bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoter hypermethylation of the RASSF1A gene predicts the poor outcome of patients with hepatoblastoma
Authors: Sugawara Waka , Haruta Masayuki , Sasaki Fumiaki , Watanabe Naoki , Tsunematsu Yukiko , Kikuta Atsushi , Kaneko Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundDespite the progress of therapy, about 25% of patients with hepatoblastoma succumb to the disease. Prognostic factors, as well as improved therapies, are needed for these patients. We investigated the incidence and clinical significance of genetic and epigenetic aberrations in hepatoblastoma.Procedureβ‐catenin mutation was analyzed by sequencing and promoter hypermethylation of the RASSF1A and SFRP genes by methylation‐specific PCR after bisulfate treatment of DNA samples from 39 hepatoblastomas. Association of the clinical and biological features, including sex, age of patients, stage of the disease, the histological type, and the β‐catenin and RASSF1A status with overall survival was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.Resultsβ‐catenin mutation and RASSF1A methylation were found in 22 (56.4%) and 15 (38.5%) of 39 hepatoblastomas, respectively, but SFRPs methylation was not found in any of them. RASSF1A and SFRPs were unmethylated in five adjacent normal liver tissues. Patients with a RASSF1A methylated tumor were older in age (≥2 years, P = 0.036), at more advanced stages (P = 0.009), and had more frequent β‐catenin mutation (P < 0.001) and poorer outcome (P < 0.001) than those with a RASSF1A unmethylated tumor. While univariate analysis showed the prognostic significance of age, stage, the histological type, and the β‐catenin and RASSF1A status, multivariate analysis showed only the RASSF1A methylation status as an independent factor predicting outcome (relative risk, 10.51; 95% CI, 1.21 ∼ 90.97; P = 0.033).ConclusionsRASSF1A methylation may be a novel molecular‐genetic marker for treatment outcome in hepatoblastoma if confirmed by studies examining a larger number of hepatoblastomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:240–249. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mental health and other clinical correlates of euthanasia attitudes in an Australian outpatient cancer population
Authors: Carter G. L. , Clover K. A. , Parkinson L. , Rainbird K. , Kerridge I. , Ravenscroft P. , Cavenagh J. , McPhee J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA majority of patients with cancer have been reported to endorse euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (PAS) in general and a substantial proportion endorse these for themselves. However, the potential influence of mental health and other clinical variables on these decisions is not well understood. This study of 228 outpatients attending an oncology clinic in Newcastle, Australia used a cross‐sectional design and logistic regression modelling to examine the relationship of demographic, disease status, mental health and quality of life variables to attitudes toward euthanasia and PAS. The majority reported support for euthanasia (79%, n=179), for PAS (69%, n=158) and personal support for euthanasia/PAS (68%, n=156). However, few reported having asked their doctor for euthanasia (2%, n=5) or PAS (2%, n=5). Three outcomes were modelled: support for euthanasia was associated with active religious belief (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10–0.46); support for PAS was associated with active religious belief (AOR 0.35, 95% CI: 18–0.70) and recent pain (AOR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.0.76–0.99); and personal support for euthanasia/PAS was associated with active religious belief (AOR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.14–0.48). Depression, anxiety, recent suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicide attempt were not independently associated with any of the three outcomes modelled. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation into EMG activity in the upper and lower portions of the subscapularis muscle during normal shoulder motion
Authors: O'Connell Neil E , Cowan Joseph , Christopher Tony 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose. The subscapularis (SSc) muscle is considered to perform a variety of roles during normal shoulder movement. The SSc is innervated by two or more discrete motor nerves and previous studies have indicated some difference in electromyographic (EMG) activity between the upper and lower portions of the muscle. The purpose of the present study was to compare EMG activity between the upper and lower portions of the SSc muscle during voluntary shoulder movements in normal healthy subjects. Method. Eight subjects were evaluated. A pair of intramuscular electrodes was inserted into each portion of the muscle. EMG data were recorded during the following movements: sagittal flexion; abduction in the coronal plane; and abduction in the scapular plane. Results. EMG onset of the upper portion of subscapularis occurred significantly earlier compared to the lower portion. Differences were also seen in the level and pattern of activation between the two portions, with upper SSc demonstrating higher levels of activation than the lower portion. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the upper and lower portions of SSc are differentially active during voluntary shoulder movements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lidocaine iontophoresis mediates analgesia in lateral epicondylalgia treatment
Authors: Yarrobino Thomas E , Kalbfleisch John H , Ferslew Kenneth E , Panus Peter C 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Iontophoresis transcutaneously delivers anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drugs for the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic with analgesic but no anti‐inflammatory properties. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the clinical use of lidocaine iontophoresis‐mediated analgesia in a larger treatment algorithm for five patients with lateral humeral epicondylalgia. Method. The investigation was a case series design of five subjects, aged 52 (±6) years, with epicondylalgia of 12–393 days' duration. At each treatment session, the patients received cryotherapy, cross‐fibre massage and passive stretch. Between sessions analgesia was provided by an 80 mA‐min low‐current, long‐duration lidocaine iontophoresis (LI) over a 24‐hour period. Patients were treated on an every‐other‐day basis for a total of three treatment sessions. Clinical improvements were determined by triplicate measurements of dolorimetric force over the affected epicondyle prior to treatment 1 (baseline), prior to sessions 2 and 3, and one week following the last session. Results. Patients demonstrated an increasing tolerance to dolorimetric force application prior to the next session. The force values prior to session 2 (3.1 (±1.1) Newton (N)) and one week following the third session (3.4 (±0.5) N) were significantly improved from the baseline values (2.1 (±0.9) N). Conclusions. Pain associated with lateral epicondylalgia decreased, and function improved in all patients at the final measurement. One patient returned during the 90‐day follow‐up period to seek additional medical attention. This investigation documents the potential for analgesia provided by LI in the rehabilitation process of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust approach to high‐speed navigation for unrehearsed desert terrain
Authors: Urmson Chris , Ragusa Charlie , Ray David , Anhalt Joshua , Bartz Daniel , Galatali Tugrul , Gutierrez Alexander , Johnston Josh , Harbaugh Sam , “Yu” Kato Hiroki , Messner William , Miller Nick , Peterson Kevin , Smith Bryon , Snider Jarrod , Spiker Spencer , Ziglar Jason , “Red” Whittaker William , Clark Michael , Koon Phillip , Mosher Aaron , Struble Josh 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis article presents a robust approach to navigating at high speed across desert terrain. A central theme of this approach is the combination of simple ideas and components to build a capable and robust system. A pair of robots were developed, which completed a 212 km Grand Challenge desert race in approximately 7 h. A pathcentric navigation system uses a combination of LIDAR and RADAR based perception sensors to traverse trails and avoid obstacles at speeds up to 15 m/s. The onboard navigation system leverages a human‐based preplanning system to improve reliability and robustness. The robots have been extensively tested, traversing over 3500 km of desert trails prior to completing the challenge. This article describes the mechanisms, algorithms, and testing methods used to achieve this performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cornell university's 2005 DARPA grand challenge entry
Authors: Miller Isaac , Lupashin Sergei , Zych Noah , Moran Pete , Schimpf Brian , Nathan Aaron , Garcia Ephrahim 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge required teams to design and build autonomous off‐road vehicles capable of handling harsh terrain at high speeds while following a loosely defined path. This paper discusses the critical subsystems of Cornell University's entry, an autonomous Spider Light Strike Vehicle. An attitude and position estimator is presented with modifications for specific problems associated with high‐speed autonomous ground vehicles, including Global Positioning System signal loss and reacquisition. A novel terrain estimation algorithm is presented to combine attitude and position estimates with terrain sensors to generate a detailed elevation model. The elevation model is combined with a spline‐based path planner in a sensing/action feedback loop to generate smooth, human‐like paths that are consistent with vehicle dynamics. The performance of these subsystems is validated in a series of demonstrative experiments, along with an evaluation of the full system at the Grand Challenge. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predators of knowledge construction: Interpreting students' metacognition in an amusement park physics program
Authors: Anderson David , Nashon Samson 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIt is recognized widely that learning is a dynamic and idiosyncratic process of construction and reconstruction of concepts in response to new experiences. It is influenced by the learner's prior knowledge, motivation, and sociocultural context. This study investigated how year 11 and 12 physics students' metacognition influences the development of their conceptual understandings of kinematics. An interpretive case study approach was used to investigate students working in collaborative groups in the context of an amusement park physics program. The metacognitive character of individual learners was demonstrated to have a strong influence on their conceptual development. Moreover, the metacognitive character of individuals within the small group contexts investigated was a key factor influencing the groups' collective knowledge development. A coyote–rabbit metaphor was developed to interpret the resilience and weaknesses of individual and group knowledge construction processes, and elucidates new theoretical understandings regarding metacognition and its influence on knowledge construction. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 91:298–320, 2007
Self‐tuning caching: the Universal Caching algorithm
Authors: Santhanakrishnan Ganesh , Amer Ahmed , Chrysanthis Panos K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA cache replacement policy is normally suited to a particular class of applications, or limited to a set of fixed criteria for evaluating the cache‐worthiness of an object. We present Universal Caching as a mechanism to capture the generality of the most adaptive algorithms, while depending on a very limited set of basic criteria for cache‐replacement decisions. Our testing was limited to Web workloads, where we tested the Universal Caching policy using real‐world traces from both the server‐side and client‐side proxies. Using a self‐tuning mechanism, combined with a generalization of the criteria employed in GD‐* Web caching, Universal Caching was able to consistently outperform any other fixed choice of algorithm we tested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MCL: a MobiGATE coordination language for highly adaptive and reconfigurable mobile middleware
Authors: Zheng Yongjie , Chan Alvin T. S. , Ngai Grace 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe use of middleware is one important approach in facilitating adaptation across wireless and mobile environments, where augmented service entities are composed and deployed to shield mobile clients from the effects of dynamic network characteristics. The MobiGate Coordination Language (MCL) system provides a language‐based approach to the building of mobile applications running in an adaptive middleware, MobiGATE. The concept of the separation of concerns forms the underlying and unifying principle in the provision of the adaptive composition of services. Specifically, a coordination language, MCL, is designed to provide rich constructs supporting the definition of compositions, with constrained type validation and checking. In particular, MCL is formalized by means of the design of a semantic model based on the Z language, which can be used to analyze architectural descriptions and detect possible composition errors such as feedback loops and open circuit problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling quality‐of‐service in distributed real‐time and embedded systems via adaptive middleware
Authors: Schantz Richard E. , Loyall Joseph P. , Rodrigues Craig , Schmidt Douglas C. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractComputing systems are increasingly distributed, real‐time, and embedded (DRE) and must operate under highly unpredictable and changeable conditions. A challenging problem for DRE systems is adaptation of behavior and reconfiguration of resources to maintain the best application performance in the face of changes in system load and available resources. To provide predictable mission‐critical quality of service (QoS) end‐to‐end, QoS‐enabled middleware services and mechanisms have begun to emerge, but they lack support for applications with stringent QoS requirements in changing, dynamic environments. This paper presents two contributions to research on adaptive and reconfigurable DRE systems. First, we describe the structure and functionality of an advanced middleware platform for developing applications that apply various techniques to adapt themselves to changes in resource availability to meet real‐time QoS requirements. Second, we present results of a case study of a multimedia application for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) video distribution we developed using this middleware platform in conjunction with QoS‐enabledoperating systems and networking protocols. We describe the design of the multimedia application using our middleware platform and report empirical results showing how adaptive behavior and end‐to‐end resource management techniques are used to reconfigure the system dynamically to meet timeliness requirements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic service adaptation
Authors: Hirschfeld Robert , Kawamura Katsuya 
Published: August 2006

AbstractChange can be observed in our environment and in the technology we build. While changes in the environment happen continuously and implicitly, our technology has to be kept in sync with the changing world around it. Although we can prepare for some of the changes for most of them we cannot. This is especially true for next‐generation mobile communication systems that are expected to support the creation of a ubiquitous society where virtually everything is connected and made available within an organic information network. Resources will frequently join or leave the network, new types of media or new combinations of existing types will be used to interact and cooperate, and services will be tailored to preferences and needs of individual customers to better meet their needs. This paper outlines our research in the area of dynamic service adaptation to provide concepts and technologies allowing for such environments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary Breast Cancer Features Can Predict Additional Lymph Node Involvement in Patients with Sentinel Node Micrometastases
Authors: Carcoforo P. , Maestroni U. , Querzoli P. , Lanzara S. , Maravegias K. , Feggi L. , Soliani G. , Basaglia E. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to identify biological features of primary breast cancer from which to predict the presence of further axillary involvement in patients bearing micrometastases in the sentinel lymph node (SLN).MethodsFrom a starting group of 690 patients, we isolated patients with micrometastases in the SLN. Those patients were classified according to the presence/absence of further metastases in nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs). We examined primary tumor features to identify any relevant difference. Analysis of primary tumors evaluated histology, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, mitotic index (Mib‐1), estrogen and progesterone receptor status (ER/PR status), C‐erb B‐2 (HER‐2/neu) expression and amplification, and p53 expression. Chi square analysis for statistical significance was applied.ResultsOf the original 690 patients, 296 showed some kind of metastases in the SLN; 238 patients had gross metastases in the SLN. After axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), 102 patients (43%) had NSLNs with metastases, and 136 (57%) had negative axillary non‐sentinel nodes. Another 58 patients harbored solitary micrometastases in the SLN. After ALND, 8 (14%) patients had further NSLN involvement, and 50 (86%) had negative axillary nodes.ConclusionsAnalysis of the primary breast lesion in patients with micrometastatic SLN and metastatic NSLNs revealed the presence of lymphovascular invasion, Mib‐1 index > 10%, and tumor size > 2 cm. Patients without lymphovascular invasion, Mib‐1 < 10% and T size < 2 cm could avoid further ALND.
Does Serum Procalcitonin Have a Role in Evaluating the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis? A Question Revisited
Authors: Purkayastha Sanjay , Chow Andre , Athanasiou Thanos , Cambaroudis Apostolos , Panesar Sukhmeet , Kinross James , Tekkis Paris , Darzi Ara 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPurposeThis study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum procalcitonin (PCT) for the diagnosis of severity in acute pancreatitis (AP), compared with routine clinical, biochemical, radiological, and combination severity scoring systems.MethodsQuantitative meta‐analysis was performed on prospective studies, comparing serum PCT, against validated scoring systems for diagnosing severe AP. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated for each study. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves and subgroup analysis were undertaken. Study quality and heterogeneity were evaluated. Meta‐regression meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the effect of using serum PCT in the diagnostic accuracy severity scoring in AP.ResultsSummary receiver operating characteristic analysis of nine studies showed an overall sensitivity and specificity of 74% (range: 66%–81%) and 83% (range: 79%–87%), respectively. Overall unweighted area under the curve (AUC) was 0.91 (DOR = 16.26 95% CI: 5.68–46.60), demonstrating significant heterogeneity (Q‐value = 25.32; P = 0.001). When high‐quality studies alone were evaluated, there was an increase in the overall sensitivity (89%); however, specificity was similar (82%), with an overall unweighted AUC of 0.94 (DOR 41.46, 95% CI: 17.95–95.80), with no significant heterogeneity. Meta‐regression analysis confirmed the significant effect of study quality on the diagnostic accuracy of severity scoring using serum PCT (P = 0.025).ConclusionsThe use of PCT for severity scoring in AP has a moderate sensitivity but higher specificity. However, the overall accuracy for predicting severity in AP is high. The prognosis of severity, especially early on (<48 hours from onset of symptoms), and the evaluation of potential infectious complications of AP may be the most useful factors to assess in subsequent clinical trials to identify its exact application in clinical practice in the management of AP.
Implications of Indeterminate Factor-Error Covariances for Factor Construction, Prediction, and Determinacy
Authors: Krijnen Wim P. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe assumptions of the model for factor analysis do not exclude a class of indeterminate covariances between factors and error variables (Grayson, 2003). The construction of all factors of the model for factor analysis is generalized to incorporate indeterminate factor-error covariances. A necessary and sufficient condition is given for indeterminate factor-error covariances to be arbitrarily small, for mean square convergence of the regression predictor of factor scores, and for the existence of a unique determinate factor and error variable. The determinate factor and error variable are uncorrelated and satisfy the defining assumptions of factor analysis. Several examples are given to illustrate the results.
Comparative study of eating‐related attitudes and psychological traits between Israeli‐Arab and ‐Jewish schoolgirls
Authors: Latzer Yael , Tzischinsky Orna , Geraisy Nabil 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective: The aims of the study were to examine weight concerns, dieting and eating behaviours in a group of Israeli‐Arab schoolgirls as compared with Israeli‐Jewish schoolgirls, as well as to investigate the reliability of the Arabic (Palestinian) version of the eating disorder inventory‐2 (EDI‐2).Method: The sample consisted of 2548 Israeli schoolgirls, including 1885 Jewish and 663 Arab adolescents ranging in age from 12 to 18. The study was conducted in 1998–2003 from urban and rural residential settings in the northern part of Israel. The (EDI‐2) was the assessment tool used, yielding scores on 11 sub‐scales.Results: The Israeli‐Arab schoolgirls scored significantly higher than the Israeli‐Jewish schoolgirls in most EDI‐2 sub‐scales. In addition, the sub‐scale inter‐item consistency of the translated Arabic (Palestinian version) of the EDI‐2 was found to be reliable.Discussion: The drive to be thin found among Israeli Arab schoolgirls is not reflected in their small number of ED clinic referrals. These discrepancies are discussed in light of the socio‐cultural changes currently taking place in the Israeli Arab population due to the influence of Western‐oriented life in Israel.
Effects of aspirin and clopidogrel on plasma brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure receiving ACE inhibitors
Authors: Meune Christophe , Wahbi Karim , Fulla Yvonne , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Duboc Denis , Mahé Isabelle , Simoneau Guy , Bergmann Jean‐François , Weber Simon , Mouly Stéphane 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundBy inhibiting prostaglandins, aspirin may be deleterious in heart failure (HF) and/or may counteract angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor efficacy. Conversely, clopidogrel has no effect on prostaglandin metabolism.AimTo investigate the effect of aspirin and clopidogrel on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in HF patients treated with ACE inhibitors.Methods36 patients with stable HF (65±13 years, 24 males/12 females, NYHA class II to IV, ejection fraction <40%, 13 with coronary disease, all treated with ACE inhibitors) were enrolled in this prospective, double‐blind study and randomised to aspirin 325 mg/day or clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 14 days. BNP was determined at day 0 and day 14.Results19 patients were randomised to aspirin and 17 to clopidogrel. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. BNP levels increased in the aspirin group from day 0 to day 14 (107±103 to 144±149 pg/ml, p=0.04) whereas clopidogrel had no effect (104±107 and 97±99 pg/ml respectively, p=0.61).ConclusionThis study demonstrates an adverse effect of aspirin 325 mg/day on BNP plasma levels in HF patients treated with ACE inhibitors. In contrast clopidogrel 75 mg/day had no effect.