bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary encephalitis lethargica presenting with agitated catatonia, stereotypy, and dystonia‐parkinsonism
Authors: Dale Russell C. , Webster Richard , Gill Deepak
Published: October 2007

Encephalitis lethargica (EL) syndrome was classically described by Von Economo and has somnolent‐ophthalmoplegic, hyperkinetic, and amyostatic‐akinetic forms. We describe 2 recent cases of EL characterized by an acute encephalitis with mixed movement disorders (dystonia‐Parkinsonism plus stereotypy) and psychiatric disorders (agitated catatonia, coprolalia, and echo phenomena). Both patients suffered concurrent hyperkinetic and Parkinsonian features resulting in therapeutic challenges. Bradykinetic features responded to dopamine replacement therapy and both patients also had adverse affects to dopamine antagonists (oculogyric crises plus neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Investigation was unremarkable other than the presence of CSF lymphocytosis and oligoclonal bands. Despite prolonged in‐patient stays and intensive care management, both patients have made complete recoveries. We believe these cases support the hypothesis that this syndrome is an inflammatory encephalitis that specifically effects dopamine neurotransmission. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Predictors of punding in Parkinson's disease: Results from a questionnaire survey
Authors: Lawrence Andrew J. , Blackwell Andrew D. , Barker Roger A. , Spagnolo Francesca , Clark Luke , Aitken Michael R. F. , Sahakian Barbara J.
Published: October 2007

Dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has recently been linked to the development of a number of nonmotor behavioral control problems. Punding, one of these nonmotor problems, is a term used to describe complex, purposeless stereotyped behaviors such as the repetitive handling or sorting of objects. A self‐report questionnaire was adapted to assess punding in the context of dysfunctional hobby‐related activities. We report the results of a survey of PD outpatients from a PD research clinic (n = 141) and non‐PD controls (n = 103); conducted to identify clinical and psychological factors predictive of punding behaviors. The PD group reported hobbies and activities, which scored significantly higher on the Punding Scale than controls. Higher impulsivity, poorer disease‐related quality of life, younger age of disease onset, and concomitant daily medication dosage from dopamine receptor agonists were independently predictive of higher Punding Scale scores in the PD group. These findings are similar to those seen in dopamine dysregulation syndrome, and provide further evidence for the role of impulsivity and age at disease onset in DRT‐related nonmotor behavioral problems in PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Accuracy of DaTSCAN (123I‐ioflupane) SPECT in diagnosis of patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonism: 2‐Year follow‐up of an open‐label study
Authors: Tolosa Eduardo , Borght Thierry Vander , Moreno Emilio ,   DaTSCAN Clinically Uncertain Parkinsonian Syndromes Study Group
Published: October 2007

We previously reported on the role of dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT in the workup of patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndromes (CUPS). The findings of that study supported the use of SPECT imaging with DaTSCAN (123I‐Ioflupane) for accurate diagnosis in this population. We report here the 2‐year follow‐up of the CUPS study, which aimed to validate the results of DaTSCAN imaging and to ascertain whether a second scan could minimize any residual diagnostic uncertainty among those with an inconclusive diagnosis. Eighty‐five of 118 patients (72%) were available at follow‐up. In 8 of 85 patients the neurologist was unable to provide a definite diagnosis (named as inconclusive). At follow‐up, clinical diagnosis agreed with initial DaTSCAN SPECT results in 69 of 77 patients (90%) in whom a specific diagnosis was established. A second SPECT scan was performed if clinical diagnosis at follow‐up differed to that suggested by the initial scan (n = 8) or was inconclusive (n = 8). Among 8 patients whose clinical diagnosis differed to DaTSCAN images, a second scan was performed in 6 (2 refused) and the results supported the final clinical diagnosis in 4. Follow‐up DaTSCAN SPECT helped to establish a diagnosis in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) with a previously inconclusive diagnosis. DaTSCAN imaging shows a high rate of agreement with clinical diagnosis after 2‐years follow‐up. A second scan at 2 years follow‐up can reduce remaining diagnostic uncertainty that is present even after a prolonged period of observation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Potential outcome measures and trial design issues for multiple system atrophy
Authors: May Susanne , Gilman Sid , Sowell B. Brooke , Thomas Ronald G. , Stern Matthew B. , Colcher Amy , Tanner Caroline M. , Huang Neng , Novak Peter , Reich Stephen G. , Jankovic Joseph , Ondo William G. , Low Phillip A. , Sandroni Paola , Lipp Axel , Marshall Frederick J. , Wooten Frederick , Shults Clifford W. ,   North American Multiple System Atrophy Study Group
Published: October 2007

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder exhibiting a combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic failure. A disease‐specific scale, the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS), has been developed and validated to measure progression of MSA, but its use as an outcome measure for therapeutic trials has not been evaluated. On the basis of twelve months of follow‐up from an observational study of 67 patients with probable MSA, we evaluated three disease‐specific scores: Activities of Daily Living, Motor Examination, and a combined score from the UMSARS and two general health scores, the Physical Health and Mental Health scores of the SF‐36 health survey, for their use as outcome measures in a therapeutic trial. We discuss related design issues and provide sample size estimates. Scores based on the disease‐specific UMSARS seemed to be equal or superior to scores based on the SF‐36 health survey. They appeared to capture disease progression, were well correlated and required the smallest sample size. The UMSARS Motor Examination score exhibited the most favorable characteristics as an outcome measure for a therapeutic trial in MSA with 1 year of follow‐up. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Abnormal movements in Rett syndrome are present before the regression period: A case study
Authors: Temudo Teresa , Maciel Patricia , Sequeiros Jorge
Published: October 2007

The suspicion of a diagnosis of Rett syndrome (RTT) is based on clinical criteria that are often not present in the first two stages of the disease, as many of its symptoms will appear at a later age. This sometimes postpones the genetic diagnosis and an early clinical intervention. We present the case of 19‐months‐old girl who came to the consultation because of an arrest of psychomotor development noticed 5 months earlier without change in sleep pattern, behavior, or social communication. In the observation of 1 hour videotape, she presented subtle stereotypic movements of the face and hands as well as repetitive dystonic posturing of her limbs. A genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of RTT, showing a truncating mutation in the MECP2 gene (R270X). This case confirms that stereotypic movement anomalies, albeit infrequent and subtle, are already present before the regression stage and while maintaining prehension and that, in addition, repetitive dystonic postures may occur. Recognition of these early movement disorders will improve clinicians' ability to perform an earlier diagnosis of RTT. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Successful treatment of tremor in Wilson's disease by thalamotomy: A case report
Authors: Pal Pramod Kumar , Sinha Sanjib , Pillai Shibu , Taly Arun B. , Abraham Rojin G.
Published: October 2007

Little information is available on the surgical treatment of movement disorders in Wilson's disease. We report a successful outcome of left‐sided stereotactic thalamotomy in a 30‐year‐old man with Wilson's disease, who had severe postural‐kinetic tremor of both hands. The improvement was bilateral. Our case illustrates that stereotactic thalamotomy may be considered as an option in treating severe tremor in selected patients of Wilson's disease and merit further trials. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Trigonal injection of botulinum toxin‐A does not cause vesicoureteral reflux in neurogenic patients
Authors: Mascarenhas Frederico , Cocuzza Marcello , Gomes Cristiano Mendes , Leão Nilo
Published: October 2007

Aims

We evaluated the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) injections in the trigone on the antireflux mechanism and evaluated its short‐term efficacy.

Materials and Methods

Between April and December 2006, 21 patients (10 men and 11 women) were prospectively evaluated. All were incontinent due to refractory NDO and underwent detrusor injection of 300 units of BTX‐A, including 50 units into the trigone. Baseline and postoperative evaluation after eight weeks included cystogram, urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics.

Results

At baseline, 20 patients had no vesicoureteral (VUR) and one had grade II unilateral VUR. Postoperative evaluation revealed no cases of de novo VUR and the patient with preinjection VUR had complete resolution of the reflux. Ultrasound showed 5 (23.8%) patients with hydronephrosis before BTX‐A injection and only one (4.8%) at the followup evaluation (p=0.066). After treatment, 9 (42.8%) patients became dry, 11 (52.4%) were improved and one (4.8%) had no improvement. Improved patients received antimuscarinic treatment and 8 (38.1%) became dry, with a final total continence rate of 80.1%. Cystometric capacity increased from 271±92 to 390±189 ml (p=0.002), reflex volume varied from 241±96 to 323±201 ml (p=0.020) and maximum detrusor pressure reduced from 66±39 to 38±37 cm H2O (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our results confirm the safety of trigone injections of BTX‐A in terms of development of VUR and upper urinary tract damage. Whether they are beneficial for patients with NDO or other causes of voiding dysfunction will need further studies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:311–314, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mixed shell formulation accounting for thickness strains and finite strain 3d material models
Authors: Klinkel Sven , Gruttmann Friedrich , Wagner Werner
Published: October 2007

A non‐linear quadrilateral shell element for the analysis of thin structures is presented. The Reissner–Mindlin theory with inextensible director vector is used to develop a three‐field variational formulation with independent displacements, stress resultants and shell strains. The interpolation of the independent shell strains consists of two parts. The first part corresponds to the interpolation of the stress resultants. Within the second part independent thickness strains are considered. This allows incorporation of arbitrary non‐linear 3d constitutive equations without further modifications. The developed mixed hybrid shell element possesses the correct rank and fulfills the in‐plane and bending patch test. The essential
feature of the new element is the robustness in the equilibrium iterations. It allows very large load steps in comparison with other element formulations. We present results for finite strain elasticity, inelasticity, bifurcation and post‐buckling problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary in a seventeen‐year‐old female, successfully treated with surgery and multi‐agent chemotherapy
Authors: Kanwar Vikramjit S. , Heath Jessica , Krasner Carolyn N. , Pearce Jennifer M.
Published: October 2007

Advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary (FIGO stage III or IV) is a rare and usually lethal tumor seen in adolescents and young women. In pediatric patients with advanced disease, there have been only two case reports of successful therapy, we report a third patient, diagnosed at 17 years of age, with an abdominal mass and metastatic disease to regional and distant lymph nodes, who was successfully treated with surgery and intensive multi‐agent chemotherapy. Imatinib, thalidomide, and celecoxib were also administered for up to 24 months following initial chemotherapy. She remains in remission 3 years from diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1060–1062. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of image defined risk factors in localized neuroblastoma patients: Results of the GPOH NB97 trial
Authors: Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara , Benz‐Bohm Gabriele , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Berthold Frank
Published: October 2007

Background

Recently, an international expert group proposed revision of the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS). Localized disease can be classified as L1 without and as L2 with image defined risk factors (IDRF published in JCO 2005; 23:8483–8489). Our aim was to evaluate IDRF for the prediction of resectability, complications, and outcome.

Procedure

Records of 520 localized neuroblastoma patients of the NB97 trial were reviewed. Patients were retrospectively classified as having IDRF or not. A total of 366 evaluable patients were then analyzed for extent and complications of surgery and the prognostic value of IDRF.

Results

Any IDRF was present in 26/160 of stage 1, 49/113 of stage 2, and 64/93 of stage 3 patients. Complete primary resection was achieved in 156/227 patients without IDRF and 43/139 patients with IDRF (P < 0.001). The frequency of complications was higher if any IDRF was present: 37/139 versus 33/227 (P = 0.006). Lack of IDRF was associated with better event free survival (3‐year‐EFS 86 ± 2% vs. 75 ± 4%, P = 0.010), whereas overall survival was similar (3‐year‐OS 98 ± 1% vs. 96 ± 2%, P = 0.462). EFS clearly depended on INSS stage (3‐year‐EFS 93 ± 2% in stage 1, 78 ± 4% in stage 2, and 69 ± 5% in stage 3, P < 0.001). OS was not different (3‐year‐OS 98 ± 1% vs. 99 ± 1% vs. 94 ± 2%, P = 0.056). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an impact of INSS stage on EFS only. IDRF were not shown to be significant for predicting EFS or OS.

Conclusions

IDRF were useful in predicting risk and completeness of operation. IDRF failed as independent risk predictors in localized neuroblastoma. INSS more precisely identified patients with poor prognosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:965–969. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic metastatic neuroblastoma
Authors: Kazanowska Bernarda , Reich Adam , Jelen Michal , Chybicka Alicja
Published: October 2007

The diversity of neuroblastoma and its clinical course depends on histology, biology and clinical features. We report a male presenting at 4 months of age with an abdominal mass and multiple subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis was made by histological examination of a subcutaneous nodule and elevated urinary markers. The patient remained well during the subsequent 9 years. During that time no cytostatic treatment was given. Attempt to treat with cis‐retinoic acid 10 years later did not result in any significant change of the clinical course. The patient has remained in good clinical condition for a 15‐year observation period, having both progressing and regressing distant subcutaneous metastases. Skin nodules are the hallmarks of the indolent clinical course of the disease. We suggest the use of the “chronic neuroblastoma” as a term to describe patients with neuroblastoma showing indolent disease course over a very long period of time, but never achieving complete remission. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:898–900. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal assessment of health‐related quality of life in preschool children with non‐CNS cancer after the end of successful treatment
Authors: Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Oort Frans J. , Last Bob F. , Brons Paul P.T. , Caron Huib N. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: October 2007

Background

The aim of the study was to access Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in preschool cancer survivors during the first 3 years of continuous remission after the end of successful treatment, and to identify predictors of HRQoL.

Procedure

Parent‐reported HRQoL was assessed in 53 preschool children treated successfully for cancer, using the TAPQOL and compared with norm data. Longitudinal mixed models analyses were performed to investigate to what extent demographic and medical variables and parental psychological distress were predictive of HRQoL over time.

Results

Two months after the end of successful cancer treatment, survivors showed significantly (P < 0.01) more problem behavior and anxiety, and scored significantly worse (P < 0.01) on sleeping, motor functioning, positive mood and liveliness than the norm. One year after the end of treatment survivors still showed significantly (P < 0.01) more anxiety and worse motor functioning. The level of HRQoL in survivors had normalized 2 and 3 years after the end of treatment. Longer duration of treatment, bad prognosis and greater parental psychological distress were associated with worse scores on the Physical Component Score of the TAPQOL. Medical variables and parental psychological distress were not associated with the Mental Component Score.

Conclusions

Survivors adjusted well to the cancer experience and HRQoL improved with time. Despite overall resilience in survivors over time, physical as well as psychosocial monitoring in follow‐up is recommended. Standard aftercare should preferably include psychosocial screening, education, and counseling directed at both survivors and parents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1047–1051. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of linear and hyperbranched poly(etherketone)s containing flexible oxyethylene spacers
Authors: Jeon In‐Yup , Tan Loon‐Seng , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: October 2007

As an alternative to strong acid reaction media for the Friedel–Crafts acylation for a polymer‐forming reaction, a mild polyphosphoric acid (PPA) with optimized amount of phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) has been tested for the polymerization of AB monomers 4‐(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid and 3‐(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid, and an AB2 monomer 3,5‐bis(2‐phenoxyethoxy)benzoic acid. The reaction progress of AB2 monomer was conveniently traced by FTIR spectroscopy monitoring aromatic ketone (CO) stretching bands arisen from carboxylic acid groups at the chain ends and carbonyl groups in the backbone as a function of reaction time at 110 °C. The resultant linear and hyperbranched polymers containing flexible oxyethylene spacers, which were prone to be hydrolyzed in strong acids at elevated temperature, displayed high intrinsic viscosities. Thus, the reaction medium PPA/P2O5 mixture as an electrophilic substitution reaction was indeed benign not to depolymerize growing polymer molecules but strong enough for the direct generation of carbonium ion from carboxylic acid to promote efficient polymerization. The resultant hyperbranched poly(etherketone) (PEK) displayed the best solubility among samples. All PEKs showed good thermal stability; glass transition temperatures were in the range of 90–117 °C; 5% weight loss generally occurred at greater than 345 °C in air. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5112–5122, 2007
Miktoarm star copolymers of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) from a novel heterofunctional initiator
Authors: Priftis Dimitrios , Pitsikalis Marinos , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: October 2007

A novel heterofunctional initiator, synthesized from pentaerythritol in a three step reaction sequence with two ring opening polymerization (ROP) and two atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating sites, was used to prepare A2B2 miktoarm star copolymers of poly(ε‐caprolactone), PεCL, with polystyrene, PS, poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), PDMAEMA, and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate), PHEMA. A2B miktoarm stars, A being PεCL or poly(δ‐valerolactone), PδVL and B PS were also prepared from ω,ω‐dihydroxy‐PS, synthesized from ω‐Br‐PS and serinol, by ROP of εCL or δVL. All polymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and membrane osmometry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5164–5181, 2007
Crystal structure and theoretical calculations of Julocrotine, a natural product with antileishmanial activity
Authors: Moreira Rafael Y. O. , Brasil Davi S. B. , Alves Cláudio N. , Guilhon Giselle M. S. P. , Santos Lourivaldo S. , Arruda Mara S. P. , Müller Adolfo H. , Barbosa Patrícia S. , Abreu Alcicley S. , Silva Edilene O. , Rumjanek Victor M. , Souza Jaime , da Silva Albérico B. F. , Santos Regina H. de A.
Published: October 2007

Julocrotine, N‐(2,6‐dioxo‐1‐phenethyl‐piperidin‐3‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐butyramide, is a potent antiproliferative agent against the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (L.). In this work, the crystal structure of Julocrotine was solved by X‐ray diffraction, and its geometrical parameters were compared with theoretical calculations at the B3LYP and HF level of theory. IR and NMR spectra also have been obtained and compared with theoretical calculations. IR absorptions calculated with the B3LYP level of theory employed together with the 6‐311G+(d,p) basis set, are close to those observed experimentally. Theoretical NMR calculations show little deviation from experimental results. The results show that the theory is in accordance with the experimental data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Characterization of the NH···ON and NH···NO H‐bonds in nitrosamine dimers
Authors: Roohi H. , Gholipour Y.
Published: October 2007

Ab initio molecular orbital and DFT calculations have been carried out for three most stable dimers of parent nitrosamine (NA) in order to elucidate the structures and energetics of the dimers. The structures were optimized using HF, B3LYP, and MP2 methods with 6‐311+G(d,p) and 6‐311++G(2d,2p) basis sets. At the optimized geometries obtained at MP2/6‐311++G(2d,2p) level of theory, the energies were evaluated at QCISD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ and CCSD/aug‐cc‐pVDZ levels. The most stable dimer has two NH···ON hydrogen bonds and the least stable dimer has two NH···NO hydrogen bonds. The natural bond orbital analysis showed that the lpO(N) → BD*(NN) and lpO(N) → BD*(NHb) interactions play a decisive role in the stabilization of the NH···O(N) hydrogen bonds in dimers. The atoms in molecules results reveal that the intermolecular NH···O(N) H‐bonds in dimers have electrostatic character. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Stability, structural properties, and dissociation pathways of silylidyne‐amines RSiN and silylidyne‐phosphanes RSiP (R = F, Cl)
Authors: Bhattacharyya I. , Bera N. C. , Das A. K.
Published: October 2007

Stability, structural properties, and dissociation pathways of silylidyne‐amines FSiN, ClSiN, their isomers, and silylidyne‐phosphanes FSiP and ClSiP have been studied in detail using ab initio MP2, CCSD, and CCSD(T) and density functional B3LYP methods. After dissociation of FSiN, ClSiN, FSiP, and ClSiP, the fragmented atoms have been considered to be either in their ground state or in their metastable state in various dissociation channels. The dissociation energy for various dissociation pathways has been compared and interesting results have been obtained for the dissociation channels where the fragmented atoms are in their metastable states. The structure properties of these molecules agree well with the theoretical results wherever available. The NBO atomic charges of these molecules have been analyzed. The isomerization energy has been compared with existing theoretical data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
A tracer investigation of chromic acid anodizing of aluminium
Authors: Garcia‐Vergara S. J. , Skeldon P. , Thompson G. E. , Habazaki H.
Published: October 2007

A tungsten tracer introduced into a sputtering‐deposited aluminium substrate was employed to investigate pore development in anodic films formed at 3 mA cm−2 in 0.25 M chromic acid electrolyte at 313 K. The anodized specimens were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with compositions of films determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). The anodic films were found to be similar in thickness to that of the aluminium layer consumed during anodizing and revealed the feathered pore morphology that is a characteristic of the electrolyte. The anodizing efficiency was ∼45–48%, with tungsten tracer species, in addition to aluminium species, being lost to the electrolyte at the pore base. These findings, together with the relatively uniform distribution of tungsten species within the film, are consistent with field‐assisted dissolution of the alumina playing a major role in the development of pores. The films contrast with those formed in phosphoric and sulphuric acid electrolytes, for which feathering of pores is absent, the tracer distribution is inverted and the film thickness exceeds that of the consumed metal, features indicative of the influence of material flow in pore development. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Misspecification tests for binomial and beta‐binomial models
Authors: Capanu Marinela , Presnell Brett
Published: October 2007

The IOS test of Presnell and Boss (J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 2004; 99(465):216–227) is a general‐purpose goodness‐of‐fit test based on the ratio of in‐sample and out‐of‐sample likelihoods. For large samples, the IOS statistic can be approximated by a multiplicative contrast between two estimates of the information matrix, and in this way the IOS test is connected to White's (Econometrica 1982; 50:1–26) information matrix test, or IM test, which is based directly on the difference of two estimates of the information matrix. In this paper, we compare the performance of IOS to that of the IM test and of other goodness‐of‐fit tests for binomial and beta‐binomial models, in both examples and simulations. Our findings suggest that IOS is strongly competitive, not only against the IM test but also against tests designed for specific binomial and beta‐binomial models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preservation of effect and the regulatory approval of new treatments on the basis of non‐inferiority trials
Authors: Snapinn Steven , Jiang Qi
Published: October 2007

The criteria for approval of an experimental treatment on the basis of active‐controlled non‐inferiority trials often include demonstration of ‘preservation of effect’ relative to the active control. While this appears on its surface to be a reasonable criterion, on closer inspection it can be shown to lead to serious logical inconsistencies. In particular, an experimental treatment may have clinical trial results that are superior to those for the standard treatment and yet fail to meet this criterion for approval. In this paper we propose a set of principles that will help avoid these logical inconsistencies, and we argue that the qualities of an experimental treatment that are required for approval should be consistent regardless of the presence or absence of existing treatments and the type of study design used to evaluate the treatment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SUMLOW: early design‐stage sketching of UML diagrams on an E‐whiteboard
Authors: Chen Qi , Grundy John , Hosking John
Published: October 2007

Most visual diagramming tools provide point‐and‐click construction of computer‐drawn diagram elements using a conventional desktop computer and mouse. SUMLOW is a unified modelling language (UML) diagramming tool that uses an electronic whiteboard (E‐whiteboard) and sketching‐based user interface to support collaborative software design. SUMLOW allows designers to sketch UML constructs, mixing different UML diagram elements, diagram annotations, and hand‐drawn text. A key novelty of the tool is the preservation of hand‐drawn diagrams and support for manipulation of these sketches using pen‐based actions. Sketched diagrams can be automatically ‘formalized’ into computer‐recognized and ‐drawn UML diagrams and then exported to a third party CASE tool for further extension and use. We describe the motivation for SUMLOW, illustrate the use of the tool to sketch various UML diagram types, describe its key architecture abstractions and implementation approaches, and report on two evaluations of the toolset. We hope that our experiences will be useful for others developing sketching‐based design tools or those looking to leverage pen‐based interfaces in software applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling of power fluctuations from large offshore wind farms
Authors: Sørensen Poul , Cutululis Nicolaos Antonio , Vigueras‐Rodríguez Antonio , Madsen Henrik , Pinson Pierre , Jensen Leo E. , Hjerrild Jesper , Donovan Martin
Published: October 2007

This paper deals with modelling of power fluctuations from large wind farms. The modelling is supported and validated using wind speed and power measurements from the two large offshore wind farms in Denmark. The time scale in focus is from 1min to a couple of hours, where significant power fluctuations have been observed from these wind farms. Power and wind speed are measured with 1s sampling time in all individual wind turbines in almost 1 year, which provides a substantial database for the analyses. The paper deals with diversified models representing each wind turbine individually and with aggregation of a wind farm to be represented by a single large wind turbine model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of CK‐20‐Positive Cells in Peripheral Venous Blood with Serum CEA Levels in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Friederichs Jan , Gertler Ralf , Rosenberg Robert , Dahm Michael , Nekarda Hjalmar , Holzmann Bernhard , Siewert Jörg Rüdiger
Published: October 2007

Tumor cell dissemination appears to be an early event in tumor progression, and tumor cells can be detected in peripheral venous blood at the time of the operation. Although cytokeratin 20 (CK‐20) is not specifically expressed by colorectal carcinomas, it represents a widely used marker for the detection of colorectal tumor cells. We used the combination of density centrifugation and CK‐20 real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect CK‐20‐positive cells in the peripheral venous blood of 37 patients with colorectal carcinoma. Detection rates were compared to serum levels of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen CA 19‐9, and cancer antigen CA 125. The prognostic impact was assessed by the overall survival and by univariate and multivariate analysis. Overall, CK‐20‐positive cells in peripheral venous blood were detected in 11 of 37 (29.7%) patients. CK‐20‐positive patients showed a significantly higher mean serum CEA level (90.3 ng/ml) than the 4.1 ng/ml found in the CK‐20‐negative group (p = 0.03). CEA levels also correlated with CK‐20 copy numbers. No significant correlation was observed for CA 19‐9 or CA 125. CK‐20‐negative patients showed a trend toward better survival (p = 0.08). In the univariate analysis, CA 19‐9, CEA, tumor size, lymph node status, grading, the presence of distant metastases, and resection status reached significant prognostic levels, whereas the detection of CK‐20‐positive cells showed only a prognostic trend (p = 0.06). Multivariate analysis failed to identify independent prognostic parameters. Here we report the correlation of CK‐20‐positive cells in peripheral venous blood with the serum CEA level of patients with colorectal cancer, which may represent a potential marker of the tumor load.
Noninvasive measurement of phenylalanine by iontophoretic extraction in patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Longo N. , Li S. K. , Yan G. , Kochambilli R. P. , Papangkorn K. , Berglund D. , Ghanem A.‐H. , Ashurst C. L. , Ernst S. L. , Pasquali M. , Higuchi W. I.
Published: October 2007

Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by elevated concentrations of phenylalanine. Elevated phenylalanine concentrations can impair intellectual functions and the disease is treated with a lifelong diet and frequent monitoring of plasma phenylalanine concentrations. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated the feasibility of iontophoretically enhanced transdermal transport of phenylalanine. Here we evaluate the feasibility of transdermal iontophoretic extraction of phenylalanine in vivo. Phenylalanine was iontophoretically extracted from the skin of healthy volunteers and of patients with phenylketonuria for up to 6 h and concentrations were compared with those measured in plasma. The amount of phenylalanine iontophoretically extracted from the skin declined over time, suggesting contribution of phenylalanine from the skin in the initial extraction. Phenylalanine iontophoretically extracted from skin correlated with plasma phenylalanine levels at plasma levels above 300 μmol/L. This correlation supports the feasibility of iontophoretic phenylalanine extraction for monitoring phenylketonuria.
Latent Class Models for Diary Method Data: Parameter Estimation by Local Computations
Authors: Rijmen Frank , Vansteelandt Kristof , De Boeck Paul
Published: October 2007

The increasing use of diary methods calls for the development of appropriate statistical methods. For the resulting panel data, latent Markov models can be used to model both individual differences and temporal dynamics. The computational burden associated with these models can be overcome by exploiting the conditional independence relations implied by the model. This is done by associating a probabilistic model with a directed acyclic graph, and applying transformations to the graph. The structure of the transformed graph provides a factorization of the joint probability function of the manifest and latent variables, which is the basis of a modified and more efficient E-step of the EM algorithm. The usefulness of the approach is illustrated by estimating a latent Markov model involving a large number of measurement occasions and, subsequently, a hierarchical extension of the latent Markov model that allows for transitions at different levels. Furthermore, logistic regression techniques are used to incorporate restrictions on the conditional probabilities and to account for the effect of covariates. Throughout, models are illustrated with an experience sampling methodology study on the course of emotions among anorectic patients.
Characteristic vector fields of generic distributions of corank 2
Authors: Jakubczyk B. , Kryński W. , Pelletier F.
Published: October 2007

We study generic distributions

D \subset TM

of corank 2 on manifolds

M

of dimension

n⩾5

. We describe singular curves of such distributions, also called abnormal curves. For

n

even the singular directions (tangent to singular curves) are discrete lines in

D(x)

, while for

n

odd they form a Veronese curve in a projectivized subspace of

D(x)

, at generic

x \in M

. We show that singular curves of a generic distribution determine the distribution on the subset of

M

where they generate at least two different directions. In particular, this happens on the whole of

M

if

n

is odd. The distribution is determined by characteristic vector fields and their Lie brackets of appropriate order. We characterize pairs of vector fields which can appear as characteristic vector fields of a generic corank 2 distribution, when

n

is even.
On weakly harmonic maps from Finsler to Riemannian manifolds
Authors: von der Mosel Heiko , Winklmann Sven
Published: October 2007

We prove global

C^{0,\alpha }

-estimates for harmonic maps from Finsler manifolds into regular balls of Riemannian target manifolds generalizing results of Giaquinta, Hildebrandt, and Hildebrandt, Jost and Widman from Riemannian to Finsler domains. As consequences we obtain a Liouville theorem for entire harmonic maps on simple Finsler manifolds, and an existence theorem for harmonic maps from Finsler manifolds into regular balls of a Riemannian target.

Nous démontrons des

C^{0,\alpha }

-estimations globales pour des applications harmoniques des variétés de Finsler dans des boules régulières des variétés riemanniennes en généralisant des résultats de Giaquinta, Hildebrandt et de Hildebrandt, Jost et Widman pour des domaines de Riemann, à des domaines de Finsler. En conséquence nous obtenons un théorème de Liouville pour des applications harmoniques entières sur des variétés de Finsler simples, et un théorème d'existence pour des applications harmoniques des variétés de Finsler dans des boules régulières d'une variété riemannienne.
A Chinese herbal decoction, Danggui Buxue Tang, activates extracellular signal‐regulated kinase in cultured T‐lymphocytes
Authors: Gao Qiu T. , Cheung Jerry K.H. , Li Jun , Jiang Zhi Y. , Chu Glanice K.Y. , Duan Ran , Cheung Anna W.H. , Zhao Kui J. , Choi Roy C.Y. , Dong Tina T.X. , Tsim Karl W.K.
Published: October 2007

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis. This Chinese herbal decoction has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of T‐lymphocytes; however, the action mechanism of this stimulation has not been revealed. In cultured T‐lymphocytes, application of DBT markedly induced the cell proliferation, the release of interleukin‐2, ‐6 and ‐10, as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK). The pre‐treatment of ERK inhibitor blocked the DBT‐induced immune responses. In addition, the polysaccharide‐enriched fraction of DBT showed marked responses on the cultured T‐lymphocytes suggesting the important role of DBT polysaccharide in triggering such immune responses.
Use of latissimus dorsi and abdominal external oblique muscle for reconstruction of a thoracic wall defect in a cat with feline osteochondromatosis
Authors: Gradner Gabriele , Weissenböck Herbert , Kneissl Sibylle , Benetka Viviane , Dupré Gilles
Published: October 2007

A 4-year-old, male castrated European shorthair cat was presented with a firm mass palpable on the right caudal rib cage. Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs of the thorax revealed a 4×3×2 cm large, expansile and radiodense mass originating from the distal part of the 13th rib. After removal of the tumour, which was histopathologically confirmed as feline osteochondromatosis, the diaphragm, omentum, external abdominal oblique and latissimus dorsi muscles were used to reconstruct the defect. Feline osteochondromatosis is induced by retroviruses, eg, feline leukaemia virus, for which the cat tested positive. The tumour was removed for palliative reasons, because such tumours have the tendency to transform into osteosarcomas. Six months after the surgical excision the cat showed no clinical signs of reoccurrence.
An analysis of job dissatisfaction and turnover to reduce global supply chain risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Bin , Baker Revenor C. , Frazier Gregory V.
Published: October 2007

Suppliers’ labor problems in developing countries have emerged as a key risk in global supply chains. In China's coastal industrial zones, where most Fortune 500 companies have established their manufacturing bases, local suppliers are facing serious labor turnover problems. High labor turnover rates have caused poor quality, low productivity, and unfilled orders in supply chains. Applying a combination of quantitative techniques to determine the reasons why workers leave China's export factories, this research tries to identify the root causes of job dissatisfaction leading to turnover and provides managerial implications that may assist managers in dealing with labor‐related supply chain risks.
Everywhere incense burning: Remembering ancestors in Đổi Mó'i Vietnam
Authors: Jellema Kate
Published: October 2007

This article explores ‘ancestor worship’ from the viewpoint of villagers in the Red River Delta, as a meaningful practice reverberating across spiritual, social and moral realms. I describe two cases of what is locally termed ‘remembering the moral debt to our grandparents’. The first case involves the personal interactions of an older unmarried woman with her deceased parents, while the second focuses on the re-incorporation of a prominent local lineage organisation. I then analyse how war, revolution and reform have shaped the way villagers ‘remember the debt’ at home and in lineage halls.
Dhammamātā: Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu's notion of motherhood in Buddhist women practitioners
Authors: Ito Tomomi
Published: October 2007

The notion of dhammamātā is one of the last items of the legacy of the late Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu. In order to accord women practitioners better social status and provide them with opportunities for spiritual training, Buddhadāsa avoided committing himself to the reintroduction of bhikkunī ordination. Instead, he proposed the notion of dhammamātā, which literally means ‘dhamma mother’. This article postulates that by using the metaphor of the mother, Buddhadāsa invited less conflict, appealing to the high respect which Thai people generally held for women. Moreover, the article argues that with dhammamātā Buddhadāsa challenged the common notion of motherhood which usually regards women as nurturers of the Sanġha. Dhammamātā nurture people's spirituality through their teaching and virtues. Whilst the social impact of dhammamātā cannot be compared to that of bhikkunī, whose yellow robes visually suggest a status equivalent to that of male bhikkhu, the concept of dhammamātā was a new creation revolving around the image of the female religious teacher, a role that Buddhist women had wanted.
Living with the Dead: The politics of ritual and remembrance in contemporary Vietnam
Authors: DiGregorio Michael , Salemink Oscar
Published: October 2007

Since the inauguration in 1986 of the reforms known as Đổi Mới, ritual and religious practices have proliferated in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This renewed interest in religious and ritual practice has been the object of intensive scholarly interest both in Vietnam and outside, and has been interpreted in terms of revival (phục hồi), invention and politics of tradition. This collection of articles deals with this phenomenon of ritual revival in Vietnam as well but attempts to go beyond the – by now common – approaches that connect it with the emerging religious practice and political liberalisation, economic reform and the emerging market in the context of Đổi Mới. Instead, these papers explore in more depth the ritual dimensions of life from the central state down to the individual level.
Why We Need New Spectacles: Mapping the Experiential Dimension in Prehistoric Cretan Landscapes
Authors: Wallace Saro
Published: October 2007

The Bronze to Iron Age transition in Crete, a period of state collapse and insecurity, saw the island's rugged, high-contrast topography used in striking new ways. The visual drama of many of the new site locations has stimulated significant research over the last hundred years, with explanation of the change as the main focus. The new sites are not monumental in character: the vast majority are settlements, and much of the information about them comes from survey. Perhaps as a result, the new site map has not been much studied from phenomenological perspectives. A focus on the visual and experiential aspects of the new landscape can offer valuable insights into social structures at this period, and illuminate social developments prefiguring the emergence of polis states in Crete by c. 700 bc. To develop, share and evaluate this type of integrated study, digital reconstructive techniques are still under-used in this region. I highlight their potential value in addressing a regularly-identified shortcoming of phenomenological approaches — their necessarily subjective emphasis.
Linguistics for Archaeologists: Principles, Methods and the Case of the Incas
Authors: Heggarty Paul
Published: October 2007

Like archaeologists, linguists and geneticists too use the data and methods of their disciplines to open up their own windows onto our past. These disparate visions of human prehistory cry out to be reconciled into a coherent holistic scenario, yet progress has long been frustrated by interdisciplinary disputes and misunderstandings (not least about Indo-European). In this article, a comparative-historical linguist sets out, to his intended audience of archaeologists, the core principles and methods of his discipline that are of relevance to theirs. They are first exemplified for the better-known languages of Europe, before being put into practice in a lesser-known case-study. This turns to the New World, setting its greatest indigenous ‘Empire’, that of the Incas, alongside its greatest surviving language family today, Quechua. Most Andean archaeologists assume a straightforward association between these two. The linguistic evidence, however, exposes this as nothing but a popular myth, and writes instead a wholly new script for the prehistory of the Andes — which now awaits an archaeological story to match.
Poll Workers and the Vitality of Democracy: An Early
Assessment
Authors: Hall Thad , Monson J. Quin , Patterson Kelly D.
Published: October 2007

The aftermath of the 2000 election has been a time of constant
learning in regards to election administration in the United States.
Both scholars and policy makers initially focused primarily on
voting technology and on which voting technologies were best at
capturing votes. In early 2001, the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology
Project developed the “residual vote” metric; numerous studies have
since examined residual vote rates across different voting
platforms. Congressional reform of elections—exemplified in the
“Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002” (P.L. 107-252)—also focused
largely on voting technology, with HAVA imposing new standards for
voting equipment and providing states with one-shot funding to aid
in its purchase. Authors are listed
alphabetically. The data collection in Cuyahoga County, Ohio was
funded by the Election Science Institute (ESI) through a
contract with the Cuyahoga County Commission. We are grateful to
Steven Hertzberg of ESI for his assistance in the data
collection. The Utah poll-worker survey was funded by the
Institute of Public and International Affairs (IPIA) at the
University of Utah. Steven Snell of the Center for the Study of
Elections and Democracy (CSED) at Brigham Young University
provided valuable research assistance for this project.
The Effect of Election Administration on Voter
Confidence: A Local Matter?
Authors: Atkeson Lonna Rae , Saunders Kyle L.
Published: October 2007

The 2000 presidential election was a wake-up call to elected leaders,
public officials, and election scholars. The electoral fiasco—most
prominent in Florida, but also taking place in states like New
Mexico and Ohio—revealed many deficiencies in voting equipment
(Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project 2001). In addition to faulty
equipment, registration mix-ups and problems with absentee ballots
led to the loss of as many as six million votes (Caltech/MIT Voting
Technology Project 2001). Confusing ballots, like the butterfly
ballot in Florida's Dade County, were found to have led voters to
vote incorrectly (Wand et al. 2001). While these problems have, no
doubt, existed for a long time, the closeness of the 2000
presidential race and the fact that the number of lost votes had the
power to change the election outcome have brought election
administration questions to the forefront of policy making. Results were first presented at “The
Future of Election Reform and Ethics in the States,” hosted by
Kent State University, Department of Political Science,
Columbus, Ohio, January 16–17, 2007, and the following paper was
presented at the Midwest Political Science Association's Annual
Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, April 12–15, 2007. Data were
collected by monies generously provided by the University of New
Mexico's Research Allocation Committee. We'd like to thank
Luciana Zilberman, Lisa Bryant, Alex Adams, David Magleby, and
the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at Brigham
Young University for their assistance with this project. Of
course, any errors are our own.