bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo‐induced cytomorphologic changes in an advanced cancer phase I clinical trial
Authors: Santana‐Blank Luis A. , Rodríguez‐Santana Elizabeth , Vargas Fernando , Santana‐Rodríguez Karin E.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of an Infrared Pulsed Laser Device (IPLD) photo‐induced significant cytomorphologic changes during the monitoring of advanced cancer patients participating in a phase I clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

Patients were irradiated with an IPLD (904 nm pulsed at 3 MHz) under a one‐dose, one‐schedule, and one‐procedure design. Total daily dose consisted of a Radiant Exposure of 4.5 × 105 J/m2. Thirty‐one tissue samples from eleven patients with progressive solid neoplastic diseases (TNM IV, UICC) were obtained at three intervals: Time 0 (15–90 days pre‐treatment, n = 11); Time I (2–5 months post‐treatment; n = 11); Time II (6–12 months post‐treatment, n = 09). Three blinded pathologists evaluated samples; scores were determined by consensus. Data were evaluated by using the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was α = 0.05.

Results

Increased apoptosis (Time I, P < 0.003; Time II, P < 0.007), necrosis (Time I, NS; Time II, P < 0.01), cytoplasmic vacuoles (Time I, P < 0.03; Time II, P < 0.02), and nuclear vacuoles (Time I, NS; Time II, P < 0.01), reduced cell size (Time I, P < 0.007; Time II, P < 0.01) and intercellular adhesion (Time I, P < 0.01; Time II, P < 0.02) were present in neoplastic cells after IPLD treatment. No apparent changes were noted in non‐neoplastic cells. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient between apoptosis, necrosis, nuclear vacuoles, cytoplasmatic vacuoles, intercellular adhesion, and cell size was positive and highly significant (P < 0.006).

Conclusions

Although further research is necessary, our preliminary results support the novel possibility that the IPLD photo‐induces chaotic dynamics that modulate complex physiologically reparative bioeffects. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:18–25, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
830‐nm irradiation increases the wound tensile strength in a diabetic murine model*
Authors: Stadler Istvan , Lanzafame Raymond J. , Evans Ryan , Narayan Vikram , Dailey Brian , Buehner Norene , Naim John O.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low‐power laser irradiation on wound healing in genetic diabetes.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Female C57BL/Ksj/db/db mice received 2 dorsal 1 cm full‐thickness incisions and laser irradiation (830 nm, 79 mW/cm2, 5.0 J/cm2/wound). Daily low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) occurred over 0–4 days, 3–7 days, or nonirradiated. On sacrifice at 11 or 23 days, wounds were excised, and tensile strengths were measured and standardized.

Results

Nontreated diabetic wound tensile strength was 0.77 ± 0.22 g/mm2 and 1.51 ± 0.13 g/mm2 at 11 and 23 days. After LLLT, over 0–4 days tensile strength was 1.15 ± 0.14 g/mm2 and 2.45 ± 0.29 g/mm2 (P = 0.0019). Higher tensile strength at 23 days occurred in the 3‐ to 7‐day group (2.72 ± 0.56 g/mm2 LLLT vs. 1.51 ± 0.13 g/mm2 nontreated; P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion

Low‐power laser irradiation at 830 nm significantly enhances cutaneous wound tensile strength in a murine diabetic model. Further investigation of the mechanism of LLLT in primary wound healing is warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:220–226, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microleakage of composite fillings in Er,Cr:YSGG laser‐prepared class II cavities
Authors: Gutknecht Norbert , Apel Christian , Schäfer Christine , Lampert Friedrich
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

If there is insufficient bonding to the enamel, the shrinkage of composites that occurs during polymerization can result in a gap between the filling material and the cavity wall. This gap permits the passage of bacteria or their metabolic products and also of various molecules and ions. This leads to hypersensitivity or secondary caries and is thus one of the causes of the failures encountered in composite restorations. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of the margins of composite fillings in Er,Cr:YSGG laser‐prepared cavities by means of dye penetration. The results were compared with those of restoration in conventionally prepared and conditioned cavities.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

To this end, 45 class II cavities in extracted molars were prepared. The teeth were divided into three groups. The first group served as a control group. The cavities were prepared in the classical manner by using a diamond, beveled and subsequently conditioned by the etching method. In group 2, the cavities were prepared and conditioned exclusively with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. In group 3, laser preparation was supplemented by conditioning of the cavity with phosphoric acid.

Results

No significant difference could be found between the classical preparation technique in combination with etching and the laser preparation method with supplementary etching (group 3). The degree of dye penetration was highest in the group undergoing laser‐prepared restoration without additional etching (group 2) (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.017).

Conclusions

Although it was found in previous studies that there is no significant difference between bond strength of acid etched enamel and Er,Cr:YSGG laser etched enamel, the dye penetration rate differs. On the basis of the results of our study, the additional use of etching after Er,Cr:YSGG laser preparation is recommended as it is used in the classical cavity preparation technique. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:371–374, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signal transduction pathways involved in low intensity He–Ne laser‐induced respiratory burst in bovine neutrophils: A potential mechanism of low intensity laser biostimulation
Authors: Duan Rui , Liu Timon Cheng‐Yi , Li Yan , Guo Hong , Yao Li‐Bo
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective:

Low intensity He–Ne laser irradiation has been reported to induce respiratory burst of neutrophils for a long time, but the mechanism remains obscure. We speculated that it is mediated by some signal transduction pathways.

Study Design/Materials and Methods:

The protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) inhibitor, genistein, the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U‐73122, and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin C, were used to probe signal transduction pathways of respiratory burst of bovine neutrophils which were induced by He–Ne laser at a dose of 300 J/m2, respectively.

Results:

The inhibitor of PTKs can completely inhibit the He–Ne laser‐induced respiratory burst of neutrophils. PLC and PKC inhibitors can obviously reduce it, but not fully inhibit it.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that PTKs play a key role in the He–Ne laser‐induced respiratory burst of neutrophils and [PTK–PLC–PKC–NADPH oxidase] signal transduction pathways may be involved in this process. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:174–178, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of taxonomic and goal‐derived product categorization in, within, and across category judgments
Authors: Felcher E. Marla , Malaviya Prashant , Mcgill Ann L.
Published: August 2002

Consumers can face two types of judgment and choice situations: They may be considering products that are classified in a single product category, or products that may belong to several different product categories. This article compares these within‐ and across‐category judgments on the basis of the distinction between taxonomic and goal‐derived categorization. The first study examines how products that belong to taxonomic and goal‐derived categories are represented in memory. The findings support the view that taxonomic categories differ from goal‐derived categories in terms of the ease with which the features shared between members of the category are accessible and the type of features that are used to represent the members. In turn, these differences influence consumer beliefs, judgments, and choice sets when consumers make within‐ and across‐category product comparisons. A second study examines how consumers' familiarity with consumption situations influences the construction of choice sets. Results indicate that as familiarity with consumption situations increases, consumers construct more narrowly defined, within‐category choice sets, whereas in less‐familiar situations consumers construct broader, across‐category choice sets. The implication of these findings on marketing action is discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Time, consumption, and the older consumer: An interpretive study of the cognitively young
Authors: Szmigin Isabelle , Carrigan Marylyn
Published: August 2002

This interpretive study of eight cognitively young older consumers explores how they perceive time, how they use their time, and how this affects their consumption activities. The authors review how time has been examined in consumer research and apply their findings to previous approaches to understanding time consumption. These cognitively young older consumers were found to be actively involved in the world, having a number of demands and obligations. They were still very much part of today's material world and had a strong future orientation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Resistance of primary cultured mouse hepatic tumor cells to cellular senescence despite expression of p16Ink4a, p19Arf, p53, and p21Waf1/Cip1
Authors: Obata Masahiko , Imamura Emi , Yoshida Yukinori , Goto Junichi , Kishibe Kan , Yasuda Atsumi , Ogawa Katsuhiro
Published: August 2002

Primary cultured mouse hepatic cells become senescent within a short period, although rare cells form colonies from which continuously proliferating cell lines can be established. In contrast, hepatic tumor (HT) cells show little senescence and higher colony‐forming capacity. To assess this difference, we investigated p16Ink4a/p19Arf/p53/p21Waf1/Cip1 expression in primary normal and HT cells, together with cell lines established from both. In primary normal cells, p16Ink4a/p19Arf were expressed only in association with senescence and disappeared at later stages of colony formation. In contrast, primary HT cells showed sustained p16Ink4a/p19Arf expression from the beginning. No p16Ink4a/p19Arf alterations, such as deletion, mutations, or hypermethylation, were detected in the primary HT cells, although most cell lines derived from either normal or HT cell colonies lost p16Ink4a or p19Arf expression owing to hypermethylation or homozygous deletion of p16Ink4a/p19Arf. On the other hand, primary normal and HT cells and most cell lines showed constitutively elevated expression of p53/p21Waf1/Cip1, with a further increment after ultraviolet ir‐radiation, indicating a functionally normal p53 pathway. These results indicate that primary HT cells are resistant to senescence despite retaining p16Ink4a/p19Arf/p53/p21Waf1/Cip1 expression and that loss of p16Ink4a/p19Arf function is associated only with establishment of the cell lines. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An evaluation of multi‐criteria methods in integrated assessment of climate policy
Authors: Bell Michelle L. , Hobbs Benjamin F. , Elliott Emily M. , Ellis Hugh , Robinson Zachary
Published: August 2002

Those who conduct integrated assessments (IAs) are aware of the need to explicitly consider multiple criteria and uncertainties when evaluating policies for preventing global warming. MCDM methods are potentially useful for understanding tradeoffs and evaluating risks associated with climate policy alternatives. A difficulty facing potential MCDM users is the wide range of different techniques that have been proposed, each with distinct advantages. Methods differ in terms of validity, ease of use, and appropriateness to the problem. Alternative methods also can yield strikingly different rankings of alternatives. A workshop was held in which climate change experts and policy makers evaluated the usefulness of MCDM for IA. Participants applied several methods in the context of a hypothetical greenhouse gas policy decision. Methods compared include value and utility functions, goal programming, ELECTRE, fuzzy sets, stochastic dominance, min max regret, and several weight selection methods. Ranges, rather than point estimates, were provided for some questions to incorporate imprecision regarding weights. Additionally, several visualization methods for both deterministic and uncertain cases were used and evaluated. Analysis of method results and participant feedback through questionnaires and discussion provide the basis for conclusions regarding the use of MCDM methods for climate change policy and IA analyses. Hypotheses are examined concerning predictive and convergent validity of methods, existence of splitting bias among experts, perceived ability of methods to aid decision‐making, and whether expressing imprecision can change ranking results. Because participants gained from viewing a problem from several perspectives and results from different methods often significantly differed, it appears worthwhile to apply several MCDM methods to increase user confidence and insight. The participants themselves recommended such multimethod approaches for policymaking. Yet they preferred the freedom of unaided decision‐making most of all, challenging the MCDM community to create transparent methods that permit maximum user control. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When (not) to indulge in ‘puffery’: the role of consumer expectations and brand goodwill in determining advertised and actual product quality
Authors: Kopalle Praveen K. , Assunção João L.
Published: August 2002

We analyze why some firms advertise product quality at a level different from the actual quality of a product. By considering the interacting effects of product quality and advertising, we develop a dynamic model of consumer expectations about product quality and the development of brand goodwill to determine the optimal values for the decision variables. The model parameters are determined based on prior literature and we use numerical techniques to arrive at the solution. We then derive conditions under which a firm will find it optimal to overstate or understate product quality. The results suggest that quality may be overstated in markets characterized by high price sensitivity, low quality sensitivity, low brand loyalty, and high source credibility, suggesting the need for vigilance on the part of consumers, upper level managers and regulatory authorities in such market conditions. This is important because current regulatory resources are insufficient to reduce deceptive advertising practices (Davis JJ. 1994. Ethics in advertising decision‐making: implications for reducing the incidence of deceptive advertising. Journal of Consumer Affairs 28: 380–402). Further, the law of deceptive advertising prohibits some advertising claims on the ground that they are likely to harm consumers or competitors (Preston IL, Richards JI. 1993. A role for consumer belief in FTC and Lanham Act deceptive advertising cases. American Business Law Journal 31: 1–29). Also, Nagler (1993. Rather bait than switch: deceptive advertising with bounded consumer rationality. Journal of Public Economics 51: 359–378) shows that deceptive advertising causes a net social welfare loss and a public policy effectively preventing deception will improve social welfare. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late‐onset axial jerky dystonia due to the DYT1 deletion
Authors: Chinnery Patrick F. , Reading Paul J. , McCarthy Emma L. , Curtis Ann , Burn David J.
Published: August 2002

We describe a 71‐year‐old woman who presented to the neurology department late in life with a jerky axial dystonia due to the DYT1 GAG deletion. She recalled that her symptoms began 62 years prior to study and remained unchanged for 40 years, illustrating the broad phenotype of DYT1 idiopathic torsion dystonia. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Thalamic stimulation for midbrain tremor after partial hemangioma resection
Authors: Pahwa Rajesh , Lyons Kelly E. , Kempf Lucas , Wilkinson Steven B. , Koller William C.
Published: August 2002

We describe a patient with disabling medication‐resistant midbrain tremor developed after partial hemangioma resection, who responded to deep brain stimulation of the thalamus. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Long‐term mortality results of the randomized controlled study comparing bromocriptine to which levodopa was later added with levodopa alone in previously untreated patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Desboeuf Karine , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Senard Jean‐Michel , Rascol Olivier , Brefel‐Courbon Christine
Published: August 2002

The present paper compares, in terms of mortality, two treatment regimens for Parkinson's disease (PD), i.e., bromocriptine later combined with levodopa versus levodopa only. Between 1982 and 1989, 60 PD patients (29 treated with levodopa alone [group D] and 31 receiving first bromocriptine followed by an association of bromocriptine + levodopa [group B/D]) were recruited. Data were updated in January 2000. Survival functions were estimated using Kaplan Meier product‐limit method and comparison between the two groups with the log‐rank test. Mortality was also compared with that of the general French population using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). The mean duration of follow‐up was 10.3 ± 3.0 years. Seventeen patients died during the follow‐up: nine in the group B/D and eight in the group D. The probability of survival at 10 years was 79.0% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.4–86.6] in group B/D and 72.9% [95% CI: 63.3–82.6] in group D. In comparison with the general French population, SMRs were not statistically different from 1, in the whole sample of PD patients (1.21, 95 % CI [0.71–1.95]), in group D (0.98 [0.42–1.93]), or in group B/D (1.53 [0.70–2.92]). In this population, we were unable to find any favourable effect of an early use of bromocriptine on mortality in PD in comparison with levodopa alone. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Altered movement trajectories and force control during object transport in Huntington's disease
Authors: Quinn L. , Reilmann R. , Marder K. , Gordon A.M.
Published: August 2002

Individuals with Huntington's Disease (HD) have difficulty grasping and transporting objects, however, the extent to which specific impairments affect their performance is unknown. The present study examined the kinematics and force coordination during transport of an object in 12 subjects with HD and 12 age‐matched controls. Subjects grasped an object between their thumb and index finger, transported it 25 cm forward, replaced and released it while their fingertip forces and the object's position were recorded. Five trials were performed with each of three weights (200 g, 400 g, and 800 g). While bradykinesia was evident in subjects with HD, this slowness was not consistently observed in all phases of the movement. The slowness of movement seen during the task appears to be due to impairments in sequencing and the movement strategies selected by the subjects. Compared to control subjects, subjects with HD produced highly curvilinear hand paths and more variable grip forces that were dependent on the weight of the object. Isometric force development and movement speed during transport were unaffected by the disease. The results suggest that prolonged task durations in subjects with HD are not necessarily due to slowness of movement, per se. These findings have clinical implications for understanding the task‐specific nature of movement impairments in HD and developing effective intervention strategies. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Deep brain stimulation of the internal pallidum did not improve chorea in a patient with neuro‐acanthocytosis
Authors: Wihl G. , Volkmann J. , Allert N. , Lehrke R. , Sturm V. , Freund H.‐J.
Published: August 2002

We report the failure of bilateral globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation to improve chorea in a patient with chorea‐acanthocytosis. Prior to this surgery the patient had experienced a striking but short lived amelioration of symptoms with clozapine therapy.
Home alone: Methods to maximize tic expression for objective videotape assessments in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Leurgans Sue , Chmura Teresa A.
Published: August 2002

Our objective was to test whether at‐home videotapes yield enhanced information on tics compared to office‐based videotapes and a patient questionnaire on the current anatomical distribution of tics. Ten subjects with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (age range 8–49 years) who were seen for initial evaluation completed a check list of anatomical areas currently affected with tics, and underwent a videotape examination according to the Rush Videotape Protocol. Each patient/family conducted the same protocol at home at the same time of day within 48 hours. We rated two tapes in random order using the modified published scoring method for the Rush Video‐based Tic Rating Scale. Two environments were compared, the doctor's office and at home, with videotapes taken in three conditions: patient engaged in relaxed conversation, patient quietly seated with filmer in the room, and patient quietly seated alone in the room. Data were analyzed using a 2‐factor repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

All patients provided excellent quality videotapes that could be scored without difficulty. Environment (office vs. home) and Condition (conversation, quiet with observer, quiet and alone) were both highly significant (P < .0001) and did not interact (P = .54). The highest tic scores for total tic impairment occurred at home with the patient alone (mean score 14.5), and the lowest yield occurred in the office with an observer present (mean score 5.4), the setting closest to the clinical neurological examination. The Home/Alone video segments revealed tics not otherwise seen. Patient questionnaires on body regions recorded more areas than observed in the office videotape, but patients were unaware of several tics captured on the Home/Alone segment.

Patients can produce videotapes for objective tic assessments. Because at‐home videotapes consistently yield higher tic expressions than in‐office films and capture tics that are not appreciated by patients, this methodology is well‐suited for enhanced retrieval of objective data on tic expression. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Fatigue in Parkinson's disease: a nine‐year follow‐up
Authors: Friedman J.H. , Friedman H.
Published: August 2002

Fatigue affects about 50% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and is frequently one of its most disabling aspects. It does not correlate with disease severity or duration but does correlate with depression. Fatigue and depression are distinct symptoms and fatigue often fails to respond to antidepressants. The natural history of fatigue in PD is unknown, as no longitudinal studies have been published. This report describes the follow‐up of subjects from our original study performed 9 years ago. Fatigue was a persistent problem for our subjects. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Poetic talent unmasked by treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schrag Anette , Trimble Michael
Published: August 2002

Parkinson's disease is typically characterised by loss of function and previous abilities, often accompanied by complications of treatment in later stages of the disease. We report on a patient who newly developed an artistic skill after starting treatment for Parkinson's disease. This case offers insight into the neurology of the artistic process as well as into the pathophysiology of psychiatric adverse reactions to the treatment of PD. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Multifactorial effects on the patency rates of forearm arterial repairs
Authors: Bacakoğlu Abdülkadir , Özkan Mustafa Hulusi , Coşkunol Erhan , Özdemir Oğuz , Ekin Ahmet
Published: August 2002

It is clear that the late clinical symptomatology and the patency of forearm arterial repairs have been contradictory. This study, during which the relationship between the symptomatology and patency has been studied, explores the influence of the local hemodynamic changes and the effect of microsurgical technique on patency rates. Thirty‐five patients with a total of 44 arterial injuries were treated. Hemodynamic studies were done intraoperatively, and all patients were evaluated postoperatively with a neurologic, vascular, clinical examination and by radiodiagnostic methods. An overall patency of 77.2% was found. Color‐Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) failed by 14.2% as compared with angiography, which did not fail. High blood pressure on the distal stump led to significantly reduced patency rates. Eight patients without nerve problems were found to be symptomatic as a result of the poor patency rate. Many factors are observed to influence patency rate. The nonpatent forearm artery can be symptomatic in anatomically and hemodynamically varied hands. CDU was more reliable for hemodynamic evaluation; conversely, angiography was more dependable for arterial morphology. The results of this study suggest that to correlate the clinical symptomatology and the patency rates, all arterial repairs should be assessed both clinically and radiodiagnostically. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:37–42 2001
End‐to‐side neurorrhaphy
Authors: Zhang Feng , Fischer Kenneth A.
Published: August 2002

End‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, a possible strategy for treating nerve lesions without useable proximal nerve stumps, has been experimentally and clinically investigated. In end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, three main elements should be considered: 1) the induction of axonal collateral sprouting in the donor nerve; 2) the ability of the collateral axons to pierce the different conjunctival layers, including the ability the donor nerve basal laminae, to reinnervate the recipient nerve; and 3) the functional plasticity and behavioral readjustment of single motoneurons that have eventually adopted new motor units. This article reviews the following areas of research and clinical investigation: animal models, axonal collateral sprouting from end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, effect of epineurotomy and perineurotomy on axon regeneration, motor reinnervation, and clinical trials. © 2002 Wiley Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:122–127 2002
Quasiclass‐F high‐efficiency power amplifier for wireless handset application using GaAs enhancement HJFET
Authors: Geng H. , Hasegawa Y.
Published: August 2002

A new linear high‐efficiency multichip module power amplifier (MCM PA) with 0.1 cm3 volume for TDMA cellular handset applications is developed using an E‐mode GaAs HJFET. Operating from a 3.5 V dc single‐polarity supply, the amplifier is targeted at a PAE of 55% for TDMA applications. The measured results indicate the attractiveness and advisability of the E‐mode GaAs HJFET used for cellular handset applications, and final output characteristics validate the proposed quasiclass‐F power amplifier design procedure. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 409–411, 2001.
Design and SPICE simulations of lossy and dispersive nonlinear transmission lines driven by a step‐like generator
Authors: Ferrari P. , Jrad A. , Tao J. W. , Duchamp J. M.
Published: August 2002

In this paper, a time‐domain method based on SPICE is presented for the simulation of nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) for shock‐wave generation in hybrid or monolithic technology. Attenuation due to skin‐effect losses, radiative losses, and coplanar waveguide transmission‐line dispersion are taken into account. Simulated results of a 95‐section NLTL excited by a 6 V and 16 ps fall time step‐like generator are shown. We show that the skin effect is the principal limitation when dealing with the output waveform minimum fall time. This demonstrates that the skin effect can no longer be neglected in the simulation process. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 17–21, 2002.
Dual‐band shorted patch antenna for dual ISM‐band application
Authors: Yeh Shih‐Huang , Fang Shyh‐Tirng , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: August 2002

A novel shorted patch antenna with a shorted parasitic patch for dual‐band operation is proposed. The upper and lower operating frequencies are, respectively, controlled by the driven and parasitic patches, which are both operated as a quarter‐wavelength structure in the proposed design. A prototype of the proposed design for achieving dual ISM‐band operation at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz has also been implemented. The constructed prototype occupies a small volume of 5×9×20 mm3, and good antenna gain for the two operating bands has been obtained. Details of the proposed design and the experimental results of the constructed prototype are presented. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 79–80, 2002.
Effects of high temperature on the electrical behavior of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Guhel Y. , Boudart B. , Hoel V. , Werquin M. , Gaquiere C. , De Jaeger J. C. , Poisson M. A. , Daumiller I. , Kohn E.
Published: August 2002

High‐temperature effects on the electrical behavior of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs have been evaluated. dc measurements have been performed for different illumination and temperature conditions. The unpassivated devices present a good ohmic contact technology up to 550 °C in air. These high‐temperature electrical measurements have also shown the existence of electrical traps. These traps are sensitive to the bias point, the illumination, and the temperature. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 4–6, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10355
Probe‐fed compact circular microstrip antenna for circular polarization
Authors: Chen Horng‐Dean , Chen Wen‐Shyang
Published: August 2002

A novel design of a probe‐fed circular microstrip antenna with a group of four slits inserted at the circular patch boundary for achieving compact circular polarization (CP) operation is presented. The proposed design can make its excited fundamental‐mode patch surface current path much longer than that in a conventional circular microstrip antenna with the same antenna size, which makes the present proposed design have a reduced antenna size at a given operating frequency. By further incorporating a pair of peripheral cuts in the circular patch, compact CP operation can easily be obtained using a probe feed. Results have been obtained showing that, for a given operating frequency, the antenna size reduction of the proposed design can be as large as 50%, as compared to the regular‐size circularly polarized circular microstrip antenna. Details of the proposed antenna designs are described, and experimental results of the obtained CP performance are presented and discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 52–54, 2001.
Art therapy as support for children with leukemia during painful procedures
Authors: Favara‐Scacco Cinzia , Smirne Giuseppina , Schilirò Gino , Di Cataldo Andrea
Published: August 2002

Background

Children with leukemia undergo painful procedures such as lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration. To overcome pain, certain units offer total anesthesia; others offer generic support; others offer no preparation at all. Since September, 1997, we have provided leukemic children with art therapy (AT), a nonverbal and creative modality that develops coping skills. Our goal is to prevent anxiety and fear during painful interventions as well as prolonged emotional distress.

Procedure

We treated 32 children aged 2–14 years. The modes of AT before, during, and after the punctures were as follows: clinical dialogue to calm children and help them cope with painful procedures; visual imagination to activate alternative thought processes and decrease the attention towards overwhelming reality and raise the peripheral sensitivity gate; medical play to clarify illness, eliminate doubts, and offer control over threatening reality; structured drawing to contain anxiety by offering a structured, predictable reality (the drawing) that was controllable by children; free drawing to allow children to externalize confusion and fears; and dramatization to help children accept and reconcile themselves to body changes.

Results

Children hospitalized before September, 1997, exhibited resistance and anxiety during and after painful procedures. By contrast, children provided with AT from the first hospitalization exhibited collaborative behavior. They or their parents asked for AT when the intervention had to be repeated. Parents declared themselves better able to manage the painful procedures when AT was offered.

Conclusions

AT was shown to be a useful intervention that can prevent permanent trauma and support children and parents during intrusive interventions. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:474–480, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia syndrome in neuroblastoma: Clinical outcome and antineuronal antibodies—a report from the children's cancer group study
Authors: Rudnick Emily , Khakoo Yasmin , Antunes Nuno L. , Seeger Robert C. , Brodeur Garrett M. , Shimada Hiroyuki , Gerbing Robert B. , Stram Daniel O. , Matthay Katherine K.
Published: August 2002

Background

Opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia (OMA) is a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome affecting 2–3% of children with neuroblastoma. Although children with OMA and neuroblastoma may have higher survival, many experience a significant amount of late neurologic impairment, which may be immunologically mediated. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of neuroblastoma patients with and without OMA, relating to prognostic factors, treatment, and the presence or absence of anti‐neuronal antibodies.

Procedure

Questionnaires were mailed out requesting information on the current neurologic status of patients who submitted sera at diagnosis to the Children's Cancer Group serum bank from 1980 to 1994. Information was requested on clinical and biological patient characteristics as well as clinical aspects of the patients identified as having OMA syndrome, including presentation and treatment for OMA, late sequelae of OMA, the presence or absence of antineuronal antibodies, and survival. Sera from 16 of the OMA patients and 48 case‐controls with neuroblastoma were assayed for anti‐neuronal antibodies.

Results

Of the 675 responses received, 21 patients had OMA. Ninety percent of OMA patients presented with non‐metastatic disease, vs. 35% of non‐OMA patients. Estimated 3‐year survival for the OMA patients with nonmetastatic disease (stage I, II, III) greater than 1 year of age was 100% vs. 77% for similar non‐OMA patients (P = 0.0222). At follow‐up, 14/19 evaluable OMA patients displayed some form of developmental or neurologic abnormality. There was no significant correlation of late sequelae with antineuronal antibodies, age, time between OMA symptoms and diagnosis, or treatment given for tumor or OMA. There was a significant correlation of late sequelae with lower stage disease (I and II) compared to more advanced disease (III and IV).

Conclusions

Patients with OMA and neuroblastoma have excellent survival but a high risk of neurologic sequelae. Favorable disease stage correlates with a higher risk for development of neurologic sequelae. The role of anti‐neuronal antibodies in late sequelae of OMA needs further clarification. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:612–622, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One‐dimensional pulse technique for detection of quaternary carbons
Authors: Gowda G. A. Nagana
Published: August 2002

A one‐dimensional pulse scheme employing pulsed field gradients for detecting only quaternary carbons is reported. This new scheme, referred to as PFG‐QCD (pulsed field gradient quaternary carbon detection), suppresses primary, secondary and tertiary (CH3, CH2 and CH) carbons very efficiently by creating their antiphase magnetization and then either dephasing the antiphase magnetization using pulsed field gradients or by the introduction of proton decoupling to the antiphase carbon magnetization. The experimental results of the new technique also demonstrate that mis‐setting of the parameters such as the τ delay and the pulse widths does not appreciably degrade the quality of the resultant spectrum. The proposed method provides spectra which are superior, in terms of suppression of unwanted protonated carbon signals, to the other editing methods and thus provides a useful alternative technique for routine applications. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total assignment of 1H and 13C NMR spectra of two 3,4‐secofriedelanes from Austroplenckia populnea
Authors: Vieira Filho S. A. , Duarte L. P. , Silva G. D. F. , Lula I. S. , dos Santos M. H.
Published: August 2002

Two new 3,4‐secofriedelanes, 3,4‐seco‐28‐hydroxyfriedelan‐3‐oic acid (1) and 3,4‐secofriedelan‐3‐oic acid (2), were isolated from the leaves of Austroplenckia populnea (Celastraceae). The structures were established by 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques (COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunization of female cynomolgus macaques with a synthetic epitope of sperm‐specific lactate dehydrogenase results in high antibody titers but does not reduce fertility
Authors: Tollner T.L. , Overstreet J.W. , Branciforte D. , Primakoff P.D.
Published: August 2002

Previous studies have reported reduced fertility in female baboons immunized with a synthetic peptide derived from the sperm‐specific isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH‐C). In this study, a similar approach was used to immunize female cynomolgus macaques with the same peptide sequence (bC5‐19) conjugated to a T‐cell epitope from tetanus toxin (TT). Twelve female monkeys were immunized with bC5‐19:TT delivered with Ribi MPL adjuvant vehicle, and 10 control female monkeys were injected with the adjuvant vehicle only. All 12 females in the treatment group developed LDH‐C‐specific serum antibodies as measured by ELISA, but anti‐LDH‐C antibodies were not detected in vaginal fluids of the immunized animals. After 4 months of timed mating immediately following the immunizations, five of the ten immunized females became pregnant, as did six of the ten control females. Anti‐sera from both pregnant and nonpregnant bC5‐19:TT‐immunized females recognize a single band at 35 kDa on Western blots of whole sperm extracts, and purified Igs from the same sera localize along the principle piece of the flagellum of permeabilized sperm. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 257–264, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heat shock proteins Hsp70‐1 and Hsp70‐3 Are necessary and sufficient to prevent arsenite‐induced dysmorphology in mouse embryos*
Authors: Hunter E. Sidney , Dix David J.
Published: August 2002

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) represent a variety of protein families that are induced by stressors such as heat and toxicants, and the induction of HSPs in the organogenesis stage rodent embryo is well established. It has been proposed that thermotolerance and chemotolerance result from expression of the HSPs. However, whether these proteins function to prevent dysmorphogenesis and which family members serve this function are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the specific ability of stress‐inducible Hsp70‐1 and Hsp70‐3 to prevent arsenite‐induced dysmorphology in the cultured mouse embryo using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function models. Loss of HSP function was accomplished by injecting antisense oligonucleotides directed against hsp70‐1 and hsp 70‐3 mRNAs into the amniotic cavity of cultured Day 9 mouse embryos. Suppression of hsp70‐1 and hsp70‐3 expression resulted in an up to six‐fold increase in the incidence of arsenite‐induced neural tube defects. Gain of HSP function was accomplished by microinjecting a transgene with a constitutive promotor driving expression of the hsp70‐1 coding region, and resulted in a decreased incidence of arsenite‐induced neural tube defects. These results indicate that Hsp70‐1 and Hsp70‐3 are both necessary and sufficient for preventing arsenite‐induced dysmorphology in early‐somite staged mouse embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:285–293, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of transgenic bovine embryos by transfer of transfected granulosa cells into enucleated oocytes
Authors: Arat Sezen , Rzucidlo S. Jacek , Gibbons John , Miyoshi Kazuchika , Stice Steven L.
Published: August 2002

Adult granulosa donor cells used in the nuclear transfer (NT) procedure can result in cloned cattle. Subsequently, it may be possible to use the same cell type to produce cloned transgenic cattle. Therefore, this study examined the effect of genetic manipulation and serum levels in culture of donor granulosa cells on developmental rates and cell number of bovine NT embryos. A primary cell line was established from granulosa cells collected by aspirating ovarian follicles. Cells transfected with a plasmid containing the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene, and non‐transfected cells were used for cloning between passage 10 and 15 as serum‐starved and serum‐fed donor cells. There were no significant differences (P > 0.1) in cleavage rates or development to the blastocyst stage for NT embryos from transfected (60.4 and 13.5%, respectively) or non‐transfected (61.9 and 14.1%, respectively) and serum‐starved (60.6 and 13.4%, respectively) or serum‐fed (61.3 and 14%, respectively) cells. Development rates to blastocyst stage of embryos produced using cells at passage 15 (27.1%) were significantly higher than those produced with cells at passage 10,11, and 13 (7, 11.5, and 14%, respectively, P < 0.05). Green fluorescence was observed at different intensity levels in all blastocyst stage embryos resulting from transfected donor cells. The results of the present study indicated that genetically modified granulosa cells can be used to produce transgenic NT embryos and primary transgenic adult cells at late passage may be more effective donor cells than earlier passaged cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 20–26, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific localization of transcription factors in the chromatin of mouse mature spermatozoa
Authors: Pittoggi Carmine , Magnano Anna Rosa , Sciamanna Ilaria , Giordano Roberto , Lorenzini Rodolfo , Spadafora Corrado
Published: August 2002

We previously characterized a nuclease‐hypersensitive fraction of mouse sperm chromatin, which is organized in a typical nucleosomal structure. A partial genomic library was constructed with the DNA from the nuclease‐hypersensitive chromatin, which revealed a high content in retroposon/retroviral DNA sequences. Here we report that the cloned nuclease‐hypersensitive DNA also contains clusters of potential sites for transcription factors: among those, binding sites for Oct‐1, Oct‐4, TBP, Ets‐1, and C/EBP are most abundant. This observation prompted us to ask whether mature spermatozoa contain the corresponding protein factors. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments show that all analyzed factors are indeed present in the sperm heads. Moreover, transcription factors are associated with the nuclease‐hypersensitive chromatin of spermatozoa, as endogenous nucleases that degrade the hypersensitive fraction also cause the concomitant release of transcription factors from sperm cells into the medium. Band‐shift assays with proteins extracted from the supernatant, and immunofluorescence analysis of sperm pellets, indicate that transcription factors are largely recovered in the supernatant while being absent or poorly retained in spermatozoa. The possible involvement of these factors in early embryogenesis is discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 97–106, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear transfer in cattle with non‐transfected and transfected fetal or cloned transgenic fetal and postnatal fibroblasts
Authors: Zakhartchenko Valeri , Mueller Sigrid , Alberio Ramiro , Schernthaner Wolfgang , Stojkovic Miodrag , Wenigerkind Hendrik , Wanke Rüdiger , Lassnig Caro , Mueller Mathias , Wolf Eckhard , Brem Gottfried
Published: August 2002

The efficiency of nuclear transfer (NT) using two primary cultures of fetal fibroblasts (FF1 and FF2) was compared vs. the same cultures transfected with an expression vector in which the bovine prochymosin coding sequence is placed under the control of the bovine αS1‐casein promoter (TFF1 and TFF2). In addition, fibroblasts of a cloned transgenic fetus (TRFF1) derived from TFF1 and ear skin fibroblasts of a 1‐month‐old cloned transgenic calf (TRCF1) derived from TRFF1 were used as nuclear donors. Embryos reconstructed from FF1 (44%) and FF2 (52%) developed to the blastocyst stage at a significantly (P < 0.05) higher rate than those derived from TFF1 (24%) and TFF2 (27%). The proportions of cleaved embryos and blastocysts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with TRFF1 than with TRCF1 used as nuclear donors (75 vs. 66% and 33 vs. 16%, respectively). Transfer of NT embryos derived from FF2 and TFF2 to recipients resulted in similar pregnancy rates on day 30 (52 and 48%, respectively). However, with TFF2 embryos, the majority of pregnancies (8/11; 73%) was lost in the first and second trimesters of gestation, whereas 4/11 (36%) pregnancies with FF2 embryos were lost during the full period of in vivo development. Of 11 FF2 and 6 TFF2 born calves (25 and 13% of transferred embryos, respectively), 6 and 3 survived including one oversized FF2 calf. After transfer of TRFF1 and TRCF1 NT embryos to recipients, initial pregnancy rate was as a tendency higher in the TRFF1 (49%) than in the TRCF1 group (30%). The majority (14/17) of TRFF1 pregnancies and all TRCF1 pregnancies were lost in the first and second trimester. A high proportion of TRFF1 calves (5/8) showed increased body weights, and only two calves which were also large survived. These findings demonstrate that (i) extended culture associated with transfection and selection procedures may induce changes of donor cells which markedly decrease the efficiency of nuclear transfer and (ii) these changes are not reversed by recloning. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60:362‐369, © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of sperm cryopreservation on sperm DNA stability and progeny development in rainbow trout
Authors: Labbe Catherine , Martoriati Alain , Devaux Alain , Maisse Gerard
Published: August 2002

This study was carried out to test how sperm cryopreservation affected nuclear DNA stability and whether progeny development was modified when eggs were fertilized with cryopreserved spermatozoa. The “comet assay” (alkaline single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay) was adapted to trout spermatozoa to estimate DNA stability as measured by alkali‐induced DNA strand break formation. Because trout eggs develop in water after fertilization (oviparous species) and that eggshell is easy to clear up after fixative treatment, progeny development was assessed from the blastodisc flattening stage of the embryos to the first feeding stage of the hatched fries by direct observation. All parameters under study were analyzed on each sperm and comparisons between parameters were made using paired data. Freeze–thawing of sperm slightly but significantly increased the percentage of nuclei showing altered DNA after comet assay. This increase was correlated to the decrease in fertilization rates of sperm, but the absolute percentage of altered nuclei was not predictive of the absolute fertilization ability of sperm. Assessment of progeny development showed that survival rate and abnormality rate obtained after fertilization with cryopreserved sperm were not different from those obtained with fresh sperm. It is concluded that trout sperm cryopreservation only slightly affected sperm DNA stability and that the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa did not impair offspring survival and quality. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60:397‐404, © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.