bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mucolipidosis III type C: first‐trimester biochemical and molecular prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Falik‐Zaccai T. C. , Zeigler M. , Bargal R. , Bach G. , Borochowitz Z. , Raas‐Rothschild A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesMucolipidosis IIIC (MLIIIC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease resulting from defective mannose 6‐phosphate‐dependent lysosomal enzyme trafficking; mutations of the γ subunit of N‐acetylglucosamine‐1 phosphotransferase (GINAcPT) were recently found to cause its pathogenesis. We report here for the first time prenatal diagnosis (PND) for MLIIIC by means of chorionic villous sampling (CVS).Methods and ResultsA fetus in a large Bedouin‐Moslem family was found to be homozygous for the founder haplotype and the mutational SSCP pattern of MLIIIC. The diagnosis was confirmed by markedly reduced lysosomal enzyme activities in cultured chorionic villi. The molecular identification of the disease‐causing mutation in this large Bedouin‐Moslem kindred permitted, for the first time, identification of carriers and couples at risk.ConclusionsThe feasibility of early PND for a progressive disabling disease is important for its prevention. Nevertheless, the feasibility of PND raises a serious dilemma since affected individuals might have a variable phenotype and the disease is progressive and non‐lethal. In addition, religious and social constraints are important factors to be taken into consideration in the genetic counseling of couples at risk. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Huntington disease–unaffected fetus diagnosed from maternal plasma using QF‐PCR
Authors: González‐González M. C. , Trujillo M. J. , Rodríguez de Alba M. , García‐Hoyos M. , Lorda‐Sánchez I. , Díaz‐Recasens J. , Ayuso C. , Ramos C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe discovery of fetal DNA in maternal plasma from early pregnancies has led to new opportunities for clinical application. In the last few years there have been numerous reported applications, mainly fetal gender and RhD genotyping. The prenatal diagnosis of some inherited genetic diseases such as Huntington disease is also very frequently required in the prenatal diagnosis routine. We have successfully diagnosed, with a non‐invasive procedure, an unaffected HD fetus at the 13th week of gestation using fetal DNA from maternal plasma and the quantitative fluorescent PCR method, which is one of the most sensitive ways to detect fetal DNA in maternal plasma at such an early time of gestation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐circuit current of solar cells under artificial light
Authors: Ortega Pablo , Silvestre Santiago , Castañer Luis 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA model to estimate the short‐circuit current of a solar cell under artificial light from the short‐circuit current of the same solar cell under AM1.5 1 kW/m2is described. The results may help designers of solar‐powered portable equipment and consumer products working indoors or under a mixture of artificial and sunlight. It is concluded that the ratio of the short‐circuit currents of the same solar cell generated under fluorescent light of 1 lux illuminance divided by the short‐circuit current generated under standard 1 Sun AM1.5 conditions is around 3 × 10−6for typical crystalline silicon and CIS solar cells. This value is one order of magnitude greater if the light source considered is an incandescent lamp. In the case of amorphous silicon solar cells the value of the ratio is close to 8 × 10−6either for fluorescent or incandescent lamps. CdTe solar cells are also considered, and this factor is about 4 × 10−6under fluorescent light, and four times bigger when an incandescent lamp is used. Some measurements performed validate the figures obtained. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)–vermiculite nanocomposites
Authors: Xu J. , Meng Y. Z. , Li R. K. Y. , Xu Y. , Rajulu A. V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA vermiculite (VMT) dispersion in water was blended with aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The properties of the PVA–VMT nanocomposites greatly depended on the preparation procedure because of the chemical reactions and physical interactions involved. The samples were prepared in two steps to investigate the properties of the PVA–VMT nanocomposites. The VMT was first pretreated and delaminated with hydrochloric acid. The delaminated VMT was then added to the PVA solution with various mixing times. The structure and properties of the films were investigated. From X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the VMT layers were found to be well dispersed individually in the PVA–VMT blends. The effect of the VMT content on the thermal behavior of the PVA–VMT blends was also studied with differential scanning calorimetry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 749–755, 2003
Patient barriers to optimal cancer pain control
Authors: Potter Victoria T. , Wiseman C. Elke , Dunn Stewart M. , Boyle Frances M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPoorly controlled pain is a significant problem for cancer patients. Contributing factors may include concerns about analgesics and fears about the implications of pain, which may hinder open communication. We surveyed the prevalence of these concerns in Australian oncology patients and investigated associations with inadequate pain control. Ninety‐three adult patients with cancer, undergoing treatment at a teaching hospital, completed the patient barriers questionnaire (BQ) and a self‐report questionnaire to determine pain severity, interference with daily activities, use of analgesics and alternative therapies, and hesitation to report pain. Overall, there was a high prevalence of agreement with the BQ scales assessing concerns about communication and analgesic use. One‐third of patients had clinically significant pain, which interfered with daily activities, despite use of analgesics. They were more likely to use alternative therapies for pain control, to hesitate to discuss their pain, and had significantly greater concerns about side effects of analgesics and injections. Our study confirms that patient barriers exist in this Australian population and are associated with inadequate pain control. Oncology staff need to actively screen for pain, particularly targeting patients using alternative therapies and experiencing side effects, develop communication and prescribing skills, and diversify pain management approaches beyond analgesics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial and demographic predictors of quality of life in a large sample of cancer patients
Authors: Parker Patricia A. , Baile Walter F. , Moor Carl de , Cohen Lorenzo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on understanding how the cancer experience affects individuals' quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to assess the QOL and to identify psychosocial predictors of QOL among a large sample of patients with a variety of cancers. Specifically, we assessed the unique contribution of demographic variables, medical variables, and social support on patients' QOL and psychological adjustment. Three hundred and fifty‐one participants completed measures of social support, depression, anxiety, and QOL at their follow‐up medical visits. Analyses indicated that patients who were older and had better social support reported less anxiety (p<0.001), and patients who were older, married or who had more social support reported less depressive symptoms (p<0.01). Men, individuals whose cancer had not recurred, and those not undergoing active treatment reported better QOL in the physical health domain (p<0.05). Patients who were older, married, with more formal education, less advanced disease, and better social support reported better QOL in the mental health domain (p<0.05). Demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, education) were generally associated with measures of adjustment and QOL whereas medical variables (time since diagnosis, recurrence status, treatment variables, stage of disease) were not. Patients with more support reported less anxiety and depression and better QOL in the mental health domain, independent of demographic and medical variables. Assessing patients' level of social support may help to identify patients at risk for distress. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety and use of sputum induction in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Suri Ranjan , Marshall Lindsay J. , Wallis Colin , Metcalfe Christopher , Shute Janis K. , Bush Andrew 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe assessed the safety and use of induced sputum (IS) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Forty‐eight children (19 males) with CF, mean age 12.6 (range, 7.3–17.0) years and median forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 48% (range, 14–77%) predicted were recruited. Patients spontaneously expectorated sputum and then performed sputum induction by inhalation of nebulized 7% hypertonic saline. Samples were sent for bacteriological culture, and for measurement of the following inflammatory mediators: interleukin‐8, myeloperoxidase, eosinophil cationic protein, and neutrophil elastase activity. FEV1 was performed before and after inhalation of hypertonic saline. There was no increase in mediator levels in IS compared to expectorated sputum (ES) samples. Only 3 patients demonstrated significant bronchoconstriction following inhalation of hypertonic saline, by the method used. From the ES samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 13 patients, Staphylococcus aureus in 7 patients, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in 1 patient, and both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in 5 patients. All these organisms were found in the IS samples. However, in 2 patients whose ES grew no organisms, one patient's IS grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the other patient's IS grew Staphylococcus aureus. In our study, sputum induction was safe, with no proinflammatory effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:309–313. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Charge transport and metal–insulator transition in correlated and disordered systems
Authors: Michalik M. , Wysokiński K. I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe metal–insulator transition induced by sufficiently strong short range repulsive electron–electron interaction U is called Mott–Hubbard transition. In this work we study the effect of disorder on the critical value of the repulsion Uc. The Hubbard model with random site energies to describe the correlated and disordered system has been used. The Kotliar–Ruckenstein slave‐boson technique to treat correlations and coherent potential approximation (CPA) to deal with disorder have been applied. We have found that the low temperature conductivity is an increasing or decreasing function of U depending on the carrier concentration. The critical value Uc for metal–insulator transition is decreasing function of the disorder strength.
Phase transitions in Sm1–xSrxMnO3 single crystals (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8)
Authors: Ivanov V. Yu. , Mukhin A. A. , Prokhorov A. S. , Balbashov A. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMagnetic and electrical properties of Sm1–xSrxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) single crystals have been studied and the T – x phase diagram has been revised. The compensation points of spontaneous weak ferromagnetic moment have been observed for pure SmMnO3 and for low doped compositions (0 ≤ x < 0.05). For 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.475 the ferromagnetic ordering occurs as a first‐order phase transition. It is shown that in a magnetic field the temperature of this transition increases and the transition becomes broader, which results in the appearance of a critical point (Tcr ∼ 193 K, Hcr ∼ 68 kOe for x = 0.45). Another transition, accompanied by a reduction of magnetization and noticeable anisotropy of magnetization curves, has been observed at low temperature Ts ∼ 40 K. Below the Neel temperature, a pure antiferromagnetic state without spontaneous magnetization has been observed for 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.575, while for 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.675 an additional low‐temperature transition to a new phase with a non‐zero weak‐ferromagnetic moment has been found.
One‐carbon unit transfer quantum study of 1,10‐CH+‐tetrahydroquinoxaline analog
Authors: Chuan‐Song Qi , Da‐Cheng Feng , Cong‐Min Kang , Zheng‐Ting Cai 
Published: March 2003

AbstractQuantum mechanics is used in this article to study one‐carbon unit's transfer from 1,10‐tetrahydroquinoxaline analog to methylamine. The computation result shows this reaction can be completed via two paths. Each path experiences two processes of proton transferring and bond rupturing. The structures and energies of all possible stationary points have been calculated by different methods. By analyzing the result, we can find that along the reaction route the proton transfer reaction has the highest energy barrier, which indicates that a general‐acid catalysis exists in this reaction. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
High‐throughput cytochrome P450 inhibition assays by ultrafast gradient liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using monolithic columns
Authors: Peng Sean X. , Barbone Arminda G. , Ritchie David M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA generic method employing ultrafast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was developed and employed for routine screening of drug candidates for inhibition of five major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2. The method utilized a monolithic silica rod column to allow fast flow rates to significantly reduce chromatographic run time. The major metabolites of six CYP‐specific probe substrates for the five P450 isoforms were monitored and quantified to determine IC50 values of five drug compounds against each P450 isozyme. Human liver microsomal incubation samples at each test compound concentration were combined and analyzed simultaneously by the LC/MS/MS method. Each pooled sample containing six substrates and an internal standard was separated and detected in only 24 seconds. The combination of ultrafast chromatography and sample pooling techniques has significantly increased sample throughput and shortened assay turnaround time, allowing a large number of compounds to be screened rapidly for potential P450 inhibitory activity, to aid in compound selection and optimization in drug discovery. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐column infusion study of the ‘dosing vehicle effect’ in the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric analysis of discovery pharmacokinetic samples
Authors: Shou Wilson Z. , Naidong Weng 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIt has become increasingly popular in drug development to conduct discovery pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in order to evaluate important PK parameters of new chemical entities (NCEs) early in the discovery process. In these studies, dosing vehicles are typically employed in high concentrations to dissolve the test compounds in dose formulations. This can pose significant problems for the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analysis of incurred samples due to potential signal suppression of the analytes caused by the vehicles. In this paper, model test compounds in rat plasma were analyzed using a generic fast gradient LC/MS/MS method. Commonly used dosing vehicles, including poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400), polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide, were fortified into rat plasma at 5 mg/mL before extraction. Their effects on the sample analysis results were evaluated by the method of post‐column infusion. Results thus obtained indicated that polymeric vehicles such as PEG 400 and Tween 80 caused significant suppression (> 50%, compared with results obtained from plasma samples free from vehicles) to certain analytes, when minimum sample cleanup was used and the analytes happened to co‐elute with the vehicles. Effective means to minimize this ‘dosing vehicle effect’ included better chromatographic separations, better sample cleanup, and alternative ionization methods. Finally, a real‐world example is given to illustrate the suppression problem posed by high levels of PEG 400 in sample analysis, and to discuss steps taken in overcoming the problem. A simple but effective means of identifying a ‘dosing vehicle effect’ is also proposed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation, growth mechanism and packing sequences of binary alloy cluster anions from laser ablation of mixtures of lead and transition metals
Authors: Zhang Xia , Tang Zichao , Gao Zhen 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBy using laser ablation of the mixtures of a transition metal (M: Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag) plus lead, M/Pb binary cluster anions were observed except for Zn, and the number of transition metal atoms contained in the binary clusters is at most 4. This behavior is different from that reported previously for M/Ge binary clusters. The experiments indicate that it is also very difficult to form Al/Pb clusters. The distribution patterns of M/Pb binary alloy cluster anions are remarkably similar to those of pure Pb clusters, consistent with a formation mechanism in which transition metal atoms are sequentially attached to [Mx−1Pby]− clusters and thus form [MxPby]− clusters by a simple condensation process. As the number of transition metal atoms increases, the intensities of binary clusters gradually decrease. It is proposed that [MPb4]− and [MPb5]− cluster anions might be the unit building blocks of M/Pb binary cluster anions, and the layer packing sequences for magic clusters are predicted on this basis. The [MxPby]− binary clusters containing 13 atoms (x + y = 13; x ≠ 0) are proposed to have an icosahedral structure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying association rules to information navigation
Authors: Oyama Satoshi , Ishida Toru 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this paper, an information navigation agent is proposed as a new interface for obtaining Web information in a mobile environment. A central task of information retrieval systems developed up to now has been to narrow down a great deal of information by displaying search results to a user, followed by refinement of queries on the basis of these results. These have been methods suitable for use in a desktop environment. In contrast, the authors' agent can navigate toward incrementally better information by generating approximating solutions based on constraints on the attributes of the search object and obtaining further information by dialogue with the user. A scheme in which the agent resolves search conditions by using association rules between keywords and adds new search conditions has been proposed. In addition, since a navigation failure occurs if the association rules are used inappropriately, refining the association rules by using statistical tests and graphic analyses has been proposed and its effectiveness has been verified. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(4): 12–20, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10120
Lung area extraction from 3D chest X‐ray CT images using a shape model generated by a variable Bézier surface
Authors: Kitasaka Takayuki , Mori Kensaku , Hasegawa Jun‐ichi , Toriwaki Jun‐ichiro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe lung area extraction from 3D chest X‐ray CT images is an important function in performing computer diagnosis of lung cancer, etc. using CT images. In the conventional lung area extraction methods, when the lesions contact with the chest wall and mediastinum, there is a problem that defects will occur in the extracted lung area. In this paper, to deal with this problem, we will describe a lung area extraction method using a shape model. Concretely, the contour shape is modeled by using a Bézier surface and is made to fit for the contour surface of the individual input images by deformation manipulation based on the affine transformation and active contour model. Using this model, the aforementioned defects of the lung area due to lesions contacting with the wall should be corrected satisfactorily. In the experiments, we show, by applying the proposed technique to 3D chest X‐ray CT images, that the lung area can be extracted satisfactorily in cases in which the aforementioned lesions exist. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(4): 60–71, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1201
Review: Automatic Model Reduction for Transient Simulation of MEMS‐based Devices
Authors: Rudnyi Evgenii B. , Korvink Jan G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe rapid development of MEMS‐based devices requires 3D time‐dependent simulations for coupled physical domains (thermal, mechanical, electrical, etc.). This in turn requires the solution of high‐dimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that result from space discretization of the device. However, instead of a “brute force” approach to integrate a large system of ODEs, one can use modern mathematical methods to reduce the system's dimension. The goal of the present paper is to review them from an engineering perspective. It is shown that in many cases important for practice the order of ODEs can be reduced by several orders of magnitude almost without sacrificing precision.
A Bayesian analysis of pharmacoeconomic data from a clinical trial on schizophrenia
Authors: Petit Claude , Maccario Jean 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPharmacoeconomic studies are performed in a higher frequency to assess the economic interest of new drugs. However, a standard methodology does not still completely exist. We present here the principles and results of a cost‐effectiveness Bayesian analysis on data from 146 patients (interim analysis) collected during a clinical trial. This trial was originally planned to enrol 245 patients with predominantly negative schizophrenia symptoms and involved four treatment groups (a new treatment given at low dose and high dose, a comparator and a placebo). First, some prior distributions of the cost‐effectiveness ratio were numerically deduced from the effectiveness parameter clinical priors (based on investigators' opinions and questionnaires before going to blind breaking) and from cost function priors. The costs taken into account were hospitalizations, sick leave days, treatments, visits to the doctor, laboratory exams and suicide attempts. The effectiveness parameter was the change from baseline on SANS (scale for the assessment of negative symptoms). Posterior distributions were elaborated for the cost‐effectiveness ratio by combining the cost‐effectiveness ratio priors and likelihood together using the Bayes theorem. Results lead to a conclusion in favour of the new treatment given at high dose. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of systems research and operational research in community involvement: a case study of a health action zone
Authors: White Leroy 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn recent years community involvement and increasingly local partnerships with community groups have become central themes in debates and policies surrounding urban regeneration. The paper attempts to explore the contribution that operational research and systems research could make to these debates. The potential contribution will be illustrated by a case study on developing community involvement in the context of a local area health initiative, namely the Health Action Zone Programme. The case study describes work undertaken over a period of two years, ending in April 2001, and reflects on how community involvement as a strategy was formed through paying attention to local relationships, and institutions. A range of participatory techniques was used as well as methods from operational research and the systems field. A framework for community involvement was developed from the work and will be presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.