bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided analytical study of a novel de‐multiplexing scheme for SCM optical communication and an experimental scale‐model characterization
Authors: Kar Subal , Bhattacharya Mohua , Nakajima M.
Published: March 2003

Analytical study and computer‐aided characterization are conducted for a novel subcarrier demultiplexing scheme, in which a pair of light modulators excited at one of the subcarrier frequencies precede the optical detectors. The baseband signal included in one of the subcarriers is directly detected from the photodiodes. Immunity from subcarrier interference is an important advantage of the scheme. A low‐frequency scale model for this scheme has been experimentally investigated to characterize the performance of the proposed scheme. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 113–117, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10840
Study of an optical solution for the new 40‐m radiotelescope of the Centro Astronómico de Yebes
Authors: García E. , De Haro L. , López Fernández J. A. , Tercero F. , Galocha B. , Barcia A. , Besada J. L.
Published: March 2003

In this paper a solution for the focalization of the new 40‐m radiotelescope at the observatory of the Centro Astronómico de Yebes (CAY) in Guadalajara, Spain, is presented. Quasi‐optics theory is used in this paper for the propagation analysis of the beams through the different optics elements. The goal of this paper is to design an optical system that can focalize several bands in order to reduce to the minimum number of possible optic elements, and share the maximum number of them. Parameters for hyperbolic lenses and ellipsoidal mirrors, focal distances, and the feeder dimensions necessary for the focalization in each band are calculated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 121–123, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10842
A dual‐band shorted patch antenna proximity‐fed by a combined L‐ and T‐probe feed structure
Authors: Lau K. L. , Luk K. M. , Li P. , Lee K. F.
Published: March 2003

Measured results of a dual‐band shorted patch antenna excited by a combined L‐ and T‐probe feed structure are presented. By using foam layers of thickness ∼0.12λ1 and ∼0.06λ2 to support the patches that are responsible for the lower and upper bands, impedance bandwidths (SWR ≤ 2) of 54.4% and 49.1% have been obtained, respectively. The far‐field patterns are stable across the passband. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 127–129, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10844
TM scattering by a gap on a circular waveguide
Authors: Park Jong K. , Eom Hyo J.
Published: March 2003

A new method for the analysis of scattering by a circumferential gap on a conducting circular waveguide is presented. The method, based on the Fourier transform and mode‐matching techniques, yields a rapidly‐convergent series solution. Numerical results illustrate the effects of gap width and waveguide radius on radiation and scattering. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 146–148, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10850
Application of an optical fiber grating pressure sensor on a high‐speed‐train real‐time tracing system
Authors: Li Pei , Fengping Yan , Zhi Wang , Zhi Tong , Shuisheng Jian
Published: March 2003

A new kind of optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pressure sensor is introduced by using the wavelength encoding characteristic of FBG. This sensor combines a computer monitor with a series of FBGs of different wavelengths. The measurement time is 1 ms/point. It can be widely used on a real‐time tracing system for high‐speed trains, to obtain the train's parameters, such as position, velocity, acceleration, “out of joint,” etc. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 148–151, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10851
A study of compact microstrip resonant cells with applications in active circuits
Authors: Xue Q. , Liu Y. F. , Shum K. M. , Chan C. H.
Published: March 2003

Some novel compact microstrip resonant cells (CMRCs) are proposed and analyzed. With specific patterns etched on the microstrip line, these cells exhibit different characteristics of slow wave and bandstop. CMRCs are incorporated into a low‐current‐consumption transmitting/receiving (TX/RX) switch and a 4th‐subharmonically pumped mixer. The performance is greatly improved. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 158–162, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10854
Conformational studies of novel estrogen receptor ligands by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and computational methods
Authors: Sebag Albert B. , Hanson Robert N. , Forsyth David A. , Lee Choon Young
Published: March 2003

The solution conformations of the novel estrogen receptor ligands (17α,20E)‐(p‐trifluoromethylphenyl)vinylestradiol (1) and (17α,20E)‐(o‐trifluoromethylphenyl)vinylestradiol (2) were investigated in 2D and 1D NOESY studies and by comparison of 13C NMR chemical shifts with theoretical shieldings. The 1H and 13C assignments of 1 and 2 were determined by DEPT, COSY and HMQC experiments. The conformations of the 17α‐phenylvinyl substituents of 1 and 2 are of interest because of their differing receptor binding affinities and effects in in vivo uterotrophic growth assays. A statistical method of evaluating contributing conformers of 1 and 2 from predicted 13C shifts of possible structures correlated fairly well with conformational conclusions derived from the NOE data. The 17α substituents of 1 and 2 apparently exist in similar conformational equilibria, suggesting that while 1 and 2 would occupy a similar receptor volume, interactions with the protein may shift the equilibrium and thereby influence the expression of the ligand. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure elucidation of a novel ring‐constrained biaryl pyrazole CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist
Authors: Francisco Ma. Elena Y. , Burgess Jason P. , George Clifford , Bailey Gregory S. , Gilliam Anne F. , Seltzman Herbert H. , Thomas Brian F.
Published: March 2003

Upon irradiation with a 450 W high‐pressure mercury lamp, the CB1 cannabinoid antagonist N‐(piperidinyl)‐5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (SR14‐1716; 1) undergoes a photocyclization reaction to yield a single reaction product. This product, 2, the structure of which is based on a pyrazolo[1,5‐f]phenanthridine ring system, was established by two‐dimensional NMR techniques (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY), and was later confirmed by single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structure shows two independent molecules of 3 and a half molecule of the 1,2‐dichloroethane solvate. Compound 2 has reasonably high affinity for the CB1 receptor (Ki = 48.0 ± 2.7 nM). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging of spatially resolved acrylamide photopolymerization
Authors: Lees Tom J. , Balcom Bruce J.
Published: March 2003

Magnetic resonance imaging was employed to examine spatially and temporally resolved photopolymerization of acrylamide gels. Fast exchange between free and bound water results in single exponential T2 decay, where 1/T2 scales linearly with polymer concentration. Measured T2s are sensitive to the experimental conditions; however, the 1/T2 relationship to polymer concentration allows a straightforward interpretation of image contrast changes during photopolymerization. The polymer appears to form at a nearly constant rate until the monomer concentration is significantly depleted. Conventional spin‐echo images and quantitative CPMG‐weighted spin‐echo images were acquired. Photopolymerization of a partially masked sample produced a sharp transition (1 mm width) between polymer and monomer regions of the sample. The image intensity is uniform throughout the illuminated region of the sample, indicating uniform polymer formation. Interrupting the illumination quenches polymer formation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binding of immunoglobulin G antibodies in Guillain–Barré syndrome sera to a mixture of GM1 and a phospholipid: Possible clinical implications
Authors: Kusunoki Susumu , Morita Daiji , Ohminami Shinya , Hitoshi Seiji , Kanazawa Ichiro
Published: March 2003

Anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are frequently present in sera from patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). A previous report on a patient who had a neuropathy with immunoglobulin M (IgM) M‐protein binding to a conformational epitope formed by phosphatidic acid (PA) and gangliosides prompted us to investigate the binding of IgG antibodies in GBS sera to a mixture of GM1 and PA (GM1/PA). Of 121 GBS patients, 32 had anti‐GM1 IgG antibodies. All 32 also had antibody activity against GM1/PA. Twenty‐five (78%) of 32 patients had greater activity against GM1/PA than against GM1 alone. Twelve patients who had no anti‐GM1 IgG antibodies had IgG antibody activity against GM1/PA. No GBS patient had IgG antibody against PA alone. In contrast, two rabbit anti‐GM1 antisera had greater activity against GM1 alone than against GM1/PA. IgG antibody with greater binding activity against a mixture of GM1 and a phospholipid than against GM1 alone may have an important role in the pathogenesis of GBS and has implications for diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 27: 302–306, 2003
Skeletal muscle function and hypertrophy are diminished in old age
Authors: Degens Hans , Alway Stephen E.
Published: March 2003

Muscle loss occurs during aging. To investigate whether the hypertrophic response is attenuated at old age, we used male Fischer 344 (26 months old; n = 5) and Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats (6, 9, and 33 months old; n = 8, 10, and 6, respectively). Hypertrophy of the left plantaris muscle was induced by surgical denervation of its agonists. The right leg served as control. The mass and maximal tetanic force (P0) of control muscles declined by ∼30% between 9 and 26 months (P < 0.05). Fatigue resistance during intermittent isometric contractions was reduced by ∼60% at 33 months. At 33 months, the attenuated hypertrophy was accompanied by a decrease rather than an increase in P0. Yet, hypertrophy was accompanied by a 25% rise in fatigue resistance at all ages (P = 0.001). Thus, aging is associated with a decline in muscle mass and function. In addition, at advanced age, the hypertrophic response is reduced and a hypertrophic stimulus even aggravates the age‐associated muscle weakening. Muscle Nerve 27: 339–347, 2003
Effect of changing data collection parameters on statistical motor unit number estimates
Authors: Henderson Robert D. , McClelland Robyn , Daube Jasper R.
Published: March 2003

The effect of number of samples and selection of data for analysis on the calculation of surface motor unit potential (SMUP) size in the statistical method of motor unit number estimates (MUNE) was determined in 10 normal subjects and 10 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We recorded 500 sequential compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) at three different stable stimulus intensities (10–50% of maximal CMAP). Estimated mean SMUP sizes were calculated using Poisson statistical assumptions from the variance of 500 sequential CMAP obtained at each stimulus intensity. The results with the 500 data points were compared with smaller subsets from the same data set. The results using a range of 50–80% of the 500 data points were compared with the full 500. The effect of restricting analysis to data between 5–20% of the CMAP and to standard deviation limits was also assessed. No differences in mean SMUP size were found with stimulus intensity or use of different ranges of data. Consistency was improved with a greater sample number. Data within 5% of CMAP size gave both increased consistency and reduced mean SMUP size in many subjects, but excluded valid responses present at that stimulus intensity. These changes were more prominent in ALS patients in whom the presence of isolated SMUP responses was a striking difference from normal subjects. Noise, spurious data, and large SMUP limited the Poisson assumptions. When these factors are considered, consistent statistical MUNE can be calculated from a continuous sequence of data points. A 2 to 2.5 SD or 10% window are reasonable methods of limiting data for analysis. Muscle Nerve 27: 320–331, 2003
Randomized controlled trial of strength training in post‐polio patients
Authors: Chan K. Ming , Amirjani Nasim , Sumrain Mae , Clarke Anita , Strohschein Fay J.
Published: March 2003

Many post‐polio patients develop new muscle weakness decades after the initial illness. However, its mechanism and treatment are controversial. The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that: (1) after strength training, post‐polio patients show strength improvement comparable to that seen in the healthy elderly; (2) such training does not have a deleterious effect on motor unit (MU) survival; and (3) part of the strength improvement is due to an increase in voluntary motor drive. After baseline measures including maximum voluntary contraction force, voluntary activation index, motor unit number estimate, and the tetanic tension of the thumb muscles had been determined, 10 post‐polio patients with hand involvement were randomized to either the training or control group. The progressive resistance training program consisted of three sets of eight isometric contractions, three times weekly for 12 weeks. Seven healthy elderly were also randomized and trained in a similar manner. Changes in the baseline parameters were monitored once every 4 weeks throughout the training period. The trained post‐polio patients showed a significant improvement in their strength (P < 0.05). The magnitude of gain was greater than that seen in the healthy elderly (mean ± SE, 41 ± 16% vs. 29 ± 8%). The training did not adversely affect MU survival and the improvement was largely attributable to an increase in voluntary motor drive. We therefore conclude that moderate intensity strength training is safe and effective in post‐polio patients. Muscle Nerve 27: 332–338, 2003
Acute compartment syndrome of the leg following diagnostic electromyography
Authors: Farrell Christopher M. , Rubin Devon I. , Haidukewych George J.
Published: March 2003

Acute compartment syndrome of the lower extremity is typically associated with some form of trauma, either fracture or blunt injury. Accurate diagnosis and urgent treatment of this condition is required for preservation of the viability of the limb. We report the case of a 73‐year‐old man who developed an acute compartment syndrome of the leg after diagnostic electromyography. Potential causes and treatment are discussed. Muscle Nerve 27: 374–377, 2003
Diagnostic utility of a modified forearm ischemic exercise test and technical issues relevant to exercise testing
Authors: Tarnopolsky Mark , Stevens Leslie , Macdonald Jay R. , Rodriguez Christine , Mahoney Douglas , Rush Jim , Maguire John
Published: March 2003

The sensitivity and specificity of a modified forearm ischemic test (FIT) are described in the diagnosis of glycogen storage disease, myoadenylate deaminase deficiency, and mitochondrial disease. FIT and muscle biopsy results were reviewed from 99 patients (glycogen storage disease [GSD], myoadenylate deaminase deficiency [AMPD], mitochondrial disease [MITO], miscellaneous neuromuscular disorders, and controls). The influence of catheter placement and an antecedent sugar bolus were also assessed in healthy young men. The FIT had a sensitivity of 1.00 and a specificity of 1.00 for a diagnosis of GSD, whereas the corresponding values were 1.00 and 0.37 for AMPD deficiency. A baseline lactate of >2.5 mmol/L provided the highest sensitivity (0.62) and specificity (1.00) for MITO disease. A baseline and +1 min sample provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for GSD and AMPD deficiency. Catheter placement in any vein other than the ipsilateral antecubital resulted in attenuated lactate responses (P < 0.0001). A pre‐FIT sugar bolus did not alter the postexercise lactate or ammonia response. Thus, a modified FIT was helpful in the diagnosis of GSD and excluding AMPD deficiency, but not in the diagnosis of MITO disease. Catheter placement is critical to the interpretation of a FIT, whereas pretesting diet is less important. Muscle Nerve 27: 359–366, 2003
Literature review: Nervepace digital electroneurometer in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: David William S. , Chaudhry Vinay , Dubin Andrew H. , Shields Robert W.
Published: March 2003

Over the last two decades, several diagnostic devices have been developed to assess patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). One such device is the Nervepace Digital Electroneurometer (NDE). At this time, however, the AAEM concludes that the current literature does not support the substitution of the NDE for standard electrodiagnostic studies in the clinical evaluation of patients with CTS. Muscle Nerve 27: 378–385, 2003
Numerical investigations of shear localization in a micro‐polar hypoplastic material
Authors: Huang Wenxiong , Bauer Erich
Published: March 2003

In this paper a micro‐polar continuum approach is proposed to model the essential properties of cohesionless granular materials like sand. The model takes into account the influence of particle rotations, the mean grain size, the void ratio, the stresses and couple stresses. The constitutive equations for the stresses and couple stresses are incrementally non‐linear and based on the concept of hypoplasticity. For plane strain problems the implementation of the model in a finite element program is described. Numerical studies of the evolution of micro‐polar effects within a granular strip under plane shearing are presented. It is shown that the location and evolution of shear localization is strongly influenced by the initial state and the micro‐polar boundary conditions. For large shearing the state quantities tend towards a stationary state for which a certain coupling between the norm of the stress deviator and the norm of the couple stress tensor can be derived. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taste, movement, and death: Varying effects of new prospero mutants during Drosophila development
Authors: Grosjean Yaël , Lacaille Fabien , Acebes Angel , Clemencet Johanna , Ferveur Jean‐François
Published: March 2003

The PGal4 transposon inserted upstream of the pan‐neural gene prospero (pros) causes several neural and behavioral defects in the Voila1 strain. The precise excision of the transposon simultaneously rescued all these defects whereas its unprecise excision created new prosV alleles, including the null allele prosV17. Here, we describe the relationship between the genetic structure of pros locus, larval locomotion, and larval gustatory response. These two behaviors showed varying degrees of variation depending upon the pros allele. We also found a good relation between behavioral alteration, the level of Pros protein in the embryo, and the degree of disorganization in the larval neuromuscular junction. These data suggest that the complete development of the nervous system requires a full complement of Pros, and that a gradual decrease in the levels of this protein can proportionally alter the development and the function of the nervous system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 1–13, 2003
Multiscale preconditioning for the coupling of FEM–BEM
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut , Paiva Freddy , Pérez Cristian , Schneider Reinhold
Published: March 2003

We apply multiscale methods to the coupling of finite and boundary element methods to solve an exterior two‐dimensional Laplacian. The matrices belonging to the boundary terms of the coupled FEM–BEM system are compressed by using biorthogonal wavelet bases developed from A. Cohen, I. Daubechies and J.‐C. Feauveau (Comm. Proc. Appl. Math. 1992; 45:485). The coupling yields a linear equation system which corresponds to a saddle point problem. As favourable solver, the Bramble–Pasciak–CG (Math. Comp. 1988; 50:1) is utilized. A suitable preconditioner is developed by combining the BPX (Math. Comp. 1990; 55:1) with the wavelet preconditioning (Numer. Math. 1992; 63:315). Through numerical experiments we provide results which corroborate the theory of the present paper. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arbitrary placement of local meshes in a global mesh by the interface‐element method (IEM)
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Gyu
Published: March 2003

A new method is proposed to place local meshes in a global mesh with the aid of the interface‐element method (IEM). The interface‐elements use moving least‐square (MLS)‐based shape functions to join partitioned finite‐element domains with non‐matching interfaces. The supports of nodes are defined to satisfy the continuity condition on the interfaces by introducing pseudonodes on the boundaries of interface regions. Particularly, the weight functions of nodes on the boundaries of interface regions span only neighbouring nodes, ensuring that the resulting shape functions are identical to those of adjoining finite‐elements. The completeness of the shape functions of the interface‐elements up to the order of basis provides a reasonable transfer of strain fields through the non‐matching interfaces between partitioned domains. Taking these great advantages of the IEM, local meshes can be easily inserted at arbitrary places in a global mesh. Several numerical examples show the effectiveness of this technique for modelling of local regions in a global domain. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational model for impact failure with shear‐induced dilatancy
Authors: Chen Z. , Feng R. , Xin X. , Shen L.
Published: March 2003

It has been observed in plate impact experiments that some brittle solids may undergo elastic deformation at the shock wave front, and fail catastrophically at a later time when they are shocked near but below the apparent Hugoniot elastic limit. Because this phenomenon appears to have features different from those of usual inelastic waves, it has been interpreted as the failure wave. To design an effective numerical procedure for simulating impact failure responses, a three‐dimensional computational damage model is developed in this paper. The propagation of the failure wave behind the elastic shock wave is described by a non‐linear diffusion equation. Macroscopic shear‐induced dilatancy is assumed and treated as a one‐to‐one measure of the mean intensity of microcracking. The damage evolution in time is determined based on the assumption that the deviatoric strain energy in the elastically compressed material (undamaged) is converted, through the damaging process, into the volumetric potential energy in the comminuted and dilated material. For the ease in large‐scale simulations, the coupled damage diffusion equation and the stress wave equation are solved via a staggered manner in a single computational domain. Numerical solutions by using both the finite element method and the material point method, i.e. with and without a rigid mesh connectivity, are presented and compared with the experimental data available. It is shown that the model simulations capture the essential features of the failure wave phenomenon observed in shock glasses, and that the numerical solutions for localized failure are not mesh‐dependent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on finite elements for capturing strong discontinuities
Authors: Oliver J. , Huespe A. E. , Samaniego E.
Published: March 2003

The work focuses on the presently existing families of finite elements with embedded discontinuities and explores the possibilities of obtaining symmetric statically consistent finite elements that alleviate the stress‐locking problem. For this purpose, mixed (reduced integration) and assumed enhanced strain techniques are applied to the basic symmetric four‐noded element. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social accounting for nonprofits: Two models
Authors: Richmond Betty Jane , Mook Laurie , Jack Quarter
Published: March 2003

After giving an overview of the development of social accounting, this article presents two models of social
accounting for nonprofits: the community social return on investment model and the expanded value‐added
statement. The discussion focuses on the process for establishing a comparative market value for nonmarket social
outputs. The authors discuss these models and the comparative market value in relation to social accounting, an
academic field that has evolved as part of a critique of financial accounting, especially its failure to analyze
the impact of the organization on society and the natural environment. For the most part, scholars have not
related social accounting to nonprofits. This article attempts to draw nonprofits into the field of social
accounting. Both models address the social impact of nonprofits by including social inputs and outputs that
accounting statements normally exclude.
Fundraising and strategic focus
Authors: Bush Richard
Published: March 2003

The Five Strategies for Fundraising Success: A Mission‐Based Guide to Achieving Your Goals, by
Mal Warwick. San Francisco: Jossey‐Bass, 2000. 293 pp. $30.00 cloth.
Florid prion protein (PrP) plaques in patients with variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) are spatially related to blood vessels
Authors: Armstrong R.A. , Cairns N.J. , Ironside J.W. , Lantos P.L.
Published: March 2003

This study tested the hypothesis that variations in the density of the florid prion protein (PrP) plaques in the brain of patients with variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) were spatially related to blood vessels. In 81% of areas of the cerebral cortex sampled and in 37% of the remaining areas, which included the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum, there was a positive spatial correlation between the density of the florid plaques and the larger blood vessel profiles. The frequency of the positive spatial correlations was similar in different anatomical areas of the cerebral cortex and in the upper compared with the lower cortical laminae. The data support the hypothesis that the florid plaques cluster around the larger blood vessels in vCJD, the density of associated plaques increasing with vessel size. The development of florid plaques close to blood vessels may be due to factors associated with the blood vessels that enhance the aggregation of PrP to form the dense cores of florid plaques and is unlikely to reflect the haematogenous spread of PrP into the brain.
Investigations of nonstandard, Mickens‐type, finite‐difference schemes for singular boundary value problems in cylindrical or spherical coordinates
Authors: Buckmire Ron
Published: March 2003

It is well known that standard finite‐difference schemes for singular boundary value problems involving the Laplacian have difficulty capturing the singular (𝒪(1/r) or 𝒪(log r)) behavior of the solution near the origin (r = 0). New nonstandard finite‐difference schemes that can capture this behavior exactly for certain singular boundary value problems encountered in theoretical aerodynamics are presented here. These schemes are special cases of nonstandard finite differences which have been extensively researched by Professor Ronald E. Mickens of Clark Atlanta University in their most general form. Several examples of these “Mickens‐type” finite differences that illustrate both their accuracy and utility for singular boundary value problems in both cylindrical and spherical co‐ordinates are investigated. The numerical results generated by the Mickens‐type schemes are compared favorably with solutions obtained from standard finite‐difference schemes. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 19: 380–398, 2003.
Evaluating the effectiveness of policies related to drunk driving
Authors: Eisenberg Daniel
Published: March 2003

New findings are presented on the effectiveness (in terms of fatal crash reductions) of state‐level public policies related to drunk driving. Conventional estimates of policy effects might be biased because of the endogeneity of policies; this concern is addressed by analyzing the time pattern of policy effects with respect to the date of adoption. For the 0.08 BAC law, the results suggest that a bias upward exists, but the policy is still somewhat effective. Graduated licensing programs for young drivers and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization are also evaluated for the first time in this type of analysis. The estimated time pattern of effects for graduated licensing suggest that its effects are also overstated in conventional analyses, but the policy is still effective for young drivers. The estimates for MADD do not imply an effect, but this result could be due to the crudeness of the variable used. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
The haematopoietic specific signal transducer Vav1 is expressed in a subset of human neuroblastomas
Authors: Hornstein Idit , Pikarsky Eli , Groysman Maya , Amir Gail , Peylan‐Ramu Nili , Katzav Shulamit
Published: March 2003

Vav1 is a signal transducer protein expressed exclusively in the haematopoietic system, where it plays a pivotal role in growth factor‐induced differentiation and proliferation. Vav1 couples tyrosine kinase signals with the activation of the Rho/Rac GTPases, leading to cell differentiation and/or proliferation. Vav1 was originally detected as an oncogene, but its involvement in human malignancies has not been reported thus far. We report here that Vav1 is expressed in a neuroblastoma cell line, SK‐N‐MC. Molecular analysis indicated that there are no gross rearrangements or mutations in the Vav1 gene in SK‐N‐MC cells. Vav1 protein from SK‐N‐MC cells was similar to wild‐type Vav1 in apparent molecular weight, phosphorylation state, and ability to associate with active EGFR. We also analysed the expression of Vav1 in 42 specimens of human neuroblastoma. Vav1 was expressed in the majority of these tumours. Our results suggest that Vav1 may play a role in the neoplastic process in a subset of neuroblastomas. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐ and high‐risk CIN 1 and 2 lesions: prospective predictive value of grade, HPV, and Ki‐67 immuno‐quantitative variables
Authors: Kruse Arnold‐Jan , Baak Jan P A , Janssen Emiel A , Bol Marco G W , Kjellevold Kjell‐Henning , Fianne Bernt , Lovslett Kjell , Bergh Johan
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate in small cervical biopsies (non‐cone, non‐large loop excision of the transformation zone, LLETZ) the prognostic value of both routinely assessed and reviewed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 1 and 2, oncogenic human papillomavirus (onco‐HPV) DNA (HPV status) and Ki‐67 immuno‐quantitative features for the prediction of progression. In biopsies from 44 CIN patients (the learning set), subjective CIN grade, onco‐HPV by PCR, and Ki‐67 immuno‐quantitative features were assessed. We followed development of the lesions by colposcopy and cytology, but the final endpoint was the histological grade (again in small biopsies). The outcome was defined as progression (histological (CIN 1 to (CIN 2 or 3)) or CIN 2 to CIN 3) or not (all other cases). Single and multivariate (Cox regression) and survival analyses were applied. The resulting predictive combination of quantitative features was then applied to a new test set of 35 consecutive CIN 2 (small) biopsies followed by large (cone or LLETZ) biopsies. In the learning set, mean follow‐up of non‐progression cases was 18.8 months (range 4.7–35.9), and of progression cases 13.1 months (range 6.4–32.9) (p = 0.18). Five cases progressed (11%). Of the 16 CIN 1 and 28 CIN 2 lesions, 31 cases (70%) were onco‐HPV positive (5 of the CIN 1 and 26 of the CIN 2). The age of women with progression or not did not differ (p = 0.68). All 5 progression cases were CIN 2 (on review, one of these was reclassified as CIN 1), and positive for onco‐HPV. Cox regression analysis showed that the percentage of Ki‐67‐positive cells located in the middle third layer of the epithelium (MIDTHIRD) and the 90th percentile of the stratification index (SI90) was the best combination to predict progression (log rank = 5.1, p = 0.02). Furthermore, sensitivity (100%), specificity (56%), positive predictive value (23%), negative predictive value (100%), and overall percentage correctly classified cases (61%) of this Ki‐67 combination were higher than that of subjective CIN grade or HPV status, either single or combined (both for routine and review CIN grades). Adding CIN grade or HPV status did not improve the Ki‐67 prognostic results. Application of the prognostic Ki‐67 combination to the test set of 35 small biopsies followed by large (cone or LLETZ biopsies) gave comparable results. Analyses on homogeneous subgroups (CIN 2 only, onco‐HPV+ only, or CIN2/onco‐HPV+ only) gave similar results. In conclusion, Ki‐67 immuno‐quantitation of small biopsies showing CIN 1 or CIN 2 has strong independent prognostic value for progression. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of either gastric or intestinal phenotype in microscopic differentiated gastric carcinomas
Authors: Kawachi Hiroshi , Takizawa Touichiro , Eishi Yoshinobu , Shimizu Shinichiro , Kumagai Jiro , Funata Nobuaki , Koike Morio
Published: March 2003

Differentiated gastric carcinoma (DGC) corresponds roughly to the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma described by Laurén. It has been suggested that DGCs arise from intestinalized gastric mucosa, but recent findings regarding their mucin expression do not support this hypothesis. To evaluate the histogenetic relationship between DGCs and intestinal metaplasia, lesions that are as small as possible should be examined. Twenty‐five DGCs, ranging in their greatest dimension from 0.4 to 2.7 mm, were collected and divided into two groups by size. Group A consisted of 13 lesions less than 1.4 mm across, and group B of 12 lesions 1.4 mm or more. The presence of mucin and a brush border was assessed by immunostaining with antibodies against human gastric mucin, pyloric‐gland‐type mucin, Muc‐2 glycoprotein, and CD10 antigen, and the lesions were classified as having the gastric phenotype (G‐type), intestinal phenotype (I‐type), mixed gastric and intestinal phenotype (M‐type), or null phenotype (N‐type). Thirteen (52%) of the 25 lesions were N‐type, 5 (20%) lesions were G‐type, 5 (20%) were I‐type, and 2 (8%) were M‐type. Group A had a larger proportion of N‐type lesions than B (10/13, or 77%, vs. 3/12, or 25%; p = 0.027, chi‐square test for proportions). Group B had a larger proportion of G‐type lesions than A (5/12, or 42%, vs. 0/13, or 0%; p = 0.033). The phenotypes of the carcinomas and their surrounding mucosa were unrelated. Therefore, DGCs may arise from gastric mucosa affected by intestinal metaplasia or not, without having either the gastric or intestinal phenotype. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fungale Pathogene: Was passiert bei Pilzinfektionen auf molekularer Ebene?
Authors: Borg‐von Zepelin Margarete , Monod Michel
Published: March 2003

In den letzten Jahren haben potenzielle Virulenzfaktoren bei den in unseren Breiten häufig vorkommenden Pilzspezies, Candida und Aspergillus, sowie bei den Dermatophyten Interesse erlangt. Durch die neuen molekularbiologischen Werkzeuge lassen sich zudem bessere Aussagen über den Einfluss auf die Virulenz treffen. Bei den Hefen der Gattung Candida wurden eine Reihe von Faktoren identifiziert, die eine Bedeutung bei der jeweiligen Ausprägung der Erkrankung haben könnten. Dies sind der Dimorphismus der Hefen, verschiedene Adhärenzproteine sowie eine Reihe sekretorischer Hydrolasen. Mit Hilfe von sog. Defektmutantenstämmen konnte eine Beteiligung an der Virulenz nachgewiesen werden. Die sekretorischen Aspartatproteasen bieten zudem einen verheißungsvollen therapeutischen Ansatzpunkt.

Auch bei der Spezies Aspergillus sind bereits eine Reihe von Faktoren für eine Beteiligung an der Virulenz diskutiert worden. Hierzu zählen Adhäsine, Pigmente, toxische Substanzen und drei Proteasen sowie Katalasen und Superoxiddismutasen. Mit Ausnahme des Pigments Melanin konnte jedoch bislang bei keinem der postulierten Faktoren mit der Hilfe von Mutantenstämmen der Nachweis der Virulenz erbracht werden.

Die Dermatophyten zeichnen sich durch die Fähigkeit aus, in keratinisierte Gewebe von Mensch und Tier (Haut, Haar, Nägel) einzudringen. Die betroffenen Patienten sind dabei in der Regel nicht immunsupprimiert. Hier ist es naheliegend, dass eine Vielzahl verschiedener Enzyme an diesem Infektionsprozess beteiligt ist. Das Wissen über Virulenzfaktoren ist bei dieser Gruppe von Pilzen noch gering. Bei Microsporoncanis wurden bislang zwei Proteasen charakterisiert und sequenziert. Hier stehen jedoch molekularbiologische Untersuchungen zur Beteiligung an der Virulenz noch aus.
Resistenzen und Resistenzmechanismen: Wie „entkommen”︁ Pilze der Therapie?
Authors: Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: March 2003

Pathogene Pilze haben Mechanismen entwickelt, um gegen die Medikamente, die gegen invasive Pilzinfektionen verfügbar sind, resistent zu werden. Am wichtigsten sind hierbei Veränderungen der Zielstrukturen, die zu einer reduzierten Bindung der Antimykotika führen, und das aktive Ausschleusen der Substanzen aus der Zelle durch Effluxpumpen. Die bei Bakterien häufige enzymatische Inaktivierung von Antibiotika spielt bei der Resistenzentwicklung von Pilzen dagegen offensichtlich keine Rolle, und eine Ausbreitung von Resistenzen durch horizontalen Gentransfer wurde für klinisch relevante Pilze bisher ebenfalls nicht beschrieben. Dennoch ist die Resistenzentwicklung bei pathogenen Pilzen zu einem wichtigen Problem geworden, dem auch in Zukunft durch die Entwicklung neuer Antimykotika mit unterschiedlicher Wirkungsweise begegnet werden muss.
Mild fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly as a prenatal sonographic marker for Kartagener syndrome
Authors: Wessels Marja W. , den Hollander Nicolette S. , Willems Patrick J.
Published: March 2003

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), also referred to as immotile‐cilia syndrome or Kartagener syndrome, is a group of genetic disorders caused by defective cilia leading to chronic sinupulmonary infection, situs inversus and reduced fertility. Some PCD patients also have cerebral ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus.

We report here two fetuses and one newborn with mild cerebral ventriculomegaly and a suspected and/or confirmed diagnosis of PCD. These cases demonstrate that mild fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly can be a prenatal sonographic marker of PCD, certainly in fetuses with situs inversus or a history of a previous sib with PCD. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of cortical gyrus and sulcus formation using MR images in normal fetuses
Authors: Abe Seiji , Takagi Kenjiro , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Okuhata Yoshitaka , Kato Toshinori
Published: March 2003

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate the development of the gyrus and sulcus formation in normal fetuses on the basis of the neuroanatomical findings using MR images in relation to gestational age.

Methods

The MR images were obtained from 109 normal fetuses from 18 to 39 weeks of gestation with no neurological problems. The MR images were classified into 8 stages of development for the gyrus and sulcus formation in the frontal and temporal lobes on the basis of the neuroanatomical findings reported by Chi et al. (1977) and Dorovini‐Zis and Dolman (1977). We examined retrospectively the relationship between our classification and gestational age in comparison with the five‐stage classification proposed by McArdle et al. (1987).

Results

There were significant differences in the gestational age among the 8 groups (P < 0.001). Multiple comparison of individual groups revealed significant differences in the gestational age among the groups (P < 0.05). Images from 28 to 34 weeks of gestation were classified into 4 stages in our classification, while being covered by one stage in McArdle's classification.

Conclusion

Our classification is useful for the assessment of fetal cerebral maturation during the third trimester of pregnancy and may contribute to the prenatal diagnosis of developmental delay of the gyrus and sulcus formation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated pericardial effusion in the human fetus: a report of three cases
Authors: Azancot A. , Diehl R. , Dorgeret S. , Sebag G. , Baumann C. , Vuillard E. , Machado L. , Luton D. , Oury J. F.
Published: March 2003

Objective

Our objective was to determine the possible underlying etiologies and outcome in isolated fetal pericardial effusion.

Methods

Doppler fetal echocardiography allowed the diagnosis of pericardial effusion in three patients and revealed the etiology in two.

Results

We present the findings in three cases of isolated pericardial effusion. In the first, the pericardial effusion was a manifestation of trisomy 21 associated with a myeloproliferative disorder. In the second, the pericardial fluid collection was the first sign of an autosomal recessive disease, idiopathic infantile arterial calcification.The third case was remarkable because of the spontaneous resolution of a large pericardial fluid collection.

Conclusion

Isolated fetal pericardial effusion covers a wide spectrum of etiologies from severe genetic and chromosomal diseases to transient forms. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and targeted application of a rapid QF‐PCR test for sex chromosome imbalance
Authors: Donaghue Celia , Roberts Angharad , Mann Kathy , Ogilvie Caroline Mackie
Published: March 2003

Objectives

A QF‐PCR test has been developed to diagnose sex chromosome imbalances in prenatal samples and has been applied to a diagnostic service.

Methods

The test uses a PCR multiplex with eight primer pairs: six X‐chromosome polymorphic markers, including two markers from Xp (a region not included in previously published sex chromosome aneuploidy tests), one polymorphic marker for a locus common to the long arms of the X and Y chromosomes, and the non‐polymorphic amelogenin marker. Homozygosity for all X‐chromosome markers and the absence of the Y‐chromosome amelogenin marker is highly likely (907 : 1) to represent monosomy X (Turner syndrome), but interphase FISH is always used to confirm such a result.

Results

Blind studies were carried out to validate the test and the first year of clinical use has been reported. Results are usually issued within one working day, and the test is more efficient than interphase FISH.

Conclusions

The sex chromosome imbalance test has been targeted to prenatal samples displaying a clear ultrasound indication consistent with Turner syndrome, and has also been used to identify fetal sex in pregnancies at risk of inheriting a sex‐linked molecular disorder. No misdiagnoses were made. It is concluded that QF‐PCR can rapidly and accurately diagnose sex chromosome status and imbalances, reducing maternal anxiety and aiding in efficient pregnancy management. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2thickness and Ga grading on solar cell performance
Authors: Lundberg Olle , Bodegård Marika , Malmström Jonas , Stolt Lars
Published: March 2003

Thin‐film solar cells with Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) absorber layers ranging from 1.8 to 0.15 μm in thickness were fabricated by co‐evaporation, with both homogeneous and Ga/(Ga + In) graded composition. The absorption of the CIGS layers was determined and compared with corresponding QE measurements in order to obtain the optical related losses. The material characterization included XRD as well as cross‐sectional SEM analysis. Devices with CIGS layers of all thicknesses were fabricated, and down to 0.8–1 μm they showed a maintained high performance (η ∼ 15%). When the CIGS layer was further reduced in thickness the loss in performance increased. The main loss was observed for the short‐circuit current, although the loss was not only due to a reduced absorbance. The open‐circuit voltage was essentially not affected by the reduction of the CIGS thickness, while the fill factor showed a slight decrease. The fill factor loss was eliminated by introducing a Ga/(Ga+In) graded CIGS, which also resulted in an increased open‐circuit voltage of 20–30 mV for all CIGS thicknesses. Device results of 16.1% efficiency at 1.8 μm CIGS thickness, 15.0% at 1.0 μm and 12.1% at 0.6 μm (total area without anti‐reflective coating) were achieved. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of mismatch and non‐uniform illumination losses in monolithically series‐connected GaAs photovoltaic converters
Authors: Peña Rafael , Algora Carlos
Published: March 2003

This work evaluates the influence of mismatch illumination on the performance of GaAs monolithically series‐connected photovoltaic converters under laser illumination. A theoretical model which takes into account nonuniform illumination, light spillage and mismatch losses is presented. The influence of laser spot size on the converter efficiency is also addressed.

The laser spot size must be chosen in order to make a trade‐off between mismatch and nonuniform illumination losses, which predominate in a laser spot diameter smaller than the diameter of the device, and spillage losses, which predominate in a laser spot diameter larger than that of the device. For single photovoltaic converters, it is advisable to reduce the laser spot diameter to values to less than that of the converter. For multiple photovoltaic converters, especially if there is a considerable misalignment between the light source and the device, a spot diameter slightly larger than that of the device is recommended. Otherwise, mismatch losses could severely limit MPC performance. When the laser beam diameter equals the device diameter, and for a 5% misalignment, efficiencies of 55.0, 53.6 and 50.1% are envisaged, for two‐, three‐ and six‐sector multiple photovoltaic converters, respectively. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple affinity spin tube filter method for removing high‐abundant common proteins or enriching low‐abundant biomarkers for serum proteomic analysis
Authors: Wang Young Y. , Cheng Paul (Chung Pui) , Chan Daniel W.
Published: March 2003

Although it is possible to identify new proteins from crude cell extracts using proteomics technology, it is often difficult to elucidate low‐abundant biomarkers in the presence of a large amount of high‐abundant proteins in serum. We have developed a simple and rapid method using an affinity spin tube filter to remove high‐abundant common proteins and enrich the low‐abundant biomarkers. The affinity spin tube filter contains protein G, coupled with antibodies against either high‐abundant proteins or specific proteins of interest. After incubating with serum, the flow‐through or the elute was collected and analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. By using this affinity spin tube filter, the possibilities of identifying new biomarkers are shown. This technique could be used for large‐scale sample preparation for high‐throughput proteomic analysis.