bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing geo‐spatial interfaces to scale process models: the GeoWEPP approach
Authors: Renschler Chris S.
Published: March 2003

Practical decision making in spatially distributed environmental assessment and management is increasingly based on environmental process models linked to geographical information systems. Powerful personal computers and Internet‐accessible assessment tools are providing much greater public access to, and use of, environmental models and geo‐spatial data. However traditional process models, such as the water erosion prediction project (WEPP), were not typically developed with a flexible graphical user interface (GUI) for applications across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, utilizing readily available geo‐spatial data of highly variable precision and accuracy, and communicating with a diverse spectrum of users with different levels of expertise. As the development of the geo‐spatial interface for WEPP (GeoWEPP) demonstrates, the GUI plays a key role in facilitating effective communication between the tool developer and user about data and model scales. The GeoWEPP approach illustrates that it is critical to develop a scientific and functional framework for the design, implementation, and use of such geo‐spatial model assessment tools. The way that GeoWEPP was developed and implemented suggests a framework and scaling theory leading to a practical approach for developing geo‐spatial interfaces for process models. GeoWEPP accounts for fundamental water erosion processes, model, and users needs, but most important it also matches realistic data availability and environmental settings by enabling even non‐GIS‐literate users to assemble the available geo‐spatial data quickly to start soil and water conservation planning. In general, it is potential users' spatial and temporal scales of interest, and scales of readily available data, that should drive model design or selection, as opposed to using or designing the most sophisticated process model as the starting point and then determining data needs and result scales. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrograph sensitivity to estimates of map impervious cover: a WinHSPF BASINS case study
Authors: Endreny Theodore A. , Somerlot Christopher , Hassett James M.
Published: March 2003

The BASINS geographic information system hydrologic toolkit was designed to compute total maximum daily loads, which are often derived by combining water quantity estimates with pollutant concentration estimates. In this paper the BASINS toolkit PLOAD and WinHSPF sub‐models are briefly described, and then a 0·45 km2 headwater watershed in the New York Croton River area is used for a case study illustrating a full WinHSPF implementation. The goal of the Croton study was to determine the sensitivity of WinHSPF hydrographs to changes in land cover map inputs. This scenario occurs when scaling the WinHSPF model from the smaller 0·45 km2 watershed to the larger 1000 km2 management basin of the entire Croton area. Methods used to test model sensitivity include first calibrating the WinHSPF hydrograph using research‐monitored precipitation and discharge data together with high spatial resolution and accuracy land cover data of impervious and pervious areas, and then swapping three separate land cover files, known as GIRAS, MRLC, and DOQQ data, into the calibrated model. Research results indicated that the WinHSPF land cover swapping had peak flow sensitivity in December 2001 hydrographs between 35% underestimation and 20% overestimation, and that errors in land‐cover‐derived runoff ratios for storm totals and peak flows tracked with the land cover data estimates of impervious area. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo
Authors: Kuriyama Sei , Ueda Akihiro , Kinoshita Tsutomu
Published: March 2003

We have previously isolated a CNS‐specific gene, Xerl. The prospective amino acid sequence and functional analysis had shown that Xerl might act as the secretory protein for determining the neural plate/neural crest boundary. However, we had not yet characterized the Xerl protein. In the present study we examined the distribution and function of Xerl protein using anti‐Xerl polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis revealed that Xerl exists as 150 kDa protein in soluble fraction from the neurula stage. In comparison with gene expression of Xerl, Xerl protein showed a diffusive distribution from the neural tissue to the neighboring notochord and somite. Immunostaining of endogenous Xerl protein and subcellular localization of GFP‐tagged Xerl demonstrated the extracellular secretion of Xerl protein. With functional blocking by antibody injection, the injected anti‐Xerl antibody caused an inhibitory effect on the neural plate formation, whereas neural crest formation was promoted in the antibody‐injected embryo. These results suggest that Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo. J. Exp. Zool. 296A:108–116, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melatonin, melanogenesis, and hypoxic stress in the newt, Triturus carnifex
Authors: Frangioni Giuliano , Borgioli Gianfranco , Bianchi Stefano
Published: March 2003

Groups of 6 specimens each of the newt Triturus carnifex were treated with melatonin to see if the hormone inhibited melanogenesis in the Kupffer cells of the liver (melanomacrophages), a process markedly stimulated by hypoxia. A dose of 500 μg/g in 27% ethanol, injected intraperitoneally, induced loss of consciousness and tetany of all the skeletal muscles, which on the contrary appeared relaxed in animals pre‐anesthetised by immersion in chlorbutol at 0.2%. Anesthetised specimens injected with melatonin showed a significantly lower increase in hepatic pigmentation after acute hypoxia, a condition attained by sealing each specimen in a 620 mL respiratory chamber with water containing 1.1 ppm of oxygen for the time needed to consume it all (about two hours). If hypoxia is reached gradually, beginning with 8 ppm of oxygen (normoxic condition), the increase in hepatic pigmentation after melatonin injection does not differ significantly from that of non‐hormone treated specimens: thus melatonin does not seem to play a direct part in controlling hepatic melanogenesis. Instead, the hormone induces significant increase in oxygen consumption, marked general steatosis of the liver and the almost total disappearance of glycogen. Intraperitoneal injection of 500 μg/g of melatonin in anesthetised animals exposed to the air (normoxic) also causes severe steatosis and an unexpected increase in the hepatic deposits of melanin, as after hypoxic treatment. A dose of 100 ng/g in 1% ethanol, ineffective when injected intraperitoneally, also induces these effects if injected directly into the arterial blood‐stream through the conus arteriosus, thus avoiding the hepatic filter. The phenomena observed appear to be induced by a powerful endocrine mechanism that provokes metabolic hypoxia by consuming all the available ATP for synthesizing fat. A less intense form of steatosis can also be observed in animals subjected to hypoxia but without prior hormone treatment, indicating that a natural process triggered by hypoxic stress is pushed to the extreme by exogenous melatonin: the hormone changes the entire energy metabolism of the organism so that it can survive for a long time under adverse environmental conditions. J. Exp. Zool. 296A:125–136, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of fire and torrential rainfall on erosion in a Mediterranean gorse community
Authors: De Luis M. , González‐Hidalgo J. C. , Raventós J.
Published: March 2003

Wildland fires and torrential rainfall are important factors affecting Mediterranean nature and human society. In this paper, we investigate their combined impact on a fire‐prone vegetation community at the east coast of Spain. Our results show that shrub cover provides an effective control of erosion even under simulated extreme rainfall events. After fire, soil erosion increased noticeably; however, the amount of sediment produced varied greatly, which can be explained by variations in fire severity. The quantity of litter debris after the fire plays a decisive role in controlling the erosion that follows. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repassivation of steel in carbonated concrete induced by cathodic protection
Authors: Bertolini L. , Pedeferri P. , Redaelli E. , Pastore T.
Published: March 2003

The paper discusses the peculiarities of cathodic protection applied to steel in carbonated concrete, which are strictly connected to the production of alkalinity at the steel surface. Results of a research on the application of cathodic protection to specimens with steel bars in carbonated concrete are discussed. A thin layer of concrete was realkalized within a period of 4–5 months by applying a current density of 10 mA/m2 and steel could repassivate even in the presence of small contents of chlorides. A lower current density of 5 mA/m2 could only maintain steel passive when the concrete in the vicinity of the steel had been previously realkalized through the application of a start‐up current density of 70 mA/m2 for one month. Protection mechanisms are investigated and design of cathodic protection of steel in carbonated concrete is outlined. The possibility of obtaining protection on deeper rebars is also considered.
Frequency response of self‐similar planar waveguides
Authors: Surre Frédéric , Saleh Al Samawal , Aubert Hervé
Published: March 2003

The frequency response of self‐similar structures may exhibit sharp transmission peaks inside high‐attenuation frequency bands. The similarity dimension and lacunarity of such structures are used as key parameters for designing new selective planar microwave filters. Comparisons between the performances of periodic and self‐similar planar microwave filters are presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 37: 208–210, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10870
Treatment of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: Current status and outlook for the future
Authors: Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Spunt Sheri L. , Pappo Alberto S.
Published: March 2003

Background

The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) comprises a group of well‐characterized neoplasms with aggressive behavior. Despite significant progress with the use of intensive multiagent chemotherapy and local control measures, a significant proportion of patients die of disease progression. Chemotherapy dose intensification and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have been explored by many institutions without obvious benefit in high‐risk patients. Our current understanding in the biology and treatment of ESFT suggests that a more rational approach to the development of risk‐adapted therapy should be undertaken.

Procedure

We performed a review of the most relevant data regarding the current status in the treatment of ESFT. The results of the major American and European cooperative groups were analyzed, including the treatment strategies used and the prognostic factors identified for both localized and metastatic ESFT.

Results

The intensification of alkylating agents and topoisomerase‐II inhibitors is feasible and has resulted in some survival improvement for selected patients. This benefit seems to be restricted to patients with localized disease, and a proportion of survivors are at risk of developing treatment‐related hematologic malignancies. Nevertheless, these advances have resulted in a re‐definition of prognostic factors, which may help to define risk groups based on tumor load parameters as well as biologic factors (type of fusion transcript and histologic response to chemotherapy). Patients with advanced metastatic disease may benefit from HSCT. New strategies such as immunotherapy and the use of biologic modifiers may have a role in the treatment of ESFT.

Conclusions

Future treatment for ESFT should consider risk‐adapted strategies and the inclusion of newer therapies such as biologic modifiers for the minimal residual disease. A modified risk‐adapted therapy is proposed. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:276–287. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacology of all‐trans‐retinoic acid in children with acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Lanvers Claudia , Reinhardt Dirk , Dübbers Angelika , Wagner‐Bohn Alexandra , Creutzig Ursula , Ritter Joerg , Boos Joachim
Published: March 2003

Background

Due to severe side effects in virtually all children treated with a standard dose of 45 mg/m2/day all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) the AML‐BFM study group reduced the dosage to 25 mg/m2/day. For the lack of data on the use of ATRA at this dosage in children with APL, the study group further decided to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ATRA in children.

Procedure

Twenty‐three pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles of ATRA were studied in 14 children (aged 0.9–18.4 years) with APL. Eleven plasma samples were collected over a period of 8 hr and analyzed for ATRA and its metabolites by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Peak plasma concentrations of ATRA were characterized by wide interpatient variability (range: 28.6–513.0 nM). Compared to adults the same metabolic pathways were observed in children. Even though peak plasma concentrations were in the lower range of those considered effective in vitro, ATRA side effects, notably neurotoxicity, still required dose reduction, treatment break, or drug withdrawal in eight patients. In this small number of patients, neurotoxicity could not be related to age or any specific level of ATRA or metabolites in the plasma. Plasma concentrations of vitamin A, however, were significantly higher in those patients, who developed signs of neurotoxicity (P = 0.03, Mann–Whitney Rank Sum test).

Conclusions

Considering the low plasma concentrations and the persistence of toxicity in spite of dose reduction intermittent dosing schedules might be considered as an alternative to further dose reduction of ATRA in the treatment of APL especially in children, who might be at risk of ATRA‐induced neurotoxicity. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:293–301. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐resectable congenital tumors with the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion are highly responsive to chemotherapy
Authors: McCahon Emma , Sorensen Poul H.B. , Davis Jeff H. , Rogers Paul C.J. , Schultz Kirk R.
Published: March 2003

Background

Recently, the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion has been identified in both infantile fibrosarcoma and cellular mesoblastic nephroma. For both these tumors standard curative treatment has been primarily surgical with wide local excision. This has frequently involved radical and even mutilating surgery.

Procedure

This report discusses three infants with congenital tumors, two congenital fibrosarcomas, and one atypical congenital mesoblastic nephroma, not easily amenable to surgical intervention.

Results

All three were treated with pre‐operative chemotherapy with excellent responses negating the need for amputation in two patients. In each patient, the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion was identified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the tumor specimens.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion may underlie the distinctive biological properties of these tumors and may also indicate tumor chemosensitivity. In this group of patients pre‐operative chemotherapy may abrogate the need for morbid surgical procedures. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:288–292. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) as a predictor of poor outcome in nephroblastoma: An interinstitutional study
Authors: Camassei Francesca Diomedi , Jenkner Alessandro , Ravà Lucilla , Bosman Cesare , Francalanci Paola , Donfrancesco Alberto , Alò Piero L. , Boldrini Renata
Published: March 2003

Background

Treatment of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) has presently achieved a greater than 80% cure rate. Pathologic stage and grade are considered the most reliable prognostic parameters, but other biologic factors are under study in order to improve patient stratification into risk groups. Correlation of elevated levels of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) with aggressiveness of some cancers has drawn attention to this enzyme as a possible marker of poor prognosis.

Procedure

To determine the predictive strength of FAS expression in Wilms tumor (with particular emphasis on intermediate risk, i.e., non anaplastic tumors, the vast majority of nephroblastomas), we evaluated immunostaining expression in archival specimens from 94 neoplasms. The degree of expression was correlated with stage, grade, clinical course and administration of prenephrectomy chemotherapy.

Results

Expression of FAS increased in anaplastic tumors (P = 0.043) and higher stages (P = 0.029). FAS expression correlated with OS and DFS at both univariate and multivariate analysis. Comparable results were obtained when analyzing the intermediate risk population separately. Pretreatment resulted in an increased FAS expression, without reaching significance level (P = 0.059).

Conclusions

Expression of FAS might be an independent prognostic factor, particularly for intermediate‐risk patients. The blockade of fatty acid synthesis by inhibition of FAS enzymatic function by means of metabolic analogues might prove a novel target pathway for the treatment of nephroblastoma. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:302–308. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of p53 analysis in pediatric malignancies in Poland
Authors: Fiszer‐Maliszewska Łucja , Czernik Jerzy , Sawicz‐Birkowska Krystyna , Kazanowska Bernarda , Wojciechowska Beata
Published: March 2003

Background

Mutations of the p53 gene are thought to be causally associated with the development of various neoplasms. In tumors overexpressing the wild‐form of p53, its functional inactivation has been suggested, and MDM2 seems to be important in this process. We analyzed p53 in childhood solid tumors, as data on pediatric malignancies are still limited.

Procedure

The p53 gene was screened for mutations by the PCR‐S SCP method and sequencing. p53, p21, and MDM2 proteins were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results

Overall, p53 mutations were found at a low frequency, 7% (9/126); the frequency calculated for sarcomas was also low, 8.6%. Interestingly, three of the nine detected mutations were new ones. p53 protein was demonstrated in all tumor histotypes, overall, in 63% (43/68) of the tumors, with 18% showing marked overexpression. No p21 was found; and the 76 kDa MDM2 protein was demonstrated in 18% (6/33) of the sarcomas.

Conclusions

In the series of pediatric malignancies studied, the frequency of p53 mutations was very low, whereas p53 protein was present in a high fraction of the tumors. Thus, in total, p53 abnormalities were frequent. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:316–321. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proton beam therapy in the management of central nervous system tumors in childhood: The preliminary experience of the Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay
Authors: Noel Georges , Habrand Jean‐Louis , Helfre Sylvie , Mammar Hamid , Kalifa Chantal , Ferrand Régis , Beaudre Anne , Gaboriaud Geneviève , Mazeron Jean‐Jacques
Published: March 2003

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical results and complications of a combination of proton and photon irradiation administered to 17 children with selected central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Procedure

Between July 1994 and September 2000, 17 children, aged from 5 to 17 years (median: 12 years) with intracranial benign (6 cases) or malignant (11 cases) tumors, were treated with photons (median dose: 40 Gy; 24–54) and protons (median dose: 20 CGE; 9–31) at the Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay (CPO).

Results

Mean follow‐up was 27 months (3–81). Two patients recurred locally (one marginal and one in situ). Fifteen patients are alive and doing well. Overall, 12, 24, and 36‐month local control rate was 92 ± 8% and, 12, 24, and 36‐month overall survival rates were 93 ± 6%, 83 ± 11%, and 83 ± 11%, respectively. Clinical initial symptoms remained stable or subsided in all patients. Early toxicities were in the expected range.

Conclusions

With a mean 27 months follow‐up, protontherapy was well tolerated for doses upto 69 CGE and with an excellent local control rate. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:309–315. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific inhibition of mouse oocyte nuclear protein phosphatase‐1 stimulates germinal vesicle breakdown
Authors: Swain Jason E. , Wang Xia , Saunders Thomas L. , Dunn Rodney , Smith Gary D.
Published: March 2003

Okadaic acid (OA)‐induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and localization of protein phosphatase‐1 (PP1) in oocyte nuclei are suggestive of PP1's role in regulating oocyte GVBD. To explore this possibility, we microinjected protein phosphatase (PP) inhibitors OA, anti‐PP1 antibody (anti‐PP1), PP1 inhibitor I2, and anti‐PP2A antibody (anti‐PP2A) into nuclei of roscovitine (ROSC)‐arrested mouse oocytes. Oocytes were also injected with recombinant PP1 in the absence of ROSC. Oocytes were assessed for GVBD and metaphase II (MII) development at 2 and 18 hr post‐injection. Data were analyzed using Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel Statistics adjusted for time. Microinjection of OA significantly enhanced GVBD in comparison to controls at 2 and 18 hr (P < 0.01), yet had no effect on MII development. Similarly, microinjection of anti‐PP1 resulted in significantly higher levels of GVBD compared to controls at 2 and 18 hr (P < 0.01). Interestingly, anti‐PP1 microinjection also tended to enhance MII development at 18 hr in comparison to controls (P < 0.09). Microinjection of I2, anti‐PP2A, and PP1 had no effect on GVBD or MII development. If reduction of PP1 activity was important for GVBD, one would anticipate an endogenous means of regulating PP1 activity at this developmental stage. In somatic cells, phosphorylation of PP1 at Thr320 causes PP1 inactivation. Germinal vesicle‐intact oocytes did not contain phosphorylated PP1, as determined using a specific Thr320‐Phospho‐PP1 antibody, Western blot analysis, and confocal immunocytochemistry. At or around the time of GVBD, oocyte PP1 became phosphorylated at Thr320, which remained phosphorylated through MII development. These data indicate that inhibition of intra‐nuclear PP1, through specific antibody neutralization, mimics OA‐stimulated GVBD, providing the first direct evidence that nuclear PP1 is involved in regulation of oocyte nuclear membrane integrity. In addition, phosphorylation of PP1 occurs at/or around GVBD indicating that inactivation of PP1 is an important intracellular event in regulation of nuclear envelope dissolution at GVBD. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 96–103, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical localization of steroidogenic enzymes in human follicle following xenotransplantation of the human ovarian cortex into NOD‐SCID mice
Authors: Sato Yumi , Terada Yukihiro , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Koyanagi Yoshio , Ito Mamoru , Miyoshi Ichiro , Suzuki Takashi , Sasano Hironobu , Murakami Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro
Published: March 2003

There have been reports of successful follicular growth following xenogenic transplantation of the human ovarian cortex into immunodeficient mice. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression and localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the graft of nonpathological human ovary following xenogenic transplantation into nonobese diabetic severe combined immune deficient (NOD‐SCID) mice. We studied human follicles following xenotransplantation into NOD‐SCID mice using immunohistochemistry antibodies against the cell proliferation marker (Ki 67), steroidogenic enzymes P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (P450 scc), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), cytochrome P450 17α hydroxylase (P450 c17), cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450 arom), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), and Ad4‐binding protein (Ad4BP), a transcription factor for all steroidogenic P450 genes. In the pre‐antral follicles of these grafts, Ki 67 and Ad4BP were detected in both the theca and granulosa cell layer. P450 scc, P450 c17, 3β‐HSD, and AR were present in only the theca cell layer, observations of which were consistent with the findings of nonpathological human ovarian cortex. P450 arom and ER were not detected in these grafts, however, and these follicles did not possess any specific feature of a dominant follicle. These findings suggest that the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in human follicles following xenogenic transplantation into NOD‐SCID mice is similar to that of nonpathological human ovaries. However, these follicles do not possess any features of dominant follicles, which are known to develop into the corpus luteum. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 67–72, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TUNEL analyses of bovine blastocysts after culture with EGF and IGF‐I
Authors: Sirisathien S. , Brackett B.G.
Published: March 2003

Experiments were carried out to investigate the beneficial effects of IGF‐I or EGF on bovine embryo development in chemically defined embryo culture media and resultant incidences of nuclear DNA fragmentation as an indication of embryo quality. Presumptive IVF zygotes were randomly cultured in either control (with no added growth factor) or treatment groups, i.e., with 50 ng/ml IGF‐I (experiment 1) or 5 ng/ml EGF (experiment 2). IGF‐I supplemented to culture media significantly improved proportions of blastocysts from oocytes inseminated compared to untreated controls (38.0% vs. 28.5%). Only embryos reaching the blastocyst stage on day 8 showed significant effects of IGF‐I treatment by resulting in higher blastocyst cell numbers (162 vs. 141) and lower percentages of TUNEL positive nuclei (2.1% vs. 3.3%) when compared to controls. Blastocyst development from oocytes was also improved by EGF supplementation compared to untreated controls (38.5% vs. 30.7%). Cell numbers of either day 7 or day 8 blastocysts were not affected by EGF treatment, nor were percentages of TUNEL positive nuclei when compared with controls. Similar proportions of parthenogenetically activated oocytes developed to blastocysts as for inseminated oocytes (28.8%). Parthenogenetic blastocysts contained fewer cells (93) and an increased percentage of TUNEL positive nuclei (5.7%) than were found for IVF embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 51–56, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amplification of representative cDNA pools from single human oocytes and pronucleate embryos
Authors: Metcalfe Anthony D. , Bloor Debra J. , Lieberman Brian A. , Kimber Susan J. , Brison Daniel R.
Published: March 2003

In the human embryo, gene expression studies have been hindered by the scarcity of material and the fact that in vitro fertilisation (IVF) embryos available for research are usually of poor quality and are, therefore, not representative of normal development. This has led most authors to study individual human embryos, using conventional RT‐PCR strategies, which permit analysis of only a few genes. Variability in the expression of genes between individual embryos is characteristic of these studies. In this study, a global RT‐PCR strategy has been used, allowing the analysis of an almost infinite number of genes from a single embryo. We have used oocytes, which failed to fertilise and representative pronucleate embryos donated from cycles in which the patient conceived, to investigate possible variability in transcript abundance between individual embryos. We have screened oocytes and embryos for a panel of genes including β‐actin (expressed in 24/28 oocytes, 6/6 pronuclear embryos), the integrins β1 (17/28 oocytes, 6/6 pronuclear embryos) and β5 (8/28 oocytes, 5/6 pronuclear embryos), and the apoptotic regulators BCL‐2 (20/28 oocytes, 2/6 pronuclear embryos) and BAX (21/28 oocytes, 5/6 pronuclear embryos). The expression of the pro‐apoptotic regulator BAX increased in human oocytes following prolonged periods of culture. Overall, patterns of gene transcript presence showed variation between embryos and this was independent of either zona removal or lysis conditions. Pronucleate embryos showed less variation, however, even sibling embryos from the patient did not express an identical subset of genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 1–8, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decrement in area of muscle responses to repetitive nerve stimulation
Authors: Lo Y.L. , Dan Y.F. , Leoh T.H. , Tan Y.E. , Ratnagopal P.
Published: March 2003

Measurement of the decremental muscle response to repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) has low yields for the diagnosis of neuromuscular transmission defects compared with single fiber electromyography (SFEMG). We compared area and amplitude of muscle responses to RNS in 87 patients and 30 controls, using SFEMG as the reference standard. Decrement of response area provided additional diagnostic yields of 5.3% to 30% depending on the muscle examined and disease severity, and is recommended as a diagnostic adjunct to measurement of amplitude decrement during RNS. Muscle Nerve 27: 494–496, 2003
Decrement of compound muscle action potential is related to mutation type in myotonia congenita
Authors: Colding‐Jørgensen Eskild , DunØ Morten , Schwartz Marianne , Vissing John
Published: March 2003

Decrement of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) during 10‐HZ repetitive nerve stimulation is thought to be an unusual finding in dominant myotonia congenita, and has not previously been reported in patients with the genetically verified disorder. It was the purpose of the present study to elucidate the relation between decrement and CLCN1 mutation type in myotonia congenita. Decrement and genotypes were studied in eight Danish families with myotonia congenita. Six patients with the known dominant mutation P480L had decrements of 30–84%. Patients heterozygous for the R894X mutation had decrements of 20–47%. Three novel CLCN1 mutations (two dominant and one recessive) were found segregating with the Thomsen/Becker phenotypes. In families with the novel dominant mutations M128V and E193K, decrement was absent in all family members tested. In conclusion, CMAP decrement may be pronounced in dominant myotonia congenita, and the presence of decrement is related to mutation type. Muscle Nerve 27:449–455, 2003
Inherited polyneuropathy in Leonberger dogs: A mixed or intermediate form of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease?
Authors: Shelton G. Diane , Podell Michael , Poncelet Luc , Schatzberg Scott , Patterson Edward , Powell Henry C. , Mizisin Andrew P.
Published: March 2003

A spontaneous distal, symmetrical polyneuropathy in related Leonberger dogs with onset between 1 to 9 years of age was characterized clinically, electrophysiologically, histologically, and morphometrically. Exercise intolerance and weakness was associated with a high‐steppage pelvic‐limb gait, a loss or change in the pitch of the bark, and dyspnea. Neurological examination revealed marked atrophy of the distal limb muscles, depressed spinal and cranial nerve reflexes, and weak or absent movement of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles. Electrophysiological evaluation was consistent with denervation and was characterized by loss or marked attenuation of compound muscle action potentials and slowed motor nerve conduction velocity. Muscle biopsy specimens showed neurogenic atrophy. Chronic nerve fiber loss associated with decreased myelinated fiber density and a shift of the axonal size–frequency distribution toward smaller fibers was the predominant finding in peripheral nerve specimens. Pedigree analysis of a large multigenerational family, including nine sibships with at least one affected individual, suggested X‐linked inheritance. Mutational and linkage analysis of this family may aid in identification of the chromosomal loci and gene responsible for this inherited axonal neuropathy. Further characterization of this inherited axonal neuropathy may establish the Leonberger dog as a spontaneous animal model of inherited axonal neuropathy and possibly lead to the discovery of a new gene or genes associated with axonal variants. Muscle Nerve 27: 471–477, 2003
Phrenic nerve palsy as a feature of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Stojkovic Tanya , De Seze Jérôme , Hurtevent Jean‐François , Fourrier François , Vermersch Patrick
Published: March 2003

We report four patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) who presented with phrenic nerve palsy, which was unilateral in two instances. The two patients with bilateral phrenic nerve involvement required mechanical ventilation. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) or steroids, the sensorimotor deficit and respiratory parameters improved in three patients, but the fourth patient remained ventilator dependent and died from pulmonary infection. Although rare, phrenic nerve palsy may be a feature of CIDP and may be responsive to treatment with IVIg or steroids. Muscle Nerve 27: 497–499, 2003
Surface‐initiated polymerization from poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Roux Stephane , Demoustier‐Champagne Sophie
Published: March 2003

The free‐radical polymerization of styrene initiated from a functionalized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) surface yielded a tethered polymer layer. The anchoring of the initiator species on the PET surface was performed from surface‐reactive groups easily generated by an alkaline hydrolysis of PET. After each surface modification, PET films were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, measurements of water contact angles, and time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry. The influence of the polymerization duration, the grafted initiator density, and the grafting mode on the efficiency of the surface‐initiated polymerization of styrene was investigated. In some cases, the tethering of the polystyrene layer on PET could be a reversible process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1347–1359, 2003
Surface methacrylation and graft copolymerization of ultrafine cellulose fibers
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Hsieh You‐Lo
Published: March 2003

Ultrafine fibrous (ϕ from 100 to 450 nm) cellulose membranes were generated by electrospinning of cellulose acetate [degree of substitution (DS): 2.45, weight‐average molecular weight: 30,000 Da], followed by alkaline deacetylation. Reaction of these ultrahigh surface‐area cellulose fibers with methacrylate chloride (MACl) produced activated surfaces without altering the fiber morphology. Surface methacrylation of these fibers was confirmed by the acquired hydrophobicity (θwater = 84°) as compared to the originally hydrophilic (θwater = 56°) cellulose. Changing the MACl:OH molar ratios could vary the overall DS of methacrylation. The very low overall DS values indicate the surface nature of the methacrylation reaction. At a DS of 0.17, the thermal properties of the surface methacrylated cellulose resemble those of cellulose derivatives at much higher DS values, an unusual behavior of the ultrafine fibers. The methacrylated cellulose could be further copolymerized with vinyl monomers (methyl methacrylate, acrylamide, and N‐isopropylacrylamide) as linear grafts or three‐dimensional (3D) networks. The morphology of cellulose fibers and the interfiber pore structure were not altered at 15–33% graft levels. This study demonstrates that either linear or 3D networks of vinyl polymers could be efficiently supported on ultrafine cellulose fibrous membranes via surface methacrylation. Through these surface reactions the chemical, thermal, and liquid wetting and absorbent properties of these ultrafine fibrous membranes were significantly altered with no change to the fiber dimensions or interfiber pore morphology. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 953–964, 2003
Real‐time orientation and crystallinity measurements during the isotactic polypropylene film‐casting process
Authors: Lamberti Gaetano , Brucato Valerio
Published: March 2003

A method based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission spectra is proposed to measure the crystallinity of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) samples. The method parameters were tuned as compared with wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements performed on test samples characterized by different crystallinity values obtained by solidification of thin iPP films under several cooling rates in a homemade device. The FTIR dichroic ratio measurements were adopted to measure crystalline and average Hermans' orientation factors of iPP samples obtained by film casting. The crystalline orientation measurement method was validated as compared with the birefringence measurement. The techniques were successfully used in real time during some film‐casting runs with a suitably modified FTIR system made of a spectrometer equipped with two optical guidelines and an external detector. Real‐time measurements are reported and discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 998–1008, 2003
Crystallization kinetics of PGBG4: A sequential poly(ester amide) derived from glycine, 1,4‐butanediol, and adipic acid
Authors: Botines Emma , Franco Lourdes , Rodríguez‐Galán Alfonso , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: March 2003

Isothermal crystallization kinetics of a new sequential poly(ester amide) derived from glycine, 1,4‐butanediol, and adipic acid was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. The Avrami analysis was performed to obtain the kinetic parameters of primary and secondary crystallization. The experimental data indicate a heterogeneous nucleation with spherical growth geometry for the primary crystallization, whereas a linear growth within formed spherulites is characteristic of the last crystallization stages. The Lauritzen–Hoffman analysis was also undertaken to determine the different crystallization regimes, having estimated the corresponding nucleation constants. Temperature dependence of the normalized crystallization‐rate constants was tested with different theoretical equations. These allow an estimation of a temperature close to 90 °C for the maximum crystallization rate. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 903–912, 2003
Theoretical simulation of thermally induced phase separation in a main‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymer solution
Authors: Kim Doe , Kyu Thein
Published: March 2003

Phase diagrams of main‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymer (MCLCP) solutions have been calculated self‐consistently on the basis of a simple addition of the Flory–Huggins free energy for isotropic mixing, the Maier–Saupe free energy for nematic ordering, and the Flory free energy for chain rigidity of the MCLCP backbone. The calculated phase diagram is an upper critical solution type overlapping with the nematic–isotropic transition. The phase diagram consists of liquid–liquid, liquid–nematic, and pure nematic regions. Subsequently, the dynamics of thermally induced phase separation and morphology development have been investigated by the incorporation of the combined free energy density into the coupled time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau (model C) equations, which involve conserved compositional and nonconserved orientational order parameters. The numerical calculations reveal a variety of the morphological patterns arising from the competition between liquid–liquid phase separation and nematic ordering of the liquid‐crystalline polymer. Of particular interest is the observation of an inflection in the growth dynamic curve, which may be attributed to the nematic ordering of the MCLCP component, which leads to the breakdown of the interconnected domains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 913–926, 2003
Permafrost aggradation followed by brutal degradation during the upper pleniglacial in Mongolia: the probable response to the H2 Heinrich event at 21 kyr BP
Authors: Bertran Pascal , Fontugne Michel , Jaubert Jacques
Published: March 2003

Upper pleniglacial loess and slope deposits in Europe frequently show an intensely cryoturbated gley horizon used as a stratigraphic benchmark level (the Nagelbeek Tongue Horizon). An equivalent horizon has been found in Mongolia, suggesting that it may characterize the whole Eurasiatic continent between latitudes 45° and 50° north. This horizon reflects a very cold episode marked by the aggradation of permafrost, followed by a sudden warming and a probable increase in snowfall, that gave rise to permafrost degradation. The latter episode is indicated by cryoturbation on gentle slopes and plug‐like solifluction or active‐layer sliding on steeper slopes. We correlate these processes to the Heinrich H2 cold event at ca. 21 kyr 14C BP and the following interstade that has been recognized in high‐resolution ice and marine records. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winter streamflow, ground temperature and active‐layer thickness in Northeast China
Authors: Liu Jingshi , Hayakawa Norio , Lu Mingjiao , Dong Shuhua , Yuan Jinying
Published: March 2003

Seasonal freezing and thawing influence the hydrological regimes of winter streamflow in northeast China where abrupt increases of 1.3° C and 2.8° C in the annual and winter air temperatures have occurred since the 1990s. Correlation between winter discharge and soil freezing is based upon hydrometeorological and geocryological data for the last 40 years. A mountainous watershed is used. The active‐layer temperature is estimated by a statistical model derived from annual air temperature, its annual range and the maximum depth of snow cover in January. Results indicate an asymptotic curve between winter streamflow and both thickness of the active layer and winter temperature. They imply that winter streamflow increases with a thickening of the active layer and a decrease in the depth of seasonal frost penetration in winter. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Singularity Principle and Property of Stewart Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Huang Z. , Chen L. H. , Li Y. W.
Published: March 2003

Based on the kinematic relationship of rigid body, this paper presents a new principle and method to analyze the singularity of a Stewart parallel manipulator. We study the sufficient and necessary condition that three velocities of three non‐collinear points in a body can determine a screw motion. All singularities of the Stewart parallel mechanism are classified into three different linear‐complex singularities. The various algebraic and geometrical properties as well as kinematics ones are analyzed in detail in different singular configurations. With the condition above, the singularity loci and distribution characteristics of a 3/6—Stewart parallel manipulator for some orientations of the mobile are studied in an oblique plane and in three‐dimensional space. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a Service Climbing Robot with Motion Planning and Visual Sensing
Authors: Zhu Jian , Sun Dong , Tso Shiu‐Kit
Published: March 2003

This paper describes an application of a service climbing robot aimed to clean the glass wall of high‐rise buildings. The robot utilizes suction cups to adhere to the glass and moves with a translational mechanism to follow a predetermined path in cleaning the whole glass surface. By a flexible waist, the robot can adjust its posture. The robot has the ability to cross the window frame to clean different sections of the glass wall. A visual sensing system, composed of an omnidirectional CCD camera and two laser diodes, enables the robot to measure its orientation and the distance between the robot and the window frame. The real‐time applications and some experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinematic Calibration and Pose Measurement of a Medical Parallel Manipulator by Optical Position Sensors
Authors: Bai Shaoping , Teo Ming Yeong
Published: March 2003

In the applications of parallel manipulators, kinematic calibration is required to eliminate the errors resulting from the manufacturing and assembly of both base and tools. In this paper, a calibration method of base and tool transformation is developed by virtue of optical position sensors. An error model for calibration is constructed using differential geometry method. The pose error is obtained based on pose measurement results of OPTOTRAK 3020, a commercial 3D position measurement system. An iterative least squares procedure is used to identify the error parameters in the base and tool transformations. Simulation and experiment results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for transformation matrices calibration. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integer and fractional packings in dense 3‐uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Haxell Penny , Nagle Brendan , Rödl Vojtěch
Published: March 2003

Let 𝒥0be any fixed 3‐uniform hypergraph. For a 3‐uniform hypergraph ℋ︁ we define ν(ℋ︁) to be the maximum size of a set of pairwise triple‐disjoint copies of 𝒥0in ℋ︁. We say a function ψ from the set of copies of 𝒥0in ℋ︁ to [0, 1] is afractional𝒥0‐packingof ℋ︁ if ∑𝒥∋eψ(𝒥) ≤ 1 for every tripleeof ℋ︁. Then ν(ℋ︁) is defined to be the maximum value of ∑ψ(𝒥) over all fractional 𝒥0‐packings ψ of ℋ︁. We show that ν(ℋ︁) − ν(ℋ︁) =o(|V(ℋ︁)|3) for all 3‐uniform hypergraphs ℋ︁. This extends the analogous result for graphs, proved by Haxell and Rödl (2001), and requires a significant amount of new theory about regularity of 3‐uniform hypergraphs. In particular, we prove a result that we call the Extension Theorem. This states that if ak‐partite 3‐uniform hypergraph is regular [in the sense of the hypergraph regularity lemma of Frankl and Rödl (2002)], then almost every triple is in about the same number of copies ofK(the complete 3‐uniform hypergraph withkvertices). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 22: 248–310, 2003
The number of k‐SAT functions
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Brightwell Graham R.
Published: March 2003

We study the number SAT(k; n) of Boolean functions of n variables that can be expressed by a k‐SAT formula. Equivalently, we study the number of subsets of the n‐cube 2n that can be represented as the union of (n − k)‐subcubes. In The number of 2‐SAT functions (Isr J Math, 133 (2003), 45–60) the authors and Imre Leader studied SAT(k; n) for k ≤ n/2, with emphasis on the case k = 2. Here, we prove bounds on SAT(k; n) for k ≥ n/2; we see a variety of different types of behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 22: 227–247, 2003
A general model of web graphs
Authors: Cooper Colin , Frieze Alan
Published: March 2003

We describe a very general model of a random graph process whose proportional degree sequence obeys a power law. Such laws have recently been observed in graphs associated with the world wide web. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2003