IL-6 and serum estradiol, as well as between IL-6 and bone density in 5 out of 6 sites studied. It is possible that women with high IL-6 levels, may develop lower bone mass.

The energy dependence of the magnetic Compton cross-section was measured with elliptically polarised synchrotron radiation at five energies from 245.2 to 1000.5 keV at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) using a recently installed superconducting wavelength shifter, the sample was ferromagnetic iron. These measurements more than double the highest photon energy previously used in synchrotron radiation studies. It was found that the integrated intensity of the spin-dependent scattering was well described by the formulae for the differential cross-section, dσ/dΩ, for free, stationary electrons. The optimisation of experiments designed to yield the spin-dependent Compton profile from the double differential cross-section, d2σ/dΩ dω is discussed.

Twenty-one women presenting with different diseases, with absolute or relative contraindications to hormonal contraception or the use of intrauterine devices, received 300-600 μg/day buserelin intranasally from the 1st to the 21st day, and 5 mg/day norethisterone acetate orally from the 16th to the 23rd day of the cycle for a total of 245 cycles. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and testosterone were determined on days 3-5 and 13-15 of the cycle, while progesterone determinations and ovarian sonography were performed during the second half of the cycle. According to progesterone values, 92.7% of the treatment cycles were anovulatory, while in one cycle pregnancy was detected (0.4%). Values of serum LH, FSH and estradiol were low, and in most of the cycles ovarian follicular development was limited to follicles ≤ 11 mm. In 21 treatment cycles (9%), statistically significant increases in FSH (p < 0.0001) and LH (p < 0.02), as well as ovarian proliferation to preovulatory follicles or luteinized follicles, were found. It appears that in spite of the high cost of medication and monitoring of patients, this regimen could be useful as an alternative in cases where other forms of contraception are contraindicated or have failed.

Background: Cytokines are considered as part of host defence to infection or injury. Material and Methods: Pretreatment values of TNF and sIL-2R were measured in 132 women with a) ovarian carcinoma (n = 25), b) breast cancer (n = 20), c) endometrial cancer (n = 15), d) cervical squamous cell carcinoma (n = 19), e) cervical adenocarcinoma (n = 11) and f) benign gynecological diseases (n = 42) in order to evaluate whether these cytokines could be useful in the discrimination of malignant from benign gynecological diseases. Results: Both TNF and sIL-2R were significantly higher in all cancer groups together (mean ± SD:30 ± 11 pg/mL and 1293 ± 465 U/mL respectively), than those in the benign group (16.0 ± 6 pg/mL and 626 ± 233 U/mL, respectively; p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found for TNF and sIL-2R values in the five cancer groups. Significantly higher cytokine values were measured in the advanced stage diseases (33 ± 11 pg/mL and 1705 ± 192 U/mL), than those in the limited cancer (26 ± 12 pg/mL, p < 0.05 and 916 (521 U/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that, cytokines may be useful in the discrimination of malignant from benign gynecological diseases and in monitoring tumor activity in patients early in the malignancy process.

Abstract - The study described in this paper investigates the knowledge andpreferences of 176 Greek children, aged between nine and eleven, with regard tofats and oils. The results show that the majority of children cannot classify oils.butter, and margarine in the correct nutritional category. The great majority wereof the opinion that it is healthier to use olive oil, rather than than seed oils, forsalads and cooked meals. However, they also answered that seed oils are healthierthan olive oil for fried meals. No statistically significant differences between thesexes was found in the answers, except for their preferences regarding the use ofolive oil in cooked meals and salads. The results indicate that Greek children lackthe information they need to make healthy food choices. In addition, there is aneed to develop teaching strategies thatfocus on lipids and their impact on health.

The effect of antineoplastic agents on non proliferating cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. Non growing populations were obtained by suspending cells in saline or H2O and survival rates were determined after exposing the cells to various commercially available agents for five hours. The only agent found to be effective was Doxorubicin which reduced survival rates to less than 5% (p < 0.001). The action of this drug could be detected in only 4 minutes and was not concentration dependent, therefore it is probable that DNA damage is caused mostly by oxygen free drug radicals. Furthermore, our observations strongly imply the damage of cellular membranes is an alternative reason for cell death, with phosphatidyl-inositol being the most probable candidate target for the drug.

The scattering of a quasi two-dimensional electron gas by optical phonons in selectively doped AlxGa1−xAs/GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs quantum wells is systematically studied in order to determine the effect of phonon confinement. The electron states are calculated solving self-consistently Schrödinger and Poisson equations to obtain an accurate dependence upon the structure parameters and the temperature. We study the way the scattering is affected by the form of the phonons calculating the mobility using three models for the phonons. They are considered:m(a) as three dimensional (3D), (b) as a set of confined and interface phonons, and (c) as the normal modes of the heterostructure. The relaxation times for the electron energy subbands are calculated solving the system of Boltzmann equations. The effect of the temperature and the well width variation is also investigated. The results are in a good agreement with experimental measurements. The agreement is only slightly dependent on the model used for the phonons and becomes best when the effect of the heterostructure on the phonon modes is taken into account.