bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A kernel thread running on the outside of the kernel and its implementation
Authors: Tada Yoshikatsu , Fukuda Nobuhiko , Suzuka Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yoshiyuki 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn this paper, the authors propose a kernel‐mode thread that runs independently of the kernel and external to the operating system, then discuss its implementation and scope of application. Using a test system running FreeBSD 2.2.5 on an IBM PC, the authors were able to create a new thread that had virtually no impact on the Unix system. This external thread and the Unix system are executed via the meta‐scheduler using round‐robin scheduling that allows for CPU preemption. The external thread runs over an interval of several tens of milliseconds, that is periodically in real time. In addition, by making a few changes to the Unix kernel, this interval can be reduced to 1 millisecond, and so can be used for continuous multimedia processing and robot control. This system is superior in terms of how it acquires control from the Unix system. Because control is acquired using the kernel function timeout(), programming the external thread is easier to do compared to other systems. Using this system, the authors created a system that visualizes the states of memory maps for designated processes and periodic monitoring of Unix process states. The system operates reliably, and in the future the authors plan to evaluate various uses for it. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(8): 42–50, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10305
A study of the wiring systems used in the building of a high‐speed wireless LAN
Authors: Wakahara Toshihiko , Sono Kunio , Nakatsuji Yuichi , Shimizu Takao , Matsumoto Mitsuji 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis paper presents the in‐house wiring method for a 60‐GHz wireless campus network. In Japan, this frequency band was approved for use without a license for the first time in August 2000 by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. We have constructed a new campus network in the Shinjuku district, in which the main buildings are connected by the new 60‐GHz wireless system. Two methods, one using a two‐strand fiber cable and the other using a multistrand fiber cable, for in‐house wiring are studied and their costs for the campus network construction are compared. We found the multistrand fiber cables could be made more cost‐effective and easy to install by using fiber junction boxes and media converters. We have confirmed the validity of the in‐house wiring method in the Waseda campus network. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(8): 13–21, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10405
Speech recognition in cars by speaker localization using microphone array
Authors: Kondo Keisuke , Nagai Takayuki , Kaneko Masahide , Kurematsu Akira 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis paper proposes a speech recognition system for noisy car environments based on speaker localization using a microphone array. In this system, multiple microphones are arranged in two‐dimensional (2D) space to surround the interior of a car, and the speaker location is first estimated by the proposed HE (Harmonic Enhanced) 2D MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification) technique. The proposed HE 2D MUSIC is a two‐dimensional extension of the DOA (Direction Of Arrival) estimation method called MUSIC [11]. HE 2D MUSIC also uses the harmonic structure of speech signals to separate target speech signals from additive noise. Then, 2D Delay and Sum (DS) is applied to enhance the target speech. Such preprocessing makes robust speech recognition in noisy car environments possible. Moreover, in the proposed system, not only a driver, but also a fellow passenger can control car electronics by their voices regardless of where they are. The results of simulations and experiments in a real car environment are presented to confirm the validity of our proposed system. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(8): 1–12, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10415
Antecedents and consequences of corporate governance reform: the case of Germany
Authors: Tuschke Anja , Gerard Sanders Wm. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe paper examines the antecedents and consequences of the voluntary adoption of corporate governance reform in firms embedded in a relationship‐based governance system with less protection of minority shareholders. In such locations, ownership structure should be a key determinant of governance reform. Firms with dispersed ownership are likely to face agency problems but may lack sufficient ownership power in the hand of external owners for adoption to occur. Extensive ownership by external parties facilitates adoption but decreases the need and motivation to adopt governance reform. We examined the adoption of stock‐based incentive plans and transparent accounting regulations (e.g., greater disclosure to shareholders) among large German firms (DAX 100) during the late 1990s. We found an inverse ‘U’‐shaped relationship between ownership concentration and governance reform. In addition, we found that firms adopting governance reform were more likely to engage in corporate divestitures and achieve higher levels of market performance than firms not adopting governance reform. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technology sourcing and output of established firms in a regime of encompassing technological change
Authors: Nicholls‐Nixon Charlene L. , Woo Carolyn Y. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis paper argues that when the technological basis of an industry is changing, the firm's approach to technology sourcing plays a critical role in building the capabilities needed to generate new technical outputs. Using survey and archival data from the U.S. pharmaceutical industry during the period 1981–91, we find that different approaches to technology sourcing (internal R&D and external R&D) are related to different types of biotechnology‐based output at the end of the period. Internal R&D was positively associated with patent output. Acquisition activity was positively related to number of biotechnology‐based products. Greater use of R&D contracts and licenses was associated with stronger reputation for possessing expertise in biotechnology. These findings underscore the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to technology sourcing in order to build the absorptive capacity needed to generate new technical output. Surprisingly, we also found that involvement in joint ventures was negatively related to patent output. This raises interesting questions about the strategic use of joint ventures in a regime of encompassing technological change. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing firm value through detection and prevention of white‐collar crime
Authors: Schnatterly Karen 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWhite‐collar crime can cost a company from 1 percent to 6 percent of annual sales, yet little is known about the organizational conditions that can reduce this cost. Previous governance research has examined the link between block holders, boards of directors, or CEO compensation and fraud. In this study, these traditional measures of governance are found to have little impact. Instead, operational governance, including clarity of policies and procedures, formal cross‐company communication, and performance‐based pay for the board and for more employees, significantly reduces the likelihood of a crime commission. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of transvaginal digital examination with intrapartum sonography to determine fetal head position before instrumental delivery
Authors: Akmal S. , Kametas N. , Tsoi E. , Hargreaves C. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of intrapartum transvaginal digital examination in defining the position of the fetal head before instrumental delivery.Patients and MethodsIn 64 singleton pregnancies undergoing instrumental delivery the fetal head position was determined by transvaginal digital examination by the attending obstetrician. Immediately after or before the clinical examination, the fetal head position was determined by transabdominal ultrasound by a trained sonographer who was not aware of the clinical findings. The digital examination was considered to be correct if the fetal head position was within ± 45° of the ultrasound finding. The accuracy of the digital examination was examined in relation to maternal and fetal characteristics.ResultsDigital examination failed to define the correct fetal head position in 17 (26.6%) cases. In 12 of 17 (70.6%) errors the difference was ≥ 90° and in five (29.4%) the difference was between 45° and 90°. The accuracy of vaginal digital examination was 83% for occiput‐anterior and 54% for occiput‐lateral + occiput‐posterior positions. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant independent contributions in explaining the variance in the accuracy of vaginal examination for the station of the fetal head, the position of the fetal head and the experience of the examining obstetrician.ConclusionsDigital examination during instrumental delivery fails to identify the correct fetal head position in about one quarter of cases. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental site trophoblastic tumor masquerading as an ovarian ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Condous G. , Thomas J. , Okaro E. , Bourne T. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe vast majority of pregnancies of unknown location (PUL) will be failing pregnancies and early intrauterine or ectopic pregnancies (EPs) that are too early to visualize on transvaginal scan. Very rarely, a positive pregnancy test in the presence of a negative scan will reflect an underlying human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐secreting tumor. We report a case in which elevated serum hCG led to the initial diagnosis of an EP which was subsequently found to be a placental site tumor of the ovary. This case shows that a misinterpretation of signs of EP can result in a delay in accurate diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical significance of normalization of uterine artery pulsatility index with maternal heart rate for the evaluation of uterine circulation in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Ochi H. , Kusanagi Y. , Katayama T. , Matsubara K. , Ito M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the use of normalized pulsatility index (PI) improves evaluation of the fetal prognosis in pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH).MethodEighty women with uncomplicated pregnancies and 46 women with PIH (33 with pre‐eclampsia and 13 with gestational hypertension) were included in the study. Uterine artery PI and normalized PI were analyzed in relation to two neonatal parameters: incidence of small‐for‐gestational age infants and incidence of Cesarean section for non‐reassuring fetal status.ResultsIn normal pregnancy, the normalized uterine artery PIs (mean ± SD) at 25, 31, and 39 weeks of gestation were 0.70 ± 0.15, 0.71 ± 0.16, and 0.65 ± 0.13, respectively. Using non‐normalized PI, 10 of 46 PIH cases had increased PI; however, with normalization, two pre‐eclampsia cases were added to the group with elevated PI, giving a total of 12. The incidences of small‐for‐gestational age infants and Cesarean section due to non‐reassuring fetal status were higher in the elevated normalized uterine artery PI group. The use of normalized PI appeared to reduce the false‐negative results in pre‐eclampsia and PIH. After normalization, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PI for small‐for‐gestational age infants and Cesarean section due to non‐reassuring fetal status were improved in cases with pre‐eclampsia and PIH. The incidence of these complications was low in gestational hypertension.ConclusionsNormalization of the PI may improve predictive values for small‐for‐gestational age infants and delivery by cesarean section due to non‐reassuring fetal status in PIH. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic diagnosis of a uterine defect in a pregnancy at 6 weeks' gestation with a history of curettage
Authors: Cheng P.‐J. , Chueh H.‐Y. , Soong Y.‐K. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe present the early diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of uterine perforation. This was a rare case of cystic change of a uterine perforation, which was diagnosed by sonography during the first trimester of pregnancy. Surgical closure of the uterine wall defect was successful. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transrectal scanning: an alternative when transvaginal scanning is not feasible
Authors: Timor‐Tritsch I. E. , Monteagudo A. , Rebarber A. , Goldstein S. R. , Tsymbal T. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveIn scanning the female pelvis the clear images of transvaginal sonography (TVS) result from placing the transducer close to the region of interest. The advantages of TVS over transabdominal sonography (TAS) and transperineal sonography are well documented. Transrectal scanning is proposed mostly for ultrasound guidance in draining a pelvic abscess. Our aim was to investigate the applicability of transrectal scanning (TRS) for cases in which TVS is impossible.MethodsForty‐two patients with an absolute or a relative contraindication to TVS were scanned transabdominally and transrectally. The TRS was performed using a transvaginal probe, which was lubricated and slowly advanced into the rectum. The technique used was similar to that of TVS. Images were compared for resolution and quality.ResultsAll scans were completed without significant patient discomfort or complaints. TRS was clearly superior to TAS in 31 cases. In nine cases TAS furnished some clinical information but TRS yielded better images. Only in one such case was TAS similar in quality to TRS. In four obese patients TAS did not reveal sufficient pelvic anatomy to generate a clinical diagnosis, whereas TRS revealed two sets of normal ovaries and two patients with ovarian cysts. In the two cases with vaginal agenesis TRS revealed the diagnosis of Rokitansky–Küster syndrome. In three of the four patients with ruptured membranes the cervix could be measured precisely.ConclusionTransrectal scanning should be used liberally after proper patient selection and counseling. The images obtained are superior to TAS and comparable to those obtained by TVS. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional power Doppler imaging of ovarian stromal blood flow in women with endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Wu M.‐H. , Tsai S.‐J. , Pan H.‐A. , Hsiao K.‐Y. , Chang F.‐M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of this retrospective study were to investigate whether the quantification of ovarian stromal blood flow and/or leptin concentration are predictive of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for large endometriomas.MethodsTwenty‐two women undergoing IVF after laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriomas (> 6 cm) comprised the study group. Twenty‐six women with tubal factor infertility constituted the control group. Ovarian stromal blood flow was evaluated by three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound imaging using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL™). Serum and follicular fluid (FF) leptin concentrations were quantified using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.ResultsThere were significantly decreased ovarian stromal blood flow parameters (including vascularization index, flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index) in the endometriosis group without an evident difference in total ovarian volume on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin. The value of FF leptin demonstrated a negative correlation with ovarian stromal FI in the control group, but there was a loss of this effect in the endometriosis group.ConclusionsQuantification of ovarian stromal blood flow by 3D power Doppler ultrasound in women with endometriosis may provide an important prognostic indicator in those undergoing IVF. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New sonographic finding for the prenatal diagnosis of bladder exstrophy: a case report
Authors: Lee E.‐H. , Shim J. Y. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBladder exstrophy is a very rare congenital malformation in which the anterior wall of the bladder is absent, and the posterior wall is exposed externally. Although sonographic findings of bladder exstrophy have been documented, we report a case presenting with a solid mass in the lower fetal abdomen with umbilical arteries running alongside the mass. The relationship between umbilical arteries and bladder exstrophy is a new sonographic finding which may be helpful in the prenatal diagnosis of this condition. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of septum primum mobility in third‐trimester fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy
Authors: Firpo C. , Zielinsky P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectivesThe mobility of the septum primum (SP) in the fetus is a diastolic phenomenon and could be related to left atrial pressure. We studied the linear displacement of the SP in the left atrium in fetuses of diabetic mothers (FDM) with and without septal hypertrophy (SH) and in normal fetuses of normoglycemic mothers. In this study we set out to test the hypothesis that the linear displacement of the SP flap valve is less marked in fetuses with SH than in those without SH.MethodsThe ratio between the linear displacement of the flap valve and the left atrial diameter (excursion index (EI)) was compared in ten FDM with SH, eight FDM with normal septal thickness and eight normal fetuses of non‐diabetic mothers. Atrioventricular flow velocities were also compared in the three groups.ResultsComparison of the three groups showed that in FDM with SH, the mean EI was 0.36 ± 0.09, in FDM without SH it was 0.51 ± 0.09 (P = 0.001) and in the control fetuses it was 0.49 ± 0.12 (P = 0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between septal thickness and EI in FDM with SH. There was no correlation between septal thickness and atrioventricular flow velocities.ConclusionMobility of the SP in FDM with SH is reduced and there is an inverse correlation between the linear displacement of the SP and septal thickness. These findings may be related to changes in left ventricular diastolic function secondary to myocardial hypertrophy. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical length evaluation by transvaginal sonography in nongravid women with a history of preterm delivery
Authors: Pardo J. , Yogev Y. , Ben‐Haroush A. , Peled Y. , Kaplan B. , Hod M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate cervical length in the nongravid period in women with a past history of preterm delivery.MethodsThe study population comprised 54 women who had delivered spontaneously before 34 weeks of gestation. Etiology of preterm delivery was suspected to be related to cervical incompetence, defined as a painless and progressive dilatation of the cervix in the absence of other causes. Patients with pre‐eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, uterine anomalies, fetal anomalies, multiple gestation and similar complications were excluded. Shortening of the cervix was recorded during pregnancy in all study patients. One hundred and four women matched for age, parity and body mass index who had given birth at term served as the control group. Cervical length was evaluated in all women at least 12 weeks after delivery by transvaginal sonography in the mid‐sagittal plane.ResultsThe mean gestational age at delivery was 30.8 ± 1.2 weeks in the study group and 38.8 ± 2.1 weeks in the control group (P = 0.03). The mean cervical length in the two groups was 36 ± 6 and 38 ± 4 mm, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.9).ConclusionsIn nongravid women with unexplained preterm delivery there is no difference in cervical length compared to patients who deliver at term. Shortening of the cervix is most probably a reversible phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy and represents a failure of the competence mechanism to adapt to pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased nuchal translucency and decreased fetomaternal transfusion after chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Sikovanyecz J. , Horváth E. , Wayda K. , Gellén J. , Pál A. , Szabó J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between nuchal translucency (NT) and fetomaternal transfusion (FMT) after chorionic villus sampling (CVS).MethodsThe level of FMT was determined in 272 viable, singleton pregnancies in which 10–14‐week ultrasound scanning, NT measurement and CVS for fetal karyotyping had been performed. The pre‐CVS NT was measured transvaginally, and the women were divided into two groups, i.e. those with NT < 2.5 mm (Group 1) or ≥ 2.5 mm (Group 2). The level of FMT was determined via the maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels before and after CVS. FMT was analyzed in relation to the pre‐CVS NT.ResultsOf the 272 pregnancies, 213 were in Group 1 and 59 in Group 2. The mean levels of FMT after CVS were 23.3 ± 12.2 and 5.4 ± 2.9 µL in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.01). An FMT > 100 µL was found in 19 cases in Group 1, whereas the maximum in Group 2 was 67.2 µL. Aneuploidies were diagnosed in 17 cases, 15 (88.2%) of them in Group 2. When the pregnancies with adverse outcome were excluded from the two groups, a higher level of FMT was observed in Subgroup 1 than in Subgroup 2 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe mean level of FMT after CVS was significantly lower in pregnancies with an increased pre‐CVS NT, a relationship observed in euploid pregnancies also. An increased pre‐CVS NT seems to be inversely correlated with the FMT increase after CVS. Further studies are planned to investigate the background to this phenomenon. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of metabolic control on fetal nuchal translucency in women with insulin‐dependent diabetes: a preliminary study
Authors: Bartha J. L. , Wood J. , Kyle P. M. , Soothill P. W. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveDiabetes could potentially alter fetal nuchal translucency (NT) measurements mainly by increasing microvascular permeability. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis.MethodsSixty‐five women with pre‐pregnancy insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus undergoing NT screening were evaluated. The main outcome measure was the NT measurement, expressed as both absolute measurements and delta values (number of standard deviations by which the observed value differed from the normal mean for the same gestation). The relationships between NT and years of diabetes, insulin dose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and glycemic capillary profiles (‘tight’ glycemic control) were studied.ResultsThere was no significant correlation between NT and any of the studied parameters. There were no differences in NT according to the result of either glycosylated hemoglobin or ‘tight’ control.ConclusionsMetabolic control does not affect the result of ultrasound‐determined fetal NT measurement which, when available, seems to be the best option for screening for Down syndrome in women with diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.