Publications by Year: 2003

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We present preliminary results from our Cycle 3 Chandra survey of the central region of the Small Magellanic Cloud. Five ACIS-I fields cover a large fraction of the bar. The images show at least ten bright, extended, supernova remnants and two bright, previously unknown, transients; point sources are detected down to a luminosity of log L(erg/s) = 33. We have obtained exposure-corrected luminosity functions for each field.

We summarize the early results from a Chandra X-ray Observatory survey of the central region of the Small Magellanic Cloud, dominated by a recent burst of star formation. We detect 122 sources in five ACIS fields, reaching a 0.1-10 keV luminosity (corrected for Milky Way absorption ) of 4.3× 1033 erg/s, an order of magnitude deeper than previous surveys. Our survey includes 20 candidate transient sources and measures extent in 5 supernova remnants. The data indicate fewer very faint sources than would be expected from the background. We compare our results with ROSAT and ASCA observations of the region; many of the ASCA sources are found to suffer from confusion. We are beginning a program of optical identifications for the newly discovered sources. The companion poster by Taylor et al. describes our X-ray spectral and timing analysis on the bright sources. We acknowledge support from the Chandra X-ray Center (NASA contract NAS8-39073).

A total of 1019 non-replicate, consecutively isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were collected from in-patients of a tertiary care general hospital in Athens, Greece, during the period 1994-2001. The susceptibility, resistance phenotypes and the dissemination of these isolates among hospital wards were studied. Total MRSA and gentamicin-resistant MRSA, as a proportion of the S. aureus isolates, increased from 33 and 9% in 1994 to 50.1 and 33.3% in 2001, respectively. Three main multi-resistant phenotypes predominated, representing 50.9% of the total MRSA isolates in 2001. MRSA strains susceptible to all antibiotics tested decreased to 1.9% in 1997 and again increased to 13.5% in 2001. A gradual decrease in the susceptibility of vancomycin during the 8-year-period was detected, but no vancomycin resistant S. aureus strains were isolated.

High-resolution photoacoustic spectra of trinitrate-bis[N-(2- pyridylmethylene)-N′-benzoyl-hydrazine]R(III), (R = La, Cc, Pr), and binitrato-bis[N-(2-pyridylmethylene)-N′-benzoyl-hydrazine]R(III) nitrate (R=Y, Nd, Eu, Yb, Tb, Gd, Ho, Dy, Er) complexes, in the visual region, were studied for powder samples. Very intense photoacoustic spectra of various shapes were attributed to the intraligand transitions of the π → π* type located mainly on the C=N group and the n → π* transitions located on the carbonyl group. The intensity of these transitions essentially depends on the type of rare earth ions. The existence of f-f electron transitions could influence the relaxation processes, which play an important role in intensity determination of the above transitions. For many investigated samples the energy levels of excited states of rare earth ions were identified (f-f electron transitions). The radiation energy for some of the rare earth ions were compared with the d-d electron transitions of certain coppcr(II) organometallic complexes, which are very important in biogenic systems. The correlation between ions with localized and extended wave functions is suggested.

We compare space quantization obtained by codebook vectors yielded by Kohonen’s self-organizing maps and the neural gas methods. The average approximation error (called also the quantization error) is smaller when applying the neural gas method. The results are visualized graphically by scatterplot matrices. For the special case of 3-dimensional data the results, i.e. location of the representative codebook vectors among the original data points – are also visualized by a rotatable 3-D plot. The analysis was carried out for the Kefallinia data counting n D 3420 data vectors, each with p D 3 components. We stated that the results depend on the way of standardization of the data.

We consider a large set of data comprising N=3422 data vectors, each containing observations on p=3 variables. We find for these data representative data vectors. We do it by employing the methodology of Kohonen's self-organizing maps. The found representative data vectors are called codebook vectors. In particular we analyze two collections (assemblages) of codebook vectors counting m=275 and m=120 elements. The quantity of the representation is measured by evaluating two errors: the quantization error q1 and the topological error q2. We show for our data that the magnitude of these errors depends on the way the original data werestandardized. After a thorough graphical analysis of the results we came to the conclusion that codebook vectors obtained from data standardized by range yield a little better representation as those do which were obtained from data standardized by variance. None of the representations is satisfactory from our point of view.

OBJECTIVE: To report pathologic findings in 124 Australian and North American cases of primary nemaline myopathy. METHODS: Results of 164 muscle biopsies from 124 Australian and North American patients with primary nemaline myopathy were reviewed, including biopsies from 19 patients with nemaline myopathy due to alpha-actin (ACTA1) mutations and three with mutations in alpha-tropomyosin(SLOW) (TPM3). For each biopsy rod number per fiber, percentage of fibers with rods, fiber-type distribution of rods, and presence or absence of intranuclear rods were documented. RESULTS: Rods were present in all skeletal muscles and diagnosis was possible at all ages. Most biopsies contained nemaline bodies in more than 50% of fibers, although rods were seen only on electron microscopy in 10 patients. Rod numbers and localization correlated poorly with clinical severity. Frequent findings included internal nuclei and increased fiber size variation, type 1 fiber predominance and atrophy, and altered expression of fiber type specific proteins. Marked sarcomeric disruption, increased glycogen deposition, and intranuclear rods were associated with more severe clinical phenotypes. Serial biopsies showed progressive fiber size variation and increasing numbers of rods with time. Pathologic findings varied widely in families with multiple affected members. CONCLUSIONS: Very numerous nemaline bodies, glycogen accumulation, and marked sarcomeric disruption were common in nemaline myopathy associated with mutations in skeletal alpha-actin. Nemaline myopathy due to mutations in alpha-tropomyosin(SLOW) was characterized by preferential rod formation in, and atrophy of, type 1 fibers. Light microscopic features of nemaline myopathy correlate poorly with disease course. Electron microscopy may correlate better with disease severity and genotype.

This presentation represents consensus recommendations for the clinicopathological definition of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), which were prepared in conjunction with the Second International Workshop held in Athens, Greece during September 2002. WM is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder characterized primarily by bone marrow infiltration and IgM monoclonal gammopathy. It should be considered a distinct clinicopathological entity rather than a clinical syndrome secondary to IgM secretion. The underlying pathological diagnosis in WM is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Revised European-American Lymphoma (REAL) classification criteria. The concentration of monoclonal IgM can vary widely in WM and it is not possible to define a concentration that reliably distinguishes WM from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and other lymphoproliferative disorders. A diagnosis of WM can therefore be made irrespective of IgM concentration if there is evidence on a bone marrow trephine biopsy of bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with predominantly an intertrabecular pattern, supported by appropriate immunophenotypic studies. Simple criteria to distinguish patients with symptomatic WM who require therapy from those with asymptomatic WM and MGUS were also proposed. Patients with clinical features attributable to IgM monoclonal gammopathy but no overt evidence of lymphoma are considered to constitute a distinct clinical group and the term "IgM-related disorders" is proposed. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Knee injuries represent an important category of road traffic injuries among children, and they are heterogeneous in their aetiology. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence of road traffic childhood knee injuries in Greece by age and gender, point out their time, place and person co-ordinates and identify clusters with distinct characteristics with a view to potential preventive interventions. METHODS: During a 3-year period, 305 children with knee injuries resulting from a road traffic accident were identified among the 66,870 children with injuries recorded in the Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System (EDISS) of Greece. Using previously derived sampling ratios and national data on childhood population, incidence data by age and gender were estimated. Hierarchical analysis was undertaken for cluster identification. RESULTS: The incidence of road traffic knee injuries was 97.5 per 100,000 children-years. The incidence increased with age and was higher among boys than among girls. Most childhood knee injuries (50.2%) occur among pedestrians, and the majority (90.9%) of the children or their guardians admitted responsibility in crossing the road. Of the 31 children injured as car passengers, the vast majority (87.1%) were unrestrained, and a large fraction (38.7%) were front seat passengers. Two clusters were identified: the first consisted of younger children who resided mostly in the Athens area and suffered less serious knee injuries as pedestrians or car passengers during the colder months; the second consisted of older children, frequently tourists, who suffered more serious injuries as cyclists while vacationing. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the children who suffered road traffic knee injuries as pedestrians admitted responsibility in road crossing, whereas a large proportion of children who were injured as car passengers were injured while improperly seated in the front and without seatbelt protection. Older children, frequently tourists, were at high risk of knee injuries while using motorcycles and bicycles.

The concept of cognitive reserve (CR) suggests that innate intelligence or aspects of life experience like educational or occupational attainments may supply reserve, in the form of a set of skills or repertoires that allows some people to cope with progressing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology better than others. There is epidemiological evidence that lifestyle characterized by engagement in leisure activities of intellectual and social nature is associated with slower cognitive decline in healthy elderly and may reduce the risk of incident dementia. There is also evidence from functional imaging studies that subjects engaging in such leisure activities can clinically tolerate more AD pathology. It is possible that aspects of life experience like engagement in leisure activities may result in functionally more efficient cognitive networks and therefore provide a CR that delays the onset of clinical manifestations of dementia.

Cognitive reserve (CR) is the ability of an individual to cope with advancing brain pathology so that he remains free of symptomatology. Epidemiological evidence and in vivo neurometabolic data suggest that CR may be mediated through education or IQ. The goal of this study was to investigate CR-mediated differential brain activation in 17 healthy young adults and 19 healthy elders. Using nonquantitative H(2)(15)O PET scanning, we assessed relative regional cerebral blood flow while subjects performed a serial recognition memory task under two conditions: nonmemory control (NMC), in which one shape was presented in each study trial; and titrated demand (TD), in which study list length was adjusted so that each subject recognized shapes at approximately 75% accuracy. A factor score that summarized years of education and scores on two IQ indices was used as an index of CR. Voxel-wise, multiple regression analyses were performed with TD minus NMC difference PET counts as the dependent variable and the CR variable as the independent variable of interest. We identified brain regions where regression slopes were different from zero in each separate group, and also those where regression slopes differed between the two age groups. The slopes were significantly more positive in the young in the right inferior temporal gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, and cingulate, while the elderly had a significantly more positive slope in left cuneus. Brain regions where systematic relationships between CR and brain activation differ as a function of aging are loci where compensation for aging has occurred. They may mediate differential ability to cope with brain changes in aging.

We explain in simple terms why a rotating and magnetized outflow forms a core with a jet and show numerical simulations which substantiate this argument. The outflow from a solar-type inefficient magnetic rotator is found to be very weakly collimated while the outflow from a ten times faster rotating YSO is shown to produce a tightly collimated jet. This gives rise to an evolutionary scenario for stellar outflows. We also propose a two-component model consisting of a wind outflow from a central object and a faster rotating outflow launched from a surrounding accretion disk which plays the role of the flow collimator.

We explain in simple terms why a rotating and magnetized outflow forms a core with a jet and show numerical simulations which substantiate this argument. The outflow from a solar-type inefficient magnetic rotator is found to be very weakly collimated while the outflow from a ten times faster rotating YSO is shown to produce a tightly collimated jet. This gives rise to an evolutionary scenario for stellar outflows. We also propose a two-component model consisting of a wind outflow from a central object and a faster rotating outflow launched from a surrounding accretion disk which plays the role of the flow collimator.

Objectives. To consider the safety profile and therapeutic value of the combination of estramustine and mitoxantrone in a bimonthly schedule to treat hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The survival of patients with prostate cancer who relapse after androgen ablation is limited and the therapeutic options are restricted. Methods. Twenty-nine patients with relapse after previous treatment were included in the study; however, 3 patients who refused to start treatment were not included in the analysis, leaving 26 eligible patients. The median age was 64 years (range 44 to 82), the World Health Organization performance status ranged from 1 to 3, and the mean prostate-specific antigen level was 103 ng/mL (range 1 to 620). The Gleason score ranged from 2 to 9. The patients received a total of 208 therapeutic cycles (mean 8, range 3 to 24). Every cycle consisted of oral estramustine 140 mg, 3 times a day continuously, and intravenous mitoxantrone 20 mg (total dose). The regimen was repeated every 2 weeks. Results. Twenty-seven percent of patients with measurable soft-tissue disease demonstrated an objective response, which included one complete and six partial responses. Thirteen patients (50%) had a greater than 50% reduction in serum prostate-specific antigen level. The median duration of response was 9.2 months, and the median survival for all patients was 15 months. The most common side effects were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions. The combination of estramustine and mitoxantrone is safe, well tolerated, and relatively active in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. More patients are needed to partake in Phase III studies to establish the survival benefit that this combination may offer. © 2003 Elsevier Inc.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible genetic relationship among erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated in Greece and the UK. METHODS: During 1995-97, 140 S. pneumoniae strains were isolated from clinical specimens submitted to the microbiology departments of the two main children's hospital in Athens. All erythromycin-resistant strains were further studied with respect to the presence of genes encoding for the two major mechanisms of macrolide resistance, their serotypes, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types, in comparison to a previously characterized UK erythromycin-resistant clone. RESULTS: Eleven of the 140 isolates (7.9%) were resistant to erythromycin; nine of these were susceptible to penicillin. Serotyping allocated seven, three and one isolates to serotypes 14, 19F and serogroup 6, respectively. The mefA gene was detected in seven isolates (five serotype 14 and two serotype 19F), ermB in two (one serotype 19F and the serogroup 6 isolate), whilst in the remaining two isolates no resistance gene could be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA showed that five Greek serotype 14 isolates belonged to the same chromosomal type as the serotype 14 erythromycin-resistant UK clone. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that erythromycin resistance among the S. pneumoniae isolates was mostly owing to the efflux mechanism and suggested a possible clonal spread of serotype 14 erythromycin-resistant S. pneumoniae strains between Greece and the UK.

The g factor of the 21+ state in 44Ca has been measured using the transient field technique and Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. A positive value of g(21+, 44Ca) = +0.12±0.05 was deduced. The result suggests the (fp)v4 configuration competes with excitations of the 40Ca core. A simple model which considers that the wave function for the 21+ state consists of approximately equal admixtures of spherical four valence neutron configurations and a deformed core configuration accounts for the experimentally observed g factor as well as the previously measured quadrupole moment. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

The g factors of the 2+1 and 3-1 states in 96Zr have been measured for the first time by Coulomb excitation of 96Zr beams in inverse kinematics using transient magnetic fields. The resulting g factors are g(2+1) = +0.03(7) and g(3-1) = +0.98(15). The lifetime of the 2+1 state, ? = 0.82(10) ps, was redetermined via the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method. The 2+1 ? 0+1 transition rate and the g-factor data are in fair agreement with shell-model calculations involving both proton and neutron excitations. The pronounced octupole strength of the 3-1 ? 0+1 transition is not seen in the g factor which exceeds significantly an expected Z/A value. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Conduction electron spin resonance is employed to study the interplay of the electronic and structural properties in the normal state of Mg1-xAlxB2 alloys as a function of Al-doping for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. The x-dependence of the spin susceptibility reveals considerable reduction of the total density of states N(EF) with increasing Al concentration, complying with theoretical predictions for a predominant filling effect of the hole σ bands by electron doping. The CESR linewidth exhibits significant broadening, especially prominent in the high-Al-content region, indicative of the presence of enhanced structural disorder, consistent with the presence of compositional fluctuations.

We present first-principles calculations of the magnetic hyperfine fields H-hf of 5sp impurities on the (001), (111), and (110) surfaces of Ni. We examine the dependence of H-hf on the coordination number by placing the impurity in the surfaces, on top of them at the adatom positions, and in the bulk. We find a strong coordination dependence of H-hf, different and characteristic for each impurity. The behaviour is explained in terms of the on-site s-p hybridization as the symmetry is reduced at the surface. Our results are in agreement with recent experimental findings.

Glass ceramics of the composition (Bi0.8Pb0.2) 4Sr3Ca3Cu4O8 prepared by the melt quenching technique and the crystalline phases produced by the rapid thermal annealing have been studied by electrical resistivity and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements in the temperature range from liquid helium up to room temperature. The concentration of the EPR active Cu 2+ paramagnetic centers decreases as conductivity increases for the glass ceramics and disappears alter crystallization and the growth of superconducting phases, similar to bulk high-Tc,. superconductors. The EPR spectra of both glass and crystallized ceramics after short-time annealing indicate the coexistence of Cu2+ paramagnetic ions and the exchange coupled clusters.

In this paper the area of Iliki and Paralimni karstic lakes is studied throughfieldwork and GIS. The study area is situated east of the Fokida – Beotia tectonicdepression focusing on the relation of the tectonic activity to the formation of thesurrounding slopes. As a result of this study, slope formation is related to the two main tectonic phases of the wider area.

The monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders associated with monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. The characterization of specific entities is an area of difficulty in clinical practice. The International Myeloma Working Group has reviewed the criteria for diagnosis and classification with the aim of producing simple, easily used definitions based on routinely available investigations. In monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or monoclonal gammopathy, unattributed/unassociated (MG[u]), the monoclonal protein is < 30 g/1 and the bone marrow clonal cells < 10% with no evidence of multiple myeloma, other B-cell proliferative disorders or amyloidosis. In asymptomatic (smouldering) myeloma the M-protein is ≥ 30 g/1 and/or bone marrow clonal cells ≥ 10% but no related organ or tissue impairment (ROTI)(end-organ damage), which is typically manifested by increased calcium, renal insufficiency, anaemia, or bone lesions (CRAB) attributed to the plasma cell proliferative process. Symptomatic myeloma requires evidence of ROTL Non-secretory myeloma is characterized by the absence of an M-protein in the serum and urine, bone marrow plasmacytosis and ROTI. Solitary plasmacytoma of bone, extramedullary plasmacytoma and multiple solitary plasmacytomas (± recurrent) are also defined as distinct entities. The use of these criteria will facilitate comparison of therapeutic trial data. Evaluation of currently available prognostic factors may allow better definition of prognosis in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to cellular receptors, soluble receptors do not enhance the cellular activation because they do not have transmembranic and cytoplasmic parts, acting thereby as endogenous regulatory mechanisms against systemic functions of cytokines. Aim: To measure serum concentrations of the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2R), soluble interleukin-4 receptor (sIL4R), soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL6R), and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor I and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II, during the perinatal and early neonatal period, in order to evaluate their role in activation of immune response in labor and the first days postpartum. Methods: Soluble receptor serum concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in 45 healthy, full-termed neonates during the first and fifth days after birth, in 25 of their mothers (MS), in 25 samples of umbilical cords (UC) and in 25 healthy adult donors age-matched with the mothers (controls). Results: Soluble receptor serum concentrations showed considerable changes during labor and early neonatal life, being significantly higher both in MS (except sIL6R) and in neonatal sample UC, first and fifth days after birth, compared with controls (p < 0.0001). Neonatal serum sIL2R and sIL6R increased significantly from birth to the fifth day, while the remaining receptors showed a rapid increase in the first day (p < 0.0001), declining significantly thereafter (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our Findings suggest that the elevated concentrations of all studied soluble cytokine receptors reflect the activation of immune response, and represent also regulatory protective mechanisms for mother and fetus-neonate against the systemic function of cytokines during labor and early neonatal life.

Οι χοροί των εξισλαμισμένων σκλάβων στην οθωμανική αυτοκρατορία: Ο χορός και η φυσική κίνηση ως σύμβολα κατωτερότητας [DANCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SYMBOLS OF SOCIAL INFERIORITY: OBLIGATIONS OF ISLAMIZED SLAVES].    ***Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2003). Οι Χοροί των εξισλαμισμένων σκλάβων στην Οθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία: Ο Χορός και η Φυσική Κίνηση ως σύμβολα κοινωνικής κατωτερότητας. Γυναίκα και Άθληση, II (2), σ. 153-164. Έκδοση της Πανελλήνιας Ένωσης για την Προώθηση των Γυναικών στον Αθλητισμό και τα Σπορ (ΠΕΠΓΑΣ), Θεσσαλονική N. in APELLA     *** --Kamberidou, I. (2003). Dance and Physical Activity, Symbols of Social Inferiority [in Ottoman Society]:  Obligations of Islamized [converted] Slaves. Women & Sport, vol II. (2), 153–164. Hellenic Union for the Advancement of Women in Sport (PEPGAS)  N. in APELLA

We report the results of the second large campaign of photometric observations for the small-amplitude delta Scuti star GSC 4778-00324, detected in the course of a multi-site campaign aiming at monitoring V1162 Ori. We confirm the presence of the same two frequencies as found in the first analysis based on the 2000-2001 data.

We analyze the important changes induced to the density of states (DOS) of a quasi two-dimensional-electron-gas (2DEG), when it is subjected to an in-plane magnetic field, B. The DOS diverges significantly from the famous step-like form and this introduces changes to the pertinent electronic properties. In order to calculate the DOS it is indispensable to use a self-consistent approach. The eigenvalue problem has to be solved for each subband index i and in-plane wavevector, k x, when the quasi 2DEG is parallel to the xy-plane and B is applied along the y-axis. Although the modification of the DOS is usually ignored, we show here that not only the general shape of the DOS varies, but this effect is also quantitative.

We report measurements of single-electron polarization in a coupled double-quantum-dot device isolated from current probes and demonstrate that the energetics observed for this process differs from that observed in double dots coupled to reservoirs. The movement of the electrons is detected by a quantum point contact. By analyzing the energy broadening corresponding to the tunneling of a single electron from one dot to the other we estimate a minimum for the intradot scattering time to be 0.2 ns. This energy broadening follows the predicted shot-noise variation in the detector with gate voltage, but is three orders-of-magnitude higher. We speculate that two-level systems could account for the discrepancy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in detecting bone marrow involvement in cancer patients. Patients and methods: We studied 50 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed malignant dissemination to the bone marrow, using dMRI of the lumbosacral spine. Time-signal intensity curves were generated from regions of interest (ROIs) obtained from areas of obvious bone marrow disease (group B). In 16 patients from group B with focal disease, ROIs were also placed on areas with apparently normal bone marrow on static magnetic resonance images (group C). Twenty-two patients with no history of malignancy were used as a control group (group A). Wash-in (WIN) and wash-out (WOUT) rates, time to peak (TTPK), time to maximum slope (TMSP) values and WIN/TMSP ratios were calculated for each patient. Mean values for the three groups were compared statistically. Six patients from group B had follow-up dMRI after chemotherapy: four patients achieved a clinical partial response and two had resistant disease. Results: A significant difference was found between groups A and B for all values. Between groups A and C, in spite of the similar static MRI appearance, all values were significantly different. Between groups B and C, a significant difference was found for WIN, WOUT rates and WIN/TMSP ratio. Follow-up dMRI data analysis correlated well with clinical staging. Conclusions: dMRI can distinguish normal from malignant bone marrow. It may identify malignant bone marrow infiltration in patients with negative static MRI and serve as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool for patients with bone marrow malignancies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that influence leptin levels in postmenopausal women. One hundred and forty-four postmenopausal women were evaluated cross-sectionally. In every woman a complete medical history was obtained, body mass index (BMI) was recorded and morning fasting blood was obtained for the determination of serum leptin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, Δ4androstendione, clehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and insulin. In univariate analysis, age, BMI and insulin were positively correlated with serum leptin, while DHEAS showed a negative association with leptin concentrations (age r=0.21, p=0.005, BMI r=0.41, p=0.0001, insulin r=0.20, p=0.008, DHEAS r=-0.28, p=0.0001). In stepwise multivariate regression analysis serum leptin could be best predicted from BMI, serum insulin and serum DHEAS [leptin= (1.41 * BMI) - (0.01 * DHEAS) + (3.26 * insulin) -26.3; model r2=0.24, p=0.001]. In conclusion, BMI and serum insulin have a positive while serum DHEAS has a negative impact on serum leptin. Neither endogenous estradiol, nor endogenous testosterone are associated with leptin levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of leptin in determining body weight and composition in postmenopausal women. © 2003, Editrice Kurtis.

The (diphenylphosphino)alkyl-functionalized nucleophilic heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of palladium LPdX2 (L = (3-R1)[1-Ph2P(CH2)2]-imidazol-2-ylid ene; R1 = 2,6-Pr2iC6H3, 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; X = CH3 (3a,b), X = Br (4a,b)) have been synthesized by the reaction of the in situ generated functionalized NHC ligand La or Lb with Pd(tmed)(CH3)2 and Pd(COD)Br2, respectively, and structurally characterized. Interaction of 3a with H(Et2O)- {B[3,5-(CF3)2C6H2]4} and pyridine or with (CF3)2CHOH and pyridine in CH2Cl2 gave the monocationic complexes [(La)Pd(CH3)(pyridine)]+(A)- (A- = {B[(3,5-CF3)2C6H2]4}-, (CF3)2CHO-); acetonitrile and benzonitrile analogues can be prepared in an analogous way. Reaction of 4a with AgBF4 in MeCN gave the dicationic complexes [(La)Pd(MeCN)2](BF4)2. Complexes 3 show moderate catalytic activity for the coupling of acrylates with aryl bromides but not chlorides. The cationic species generated in situ from 3a and H(Et2O){B[(3,5-CF3) 2C6H2]4} in CH2Cl2 under CO/ethylene acts as a copolymerization catalyst under mild conditions.

We study the dispersion characteristics of a rectangular waveguide grating for microwave amplifier applications. The Floquet theorem and an appropriate standing waves expansion is employed to express the fields in the vacuum region and inside the grooves, respectively. The application of the boundary conditions leads to an infinite system of equations, which is solved numerically by truncation. The main advantage of the procedure employed is that it gives directly and with a few spatial harmonics the dispersion relation. Furthermore, an adequate procedure (simulation tool) has been introduced in order to distinguish the real roots from spurious solutions and it has been found to work effectively for all cases presented in this work. Numerical results are presented for both shallow and deep grooves and comparison with previously published works is made.

There is some evidence that taxanes and gemcitabine are effective antitumor agents against small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). A total of 20 chemotherapy-naive patients with extensive disease (ED) SCLC, were treated as a part of the first step of a phase II study, with docetaxel 50 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, both administered on day 1 and 8 every 3 weeks up to a total of six cycles. For patients who progressed after the first cycle or had stable disease after the second cycle of chemotherapy, protocol treatment was stopped and further treatment with the standard cisplatin or carboplatin-etoposide combination was administered. Patients were in the vast majority male smokers with a good performance status. A total of 72 cycles was delivered while patients managed to receive the 78 and 84% of the planned dose of docetaxel and gemcitabine, respectively. Only six patients responded partially and the trial ended prematurely since at least seven responses were required among the first 19 patients. With a median follow-up of 13 months, median time to progression (TTP) was 8 months and median survival 9.6 months. Hematological and non-hematological toxicity was generally acceptable while patients tolerated their treatment reasonably well. In conclusion, docetaxel-gemcitabine showed a modest response rate in chemotherapy-naive patients with ED SCLC. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

This paper presents the design and implementation of an internet based nursing care planning system which helps nursing professionals and students to study ICNP beta 2 version and to create nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes by selecting relevant terms from ICNP. This advanced web-based ICNP browser enables the authentication of the user, and the creation of a type of nursing care plan through the use of ICNP. It provides different ways for creating nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes, by selecting relevant ICNP terms through the tree-structure view, index and search components of the tool. The created diagnoses, interventions and outcomes are stored to a secured database. The system provides to the user the facility to build and manage nursing care plans by using both the English and the translated Greek ICNP versions. The first results of the implementation of this internet based nursing care planning system are presented.

In this paper we examine methods of digital image processing, in order to extract drainage system branches and import them into a GIS layer. Moreover, we have developed special algorithms on GIS environment in order to analyse drainage system parameters. In order to get the optimum detection of the drainage system characteristics, we applied on the Landsat image and on aerial photos several filters. Using the aerial photos of the area, we created the orthophotomosaic, which came out of the ortho-rectified aerial photos. Via stereoscopic observation on the computer screen, we detected and digitized the drainage system branches. Using special algorithms, developed under the MapBasic programming language, we evaluated the drainage system and the faults directions, in order to analyse them quantitatively and geographically.

Using relativistic, axisymmetric, ideal MHD, we examine the outflow from a debris disk around a newly formed stellar-mass black hole, taking into account the baryonic matter, the electron-positron/photon fluid, and the large-scale electromagnetic field. We clarify the relationship between the thermal (fireball) and magnetic (Poynting flux) acceleration mechanisms, identify the parameter regimes where qualitatively different behaviors are expected, and demonstrate that the observationally inferred properties of the GRB outflows can be attributed to magnetic driving. We show that the Lorentz force can convert up to 50% of the initial total energy into kinetic energy of a collimated flow of baryons. This energy, in turn, may be converted into radiation by internal shocks. We examine how baryon loading and magnetic collimation affect the structure of the flow.

Using relativistic, axisymmetric, ideal MHD, we examine the outflow from a debris disk around a newly formed stellar-mass black hole, taking into account the baryonic matter, the electron-positron/photon fluid, and the large-scale electromagnetic field. We clarify the relationship between the thermal (fireball) and magnetic (Poynting flux) acceleration mechanisms, identify the parameter regimes where qualitatively different behaviors are expected, and demonstrate that the observationally inferred properties of the GRB outflows can be attributed to magnetic driving. We show that the Lorentz force can convert up to 50% of the initial total energy into kinetic energy of a collimated flow of baryons. This energy, in turn, may be converted into radiation by internal shocks. We examine how baryon loading and magnetic collimation affect the structure of the flow.

Greenhouse experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of different soil-based countermeasures on radiocesium transfer to Medicago sativa (alfalfa) grown on artificially contaminated loamy-clayey soil. Various rates of potassium, ammonium, and Prussian Blue supplements were applied, and the uptake of radiocesium by control and treated alfalfa plants was monitored during four growth periods. Transfer factors ranging between 0.06 and 0.02 were determined for control plants. Application of potassium at rates higher than 0.1 meq per 100 g soil was found to suppress radiocesium uptake, the effect being more pronounced at increasing fertilization rates. On the contrary, soil treatment with ammonium enhanced the bio-accumulation of radiocesium, indicating that Cs+ ions, previously unavailable to plant roots, were released from soil particles. Prussian Blue supplements had practically no effect on soil-to-alfalfa transfer of the radionuclide.

PURPOSE: Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator and an attractive alternative to estrogen replacement as it obviates the need for a progestin and does not increase C-reactive protein levels. We compared the effects of simvastatin and raloxifene treatments on the lipid profile, the levels of adhesion molecules and the endothelium dependent and independent vasoreactivity. SUBJECTS & METHODS: We treated 12 postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease with raloxifene 60 mg/day and simvastatin 20 mg/day in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each treatment period was 8 weeks long with a 4-week washout interval. Plasma lipids and cellular adhesion molecules were evaluated and peripheral blood flow studies with venous occlusion plethysmography were performed. RESULTS: Both simvastatin and raloxifene significantly reduced total [33% (27-40), 12% (0-24)] and LDL [44% (36-52), 16% (0-33)] cholesterol compared to baseline values (p < 0.05) but simvastatin was more effective than raloxifene (p < 0.005). None of the treatments had any significant effect on HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Only raloxifene significantly reduced Lp(a) [18% (1-36)] and ICAM-1 [17% (8-25)] and VCAM-1 [24% (15-33)] plasma levels compared to baseline (p = 0.019, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Hyperemic blood flow response on raloxifene was significantly higher compared to baseline [52% (0-105)], (p < 0.05), whereas no significant change was noted on simvastatin. Endothelium independent blood flow induced by nitroglycerine was not influenced by either active treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Raloxifene administration is associated with lower ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and Lp(a) plasma levels and enhanced endothelium dependent dilation compared to simvastatin although simvastatin is more powerful in total and LDL cholesterol reduction

A methodology to estimate annual transboundary atmospheric transport is proposed, taking into account different background meteorological conditions. For this purpose, the 850 hPa synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation over the area examined was classified on a daily basis into 14 distinct synoptic types, using a database for an extended period of 40 years. The corresponding frequency of appearance of the synoptic types for a normal year was calculated. For selected days representing the synoptic types during this year, the inflow-outflow fluxes of NOx and SO2 were estimated through a balancing box with the aid of a MEMO/TRAPPA modelling system. According to the proposed method, the total inflow-outflow fluxes were calculated using the lateral fluxes for each representative day, being weighted by the annual relative frequency of appearance of the synoptic scale weather types. It was demonstrated that this approach provides similar results to the intensive method based on day-by-day calculations. Furthermore, this approach is easier to use, since it is based on the simulations of selected days, and it allows the investigation of the influence of different types of atmospheric circulation on the inflow-outflow budget. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.

The European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) opened a Register for European Chemists in 1997. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Committee (EC4RC). During the last 5 years more than 1400 clinical chemists entered the register. In this article an update of the first Guide to the Register is given, based on the experience of 5 years of operation and the development of the discipline. The registration is valid for 5 year. In a second part the procedure and the conditions for re-registration are presented.

We present evidence for quantum dot cellular automata action in a cell consisting of four dots defined by submicron metal gates on the top surface of a molecular-beam-epitaxy-grown GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure in which a two-dimensional electron gas layer was formed approximately 70 nm below the surface. The four-dot cell is separated by a strong barrier in two double-dot sets. We show that by polarizing one of the double-dot sets we can polarize the other set in the cell. The polarization is detected using noninvasive voltage probe without drawing electric currents from the cell.

Recent highlights of our study of positive and negative superhumps in cataclysmic varibles are briefly reviewed. The ``genuine" superhumps have been detected a day after the unexpected superoutburst of WZ Sge, when the orbital variability dominated the light curve. TT Ari has shown an unprecedented switch form the usual negative superhump state to the positive state with an excellent coincidence between the observed and theoretically predicted period values. Both stars show evidence for variability at a time scale of 20 minutes. The superhump period of RZ LMi has been corrected based on the observations of the superoutburst in 2001. ES Dra shows no evidence for prominent superhumps, possibly indicationg its low inclination. However, the superoutburst has shown a splitted maximum with a separation of 20 days. The ``superhump period-luminosity" dependence has been detected for two cataclysmic variables of different types -- the nova-like BZ Cam and the UG SU star V368 Peg.

An expanded cytotoxic/memory T-cell subpopulation expressing low levels of the B-cell-specific CD20 molecule was found in peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis, but returned to normal levels following treatment. CD3+CD20dim cells were also increased in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance albeit at lower levels. Lower CD3+CD20dim cell numbers at baseline may be associated with lack of response to treatment and a poor outcome. Because expansion of these T cells may be related to disease status, further studies should investigate their potentially unique function in plasma cell dyscrasias.

The nemaline myopathies (NMs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by nemaline rods and skeletal muscle weakness. Mutations in five sarcomeric thin filament genes have been identified. However, the molecular consequences of these mutations are unknown. Using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays, we have analyzed the expression patterns of >21,000 genes and expressed sequence tags in skeletal muscles of 12 NM patients and 21 controls. Multiple complementary approaches were used for data analysis, including geometric fold analysis, two-tailed unequal variance t test, hierarchical clustering, relevance network, and nearest-neighbor analysis. We report the identification of high satellite cell populations in NM and the significant down-regulation of transcripts for key enzymes of glucose and glycogen metabolism as well as a possible regulator of fatty acid metabolism, UCP3. Interestingly, transcript level changes of multiple genes suggest possible changes in Ca(2+) homeostasis. The increased expression of multiple structural proteins was consistent with increased fibrosis. This comprehensive study of downstream molecular consequences of NM gene mutations provides insights in the cellular events leading to the NM phenotype.

The paper addresses the commonly acknowledged challenge of globalisation with respect to the area of English language teaching and, more particularly, teaching English to speakers of foreign languages. It is argued that some of the primary issues involved concern the increasing role of technology and communication in modern societies and the looming conflict between local communities and the decision-making bodies. It is further suggested that the global English language teaching (ELT) community has already gone a long way towards researching and, in certain cases, resolving such conflicts and has much insightful material to offer. The paper incorporates a discussion of the notion of English as an international language and the question of 'ownership' of such a language. The roles and defining characteristics of the native and non-native speaker of English are then considered and the various occasions when communication and learning take place are briefly reviewed, with frequent reference to the authors' own teaching situation, i.e. English language teaching in Greece. The paper culminates with an appreciation of the pedagogical, ethical and methodological considerations that are suggested as a means of sensitising TESOL teacher education vis à vis the global status of English (also with the Greek context in mind).

The geomorphology of Greece is the result of multiphase tectonic movements of compressional and extensional nature plus exogenous processes. In this complex relief a Mediterranean-type ecosystem has been developed reflecting the prevailing climatic conditions. The frequent occurrence, especially during summer, of strong winds and high temperatures are the main reasons for extensive fires. The aim of this paper is to develop a methodology to face with this increasing danger using fuzzy set theory in a Web-GIS platform. As a case study of this work the two of the Ionian islands, Zakynthos and Kefallinia have been chosen, which are characterized by a relatively well developed vegetative cover and frequently recurring fires. It is widely accepted that the fire management is of primary importance for the environmental protection and planning.

Contrary to the two other major Augustan writers who discussed the origins of Rome, Vergil's Roman prehistory centers on the presence of Evander. An involuntary exile from the East (Greek Arcadia) who settled in Latium and instilled civilization and laws among the Italians, Evander is a duplicate of Aeneas, a cultural ancestor and a model of leadership. Aeneas is instructed by the deities of Italy (Tiberinus) to pay a visit to Pallanteum, Evander's capital and the primordial site of Rome, in order to learn about the past and receive instructions about the future. His tour of proto-Rome, led by Evander, carries Aeneas through a series of monuments that span through Rome's entire history. Aeneas is guided to follow Evander's example, and Vergil, urging reevaluation of widespread anti-Hellenic prejudices, prominently underscores the seminal contribution of Greece to the cultural and political origins of Rome.

We have re-examined the random release of particles from fractal polymer matrices using Monte Carlo simulations, a problem originally studied by Bunde {[}J. Chem. Phys. 83, 5909 (1985)]. A certain population of particles diffuses on a fractal structure, and as particles reach the boundaries of the structure they are removed from the system. We find that the number of particles that escape from the matrix as a function of time can be approximated by a Weibull (stretched exponential) function, similar to the case of release from Euclidean matrices. The earlier result that fractal release rates are described by power laws is correct only at the initial stage of the release, but it has to be modified if one is to describe in one picture the entire process for a finite system. These results pertain to the release of drugs, chemicals, agrochemicals, etc., from delivery systems. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

After an introduction to the issue of indexicals, the paper adumbrates the approaches of certain philosophers, mainly D. Kaplan and G. Evans. After criticizing some aspects of those approaches and agreeing with others, it puts forward a view that can be characterized as Fregean. According to that view, whenever an indexical is uttered, the content (or sense) of the utterance is bipolar: it consists partly in the entity referred to and partly in a way in which one can think of the entity and which involves the particular utterance. As the way of thinking involves the utterance, the content is different whenever an indexical is used, whether the indexical is the same or not. On the other hand, as the content includes the reference, it does not coincide with the content of any definite description; the reference of a definite description is not part of its content.

We report herein a case of a 20-year-old previously healthy man who presented, 25 days after the onset of clinically and serologically confirmed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis, Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia. The diagnosis of postanginal septicemia was confirmed by repeated demonstration of fusiform, obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative bacilli in anaerobic blood cultures, identified as F. necrophorum 15 days after admission. This case report aims at underlining the need of taking into consideration the possibility of severe Fusobacterium septicemia in previously healthy patients following EBV infectious mononucleosis in order to prevent increased mortality and morbidity.

The primary cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a mutation in the dystrophin gene, leading to absence of the corresponding protein, disruption of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, and substantial changes in skeletal muscle pathology. Although the primary defect is known and the histological pathology well documented, the underlying molecular pathways remain in question. To clarify these pathways, we used expression microarrays to compare individual gene expression profiles for skeletal muscle biopsies from DMD patients and unaffected controls. We have previously published expression data for the 12,500 known genes and full-length expressed sequence tags (ESTs) on the Affymetrix HG-U95Av2 chips. Here we present comparative expression analysis of the 50,000 EST clusters represented on the remainder of the Affymetrix HG-U95 set. Individual expression profiles were generated for biopsies from 10 DMD patients and 10 unaffected control patients. Two methods of statistical analysis were used to interpret the resulting data (t-test analysis to determine the statistical significance of differential expression and geometric fold change analysis to determine the extent of differential expression). These analyses identified 183 probe sets (59 of which represent known genes) that differ significantly in expression level between unaffected and disease muscle. This study adds to our knowledge of the molecular pathways that are altered in the dystrophic state. In particular, it suggests that signaling pathways might be substantially involved in the disease process. It also highlights a large number of unknown genes whose expression is altered and whose identity therefore becomes important in understanding the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy.

Purpose: To investigate the possibility of measuring the gene-specific DNA damage after therapeutic exposure to nitrogen mustards and to examine its relationship with the clinical response. Experimental Design: The kinetics of gene-specific monoadducts and interstrand cross-link formation/repair were measured in the p53 and N-ras genes. DNA extracted from human peripheral lymphocytes following in vitro exposure to melphalan or therapeutic exposure to melphalan or cyclophosphamide was used. Results: When lymphocytes were treated in vitro with biologically relevant doses of melphalan, monoadducts accumulated rapidly in both p53 and N-ras genes, reaching maximal levels within 2 h, whereas the highest interstrand cross-link levels were found within 8 h. Thereafter, the adducts were repaired with half-lives of 14.5 ± 0.3 h (p53) or 18.8 ± 1.5 h (N-ras) for monoadducts and 12.4 ± 0.8 h (p53) or 14.1 ± 2.2 h (N-ras) for interstrand cross-links. Moreover, peak levels of monoadducts in both genes were observed 2 h after treatment in peripheral leukocytes from patients with multiple myeloma treated with high-dose i.v. melphalan, supported by autologous stem cell transplantation, whereas interstrand cross-links were maximal within 8 h. Of seven patients examined, the three who showed the least levels of DNA damage did not respond to the high-dose melphalan. Conclusions: This is the first report showing that it is feasible to measure gene-specific DNA damage in a readily accessible tissue of humans exposed to bifunctional alkylating drugs and to examine, at the level of the individual patient, the relationships between the induction/repair of cytotoxic DNA damage and clinical response or long-term complications.

The current case study provided an unusual setting to track the evolution of HIV-1 envelope gene over a maximum period of 6 years in two asymptomatic spouses undergoing suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy. For this purpose, proviral DNA samples taken from uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spanning the C2-V5 regions of env were analyzed at three sampling points per subject. Two distinct topological patterns were observed in the phylogenetic reconstructions of the genetically linked sequences of the couple: an intermingled pattern and a sequentially shifting pattern in the virus populations of the male index case and his spouse, respectively. Application of three evolutionary models for the amino acid-encoded sites, using the maximum likelihood approach, indicated the operation of positive selection in the region only at the second time point in the woman, before receiving therapy. These findings reinforce the evidence of a crucial role for host-selective constraints on HIV-1 env evolution in vivo.

In this paper we are examining Salamina island from a physical-geographical anda geomorphological aspect. For the purposes of this study, we used all existed official maps, recent aerial photographs and satellite image as well as data deriving from extensive fieldwork at the study area. The results of the photo-interpretence are combined and correlated with the outcome of the primary data (physical, geological, geomorphological) that were collected through fieldwork, which took place with the use of GPS, to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. This study resulted to the creation of a geomorphological map of the study area in a GIS environment, along with several thematic maps presenting all collected data (primary and secondary). Finally, a geomorphological and environmental evolution of the study area has taken place, in order to map the genesis of the nowadays morphology.

The main purpose of this paper, is to study the geomorphological evolution of Meganisi island’s coastal zone and to detect areas vulnerable to coastal erosion.The geomorphology of the island is effected by the lithological configuration, the tectonic characteristics, the wider seismotectonic status and the sea activity of the area. The wider area is characterized by intense seismicity: strong earthquakes are very frequent (M>6) and from the seismotectonic point of view is very complex. Limestone is the main lithological formation of Meganisi coastal zone. Coastline is steep and straight with morphological slopes ranging from 0%-66%. A big part of the area (40,87%) is of high slope (>20%). A GIS was developed using data deriving from detailed inland and sea fieldwork, aerial photos, satellite images and pre existing maps. Data were analysed statistically and geographically and variousthematic maps were created such as the morphological map, map of vulnerability, etc. Data deriving from this analysis as well as from fieldwork were processed through logical rules in order to locate zones of high erosion risk. Finally, an erosion risk map was developed in order to locate those areas that are vulnerable to futureerosion and to keep attention to them.

The synoptic scale atmospheric circulation prevailing during hail days in Northern Greece is examined for a period of 26 years (1976-2001) during the warm season. The initial objective of this classification scheme is to serve as a predictive tool for hail forecasting and permit a specification of greater or lesser hail risk, within the forecast activities of the Greek National Hail Suppression Program. The atmospheric circulation was classified into seven synoptic types and their frequency distribution was examined on an annual and monthly basis. Southwesterly flow (SW) and Shortwave trough (SWT) appear to be the most conducive synoptic types for hailstorm activity. Furthermore, the thermodynamic environment favoring the hailstorm development and evolution was examined using selected instability indices. The frequency distribution of the instability indices for a period of 11 years (1991-2001) in association with the synoptic types demonstrated their performance as a forecasting aid for thunderstorm activity to occur in a given synoptic environment.

We report three patients with solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) who developed either local recurrence within the radiotherapy field or an isolated distal recurrence and who were treated with high dose therapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation. All patients remain without evidence of disease for 4-10 years after the procedure. High dose therapy may be of value and require further study in patients with SBP who develop local or distant failure.

We demonstrate that hydromagnetic acceleration can be the driving mechanism of relativistic outflows in AGNs as well as in Gamma-ray burst sources and Crab-like pulsars. Using semianalytical solutions of the full set of the steady, axisymmetric, ideal hydromagnetic equations in flat spacetime—i.e., solving the momentum equation along the flow as well as in the transfield direction—we model the acceleration of relativistic outflows. We find that a Poynting-flux dominated flow near the source reaches equipartition between matter and magnetic energy-fluxes, or even becomes completely matter-dominated (as in the case of Crab-like pulsar winds).

Recombination plays a pivotal role in the evolutionary process of many different virus species, including retroviruses. Analysis of all human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) intersubtype recombinants revealed that they are more complex than described initially. Recombination frequency is higher within certain genomic regions, such as partial reverse transcriptase (RT), vif/vpr, the first exons of tat/rev, vpu and gp41. A direct correlation was observed between recombination frequency and sequence similarity across the HIV-1 genome, indicating that sufficient sequence similarity is required upstream of the recombination breakpoint. This finding suggests that recombination in vivo may occur preferentially during reverse transcription through the strand displacement-assimilation model rather than the copy-choice model.

Influence of water molecule coordination on the magnetic properties of polyamine copper dinitrate complexes was studied. It was found that the magnetic coupling between Cu2+ ions strongly depends on the presence of water molecules in the crystal structure. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed considerable temperature dependence of the Lande′ splitting factors and resonance linewidths for both complexes at low temperatures.

Optical Interferometry can play an important role in modern astronomy. Extrasolar planet and binary star research, are some of the fields, where we will face important discoveries in the future. For the VLTI this will be a real challenge, since it will be the pioneer in angular resolution. In addition, high flux sensitivity will help detecting not only Jupiter-sized planets, but Earth-sized planets too. The ability of the VLTI in detecting new planets, measuring stellar diameters and stellar proper motions, with the use of such techniques, is presented.

The effects of retardation in the Coulomb excitation of radioactive nuclei in intermediate energy collisions (Elab ? 100 MeV/nucleon) are investigated. We show that the excitation cross sections of low-lying states in 11Be, 38,40,42S, and 44,46Ar projectiles incident on gold and lead targets are modified by as much as 20% due to these effects. The angular distributions of decaying ? rays are also appreciably modified.

Geographical Information Systems are important tools for various scientificaspects. Especially sciences related to cartography and geographical analysis should definitely employ GIS technology. In this study we present an Internet – based GIS that our team developed under MapXtreme platform. This application gives access to numerous web-users through a server that controls both analysis and data retrieval requests. It is a practical and economical method in order to introduce GIS to educational institutions. This Web GIS may operate through a local or wide area network and, apart from educational purposes, offers a low cost information exchange solution between vast numbers of users.

A sample of 1497 carbon stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) has been observed in the red part of the spectrum with the 2dF facility on the Anglo-Australian Telescope. Of these, 156 have been identified as J-type (i.e. 13C-rich) carbon stars using a technique which provides a clear distinction between J stars and the normal N-type carbon stars that comprise the bulk of the sample, and yields few borderline cases. A simple two-dimensional classification of the spectra, based on their spectral slopes in different wavelength regions, has been constructed and found to be related to the more conventional c and j indices, modified to suit the spectral regions observed. Most of the J stars form a photometric sequence in the K- (J-K) colour-magnitude diagram, parallel to and 0.6 mag fainter than the N-star sequence. A subset of the J stars (about 13 per cent) are brighter than this J-star sequence; most of these are spectroscopically different from the other J stars. The bright J stars have stronger CN bands than the other J stars and are found strongly concentrated in the central regions of the LMC. Most of the rather few stars in common with Hartwick and Cowley's sample of suspected CH stars are J stars. Overall, the proportion of carbon stars identified as J stars is somewhat lower than has been found in the Galaxy. The Na D lines are weaker in the LMC J stars than in either the Galactic J stars or the LMC N stars, and do not seem to depend on temperature.

Notre étude porte sur la présence des voyageuses européennes notamment françaises (ambassadrices, épouses de diplômates), visitant Constantinople à la fin du XVIIe et au XVIIIe siècle, et sur leur perception de la femme ottomane. Incitées par leur curiosité et motivées par des intérêts politiques, les voyageuses ont rencontré des sultanes et des femmes de la haute société ottomane. Leur visite des harems orientaux leur a notamment permis de parler du monde derrière le voile. Impressionnées par la richesse de leur costume, le nombre des femmes de leur suite et le luxe de leurs appartements, les voyageuses européennes ont commmuniqué leurs impressions sur l’apparence extérieure, le comportement, les moeurs et la polygamie ottomane. De plus, les voyageuses se sont référées à la situation financière des femmes de la haute société ottomane. Leur contact avec les femmes ottomanes leur a permis de former une opinion personnelle, souvent étrange puisque certaines voyageuses ont parlé de la liberté dont elles jouissaient malgré leur réclusion. Leurs descriptions et présentations ont révélé au public occidental une réalité différente, qui a été à l’origine des réfléxions sur la place de la femme dans la société occidentale.

Les concours d’entrée aux ENS de Sèvres et d’Ulm, comme les agrégations féminines (considérées comme inférieures à celles des hommes) sont des examens qui, ayant survécu jusque dans les années 1970 et 1980, attestent de l’existence d’un «  genre des concours  ». La question de la fusion des concours masculins et féminins est pour la première fois posée entre les deux guerres. La relecture de cette histoire permet de mettre en évidence les hésitations et les réticences qui ont voué pendant plus de soixante ans le projet initial à l’échec.  The existence of a specifically feminine agrégation (which was considered inferior to the male exam), as well as the separation by sexes that existed in the entrance examinations to the superior normal schools of Sèvres and Ulm  attest to the gendered nature of these examinations. The question of uniform entrance examinations for both sexes was originally posed in the period between the wars. Examining the history of these exams reveals how hesitations and doubts for over 60 years condemned the original proposal to failure.

The first complete I-filter light curve of the eclipsing sdB binary HS 0705+6700 is analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney code and new geometric and photometric elements are derived. Using these elements together with the available spectroscopic data, it was possible to build a detailed model of the system. Our results are in good agreement with those found from photometric studies in other bands.

19 carbon stars that show lithium enrichment in their atmospheres have been discovered among a sample of 674 carbon stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Six of the Li-rich carbon stars are of the J type, i.e. they show strong 13C isotopic features. No super-Li-rich carbon stars were found. The incidence of lithium enrichment among carbon stars in the LMC is much rarer than in the Galaxy, and about five times more frequent among J-type than among N-type carbon stars. The bolometric magnitudes of the Li-rich carbon stars range between -3.3 and -5.7. Existing models of Li-enrichment via the hot bottom burning process fail to account for all of the observed properties of the Li-enriched stars studied here.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were studied by dc magnetization and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. Hole doping is inferred from both the high-field dc susceptibility and ESR parameters complying favorably with the band model of two-dimensional graphite. Paramagnetic deviations are evinced on the diamagnetic susceptibility at weak fields and low temperatures, conforming qualitatively with the Aharonov-Bohm effect on the energy gap for magnetic field parallel to the tube axis. Comparison with theoretical predictions for ensembles of carbon nanotubes reveals appreciable differences, indicative of the diverse distribution of nanotubes as well as the presence of active doping. © 2003 The American Physical Society.

{Single crystal of erbium doped La3Ga5.5Ta 0.5O14 grown by the Czochralski method have been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance and dielectric spectroscopy methods. Dielectric permittivity ε measurements performed in 90-440 K temperature range have shown negligible dispersion for 1 kHz - 1 MHz frequencies and a Curie-Weiss type behaviour with C = 47700 K and θ = -340 K. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies have revealed the presence of two different paramagnetic, monoclinic centres. The calculated g factor values are: g1 = 1.449

The target of this study was the development of mathematical models that best describe the behaviour of respiratory parameters. First of all, we studied lung volume in relation to time both for normal and maximal inspiration/expiration by developing mathematical models. For the construction of these equations the exponential model was used. Then we tried to study the flow-volume of a typical spirometer curve by dividing it into two parts: the first part reaches the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) point and the second follows until the volume reaches Vital Capacity (VC). For the first part we built an exponential equation; for the second part a number of existing prediction equations for the flow in various points of VC were used. For the volume-pressure diagram, we built exponential equations that describe the volume-pressure relation below Vo (Vo: lung volume where pressure is zero). The equations were coupled for expiration and inspiration. The modeling of respiratory mechanics led us to the conclusion that the developed models could offer new potentials in the description of other respiratory parameters as well.

Purpose. To investigate the relationship between mean dissolution time (MDT) and dose/solubility ratio (q) using the diffusion layer model. Methods. Using the classic Noyes-Whitney equation and considering a finite dose, we derived an expression for MDT as a function of q various conditions. q was expressed as a dimensionless quantity by taking into account the volume of the dissolution medium. Our results were applied to in vitro and in vivo data taken from literature. Results. We found that MDT depends on q when q < 1 and is infinite when q > 1 and that the classic expression of MDT = 1/k, where k is the dissolution rate constant, holds only in the special case of q = 1. For the case of perfect sink conditions, MDT was found to be proportional to dose. Using dissolution data from literature with q < 1, we found better estimates of MDT when dependency on dose/solubility ratio was considered than with the classic approach. Prediction dissolution limited absorption was achieved for some of the in vivo drug examples examined. Conclusion. The mean dissolution time of a drug depends on dose/solubility ratio, even when the model considered is the simplest possible. This fact plays an important role in drug absorption when absorption is dissolution limited.

The first authenticated example of migration of a methyl group from palladium(ii) to a coordinated N-heterocyclic carbene is described. © 2003 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

By using relativistic, axisymmetric, ideal MHD, we examine the motion of the baryon/e+/-/ photon fluid that emanates from a stellar-mass compact object/debris-disk system (a common outcome of many progenitor models). We prove that the motion can be described as a frozen pulse, which permits the study of each shell of the pancake-shaped outflow using steady-state equations. The ejected energy flux is dominated by the electromagnetic (Poynting) contribution, but it can also have a nonnegligible e+/-/radiation (thermal fireball) component. We demonstrate, through exact self-similar solutions, that the flow is first thermally and subsequently magnetically accelerated up to equipartition between kinetic and Poynting fluxes, i.e., ~ 50% of the total energy is converted into baryonic kinetic energy. The electromagnetic forces also collimate the flow, reaching a cylindrical structure asymptotically.

By using relativistic, axisymmetric, ideal MHD, we examine the motion of the baryon/e±/ photon fluid that emanates from a stellar-mass compact object/debris-disk system (a common outcome of many progenitor models). We prove that the motion can be described as a frozen pulse, which permits the study of each shell of the pancake-shaped outflow using steady-state equations. The ejected energy flux is dominated by the electromagnetic (Poynting) contribution, but it can also have a non negligible e±/radiation (thermal fireball)component. We demonstrate, through exact self-similar solutions, that the flow is first thermally and subsequently magnetically accelerated up to equipartition between kinetic and Poynting fluxes, i.e., ∼ 50% of the total energy is converted into baryonic kinetic energy. The electromagnetic forces also collimate the flow, reaching a cylindrical structure asymptotically.

Materials are distributed throughout the body of mammals by fractal networks of branching tubes. Based on the scaling laws of the fractal structure, the vascular tree is reduced to an equivalent one-dimensional, tube model. A dispersion-convection partial differential equation with constant coefficients describes the heterogeneous concentration profile of an intravascular tracer in the vascular tree. A simple model for the mammalian circulatory system is built in entirely physiological terms consisting of a ring shaped, one-dimensional tube which corresponds to the arterial, venular, and pulmonary trees, successively. The model incorporates the blood flow heterogeneity of the mammalian circulatory system. Model predictions are fitted to published concentration-time data of indocyanine green injected in humans and dogs. Close agreement was found with parameter values within the expected physiological range. (C) 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. {[}DOI: 10.1114/1.1555627].

Coastal areas are the result of a complex interaction of many factors such as rock properties, geomorphological processes and wave action. We approach these dynamic landscapes using fuzzy set theory. As input variables we use rock’s erodibility, slope gradient, (drainage density,) vegetation and land use and wave characteristics. Next we formulate fuzzy logical rules to transform input variables to output ones. The output of the system represents the coastal depositional and erosional processes. As a case study we choose the island of Corfu (Greece) which presents lithologies very vulnerable to erosion and receives very high amount of rainfalls, in relation to the rest of the Greek territory. All this procedure has been developed using a loose coupling system of a flexible GIS platform and the proper environment to process fuzzy variables.

We discuss the results of modeling the TeV γ-ray spectra of two active galactic nuclei, Mrk 501 and Mrk 421, that have almost the same redshifts: z=0.031 and 0.034, respectively. The effect of intergalactic γ-ray absorption is treated as an uncertainty in the measurement of the intrinsic spectrum. Although the objects differ, we obtain satisfactory fits for both of them in a synchrotron self-Compton scenario. Compared to previous models, our fits are characterized by higher values of the Doppler factor (δ>=50) and an electron injection spectrum extending to higher energies (γmax>=1.5×105). In the case of Mrk 421, the observed difference in spectral slope in X-rays and TeV γ-rays between the high and low states can be explained as a variation of a single parameter-the maximum energy γmaxmc2 at which electrons are injected.

Erhard s wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii (Sauria: Lacertidae), is highly diversified in Greece and especially in the southern Aegean region. Out of the 28 recognized subspecies, 27 are found in Greece from the North Sporades island-complex in the North Aegean (grossly south of the 39th parallel) to the island of Crete in the South. The species exhibits great morphological and ecological plasticity and inhabits many different habitats from rocky islets and sandy shores to mountaintops as high as 2000m. By examining intraspecific variability at a segment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b we have found that that extant populations of P. erhardii are paraphyletic. Furthermore, we have found that subspecies previously defined on the basis of morphological characteristics do not correspond to different molecular phylogenetic clades, so that their status should be reconsidered. The DNA based biogeographical and phylogenetic history of Podarcis in Southern Greece is congruent with available paleogeographic data of the region, which supports the view that DNA sequences may be a useful tool for the study of palaeogeography.

Three patients, 2 women and 1 man, with primary (AL) amyloidosis without congestive heart failure are described; all 3 patients presented reduced I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine(MIBG) myocardial uptake suggesting marked cardiac sympathetic denervation. This is the first time myocardial adrenergic denervation is described in patients with AL amyloidosis without evidence of congestive heart failure; the observed denervation could be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac conduction disturbances which are common in this disease.

This study is dealing with the natural environment of the coastal zone of Paros island chosen as a representative ‘sample’ of the Cyclades complex of islands and amongst the most touristic ones. More than 75% of the coastal zone consists of high and lower cliffs, whilst relatively flat (slopes <2,5%) coastal plains do not exceed the 17% of the coastline. The island receives a considerable amount of wave energy; this has its highest values (>1500 W/m) at the NE part of the island and its lowest at the SE “protected” and shallower shelf area. Touristic (sandy/pebble) beaches have been developed along those parts of the coastline characterized by Quaternary (erodible) lithology associated with moderate wave activity. Sea level rise during the Holocene has played also an important role in coastal geomorphology; for example, Paros was connected to Naxos and Antiparos islands 10.000 yr BP and to Antiparos 6000 yr BP. A further rise of sea level (some 0,5 m at the year 2100) due to climatic changes will obviously deteriorate the terrestrial part of the coastal environment and especially all the touristic beaches and related establishments along its coastline.

The neutron diffraction patterns of Mg2FeV3O 11-δ compound at various low temperatures have been investigated. No magnetic ordering was observed in the investigated temperature range down to 10K. These materials have been formed in the triclinic space group but there are specific differences in the positions of atoms as compared to previously determined from XRD method. The iron(III) ions are distributed non-statistically with magnesium(II) ions and this could be responsible for some differences in the structure of the above sample. The method of sample preparation, in particularly thermal annealing processes could be responsible for the differences.

We demonstrate that ``hot'' MHD outflows from neutron-rich black hole debris disks can significantly alleviate the baryon-loading problem in gamma-ray burst sources. We argue that the neutron-to-proton ratio in disk-fed outflows might be as high as ~30 and show, with the help of an exact semianalytic relativistic-MHD solution, that the neutrons can decouple at a Lorentz factor γd~15 even as the protons continue to accelerate to γ∞~200 and end up acquiring ~30% of the injected energy. We clarify the crucial role that the magnetic field plays in this process and prove that purely hydrodynamic outflows must have γd>~few×102. The motion of the decoupled neutrons is not collinear with that of the decoupled protons, so, in contrast to previous suggestions based on purely hydrodynamic models, the two particle groups most likely do not collide after decoupling. The decoupled neutron flow might nevertheless contribute to the observed afterglow emission.

We demonstrate that ``hot'' MHD outflows from neutron-rich black hole debris disks can significantly alleviate the baryon-loading problem in gamma-ray burst sources. We argue that the neutron-to-proton ratio in disk-fed outflows might be as high as ~30 and show, with the help of an exact semianalytic relativistic-MHD solution, that the neutrons can decouple at a Lorentz factor γd~15 even as the protons continue to accelerate to γ∞~200 and end up acquiring ~30% of the injected energy. We clarify the crucial role that the magnetic field plays in this process and prove that purely hydrodynamic outflows must have γd>~few×102. The motion of the decoupled neutrons is not collinear with that of the decoupled protons, so, in contrast to previous suggestions based on purely hydrodynamic models, the two particle groups most likely do not collide after decoupling. The decoupled neutron flow might nevertheless contribute to the observed afterglow emission.

A study was performed on the optical nanowriting on azobenzene side-chain polymethacrylate thin films using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). The optical storage mechanism in azobenzene side-chain polymers is based on the isomerization cycles of the azobenzene side-chains between their cis and trans forms. The optical anisotropy was detected by coupling the red light at 690 nm with modulated polarization to the NSOM aperture.

Cet article traite de l’apparence extérieure des Orientaux. Il est notamment question de la contribution de la littérature et de l’iconographie viatiques du XVIIIe siècle à la formation de l’image exotique de l’Oriental. S’appuyant sur la mode et les caractéristiques physiques des populations de l’Orient méditerranéen, les voyageurs français essayèrent d’une certaine manière de matérialiser l’Autre et l’Ailleurs. Les commentaires des voyageurs révèlent souvent leurs préjugés ainsi que leur tendance à la généralisation. En effet, la mode orientale, peu conforme aux usages européens, fut jugée sévèrement. Notons néanmoins que si les voyageurs furent critiques de la mode orientale, certaines de ses particularités les incitèrent à remettre en question la mode occidentale. Quoi qu’il en soit, la littérature des voyages créant une image stéréotypée des Orientaux, facilita leur identification.

This study addresses the utility of pharmacodynamic considerations to the assessment of bioequivalence (BE) studies. A novel methodology was developed and the performance of classic, nonclassic and novel BE indices was evaluated using extensive simulations of BE trials generated from a classic pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model. Three novel indices based on drug's pharmacodynamics were developed and served as criteria for the assessment of all BE indices. Modified power curves were constructed and used for the analysis of BE trials from a PD point of view. All BE indices of either purely PK or PD nature were classified in a semiquantitative manner according to their strictness in declaring BE. The partial area until the peak concentration followed by the two newly proposed metrics (MARD, MARD(w1)) exhibited the most strict performance in declaring BE irrespective of the PK scenarios examined. The study opens new avenues in BE assessment since it places more emphasis on the PD aspects of the formulations. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Background: This multicenter, prospective phase II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the combination of docetaxel and vinorelbine in patients with platinum-resistant, paclitaxel-pretreated recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients and methods: Treatment consisted of vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 as a 20-min i.v. infusion (days 1 and 8), and docetaxel 70 mg/m2, as a 1-h i.v. infusion (day 8). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support was administered prophylactically on days 12-16. Treatment was repeated every 21 days. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled. The median number of previous chemotherapeutic regimens was one (range 1-3) with a median treatment-free interval of 4.3 months. Four chemotherapy cycles per patient were administered. Almost 75% of the planned doses for both drugs were given. Forty-one patients are evaluable for response. Three patients (6.5% of all patients; 7.3% of evaluable patients) achieved complete response and eight (17.4% and 19.5%, respectively) a partial response to chemotherapy leading to overall response rates of 23.9% and 26.8%, respectively. Another 34.8% (39.0%) had stable disease. At a median follow-up of 30 months, the median disease-free survival was 13 months, relapse-free survival was 5 months, time to progression was 4.5 months, and overall survival was 9.3 months. Severe toxicities included leukopenia (31%), neutropenia (35%) and febrile neutropenia (20%). Conclusions: The combination of docetaxel/vinorelbine is an effective regimen with manageable toxicity for the treatment of platinum-resistant, paclitaxel-pretreated ovarian cancer.

The paper presents combined spectroscopic and photometric orbital solutions for four close binary systems: SW Lyn, QW Gem, AP Leo and V2150 Cyg. The photometric data are new, while the spectroscopy has been recently obtained within the radial velocity programme at the David Dunlap Observatory. This paper is the first in the planned series of investigations. We give an extensive description of the motivation for the series and of the main assumptions made in our solutions. The four targets of this investigation span a range of typical configurations and thus present different levels of difficulty for the combined spectroscopic and photometric orbital solutions.

The purposes of this study were to (i) re-examine the relevance of Higuchi equation and the power la Using both simulated and experimental release data in conjunction with the linearized. in tern's of t(1/2). percent of drug release plots. (ii) demonstrate that the power law describes the entire drug release profile of several experimental data, and (iii) point out a physically based hypothesis for the Successful Use Of power law in describing the entire drug release profile. Simulated data generated from the equation of power law were further analyzed using linear regression analysis in accord with the Higuchi equation. The analysis revealed that data generated from the equation Of power law can be misinterpreted as obeying the Higuchi equation. The use of power law in describing the entire drug release curie from HPMC-based matrix tablets is validated by direct fit of power law equation to published data of other authors. A hypothesis based on the nonclassical diffusion of the solutes in the HPMC matrices is used to interpret the successful use of the power law in describing the entire release profile. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved.

In order to investigate the potential relationship between erythromycin resistance and specific M-serotypes among clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes from children in Greece, we randomly selected a total of 49 erythromycin-resistant (EryR) and 21 erythromycin-susceptible (EryS) isolates from the 1158 S. pyogenes isolates from the two main children's hospitals of Athens during the period October 1997 to October 1998. The isolates were further characterized by M-serotyping, examined for their susceptibility to penicillin, vancomycin and clindamycin, and categorized into resistance phenotypes. A total of 248 (21%) S. pyogenes isolates in the two main children's hospitals of Athens during the study period were resistant to erythromycin. All 49 EryR and 21 EryS isolates were susceptible to penicillin and vancomycin. With respect to erythromycin and clindamycin resistance, phenotypes M and IR MLSB dominated, with 30 and 17 isolates, respectively, two isolates belonged to the CR MLSB phenotype. Among the erythromycin resistant isolates, two M serotypes were dominant: M22 (30%) and M84 (41%). More specifically, M22 and M84 were most prevalent in resistance phenotypes IR MLSB (65%) and M (63%), respectively. In the susceptible group, no isolate belonged to these two M-serotypes, nor was a predominant serotype found. In contrast to susceptible isolates, two distinct M-serotypes were highly represented among EryR S. pyogenes isolates and predominantly associated with two distinct phenotypes.

The presence of erm genes conferring constitutive and inducible resistance, as well as that of the mefA gene conferring only constitutive resistance, was investigated using PCR in 70 erythromycin resistant (MIC>or=1 mg/l) strains of viridans group streptococci (VGS) (18 Streptococcus mitis biotype 1, 16 S. mitis biotype 2, 15 S. oralis, 12 S. salivarius and nine S. sanguis) isolated from the oropharynx of healthy Greek children. All of the 56 isolates belonging to resistance phenotype M harbored the mefA gene. All of the 14 isolates constitutively resistant to macrolides and lincosamides (phenotype CR) harbored the ermB gene. Co-presence of both genes was not observed, whereas class A erm gene (previously known as ermTR) was not detected. Our results are consistent with a possible role of VGS as a reservoir of resistance genes now prevalent in pathogenic species of streptococci.

Objectives. To study retrospectively CA 125, CD44, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression in renal cell carcinoma and their role as prognostic factors. CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule, and CA 125 and EMA are tumor-associated antigens used in the diagnosis and monitoring of the outcome and response to treatment of various human malignancies. Their expression and prognostic significance after resection of renal cell carcinoma have not been adequately studied. Methods. The expression of CA 125, CD44, and EMA were studied immunohistochemically and correlated with the outcome of 92 patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Results. Positive staining was found for CA 125 in 28 patients (30.43%), CD44 in 48 patients (52.17%), and EMA in 74 patients (80.43%). CA 125 expression was increased in those with higher T stage (P <0.001) and histologic grade (P = 0.007). An inverse relationship was found between EMA expression and grade (P <0.001). The median follow-up was 41.5 months (range 30 to 65). The median survival for positive and negative patients was 34.6 versus 54.3 months for CA 125 (P = 0.0044), 48.3 versus 51.5 months for CD44 (P = 0.4677), and 53.2 versus 34 months for EMA (P = 0.0046). Multivariate analysis showed that CA 125 and EMA expression were independent prognostic factors (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that CA 125 expression predicted a significantly higher probability of death (28.6% versus 8%, P =0.0413) in patients with T1 or T2 tumors. Conclusions. CA 125 and EMA appear to be useful prognostic markers in renal cell carcinoma. Additional studies are needed to determine the value of these markers as a means of selection for postoperative management. © 2003 Elsevier Inc.

BACKGROUND: Activation of T lymphocytes is thought to mediate myocardial dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP), probably through cytotoxic cytokines, but its value as a prognostic factor has not been evaluated. METHODS: For 2 years we prospectively followed 76 patients (65 males, 11 females, age 49 +/- 7 years) with CMP and New York Heart Association(NYHA) Class II-III heart failure; left ventricular (LV) function was assessed echocardiographically. Thirty-three patients (28 males, five females, age 52 +/- 6 years) with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and similar NYHA and LV function characteristics were used as controls. Serum sIL-2R levels, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation (basal, + concanavalin A) and HLA-DQB1 genotyping was carried out in all patients. RESULTS: The CMP patients had increased sIL-2R levels (1259 +/- 130 pg mL-1) compared with the IHD patients (703 +/- 80 pg mL-1, P < 0.01, only 3 > 800 pg mL-1). In the CMP patients, there was a significant (r = +0.45, P= 0.04) correlation between sIL-2R and the LV end-diastolic diameter but not with the LV ejection fraction or NYHA Class. During the 24-month follow up, 17 of the CMP patients had an adverse clinical course (death, need for cardiac transplantation, or worsening heart failure). Of these, 14 (75%) had elevated (>or= 800 pg mL-1) sIL-2R levels (Group I) compared with only five (6%) with a stable clinical course (Group II). Neither [3H] thymidine incorporation into the peripheral blood lymphocytes nor the excess of HLA-DQB1-30 histidine homozygotes in the Group I patients (38% vs. 17%, P < 0.05) could predict the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Increased sIL-2R levels in CMP patients are an independent predictor of a more aggressive clinical course

Background: The combination of vincristine and doxorubicin administered as a continuous infusion via an indwelling catheter together with intermittent high-dose dexamethasone (VAD) is an effective primary treatment for patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma. In order to avoid the need for an indwelling catheter, which imposes logistic problems for outpatient administration, several phase II studies have explored the feasibility and efficacy of VAD-like outpatient regimens. We designed a prospective randomized study to compare the objective response rates of two VAD-like outpatient regimens as primary treatment for symptomatic patients with multiple myeloma. Patients and methods: Patients were entered in a randomized study regardless of age, performance status and renal function. One hundred and twenty-seven patients received VAD bolus, which consisted of vincristine 0.4 mg i.v., doxorubicin 9 mg/m2 i.v. and dexamethasone 40 mg p.o. daily for four consecutive days and 132 patients received VAD doxil, which consisted of vincristine 2 mg i.v. and liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 i.V. on day 1 and dexamethasone 40 mg p.o. daily for 4 days. The two regimens were administered every 28 days for four courses and in courses 1 and 3, in both arms, dexamethasone was also given on days 9-12 and 17-20. Results: An objective response was documented in 61.4% and 61.3% of patients treated with VAD bolus and VAD doxil, respectively. Hematological and non-hematological toxicities were mild or moderate and equally distributed between the two treatment arms with the exception of alopecia, which was more common after VAD bolus, and of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, which was more common after VAD doxil. Conclusions: Our multicenter trial, which included an unselected patient population, indicated that both VAD bolus and VAD doxil can be administered to outpatients and can provide an equal opportunity of rapid response in many patients with multiple myeloma.

Το βιβλίο "Φιλοσοφικές έννοιες στη Φυσική" παρουσιάζει την ανάπτυξη της επιστήμης της Φυσικής σε σχέση με το ιστορικό και φιλοσοφικό πλαίσιο μέσα στο οποίο αυτή συντελέστηκε.Μέσα από τις σελίδες του, δίνεται η ευκαιρία στον αναγνώστη να στοχαστεί σχετικά με τη φύση του επιστημονικού εγχειρήματος την οποία μπορεί να είχε προσεγγίσει νωρίτερα μέσα από το πρίσμα της παραδοσιακής ιστορίας της επιστήμης και μέσα από μια σειρά μαθημάτων στις φυσικές επιστήμες.Στόχος του είναι να εντυπώσει στον αναγνώστη τον ουσιαστικό ρόλο τον οποίο έχουν διαδραματίσει οι φιλοσοφικές θεωρήσεις σε ό,τι αφορά την επιστημονική πρακτική και την κατασκευή των επιστημονικών θεωριών.Αντίθετα με την αρκετά διαδεδομένη άποψη ότι η Φυσική και η Φιλοσοφία είναι απομακρυσμένες η μία από την άλλη, αυτό το βιβλίο περιγράφει τη συνεχή αλληλεπίδραση που είχαν και συνεχίζουν να έχουν.Μέσα στις σελίδες του βιβλίου η συζήτηση για τα κύρια φιλοσοφικά ζητήματα εδράζεται στο συγκεκριμένο ιστορικό πλαίσιο και στο περιεχόμενο της αντίστοιχης επιστημονικής δραστηριότητας. [...]

Purpose. To develop a quantitative biopharmaceutics drug classification system (QBCS) based on fundamental parameters controlling rate and extent of absorption. Methods. A simple absorption model that considers transit flow, dissolution, and permeation processes stochastically was used to illustrate the primary importance of dose/solubility ratio and permeability on drug absorption. Simple mean time considerations for dissolution, uptake, and transit were used to identify relationships between the extent of absorption and a drug's dissolution and permeability characteristics. Results. The QBCS developed relies on a ( permeability, dose/ solubility ratio) plane with cutoff points 2 x 10(-6) - 10(-5) cm/s for the permeability and 0.5 - 1 (unitless) for the dose/ solubility ratio axes. Permeability estimates, P-app are derived from Caco-2 studies, and a constant intestinal volume content of 250 ml is used to express the dose/ solubility ratio as a dimensionless quantity, q. A physiologic range of 250 - 500 ml was used to account for variability in the intestinal volume. Drugs are classified into the four quadrants of the plane around the cutoff points according to their Papp, q values, establishing four drug categories, i.e., I (P-app > 10(-5) cm/s, q less than or equal to 0.5), II (P-app > 10(-5) cm/s, q > 1), III (P-app < 2 x 10(-6) cm/s, q <= 0.5), and IV (P-app < 2 x 10(-6) cm/s, q > 1). A region for borderline drugs (2 x 10(-6) < P-app < 10(-5) cm/s, 0.5 < q < 1) was defined too. For category I, complete absorption is anticipated, whereas categories II and III exhibit dose/ solubility ratio - limited and permeability-limited absorption, respectively. For category IV, both permeability and dose/ solubility ratio are controlling drug absorption. Semiquantitative predictions of the extent of absorption were pointed out on the basis of mean time considerations for dissolution, uptake, and transit in conjunction with drug's dose/ solubility ratio and permeability characteristics. A set of 42 drugs were classified into the four categories, and the predictions of intestinal drug absorption were in accord with the experimental observations. Conclusions. The QBCS provides a basis for compound classification into four explicitly defined drug categories using the fundamental biopharmaceutical properties, permeability, and dose/ solubility ratio. Semiquantitative predictions for the extent of absorption are essentially based on these drug properties, which either determine or are strongly related to the in vivo kinetics of drug dissolution and intestinal wall permeation.

This study, explores the utility of quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship models of the disposition parameters: clearance (CL), apparent volume of drug distribution (V-ap), fractal clearance (CLf), and fractal volume (v(f)), for a series of 23 cephalosporins used in therapeutics. Data for CL, V-ap and elimination half-life were obtained from literature, whereas CL, and vf were calculated from the literature data for CL and V-ap, respectively. A variety of descriptors expressing acidity/basicity, lipophilicity, molecular size and hydrogen bonding properties were estimated using computer packages. For each pharmacokinetic parameter, projection to latent structures (PLS) was applied to the total dataset. Adequate PLS models, with one principal component, were derived for CL, CLf, V-ap and v(f). Identical descriptors were found to be significant for the two clearance as well as for the two volume of distribution terms. CL and CLf expressed similar performance while the predictive performance of v(f) was much higher than that of V-ap. Multiple linear and non-linear regression models were developed. The regression results were in agreement with the PLS models. The non-linear models were superior to the relevant linear relationships. The worst models found were for V-ap (R-2 = 0.523 and R-2 = 0.571 for the linear and non-linear model, respectively) and the best models found were for v(f) (R-2 = 0.729 and R-2 = 0.824 for the linear and non-linear model, respectively). (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.

A randomized trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of daily (QD) or thrice weekly (TIW) administration of interferon-alpha (IFN) in high doses in combination with ribavirin (1.0-1.2 g/day) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were nonresponders to previous IFN monotherapy. Interferon was administered as 10 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 4 weeks, followed by 5 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 20 weeks, and then by 3 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 24 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated in 142 patients who received at least one dose of medication. One-fourth of the patients achieved SVR, 26% of those treated with IFN QD and 25% of those treated with IFN TIW (P = 0.85). For genotype 1 patients, SVR rates were 32.4 and 15.8% for IFN QD and IFN TIW, respectively, whereas for genotype non-1 patients the corresponding SVR rates were 20.6 and 36.4%, respectively (test of homogeneity: P = 0.031). This finding was further confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis where a statistically significant interaction (P = 0.012) was found between treatment and HCV genotype indicating that the IFN QD regimen was superior to IFN TIW among genotype 1 patients whereas, among genotype non-1 patients, the two treatments were similar (odds ratio of SVR in IFN QD vs IFN TIW: 3.33 among genotype 1 patients, 95% CI: 1.00-11.14). In conclusion, re-treatment of patients not responding to previous IFN monotherapy with a combination of high daily dose of IFN with ribavirin may be beneficial for genotype 1 infected patients.

A randomized trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN) daily in combination with ribavirin in 301 naive patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Patients were randomized to receive ribavirin 1.2 g daily (QD) for 48 weeks with either IFN 5 MU (thrice weekly) TIW for 8 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU TIW for 40 weeks (IFN TIW, n = 154) or IFN 5 MU QD for 8 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU QD for 16 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU TIW for 24 weeks (IFN QD, n = 147). Treatment discontinuation rates, because of adverse events, were similar in the two arms (14.9% in IFN TIW and 14.3% in IFN QD, P = 0.87). The proportion of patients with sustained virological response (SVR) was 27.9% for patients treated TIW and 38.8% for those treated QD (P = 0.046). According to logistic regression analysis, patients in the IFN QD arm had 1.7 times higher probability of achieving SVR, than those receiving IFN TIW (P = 0.038). Low baseline viral load (P = 0.017) and genotype non-1 (P = 0.036) were associated with higher SVR rates. Combination of IFN/ribavirin for 48 weeks is more effective when IFN is administered daily for the first 24 weeks in naive patients with CHC.

We demonstrate that a quantum-dot cellular automata device can be fabricated using electron beam lithographically defined gates on GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure materials, and that by tuning the four quantum dot (J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 21 (1988) L893) system polarization of one double dot can lead to polarization in the neighboring double dot (Phys. Rev. B 67 (2003) 033302). The polarization is detected using a 1-D or 0-D channel defined next to one pair of double dots which acts as a non-invasive voltage probe (Phys. Rev. Lett. 70 (1993) 1311). Ultimately a cellular automata device should be isolated from reservoirs to prevent charge fluctuations caused by co-tunneling. The non-invasive voltage probe is used to show that coupled double dots isolated from reservoirs can be made to have a sharper polarization transition. By studying the broadening of the polarization signal from a coupled double dot system isolated from reservoirs, we deduce the charge dephasing times for intra dot scattering to be more than 0.2 ns (Phys. Rev. B 67 (2003) 073302). © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Purpose. To verify the Higuchi law and study the drug release from cylindrical and spherical matrices by means of Monte Carlo computer simulation. Methods. A one-dimensional matrix, based on the theoretical assumptions of the derivation of the Higuchi law, was simulated and its time evolution was monitored. Cylindrical and spherical three-dimensional lattices were simulated with sites at the boundary of the lattice having been denoted as leak sites. Particles were allowed to move inside it using the random walk model. Excluded volume interactions between the particles was assumed. We have monitored the system time evolution for different lattice sizes and different initial particle concentrations. Results. The Higuchi law was verified using the Monte Carlo technique in a one-dimensional lattice. It was found that Fickian drug release from cylindrical matrices can be approximated nicely with the Weibull function. A simple linear relation between the Weibull function parameters and the specific surface of the system was found. Conclusions. Drug release from a matrix, as a result of a diffusion process assuming excluded volume interactions between the drug molecules, can be described using a Weibull function. This model, although approximate and semiempirical, has the benefit of providing a simple physical connection between the model parameters and the system geometry, which was something missing from other semiempirical models.

It is commonly accepted that shot put performance is mainly determined by the ability of the lower body to produce power. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between shot put performance and triceps brachii muscle fiber type composition and strength capacity. Thirteen male physical education students were selected to participate in the study based upon their shot put performance after 5 weeks of shot put technique instruction. At the completion of this technique-instruction period, they performed the following tests: shot put with a 6-kg shot, isokinetic torque measurements of the elbow extensors at 0, 0.52, 1.04, 1.57, 2.09, 3.14, and 4.19 rad.s(-1), maximal strength (1 RM) and explosive-throwing bench-press tests, one-arm seated shot put with 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-kg shot. Whole-body and dominant upper-arm bioimpedance measurements were used to estimate whole-body and upper-arm muscle mass. Muscle biopsy samples from the long head of the dominant triceps brachii were obtained and analyzed for fiber type composition with ATPase histochemistry. Shot put performance was significantly correlated with type II fiber area ( r=0.70, P<0.01), one-arm seated shot put (range r=0.60 to r=0.79, P<0.05), elbow extensors' isokinetic torque (range r=0.65 to r=0.78, P<0.05), bench-press tests ( r>0.86, P<0.01) and estimated arm muscle cross-sectional area ( r=0.68, P<0.05). These results suggest that fiber type composition and the functional capacity of triceps brachii muscle (e.g., isokinetic torque) explain a part of shot put performance. The magnitude of the correlation coefficients between shot put and the upper-body power tests suggests that other body parts (e.g., lower extremities) may play a significant role in this event.

We present exact radially self-similar solutions of special relativistic magnetohydrodynamics representing ``hot'' super-Alfvénic outflows from strongly magnetized, rotating compact objects. We argue that such outflows can plausibly arise in gamma-ray burst (GRB) sources and demonstrate that, just as in the case of the trans-Alfvénic flows considered in the companion paper, they can attain Lorentz factors that correspond to a rough equipartition between the Poynting and kinetic energy fluxes and become cylindrically collimated on scales compatible with GRB observations. As in the trans-Alfvénic case, the initial acceleration is thermal, but, in contrast to the solutions presented in the companion paper, part of the enthalpy flux is transformed into Poynting flux during this phase. The subsequent, magnetically dominated acceleration can be significantly less rapid than in trans-Alfvénic flows.

We present a general formulation of special relativistic magnetohydrodynamics and derive exact radially self-similar solutions for axisymmetric outflows from strongly magnetized, rotating compact objects. We generalize previous work by including thermal effects and analyze in detail the various forces that guide, accelerate, and collimate the flow. We demonstrate that, under the assumptions of a quasi-steady poloidal magnetic field and of a highly relativistic poloidal velocity, the equations become effectively time independent and the motion can be described as a frozen pulse. We concentrate on trans-Alfvénic solutions and consider outflows that are super-Alfvénic throughout in the companion paper. Our results are applicable to relativistic jets in gamma-ray burst (GRB) sources, active galactic nuclei, and microquasars, but our discussion focuses on GRBs. We envision the outflows in this case to initially consist of a hot and optically thick mixture of baryons, electron-positron pairs, and photons. We show that the flow is at first accelerated thermally but that the bulk of the acceleration is magnetic, with the asymptotic Lorentz factor corresponding to a rough equipartition between the Poynting and kinetic energy fluxes (i.e., ~50% of the injected total energy is converted into baryonic kinetic energy). The electromagnetic forces also strongly collimate the flow, giving rise to an asymptotically cylindrical structure.

We present exact radially self-similar solutions of special relativistic magnetohydrodynamics representing ``hot'' super-Alfvénic outflows from strongly magnetized, rotating compact objects. We argue that such outflows can plausibly arise in gamma-ray burst (GRB) sources and demonstrate that, just as in the case of the trans-Alfvénic flows considered in the companion paper, they can attain Lorentz factors that correspond to a rough equipartition between the Poynting and kinetic energy fluxes and become cylindrically collimated on scales compatible with GRB observations. As in the trans-Alfvénic case, the initial acceleration is thermal, but, in contrast to the solutions presented in the companion paper, part of the enthalpy flux is transformed into Poynting flux during this phase. The subsequent, magnetically dominated acceleration can be significantly less rapid than in trans-Alfvénic flows.

We present a general formulation of special relativistic magnetohydrodynamics and derive exact radially self-similar solutions for axisymmetric outflows from strongly magnetized, rotating compact objects. We generalize previous work by including thermal effects and analyze in detail the various forces that guide, accelerate, and collimate the flow. We demonstrate that, under the assumptions of a quasi-steady poloidal magnetic field and of a highly relativistic poloidal velocity, the equations become effectively time independent and the motion can be described as a frozen pulse. We concentrate on trans-Alfvénic solutions and consider outflows that are super-Alfvénic throughout in the companion paper. Our results are applicable to relativistic jets in gamma-ray burst (GRB) sources, active galactic nuclei, and microquasars, but our discussion focuses on GRBs. We envision the outflows in this case to initially consist of a hot and optically thick mixture of baryons, electron-positron pairs, and photons. We show that the flow is at first accelerated thermally but that the bulk of the acceleration is magnetic, with the asymptotic Lorentz factor corresponding to a rough equipartition between the Poynting and kinetic energy fluxes (i.e., ~50% of the injected total energy is converted into baryonic kinetic energy). The electromagnetic forces also strongly collimate the flow, giving rise to an asymptotically cylindrical structure.

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

This study describes the adaptation of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC; Spielberger, Edwards, Lushene, Montuori, & Platzek, 1973) to the Greek population. It was hypothesized that the STAIC would be able to measure children’s state-trait anxiety levels. In the initial phase, a sample of 100 children, aged 9-12 years, was used in order to shape the final form of the inventory. In the final phase, two different samples (N= 875), aged 9-12 years, were used to test the validity and reliability of the inventory, using exploratory (Sample A; n = 425) and confirmatory (Sample B; n = 450) factor analyses. The results indicated that both scales possessed an acceptable internal consistency and, reliability. The factor analysis in the total of the items indicated three factors, that is "absence of state anxiety," "presence of state anxiety," and "trait anxiety." Also, confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS; Arbuckle, 1997) verified three factors. It is therefore concluded that the scales have a multifactorial structure and can be used among the Greek population to examine children’s state and trait anxiety levels.

BACKGROUND: The development of large-scale gene expression profiling technologies is rapidly changing the norms of biological investigation. But the rapid pace of change itself presents challenges. Commercial microarrays are regularly modified to incorporate new genes and improved target sequences. Although the ability to compare datasets across generations is crucial for any long-term research project, to date no means to allow such comparisons have been developed. In this study the reproducibility of gene expression levels across two generations of Affymetrix GeneChips (HuGeneFL and HG-U95A) was measured. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients were computed for gene expression values across chip generations based on different measures of similarity. Comparing the absolute calls assigned to the individual probe sets across the generations found them to be largely unchanged. CONCLUSION: We show that experimental replicates are highly reproducible, but that reproducibility across generations depends on the degree of similarity of the probe sets and the expression level of the corresponding transcript.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the uptake changes of Tc-99m 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) and Tc-99m pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid (V-DMSA) in multiple myeloma (MM) lesions in response to high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Materials and Methods: The authors compared Tc-99m MIBI and Tc-99m V-DMSA scans before and after HDC in a patient with focal MM lesions without amyloidosis who had received previous standard chemotherapy as well. Results: HDC had the effect of eliminating all Tc-99m MIBI uptake in the lesions. Tc-99m V-DMSA uptake was increased in lesions presenting significant initial Tc-99m MIBI uptake. In 1 particular lesion that demonstrated this phenomenon, magnetic resonance showed necrosis of the area of MM. Conclusion: The authors consider that the effect of increasing Tc-99m V-DMSA uptake in the absence of an increase in viable plasma cells possibly reflects the treatment-generated inflammatory and fibrotic changes and not necessarily viable tumor tissue. Exclusive focal Tc-99m V-DMSA uptake in this clinical setting could be considered as a sign of effectively treated lesions and not a sign of deterioration.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for fever among patients treated in a neurologic intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: The authors prospectively studied the frequency and causes of fever, defined as a patient's first temperature > or =101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), among 387 patients consecutively admitted to their NICU. After identifying risk factors for 1) any fever, 2) infectious fever, and 3) unexplained fever using logistic regression, they calculated disease-specific adjusted odds ratios for developing these types of fever among 12 diagnostic groups. RESULTS: Fever occurred in 23% (87/387) of patients. Fifty-two percent of fevers were explained by infection (predominantly pneumonia or bronchitis), and 28% were unexplained despite a complete diagnostic evaluation. NICU length of stay was a risk factor for all three types of fever (all p < 0.004); other risk factors included depressed level of consciousness for any fever (p = 0.005) and infectious fever (p = 0.048), endotracheal intubation for infectious fever (p = 0.01), and intraventricular catheterization for unexplained fever (p = 0.004). Subarachnoid hemorrhage increased the risk of both infectious and unexplained fever, even after adjusting for these risk factors (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Fever occurs in nearly 25% of NICU patients, and is associated with increased length of stay and depressed level of consciousness. Endotracheal intubation is a risk factor for infectious fever, whereas intraventricular catheterization is a risk factor for unexplained fever, which suggests a role for ventricular hemorrhage in the pathogenesis of "central" fever. Subarachnoid hemorrhage increases the risk of developing fever of all types.

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody, produces response rates of up to 73% in patients with previously untreated indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and has high activity when combined with chemotherapy. The purpose of this phase II study was to determine the efficacy and safety of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine and prednisone (CNOP) chemotherapy in patients with indolent NHL. In all, 42 patients (median age 67 years) with previously untreated follicular, marginal zone or small lymphocytic/lymphoplasmacytic NHL received six infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2) in combination with six cycles of CNOP. The overall response rate was 90% comprising 30 complete (71%) and eight partial (19%) responses. Although patients with marginal zone lymphoma or International Prognostic Index (IPI) score 3 had lower complete response rates, no significant difference in overall response rate was observed between the histological groups (P = 0.24) or between patients stratified according to IPI score (P>0.05). Median overall survival, time-to-progression and response duration had not been reached after a median 19.5-month follow-up. In all, 31 patients (74%) are currently free from progression and 38 (90%) remain alive. Treatment was well tolerated. One patient (2% experienced grade 3/4 infusion-related toxicity; 13 (31%) grade 3/4 leukopenia and 18 (43%) grade 3/4 neutropenia. Infection was observed in nine patients: eight (19%) grade 1/2 and one (2.4%) grade 3. This study demonstrates that combining rituximab with CNOP achieves high remission rates without significant additional toxicity in patients with previously untreated indolent NHL. Further follow-up will determine response duration and survival.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the concept of health tourism product as a competitive tourism product with a focus on Ikaria Island, Greece. The diversification of the health tourism product is explored and the study identifies key components for a successful development of a spa resort. The paper also examines the prospects for the thermal/mineral springs of Ikaria Island, taking account of the climatic and bioclimatic regimes of the area. The study concludes that there are prospects for future development if the spa product is diversified. This, in combination with the good climatic conditions of the area, can be a starting point for providing services in order to satisfy potential clients. Β© 2003 anatolia Printed in Turkey. All rights reserved.

The present review focuses and comments on the increasing body of evidence correlating respiratory viral infections with asthma onset and exacerbations.|Recent data suggest multiple and some time contrasting roles for viral infection in the origin of asthma. These data also indicate that the immune status of the host, including atopy, may interactively contribute to this process, conferring susceptibility or even resistance to the development of asthma in virus-infected individuals. In the presence of asthma, the role of viral infection in triggering exacerbations is clearly established. Chemokine and cytokine responses of the respiratory epithelium, a biased type 1/type 2 cytokine balance, defective costimulation, as well as abnormal neural control have been suggested as possible mechanisms. The importance of concurrent or synergistic effects of allergen exposure is currently under scrutiny.|Viruses may initiate and certainly exacerbate asthma. Mild repeated infections early in life could also stimulate type 1 immune responses conferring protection from atopy and asthma. The host's immune status, the type of viral infection and the timing of exposure to various environmental stimuli are probably the key factors in this process. Mechanistic insights deduced from recent work should allow for the development of intervening strategies in the near future.

Background: After birth, apoptosis rates might slow down, compared to those in utero. Thus, factors, attenuating the apoptotic process, like the soluble forms of Fas/FasL system, may increase. Aim - study design: Soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) concentrations were measured in maternal serum (MS), umbilical cord (UC) and neonatal serum in the first (1N) and fifth (5N) days after birth in order to evaluate the alterations of these molecules during the early neonatal period. Subjects and methods: Soluble molecules were estimated in 35 healthy, appropriate for gestational age, full-term neonates, their mothers and in 25 healthy, nonpregnant women, age-matched to the mothers (controls), using enzyme immunoassays. Results: sFas concentrations in MS (p<0.01), UC (p<0.0001), 1N (p<0.0003) and 5N (p<0.02) were lower than those in controls. Neonatal sFas concentrations showed a significant increase from UC to 5N (p<0.001). In contrast, sFasL concentrations were significantly elevated in all neonatal samples (UC, 1N and 5N) compared to those in MS and controls (p<0.0001), showing also a significant elevation from UC to 5N (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate increasing serum concentrations of the soluble molecules sFas and sFasL during the first days after birth, indicating possibly a gradual decrease of apoptosis in early neonatal life. © 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The paper brings together recent work in English for specific purposes/languages for specific purposes (ESP/LSP) and adult education and puts forward an integrative model for ESP curriculum design. It outlines a set of characteristics that identify the ESP learner within the general adult learning framework. Taking current theories on the adult learner profile as a starting point, it then focuses on a model that associates adult education principles with effective ESP learning. This model has two sides. One side requires the adult learner's ESP teacher to come to terms with adulthood-oriented considerations (i.e. issues unique to adult learning), such as ‘mess-management’, motivation and adult learning cycles. The other side involves both a number of ELT-methodology-specific communicative strategies that are indispensable in the ESP class, such as self-directed learning techniques, as well as enhancing the role of the ESP teacher as counsellor. Some implications for the construction of CALL programmes are discussed and the paper ends with the suggestion that all approaches to teaching learners in the ESP framework can benefit from the successful handling of both aspects of the earlier model.

We present ab initio calculations for spin injection in Fe-ZnSe and Fe-GaAs(001) systems, with and without detection by a second Fe lead. We consider the case of hot injection, as well as the presence of a tunneling barrier at the interface. Our calculations are valid in the ballistic regime. We find that these systems can be very efficient spin filters, leading to current spin polarizations and magnetoresistance ratios very close to the ideal 100%.

We calculate the current spin polarization and the interface resistance of Fe/GaAs and Fe/ZnSe (001) spin injection junctions from first principles, including also the possibility of a Schottky barrier. From our results of interface resistance we estimate the barrier thickness needed for efficient spin injection if the process is nonballistic.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is rarely implicated in clinical infections but it constitutes a significant nosocomial pathogen, especially in immunocompromised patients. This report describes the first case of a generalised infection caused by S. maltophilia that included bacteremia, wound and respiratory tract infection in a patient suffering from burns. Given the emergence of S. maltophilia nosocomial infections, especially in patients with burns, isolation of the bacterium from blood cultures should prompt the commencement of adequate antibiotic treatment.

Myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs) are low-grade neuroepithelial tumors typically occurring in the conus-cauda equina-filum terminale region. Limited molecular and cytogenetic analysis of MPEs has not demonstrated consistent abnormalities. In an attempt to clarify the chromosomal status of these tumors and identify commonly aberrant regions in the genome we have combined 3 molecular/cyto/genetic methods to study 17 MPEs. Comparative genomic hybridization of 7/17 tumors identified concurrent gain on chromosomes 9 and 18 as the most frequent finding. The majority of the 17 tumors were also studied using microsatellite analysis with marker spanning the whole chromosomes 9 and 18 and interphase-FISH with centromeric probes for both chromosomes. Our combined results were consistent with concurrent gain in both chromosomes 9 and 18 in 11/17 cases, gain of either chromosome 9 or 18 and imbalance in the other chromosome in 3/17 tumors and allelic imbalances of chromosomes 9 or 18 in 3/17 and 1/17 tumors, respectively. Other abnormalities observed included gain of chromosomes 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 17q, 20, and X and loss of chromosomes 10 and 22. Our findings represent some steps towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of MPE.

Surface deformation and ferroelectric domain switching induced by a force microscope tip on a La-modified PbTiO3 thin film was studied. Polarization switching of the domains comprising the deformed region demonstrated the possibility of using scanning force microscopy (SFM) as a nanoscale tool for imaging phase transitions. It was found that if loading forces are higher than a threshold value, thin film characterization becomes invasive.

Background: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is an unusual lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma characterized by the presence of a serum monoclonal immunoglobulin M. Although several studies have evaluated possible prognostic factors of this disease, few have focused on the survival and prognosis of symptomatic patients after the initiation of treatment. Patients and methods: Our study included 122 previously untreated patients with a median age of 67 years who required systemic treatment. Multiple variables were analyzed for their prognostic value on survival after initiation of treatment using univariate and Cox regression multivariate analysis. Results: The median overall survival was 106 months. Pretreatment factors associated with shorter survival were age ≥65 years, splenomegaly, B-symptoms (weight loss, fever or night sweats), hemoglobin <10 g/dl, platelets <100 × 106/dl, albumin <3.5 g/dl and bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate ≥50%. In the multivariate analysis, the two variables with independent prognostic value were age ≥65 years and hemoglobin <10 g/dl. Furthermore, we were able to divide our patients into three risk groups based on the presence of two, one or none of these two adverse prognostic factors. The median survival times in the high-, intermediate- and low-risk groups were 46 months, 107 months and 172 months, respectively (P <0.0001). Discussion: Our findings suggest that advanced age and anemia appear to be the two dominant prognostic factors for survival after initiation of treatment in patients with WM. These two readily available parameters can stratify the patients into three distinct subgroups and may help the selection of appropriate treatment.

Six stars out of a sample of ~2300 carbon stars in the Magellanic Clouds have been identified as having strong C2 bands but CN bands that are very weak or absent. It is argued that five of these are likely to be R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars on the basis of their spectral characteristics and peculiar colours. Most are variables and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) members have extreme radial velocities that are more like the planetary nebula population than the carbon stars. This sample consists of four LMC members (only one of them previously recognized as an RCB star), one Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) member (the first RCB star reported in the SMC) and one foreground Galactic star.

The synthesis of optically pure long-chain 2-amino-alcohols and 1-O-dodecyl-2-deoxy-2-amino-sn-glycerol was carried out starting from l- or d-Boc-Ser(OBn)-ol by oxidation and consecutive Wittig reaction or etherification reaction. 2-Amino-oleyl alcohol was synthesized by reduction of the corresponding 2-amino-oleic acid. All the long chain amino-alcohols presented interesting inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats (ED50 from 0.017 to 0.010 mmol/kg). The synthesis, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of long-chain 2-amino-alcohols is reported.

 This review article focuses on the synthesis and reactions of N,N-di-Boc glutamate and aspartate semialdehydes as well as related aldehydes. These building blocks are prepared according to various strategies from glutamic and aspartic acids and find interesting synthetic applications. In the first part, the methods for the synthesis of N,N-di-Boc-amino aldehydes are summarized. The applications of these chiral synthons for the synthesis of unnatural amino acids and other bioactive compounds are discussed in the second section.

The systematics of the first 2+ state g factors in the mass 80 region are investigated in terms of an IBM-II analysis, a pairing-corrected geometrical model, and a shell-model approach. Subshell closure effects at N = 38 and overall trends were examined using IBM-II. A large-space shell-model calculation was successful in describing the behavior for N=4 and N=50 nuclei, where single-particle features are prominent. A schematic truncated-space calculation was applied to the lighter isotopes. The variations of the effective boson g factors are discussed in connection with the role of F-spin breaking, and comparisons are made between the mass 80 and mass 180 regions.

This paper explores the relationship of the perfect with time, in its grammatical expression both as tense and as aspect. While not denying that the perfect has other, non-temporal and non-aspectual uses, while in fact admitting that they are more wide-spread than its time-related uses, it argues that a relationship with time does exist; of the various time-related meanings associated with the perfect it is anteriority that turns out to be more “basic”, in the sense that all the other meanings of the perfect can be derived from it. The article has a strong historical bias: the basic meaning is assumed to have a historical precedence as well as a logical one. 

Recently completed phase II trials and retrospective analyses conducted outside the United States, primarily in Europe and Australia, have confirmed results of landmark US trials that established the efficacy of thalidomide in multiple myeloma. These trials evaluated thalidomide alone or in combination in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Single-agent thalidomide induced objective responses in approximately one third of patients and prolonged survival by approximately 1 year. These trials also indicated a possible dose-response relationship of thalidomide and identified several poor prognostic factors, including advanced age, high lactose dehydrogenase level, low platelet count, and low hemoglobin level. The combination of thalidomide with dexamethasone increased overall response by approximately 20% and reduced the time to response compared with thalidomide alone. In addition, lower doses of thalidomide used in the combination may increase patient tolerability. Finally, thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy yields response rates of approximately 60%, with median survival times of approximately 18 months. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these results and further explore the role of thalidomide in these treatment settings. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

We look for the expected signature of an accretion disc by examining the properties of the Hα emission line versus viewing angle in a sample of 22 superluminal (SL) quasars. The Doppler factor δ, jet velocity γ and viewing angle θ towards the jet are derived from published radio and X-ray data. Most of the Hα spectra (14) have been observed at the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) and are reported here. About a quarter of the SL objects have weak or absent Hα emission lines, with small equivalent widths (EW). These have high optical polarization, radio core dominance and Doppler factor, and most of them have high apparent SL velocity and low viewing angles. Therefore these weak-EW objects almost certainly have relativistically beamed optical continua. The strong-EW objects also show a clear beaming effect, but a much weaker one, with line EW varying by only a factor of 3 while radio core dominance varies by a factor of several hundred. The correlation of EW with θ is quantitatively in good agreement with the prediction of a flat accretion disc with limb darkening. The weak- and strong-EW sources also show an anticorrelation of line velocity width with the various beaming indicators. Again, the correlation with the derived viewing angle θ shows a quantitative agreement with the effect expected for an axisymmetric structure with velocity dominated by rotation. The line emission cannot come from the surface of the disc, or the line beaming would cancel the continuum beaming. However, it could come from an axisymmetric system of clouds corotating with the accretion disc.

The purpose of this prospective phase II trial was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a modified baseline BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) regimen in the treatment of intermediate and advanced stage Hodgkin's disease (HD). From October 1997 to November 2001, 51 consecutive, previously untreated patients with stage IIA (bulky), IIB, III, and IV disease were treated with a modified baseline BEACOPP regimen with the etoposide administered i.v. on day 1 and orally at a dose of 100 mg/m2, on days 2 and 3. Each patient was scheduled to receive eight courses of BEACOPP with consolidation radiotherapy to bulky (≤5 cm) or residual disease. There were 25 males and 26 females with a median age of 32 yr (16-65 yr); 80.3% of the patients had nodular sclerosis HD, 41% had bulky disease (≥5 cm), 10 were in stage IIA (bulky ≥10 cm), 15 in stage IIB, 19 in stage III, and seven in stage IV. Thirty-seven patients (72.5%) achieved a complete response and 17.6% partial response. No significant difference in overall response rate was observed between patients with: (i) 0-2 vs. ≥3 negative prognostic factors, (ii) in stage II vs. stages III/IV, LDH level, and bulky disease. With a median follow up period of 39.5 months, actuarial 3-yr survival rate is 82% and time to progression rate 72.5%. Treatment with this combination was well tolerated. Grades 3 and 4 leukopenia and neutropenia occured in 26% and 28% of the patients, respectively, whereas in 16.3% of the patients infection was observed. Support with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was given to 59% of the patients. No case of secondary MDS/leukemia has been observed. The results of the present study demonstrate that the modified baseline BEACOPP regimen with radiotherapy used in our patients was well tolerated and effective therapy for intermediate and advanced stage HD. Further follow up time is required to evaluate long-term toxicity.

Background: The efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine (GEM) and irinotecan (CPT-11) is evaluated in previously untreated patients with inoperable or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients and methods: From January 1999 to July 2001, 60 patients with pancreatic cancer (85% stage IV) were enrolled in a two-step extended phase II trial. Patients were treated with gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) and CPT-11 (300 mg/m2 on day 8) in cycles of 3 weeks. No prophylactic use of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) was initially planned. Results: In an intention-to-treat analysis one (1.7%) complete and 14 (23.3%) partial responses were achieved [objective response rate (ORR) 24.7%; 95% confidence interval 14.04% to 35.96%]. Twenty-two (36.7%) and 23 (38.3%) patients had stable and progressive disease, respectively. The median duration of response was 5 months, the median time to tumor progression (TTP) was 7 months and the median overall survival 7 months. One-year survival was 22.5%. Pain improvement and asthenia during treatment were observed in 45% and 43% of patients, respectively; weight gain occurred in 19.5% of patients. Grade 3 anemia occurred in three (5%) patients who required transfusion of six packed red blood cell (RBC) units. Ten (16.7%) additional patients with grade 2 anemia were treated with recombinant erythropoietin. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in seven (11.7%) patients and grades 3 and 4 neutropenia in 27 (45%). Ten patients developed febrile neutropenia, two of whom died due to sepsis. Prophylactic use of rhG-CSF was eventually required in 93 (28.3%) of 329 administered cycles. Other toxicities were mild. Conclusions: The combination of gemcitabine and irinotecan is an active chemotherapy regimen against pancreatic cancer with a 25% ORR. Toxicity was acceptable for the great majority of patients but with a high percentage of hematopoietic growth factor administration.

Purpose: In 1999, investigators reported promising results of a phase II study of thalidomide in patients with resistant multiple myeloma (MM). Since then, various trials of thalidomide alone and in combination with other agents have been tested in patients with resistant and, more recently, untreated MM. In addition, preliminary results of phase I studies of the immunomodulatory derivatives (IMiDs) of thalidomide have been recently reported. Design: We reviewed and report the results of clinical trials of thalidomide and the IMiDs, as well as the pharmacology, mechanism of action, and toxicity of these agents. Results: Thalidomide has demonstrated significant activity in both resistant and previously untreated multiple myeloma. Combination therapy with dexamethasone increases response rate, even in patients previously resistant to both drugs given as single agents. More recent studies of thalidomide with dexamethasone in previously untreated patients are highly encouraging. The addition of chemotherapy to thalidomide and dexamethasone may further increase response rates, but its effect on patient survival has not been clarified. Preliminary results of trials of IMiD-3 indicate that this agent is active in resistant myeloma and has a toxicity profile different from that of thalidomide. Conclusion: Many studies have confirmed the activity of thalidomide in MM, as well as an improved response with dexamethasone. Newer thalidomide derivatives with reduced toxicity (neuropathy, teratogenicity) are also promising. Thalidomide with dexamethasone may now represent the treatment of choice for previously untreated patients. Further studies with these and other novel agents early in the course of myeloma may improve complete remission rates and frequency of long-term control. © 2003 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

To evaluate the activity of thalidomide in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), 20 patients were treated on a dose schedule that escalated from 200 mg/d to 600 mg/d. On an intention-to-treat basis, five (25%) patients achieved a partial response, which was noted within 3 months of treatment. Adverse effects were common and prevented dose escalation of thalidomide in 75% of patients and led to premature discontinuation of treatment in 35%. We subsequently evaluated the oral combination of clarithromycin (500 mg twice per day), low-dose thalidomide (200 mg once daily), and dexamethasone (40 mg once per week). Our preliminary analysis on 12 previously treated patients indicate activity of this regimen in WM: three patients achieved a partial response and two patients demonstrated monoclonal protein reduction of greater than 25%. This combination was associated with a variety of side effects due not only to thalidomide, but also to corticosteroids and to clarithromycin. Our preliminary data indicate that this combination may be a useful salvage regimen for some patients with heavily pretreated macroglobulinemia. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fludarabine is an active agent for the treatment of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) and its combination with cyclophosphamide has been effective in many patients with low-grade lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Based on these data, we administered the combination of fludarabine (25 mg/m2 IV day 1-3) and cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2 IV day 1 - 3,) to 11 patients with WM. Most patients had features indicating poor prognosis including median age of 73 years (range 60-84 years), hemoglobin <100g/l in 73%, B2-microglobulin >3mg/l in 64%, symptomatic hyperviscosity in 55% of patients. Only 2 patients were previously untreated, 7 were primary refractory and 2 were relapsing on treatment. The fludarabine-cyclophosphamide combination (FC) was administered every 4 weeks for a total of four courses. Partial response, defined by at least 50% reduction of serum monoclonal protein and of tumor infiltrate at all involved sites was documented in 6 patients (55%) (The median time to response was 4 months). Responding patients demonstrated resolution of disease-related symptoms and correction of anemia. Median time to progression for all patients was 24 months. With a mean follow-up of 28 months, two of six responding patients have progressed so far. The probability of 2-year survival is 70%. This regimen was relatively well tolerated. Complications included neutropenia grade 3 or 4 in 3 patients and thrombocytopenia grade 3 or 4 in 2 patients. There were five infectious episodes including two episodes of neutropenic fever. We conclude that the FC combination appears to be active in patients with WM most of whom were resistant to treatment and had poor prognostic factors. The addition of rituximab to FC requires further investigation.

O-tert-Butyldimethylsilylimidazolyl aminals are N,O-acetals that form readily from aldehydes, and although they function as aldehyde stabilizing and protecting groups under various conditions, we report here that they react with organolithium reagents similarly to the parent aldehydes. The mechanism involves the intermediate formation of a 2-imidazolyl anion as is exemplified by the isolation of 2-TBDMS-imidazole. Substitution of the imidazolyl moiety at the 2-position renders these aldehyde derivatives stable to organolithium reagents, thus allowing for the tuning of their reactivity.

O-tert-Butyldimethylsilylimidazolyl aminals are N,O-acetals that form readily from aldehydes, and although they function as aldehyde stabilizing and protecting groups under various conditions, we report here that they react with organolithium reagents similarly to the parent aldehydes. The mechanism involves the intermediate formation of a 2-imidazolyl anion as is exemplified by the isolation of 2-TBDMS-imidazole. Substitution of the imidazolyl moiety at the 2-position renders these aldehyde derivatives stable to organolithium reagents, thus allowing for the tuning of their reactivity.

Background: We investigated the efficacy and safety of 2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin, etoposide and bleomycin (CEB 90) in patients with high-risk clinical stage I or stage IM non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT). Patients and Methods: A total of 52 consecutive patients (22 patients with high-risk histological features [vascular invasion, presence of embryonal carcinoma, absence of yolk sac tumour] and 30 with tumour marker activity post-orchidectomy-stage IM) were entered into this prospective study. Chemotherapy consisted of carboplatin 400mg/m 2 or AUC 5 (day 1), etoposide 165mg/m2 (days 1-3) and bleomycin 30 mg (days 1, 8, 15). Chemotherapy was repeated every 3 weeks. Results: During a median follow-up of 112 months (range, 10 to 174 months), two patients with stage IM relapsed. These cases had a disseminated, marker-positive germ cell tumour (GCT), extensively involving both liver and lungs in the first case and para-aortic lymph nodes and lung in the second one; both patients died of the tumour after a number of salvage chemotherapy (including high-dose therapy) regimens. Fifty patients (96%) are alive and disease-free. Two cycles of CEB90 were well tolerated and the only side-effects were myelotoxicity and alopecia. Conclusion: Despite the general consensus that ciplatin-based chemotherapy is superior to carboplatin-containing regimens in testicular cancer, 2 cycles of CEB 90 may be an equally effective treatment option as adjuvant therapy for high-risk clinical stage I and IM patients.