bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Norwalk‐like viruses’ as a cause of foodborne disease outbreaks
Authors: Parashar Umesh D. , Monroe Stephan S.
Published: August 2002

While outbreaks of foodborne disease remain an important public health concern, their aetiology is not identified in a majority of instances. In targeted studies, the application of newly developed molecular assays has demonstrated that a large proportion of these outbreaks may be caused by the ‘Norwalk‐like viruses’ (NLV), a genus of genetically related viruses belonging to the family Caliciviridae. NLV outbreaks associated with consumption of faecally contaminated oysters are frequently reported and can best be controlled by preventing contamination of oyster‐harvesting waters. Infectious foodhandlers are another frequent source of contamination, and such transmission can be minimised by exclusion of ill foodhandlers and the maintenance of strict personal hygiene. Molecular assays have greatly refined the epidemiological investigation of foodborne NLV outbreaks, allowing the linking of outbreaks in different locations and permitting the identification of the virus in the implicated vehicle. The development of simpler and more sensitive assays and their use on a broader scale will assist in defining the true burden of foodborne NLV outbreaks and improve strategies for their prevention and control. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust adaptive trajectory tracking independent of models for robotic manipulators
Authors: Chen Qijun , Chen Huitang , Wang Yuejuan , Woo Pengyung
Published: August 2002

This article proposes a robust adaptive trajectory control scheme for robotic trajectory tracking under uncertainties. The control scheme is globally exponentially convergent without the knowledge of the robotic dynamics and is simple in structure with a small computation. It can make the trajectory error convergent to an arbitrary small region. Lyapunov approach is used to analyze the stability and the robustness of this control scheme. Experiments on a two‐link direct‐drive robotic manipulator verify the validity of the proposed control scheme. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of abdominal‐wall stretching between basic and enhanced laparoscopic instruments
Authors: Wittchen Jonathan D. , Podhorodeski Ron P.
Published: August 2002

In laparoscopic surgery, access to the patient's abdomen is gained by using an instrument, consisting of a 300–400 mm long stem with attached tool, inserted through a cannula mounted in the patient's abdominal wall. Sliding of the stem relative to the cannula and rotation of the stem about its longitudinal axis are the only motions not constrained by the abdominal wall. These limited‐motion capabilities necessitate abdominal‐wall stretching for full‐spatial tool displacements. Abdominal‐wall stretching is potentially damaging to the patient and fatiguing to the surgeon. Minimization of stretching is shown to be possible by the addition of a single revolute joint to the basic instrument. The motions allowed by the stem and cannula, the additional joint, and the abdominal wall result in a kinematically redundant system; i.e., an infinite number of joint displacements exist to achieve a desired tool position and orientation (desired tool pose). An optimization technique is applied to determine the minimum stretching for desired tool poses. Elimination of stretching is shown to be possible by the addition of two revolute joints to the basic instrument. Displacement models for the basic and enhanced instruments are found using concepts of manipulator kinematics. Forward and inverse displacement solutions for the instruments are found. The inverse displacement solutions are used to compare the amount of stretching required by each instrument. The stretching is highest for the basic instrument. The instrument with one additional joint produces stretching that is always less than or equal to that of the basic instrument. The instrument with two additional joints eliminates the need for stretching. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of pool formation and flash flooding on relative abundance of young‐of‐year flannelmouth suckers in the Paria River, Arizona
Authors: Thieme Michele L. , M𝒸ivor Carole C. , Brouder Mark J. , Hoffnagle Timothy L.
Published: August 2002

Flannelmouth sucker, Catostomus latipinnis, a fish endemic to the Colorado River basin in the western United States, appears to experience poor recruitment to adult size in the Colorado River, downstream of Glen Canyon Dam. Lack or impermanence of rearing areas for young‐of‐year (YOY) fish is hypothesized to be the problem. Knowing the importance of tributary mouths as rearing areas in other river systems, we studied use of the mouth of the Paria River, a tributary of the Colorado River, by YOY flannelmouth suckers, and the availability of rearing area in the mouth at different flow levels in the Colorado River in 1996 and 1997. We also examined the relationship between flash floods in the Paria River and catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) of YOY in the Paria River between 1991 and 1996.

Maximum mean daily discharge in the Paria River was inversely correlated with CPUE of YOY flannelmouth suckers (Spearman Rho=−0.9856, p=0.0003) during their critical rearing period (15 March–30 June). Thus, it appears that YOY flannelmouth suckers rear longer in the Paria River in years when flash flooding is minimal.

Recruitment of YOY flannelmouth suckers at the Paria River may also be improved by enhancing pool formation during spring and summer rearing seasons. YOY flannelmouth sucker was captured in a pool created by high Colorado River flows (≥336 m3/s) that inundated the mouth of the Paria River during spring and summer, 1996. In 1997, high flows (about 550–750 m3/s) in the Colorado River during winter and spring initially inundated the Paria River and formed a pool in the mouth. However, these high flows eventually caused 0.5–1.0 m of suspended sediment from the incoming Paria River to deposit in the mouth. Thus, despite higher flows than 1996, the slackwater area formed only occasionally in 1997. Differences in pool formation between 1996 and 1997 demonstrate that pool formation cannot be inferred solely from Colorado River flows. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some applications of the q‐Rice formula
Authors: Prodinger Helmut
Published: August 2002

We evaluate alternating sums involving q‐binomial coefficients using a contour integration technique. In this way, we rederive very easily some results due to Van Hamme, Uchimura (simplified!), Dilcher, Andrews, Crippa, and Simon. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 19: 552–557, 2001
Attenuation statistics estimated from radar measurements in MEO satellite communication systems for mobile terminals
Authors: Matricciani Emilio , Selva Simone P.
Published: August 2002

Based on experimental data, we have reported a method to scale the cumulative time, TF,T(A), a given attenuation, A (dB), is exceeded in a MEO satellite system in fixed terminals, to the time, TM,T(A), A is exceeded in mobile terminals. Zigzag routes and ring roads simulated city patterns; straight routes simulated freeways. In all cases, TM,T(A) can be expressed as TM,T(A)=ξTF,T(A) with a probability scaling factor ξ independent of A. Although the satellite systems have been simulated at 19.77 GHz, the results concerning ξ can be considered frequency‐independent. We have used a very large number of rain‐rate maps of storms randomly observed in 1991–1992 by a meteorological radar in Northern Italy. The speed of vehicles was modelled as a lognormal random variable. We found: (a) in zigzag routes TM,T(A)<TF,T(A), i.e. ξ<1, with results depending on vehicle speed modelling and starting conditions; (b) in ring roads there is no difference between fixed and mobile systems (ξ≈1); (c) in straight freeways TM,T(A)≪TF,T(A) (ξ≪1) and TM,T(A) can change significantly in different straight lines and in opposite directions (anisotropy and asymmetry) for medium–large attenuation. When compared with zigzag routes or ring roads, the performance in straight freeways is the most optimistic. The numerical values of ξ applicable to a MEO satellite system are not significantly different from those applicable to a GEO satellite system working in the same conditions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intelligent learning environment for acquiring knowledge application ability
Authors: Takeuchi Akira , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Fujita Tomoyuki , Ishibashi Kazuko
Published: August 2002

This paper proposes an architecture of intelligent learning environments that aims at assisting students in acquiring the ability to apply physical laws to complex systems. This paper also presents its application to a spring‐system learning environment. The learning process in the architecture consists of three steps: to interpret data collected by experiment, to predict results of experiment, and to verify the prediction by experiment. If a student encounters difficulties, the intelligent learning environment provides assistance such as prompting to collect additional data that are useful for interpretation, or providing a new physical system that is suitable for the student's state of understanding. To realize such tailored assistance for each individual student, we need a method to model a student's ability to apply rules. This paper proposes a new student model represented by a multidimensional space. Axes of the space correspond to measures of generality of a subject domain. We implemented an intelligent learning environment called “SpringMaster” to validate the proposed architecture. The result of its evaluation shows that students who learned by SpringMaster had better understanding than students who learned by real instruments. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Syst Comp Jpn, 32(8): 1–9, 2001
Development of a support system for hepatectomies and reconstruction of 3D intuitive images visualizing external shapes and internal structures and locations
Authors: Takahashi Shuichi , Uchiyama Akihiko , Suzuki Naoki
Published: August 2002

A support system for hepatectomies enabling quantitative analyses of three‐dimensional distances between parts or volumes of parts in an operation area to facilitate intuitive understanding of the locational relationships and three‐dimensional structures inside and outside the operated area has been developed. First, imaging and measuring of the three‐dimensional internal structures of the operation area have been performed using ultrasound measuring equipment. A three‐dimensional sensor is installed on the ultrasonic wave probe to obtain three‐dimensional locational information of tomographic images. The tomographic images are rearranged three‐dimensionally in the data space, sampling is performed three‐dimensionally, and three‐dimensional images are reconstructed as voxel data. In addition, the three‐dimensional shape of the operating area surface is image‐measured and three‐dimensional images are reconstructed as polygon data. Three‐dimensional images of the internal structures and three‐dimensional images of the surface shape are collocated three‐dimensionally by superposing the coordinate systems of the two systems on the data space three‐dimensionally, using measurement data of the two measurement systems with respect to established reference points. The internal structures are displayed three‐dimensionally using the volume rendering method and the surface shape is three‐dimensionally displayed by being superimposed on the image plane using the surface rendering method, so that the internal structures and the surface shape of the operated area can be simultaneously observed intuitively as well as quantitatively. Experimental results obtained by this system, using agar phantoms and isolated pig liver, are presented. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 33(6): 73–82, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1134
Development of virtual learning environment for discovery learning in school education
Authors: Matsubara Yukihiro , Tominaga Hiroyuki , Furukawa Zengo , Yamasaki Toshinori , Nagamachi Mitsuo
Published: August 2002

This paper focuses on learning which emphasizes experience among discovery learning schemes. Knowledge gained by experience is clearly stable compared with learning acquired by simple symbol manipulations. Thus, realizing a learning environment supporting discovery learning using virtual reality (VR) technology is attempted. The VR technology has many characteristic functions and can provide an interactive learning environment with a high degree of freedom which is required in supporting discovery learning which relies on experience. In this paper, considering applications to curriculum education, in which discovery learning is performed frequently, a framework of a virtual learning environment (VLE), which is a learning environment, integrating the functions of a VR environment and an ITS environment is proposed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 33(7): 61–72, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1142
Neurobiological Correlates of the Unlocking of the Unconscious
Authors: Gaillard Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2002

In this article, the author has examined the relationships between the “central dynamic sequence” discovered by Davanloo and the activation of specific neuronal systems in the brain. The participation of defined brain areas is postulated in the clinical expression of “superego pathology”. A hypothesis regarding the involvement of subcortical structures in the central neurotic mechanism is proposed. According to this view, human neurosis results from a functional disorder of the brain which can be corrected by the specific interventions of the “system for short‐term dynamic psychotherapy” discovered by Davanloo. Copyright © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct imaging of plasma‐polymerized chemical micropatterns
Authors: Bullett N. A. , Short R. D. , O'Leary T. , Beck A. J. , Douglas C. W. I. , Cambray‐Deakin M. , Fletcher I. W. , Roberts A. , Blomfield C.
Published: August 2002

Both XPS and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) imaging have been used to characterize chemically micropatterned surfaces formed by plasma polymerization, using a copper transmission electron microscope grid as a mask. Micropatterns of spatially distinct regions of fluorine, carboxylic acid and hydrocarbon functionalities have been imaged by ToF‐SIMS, whereas imaging XPS has demonstrated the ability to produce patterns of nitrogen‐containing functionalities. Features as small as 50μm bars and 75μm ‘islands’ have been imaged. The utility of these chemically defined patterns has been demonstrated by the spatial binding of protein and by the attachment of cerebellar granule neurons. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intercomparison of methods for separation of REELS elastic peak intensities for determination of IMFP
Authors: Tougaard S. , Krawczyk M. , Jablonski A. , Pavluch J. , Toth J. , Varga D. , Gergely G. , Menyhard M. , Sulyok A.
Published: August 2002

The consistency and accuracy of inelastic electron mean free paths (IMFPs) determined from comparison of the intensity of elastically reflected electrons with theoretical calculations were studied. The variation with experimental geometry, spectrometer energy resolution and the procedure for background subtraction was studied. Four different types of spectrometers— double pass cylindrical mirror analyser (CMA) pre‐retarded CMA, hemispherical analyser (HSA) and retarding field analyser (RFA)— with widely different geometries and energy resolutions, placed in four different laboratories in three countries, were used. Four background subtraction methods (Shirley, linear, Tougaard and ELPSEP) were applied to isolate the elastic peak intensity from the reflected electron spectra. It was found that the IMFPs determined with data from the double pass CMA deviated considerably more (by a factor of 2) from the average values as well as from theoretical IMFP values than IMFPs determined with data from the other spectrometers. The data from the double pass CMA were therefore excluded from the statistical analysis. The root mean square (RMS) deviation of the IMFP from a function fitted to the data was 1.6–2.8 Å, depending on the background subtraction method, and it is smallest for the Tougaard method. The RMS deviation from IMFP values calculated by Tanuma et al. is 2.1–3.2 Å, again with the smallest value for the Tougaard method. The percentage deviation of the results using a Tougaard background from Tanuma et al. values is 12.6%. The results point to the conclusion that the major contribution to the inaccuracies in IMFPs determined with this method is not the background subtraction procedure but rather the lack of accuracy of the presently available models for elastic electron scattering, i.e. atomic elastic scattering cross‐sections and effects of crystallinity that are not included in the presently applied models. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample size calculations for the two‐sample problem using the multiplicative intensity model
Authors: Bernardo M. V. Patricia , Harrington David P.
Published: August 2002

In this paper we propose formulae for calculating the expected number of events or, alternatively, the required trial duration, for clinical trials involving two treatment groups in which patients may potentially experience multiple events and the data will be analysed using a multiplicative intensity (MI) model. We use a partial likelihood‐based approach and examine in detail two MI models: one that includes a binary treatment variable as the only covariate and a three‐state Markov process model in which a binary time‐varying covariate is added to the previous model. For the simpler model, our formula coincides with those derived by Cook using full likelihood methods. We present applications of the derived formulae to chronic granulomatous disease and breast cancer data sets. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioural attitudes and the level of distress in the process of adaptation to the new society
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim S. , Kutsay Sergey , Venger Alexander
Published: August 2002

There are no data of the relationships between the level of distress and the subject's behavioural attitudes. We have investigated these relationships on 201 subjects, 80 men and 121 women, after 5 years of emigration from the former USSR to Israel. The level of distress measured by using the Talbieh Brief Distress Inventory and behavioural attitudes estimated by using the test BASE were compared in subjects differing in their level of adaptation to the new society. Search Activity was higher in men than in women, in men it was almost twice as high as stereotyped behaviour, while in women both behavioural attitudes were almost equal. Subjects with different levels of distress do not differ significantly on behavioural attitudes. However, Search Activity in stressful conditions display a tendency to be more flexible in men than in women. Stereotyped behaviour under stressful conditions displays a general tendency to be low. In the absence of stress a tendency toward the stereotyped activity tends to dominate in women, while in the presence of stress they demonstrate a tendency toward the relative increase of panic and passive behaviour. The role of gender in behavioural attitudes in normal and stressful conditions is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved method of selecting regression tests for C++ programs
Authors: Jang Y. K. , Munro M. , Kwon Y. R.
Published: August 2002

This paper describes an impact analysis technique that identifies which parts should be retested after a system written in C++ is modified. We are interested in identifying the impacts of changes at the class member level by using dependency relations between class members. We try to find out which member functions need unit‐level retesting and which interactions between them need integration‐level retesting. To get precise analysis results, we adopt a technique that classifies types of changes and analyze the impact for each type. Primitive changes, changes which are associated with C++ features, are first defined and their ripple effects are computed in order to construct a firewall for each type of change systematically. We have applied our prototype tool to a real system with small size. This case study shows some evidence that our approach gives reasonable efficiency and precision as well as being practical for analyzing change impacts of C++ programs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vertex‐labeling algorithms for the Hilbert spacefilling curve
Authors: Bartholdi John J. , Goldsman Paul
Published: August 2002

We describe a method, based on vertex‐labeling, to generate algorithms for manipulating the Hilbert spacefilling curve. The method leads to algorithms for: computing the image of a point in R1; computing a pre‐image of a point in R2; drawing a finite approximation of the curve; finding neighbor cells in a decomposition ordered according to the curve.

The method is straightforward and flexible, resulting in short, intuitive procedures that are as efficient as specialized procedures found in the literature. Moreover, the same method can be applied to many other spacefilling curves. We demonstrate vertex‐labeling algorithms for the Sierpinski and Peano spacefilling curves, and variations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing Java server availability with JAS
Authors: Klemm Reinhard , Singh Navjot
Published: August 2002

The Java programming language is increasingly used in the implementation of servers with stringent availability, reliability, and performance requirements. Our Java Application Supervisor (JAS) software system is an attachment to a Java runtime environment that enhances the availability of a target Java program. To this end, JAS automatically detects and resolves certain reliability and performance problems during the execution of the target program. JAS does not require any source or byte code modifications in the target program. Instead, JAS is configured for a target program by supplying simple policies that determine how JAS reacts to problems during the target program execution. JAS typically imposes little execution time and memory overhead on the target program. We describe an experiment with a Web proxy that exhibits reliability and performance problems under heavy load. In this experiment, running the proxy in conjunction with JAS increased the rate of successful requests to the proxy by 33% and decreased the averagerequest processing time by 22%. JAS was also used successfully in two Java servers at Bell Labs to monitor server reliability and performance and ensure long‐term availability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case study using lightweight formalism to review an information system specification
Authors: Polack Fiona
Published: August 2002

This paper presents an approach using derivation of a formal model to review the diagram‐and‐text specification of an information system specification, based on concepts from the formal and structured integrated method, SAZ. Extraction of the formal model is outlined, and the approach is illustrated with a simplified extract from an industrial trial. Some empirical findings from the trial, which reviewed a pre‐existing commercial specification, are presented, and the general applicability of the review approach is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerating CMM‐based improvement programs: the accelerator model and method with experiences
Authors: Isacsson Peter , Pedersen Gunnar , Bang Stig
Published: August 2002

Never before have there been so many organizations working with process improvement as today. These organizations have higher demands on the improvement concepts that they adopt from research and consulting than the ‘pioneer’ organizations had. Concepts must have a track‐record of proven success in other organizations and they should be directly transferable and adoptable. This requires packaged knowledge, ready to use and including a suitable level of support. This paper describes such packaged knowledge on how to run improvement programs and the experiences from applying it in real industrial software development organizations. This paper describes a model and method for how an organization can introduce and implement a successful improvement program. The model, named the Accelerator model, points out key activities necessary for leading an improvement program and gives recommendations on how to implement those activities based on experience and best practice. This paper also describes a method for how to apply the model to accelerate an improvement program, and finally presents real experiences from the full‐scale implementation at two of Ericsson's software design centres, one in Norway and one in Denmark. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Flexibility metaphors
Authors: Sushil
Published: August 2002

Flexibility at various levels of management is desirable to manage organizational change effectively. Flexibility is a multidimensional concept and might have multiple connotations. Some of the significant connotations of flexibility have been explained in this paper with the help of suitable metaphors so as to gain better understanding of the characteristics of flexibility for effective change management. Each connotation is also represented by a sketch to illusirate the metaphor. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergent properties: a fundamental postulate of classical systems theory in schematic representation
Authors: Germana Joseph
Published: August 2002

Simple arithmetic and diagrammatic representations of ‘emergent properties’—a most fundamental postulate of classical systems theory—are offered for their didactic value. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An axiological systems theory: some basic hypotheses
Authors: Parra‐Luna Francisco
Published: August 2002

Social systems, from global societies to small organizations, are made up of human beings. Acknowledgement of this fact has important epistemological implications, since, contrary to some theoretical formulations e.g., the ‘society without men’ of N. Luhmann, only by regarding human beings as the crucial element of any type of society is it possible to perceive their needs and therefore the values supposedly intended to satisfy them. The ‘need/value’ binomial thereby becomes the essential prime material of sociological analysis. Both NEEDS as a factor of motivation and VALUES as a factor of satisfaction can be operationalized and quantified to depict the principal achievements of complex social organizations, their deviation from predetermined standards and the extent to which they ultimately adapt to the environment. Standardized and therefore comparable axiological profiles comprise a tool that can be generally applied to establish a preliminary measure of the degree of overall organizational efficiency. The concept of organization is taken here in its broader sense and is appilcable to any type of society organized so as to achieve certain goals. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What every surgical oncologist should know about digital mammography
Authors: Pisano Etta D. , Kuzmiak Cherie , Koomen Marcia , Cance William
Published: August 2002

This article reviews the available information on digital mammography for surgeons who care for patients with breast cancer. The limitations of the current film‐based technology and why digital mammography promises to improve breast cancer detection and breast lesion diagnosis are described. The basics of digital imaging technology are reviewed, including a description of image contrast and spatial resolution and its variance from currently available clinical digital mammography systems. The results of clinical trials completed to date are reported. An upcoming large screening trial for digital mammography, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, is described. Future technological developments, including improvements in softcopy display, image processing, computer‐aided detection and diagnosis (CADD), tomosynthesis, and digital subtraction mammography (DSM), are briefly discussed. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:181–186, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statechart testing method for aircraft control systems
Authors: Bogdanov K. , Holcombe M.
Published: August 2002

A number of current control systems for aircraft have been specified with statecharts. The risk of failures requires the use of a formal testing approach to ensure that all possible faults are considered. However, testing the compliance of an implementation of a system to its specification is dependent on the specification method and little work has been reported relating to the use of statechart‐specific methods. This paper describes a modification of a formal testing method for extended finite‐state machines to handle the above problem. The method allows one to demonstrate correct behaviour of an implementation of some system, with respect to its specification, provided certain specific requirements for both of them are satisfied. The case study illustrates these and shows the applicability of the method. By considering the process used to develop the system it is possible to reduce the size of the test set dramatically; the method to be described is easy to automate. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information agents on the move
Authors: Schroeder Michael , Gomoluch Jacek
Published: August 2002

Information agents process and integrate heterogeneous, distributed information. To achieve this task efficiently, some researchers promote the idea of mobile information agents that migrate between a user's host and other hosts in the network. JACEK GOMOLUCH and MICHAEL SCHROEDER outline the concepts behind mobile information agents and give a survey on load balancing, which aims to optimise distributed information processing. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrusion Detection Systems: Problems and Opportunities
Authors: Bruen Robert
Published: August 2002

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are gaining more attention in the popular press due to the increased attention given to virus and worm attacks that affect a large part of the Internet. Yet, the number of books and papers written about IDS is very small compared to the security, cryptology and hacker books. ROBERT BRUEN attempts to provide a background and one approach to IDS that goes full circle. He does not address policy, nor is this paper a product review. Most of the software mentioned is free and is provided as examples of a particular concept. Naturally there are many good commercial products available. While the field of IDS has been around for several decades, there is still much room for growth. This is not intended as a criticism of researchers or vendors, only an acknowledgment of the difficulties involved. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and evaluation of [18F]fluoroethyl SA4503 as a PET ligand for the sigma receptor
Authors: Elsinga P.H. , Kawamura K. , Kobayashi T. , Tsukada H. , Senda M. , Vaalburg W. , Ishiwata K.
Published: August 2002

The sigma receptor might be involved in several diseases in the central nervous system. It occurs in the endocrine, immune, and other peripheral organ systems and is expressed in a variety of human tumors. The [18F]fluoroethyl analog of the sigma1‐selective ligand SA4503 ([18F]FE‐SA4503) was prepared and evaluated in animals to investigate its suitability for in vivo measurement of sigma receptors with positron emission tomography (PET). [18F]FE‐SA4503 was synthesized by [18F]fluoroethylation of the corresponding O‐demethyl precursor in an overall radiochemical yield of 4–7% (EOB) with a specific activity of >100 TBq/mmol. The radioligand had higher in vitro affinity for the sigma receptor than SA4503 (IC50 sigma1 6.48 nM, IC50 sigma2 2.11 nM). [18F]FE‐SA4503 was injected into mice. Uptake could be blocked by co‐injection of the sigma receptor ligands haloperidol, pentazocine, and cold SA4503, but not with other receptor ligands. Ex vivo autoradiography studies in rats showed regional distribution in the brain similar to [11C]SA4503. Hippocampus, thalamus, and cortical areas were clearly delineated by [18F]FE‐SA4503. The uptake was blocked by SA4503 treatment. In the rat brain, only a small portion of metabolites (6.6% of brain radioactivity) was detected at 30 min postinjection, whereas in plasma the fraction of metabolites amounted to 51.3% of plasma radioactivity. The kinetics of [18F]FE‐SA4503 was measured with PET in the conscious monkey brain. High uptake values were found in the cortex, thalamus, cerebellum, and striatum, reaching a plateau value at 30 min postinjection. It is concluded that [18F]FE‐SA4503 showed specific binding to sigma receptors in three animal species. Synapse 43:259–267, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of morphine withdrawal by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 in rat is age‐dependent
Authors: Zhu Hongbo , Barr Gordon A.
Published: August 2002

This study investigated the effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 on the development of morphine dependence in 7‐, 14‐, and 21‐day‐old rat pups. For 6.5 days, starting at 1, 8, or 15 days of age, rats were pretreated with MK‐801 (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg, bid) or saline; 15 min later, morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg) or saline was injected to induce opiate dependence. On the afternoon of the seventh day, pups were injected with MK‐801 (0.1 mg/kg) or saline and 15 min later with naltrexone (1 mg/kg) to precipitate withdrawal. Pups were then placed in a warm chamber with the litter and their behavior scan‐sampled every 15 sec for a total of 15 min. MK‐801 failed to inhibit morphine withdrawal in the 7‐day‐old rat, but did attenuate the development of morphine dependence in both the 14‐ and 21‐day‐old rats. These results suggest that the NMDA receptor is not functionally active in opiate withdrawal until around the second to third week of postnatal life in the rat and that there exists a transition period for the NMDA receptor to play a role in the development of opiate dependence and withdrawal. Synapse 40:282–293, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CMMISM transition experiences from an integrated product and process development (IPPD) perspective
Authors: Schwomeyer Warren A. , Barner Deborah J. , Gundrum Valerie , McCray Wilmon , Vogel John R.
Published: August 2002

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration‐Owego (hereafter referred to as Owego) formalized implementation of Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) in 1994 with the issuance of a policy requiring use of concurrent engineering on every program over $5 million. Since that date, the organization has focused on improving and institutionalizing integrated processes, integrated teams, and integrated tools. Beginning in June 2000, Owego initiated its transition to CMM®IntegrationSM(CMMISM) using the CMMISM‐SE/SW V1.0 model. Transition efforts expanded to include the CMMISM‐SE/SW/IPPD V1.02 model with its release in late 2000. In May 2001, Owego conducted a Standard CMMISM Assessment for Process Improvement (SCAMPISM) as part of the CMMISM Phase II Pilot Program. This paper will detail Owego's journey in deploying IPPD and experiences in transitioning from the Software Capability Maturity Model®(SW−CMM®) and the Systems Engineering Capability Model, Electronics Industries Alliance Interim Standard 731 (EIA/IS‐731) to CMMISM. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 41–51, 2002; DOI 10.1002/sys.10005
Development of a systems engineering training plan at the U.S. Navy's coastal systems station
Authors: Petee Danny A. , Componation Paul J.
Published: August 2002

DoD, through acquisition, reform has pushed its R&D laboratories to change their approach to defense system development. Systems engineering methods and practices have become critical to the laboratories' near‐term success and long‐term survival. This study reports on the efforts of one such U.S. Navy R&D laboratory, the Coastal Systems Station (CSS), to improve its systems engineering capability by developing a comprehensive systems engineering training plan. The plan was developed by first performed an assessment of its systems engineering processes and knowledge. Then, CSS developed a systems engineering training plan to address the near‐term needs of its practicing and upcoming systems engineers. A multi‐criteria decision analysis tool, the Brown‐Gibson model, was used in the training selection process. Recommended training included an overview course and other in‐depth, topic‐specific courses as needed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 156–163, 2002
Principles and guidelines for project risk management
Authors: Pennock Michael J. , Haimes Yacov Y.
Published: August 2002

The increasing size and complexity of acquisition and development projects in both the public and private sectors has begun to exceed the capabilities of traditional management techniques to control them. This situation had led cost overrun, late delivery, and performance shortfalls to become commonplace. One way to contain these adverse consequences of complexity is through the principled application of risk management. This paper presents a general discussion of the concepts involved in conducting project risk management, which is in large part based on tools and methods currently employed by the authors. While some of these tools and methods are from previously published work, this paper presents them in an integrated methodology and introduces some recent modifications and improvements unpublished heretofore in the literature. Central to these new modifications is an improved method of risk tracking, the objective of which is to monitor risks continuously and to contain them before they get out of hand. The methodology presented in this paper covers risk identification, risk filtration, risk assessment, risk management, and risk tracking for large scale socio‐technological systems such as acquisition or development projects. The emphasis is on the use of ratio scales for risk tracking and avoiding the pitfalls of algebraic operations on ordinal scales for risk filtration. The described methodology is demonstrated via an example involving aircraft development, and there is a discussion of the lessons learned from the application of risk tracking to a government acquisition project. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 89–108, 2002
A simple statistic for use with capability maturity models®
Authors: Alessi Sam
Published: August 2002

Capability Maturity Models® (CMM®) and appraisals generally use subjective and graphical means to determine maturity levels and to detect differences among groups of employees. The addition of simple statistical tests can increase the formality and objectivity of the CMM® appraisal and foster greater comparison among industries and project groups. Proportion tests are proposed as a type of analysis that will provide formal tests for achievement of maturity level. Six simulated data sets were created that have the same structure as the EIA‐731 standard. Binomial probabilities were selected to approximate a level 1, 3, and 5 maturity type of organizations. In all cases, a greater probability of a “yes” response increased as employee seniority increased. Results show that proportion tests became nonsignificant at the maturity level expected and therefore can be used to detect achievement of maturity level. It is concluded that this simple statistical test can help increase the formality of the CMM approach and can be easily implemented by appraisal teams. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.[† This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.] Syst Eng 5: 242–252, 2002
Investigation of genetic susceptibility to non‐small cell lung cancer by fragile site expression
Authors: Tunca Berrin , Cecener Gulsah , Gebitekin Cengiz , Egeli Unal , Ediz Bulent , Ercan Ilker
Published: August 2002

Fragile sites are non‐staining gaps and breaks in specific points of chromosomes that are inducible by various culture conditions. Previous studies have shown that various clastogenic agents increase expression of fragile sites. In this study, the expression of common fragile sites induced by aphidicolin was evaluated on prometaphase chromosomes obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes. Chromosomal aberrations and fragile site expression of 60 individuals, including 20 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 20 of their clinically healthy family members, and 20 age‐matched normal healthy controls without history of any cancer type were studied. Both the proportion of damaged cells (P < 0.001) and the mean number of gaps and breaks per cell (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in both the patients and relatives’ groups when compared with the control group. However, they were insignificant when the patients were compared to their relatives (P > 0.05). We determined four aphidicolin type common fragile sites in our study. These sites in patients with NSCLC and relatives were the following: 1p21, 2q33, 3p14, and 16q23. In these fragile sites, 2q33, 3p14, and 16q23 sites were statistically significant when compared with control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.0005, and P < 0.05, respectively ). Consequently, we believe that fragile site studies may be helpful to detection of cancer risk. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 22:205–215, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Re: Diabetes teratogenicity in mice is accompanied with distorted expression of TGF‐β2 in the uterus. Fein et al. 2001;22:59–71.
Authors: Kalter Harold
Published: August 2002

To the Editor:

In my latter days (I'm being falsely modest of course), I am resorting to writing persnickety reviews and not surprisingly being ignored, misquoted or misunderstood. I think the last is worst. An example of which occurs in the article by Fein et al., [1] in Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis. This arcane missive gets it wrong from the first sentence of the abstract, where the assertion is made that early embryonic death and malformations are among "the complications" of diabetic pregnancy. Whether inadvertantly or otherwise it is unstated whether this asservation refers to humans or to other animals.
Re: Diabetes teratogenicity in mice is accompanied with distorted expression of TGF‐β2 in the uterus. Fein et al. 2001;22:59–71. Response to H. Kalter.
Authors: Fein A. , Magid N. , Carp H. , Toder V. , Torchinsky A.
Published: August 2002

To the Editor:

Dr. Kalter claims that our assertion "Early embryonic deaths as well as malformed newborns are among complications of the diabetic pregnancy" [1] is wrong, both if it refers to humans or animals. While respecting Dr. Kalter's opinion that, neither experimental nor epidemiological studies prove the teratogenicity of maternal diabetes, we cannot agree.
Stereospecificity for the hydrogen transfer of pyridoxal enzyme reactions
Authors: Soda Kenji , Yoshimura Tohru , Esaki Nobuyoshi
Published: August 2002

We have studied the stereospecificities of various pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate dependent enzymes for the hydrogen transfer between the C‐4′ of a bound coenzyme and the C‐2 of a substrate in the transamination catalyzed by the enzymes. Prior to our studies, pyridoxal enzymes so far studied were reported to catalyze the hydrogen transfer only on the si‐face of the planar imine intermediate formed from substrate and coenzyme. This finding had been considered as the evidence that pyridoxal enzymes have evolved divergently from a common ancestral protein, because identity in the stereospecificity reflects the similarity in the active‐site structure, in particular in the geometrical relationship between the coenzyme and the active site base participating in the hydrogen transfer. However, we found that d‐amino acid aminotransferase, branched‐chain l‐amino acid aminotransferase, and 4‐amino‐4‐deoxychorismate lyase catalyze the re‐face specific hydrogen transfer, and that amino acid racemases catalyze the nonstereospecific hydrogen transfer. These findings suggest the convergent evolution of pyridoxal enzymes. Crystallographical studies have shown that the stereospecificity reflects the active‐site structure of the enzymes, and that the enzymes with the same fold exhibit the same stereospecificity. The active site structure with the catalytic base being situated on the specific face of the cofactor has been conserved during the evolution among the pyridoxal enzymes of the same family. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:373–384, 2001
Complete mutation analysis panel of the 39 human HOX genes
Authors: Kosaki Kenjiro , Kosaki Rika , Suzuki Taichi , Yoshihashi Hiroshi , Takahashi Takao , Sasaki Katsumi , Tomita Masaru , McGinnis William , Matsuo Nobutake
Published: August 2002

Background

The HOX gene family consists of highly conserved transcription factors that specify the identity of the body segments along the anteroposterior axis of the embryo. Because the phenotypes of mice with targeted disruptions of Hox genes resemble some patterns of human malformations, mutations in HOX genes have been expected to be associated with a significant number of human malformations. Thus far, however, mutations have been documented in only three of the 39 human HOX genes (HOXD13, HOXA13, and HOXA11) partly because current knowledge on the complete coding sequence and genome structure is limited to only 20 of the 39 human HOX genes.

Methods

Taking advantage of the human and mouse draft genome sequences, we attempted to characterize the remaining 19 human HOX genes by bioinformatic analysis including phylogenetic footprinting, the probabilistic prediction method, and comparison of genomic sequences with the complete set of the human anonymous cDNA sequences.

Results

We were able to determine the full coding sequences of 19 HOX genes and their genome structure and successfully designed a complete set of PCR primers to amplify the entire coding region of each of the 39 HOX genes from genomic DNA.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the usefulness of bioinformatic analysis of the draft genome sequences for clinically oriented research projects. It is hoped that the mutation panel provided here will serve as a launchpad for a new discourse on the genetic basis of human malformations. Teratology 65:50–62, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design and development of an Internet registry for congenital heart defects
Authors: Mitri Wajeeh , Sandridge Amy L. , Subhani Shazia , Greer William
Published: August 2002

Background

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are conditions that encompass more than 50 diagnoses and are due to developmental abnormalities early in fetal life. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia treats approximately 100 new cases per month. We recently developed a new CHD Registry that captures, stores and processes our data via the Internet.

Methods

The Registry was developed using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Microsoft Active Server Pages and Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL).

Results

Details of CHD cases are captured in a World Wide Web (WWW) Registry, permitting any browser‐enabled PC or Mac to participate fully in all registry functions, including data‐entry, viewing, editing, searching, reporting, validating, charting, and exporting data subsets to statistics packages. It includes “administrative” features and an active security system. The paper forms have been designed to reflect the “look and feel” of the Web pages. Automatic validation procedures are also included.

Conclusions

Our Registry has been in operation for 3 years. It serves 10 PCs and contains more than 3,000 registered cases of CHD. It is the first CHD Registry to be fully functional on the Internet. It is also the first dedicated CHD registry, and the first to routinely report on the full spectrum of CHD diagnoses. The WWW offers several logistical advantages to disease registries, especially those that represent large regions. It also offers the possibility of sharing resources between registries, facilitating the aggregation and analysis of disease data on a world‐wide scale. This is useful for rare diseases such as CHD (see
http://rc.kfshrc.edu.sa/chdr/demo/). Teratology 65:78–87, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.