bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologic basis and evolving role of aromatase inhibitors in the management of invasive carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Kuerer Henry M. , Buzdar Aman U. , Singletary S. Eva
Published: October 2004

Background and Objectives

The most powerful predictor of the response of breast cancers to hormonal therapy is the presence of estrogen receptors in the tumor cells. Estrogen receptors are expressed in approximately 35–55% of all breast tumors but up to 80–90% of tumors from women older than 55 years.

Methods

At this time, tamoxifen remains the first‐line hormonal therapy for breast cancer of all stages. However, the aromatase inhibitors are evolving into an important treatment option. Aromatase inhibitors prevent the conversion of precursors (androgens) to estrogens.

Results

On the basis of several randomized clinical trials, aromatase inhibitors have become established as the second‐line therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer progressing during tamoxifen therapy. Furthermore, very recent trials support the use of these agents as first‐line therapy in place of tamoxifen.

Conclusions

The roles of the selective aromatase inhibitors in the prevention of breast cancer and in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of early‐stage breast cancer are the focus of several planned and ongoing large‐scale clinical trials. These trials will answer some of the many questions that remain regarding optimal hormonal therapy for hormone‐dependent breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001; 77:139–147. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphologic analysis of microvessels in colorectal tumors with respect to the formation of liver metastases
Authors: Yamamura Takuya , Tsukikawa Satoshi , Yamada Kyoji , Yamaguchi Susumu
Published: October 2004

Background and Objectives

Overexpression of VEGF and proliferation of microvessels are strongly related to liver metastases, however, morphologic analyses of microvessels in liver metastases have not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to examine the correlation between liver metastases and the diameters of microvessel lumens in the tumor tissue.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancers and 112 patients who underwent curative colorectal resection and survived without any recurrence were reviewed. Microvessel density (MVD) and the diameters of the lumens of individual microvessels were assessed.

Results

There was a significant difference in terms of the mean MVD of primary tumors between patients with liver metastases and those without liver metastases. The numbers of patients with liver metastases who had microvessels 100–200 μm in diameter and microvessels more than 200 μm in diameter were significantly greater than patients without liver metastases. Microvessels with lumens more than 100 μm in diameter were not detected in the liver metastatic lesion.

Conclusion

Large microvessels in the primary tumor favor intravasation of cancer cells. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:259–264. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic and mechanistic study of the reaction of O(1D) with CF2HBr
Authors: Strekowski R. S. , Nicovich J. M. , Wine P. H.
Published: October 2004

A laser flash photolysis–resonance fluorescence technique has been employed to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of electronically excited oxygen atoms, O(1D), with CF2HBr. Absolute rate coefficients (k1) for the deactivation of O(1D) by CF2HBr have been measured as a function of temperature over the range 211–425 K. The results are well described by the Arrhenius expression k1(T) = 1.72 × 10−10 exp(+72/T) cm3molecule−1 s−1; the accuracy of each reported rate coefficient is estimated to be ±15% (2σ). The branching ratio for nonreactive quenching of O(1D) to the ground state, O(3P), is found to be 0.39 ± 0.06 independent of temperature, while the branching ratio for production of hydrogen atoms at 298 K is found to be 0.02−0.02+0.01. The above results are considered in conjunction with other published information to examine reactivity trends in O(1D) + CF2XY reactions (X,Y = H, F, Cl, Br). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 262–270, 2001
Laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates: A review
Authors: Janda Philip , Sroka Ronald , Baumgartner Reinhold , Grevers Gerhard , Leunig Andreas
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Since the early 80s various types of lasers have been used for the reduction of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates. Up to now many studies have revealed a variety of important information. To summarize these findings and to determine the value of laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates, a comparative review of the literature was performed.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The study of the literature revealed that hyperplastic inferior turbinates of more than 2,000 patients have been treated and followed up. Treatment was performed with the CO2 (10,600 nm), diode (805/810/940 nm), Argon‐ion (488/514 nm), KTP (532 nm), Nd:YAG (1,064 nm), and Ho:YAG (2,080 nm) laser in more than 20 studies so far. Generally, the authors of the trials used different laser parameters (power, energy) and application modalities (contact, non‐contact, interstitial, superficial). To determine the long‐term results objective (active anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, mucociliary function tests, allergy tests) as well as subjective parameters (questionnaire) were recorded and evaluated. In some cases morphological changes of the turbinate tissue were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Laser surgery of inferior turbinates can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Due to a minimally invasive and controllable coagulation and ablation of soft tissue, almost no complications or bleedings were observed during the operation or postoperatively. Depending on the chosen parameters (power, energy) and the application modalities (contact, non‐contact, superficial, interstitial) laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates achieved comparable or better results than most of the conventional techniques for turbinate surgery like conchotomy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, chemical cauterization, and vidian neurectomy. More invasive (radical) operative methods, such as inferior turbinoplasty, submucous turbinectomy, lateral outfracture, partial and total turbinectomy, seemed to be more effective than laser surgery in the long‐term.

Conclusions

Laser treatment of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates can be considered as a useful, cost‐effective, and time‐saving procedure for the reduction of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates. Short operation time, good results, and minor side effects compared to other surgical methods provide an excellent clinical response of the patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:404–413, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of circulating platelet activation during coronary angioplasty
Authors: Christov Alexander , Kostuk William J. , Jablonsky George , Lucas Alexandra
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Platelet activation during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) initiates thrombus formation and plaque regrowth at sites of arterial injury, limiting procedure efficacy. We have developed a simple assay for circulating platelet activation based on fluorescence analysis of membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium concentration and light scattering analysis of platelet aggregation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Platelet activation state was measured in 45 patients undergoing angioplasty, before and after treatment with platelet inhibitors.

Results

PTCA alone produced a decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.0083) and an increase in light scattering at 650 nm (P0.0128). Treatment with ADP and GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists reduced PTCA induced changes in pyrene dimer formation. An unexpected decrease in pyrene dimer formation (P0.05) was detected when the GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist was given together with an ADP receptor antagonist.

Conclusions

1) Analysis of membrane fluidity provides a sensitive marker for platelet activation state. 2) Reduced membrane fluidity after combined platelet inhibitor treatments suggests reduced antiplatelet efficacy. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:414–426, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser solder welding of articular cartilage: Tensile strength and chondrocyte viability
Authors: Züger B.J. , Ott B. , Mainil‐Varlet P. , Schaffner Th. , Clémence J.‐F. , Weber H.P. , Frenz M.
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

The surgical treatment of full‐thickness cartilage defects in the knee joint remains a therapeutic challenge. Recently, new techniques for articular cartilage transplantation, such as mosaicplasty, have become available for cartilage repair. The long‐term success of these techniques, however, depends not only on the chondrocyte viability but also on a lateral integration of the implant. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of cartilage welding by using albumin solder that was dye‐enhanced to allow coagulation with 808‐nm laser diode irradiation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Conventional histology of light microscopy was compared with a viability staining to precisely determine the extent of thermal damage after laser welding. Indocyanine green (ICG) enhanced albumin solder (25% albumin, 0.5% HA, 0.1% ICG) was used for articular cartilage welding. For coagulation, the solder was irradiated through the cartilage implant by 808‐nm laser light and the tensile strength of the weld was measured.

Results

Viability staining revealed a thermal damage of typically 500 m in depth at an irradiance of ∼10 W/cm2 for 8 seconds, whereas conventional histologies showed only half of the extent found by the viability test. Heat‐bath investigations revealed a threshold temperature of minimum 54C for thermal damage of chondrocytes. Efficient cartilage bonding was obtained by using bovine albumin solder as adhesive. Maximum tensile strength of more than 10 N/cm2 was achieved.

Conclusions

Viability tests revealed that the thermal damage is much greater (up to twice) than expected after light microscopic characterization. This study shows the feasibility to strongly laser weld cartilage on cartilage by use of a dye‐enhanced albumin solder. Possibilities to reduce the range of damage are suggested. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:427–434, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser pulse impact on rat mesenteric blood vessels in relation to laser treatment of port wine stain
Authors: Verkruysse Wim , Beek Johan F , VanBavel Ed , van Gemert Martin JC , Spaan Jos AE
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

To study the impact of laser pulses on animal microvasculature as a model for laser treatment of port wine stains.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Rat mesenteric blood vessels were irradiated with a laser pulse (585 nm, 0.2–0.6 ms pulse duration, 0.5–30 J/cm2 radiant exposure). Video microscopy was used to assess vessel dilation, formation of intravascular thrombi, bubble formation, and vessel rupture. Changes in reflection during a laser pulse were measured by simultaneously recording the temporal behavior of the incident and reflected signals.

Results

A threshold radiant exposure of approximately 3 J/cm2 was found for changes in optical properties of blood in vivo, confirming previous in vitro results. Often, laser exposure induced a significant increase in vessel diameter, up to three times the initial diameter for venules and four times for arterioles, within 200 ms after laser exposure. Arterioles were more likely to dilate than venules. Sometimes, immediately after the pulse, round structures, interpreted as being gas bubbles, were seen within the vessel lumen.

Conclusions

A variety of phenomena can occur when blood vessels of sizes comparable to those in port wine stains are irradiated with laser pulses as used in port wine stain treatment. Thrombus formation and vessel rupture have been described before from histological sections of laser‐irradiated port wine stains. However, vessel dilation and formation of non‐transient gas bubbles as found in this study have not been described before. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:461–468, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An analysis of heat removal during cryogen spray cooling and effects of simultaneous airflow application
Authors: Torres Jorge H. , Tunnell James W. , Pikkula Brian M. , Anvari Bahman
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is a method used to protect the epidermis from non‐specific thermal injury that may occur as a result of various dermatological laser procedures. However, better understanding of cryogen deposition and skin thermal response to CSC is needed to optimize the technique.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Temperature measurements and video imaging were carried out on an epoxy phantom as well as human skin during CSC with and without simultaneous application of airflow which was intended to accelerate cryogen evaporation from the substrate surface. An inverse thermal conduction model was used to estimate heat flux and total heat removed.

Results

Lifetime of the cryogen film deposited on the surface of skin and epoxy phantom lasted several hundred milliseconds beyond the spurt, but could be reduced to the spurt duration by application of airflow. Values over 100 J/cm3 were estimated for volumetric heat removed from the epidermis using CSC.

Conclusions

“Film cooling” instead of “evaporative cooling” appears to be the dominant mode of CSC on skin. Estimated values of heat removed from the epidermis suggest that a cryogen spurt as long as 200 milliseconds is required to counteract heat generated by high laser fluences (e.g., in treatment of port wine stains) in patients with high concentration of epidermal melanin. Additional cooling beyond spurt termination can be avoided by simultaneous application of airflow, although it is unclear at the moment if avoiding the additional cooling would be beneficial in the actual clinical situation. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:477–486, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Route to Smart Core‐Shell Polymeric Microgels: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Leung Man Fai , Zhu Junmin , Harris Frank W. , Li Pei
Published: October 2004

Summary: A new method has been developed to prepare smart polymeric microgels that consist of well‐defined temperature‐sensitive cores with pH‐sensitive shells. The microgels were obtained directly from aqueous graft copolymerizations of N‐isopropylacrylamide and N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide from water‐soluble polymers containing amino groups such as poly(ethyleneimine) and chitosan. The gel diameters ranged from 300 to 400 nm. The unique core‐shell nanostructures, which had narrow size distributions, exhibited tuneable responses to pH and temperature.

Transmission electron micrograph of the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/chitosan core‐shell microgels.

image

Transmission electron micrograph of the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/chitosan core‐shell microgels.
Analysis of differentially expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma using cDNA arrays
Authors: Goldenberg Daniel , Ayesh Suhail , Schneider Tamar , Pappo Orit , Jurim Oded , Eid Ahmed , Fellig Yakov , Dadon Tikva , Ariel Ilana , de Groot Nathan , Hochberg Abraham , Galun Eithan
Published: October 2004

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by multiple somatic mutations, including DNA rearrangements, that affect many cell‐growth regulatory pathways. Many genes differentially expressed in HCC have been reported previously, but the patterns of expression varied significantly between patients who bore different risk factors for HCC. To identify genes whose differential expression could serve as a “signature” for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, we performed analyses of differentially expressed genes in three cases of HCC with different risk factors using the Atlas Human Cancer cDNA Expression Arrays. Among all 597 genes present on the array, only three were found to be coordinately differentially expressed in all three HCC cases, in agreement with published data. These three genes, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, osteonectin/secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, and matrix metalloproteinase 14, could serve as candidates for the HCC “signature.” Ten genes were found to be coordinately differentially expressed in only two of three tested HCC cases. On the other hand, many genes that had been reported previously as differentially expressed in HCC failed to show the described pattern of expression in this group. The results of this study confirm the great variability in gene‐expression patterns in HCC and establish the utility of the array technology for identifying both the HCC signature genes and individual gene‐expression patterns for purposes of patient‐oriented therapy. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of glutathione conjugate efflux in cellular protection against benzo[a]pyrene‐7,8‐diol‐9,10‐epoxide–induced DNA damage
Authors: Srivastava Sanjay K. , Watkins Simon C. , Schuetz Erin , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: October 2004

Glutathione (GSH) conjugation of (+)‐anti‐benzo[a]pyrene‐7,8‐diol‐9,10‐epoxide [(+)‐anti‐BPDE], the activated metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene, is believed to be an important mechanism in detoxification of this environmental and dietary carcinogen. Here, we demonstrate that the intracellular accumulation of GSH conjugate of (+)‐anti‐BPDE (BPD‐SG) caused a statistically significant increase in (+)‐anti‐BPDE–induced DNA adduction. The relationship between intracellular accumulation of BPD‐SG and (+)‐anti‐BPDE–induced DNA adduction was studied using a canine kidney epithelial cell line (MDCKII) and its variants overexpressing multidrug resistance transporter (MDR1) or canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT; also known as multidrug resistance protein 2). MDR1 and cMOAT are implicated in ATP‐dependent efflux of anticancer drugs or GSH‐xenobiotic conjugates, or both. The GST activity toward (+)‐anti‐BPDE in parental MDCKII cells did not differ from that in subline overexpressing MDR1 (MDCKII‐MDR1) or cMOAT (MDCKII‐cMOAT). Intracellular accumulation of BPD‐SG, after a 5‐ or 10‐min incubation with 1 μM (+)‐anti‐BPDE, was significantly higher in parental (41‐ to 67‐fold) and MDCK II‐MDR1 cells (31‐ to 43‐fold) than in the MDCKII‐cMOAT cells. Interestingly, the levels of DNA adducts of (+)‐anti‐BPDE, after a 30‐min incubation with 0.1 or 0.5 μM [3H](+)‐anti‐BPDE, were significantly higher (about 2.1‐ and 1.7‐fold, respectively) in parental cells than in the MDCKII‐cMOAT cells. The results of the present study indicate that in addition to GSH conjugation, the efflux of BPD‐SG may be essential for cellular protection against (+)‐anti‐BPDE–induced DNA damage. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of levodopa and cues on voluntary reaching in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kelly Valerie E. , Hyngstrom Allie S. , Rundle Melissa M. , Bastian Amy J.
Published: October 2004

The bradykinesia associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be improved by both levodopa and the use of external cues. We examined the combined effect of levodopa and external cueing on the voluntary reaching movements of individuals with PD. Nine subjects with PD and nine matched controls were studied reaching to a ball target. Subjects with PD were studied after being off levodopa overnight and again on their morning dose. Kinematic data were collected as all subjects made both accurate and fast reaches under two different cue conditions: noncued (self‐initiated) and cued (triggered by a light). Subjects with PD reached more slowly than controls under all conditions. PD subjects increased their reach velocity and decreased movement time after taking levodopa and also when moving to a cue. However, the effects of levodopa and cueing were not additive. Instead, levodopa improved reach velocity to a greater extent in the noncued vs. cued condition. We also found that levodopa improved accurate (self‐paced) reaches more than fast reaches. These data suggest that levodopa may preferentially improve voluntary reaches that are more internally generated. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Compact dual‐band antenna for mobile handsets
Authors: Martínez‐Vázquez Marta , Geissler Matthias , Heberling Dirk , Martínez‐González Antonio , Sánchez‐Hernández David
Published: October 2004

A compact antenna suitable for personal communication handsets is presented. The antenna consists of a rectangular patch with a shorting pin. A spur‐line filter was added to obtain a dual‐band operation. Details of the antenna design are discussed, along with simulated and measured results. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 87–88, 2002
Analysis of a nonconfocal suspended strip in an elliptical cylinder by conformal mapping
Authors: Yang Hyunkieu , Lee Sangseol
Published: October 2004

Characteristics of a nonconfocal suspended strip in an elliptical cylinder are analyzed. The formulas for characteristic impedances are obtained by using conformal mapping. The results calculated by the formulas are presented for a comparison with other authors' works. The dimensions for a specific characteristic impedance and the charge distribution on the strip conductor of these structures can be determined. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 115–119, 2002.
On the transmission matrix of 2n‐port reciprocal networks
Authors: Faria J. A. Brandão
Published: October 2004

The transmission matrix, or ABCD matrix, is a very useful tool for studying the chain connection of 2n‐port networks. Such a matrix is known to play a crucial role in the determination of the wave propagation parameters of cascaded transmission‐line structures and cascaded optical structures. The general properties of the ABCD matrix are established in this article. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 151–154, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10261
Numerical investigation of dispersion‐managed system with concatenated chirped fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wang Guozhong , Xia Li , Xie Shizhong
Published: October 2004

Concatenated chirped fiber Bragg grating (CBG) has been used to compensate for the dispersion in an optical‐fiber communication system. Dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) is replaced with CBG in normalized sections of a 10‐Gbit/s dispersion‐managed system over 800 km. The performance of this system was improved by adding an optical filter behind the CBG in each normalized section. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 163–165, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10264
A broadband folded planar monopole antenna for mobile phones
Authors: Lee Gwo‐Yun , Yeh Shih‐Huang , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: October 2004

This article presents a broadband folded planar monopole antenna suitable for DCS (1710–1880 MHz), PCS (1850–1990 MHz), UMTS (1920–2170 MHz), and WLAN (2400–2484 MHz) operations for mobile phones. In addition to the broadband operation, the proposed folded monopole has compact dimensions of 10 mm height, 5 mm width, and 17.5 mm length. Experimental results of the constructed prototype are presented and discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 165–167, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10265
Green's functions for vertical current sources embedded in uniform waveguides or cavities filled with multilayered media
Authors: Słobodzian Piotr M. , Alvarez‐Melcón A. , Grzegorczyk Tomasz M. , Gardiol Fred E.
Published: October 2004

A modal series representation of spatial‐domain electric field Green's functions for arbitrarily oriented electric current sources embedded in shielded multilayer media is presented. The Green's functions associated with planar excitations are briefly recalled, and the method to compute them is generalized to vertical current sources, yielding new components of the Green's function necessary for the analysis of vertical metallizations embedded in waveguides or cavities. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 186–191, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10272
Theoretical investigations into binomial distributions of photonic bandgaps in microstripline structures
Authors: Karmakar Nemai C.
Published: October 2004

Conventional circular patterned microstrip PBGs have constraints in broad stop‐band response due to high ripple heights in S parameters. In this Letter, a novel configuration with the nonuniform dimensions of circular‐patterned PBGs to improve the rejection bandwidth and the ripples is proposed. The dimensions of the circles are varied proportionally to the amplitude coefficients of the binomial distribution. The S‐parameter versus frequency plot of a 10‐element binomially distributed circular‐patterned PBG array has been presented. The result reveals that the binomial distribution improves the performance by suppressing ripples and generating distinct stop‐band and low‐pass responses and sharp cutoffs. A tandem of two such PBG lines yields even wider and distinct stop‐band and low‐pass responses. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 191–196, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10273
An efficient solution of a dense system of linear equations arising in the method‐of‐moments formulation
Authors: Prakash V. V. S. , Kwon Soon Jae , Mittra Raj
Published: October 2004

This Letter presents a simple and efficient approach for preconditioning a large dense system of linear equations arising in the method‐of‐moments (MoM) solution of electromagnetic (EM) problems. A two‐step process is presented in which the condition number of the matrix is first improved by equilibration, and then further enhanced by preconditioning. The convergence properties of two frequently used iterative solvers, namely, the conjugate‐gradient normal (CGNR) and the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) methods, have been studied with the use of the proposed technique, and the efficacy of the method has been compared with that of the direct LU factorization. The Letter demonstrates that the proposed technique helps improve the computational efficiency of the iterative solvers considerably, not only for MoM matrices associated with electrically large geometries, but also for poorly conditioned matrices with a relatively small rank. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 196–200, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10274
Synthesis of array antennas onboard complex platforms considering coupling effects by means of a hybrid MM‐PO technique
Authors: Obelleiro F. , Taboada J. M. , Landesa L. , Castro I. T.
Published: October 2004

The synthesis of array antennas mounted over aircraft, ships, or any other complex platform is performed here. Both electromagnetic coupling with the platform and mutual coupling between the array elements are considered by using a hybrid method‐of‐moments physical‐optics formulation. The proposed method consists of an iterative procedure that leads to the array excitation coefficients that optimize the array antenna over the platform. The computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm allows enhancing its scope of application to real problems without being constrained about the electrical size of the problem. Some results are presented to demonstrate the complexity of the problems and the high‐performance radiation patterns that can be achieved. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 207–212, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10572
An inverted‐L monopole antenna loaded with a meandered wire for GSM/DCS dual‐band mobile phones
Authors: Tung Hao‐Chun , Fang Chi‐Yin , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: October 2004

A novel dual‐band monopole antenna, created by loading a meandered wire to an inverted‐L wire monopole, is proposed. The antenna is suitable for applications in GSM/DCS dual‐band mobile phones. Both the inverted‐L wire and the meandered wire operate as quarter‐wavelength structures, and generate a resonant mode at about 1800 and 900 MHz, respectively. The obtained impedance bandwidths cover the required bandwidths of the GSM band (890–960 MHz) and the DCS band (1710–1880 MHz). In addition, the proposed antenna has a low profile of only 14 mm (about 4.2% of the wavelength at 900 MHz). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 212–214, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10278
Brewster‐angle effect on performances of a new millimeter‐wave omni‐directional antenna consisting of circular rod corrugations gloved in a dielectric shell
Authors: Jing Hengzhen , Xu Shanjia
Published: October 2004

The radiation characteristics of a new millimeter‐wave omnidirectional antenna consisting of circular‐rod corrugations gloved in a dielectric shell operating in the TM01mode are calculated with the use of the mode‐matching method for different parameters, with a particular attention directed to the Brewster‐angle effect on the performances of the antenna. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 221–223, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10281
Closed‐form expressions for the line‐coupling parameters of coupled on‐chip interconnects on lossy silicon substrate
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐Nan
Published: October 2004

In this paper, novel and accurate closed‐form expressions are proposed which represent the per‐unit‐length line‐coupling parameters (mutual impedance and mutual admittance) of coupled on‐chip microstrip interconnects on lossy silicon substrate. The frequency‐dependent mutual admittance is accurately expressed in the fully closed form, based on a conformal mapping approach, while the frequency‐dependent mutual impedance is described by a very simple formula associated with a complex image method. The closed‐form expressions are shown to be in good agreement with the full‐wave solutions, and thus can be implanted into the multiconductor transmission‐line (MTL) equations for modeling silicon‐based integrated circuits. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 495–498, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20513
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia during maintenance treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Poulsen Anja , Demeny Ann Kathrin , Plum Charlotte Bang , Nielsen Kim Gjerum , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: October 2004

Background

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a wellknown risk among patients with deficient T‐cell function such as children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk for PCP during maintenance treament (MT) to identify patients at risk who could benefit from prophylaxis.

Procedure

We registered all episodes of PCP during MT in 71 children diagnosed between January 1992 and June 1997 with non‐B‐cell ALL at The Copenhagen University Hospital. Sulphametoxazole and trimetroprim (SMX/TMP) prophylaxis against PCP was given during induction and consolidation therapy but stopped prior to MT with oral methotrexate/6‐mercaptopurine. Patients with standard (SR), intermediate (IR), and high risk (HR) ALL started MT at 3, 8, and 15 months from diagnosis, respectively.

Results

The HR group had a cumulated risk of 70% for developing PCP, whereas the risk for PCP in children with IR and the SR was 11 and 8%, respectively (P < 0.0001). All but one of these 13 cases of PCP occurred within 8 months after cessation of SMX‐TMP prophylaxis.

Conclusions

The higher incidence of PCP among HR compared to non‐HR patients following cessation of SMX/TMP prophylaxis probably reflects the significantly longer T‐cell suppressive consolidation therapy in this group. The very low incidence of PCP during the later part of MT emphasizes that methotrexate/6‐mercaptopurine MT have more impact on B‐cell than on T‐cell function. TMP/SMX prophylaxis should be recommended for all children treated for ALL. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 37:20–23, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformation of drawn poly(trimethylene terephthalate) studied by solid‐state 13C NMR
Authors: Kameda Tsunenori , Miyazawa Mitsuhiro , Murase Shigemitsu
Published: October 2004

The change in the conformation of the flexible OCH2CH2CH2O segment of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) monofilament caused by drawing was investigated by means of the γ‐gauche effect on the 13C solid‐state NMR chemical shift of the internal methylene carbon, combined with the NMR relaxations. The conformation around the OCH2 and CH2O bonds for as‐spun fiber was trans/trans. On drawing, followed by heat treatment, the conformation changed to gauche/gauche. The ratio of gauche/gauche to trans/trans for the drawn PTT fiber was determined quantitatively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical evaluation of excitability measures in sensory nerve
Authors: Kiernan Matthew C. , Lin Cindy S.Y. , Andersen Kjeld V. , Murray Nicholas M.F. , Bostock Hugh
Published: October 2004

A recently described method for recording multiple excitability parameters of human motor nerves has been adapted to the study of sensory nerves. The protocol measures stimulus–response behavior using two stimulus durations (from which the distribution of strength–duration time constants is estimated), threshold electrotonus to 100 ms polarizing currents, a current–threshold relationship (indicating inward and outward rectification), and the recovery of excitability following supramaximal activation. The method was tested on 50 healthy volunteers, stimulating the median nerve at the wrist and recording the antidromic compound sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) from digit 2. The excitability measurements were similar, where comparisons were possible, with published sensory nerve data, and confirmed differences from motor nerves, particularly in strength–duration behavior and recovery cycle, likely to reflect functional differences between sensory and motor nerves. Although slower than for motor nerves, the sensory nerve recordings were sufficiently quick (16 to 18 min) to allow them to be included in routine clinical studies. We propose that this method, which provides quite different and complementary information about nerve function to conventional conduction studies, provides a useful new approach for exploring the pathophysiology of sensory neuropathies. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 883–892, 2001
A normative study on human facial F waves
Authors: Wedekind Christoph , Stauten Werner , Klug Norfrid
Published: October 2004

F waves from the nasalis muscle were obtained bilaterally after transcutaneous constant‐current stimulation of the facial nerve in 37 of 42 (88%) healthy volunteers examined. F waves were of varying shape and latency. Standard parameters (latencies, amplitudes, ratios, chronodispersion) of F‐wave analysis were assessed. Of these, minimum and mean F‐wave latencies, the F ratio, and F‐wave and peripheral conduction times (PCT) were approximately normally distributed, with a low standard deviation. Latencies and conduction times exhibited a significantly positive correlation with body height, as has been demonstrated for the F‐wave latencies in limb muscles. Side and sex differences were present but without statistical significance. Chronodispersion and chronodispersion range, F‐wave amplitudes, and F‐wave frequencies were broadly scattered. It is concluded that F‐wave latencies and conduction times are best suited to define a range of reference values. Moreover, facial F waves bear characteristics similar to those described for F waves recorded from limb muscles. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 900–904, 2001
Standardization of anal sphincter electromyography: Utility of motor unit potential parameters
Authors: Podnar Simon , Vodušek David B.
Published: October 2004

Advanced electromyography systems offer quantitative analysis of a number of motor unit potential (MUP) parameters. However, only limited data are available on the diagnostic usefulness of these parameters. In the present study, we compared the sensitivities of MUP parameters in revealing “neuropathic” changes in the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscles in 56 patients examined 5–240 months after damage to the cauda equina or conus medullaris. Using multi‐MUP analysis, 20 MUPs were obtained from patients' EAS muscles. Their MUP parameters were compared with normative data from 64 controls. The diagnostic sensitivities of mean values/“outliers” of MUP parameters for detecting neuropathic EAS muscles were calculated (area 25%/30%; number of turns 18%/29%; size index 13%/24%; thickness 18%/18%; amplitude 17%/17%; spike duration 20%/9%; duration 15%/12%; number of phases 15%/11%; and their combination 51%/52%). Altogether, the cumulative sensitivity of multi‐MUP analysis using both mean values and “outliers” was 62%. The combination of MUP parameters improves the diagnostic yield of MUP analysis, but the influence on specificity remains unknown. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 946–951, 2001
Focal myopathy mimicking posterior interosseous nerve syndrome
Authors: Erdem Sevim , Demirci Mehmet , Tan Ersin
Published: October 2004

A 25‐year‐old man developed weakness of extension of the right index, middle, and fourth fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints, over 2 years. No sensory deficit was present. Nerve conduction studies, including the right radial nerve, were within normal limits. Needle electromyographic (EMG) examination showed myopathic changes that were limited to the right extensor digitorum communis and extensor indicis proprius muscles. An intravenous edrophonium chloride test had no effect on weakness and repetitive stimulation showed no significant decremental response. An EMG‐guided open biopsy of the extensor digitorum communis muscle revealed severe myopathic changes. Evaluation for the cause of myopathic involvement was negative. After 13 months, clinical examination and electrophysiological studies showed no significant progression. This case exemplifies the fact that a focal myopathy may mimic an entrapment neuropathy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 969–972, 2001
On a class of multiple failure mode systems
Authors: Boutsikas Michael V. , Koutras Markos V.
Published: October 2004

The primary objective of this work is to introduce and perform a detailed study of a class of multistate reliability structures in which no ordering in the levels of components' performances is necessary. In particular, the present paper develops the basic theory (exact reliability formulae, reliability bounds, asymptotic results) that will make it feasible to investigate systems whose components are allowed to experience m ≥ 2 kinds of failure (failure modes), and their breakdown is described by different families of cut sets in each mode. For illustration purposes, two classical (binary) systems are extended to analogous multiple failure mode structures, and their reliability performance (bounds and asymptotic behavior) is investigated by numerical experimentation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 49: 167–185, 2002; DOI 10.1002/nav.10007
Cell‐type specific dendritic contacts between retinal ganglion cells during development
Authors: Lohmann Christian , Wong Rachel O.L.
Published: October 2004

The extent of a neuron's dendritic field defines the region within which information is processed. The dendritic fields of functionally distinct ON and OFF center retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form separate mosaics across the retina. Within each mosaic, neighboring dendritic fields overlap by a constant amount, sampling the visual field with the appropriate coverage. Contact‐mediated lateral inhibition between neighboring RGCs has long been thought to regulate both the extent and overlap of dendritic fields during development. Here we show that dendro‐dendritic contact exists between developing RGCs and occurs in a manner that would regulate the formation of ON and OFF mosaics separately. Dye‐filled neighboring ON and OFF ferret alpha RGCs were reconstructed using multiphoton microscopy. At all neonatal ages examined, we observed dendro‐dendritic contacts between RGCs of the same sign (ON/ON; OFF/OFF), but never between cells of opposite signs (ON/OFF). Terminal dendrites of one cell often touched a dendrite of its neighbor as they intersected. In some instances, the distal dendrite of one cell formed a fascicle with the proximal process of its neighbor. Alpha cells did not form contacts with neighboring beta cells of the same sign. Together, these observations suggest that dendro‐dendritic contact between RGCs is cell‐type specific. Dendritic contacts were observed even before the alpha cell arbors were completely stratified, suggesting that cell‐cell recognition may take place early in their development. For each cell type, the relative overlap of dendritic fields was constant with age, despite a two‐fold increase in field area. We suggest that dendro‐dendritic contacts may be sites of intercellular signaling that could regulate local extension of dendrites to maintain the relative overlap of RGCs within a mosaic during development. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 48: 150–162, 2001
Behaviour control of modern composite structures
Authors: Tesar Alexander , Sedlar Marek
Published: October 2004

Numerical and experimental assessment of modern composite structures provided with knowledge‐based joints for their behaviour control is treated in the present paper. Special connection strip, joining composite materials, is adopted. The wave approach of the back propagation neural network in micro‐ and macromechanical modelling is used for the numerical analysis of the problem. Some numerical and experimental results are given in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the control joint suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive insurance competes with the strategic application of information technology
Authors: Lewins Lisa A. , Davis Tim R.V.
Published: October 2004

For many years, Progressive Insurance was a small, specialized provider of automobile insurance to
high‐risk drivers. When industry giants entered the same market, the future looked bleak for the small
company. But Progressive has thrived in the larger market for standard automobile insurance by making creative use
of information technology and reforming antiquated industry practices. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals,
Inc.
Preferences for care near the end of life: Scale development and validation
Authors: Gauthier Donna M. , Froman Robin D.
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an instrument, the Preferences for Care near the End of Life (PCEOL) scale. Following a literature review and using the domain‐referenced approach and a test grid, a large pool of items was generated to reflect five dimensions of preferences for care near the end of life. These were reviewed for relevance and clarity by an expert panel. A convenience sample of 198 adults was secured to provide data for the study of the psychometric properties of the scale. Data screening and item analysis resulted in a final sample of 43 items. A principal factor analysis (PFA) resulted in an interpretable, meaningful five‐factor solution. Reliability estimates (internal consistency) for the factors on the multidimensional instrument ranged from .68 to .91. Retest stability estimates for the PCEOL showed correlations of .80 to .94 for factor scores over a 2‐week interval. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24:298–306, 2001
The differential impact of inclusion and inclusive practices on high, average, and low achieving general education students
Authors: Huber Karl D. , Rosenfeld Joseph G. , Fiorello Catherine A.
Published: October 2004

The effect that inclusion and inclusionary school practices have on the achievement scores of low, average, and high academically achieving general education students was investigated. Achievement scores for 477 general education students from grades 1 through 5 were sampled over 3 years. During the 2 years that inclusion and inclusive practices were implemented, students either received academic instruction with students with disabilities or only with peers without disabilities. Inclusive school practices (curricular changes and supports) had a differential effect, as low achieving general education students appeared to benefit academically, while higher achieving students lost ground. General education students' reading scores were not significantly affected by the presence of students with disabilities, while in math, the effect was mixed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the Woodcock reading mastery tests–revised with special education students
Authors: Williams Thomas Oliver , Eaves Ronald C.
Published: October 2004

The factor structure of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests–Revised (WRMT‐R) was analyzed using data from a sample of 140 special education students with learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, and serious emotional disturbance. Woodcock asserted that the WRMT‐R measured two important aspects of reading ability: Basic Skills and Reading Comprehension. According to Woodcock, the Word Identification and Word Attack Tests measure two elements of Basic Skills, and the Word Comprehension and Passage Comprehension Tests measure two elements of Reading Comprehension. Together, Basic Skills and Reading Comprehension produce the Total Reading Full‐Scale score. Principal axis factor analysis with a promax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate evidence that the four tests of the WRMT‐R combine to form the two factors: Basic Skills and Reading Comprehension. The results of the analyses indicated a robust single factor (Total Reading Full‐Scale), and provided little support for Woodcock's hypothesized two‐factor structure. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Metalization of polymer beads via polymer‐supported hydrazines as reducing agents
Authors: Bicak Niyazi , Sungur Şana , Tan Nükhet , Bensebaa Farid , Deslandes Yves
Published: October 2004

A new method for depositing metal onto a polymer surface has been developed in which the metal coating of polymer beads is performed with hydrazine functions as reducing agents on the surface of the polymer itself. In this study, glycidyl methacrylate–methyl methacrylate–divinyl benzene terpolymer was prepared as spherical beads with a suspension polymerization methodology. Beads of the polymer sample (210–420‐μm fraction) containing 3.4 mmol g−1 epoxy were treated with an excess of hydrazinium hydroxide to yield a polymer with 2.3 mmol g−1 hydrazine functions. The hydrazine functions on the polymer surfaces were efficient in metal reductions. Therefore, the modified bead polymer samples, when soaked in aqueous ammonia solutions of Ni(II), Ag(I), and Cu(II) ions (0.1 M), were covered rapidly by the corresponding zero‐valent metal ions. Metal deposition took place almost quantitatively (ca. 4.5 mmol/g of the polymer) within 60 min of the contact times. The accumulations of metal were followed visually and occurred only on the polymer beads. There was no evidence that the reaction occurred within the solution. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 748–754, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10158