bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ubiquitous cancer genes: Multipurpose molecules for protein micro‐arrays
Authors: Altenberg Brigitte , Gemuend Christine , Greulich Karl Otto
Published: November 2005

Multipurpose genes in the human genome which are over‐expressed in a large variety of different cancers have been identified. Forty‐two of the 19,016 human genes annotated to date (0.2%) are ubiquitously over‐expressed in half or more of the 36 investigated human cancers. Of these genes, 15 are involved in protein biosynthesis and folding, six of them in glycolysis. A group of 13 solid tumours over‐express almost all (39–42 of 42) ubiquitous cancer genes, suggesting a common mechanism underlying these cancers. Others, such as endocrine cancers, have only a few over‐expressed ubiquitous cancer genes. The proteins for which these genes code or the corresponding antibodies are candidates for small protein microarrays aiming at maximum information with only a limited number of proteins. Since the over‐expression pattern varies from cancer to cancer, distinction between different cancer classes is possible using one single set of protein or antibody molecules.
The up‐regulation of proteasome subunits and lysosomal proteases in hepatocellular carcinomas of the HBx gene knockin transgenic mice
Authors: Cui Fang , Wang Youliang , Wang Jie , Wei Kaihua , Hu Jingqun , Liu Fang , Wang Hongli , Zhao Xiaohang , Zhang Xuemin , Yang Xiao
Published: November 2005

Chronic infection of hepatitis virus B (HBV) has been proven to be one of the most important risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx has been shown to function in the viral life cycle and the development of HCC. Recently, we have reported that HBx transgenic mice (p21‐HBx), generated by gene knockin, develop HCC at the age of 18 months. To further study the function of HBx during the development of HCC in vivo, we performed proteomic analysis of the transgenic and wild‐type control mice. The combination of 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF MS revealed that proteasome subunits (PSMA6, PSMB4, PSMC2 and PSMD12) were up‐regulated in tumor tissues of the p21‐HBx transgenic mice. Cathepsin B, ubiquinol‐cytochrome C reductase core protein 1 and an ATP‐dependent caseinolytic protease, which were involved in the cellular proteolytic process, were also found increased in tumors. The results were confirmed in tumors of transgenic mice and HCCs of human using RT‐PCR. All these results suggested that the strengthened ubiquitin‐proteasome and lysosomal pathway might contribute to the development of HBx‐related HCC.
Array based capillary IEF with a whole column image of laser‐induced fluorescence in coupling to capillary RPLC as a comprehensive 2‐D separation system for proteome analysis
Authors: Mao Yu , Li Yan , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: November 2005

Based on array CIEF (ACIEF) and a novel whole column imaging detection (WCID), a comprehensive 2‐D system with laser‐induced fluorescence was developed for protein mapping. By coupling capillary RPLC (CRPLC) as the first dimension and ACIEF as the second dimension, a high‐throughput and high‐resolution proteomic expression profiling was obtained. An array of up to 60 capillaries was assembled, with electrical connections made through filling small breaks, created on each capillary at positions of buffer reservoirs, with a porous polymer. A whole column image system with laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) was devised. Spot excitation was performed with a laser converted to produce linear light, and a CCD camera was employed to take images of the protein fluorescence during line laser scanning of the capillary array. Quantitative detection of thousands of focusing protein bands in the capillary array was achieved. Details on the capillary array fabrication and scanning LIF detection system devices are discussed. The efficiency of this CRPLC‐ACIEF‐LIF‐WCID system was further demonstrated using samples of soluble proteins extracted from liver cancer tissue. The overall peak capacity was estimated to be around 18 000 in an analysis time of less than 3 h. The reproducibility of consecutive runs and different columns were assessed as having an RSD of 1.5% and 2.2% in focusing positions, respectively.
Composition distributions within poly(vinylidene fluoride) spherulites as grown in blends with poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Liu Jieping , Jungnickel Bernd‐Joachim
Published: November 2005

Upon crystalline solidification of one component in a homogeneously molten polymer blend, composition profiles develop outside (i.e., in the rest melt) and behind (i.e., within the spherulites) the crystal growth front. The present article is devoted to the detailed verification and the interpretation of these distributions and their temporal development inside growing spherulites. To this end, the energy dispersive X‐ray emission (EDX) of suitable elements has been recorded locally resolved in a scanning electron microscope and evaluated correspondingly. The investigations were performed at the melt homogeneous blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as crystallizing and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as steadily amorphous component. If the spherulites are not volume filling, the mean PMMA content 〈ϕPMMA〉 inside the PVDF spherulites is for all blends about 0.2 below the starting composition. ϕPMMA increases however slightly from the center of a spherulite to its border. That increase reflects the PMMA concentration in front of the spherulite surface, which increases likewise with time, and is clearly above the initial composition. There is at the spherulite surface, consequently, a remarkable jump in composition from the spherulite internal to its amorphous surroundings. It may amount up to 0.5. With volume filling spherulites, a slight variation of the composition from the center of a spherulite to its border is observed, too. This proves that also at these conditions composition profiles develop in the spherulite's surroundings. They remain however so weak that they do not inhibit crystallization even in its later stages. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 338–346, 2006
Meshless simulation of equilibrium swelling/deswelling of pH‐sensitive hydrogels
Authors: Wang Q. X. , Li H. , Lam K. Y.
Published: November 2005

Hydrogels have been widely used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and Bio‐MEMS devices. In this article, the equilibrium swelling/deswelling of the pH‐stimulus cylindrical hydrogel in the microchannel is studied and simulated by the meshless method. The multi‐field coupling model, called multi‐effect‐coupling pH‐stimulus (MECpH) model, is presented and used to describe the chemical field, electric field, and the mechanical field involved in the problem. The partial differential equations (PDEs) describing these three fields are either nonlinear or coupled together. This multi‐field coupling and high nonlinear characteristics produce difficulties for the conventional numerical methods (e.g., the finite element method or the finite difference method), so an alternative—meshless method is developed to discretize the PDEs, and the efficient iteration technique is adopted to solve the nonlinear problem. The computational results for the swelling/deswelling diameter of the hydrogel under the different pH values are firstly compared with experimental results, and they have a good agreement. The influences of other parameters on the mechanical properties of the hydrogel are also investigated in detail. It is shown that the multi‐field coupling model and the developed meshless method are efficient, stable, and accurate for simulation of the properties of the stimuli‐sensitive hydrogel. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 326–337, 2006
Evaluation of Bi–W‐oxides for visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Finlayson A. P. , Tsaneva V. N. , Lyons L. , Clark M. , Glowacki B. A.
Published: November 2005

Photocatalytic solar water splitting has the potential to become a low‐carbon source of hydrogen fuel over the coming decades if the issue of low visible light absorption can be addressed without sacrificing chemical stability. We report on an investigation into the potential of the Bi–W‐oxides, Bi2WO6 and Bi6WO12, as visible light photocatalysts. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy have been used to assess the structure of the oxides, whilst UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysed with the Kubelka–Munk function has been used to identify their optical band gaps. It has been revealed that Bi6WO12 shows significantly higher optical absorption in the region above 440 nm than either Bi2O3 or WO3, raising the possibility of enhanced photocatalytic activity under solar illumination. Bi2WO6 has a marginally lower band gap at 2.59 eV than Bi2O3 or WO3 but the results reported herein raise doubts concerning its chemical stability under aqueous, illuminated conditions for protracted periods of time. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of Cox's and relative survival models when estimating the effects of prognostic factors on disease‐specific mortality: a simulation study under proportional excess hazards
Authors: Teuff Gwenaël Le , Abrahamowicz Michal , Bolard Philippe , Quantin Catherine
Published: November 2005

In many prognostic studies focusing on mortality of persons affected by a particular disease, the cause of death of individual patients is not recorded. In such situations, the conventional survival analytical methods, such as the Cox's proportional hazards regression model, do not allow to discriminate the effects of prognostic factors on disease‐specific mortality from their effects on all‐causes mortality. In the last decade, the relative survival approach has been proposed to deal with the analyses involving population‐based cancer registries, where the problem of missing information on the cause of death is very common. However, some questions regarding the ability of the relative survival methods to accurately discriminate between the two sources of mortality remain open. In order to systematically assess the performance of the relative survival model proposed by Esteveet al., and to quantify its potential advantages over the Cox's model analyses, we carried out a series of simulation experiments, based on the population‐based colon cancer registry in the French region of Burgundy. Simulations showed a systematic bias induced by the ‘crude’ conventional Cox's model analyses when individual causes of death are unknown. In simulations where only about 10 per cent of patients died of causes other than colon cancer, the Cox's model over‐estimated the effects of male gender and oldest age category by about 17 and 13 per cent, respectively, with the coverage rate of the 95 per cent CI for the latter estimate as low as 65 per cent. In contrast, the effect of higher cancer stages was under‐estimated by 8–28 per cent. In contrast to crude survival, relative survival model largely reduced such problems and handled well even such challenging tasks as separating the opposite effects of the same variable on cancer‐relatedversusother‐causes mortality. Specifically, in all the cases discussed above, the relative bias in the estimates from the Esteveet al.'s model was always below 10 per cent, with the coverage rates above 81 per cent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample size calculations for a split‐cluster, beta‐binomial design in the assessment of toxicity
Authors: Hendriks J. C. M. , Teerenstra S. , Punt‐Van der Zalm J. P. E. , Wetzels A. M. M. , Westphal J. R. , Borm G. F.
Published: November 2005

Mouse embryo assays are recommended to test materials used for in vitro fertilization for toxicity. In such assays, a number of embryos is divided in a control group, which is exposed to a neutral medium, and a test group, which is exposed to a potentially toxic medium. Inferences on toxicity are based on observed differences in successful embryo development between the two groups. However, mouse embryo assays tend to lack power due to small group sizes. This paper focuses on the sample size calculations for one such assay, the Nijmegen mouse embryo assay (NMEA), in order to obtain an efficient and statistically validated design. The NMEA follows a stratified (mouse), randomized (embryo), balanced design (also known as a split‐cluster design). We adopted a beta‐binomial approach and obtained a closed sample size formula based on an estimator for the within‐cluster variance. Our approach assumes that the average success rate of the mice and the variance thereof, which are breed characteristics that can be easily estimated from historical data, are known. To evaluate the performance of the sample size formula, a simulation study was undertaken which suggested that the predicted sample size was quite accurate. We confirmed that incorporating the a priori knowledge and exploiting the intra‐cluster correlations enable a smaller sample size. Also, we explored some departures from the beta‐binomial assumption. First, departures from the compound beta‐binomial distribution to an arbitrary compound binomial distribution lead to the same formulas, as long as some general assumptions hold. Second, our sample size formula compares to the one derived from a linear mixed model for continuous outcomes in case the compound (beta‐)binomial estimator is used for the within‐cluster variance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing independence between two Poisson‐generated multinomial variables in case‐series and cohort studies
Authors: Hocine Mounia , Guillemot Didier , Tubert‐Bitter Pascale , Moreau Thierry
Published: November 2005

In case‐series or cohort studies, we propose a test of independence between the occurrences of two types of recurrent events (such as two repeated infections) related to an intermittent exposure (such as an antibiotic treatment). The test relies upon an extension of a recent method for analysing case‐series data, in the presence of one type of recurrent event. The test statistic is derived from a bivariate Poisson generated‐multinomial distribution. Simulations for checking the validity of the test concerning the type I error and the power properties are presented. The test is illustrated using data from a cohort on antibiotics bacterial resistance in schoolchildren. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic balancing randomization in controlled clinical trials
Authors: Heritier Stephane , Gebski Val , Pillai Avinesh
Published: November 2005

In the design of randomized clinical trials, balancing of treatment allocation across important prognostic factors (strata) improves the efficiency of the final comparisons. Whilst randomization methods exist which attempt to balance treatments across the strata (permuted blocks, minimization, biased coin), these approaches assign equal importance for all the strata. Dynamic balancing randomization (DBR) is a tree‐based method proposed by Signoriniet al. allowing different levels of imbalance in different strata which ensures a balance for each level of prognostic risk factors (conditional balance) whilst at the same time preserving randomness. We present a simple modification to the original approach to maintain a marginal balance over important strata and examine the properties of this modification. Two important measures of performance are used to provide comparisons between the approaches: a loss function, which can be interpreted as the squared norm of the imbalance vector, and a forcing index which conveys the degree of randomness. A comparison of DBR with minimization and a biased coin design is carried out by simulation on two simulated trials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian approach to jointly estimate centre and treatment by centre heterogeneity in a proportional hazards model
Authors: Legrand Catherine , Ducrocq Vincent , Janssen Paul , Sylvester Richard , Duchateau Luc
Published: November 2005

When multicentre clinical trial data are analysed, it has become more and more popular to look for possible heterogeneity in outcome between centres. However, beyond the investigation of such heterogeneity, it is also interesting to consider heterogeneity in treatment effect over centres. For time‐to‐event outcomes, this may be investigated by including a random centre effect and a random treatment by centre interaction in a Cox proportional hazards model.

Assuming independence between the random effects, we propose a Bayesian approach to fit our proposed model. The parameters of interest are the variance components σ and σ of these random effects, which can be interpreted as a measure of centre and treatment effect over centres heterogeneity of the hazard. These variance components are estimated from their marginal posterior density after integrating out the fixed treatment effect and the random effects. As this integration cannot be performed analytically, the marginal posterior density is approximated using the Laplace integration technique. Statistical inference is then based on the characteristics of the posterior marginal density, such as the mode and the standard deviation. We demonstrate the proposed technique using data from a pooled database of seven EORTC bladder cancer clinical trials. Substantial centre and treatment effect over centres heterogeneity in disease‐free interval was found. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metopic suture in fetuses with Apert syndrome at 22–27 weeks of gestation
Authors: Faro C. , Chaoui R. , Wegrzyn P. , Levaillant J. M. , Benoit B. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2005

Objectives

To examine the possible association of skull deformity and the development of the cranial sutures in fetuses with Apert syndrome.

Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound was used to examine the metopic and coronal sutures in seven fetuses with Apert syndrome at 22–27 weeks of gestation. The gap between the frontal bones in the transverse plane of the head at the level of the cavum septi pellucidi was measured and compared to findings in 120 anatomically normal fetuses undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 16–32 weeks.

Results

In the normal group, the gap between the frontal bones in the metopic suture at the level of the cavum septi pellucidi, decreased significantly with gestation from a mean of 2.2 mm (5th and 95th centiles: 1.5 mm and 2.9 mm) at 16 weeks to 0.9 mm (5th and 95th centiles: 0.3 mm and 1.6 mm) at 32 weeks. In the seven cases with Apert syndrome, two‐dimensional ultrasound examination demonstrated the characteristic features of frontal bossing, depressed nasal bridge and bilateral syndactyly. On 3D examination there was complete closure of the coronal suture and a wide gap in the metopic suture (15–23 mm).

Conclusion

In normal fetuses, cranial bones are believed to grow in response to the centrifugal pressure from the expanding brain and proximity of the dura to the suture is critical in maintaining its patency. In Apert syndrome, the frontal bossing may be a mere consequence of a genetically predetermined premature closure of the coronal suture. Alternatively, there is a genetically predetermined deformation of the brain, which in turn, through differential stretch of the dura in the temporal and frontal regions, causes premature closure of the coronal suture and impaired closure of the metopic suture. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gasdruckschwingungen und Strömungsgeräusche in Druckbegrenzungsventilen und Rohrleitungen. Pneumatic oszillations and current noises in pressure control valves
Authors: Surek Dominik , Stempin Silke
Published: November 2005

Zur Begrenzung zulässiger Drücke in Verdichter‐ und Pumpenanlagen werden Druckbegrenzungsventile oder Sicherheitsventile eingesetzt. Beim Erreichen des zulässigen Druckes öffnen die Ventile und blasen den geförderten Luftvolumenstrom in die Umgebung oder das geförderte Gas in einen drucklosen Behälter ab. Dadurch kann die nachfolgende Anlage und die zugehörigen Geräte vor unzulässig hohem Druck oder vor einem zu hohen Vakuum geschützt werden. Druckbegrenzungsventile und Sicherheitsventile werden in der Regel in der gleichen Nennweite der Druck‐ bzw. Saugstutzen der Verdichter ausgeführt. Dadurch treten Umlenkungen und Wirbelgebiete auf, die zu Strömungsgeräuschen führen können. Um die Strömungsgeräusche in Druckbegrenzungsventilen zu senken, werden im folgenden Beitrag die Gasdruckschwingungen, die Schalldruckschwingungen und die Schalldruckpegel solcher Ventile untersucht und ausgemessen.
Zur Kompression von Klassischen Turbo‐Molekularpumpen. On the compression in classical turbomolecular pumps
Authors: Voss Gerhard
Published: November 2005

In diesem Artikel wird ein für die Praxis nützliches Modell vorgestellt, das es erlaubt, die Kompressions‐Kurven einer Klassischen Turbo‐Molekularpumpe zu berechnen und systematisch zu analysieren.

Das Modell basiert auf einer einfachen Differentialgleichung für den Druck als Funktion des Ortes im Inneren der Turbo‐Molekularpumpe. Die Lösung dieser Differentialgleichung ermöglicht sowohl die Berechnung der Kompressions‐Kurven bei endlichem Gas‐Durchsatz (Q > 0) als auch die Berechnung des Druck‐Verlaufs im Inneren der Turbo‐Molekularpumpe.

Es wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass die Kompressions‐Kurve für Gas‐Durchsatz Null aus einer Kompressions‐Kurve bei endlichem Gas‐Durchsatz – z. B. Q = 1 sccm – errechnet werden kann.

Der Vergleich mit experimentellen Daten zeigt, dass das vorgestellte Modell eine exzellente qualitative und quantitative Beschreibung der beobachteten Phänomene liefert.
Cannabinoid receptor ligands mediate growth inhibition and cell death in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Flygare Jenny , Gustafsson Kristin , Kimby Eva , Christensson Birger , Sander Birgitta
Published: November 2005

We have earlier reported overexpression of the central and peripheral cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a B cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. In this study, treatment with cannabinoid receptor ligands caused a decrease in viability of MCL cells, while control cells lacking CB1 were not affected. Interestingly, equipotent doses of the CB1 antagonist SR141716A and the CB1/CB2 agonist anandamide inflicted additive negative effects on viability. Moreover, treatment with the CB1/CB2 agonist Win‐55,212‐2 caused a decrease in long‐term growth of MCL cells in culture. Induction of apoptosis, as measured by FACS/Annexin V–FITC, contributed to the growth suppressive effect of Win‐55,212‐2. Our data suggest that cannabinoid receptors may be considered as potential therapeutic targets in MCL.
A bi-dimensional approach to assessing the volumetric evolution of an exploited sandbank
Authors: Norro Alain , Pichot Georges , Pison Virginie , Ozer José
Published: November 2005

We analyse the multi-annual evolution of bathymetry along several cross-sections of the Kwintebank (one of the Flemish Banks). An important issue in the area is the intensive exploitation under regulations imposed by the Belgian authorities that aim to guarantee sustainability of extractions. All bathymetric data collected during the period 1987–2000 at a frequency of approximately four surveys per year are analysed, to identify volumetric temporal trends. The errors inherent in the measurements taken with a single-beam instrument are examined. The lack of indisputable quality criteria led to the choice of robust statistical methods. A statistically significant annual decline of approximately 1.5% in bank volume is shown. Another practical conclusion is that a big increase in sampling frequency is necessary if the authorities set a criterion regarding the long-term sustainability of the bank and wish to have a swift guarantee that this criterion is being observed.
Differential inhibitory effects of methylmalonic acid on respiratory chain complex activities in rat tissues
Authors: Pettenuzzo Leticia F. , Ferreira Gustavo da C. , Schmidt Anna Laura , Dutra‐Filho Carlos S. , Wyse Angela T.S. , Wajner Moacir
Published: November 2005

Methylmalonic acidemia is an inherited metabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulation of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and clinically by progressive neurological deterioration and kidney failure, whose pathophysiology is so far poorly established. Previous studies have shown that MMA inhibits complex II of the respiratory chain in rat cerebral cortex, although no inhibition of complexes I–V was found in bovine heart. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the in vitro effect of 2.5 mM MMA on the activity of complexes I–III, II, II–III and IV in striatum, hippocampus, heart, liver and kidney homogenates from young rats. We observed that MMA caused a significant inhibition of complex II activity in striatum and hippocampus (15–20%) at low concentrations of succinate in the medium, but not in the peripheral tissues. We also verified that the inhibitory property of MMA only occurred after exposing brain homogenates for at least 10 min with the acid, suggesting that this inhibition was mediated by indirect mechanisms. Simultaneous preincubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) and catalase (CAT) plus superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not prevent MMA‐induced inhibition of complex II, suggesting that common reactive oxygen (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) and nitric (nitric oxide) species were not involved in this effect. In addition, complex II–III (20–35%) was also inhibited by MMA in all tissues tested, and complex I–III only in the kidney (53%) and liver (38%). In contrast, complex IV activity was not changed by MMA in all tissues studied. These results indicate that MMA differentially affects the activity of the respiratory chain pending on the tissues studied, being striatum and hippocampus more vulnerable to its effect. In case our in vitro data are confirmed in vivo in tissues from methylmalonic acidemic patients, it is feasible that that the present findings may be related to the pathophysiology of the tissue damage characteristic of these patients.
What is Cold Intolerance?
Authors: CAMPBELL D. A. , KAY S. P.
Published: November 2005

There are four types of symptoms on exposure to cold in the condition known as cold intolerance: pain/discomfort, stiffness, altered sensibility and colour change. They may occur in isolation or in any combination. Symptoms were present in at least 64% of 200 patients 24 months after hand injury. Pain was found to be the most troublesome symptom. Colour change in the digits was regarded by patients as the least troublesome symptom. Symptoms may begin immediately after injury, but are more likely to develop with the first onset of cold weather if there is a lag period between injury and onset. Pre-existing cold related symptoms are uniformly made worse by hand injury. A definition of the condition has been proposed and it has been suggested that this collection of symptoms be known as “Trauma Induced Cold Associated Symptoms”.
Digital Blocks with Adrenaline
Authors: SYLAIDIS P. , LOGAN A.
Published: November 2005

In the early part of the century, when adrenaline first became widely available, it was used in an uncontrolled manner and cases of ischaemic necrosis led to it falling into disfavour for hand surgery. Local anaesthesia with adrenaline is currently widely used for palmar and dorsal hand surgery but there remains a very deeply ingrained resistance to its use for digital anaesthesia. It is widely thought that it will cause irreversible digital artery vasospasm. This prospective study reports the effect of 2% lignocaine with 1:80 000 adrenaline digital blocks on various parameters of digital arterial blood flow in 100 consecutive patients. Our findings show that adrenaline only temporarily reduced digital blood flow. Perfusion of the digits persisted in every case.
A Study of the Dimensions and Taper Angles of the Medullary Canals of the Proximal and Middle Phalanges
Authors: McARTHUR P. A. , CUTTS A. , MILNER R. H. , JOHNSON G. R.
Published: November 2005

The morphology and dimensions of the medullary canals of the proximal and middle phalanges have been studied with particular interest shown to the angle of taper of these canals. Measurements of 50 cadaveric fingers were taken from computer aided tomographic images using AutoCAD software. Tangents were fitted to the inner cortices in two orthogonal planes and the angles between them were measured. The angles of canal taper in the proximal phalanx were remarkably similar for each digit. This was also true for the middle phalanx of the index, middle and ring fingers but the taper of the middle phalanx of the little finger was found to be different.
Ischaemia of the Index Finger and Thumb Secondary to Thrombosis of the Radial Artery in the Anatomical Snuffbox
Authors: MCNAMARA M. G. , BUTLER T. E. , SANDERS W. E. , PEDERSON W. C.
Published: November 2005

We report on nine patients who presented with spontaneous ischaemia of the index finger and thumb over an 11 year period. Arteriography revealed thrombosis of the radial artery in the region of the anatomical snuffbox with evidence of digital artery embolization in each. None had suffered direct trauma to the area or had a demonstrable proximal source for thrombus. While the cause of radial artery thrombosis in our patients is not entirely clear, local inflammation and/or systemic disease may predispose to this entity.
Flexor Tendon Repair Using a Stainless Steel Internal Anchor
Authors: GORDON L. , TOLAR M. , VENKATESWARA RAO K. T. , RITCHIE R. O. , RABINOWITZ S. , LAMB R. P.
Published: November 2005

We have developed a stainless steel internal tendon anchor that is used to strengthen a tendon repair. This study tested its use in vitro to produce a repair that can withstand the tensile strength demands of early active flexion. Fresh human cadaver flexor digitorum profundus tendons were harvested, divided, and then repaired using four different techniques: Kessler, Becker or Savage stitches, or the internal tendon anchor. The internal splint repairs demonstrated a 99–270% increase in mean maximal linear tensile strength and a 49–240% increase in mean ultimate tensile strength over the other repairs. It is hoped that this newly developed internal anchor will provide a repair that will be strong enough to allow immediate active range of motion.
A Comparative Study of Two Methods of Controlled Mobilization of Flexor Tendon Repairs in Zone 2
Authors: PECK F H. , BÜCHER C. A. , WATSON J. S. , ROE A.
Published: November 2005

This prospective study compares subjects following primary repair of flexor tendons in zone 2 using either controlled active motion or a modified Kleinert regime. A matched pairs design was employed, subjects being matched for gender, age and injury characteristics. Twenty-six pairs of subjects with 92 tendon injuries in 52 digits were assessed 12 weeks postoperatively in respect of range of motion and dehiscence. Outcomes were defined using the Strickland criteria. No statistically significant differences in respect of range of motion were demonstrated between the groups. Incidence of rupture, however, was significantly less in the modified Kleinert group (7.7%) than in the controlled active motion group (46%).
The Effect of Partial Excision of the A2 and A4 Pulleys on the Biomechanics of Finger Flexion
Authors: TOMAINO M. , MITSIONIS G. , BASITIDAS J. , GREWAL R. , PFAEFFLE J.
Published: November 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of partial excision of the A2 and A4 pulleys on digital angular rotation and the energy required to flex the finger. Partial excision of A2 resulted in a statistically significant decrease in angular rotation of 3 and 5% after 50 and 75% excision, respectively. Partial excision of A4 failed to produce any significant differences in angular rotation. Combined partial excision of A2 and A4 resulted in a significant decrease of 5 and 8% after 50 and 75% excision, respectively. Significant differences in work of flexion occurred only after excision of 75% of the A2 pulley. Although optimal finger function relies on the integrity of the A2 and A4 pulleys which maintain the efficiency of the digital flexor system, these data suggest that 25% of the A2 pulley, up to 75% of the A4 and 25% of the A2 and A4 together can be excised without significant effects on angular rotation.
The Surgical Management of the Upper Extremity Anomalies Associated with Du Pan Syndrome
Authors: LEES V. C. , HERSH J. H. , SCHEKER L. R.
Published: November 2005

Du Pan syndrome is a rare condition comprising complex brachydactyly with fibular hypoplasia that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This article describes experience gained through the management of four patients with this disorder. The surgical management of the upper limb abnormalities is discussed and a detailed timetable for their treatment is suggested.
Unilateral Radioscaphoid Synostosis with Bilateral Hypoplastic Thumbs
Authors: GURKAN I. , YILMAZ C. , DEMIRTAS M.
Published: November 2005

A fusion of the right radius and the scaphoid with ipsilateral hypoplasia of the thumb and hypoplasia of the left scaphoid and thumb is described in a 24-year-old man.
Interpositional Arthroplasty with Gore-Tex, Marlex or Tendon for Osteoarthritis of the Trapeziometacarpal Joint
Authors: MUERMANS S. , COENEN L.
Published: November 2005

In this retrospective study of 26 patients with arthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, we report the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) (Gore-Tex) and polypropylene (Marlex) as interpositional materials for resection arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint. We have compared the results with those of “conventional” tendon interposition and those in the literature. In three patients the use of ePTFE (Gore-Tex) was complicated by marked clinical synovitis, resembling findings in silicone synovitis. Therefore, the use of ePTFE has been discontinued. Polypropylene seems to be a valuable alternative to tendon interposition arthroplasty.
Spontaneous Healing of a non-Union of the Scaphoid
Authors: ROOLKER W. , RITT M. J. P. F. , BOS K. E.
Published: November 2005

We describe a case of a symptomatic non-union of the scaphoid in a 19-year-old man which spontaneously healed 3 years after the injury.
Hamate Fracture with Dislocation of the Ring and Little Finger Metacarpals
Authors: FAKIH R. R. , FRASER A. M. , PIMPALNERKAR A. L.
Published: November 2005

We report a displaced body of hamate fracture in the coronal plane with dislocation of the ring and little metacarpals and interposition of these metacarpals between the two hamate fragments. The diagnosis, radiographic studies and the treatment of this unusual injury are discussed.
Attritional Rupture of Flexor Tendons by the Head of the Ulna Associated with a Chronic Longitudinal Radioulnar Dissociation
Authors: MORITOMO H. , MASATOMI T. , TADA K.
Published: November 2005

A 62-year-old woman sustained multiple attritional ruptures of the flexor tendons at the wrist caused by displacement of the head of the ulna. She had had injuries of the wrist and elbow when she was young, which were thought to have caused chronic longitudinal radioulnar dissociation with palmar dislocation of the head of the ulna. Attrition of the flexor tendons by the dislocated ulnar head during pronation and supination was the major mechanism for the ruptures in this case. She was successfully treated with tendon transfer and resection of the ulnar head.
The Effect of Low Frequency, Long-Wave Ultrasound Therapy on Joint Mobility and Rehabilitation after Wrist Fracture
Authors: BASSO O. , PIKE J. M.
Published: November 2005

Thirty-eight patients with dorsally-displaced distal radial fractures were prospectively studied to assess the clinical effects of low frequency ultrasound treatment, started immediately after plaster removal. Nineteen of the patients represented the control group and a double-blind protocol was followed. Assessment took place on the day of plaster removal and 2 and 8 weeks later. There was no significant difference in wrist motion and duration of follow-up between the treated and control patients.
An eighteenth-century medical–meteorological society in the Netherlands: an investigation of early organization, instrumentation and quantification. Part 1
Authors: ZUIDERVAART HUIB J.
Published: November 2005

In many areas the eighteenth century was a starting point for the quantification of science. It was a period in which the mania for collecting led to the first attempts in systematization and classification. This penchant for collecting was not limited to natural history specimens or curiosities. Due in part to the development of mathematical and physical instruments, which became more widely available, scholars were confronted with the informative value of numbers. On the one hand, sequences of measurements appeared to be the key to the advancement of scientific knowledge, yet on the other hand the mathematical apparatus to deal with these data was still largely lacking. As a result of this the first meteorological networks organized in the eighteenth century all became bogged down in the large amount of information that was collected but could not be processed properly. This development is illustrated in a case study of an early Dutch meteorological society, the Natuur- en Geneeskundige Correspondentie Sociëteit (1779–1802). What were the factors that triggered this interest in the weather in the Netherlands? What were the goals and expectations of the contributors? What were their methodological strategies? Which instruments were used to measure which meteorological parameters? How was the stream of numbers generated by these measurements organized, collected and interpreted? An analysis of this process reveals that limits on the advancement of meteorology were not only imposed by instrumentation and organization. The financing, the scientific infrastructure of the old eighteenth-century Dutch Republic and the lack of a proper theoretical insight were also crucial factors that eventually frustrated the breakthrough of meteorology as an academic science in the Netherlands. This breakthrough was only achieved in the second half of the nineteenth century.
The competition for the Woodwardian Chair of Geology: Cambridge, 1873
Authors: O'CONNOR ANNE
Published: November 2005

In 1873 the chair of geology at the University of Cambridge fell vacant following the death of Adam Sedgwick. Nine candidates stepped forward, hoping to fill the post. The correspondence generated in the ensuing battle illuminates two areas of particular interest. First, the strategies hidden behind bland lists of successive professors: candidates, peers and patrons manoeuvred to influence the outcome of the competition and competitors tried to reinforce their geological respectability by collecting testimonials from estimable geological acquaintances. Second, the Woodwardian competition inspired some outspoken opinions from British geologists about the relative worth of the candidates, which offer a fresh perspective on the process of professionalization in nineteenth-century science. The applicants came from various backgrounds, including gentlemanly amateurs, clerical geologists, Survey geologists and professors. Judging from the opinions of their peers, it seems that a non-professional or clerical status was rarely of primary concern in defining geological respectability at this time.
The electronic harvest
Authors: SECORD JAMES
Published: November 2005

Science in the Nineteenth-Century Periodical: An Electronic Index, v. 1.0, hriOnline  [accessed 30 June 2005].

Geoffrey Cantor and Sally Shuttleworth (eds.), Science Serialized: Representations of the Sciences in Nineteenth-Century Periodicals. Dibner Institute Studies in the History of Science and Technology. Cambridge, MA and London: MIT Press, 2004. Pp. vi+358. ISBN 0-262-03318-6. £25.95 (hardback).

Geoffrey Cantor, Gowan Dawson, Graeme Gooday, Richard Noakes, Sally Shuttleworth and Jonathan Topham (eds.), Science in the Nineteenth-Century Periodical: Reading the Magazine of Nature. Cambridge Studies in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Pp. xi+329. ISBN 0-521-83637-9. £45.00 (hardback).

Louise Henson, Geoffrey Cantor, Gowan Dawson, Richard Noakes, Sally Shuttleworth and Jonathan R. Topham (eds.), Culture and Science in the Nineteenth-Century Media. The Nineteenth Century Series. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2004. Pp. xxv+296. ISBN 0-7546-3574-0. £47.50 (hardback).
Review of: The rare ERBB2 variant Ile654Val is associated with an increased familial breast cancer risk
Authors: Campbell I. G.
Published: November 2005

Citation of original article:

B. Frank, K. Hemminki, M. Wirtenberger, J. L. Bermejo, P. Bugert, R. Klaes, R. K. Schmutzler, B. Wappenschmidt, C. R. Bartram, B. Burwinkel. The rare ERBB2 variant lle654Val is associated with an increased familial breast cancer risk. Carcinogenesis 2005; 26: 643–7.

Abstract of the original article

Overexpression of the proto-oncogene ERBB2 (HER2/NEU) has been observed in 20–30% of breast cancers involving poor prognosis. Genetic alterations within ERBB2 have been shown to induce carcinogenesis and metastasis. We investigated eight annotated single nucleotide polymorphisms for occurrence in familial breast cancer samples. The confirmed variants Ile654Val, Ile655Val and Ala1170Pro were analysed in subsequent epidemiological studies on familial breast cancer risk. While Ala1170Pro resides within a C-terminally located regulatory domain, the two adjacent polymorphisms Ile654Val and Ile655Val are part of the transmembrane domain. A case–control study analysing a cohort of 348 German familial breast cancer cases and 960 corresponding controls showed no significant association of either Ile655Val (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.82–1.34, P = 0.728) or Ala1170Pro (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.74–1.20, P = 0.632) with familial breast cancer risk. Differences in haplotype frequencies between cases and controls could also not be detected. The ERBB2 variant Ile654Val, however, revealed an increased risk for carriers of the heterozygous Val654 allele (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.08–6.08, P = 0.028). The rare Val654 variant is linked with the more frequent Val655, resulting in two consecutive valine instead of two isoleucine residues within the transmembrane domain. Computational analyses suggest that the Val654–Val655 allele provokes receptor dimerisation and activation, thus stimulating kinase activity and cell transformation. We hypothesise that ERBB2 Val654 represents an oncogenic variant which might, in addition, influence clinical outcome and predict a worse prognosis.
Multiple Level Weighted Card Sorting
Authors: Harloff Joachim
Published: November 2005

Abstract. Mental models of domains may be hierarchical in nature and may include several levels of abstraction. In this article, initial emphasis is placed on reviewing past and current methods and practices in card sorting with respect to their suitability to capture such mental models. Then a new variant of card sorting is described that improves the collection and reconstruction of an individual’s semantic tree model of a domain. Thus, this variant allows sortings to be performed that use a truly free ordinal scale as well as an interval scale. The mathematical processes underlying the method are briefly described. Finally, practical examples of the new variant in card sorting are presented and the findings are discussed.
Can One Use Cohen’s Kappa to Examine Disagreement?
Authors: von Eye Alexander , von Eye Maxine
Published: November 2005

Abstract. This research discusses the use of Cohen’s κ (kappa), Brennan and Prediger’s κn, and the coefficient of raw agreement for the examination of disagreement. Three scenarios are considered. The first involves all disagreement cells in a rater × rater cross-tabulation. The second involves one of the triangles of disagreement cells. The third involves the cells that indicate disagreement by one (ordinal) scale unit. For each of these three scenarios, coefficients of disagreement in the form of κ equivalents are derived. The behavior of the coefficients of disagreement in the three situations is studied. The first and the third case pose no particular problem. The κ equivalents and the other coefficients can be interpreted as usual. In the second case, problems arise such that the range of disagreement κs is restricted because the tables are incomplete. Thus, the standard log-frequency model of rater independence is no longer applicable. When the more general models of quasi-independence are used, negative degrees of freedom can result for smaller tables. Simulation results illustrate the characteristics of the coefficients of disagreement for each of the three scenarios. Empirical data examples are given.
How to Describe the Difference between Factors and Corresponding Factor-Score Estimates
Authors: Beauducel André
Published: November 2005

Abstract. Because of factor score indeterminacy, there can be substantial shifts in the theoretical meaning of factors and their corresponding score estimates. Therefore, the original factor pattern should be compared with the regression-component loadings (Schönemann & Steiger, 1976) corresponding to the factor-score estimates in order to detect possible shifts in the theoretical meaning. Especially with large loading matrices the similarity of the original factor pattern and the regression components of the score estimates may be ascertained by means of congruency coefficients. It is shown that these congruencies contain information that is not already given by measures of factor-score indeterminacy. Two examples illustrate the use of regression-component analysis for different types of factor-score estimates. The analyses reveal that the Bartlett-score estimates are most appropriate when factor interpretation is based on the factor pattern, which is usually the case in confirmatory factor analysis.
Modeling irregularly spaced residual series as a continuous stochastic process
Authors: von Asmuth Jos R. , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: November 2005

In this paper, the background and functioning of a simple but effective continuous time approach for modeling irregularly spaced residual series is presented. The basic equations were published earlier by von Asmuth et al. (2002), who used them as part of a continuous time transfer function noise model. It is shown that the methods behind the model are build on two principles: The first is the fact that the equations of a Kalman filter degenerate to a form that is equivalent to “conventional” autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models when the modeled data are considered to be free of measurement errors. This assumption, in comparison to the “full” Kalman filter, also yields a better prediction efficiency (Ahsan and O'Connor, 1994). The second is the mathematical equivalence between discrete time AR parameters and continuous exponentials and the point that continuous time models provide an elegant solution for modeling irregularly spaced observations (e.g., Harvey, 1989). Because simple least squares methods do not apply in case of modeling irregular data, a sum of weighted squared innovations (ΣWΣI) criterion is introduced and derived from the likelihood function of the innovations. In an example application it is shown that the estimates of the ΣWΣI criterion converge to maximum likelihood estimates for larger sample sizes. Finally, we propose to use the so‐called innovation variance function as an additional diagnostic check, next to the well‐known autocorrelation and cross‐correlation functions.