bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bartlett's Test Applied to Variance Component Models
Authors: Madsen Jesper , Tabanera René 
Published: August 2003

AbstractExact methods for testing equality between variance components obtained from several cases of the same type of balanced orthogonal design are discussed. In particular, methods for successively testing equality of a number of components using Bartlett's tests are outlined for univariate and multivariate responses. Two clinical trial examples of repeated‐measures data are presented.
Gramm‐Rudman‐Hollings: Origins and Implementation
Authors: Havens Harry S. 
Published: August 2003

On December 11, 1985, Congress passed the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. This bill, popularly known as Gramm‐Rudman‐Hoilings, was signed by the president on December 12.The act represents a dramatic departure from traditional approaches to budgeting and fiscal policy. The merits of the new approach have been widely debated, and the purpose of this article is not to judge the process, but rather to describe it and to offer one explanation of how it came into existence.
Comparing Feminist Policy in Politics and at Work in France and Germany: Shared European Union Setting, Divergent National Contexts
Authors: MAZUR AMY G. , ZWINGEL SUSANNE 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis essay introduces the seven articles in the symposium. Placing this special issue within the purview of the new field of Feminist Comparative Policy, the analysis shows how the symposium contributes to comparative theories of feminist policy formation in Western postindustrial democracies. It then defines the three subareas of feminist policy covered in the rest of the volume—political representation, equal employment, and reconciliation—explains why the German and French cases were selected for comparative analysis, discusses the importance of the ongoing process of Europeanization for feminist policy in the two countries, and finishes with a presentation of the outline for the seven articles.
Birth of healthy children after preimplantation diagnosis of β‐thalassemia by whole‐genome amplification
Authors: Jiao Zexu , Zhou Canquan , Li Jie , Shu Yimin , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhang Mingfang , Zhuang Guanglun 
Published: August 2003

AbstractPreimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers couples at risk for transmitting an inherited disorder the possibility to avoid the need to terminate affected pregnancies. PGD for monogenic diseases is most commonly accomplished by blastomere biopsy from cleavage‐stage embryos, followed by PCR‐based DNA analysis. However, the molecular heterogeneity of many monogenic diseases requires a diagnostic strategy capable of detecting a range of mutations and compound genotypes. With the above considerations, we developed an accurate and reliable strategy for analysis of β‐globin gene mutations, applicable for PGD for the wide spectrum of β‐thalassemia major mutations in the Chinese population. The strategy involves primer‐extension preamplification (PEP), followed by nested PCR and reverse dot blot (RDB) for mutation detection since it facilitates simultaneous analysis of more than one mutation in a single cell. This report describes the application of the strategy in two clinical IVF/PGD cycles at risk for transmitting β‐thalassemia major, which resulted in the first thalassemia‐free children born after PGD in China. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential FISH analysis of oocytes and polar bodies reveals aneuploidy mechanisms
Authors: Cupisti S. , Conn C. M. , Fragouli E. , Whalley K. , Mills J. A. , Faed M. J. W. , Delhanty J. D. A. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractObjectivesConstitutional aneuploidy occurs in at least 5% of recognised pregnancies, with apparent preferential involvement of the X chromosome and the smaller autosomes. Molecular cytogenetic investigations of cleavage‐stage embryos have revealed anomalies affecting all sizes of chromosomes. The aim was to investigate the variety of anomalies arising during maternal meiosis I by analysis of unfertilised oocytes and polar bodies to gain insight into aneuploidy mechanisms.MethodsSequential FISH analysis was carried out with specific probes derived from eight chromosomes, representing all sizes. Only imbalance due to a gain of a whole chromosome or chromatid, represented by extra signals, was counted to avoid artefact.ResultsData were obtained on 236 eggs from 124 patients of average age 32.5 years (range 22–44). Ten patients (average 32.6 years) had abnormal eggs. The abnormality rate for oocytes and for polar bodies was close to 4% for each. Fourteen hyperploidies were found, seven involving additional single chromatids. The abnormalities affected chromosomes 13,16,18, 21 and X but not chromosomes 1, 9 or 12.ConclusionThe data provide evidence for several mechanisms leading to aneuploidy, including classical non‐disjunction of whole univalents; pre‐division of chromatids prior to anaphase I, leading to imbalance detected at metaphase II; gonadal mosaicism for a trisomic cell line and preferential involvement of the smaller chromosomes. Monosomy for the large autosomes is not uncommon in cleavage‐stage embryos and may additionally arise from anaphase lag preferentially affecting such chromosomes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in urinary concentrations of total estrogen and pregnanediol in a female giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from 1991 to 2000
Authors: Narushima Etsuo , Hayashi Takako , Hara Tatsuoko , Nose Nagahiro , Komiya Teruyuki 
Published: August 2003

AbstractTotal estrogen and pregnanediol concentrations in urine samples from one female giant panda were measured from 1991–2000. This female experienced her first estrus at the age of 5 years 3 months in 1991. From 1992 on, estrous behavior was observed every year between January and June, and the peak values of total estrogen ranged from 28.3 ng/ml in 1992 to 85.6 ng/ml in 1999. The female's estrus in 2000 was very weak, and she died in July 2000. She was artificially inseminated every year from 1994 to 1999, but no pregnancy occurred. The concentration of pregnanediol rose 3–11 weeks after the total estrogen concentration peaked, and reached peak concentration 78–111 days after the peak of total estrogen concentration. The peak value of pregnanediol ranged from 0.72 to 1.79 µg/ml. It was not possible to accurately predict pregnancy based on pregnanediol concentrations. Zoo Biol 22:383–387, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentary: Improving well‐being for captive giant pandas: Theoretical and practical issues
Authors: Swaisgood Ronald R. , Ellis Susie , Forthman Debra L. , Shepherdson David J. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractHere we present the outcome of a panel discussion from Panda 2000, an International conference held in San Diego, California. The discussion addressed how to use animal motivation theory to develop enrichment programs that will improve physical and psychological well‐being for giant pandas in captivity. Wild animals held in captivity too often develop behavioral abnormalities such as stereotypies. The motivational basis for these problems is related to species‐specific behavioral needs that arise from evolutionary processes adapting the animal to its environment. A more general need is the need for animals to exercise some control over their environment. We discussed these general principles of environmental enrichment with regard to past and future attempts to devise enrichment programs for giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Where possible, we looked to nature for guidance, but agreed that creative attempts to develop functional analogues of natural tasks and challenges is appropriate, regardless of “naturalness.” A holistic enrichment program should include improved enclosure design and husbandry practices; feeding enrichment modeled after bamboo feeding when possible; species‐appropriate opportunities for social interaction and communication; and routine exposure to a diverse array of novel objects to stimulate play and exploration. These enrichment efforts should attempt to address specific behavioral needs or give the animal more choice and control over its environment. Zoo Biol 22:347–354, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of General Stationary Processes by Variable Length Markov Chains
Authors: Ferrari Fiorenzo , Wyner Abraham 
Published: August 2003

Abstract.We develop new results about a sieve methodology for the estimation of minimal state spaces and probability laws in the class of stationary processes defined on finite categorical spaces. Using a sieve approximation with variable length Markov chains of increasing order, we show that an adapted version of the Context algorithm yields asymptotically correct estimates for the minimal state space and for the underlying probability distribution. As a side product, the method of sieves yields a nice graphical tree representation for the potentially infinite dimensional minimal state space of the data generating process, which is very useful for exploration of the memory.
On the Posterior Consistency of Mixtures of Dirichlet Process Priors with Censored Data
Authors: Kim Yongdai 
Published: August 2003

AbstractMixtures of Dirichlet process priors offer a reasonable compromise between purely parametric and purely non‐parametric models, and are popularly used in survival analysis and for testing problems with non‐parametric alternatives. In this paper, we study large sample properties of the posterior distribution with a mixture of Dirichlet process priors. We show that the posterior distribution of the survival function is consistent with right censored data.
A Public Accounting: “Behind the State Budget”
Authors: Miller Howard F. 
Published: August 2003

Editor's Note: This article has been adapted from a series of articles written by Howard F. Miller for the Albany (N.Y.) Times‐Union in February 1961. Dr. Miller, who resigned as New York State's director of the budget this past June after an extended illness, now serves as fiscal policy advisor to the governor. His stature as a fiscal expert is attested to by his selection by four governors, two Republicans and two Democrats, to serve as deputy director of the budget, a discretionary political appointment.Dr. Miller, a graduate of Syracuse University who earned two graduate degrees from Harvard, also served as secretary of the Ways and Means Committee of the New York State Legislature from 1965 to 67. While there, he established the first full‐time professional analytical staff in the legislature.The only person in the history of New York State to hold the top fiscal staff positions in both the legislative and the executive branches, Dr. Miller was on the faculty of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University from 1947 to 1969, except for periods while on leave to New York State.
Locoregional opening of the rodent blood–brain barrier for paclitaxel using Nd:YAG laser‐induced thermo therapy: A new concept of adjuvant glioma therapy?
Authors: Sabel Michael , Rommel Frank , Kondakci Mustafa , Gorol Marion , Willers Reinhard , Bilzer Thomas 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNd:YAG laser‐induced thermo therapy (LITT) of rat brains is associated with blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability changes. We address the question of whether LITT‐induced locoregional disruption of the BBB could possibly allow a locoregional passage of chemotherapeutic agents into brain tissue to treat malignant glioma.Study Design/Materials and MethodsCD Fischer rats were subject to LITT of the left forebrain. Disruption of the BBB was analyzed using Evans blue and immunohistochemistry (IH). Animals were perfused with paclitaxel, and high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze the content of paclitaxel in brain and plasma samples.ResultsLITT induces an opening of the BBB as demonstrated by locoregional extravasation of Evans blue, C3C, fibrinogen, and IgM. HPLC proved the passage of paclitaxel across the disrupted BBB.ConclusionsLITT induces a locoregional passage of chemotherapeutic agents into the brain tissue. This is of potential interest for the treatment of brain tumors. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:75–80, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of thermal tissue effects induced by contact application of fiber guided laser systems
Authors: Janda Philip , Sroka Ronald , Mundweil Boris , Betz Christian S. , Baumgartner Reinhold , Leunig Andreas 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLaser light of various wavelengths is being used for surgical procedures in otolaryngology. Apart from well‐known fiber guided laser systems such as Nd:YAG‐ and Ho:YAG‐lasers, newly developed diode‐laser systems of different wavelengths have recently become popular in surgery. In order to compare the effects of fiber guided laser light with respect to their induced tissue effects, these laser systems have been studied and compared under reproducible test conditions.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe laser fibers of four common medical laser systems (Ho:YAG‐ (λ = 2,080 nm), Nd:YAG‐ (λ = 1,064 nm), and diode‐laser (λ = 830 and 940 nm)) were fixed to a computer controlled stepper motor. The laser light was applied in contact mode onto ex vivo muscle tissue, using identical power settings and a reproducible application procedure (application velocity, application angle) under constant conditions (temperature of tissue and volume). The size of the thermal effects on the tissue (e.g., coagulation, ablation, and carbonization zones) were measured and photographed via optical microscopy.ResultsDepending on the laser wavelength used, the experimental results proved different degrees of tissue responses. Nd:YAG‐ and diode‐lasers provided for only low coagulation effects in the depth of the tissue, but produced severe carbonization at the surface. Ho:YAG‐laser light revealed the highest ablation capabilities of the lasers investigated in addition to large coagulation zones which were of larger extent than those produced by Nd:YAG‐ and diode‐laser light.ConclusionsContact treatment by Ho:YAG‐laser light might provide for a precise and effective tissue reduction in a bloodless manner because of its high ablation and coagulation capabilities, especially if large volumes are treated and structures beneath are non‐critical. In comparison, Nd:YAG‐ and diode‐laser treatment in contact application showed low thermal tissue effects (i.e., coagulation) in the depth, resulting from a high power loss caused by the development of large carbonization zones at the surface of the tissue. Therefore, the degree of blood‐perfusion and the capability of vessel‐closure induced by these lasers should be taken into account. The presented investigation also revealed that in contact mode, the tested laser systems produced tissue effects, which were highly different from those already described for applications in non‐contact mode. Physicians who are performing laser treatments in close boundaries must be aware that changing from non‐contact to contact mode in laser application greatly influences the resulting tissue effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:93–101, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐cell sequencing and mini‐sequencing for preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Bermudez Mercedes G. , Piyamongkol Wirawit , Tomaz Susana , Dudman Evelyn , Sherlock Jon K. , Wells Dagan 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThere is increasing interest in the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) as an alternative to routine prenatal diagnosis. However, the costs associated with development and testing of new PGD protocols have forced some PGD centres to limit the number of diseases for which PGD is offered. One of the main factors in the design of new protocols, which affects cost and accuracy, is the choice of the mutation‐detection technique. We have assessed the reliability of DNA sequencing and mini‐sequencing for clinical diagnosis at the single‐cell level and have found them to be rapid and accurate. Extensive optimisation for individual mutations is not usually necessary when employing these versatile techniques and consequently a smaller investment of time and resources should be required during development of new protocols. Additionally, we report single‐cell protocols for the diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia and β‐thalassaemia, which utilise mini‐sequencing. Unlike most mutation‐detection techniques, mini‐sequencing permits analysis of very small DNA fragments. Small amplicons experience low allele dropout (ADO) rates, and consequently this approach could potentially improve the reliability of PGD. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duplex PCR for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Moutou Céline , Gardes Nathalie , Viville Stéphane 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe main difficulty in developing a molecular diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) resides in the specific genomic structure of the locus. Indeed, two highly homologous survival motor neurone genes, SMN1 and SMN2, are present at the locus. The detection of the homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 of the SMN1 gene, which is present in 90 to 98% of the patients, is based on methods highlighting 1 of the 8 nucleotidic mismatches existing between these 2 genes. In order to offer preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for SMA, we developed a new allele‐specific amplification method. The main disadvantage of our previously described strategy resided in the possibility of diagnosing, in case of amplification failure, an unaffected embryo as affected. We present here a new PGD‐SMA method. We established the conditions for three different duplex PCRs, allowing the specific detection of the SMN1 gene and one polymorphic marker, either D5S629, D5S1977, or D5S641. Of the 60 to 90 single cells tested, the PCR efficiency varied from 98 to 100% with a complete genotype obtained in a range between 81 and 87% with a global allele drop‐out rate of 9%. Such a test was used to perform 1 PGD cycle for which 7 embryos could be analysed. All the embryos were fully diagnosed, six as unaffected and one as affected. Four embryos were transferred, but no pregnancy ensued. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐activated no‐discharge atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
Authors: Cristoni Simone , Bernardi Luigi Rossi , Biunno Ida , Tubaro Michela , Guidugli Federico 
Published: August 2003

AbstractA new ionization method named surface‐activated chemical ionization (SACI) has been realized. In this invention a commercially available atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) chamber, employed without any corona discharge (no‐discharge APCI), has been modified with the insertion of a gold surface, leading to a significant improvement in the ionization efficiency. The ionization of the sample takes place by both gas‐phase and surface‐activated processes. This new ionization source is able to generate ions with high molecular mass and low charge states, leading to improved sensitivity and reduced noise. The new device has been tested in the analysis of some peptides. A comparison between the performance with and without the presence of the surface, and the optimization of the operating conditions (nebulizing gas flow, sample solution flow, pH of solution, and surface area), are reported and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern of equestrian injuries presenting to a Sydney teaching hospital
Authors: Lim James , Puttaswamy Vikram , Gizzi Marcello , Christie Linda , Croker William , Crowe Philip 
Published: August 2003

Background:  Equestrian activities are associated with a high rate of injury. Attempts to reduce the incidence and severity of injury require accurate characterization of risk factors and pattern of injury. The present study was performed to analyse the injuries seen at an Australian centre where a large number of equestrian injuries present.Methods:  Data were collected prospectively over a 3 year period on all equestrian injuries presenting to the Prince of Wales ­Hospital complex. These data were compared against and combined with retrospectively collected data over the preceding 3 years at the same centre.Results:  Two hundred and twenty‐one injured equestrians presented (181 consented) in the prospective period of the study, and 208 presented in the retrospective period. Overall, 81% of riders were wearing a helmet at the time of their injury. Helmet use was associated with a significantly lower admission rate (27% vs 55%; P < 0.0001, from combined data). Recreational equestrians had a higher admission rate than professional equestrians, and had a significantly higher head and spine injury rate than the professional group. Rate of helmet use increased from 72% in the retrospective group to 91% in the more recent prospective group, and total admissions decreased from 43% to 14%.Conclusion:  Significant and serious injuries are associated with equestrian activities, with the higher risk group being recreational equestrians, and riders not using a helmet. The pattern of injury favours head and spine in recreational and non‐helmeted riders, and extremities for professional and helmeted riders. Helmet use is still not universal among riders, although an increase in its use may be contributing to an overall reduction in admission rate. Facial and spinal injuries still occurred in helmeted patients.
The Relations among Organizational and Distribution Forms and Capital and Asset Risk Structures in the Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Baranoff Etti , Sager Thomas 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis article is the first step toward integrating in a single framework two previously separate lines of research on major structural decisions of life insurers. The literature has previously studied the relation between capital structure and asset risk on the one hand, and the relation between organizational form and distribution system on the other hand, without integrating them. Using life insurer data for 1993–1999, we model the four key insurer decisions of capital structure, asset risk, organizational form, and distribution system as endogenous choices in a single interrelated set of simultaneous equations. The model assesses the nature of the interactions among these decisions. The model also assesses the impact of insurers' fundamental business strategy (treated as predetermined) on these choices. The business‐strategy hypothesis views other key decisions as jointly determined and driven by the fundamental business strategy, once the latter is set in motion. Confirming previous studies, we find a positive relation between capital ratios and asset risk. We also find an association in the simultaneous context between stock ownership and brokerage distribution, which was not found in prior studies. Stock ownership is related to greater financial and asset risk taking, whereas brokerage distribution is associated with lower risk taking. These and other results are interpreted in light of several theories, including transaction‐cost economics (TCE), agency theory, and regulatory and bankruptcy cost avoidance. Deriving from these theories, the finite risk paradigm emerges as the most comprehensive interpretation of the results, as opposed to the risk‐subsidy hypothesis of the impact of guarantee funds. We also find support for the notion that the business strategy drives the capital and distribution decisions, as predicted by TCE.