bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new rapid radiological procedure for routine teratological use in bone ossification assessment: A supplement for staining methods
Authors: Burdan Franciszek , Rozylo‐Kalinowska Ingrid , Katarzyna Rozylo T. , Chahoud Ibrahim 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBackgroundPresently, bone ossification is assessed by the study of single‐stained fetal bones (alizarin red‐S) or double‐stained bones and cartilaginous structures (alcian blue followed by alizarin red‐S). Both methods, especially double‐staining, are labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and provide qualitative information regarding skeleton ossification. Quantitative evaluation of ossification is more difficult and is usually based on determination of calcium and other minerals in the bone by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. Here we introduce a simple new method that allows quantitative determination of skeleton ossification before routine staining examination.MethodsFetuses delivered by laparotomy on the 16th and 21st day of gestation as well as 1‐day‐old rat pups were examined. The fetuses and pups were prenatally subcutaneously exposed to sodium valproate or to physiological saline. Lateral, prone, and supine digital radiograms of each fetus were taken using the Digora‐Soredex digital radiography system and the Planmeca Intra intraoral X‐ray machine. According to the best visualization, the data concerning vertebra were analyzed. All the fetuses were then routinely double‐stained using alcian blue and alizarin red‐S.ResultsMalformations of axial skeleton (rib, sternum, and thoracic and sacral vertebra) were found in valproate‐treated groups. Unlike cartilage malformations, the bone changes were detected in similar frequency in radiological and staining methods. Differences in densities according to the degree of ossification in the vertebral arches and bodies at different levels of the vertebral column, between drug‐treated and negative control groups were noted.ConclusionsThe preliminary results suggest that digital radiography examination is a useful method in determining delaying of skeleton ossification not detectable by other methods. It balances qualitative and quantitative aspects of the presently used methods and is also simple, objective, fast, and relatively inexpensive. Teratology 66:315–325, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A programming environment for behavioural animation
Authors: Devillers Frédéric , Donikian Stéphane , Lamarche Fabrice , Taille Jean‐François 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBehavioural models offer the ability to simulate autonomous agents like organisms and living beings. Psychological studies have shown that human behaviour can be described by a perception–decision–action loop, in which the decisional process should integrate several programming paradigms such as real time, concurrency and hierarchy. Building such systems for interactive simulation requires the design of a reactive system treating flows of data to and from the environment, and involving task control and preemption. Since a complete mental model based on vision and image processing cannot be constructed in real time using purely geometrical information, higher levels of information are needed in a model of the virtual environment. For example, the autonomous actors of a virtual world would exploit the knowledge of the environment topology to navigate through it. Accordingly, in this paper we present our programming environment for real‐time behavioural animation which is compounded of a general animation and simulation platform, a behavioural modelling language and a scenario‐authoring tool. Those tools has been used for different applications such as pedestrian and car driver interaction in urban environments, or a virtual museum populated by a group of visitors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Instrument: Reliability and Validity of the Adolescent Form
Authors: Bhatia Smita , Jenney Meriel E.M. , Bogue Monica K. , Rockwood Todd H. , Feusner James H. , Friedman Debra L. , Robison Leslie L. , Kane Robert L. 
Published: December 2002

PURPOSE: With improvement in survival after childhood cancer, increasing emphasis is being placed on the impact of treatment and its sequelae on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of survivors. The Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Instrument (MMQL) is a standardized patient self-report instrument designed to assess HRQL in survivors of childhood cancer. The MMQL is being developed for three age groups to address the changing developmental need of different ages: MMQL-Youth (8 to 12 years), MMQL-Adolescent (13 to 20 years), and MMQL-Young Adult (21 to 45 years). This report focuses on the development and testing of the MMQL-Adolescent Form. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To validate the instrument, the MMQL-Adolescent Form was administered to 397 adolescents (129 healthy individuals, 110 patients with cancer undergoing therapy, and 158 subjects off therapy for cancer). Factor analysis was conducted to refine the instrument. Construct validity was conducted by comparing similar constructs in the MMQL-Adolescent Form and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Discriminate validity was determined by comparing healthy children with children with cancer either on or off therapy. Stability of the MMQL was tested by readministering the MMQL-Adolescent Form 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability was in the acceptable range for this instrument. The MMQL was able to discriminate between the three study populations. There were high correlations between the MMQL scales and similar CHQ domains. Test-retest reliability of the MMQL-Adolescent Form demonstrated that the instrument was extremely stable in all scales tested. CONCLUSION: Overall, the data provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the MMQL-Adolescent Form as a comprehensive, multidimensional self-report instrument for measuring HRQL among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.
Cisplatin and Etoposide Regimen Is Superior to Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, and Vincristine Regimen in Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results From a Randomized Phase III Trial With 5 Years’ Follow-Up
Authors: Sundstrøm Stein , Bremnes Roy M. , Kaasa Stein , Aasebø Ulf , Hatlevoll Reidulv , Dahle Ragnar , Boye Nils , Wang Mari , Vigander Tor , Vilsvik Jan , Skovlund Eva , Hannisdal Einar , Aamdal Steinar 
Published: December 2002

PURPOSE: To investigate whether chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin (EP) is superior to cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and vincristine (CEV) in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 436 eligible patients were randomized to chemotherapy with EP (n = 218) or CEV (n = 218). Patients were stratified according to extent of disease (limited disease [LD], n = 214; extensive disease [ED], n = 222). The EP group received five courses of etoposide 100 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV on day 1, followed by oral etoposide 200 mg/m2 daily on days 2 to 4. The CEV group received five courses of epirubicin 50 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 1,000 mg/m2, and vincristine 2 mg, all IV on day 1. In addition, LD patients received thoracic radiotherapy concurrent with chemotherapy cycle 3, and those achieving complete remission during the treatment period received prophylactic cranial irradiation. RESULTS: The treatment groups were well balanced with regard to age, sex, and prognostic factors such as weight loss, and performance status. The 2- and 5-year survival rates in the EP arm (14% and 5%, P = .0004) were significantly higher compared with those in the CEV arm (6% and 2%). Among LD patients, median survival time was 14.5 months versus 9.7 months in the EP and CEV arms, respectively (P = .001). The 2- and 5-year survival rates of 25% and 10% in the EP arm compared with 8% and 3% in the CEV arm (P = .0001). For ED patients, there was no significant survival difference between the treatment arms. Quality-of-life assessments revealed no major differences between the randomized groups. CONCLUSION: EP is superior to CEV in LD-SCLC patients. In ED-SCLC patients, the benefits of EP and CEV chemotherapy seem equivalent, with similar survival time and quality of life.
Supported Ni–Pd Catalysts Active for Methane Decomposition into Hydrogen and Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Takenaka Sakae , Shigeta Yukio , Otsuka Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2002

Abstract
The supported (Ni–Pd) catalysts showed high activity and long life for methane decomposition to form hydrogen and carbon nanofibers of a unique structure.
Teaching and learning gross anatomy using modern electronic media based on the visible human project
Authors: Jastrow Holger , Vollrath Lutz 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis article reviews online (Internet) anatomy projects and multimedia productions (books and CD‐ROMs) based on the Visible Human Project (VHP) of the United States National Library of Medicine. The focus of these projects and productions is on the teaching of 3D anatomy using the digitized sections of the visible human male and female. The article also provides information about the VHP, its goals and what it has achieved thus far. Clin. Anat. 16:44–54, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomy and physiology of the perionychium
Authors: Zook Elvin G. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe nail is a unique structure in the human. Its anatomy and physiology are not well understood by many physicians caring for nail problems. The perionychial anatomy is described along with the physiology pertinent to care of the nail and its surroundings. Clin. Anat. 16:1–8, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey of Greenland instrumental temperature records: 1873–2001
Authors: Box Jason E. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractTemporal and spatial variability are analysed in Greenland instrumental temperature records from 24 coastal and three ice sheet locations. Trends over the longest period available, 1873–2001, at Ilulissat/Jakobshavn indicate statistically significant warming in all seasons: 5°C in winter. Trends over the 1901–2000 century in southern Greenland indicate statistically significant spring and summer cooling. General periods of warming occurred from 1885 to 1947 and 1984 to 2001, and cooling occurred from 1955 to 1984. The standard period 1961–90 was marked by 1–2°C statistically significant cooling. In contrast to Northern Hemisphere mean temperatures, the 1990s do not contain the warmest years on record in Greenland. The warmest years in Greenland were 1932, 1947, 1960, and 1941. The coldest years were 1918, 1984, 1993, and 1972, several of which coincide with major volcanic eruptions. Over 1991–2000, statistically significant 2–4°C warming was observed in western Greenland, 1.1°C warming at the ice sheet summit (3200 m), although this is statistically insignificant. Annual temperature trends are dominated by winter variability. Much of the observed variability is shown to be linked with the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO), sea ice extent, and volcanism. The correlation of coastal temperature anomalies with the NAO is statistically significant, in autumn and winter at western and southern sites. Warming from 1873 to 1930 and subsequent cooling persists after the removal of the NAO signal. Temperature trends are often opposite between west and east Greenland. This apparent teleconnection is spurious, however, given insignificant east–west correlation values. Frequency peaks correspond with periods of 3.7, 14.3, 9.1, 5.5–6.0, 11.1, and 7.1 years in both temperature and NAO. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
The contrasting features of Asian summer monsoon during surplus and deficient rainfall over India
Authors: Raju P. V. S. , Mohanty U. C. , Rao P. L. S. , Bhatla R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractAn endeavour is made to distinguish the mean summer monsoon features during surplus and deficient monsoon seasons. Based on all‐India summer monsoon rainfall, over 42 years (1958–99), seven surplus and ten deficient monsoon seasons are identified. Making use of daily averaged (00 Z and 12 Z) reanalysis data sets from the National Center for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research for the corresponding surplus and deficient monsoon seasons, the mean circulation characteristics and large‐scale energetics are examined.The circulation features denote that the cross equatorial flow, low‐level jet and tropical easterly jet are stronger during a surplus monsoon. Further, strong Tibetan anticyclonic flow characterizes a surplus monsoon. The large‐scale balances of kinetic energy, heat and moisture show a significantly large quantity of diabatic heating, adiabatic generation of kinetic energy, and horizontal convergence of heat and moisture during the surplus monsoon season compared with the deficient state. The regions with statistically significant difference between surplus and deficient monsoon seasons are delineated by a Student's t‐test at the 95% confidence level. The remarkable aspect noticed in this study is that the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon circulation is more vigorous during a surplus monsoon season, whereas the eastern Bay of Bengal branch is stronger during a deficient monsoon. The various large‐scale budget terms of kinetic energy, heat and moisture are found to be consistent and in agreement with the seasonal monsoon activity over India. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
Backbone dynamics of the CC‐chemokine eotaxin‐2 and comparison among the eotaxin group chemokines
Authors: Mayer Kristen L. , Stone Martin J. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe eotaxin group chemokines (eotaxin, eotaxin‐2, and eotaxin‐3) share only 35–41% sequence identity but are all agonists for the receptor CCR3. Here we present a detailed comparison between the backbone dynamics of these three chemokines. The dynamics of eotaxin‐2 were determined from 15N NMR relaxation data and compared to those obtained previously for eotaxin and eotaxin‐3. For all three chemokines, the majority of residues in the first two β‐strands and the α‐helix show highly restricted motions on the subnanosecond time scale but there is dramatically higher flexibility in the N‐ and C‐terminal regions and also substantial mobility for residues in the N‐loop region and the third β‐strand. The latter two regions form a groove on the chemokine surface that is the likely binding site for the N‐terminal region of the receptor. Taken together, the available data suggest a model in which conformational rearrangements of both the chemokine and the receptor are likely to occur during binding and receptor activation. Proteins 2003;50:184–191. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of deoxyhemoglobin: Ionizable groups and polyethylene glycol
Authors: Saroff Harry A. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractX‐ray studies on deoxy‐hemoglobin have been reported on crystals grown under conditions of high (about 2.5 M) and low salt (about 0.1 M). The high‐salt crystals were grown in water, whereas the low‐salt crystals were prepared in polyethylene glycol solutions (m.w. 6000–8000 Da, 10–30% w/v). Oxygen‐binding characteristics of hemoglobin in these two environments differ radically. In salt solutions, hemoglobin binds oxygen with a p50 value of about 5 torr of oxygen and in a cooperative manner characterized with an n value of Hill varying from two to three. In polyethylene glycol solutions, hemoglobin crystals are oxygenated with a p50 value of about 270 torr of oxygen, without exhibiting a cooperative effect. I report on a detailed study of the X‐ray data defining the dimer interface (α1β2) of these two forms of hemoglobin. The study reveals that the main difference between the two structures lies in the number and arrangement of the water molecules and in distances between ionizable side chains in the dimer interface. I propose that these differences lead to significant shifts in the pK values of the ionizable groups in the dimer interface. Proteins 2003;50:329–340. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic effects of mutations within two loops of cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ceruso Marc Antoine , Grottesi Alessandro , Di Nola Alfredo 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIn this work, we investigated the structural and dynamic consequences of two substitutions, P58A and G36P, located in two different solvent‐exposed loops of cytochrome c551. The results show that both mutations affect regions that are distant from the site of mutation. Here, the two loops appear to be dynamically coupled to each other, because the substitution at one site affects the structure and the dynamics of the other site. However, the substitutions at Gly‐36 and Pro‐58 presented substantial differences, which were related to the mechanical (rigidity and deformability) properties of the site surrounding the mutation. Although the P58A mutant conserved a significant dynamic similarity to the wild‐type protein as the immediate surroundings of position 58 became more rigid, the G36P mutant, which had deformed its flexible surroundings, presented a dynamic behavior that was markedly different from that of the wild‐type protein. These results suggest that perturbation of sterically isolated and flexible regions, such as solvent‐exposed loops, can have strong dynamic consequences on the protein as a whole, raising the possibility that these effects could in turn affect the stability or the function of the protein. Proteins 2003;50:222–229. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective exclusion of treatment arms in multi‐arm randomized clinical trials
Authors: Law Matthew G. , Emery Sean 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIn this paper we discuss a design for multi‐arm randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which clinicians and their patients can selectively exclude one of the randomized treatment arms. This approach has the advantage that it should expedite protocol development, and allow easier and faster recruitment of patients into the trial. However, to preserve the randomized nature of treatment comparisons, not all recruited patients can be included in all treatment comparisons. This dictates that treatment arms are compared in a pairwise fashion, and that the numbers of patients included in different treatment comparisons may not be equal. The total trial size of a multi‐arm RCT that allowed selective exclusion of arms would be greater than the size of an equivalent standard multi‐arm RCT. However, the duration of time taken to recruit the study would be reduced. The implications for the design, monitoring and analysis of such RCTs are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case‐control studies of genotypic relative risks using children of cases as controls
Authors: Austin Harland , Dana Flanders W. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe use of a child as a case's control in a case‐control study of genetic factors may be advantageous in some situations. We describe three methods of analysing such data. A method based upon the unconditional likelihood using case/child pairings apparently is the most efficient method. However, a conditional likelihood method using case/child pairs is more robust in that it allows for heterogeneity of the genetic trait among subpopulations as long as matings occur only within the same subpopulation. We argue that the child can be considered a genetic surrogate for the missing spouse and hence such designs are as valid as are those using spouses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tests for individual and population bioequivalence based on generalized p‐values
Authors: McNally Richard J. , Iyer Hari , Mathew Thomas 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new regulations that address the ‘prescribability’ and ‘switchability’ of new formulations of already‐approved drugs. These new criteria are known, respectively, as population and individual bioequivalence. Two methods have been proposed in the bioequivalence literature for assessing population and individual bioequivalence that calculate an upper 95 per cent confidence bound for the bioequivalence criterion in question, and then test bio‐equivalence by comparing this bound to the limit established by the FDA. In this paper we propose applying the generalized test function (GTF) methodology of Tsui and Weerahandi (Journal of the American Statistical Association 1989; 602–607) to this problem to produce tests based on a generalized p‐value (GPV). This methodology allows us to construct hypothesis tests in the presence of nuisance parameters. Using simulation we show that these tests perform well in comparison to the confidence interval methods and have superior power for assessing population bioequivalence. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
P³: a code and design conventions preprocessor for Java
Authors: Depradine Colin , Chaudhuri Pranay 
Published: December 2002

AbstractOne of the techniques employed by programmers during the development process is the use of code and design conventions. These are rules‐of‐thumb or best practices that improve the maintainability of software applications. In general, these conventions are maintained manually by the programmer since automated support is usually restricted to the automatic generation of code. However, the late discovery of convention errors can result in significant costs due to the effort required to correct them. In order to facilitate the early detection of these errors, the Practical Preprocessor for Programming Conventions system, P³ (pronounced P3),is proposed. This tool acts as a preprocessor to the Java compiler by providing facilities for the maintenance of specific object‐oriented code conventions and design principles during the creation of Java programs. This paper presents the design and implementation of the P³ system and also the practical experience of using this facility in a University programming environment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of caspases in murine limb bud cell death induced by 4‐hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, an activated analog of cyclophosphamide
Authors: Huang Chunwei , Hales Barbara F. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBackgroundCaspases play a pivotal role in the regulation and execution of apoptosis, an essential process during limb development. Caspase 8 activation is usually downstream of the Fas/FasL death receptors, whereas caspase 9 mediates the mitochondrial signaling pathway of apoptosis. Caspase 3 is an effector caspase. Previous studies have shown that the exposure of embryonic murine limbs in vitro to 4‐hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4‐OOHCPA), an activated analog of the anticancer alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide, induced limb malformations and apoptosis. The goal of this study was to determine the role of caspases in mediating apoptosis in this model system.MethodsLimb buds from gestational day 12 CD‐1 mice were excised and cultured in roller bottles in a chemically defined medium for up to 6 days in the absence or presence of 4‐OOHCPA. Apoptosis was indicated by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, as detected by TUNEL staining. The profile of caspase activation was characterized by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry of control and treated limbs. To determine the consequences to limb morphology of inhibiting caspase activation, DEVD‐CHO, a caspase‐3 inhibitor, was added to the cultures.ResultsLimbs cultured in the presence of 4‐OOHCPA were growth retarded and malformed; apoptosis was increased in the apical ectodermal ridge and interdigital areas. Western blot analysis showed that 4‐OOHCPA exposure did not activate procaspases 8 or 9 in limbs. In contrast, procaspase‐3 cleavage was increased in a concentration and time‐dependent manner after exposure of limbs to 4‐OOHCPA. Immunoreactive activated caspase‐3 was localized in the interdigital areas and the apical ectodermal ridge region in control limbs; staining in these areas and in the interdigital areas was increased dramatically in limbs exposed to 4‐OOHCPA. Inhibition of caspase 3 activation with DEVD‐CHO partially protected limbs from insult with 4‐OOHCPA.ConclusionCaspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent pathways of cell death are both important is mediating the abnormal limb development triggered by insult with 4‐OOHCPA. Teratology 66:288–299, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.