bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy in the initial diagnosis of soft‐tissue lesions
Authors: Nagira Keiko , Yamamoto Tetsuji , Akisue Toshihiro , Marui Takashi , Hitora Toshiaki , Nakatani Tetsuya , Kurosaka Masahiro , Ohbayashi Chiho
Published: November 2002

We retrospectively reviewed fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of 301 soft tissue lesions of the extremities and trunk. Final diagnoses were 137 benign and 86 malignant neoplasms and 78 nonneoplastic lesions. Of the 301 FNAB samples, 279 (93%) were adequate for cytologic diagnosis. The adequate FNAB specimens were initially grouped into three broad categories: benign (197 cases), malignant (57 cases), and suspicious for malignancy (25 cases). Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of a malignant lesion were 92% and 97%, respectively. The specimens were cytomorphologically classified into nine categories: small round (14 cases), spindle cell (77 cases), epithelioid/polygonal (16 cases), pleomorphic (29 cases), myxoid (19 cases), lipomatous (37 cases), epithelial (23 cases), inflammatory lesions (28 cases), and others (36 cases). Specific FNAB diagnoses were correct in 151 of 279 cases (54%) in combination with clinical and radiologic findings. FNAB is a valuable technique for the primary diagnosis of soft‐tissue lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;27:354–361. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pelvic endometriosis diagnosed on touch imprint cytology
Authors: Selvaggi Suzanne M.
Published: November 2002

A case of pelvic endometriosis on touch imprint cytology in a 34‐yr‐old woman is presented and discussed. Touch preparations of the core biopsies showed both epithelial and spindle cell components. Bland‐appearing epithelial cells, arranged in tight clusters and sheets, contained finely granular chromatin and scant cytoplasm. Clusters of bland‐appearing spindle cells with oval nuclei containing small prominent nucleoli were present. The differential diagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls are discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;27:379–381. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postfiring stress‐strain hysteresis of concrete subjected to various heating and cooling regimes
Authors: Nassif A.Y.
Published: November 2002

This paper reports an experimental investigation involving 90 siliceous aggregate concrete cores (75 mm dia. 175 mm long), which were subjected to 18 different heating and cooling regimes in the temperature range (217°C–470°C). The cores were heated to the point when the centre of the core reached the same temperature as the outer surface, the point of uniformity. Subsequently, the cores were either taken out of the furnace to cool or soaked at the test temperature for 2 h. Cooling was either by spraying the heated core with water for 5 min or by air‐cooling in a controlled environment of 20°C and 65% RH. The extent of damage and internal fracture were assessed using the stiffness damage test (SDT) and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) as well as petrography methods.

Both prolonged duration of thermal exposure and rapid cooling by water quenching resulted in a further loss of stiffness of fire damaged concrete cores. Extending the duration of thermal exposure by 2 h from the point of uniformity resulted in an approximately 10% further reduction in the residual chord modulus (Ec). However, spraying hot concrete with water after reaching the point of uniformity caused more reduction in stiffness than a 2 h extended duration of thermal exposure to temperatures below 320°C.

The damage index (DI), which represents the dissipated strain energy in a hysteresis loop, showed a similar effect. The damage index of cores subjected to water quenching was significantly higher than the damage index of cores soaked at temperatures below 320°C. The residual plastic strain (PS), which is measured at the end of a hysteresis loop, showed very similar variation to that of the damage index. The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test method confirmed that spraying hot concrete with water from the point of uniformity was more damaging than a 2 h extended duration of thermal exposure to temperatures below 320°C. The extended duration of thermal exposure did not seem to affect the degree of non‐linearity of the stress‐strain response of fire affected concrete while water quenching resulted in a more concave response. The results are explained by identifying the various damage mechanisms associated with the various heating and cooling regimes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molar group contributions to the heat of combustion
Authors: Walters Richard N.
Published: November 2002

Experimental results for the gross heat of combustion of over 140 commercial and developmental polymers and small molecules of known chemical structure were used to derive additive molar group contributions to the heat of combustion. The materials examined contained carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, fluorine and silicon in linear, branched and cyclic structures. Values for the molar group contributions were summed and divided by the molecular weight of the molecule or polymer repeat unit to yield the gross heat of combustion as determined by oxygen bomb calorimetry. This new method provides an accurate single step method for calculating the heat of combustion. The average relative error of the calculated gross heats of combustion is 2.8%. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of orthotropic thermal conductivity of honeycomb material
Authors: Ogasawara Nagahisa , Shiratori Masaki , Yu Qiang , Kurahara Tetsuji
Published: November 2002

An experimental–computational hybrid system for measurement of thermal conductivity of orthotropic materials is developed. The system consists of two experimental parts and a finite element analysis part. First, the temperature distribution generated by uniform heating is measured with a thermal video system, and the thermal conductivity of Z direction is calculated. Second, the temperature distribution generated by small area heating is measured with the system. In the final step, thermal transfer analyses simulating the experiment support efficient data, and thermal conductivity of in‐plane directions is estimated by comparison between experimental and analytical temperature distributions. The orthotropic equivalent thermal conductivity of honeycomb materials obtained by this system agreed with the theoretical values. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(8): 617–625, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10063
Performance evaluation of heat exchanger using alternative refrigerant R407C
Authors: Nonaka Masayuki , Matsushima Hiroaki , Endoh Kazuhiro , Matsuo Kazuya , Fujibayashi Kazuo
Published: November 2002

R22 (HCFC22) has been widely used as the refrigerant in air conditioners. According to the Montreal protocol for ozone layer protection, the total production of HCFCs has been capped since the beginning of 1996. Zeotropic refrigerant mixture R407C and nearly azeotropic refrigerant mixture R410A have been selected as alternatives to R22.

We examined refrigerant passages in heat exchangers used in heat pump‐type room air conditioners using zeotropic refrigerant R407C through simulation, and obtained the following conclusions. In an indoor heat exchanger, a counter flow configuration when operating as a condenser has higher temperature efficiency. When an outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator, a configuration that suppresses the temperature glide by partially reducing the refrigerant passage not only produces high efficiency, but also reduces the frost formation on fins. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(8): 626–638, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10064
The flow characteristics of an upward gas‐liquid two‐phase flow in a vertical tube with a wire coil: Part 2. Effect on void fraction and liquid film thickness
Authors: Takeshima Keishi , Fujii Terushige , Takenaka Nobuyuki , Asano Hitoshi
Published: November 2002

An experimental study has been carried out to clarify the characteristics of the void fraction and the liquid film thickness of the air‐water two‐phase flow in vertical tubes of 25‐mm inside diameter with wire coils of varying wire diameter and pitch. The flow pattern in the experiment on the average void fraction and the local void fraction distribution in cross section was a bubble flow, and the liquid film thickness was in the region of semiannular and annular flows. It is clarified from these experiments that the average void fraction in tubes with wire coils is lower than that in a smooth tube and decreases with the wire diameter owing to the centrifugal force of the swirl flow which concentrates bubbles at the center of the tube, that the local liquid film thickness becomes more uniform with a decrease in the pitch of the wire coil, and that the liquid film becomes thicker after the passage through the wire coil with an increase in the wire diameter. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(8): 652–664, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10067
Fat‐suppressed three‐dimensional MR angiography technique with elliptical centric view order and no prolonged breath‐holding time
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Amano Maki , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Tsuchihashi Toshio , Takahama Katsuya , Kumazaki Tatsuo
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To determine the appropriate rate of fat‐suppression pulses (using spec IR—spectral selective inversion recovery) for fat‐suppressed 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with an elliptical centric view order.

Materials and Methods

In abdominal 3D fast spoiled gradient echo (fast SPGR) with an elliptical centric view order, the spec IR pulse rate was changed from zero to one every 15 repetitions (in nine steps) in eight volunteers. In the equilibrium phase, abdominal contrast‐enhanced 3D MRA was obtained by 3D fast SPGR using an elliptical centric view order without fat‐suppression and with two spec IR, and by fat‐suppressed 3D fast SPGR with a sequential‐centric view order (efgre3D) in 18 cases. Fat and vascular signals were estimated.

Results

Although 3D fast SPGR using an elliptical centric view order with spec IR placed every 15 TR and efgre3D effectively decreased fat signals, these sequences lengthened the breath‐hold by 4–6 seconds compared with non‐fat‐suppressed sequence. 3D fast SPGR using an elliptical centric view order and two spec IR reduced the fat signal by 30% and provided good 3D MR angiography without substantial prolongation of breath‐hold.

Conclusion

Two spec IR can be used for generation of partially fat‐suppressed abdominal 3D MRA without prolongation of the breath‐hold when performing 3D fast SPGR using an elliptical centric view order. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:707–715. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multislice breath‐hold spiral magnetic resonance coronary angiography in patients with coronary artery disease: Effect of intravascular contrast medium
Authors: Knuesel Patrick R. , Nanz Daniel , Wolfensberger Ursula , Saranathan Manojkumar , Lehning Anja , Luescher Thomas F. , Marincek Borut , von Schulthess Gustav K. , Schwitter Juerg
Published: November 2002

Purpose

First, to apply a breath‐hold multislice 2D spiral magnetic resonance (MR) approach in patients acquiring within 16 heartbeats (acquisition window, 116 msec) a 10‐mm‐thick stack of four slices (resolution, 1.3 × 1.3 mm2); and second, to evaluate the effect of an intravascular Fe‐based contrast medium (CM) on a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and a contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR).

Materials and Methods

In each patient one or two coronary arteries were imaged prior to and following cumulative doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg of Fe/kg of body weight (bw) of an intravascular CM (CLARISCAN™, Nycomed‐Amersham, Princeton, NJ, USA) containing ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles.

Results

On precontrast maximum intensity projection (MIP) images generated from the stack of slices, 10 and 11 stenoses of 12 stenoses confirmed by coronary angiography were detected by readers 1 and 2, respectively. SNR and CNR in the coronary arteries peaked at 0.50 mg of Fe/kg of bw, yielding a slight increase of 15.5% and 18.4%, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. precontrast), which did not improve detection of coronary artery stenoses.

Conclusion

The presented multislice spiral approach allows display of coronary anatomy in MIP formats for convenient display of coronary stenoses. The pulse sequence did not benefit from an intravascular USPIO‐based CM, since little improvement in SNR and CNR was achieved. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:660–667. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proton two‐dimensional chemical shift imaging for evaluation of prostate cancer: External surface coil vs. endorectal surface coil
Authors: Kaji Yasushi , Wada Akihiko , Imaoka Izumi , Matsuo Michimasa , Terachi Toshiro , Kobashi Yoichiro , Sugimura Kazuro , Fujii Masahiko , Maruyama Katsuya , Takizawa Osamu
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic ability of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) using an external surface coil with that using an endorectal surface coil in patients with prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

MR imaging (MRI) and two‐dimensional chemical shift imaging (2D CSI) were performed in 5 healthy volunteers and in 35 patients with prostate cancer. The receiver coil was the anterior lower part of a phased‐array coil or an endorectal surface coil.

Results

Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis for diagnosing prostate cancer showed no significant difference (P = 0.784) between the area under the curve of phased‐array coil CSI and that of endorectal surface coil CSI.

Conclusion

The phased‐array coil CSI could provide comparable detection accuracy to endorectal surface coil CSI. In patients with rectal diseases or patients who could not tolerate the discomfort with insertion of an endorectal surface coil, we recommend the phased‐array coil CSI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:697–706. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The potential of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Watzinger Norbert , Lund Gunnar K. , Higgins Charles B. , Wendland Michael F. , Weinmann Hanns‐Joachim , Saeed Maythem
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To determine whether the myocardial injury size on day 2 measured after gadolinium (Gd)‐mesoporphyrin and Gd‐diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid (DTPA) administration can be used for predicting left ventricular (LV) remodeling 8 weeks later, and to monitor the structural and functional changes in the infarct, peri‐infarct rim, and remote myocardium in reperfused infarction using contrast‐enhanced and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Materials and Methods

Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in 27 rats by 1 hour of coronary occlusion/reperfusion. Rats were imaged 2 days and 8 weeks after MI using MRI to determine LV function and size of myocardial injury. All animals received 0.05 mmol/kg Gd‐mesoporphyrin 12 hours before the first MRI. A subgroup of 13 rats received 0.3 mmol/kg Gd‐DTPA in addition to Gd‐mesoporphyrin, and seven rats received 0.05 mmol/kg Gd‐mesoporphyrin 12 hours before the second MRI for detection of healed MI. True infarct size (IS) and LV mass were measured postmortem. LV volumes, mass, function, and wall thickness were determined in both imaging sessions.

Results

A close correlation was found between contrast‐enhanced MRI and postmortem measurements for IS (r = 0.94, P < 0.001 for Gd‐mesoporphyrin; r = 0.91, P < 0.001, N = 13 for Gd‐DTPA). IS measured on Gd‐mesoporphyrin‐enhanced images correlated well with end‐systolic LV volumes (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) and ejection fraction (r = −0.75, P < 0.001) 8 weeks after MI. Similar correlation with parameters of LV remodeling were found on Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI. Healed infarcts showed no enhancement on Gd‐mesoporphyrin‐enhanced MRI.

Conclusion

Contrast‐enhanced MRI can be used as a noninvasive method for determining the initial size of myocardial injury and predicting later LV remodeling. MRI demonstrates the structural and functional changes in infarct, peri‐infarct rim, and remote non‐infarcted myocardium. The complementary use of functional and contrast‐enhanced MRI may provide reliable assessment of therapeutic interventions to reduce IS and LV remodeling. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:633–640. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Small scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma with central scar: MR imaging findings
Authors: Goshima Satoshi , Kanematsu Masayuki , Yamada Tetsuya , Kondo Hiroshi , Matsuo Masayuki , Osada Shinji , Nakashima Osamu , Moriyama Noriyuki , Hoshi Hiroaki
Published: November 2002

We describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of a small scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma in a 74‐year‐old man. The initial MR imaging findings indicated that the tumor had a small central scar, which suggested the differential diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and metastasis. A small scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma may have a central scar and should be included in the differential diagnoses for small hepatic masses with a central scar. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:741–745. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low level of p27(Kip1) protein expression in gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with disease progression and poor outcome
Authors: Nitti Donato , Belluco Claudio , Mammano Enzo , Marchet Alberto , Ambrosi Alessandro , Mencarelli Roberto , Segato Paola , Lise Mario
Published: November 2002

Background and Objectives

Low tumor expression of the p27Kip1 protein, which is involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis, is considered a negative prognostic factor in different types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological significance of low p27Kip1 protein expression in patients who had undergone resection for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

p27Kip1 protein was studied by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed tumor sections from 95 patients who underwent resection for gastric adenocarcinoma between 1991 and 1996. Based on the median value of protein expression, p27Kip1 protein expression was classified as low or high.

Results

Low p27Kip1 protein expression was significantly associated with tumor de‐differentiation, increased penetration through the gastric wall, lymph node metastasis, and advanced tumor stage. In the group of 84 patients who underwent curative surgery, 5‐year survival was 74% in cases with high p27Kip1 protein expression and 38% in those with low p27Kip1 protein expression (P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, low p27Kip1 protein expression was an independent negative prognostic factor for survival (RR = 3.671; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

In gastric adenocarcinoma, low p27Kip1 protein expression is associated with poorly differentiated and advanced tumors and is a negative prognostic factor of potential clinical value. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:167–176. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.
Isolated limb perfusion with melphalan for femoral metastases of breast cancer: Case report
Authors: Noorda E.M. , Vrouenraets B.C. , Nieweg O.E. , Pinedo H.M. , Kroon B.B.R.
Published: November 2002

Background and Objectives

Complications of bone destruction occur in 10–29% of breast cancer patients with skeletal metastases. Palliative treatment consists of systemic chemotherapy, hormonal treatment, radiotherapy, and/or surgery in the case of (impending) fracture. A case is presented where isolated limb perfusion was applied for this indication.

Methods

A 43‐year‐old woman with extensive femoral metastases of breast cancer with impending fracture was treated with isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with melphalan. Radiotherapy had resulted only in pain reduction, and intramedullary fixation was opted against because stable fixation was considered not feasible due to the location of the metastases. ILP with high‐dose melphalan (10–20 times the amount that can be administered systemically) under normothermic (37–38°C) conditions, resulted in partial remission and reossification.

Results

One year after ILP, until her death 2 years later, due to progressive metastases at other sites, the patient was able to bear weight again on her left leg.

Conclusions

In selected patients with symptomatic large bone metastases from breast cancer, and no other treatment options, ILP with melphalan may be used for successful palliation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:209–212. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.
Prognostic significance of p27KIP1 expression in resected non–small cell lung cancers: Analysis in combination with expressions of p16INK4A, pRB, and p53
Authors: Hirabayashi Hirohisa , Ohta Mitsunori , Tanaka Hisaichi , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Fujii Yoshitaka , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Matsuda Hikaru
Published: November 2002

Background and Objectives

Whether a prognostic role for expression of the tumor suppressor gene (TSG) products exists in resected non–small call lung cancers (NSCLCs) remains controversial. Our study was performed to determine the value of TSGs expressions for patients survival in NSCLCs.

Methods

We examined 108 resected NSCLCs for the expression of TSG products, p27KIP1, p16INK4A, pRB, and p53 that govern cell cycle transition by immunohistochemistry and compared them with patient clinical characteristics and prognoses.

Results

Abnormal expressions of p27KIP1, p16INK4A, pRB, and p53 were found in 61 (57%), 53 (49%), 42 (39%), and 48 (44%), respectively, of the 108 NSCLCs. Univariate analysis showed abnormal expression of p27KIP1 to be a strong indicator for poor patient survival, not only in the total cohort (P = 0.0024), but also in subgroups with T1–T2 (P = 0.016), N0 (P = 0.047), and squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.026), but not according to the expression of p16INK4A, pRB, or p53. In the Cox regression analysis, p27KIP1 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0148) and associated with pathological stage (P = 0.0278).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that abnormal p27KIP1 expression may be a useful indicator to predict postoperative prognosis, especially in patients with early stage NSCLCs, as compared to other TSG products examined. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:177–184. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extensor digitorum brevis test and resistance to botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Gordon Paul H. , Gooch Clifton L. , Greene Paul E.
Published: November 2002

We studied 22 patients with dystonia to determine the normal range of values for the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) test, and to determine its sensitivity and specificity in detecting resistance to botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A). Three compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) elicited by peroneal nerve stimulation were averaged before and 2 weeks after injection of 20 units of BTX‐A into the EDB. Amplitude and area ratios were calculated by dividing the averaged postinjection CMAP by the averaged preinjection CMAP values. The difference in means of this ratio between clinically sensitive and resistant subjects was statistically significant (P < 0.002). A normal range of <0.45 for each ratio was determined by adding two standard deviations to the ratio mean of 14 clinically sensitive subjects. Four of five resistant patients had values outside the normal range. The EDB test is a simple quantitative method of detecting resistance to BTX‐A, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 94%. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 828–831, 2002
Response to exercise of patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia
Authors: Reijneveld J.C. , Te Boekhorst B.C.M. , Zonderland M.L. , Kalmijn S. , Notermans N.C.
Published: November 2002

Patients with an idiopathic increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels (hyper‐CK‐emia) have a benign prognosis, but symptoms may be disabling in daily life. Previous studies have suggested that physical exercise increases the severity of complaints in these patients. We studied whether maximal and submaximal bouts of exercise on a cycle ergometer are harmful for patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia. Such dynamic exercise did not lead to larger increases in serum CK activity or more complaints in 11 patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia, compared with 11 age‐matched healthy controls. Our data suggest that exercise does not result in more extensive muscle damage in patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia than in healthy subjects. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 832–837, 2002
Changes in nerve conduction velocity across the elbow due to experimental error
Authors: Landau Mark E. , Diaz Myrna I. , Barner Kristen C. , Campbell William W.
Published: November 2002

One diagnostic criterion for ulnar nerve mononeuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is a decrease in across‐elbow nerve conduction velocity (NCV) > 10 m/s compared to the forearm segment. Distance and latency measurement errors are an inherent part of NCV calculations. Twenty electromyographers measured the latencies of stored ulnar compound muscle action potentials and measured the forearm and across‐elbow distances along the ulnar nerve. Based on previously published equations, experimental error in NCV was calculated for various NCVs. The mean distances and standard deviations for the forearm and elbow segments were 212.5 ± 2.1 mm and 86.7 ± 4.2 mm, respectively. For an NCV of 55 m/s, a difference of 14 m/s between the two segments can occur from measurement error alone. Distance measurements about the elbow are fraught with interobserver errors rendering the resultant NCV of that segment of limited value as a sole criterion for the diagnosis of UNE. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 838–840, 2002
Ectopic endplates induce localized changes in skeletal muscle ultrastructure
Authors: Bishop Derron L. , Milton Richard L.
Published: November 2002

To investigate the processes by which motoneurons control protein synthesis, and thus the ultrastructure of the muscle fibers they innervate, ectopic endplates were induced to form on adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers by transplantation of a foreign nerve onto the muscle. In the dually innervated muscle fibers thus created, we examined two ultrastructural parameters that correlate with the expression of distinct isoforms of the myofibrillar proteins α‐actinin and titin, specifically, Z‐line width and sarcomere length. It was found that Z‐lines were significantly thinner (98 vs. 128 nm) and sarcomeres were significantly shorter (1.69 vs. 2.06 μm) near the ectopic than near the original endplates. Thus, ectopic endplate formation on adult skeletal muscle fibers induces a localized alteration in myofibrillar morphology. These results may help to elucidate the role played by motoneurons in the determination and maintenance of muscle fiber properties and the processes that occur following muscle reinnervation after nerve injury. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26:791–797, 2002
Ultrasonographic measurement of median nerve cross‐sectional area in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: Diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Nakamichi Ken‐Ichi , Tachibana Shintaro
Published: November 2002

Severity‐correlated enlargement of the median nerve occurs in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We determined whether measurement of the nerve cross‐sectional area was useful in making the diagnosis of CTS. In 414 wrists of 275 patients with clinically diagnosed idiopathic CTS and 408 wrists of 408 controls, we made ultrasonographic measurements of the nerve area at the distal (distal edge of the flexor retinaculum), mid (hook of the hamate), and proximal carpal tunnel (wrist crease). Criteria based on the area at a single level yielded sensitivities of 43–57% and specificities of 96–97%. Use of the mean carpal nerve area (average of the areas at the three levels) improved the results (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 97%), which was as sensitive as the nerve conduction studies (NCS). In the NCS, we obtained sensitivities of 66% for the distal motor nerve latency and 67% for the distal sensory nerve latency, with specificities of 97% for each. A combination of the mean carpal nerve area and NCS criteria yielded a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 94%. The clinical implications of these findings for the diagnosis of CTS are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 798–803, 2002
Innovation and intellectual property: The case of genomic patenting
Authors: Jackson Brian A.
Published: November 2002

In an effort to balance static and dynamic efficiency in the production and use of knowledge, societies
institute intellectual property policies. In the United States, the patent system is a well‐established
mechanism to provide inventors with time‐limited protection of new technologies in exchange for disclosure
of information about their inventions. Emerging biotechnology, specifically the filing of patents on gene
sequences, raises serious questions about whether the patent system is appropriately weighing societal costs and
benefits in its grants of intellectual property protection. Gene sequences represent a hybrid case between
discrete inventions and more general pieces of information that are useful for many, potentially very different,
purposes. This information content in genes makes it possible for a patent on a gene to cover a wide range of
possible technological applications and, as a result, be of unknown breadth when issued. This analysis explores
the potential effect of these characteristics on future innovation in biotechnology. © 2003 by the
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Driving less for better air: Impacts of a public information campaign
Authors: Henry Gary T. , Gordon Craig S.
Published: November 2002

In the wake of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, localities across the United States initiated public
information campaigns both to raise awareness of threats to air quality and to change behavior related to air
pollution by recommending specific behavioral changes in the campaign messages. These campaigns are designed to
reduce the health hazards associated with poor air quality and to avoid federal sanctions resulting from the
failure to meet air quality standards. As in many other communities across the country, a coalition of government
agencies and businesses initiated a public information campaign in the Atlanta metropolitan region to reduce
certain targeted behaviors, mainly driving. A two‐stage model used to analyze data from a rolling sample
survey shows that the centerpiece of the information campaign—air quality alerts—was effective in
raising awareness and reducing driving in a segment of the population. When the overall information campaign was
moderated by employers' participation in programs to improve air quality, drivers significantly reduced the
number of miles they drove and the number of trips they took by car on days when air quality alerts were sounded.
Public information campaigns can be successful in increasing awareness, but changing well‐established
behaviors, such as driving, is likely to require institutional mediation to provide social contexts that support
the behavioral change, as well. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Hospital selective contracting without consumer choice: What can we learn from Medi‐Cal?
Authors: Bamezai Anil , Melnick Glenn A. , Mann Joyce M. , Zwanziger Jack
Published: November 2002

In the selective contracting era, consumer choice has generally been absent in most state Medicaid programs, including California's (called Medi‐Cal). In a setting where beneficiary exit is not a threat, a large payer may have both the incentives and the ability to exercise undue market power, potentially exposing an already vulnerable population to further harm. The analyses presented here of Medi‐Cal contracting data, however, do not yield compelling evidence in favor of the undue market power hypothesis. Instead, hospital competition appears to explain with greater consistency why certain hospitals choose to contract with Medi‐Cal while others do not, the trends in inpatient prices paid by Medi‐Cal over time, and the effect of price competition on service cutbacks, such as emergency room closures. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Strategies for the isolation and detection of fetal cells in transcervical samples
Authors: Bussani Cecilia , Cioni Riccardo , Scarselli Benedetta , Barciulli Francesco , Bucciantini Sandra , Simi Paolo , Fogli Antonella , Scarselli Gianfranco
Published: November 2002

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the detection of fetal cells from transcervical samples, collected in early pregnancy, by means of different molecular techniques. The value of the isolation of trophoblasts using an inverted microscope, also referred to as micromanipulation, is discussed.

Methods

All the 89 specimens were obtained by intrauterine lavages before termination of pregnancy (TOP), between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. Micromanipulation was carried out in a subgroup of 57 for the isolation of fetal material. Fetal sexing was achieved by FISH (fluorescentin situhybridisation) using fluorescently labelled probes for X and Y chromosomes and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Male samples were also investigated for aneuploidy of the chromosome 21. Quantitative fluorescent (QF)‐PCR using two short tandem repeat (STR) markers for chromosome 21 was carried out in 26 micromanipulated samples.

Results

FISH analysis revealed that 45/89 placental samples derived from pregnancies with male fetuses. Correct sexing of the lavage samples from male pregnancies was achieved in 41/45 (91%) using dual‐FISH technique, and in 43/45 (95.5%) with PCR. All the samples derived from male pregnancies tested for chromosome 21 were normal. From 57 samples subjected to micromanipulation, 51 (89.5%) showed discernible chorionic villous filaments or cell clumps of possible trophoblastic origin. One case of tetraploidy and two cases of monosomy were recorded. The rate of fetal cells, in the non‐micromanipulated samples, was between 4% and 97% (mean 54.3%). In micromanipulated specimens, maternal contaminant cells were absent or extremely rare (1–2%). The efficiency of the QF‐PCR analysis in detecting paternal peaks in all lavage samples was only 61.5%.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the presence of fetal cells in a very high proportion of both whole and micromanipulated intrauterine lavage samples. The isolation of trophoblastic elements can be achieved in most cases by micromanipulation. FISH and PCR techniques allowed the analysis of the most common fetal aneuploidies, confirming the power of this minimally invasive method. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of atelosteogenesis type I at 21 weeks' gestation
Authors: Ueno Kazunori , Tanaka Mamoru , Miyakoshi Kei , Zhao Chen , Shinmoto Hiroshi , Nishimura Gen , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: November 2002

We describe prenatal diagnosis in a male fetus at 21 weeks of gestation with atelosteogenesis type I (AO I). Fetal ultrasonography (US) revealed absent or deficient ossification of the posterior neural arches of the thoracic spine, humeri, radii, ulnae, fibulae, and short tubular bones other than the distal phalanges, in addition to extremely short, thick femora. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an ultrafast imaging sequence depicted dysmorphic features, pulmonary hypoplasia, and large cisterna magna. Postmortem radiographs warranted a diagnosis of AO I. Autopsy corroborated not only pulmonary hypoplasia but also laryngeal stenosis. The chondro‐osseous histological findings were consistent with those of AO I. Meticulous evaluation using fetal US and MRI permits a definitive prenatal diagnosis of AO I to be made. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular weight forms of inhibin A, inhibin B and pro‐αC in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and placental extracts of normal and Down syndrome pregnancies
Authors: Thirunavukarasu P. P. , Lambert‐Messerlian G. , Robertson D. M. , Dawson G. , Canick J. , Wallace E. M.
Published: November 2002

Background

Inhibin A, an established prenatal marker of Down syndrome (DS), exists in the maternal circulation in a number of isoforms. The present study explored whether specific inhibin A isoforms may be selectively increased in DS, offering the prospect of improved marker performance.

Methods

Second trimester maternal serum, placental extracts and amniotic fluid (AF) pools from both normal and DS pregnancies were fractionated by a combined immunoaffinity (IA) chromatography, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Prep‐PAGE) and electroelution procedure. Inhibins A, B and pro‐αC were determined in the eluted fractions by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and the profiles of immunoactivity (IA) characterized in terms of molecular weight (MW) and percentage recovery.

Results

The MW patterns of inhibin A and pro‐αC in maternal serum and AF were similar between DS and control pregnancies, both showing peaks between 25–40 k and approximately 65 k. AF contained, in addition, a higher proportion of <30 k inhibins A and B, and <25 k pro‐αC forms. There were large differences in the inhibin forms present in DS placentae, with more 70 k and less 30–40 k inhibin A than in controls.

Conclusions

The present data suggest that the processing, cleavage or secretion of inhibin MW forms by the DS placenta differs from normal. However, these differences are not reflected in maternal serum and so improvements in serum screening will not be afforded by measuring specific inhibin A isoforms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of amnion and implications for evaluation of the fetal genotype in cases of mosaicism
Authors: Robinson Wendy P. , McFadden Deborah E. , Barrett Irene J. , Kuchinka Brian , Peñaherrera Maria S. , Bruyère Hélène , Best Robert G. , Pedreira Denise A. L. , Langlois Sylvie , Kalousek Dagmar K.
Published: November 2002

Objective

To investigate presence of trisomy in amniotic epithelium (uncultured amnion) and mesenchyme (cultured amnion) from mosaic cases to understand the origins of these tissues and their relationship to pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of microsatellite loci was used to determine the presence of trisomy (of meiotic origin only) in amnion samples from 33 placentas previously ascertained because of a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy mosaicism that was predominantly confined to the placental tissues.

Results

In 16 (48%) of 33 cases, trisomy was confirmed to be present by molecular analysis of uncultured amnion. In contrast, cytogenetic analysis of cultured amnion showed trisomy in only 2 of 20 informative cases. The molecular detection of trisomy in amnion was strongly associated with poor pregnancy outcome (intrauterine growth restriction, fetal anomalies and/or intrauterine/neonatal death) even when analysis was limited to cases negative for the trisomy on amniotic fluid (N = 22, p = 0.0005).

Conclusions

We infer that amniotic mesenchyme (usually diploid) derives from early embryonic mesoderm of the primitive streak and not from the hypoblast as is commonly cited. Trisomy in amniotic epithelium suggests that high numbers of abnormal cells were present in the epiblast, and this correlates with poor outcome even when the subsequently derived fetus and amniotic mesenchyme appear to carry only diploid cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues and concerns of couples presenting for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Authors: Katz Mandy G. , Fitzgerald Lara , Bankier Agnes , Savulescu Julian , Cram David S.
Published: November 2002

Background

The use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select genetically ‘normal’ human embryos and to transfer them to the uterus of a woman has generated considerable controversy. Debate has occurred over the implications of PGD, sex selection, safety of embryonic manipulation and eugenics. This study evaluates a range of social and moral concerns of couples towards PGD and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) prior to treatment to obtain unbiased authentic attitudes independent of the treatment cycle and the outcome.

Methods

A total of 121 subjects were administered a structured questionnaire after each couple's in vitro fertilization (IVF) or genetic counselling session. Group A consisted of 41 subjects presenting for PGD of single gene disorders (PGD‐SG) and group B consisted of 48 subjects undertaking PGD for aneuploidy screening (PGD‐AS). A control group consisted of 32 subjects that were about to commence their first IVF cycle.

Results and discussion

All groups found PGD to be a highly acceptable treatment. They expressed little concern about its extension to testing non‐disease states such as sex and they were strongly in favour of a shared decision‐making model in which couples have considerable autonomy over decisions about the embryo(s) to transfer. Differences between the groups included issues surrounding the transfer of embryos, restrictions to PGD and the destruction of embryos. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personal desires of patients and social obligations of geneticists: applying preimplantation genetic diagnosis for non‐medical sex selection
Authors: Pennings Guido
Published: November 2002

The arguments against the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for non‐medical sex selection are analysed. It is concluded that the distinction between medical and non‐medical reasons is difficult to maintain, that the disproportionality of means and end is not a decisive counterargument and that the fear of damage to the reputation of PGD does not justify the refusal of controversial applications. Moreover, since non‐medical sex selection does not belong to basic health care, it should not be equally accessible to all. The position defended in this article is founded on two basic principles: (1) medical reasons have priority on non‐medical reasons, and (2) personal reasons do not qualify for public funding. In order to respect both principles, it is proposed that restrictions should be installed to control the number of requests for social sexing and that a tax should be imposed on these elective services. The tax should compensate the society for the investment it made in the training and education of the physician. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis using FISH for carriers of Robertsonian translocations: the Portuguese experience
Authors: Alves Cláudia , Sousa Mário , Silva Joaquina , Barros Alberto
Published: November 2002

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for couples at risk of transmitting genetic disorders to their offspring. We present a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of embryos obtained after seven PGD cycles in six couples with Robertsonian translocations and male factor infertility: 4 der(13;14), 1 der(14;21) and 1 der(15;21). Of 74 metaphase II (MII) injected oocytes, 61 (82.4%) fertilized normally and cleaved. Of these, 37/61 (60.7%) embryos were of high morphological quality with ≥6 blastomeres. After biopsy of 44 embryos at day 3 of development, seven degenerated, seven arrested in development and 30/44 (68.2%) evolved, of which 25/30 (83.3%) reached the morula/blastocyst stage. Analysis of biopsied blastomeres showed 23/44 (52.3%) of normal/balanced embryos, of which 15 (11 at the morula/blastocyst stage) were transferred in six cycles. One term pregnancy was achieved, which ended by cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, giving birth to two healthy newborn. Analysis of 49 embryos (excluding 12 inconclusive cases) showed a predominance of alternate segregation (38/49, 77.6%) over adjacent segregation (7/49, 14.3%), with one (2%) being a polyploid mosaic and three (6.1%) chaotic. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of surface hydrophilicity and surface static properties in epoxy/glass fibre after plasma treatment
Authors: Lim Kyung‐Bum , Lee Beak‐Su , Kim Jong‐Taek , Lee Duck‐Chool
Published: November 2002

In this study, which was performed to identify a degradation mechanism in macromolecular insulating material, the contact angle, surface potential decay, surface resistance rate and XPS analysis were compared after exposure of fibre‐glass‐reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate to plasma discharge.

In the case of the contact angle, the surface of the untreated specimen showed weak hydrophobicity at 73°. However, the contact angle was decreased to 20° in the plasma‐treated specimen. In the case of chemical changes arising from plasma treatment, carboxyl radicals were generated mainly in the plasma‐treated surface, which was rapidly changed to a hydrophilic surface. In the corona potential decay study to determine the electrical changes of the surface, positive charges were decreased rapidly when compared with negative charges, leading to a negative surface for the untreated specimen. However, in the case of the hydrophilic surface, a lot of carboxyl radicals ( COO) acting as positive polarity were generated, resulting in a positive surface. Owing to such a positive surface, the charges of applied negative polarity were decreased rapidly. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of sequentially grafted polysaccharide coatings using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and principal component analysis (PCA)
Authors: McArthur Sally L. , Wagner Matthew S. , Hartley Patrick G. , McLean Keith M. , Griesser Hans J. , Castner David G.
Published: November 2002

Sequentially grafted polymer layers are playing an increasingly important role in a variety of biomedical applications. Characterization of the chemistry and structure of these coatings has typically followed a layer‐by‐layer approach, ignoring potential interactions between the adjacent layers and the effects that these interactions may have on the resulting physicochemical characteristics of the surface. Using a sequential grafting protocol to couple the polysaccharide carboxymethyldextran (CMD), previous surface force and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies have suggested that there was some intercalation of the CMD and intermediate poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) layers. We have utilized the surface and chemical specificity of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) to investigate the intercalation of the polymer layers. Owing to the complexity of the data, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to interpret the spectra of the grafted polymer films. The results of the PCA indicated that variations between spectra could be related directly to the carboxyl density (1 : 2 or 1 : 30 carboxyls per glucose unit) of the CMD. Variations between the spectra were shown to be due to the presence of nitrogen‐rich species from the PEI at the outermost surface in the CMD 1 : 30 samples, whereas the CMD 1 : 2 spectra contained oxygen‐rich species related to the presence of the polysaccharide. These results enabled a model to be developed combining the new data with the previous studies to show the carboxyl‐density‐dependent intercalation of the CMD and PEI layers in this polymer graft. The application of ToF‐SIMS and PCA allowed conclusive determination of the surface structure of this complex grafted polymer layer. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface core‐level shift and AFM study of the galena (100) surface
Authors: Leiro J. A. , Laajalehto K. , Peltoniemi M. S. , Torhola M. , Szczerbakow A.
Published: November 2002

The core‐level S 2p and Pb 5d spectra of galena (natural PbS) single crystals have been investigated using synchrotron radiation. Comparison between a synthetic PbS and a mineral galena has been made and the former gave broader S 2p lines than the latter. In both samples a strong broadening of the line was observed when the temperature was increased. Also, the surface core‐level shift (SCLS) was slightly smaller for the synthetic sample. No shift was found for the Pb 5d lines. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of the mineral (100) surface showed that only one type of atom (most likely sulphur) is visible, in agreement with Heinzelmann et al. (Z. Phys. B 1992; 88:321). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.