bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auger electron spectroscopy and ion scattering spectroscopy studies of altered layer formation in AlN thin film prepared by post‐irradiation with N2+ ions
Authors: Mizuhara Y. , Mitsuhashi R. , Nagatomi T. , Takai Y. , Inoue M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThin AlN films prepared by post‐irradiation with N2+ ions were examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) measurements. The AES spectra clearly indicate the existence of nitrogen in an aluminium substrate that had been irradiated by N2+ ions, forming AlN layers in the subsurface region, whereas ISS revealed only a tiny peak of nitrogen atoms on the topmost surface. The in‐depth composition of the AlN in the surface region was speculated by using a series of chemical compositions assessed from AES and ISS measurements, leading to the proposal of an altered layer formation that is quite similar to those observed in alloy surfaces under ion bombardment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐parametric methods for recurrent event data with informative and non‐informative censorings
Authors: Wang Mei‐Cheng , Chiang Chin‐Tsang 
Published: August 2002

AbstractRecurrent event data are commonly encountered in health‐related longitudinal studies. In this paper time‐to‐events models for recurrent event data are studied with non‐informative and informative censorings. In statistical literature, the risk set methods have been confirmed to serve as an appropriate and efficient approach for analysing recurrent event data when censoring is non‐informative. This approach produces biased results, however, when censoring is informative for the time‐to‐events outcome data. We compare the risk set methods with alternative non‐parametric approaches which are robust subject to informative censoring. In particular, non‐parametric procedures for the estimation of the cumulative occurrence rate function (CORF) and the occurrence rate function (ORF) are discussed in detail. Simulation and an analysis of data from the AIDS Link to Intravenous Experiences Cohort Study is presented. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does EBM offer the best opportunity yet for teaching medical statistics?
Authors: Morris Richard W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTrends in the teaching of statistics to medical undergraduates since the 1970s are traced. I conclude that the aim of enabling doctors to evaluate statistical information relevant to their practice preceded the arrival of evidence‐based medicine (EBM). However this aim was not well realized before 1990. EBM has given an enormous opportunity for statisticians to teach critical appraisal and to orientate future doctors towards evidence‐based practice. This advantage should outweigh any disadvantage of loss of our discipline's identity in modern curricula. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sensitivity analysis for subverting randomization in controlled trials
Authors: Marcus Sue M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn some randomized controlled trials, subjects with a better prognosis may be diverted into the treatment group. This subverting of randomization results in an unobserved non‐compliance with the originally intended treatment assignment. Consequently, the estimate of treatment effect from these trials may be biased. This paper clarifies the determinants of the magnitude of the bias and gives a sensitivity analysis that associates the amount that randomization is subverted and the resulting bias in treatment effect estimation. The methods are illustrated with a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the efficacy of a culturally sensitive AIDS education video. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compiler to interpreter: experiences with a distributed programming language
Authors: Gebala Robert M. , McNamee Carole M. , Olsson Ronald A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractOne interpretive approach for handling concurrency is to provide an interpreter instance for each executing language‐level process. Such an approach has mainly been applied to concurrent implementations of logic and functional languages. This paper describes the use of this approach in constructing an interpreter for an imperative, distributed programming language from an existing compiler and run‐time support system (RTS). Primary design goals were to exploit the existing compiler to the extent possible as well as to have minimal impact on the RTS used to support concurrency. We have been successful in meeting these goals. Additionally, performance results show our interpreter's execution times compare favorably to the times required for compilation, linkage, and execution of small programs or programs with a significant number of calls to the RTS; on such programs, our interpreter's performance also compares favorably to that of the standard Java implementation. However, for larger programs and programs with fewer calls to the underlying RTS, the conventional compiler‐based implementation outperforms the interpreter implementation. For many distributed programs in which network costs dominate, the performances of the two implementations differ little. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Object‐oriented design of the subsumption architecture
Authors: Butler Greg , Gantchev Andrea , Grogono Peter 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe subsumption architecture is a layered mediator invented by Rodney Brooks for behaviour‐based control of robots. The layers are minimally dependent and use minimal communication. We develop an object‐oriented software design for the subsumption architecture, and demonstrate that each layer can be used as a slot for a set of plug‐and‐play components that implement different microstrategies for achieving a particular goal. Guidelines for the development of specific layers and components of a subsumption architecture are also presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supporting configurability and real time in RTD channels
Authors: Das Rajsekhar , Hiltunen Matti A. , Schlichting Richard D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractNetwork communication services that can be configured to customize functionality provide significant advantages over monolithic versions, but can be difficult to construct if the services must also provide real‐time guarantees on message delivery. This paper describes how practical issues related to the combination of configurability and real time have been addressed in real‐time dependable (RTD) channels, a communication abstraction that has been prototyped using the Cactus system. The architecture and implementation of RTD channels are described, including facilities for translating an application's quality of service requirements into configuration‐specific resource requirements, and an admission control architecture that uses system‐wide information to determine whether sufficient resources exist to create new channels. In addition, the results of experiments that demonstrate that the desired channel properties—including real‐time guarantees—are provided for various configurations are presented. Finally, practical problems and lessons learned from implementing RTD channels on the general‐purpose MK 7.3 Mach operating system are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo assessment of adenoviral vector‐mediated gene expression of dopamine D2 receptors in the rat striatum by positron emission tomography
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Ishiwata Kiichi , Ogawa Osamu , Ingram Donald K. , Roth George S. , Yoshimura Juri , Oda Keiichi , Matsui‐Hirai Hisako , Ikari Hiroyuki , Iguchi Akihisa , Senda Michio 
Published: August 2002

AbstractFor functional assessment of gene therapy in experimental animals, in vivo assessment of transferred genes will provide a major advance over an in vitro analysis which must be done post‐hoc. In the current study we conducted positron emission tomography (PET) analysis in rats following injection of the adenoviral vector encoding the cDNA for the rat dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) (AdCMV.DopD2R) into rat brain to provide a quantitative evaluation of D2R overexpression. Quantitative measurements as well as images by PET and ex vivo autoradiography demonstrated the significant increase of D2R binding of [11C]raclopride, a specific D2R radioligand, in the AdCMV.DopD2R‐injected rat striatum 2 or 3 days after vector injection. Longitudinal in vivo assessment of the gene expression by PET demonstrated decreased binding of [11C]raclopride with time, which was in agreement with the observation in a cross‐sectional autoradiographic study. The results of the current study demonstrate that PET can be used for longitudinal in vivo assessment of D2R expression mediated by adenoviral vector in rat brain. Synapse 43:195–200, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of postsynaptic 5‐HT1A receptors by fluoxetine despite the loss of firing‐dependent serotonergic input: Electrophysiological and neurochemical studies
Authors: Sprouse J. , Braselton J. , Reynolds L. , Clarke T. , Rollema H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSystemic doses of fluoxetine slow dorsal raphe cell firing by blocking the reuptake carrier located in the cell body region with the surplus 5‐HT thus generated activating inhibitory autoreceptors. The concurrent actions of fluoxetine on postsynaptic receptors in raphe projection areas has not been as thoroughly investigated, although it is presumed that a reduction in cell firing should curtail these targeted effects. The goal of the present studies was to assess the degree of postsynaptic receptor activation obtained with fluoxetine and relate it to cell body autoreceptor activation and the level of extracellular 5‐HT obtained at the nerve endings. Changes in firing rates of CA3 hippocampal neurons following systemic administration of fluoxetine were used as a marker of SSRI‐dependent changes in postsynaptic 5‐HT receptor activation; monitoring of unit activity of neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus served to gauge the degree of serotonergic input in a parallel series of animals. Estimates of the corresponding changes in terminal 5‐HT release in the CA3 region were analyzed by microdialysis. The results indicate that fluoxetine inhibits hippocampal cell firing in a dose‐dependent manner (ED50 = 4.4 mg/kg i.v.) and one sensitive to pretreatment with the 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY‐100,635. Within the same dose range, increases in hippocampal extracellular 5‐HT approaching 300% above basal levels were achieved. Both the changes in hippocampal neuronal activity and extracellular 5‐HT are evident at doses of fluoxetine in excess of that required to inhibit dorsal raphe cell firing (ED50 = 1.1 mg/kg i.v.). Taken together, these data suggest that increases in extracellular levels of 5‐HT on the order of that observed are sufficient to alter postsynaptic excitability and that this accumulation of synaptic 5‐HT and the subsequent activation of postsynaptic 5‐HT1A receptors are achievable despite loss of firing‐dependent 5‐HT release. Synapse 41:49–57, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A model for deploying life‐cycle process standards in the change management of complex systems
Authors: Bendz Johan , Lawson Harold W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA model for deploying international systems and software life‐cycle process standards within large organizations/enterprises is presented. The model defines a limited number of actor (stakeholder) categories and identifies their roles and responsibilities in respect to the change management of complex systems. While the main thrust of this paper is related to process deployment, the need for achieving balance between the system related key aspects of architecture, processes, methods and tools, organization, and competence is emphasized. Principles for the integration of systems as aggregates of entities (components, tasks, and other aggregates) are presented. An “agreement pipe” abstraction is introduced to conceptualize the flow of products and services between model actors. The importance of centralized intelligence and support functions is considered. Finally, the means of instrumentation of the model via international system and software life cycle process standards is presented and illustrated via an adaptation (tailoring) of the development process from ISO/IEC 12207. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 107–117, 2001
Full dynamic analysis of Tehran telecommunication tower; linear and nonlinear responses
Authors: Khaloo A. R. , Asadpour N. , Horr A. M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractDynamic response of large concrete tower structures with passive or active damping is important in terms of performance under dynamic loads. Structural instability mostly arises as a result of losing the energy capacity in the system, which forces the system to act as a mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to present three different finite element models to investigate the linear and nonlinear response of the Tehran telecommunication tower. The tower is ranked the fourth tallest structure in the world and has been under construction since 1997. Using a mathematical model, an efficient method is used to take into account the cracking and crushing of the reinforced concrete material as well as large deformation effects. The linear and nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the large tower may be defined by using an advanced formulation for the concrete element. Then, the proposed advanced element is used to model a full‐scale finite element mesh to derive the dynamic response of the Tehran telecommunication tower structure with use of a computer program. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of zinc and benzalkonium chloride on Nitrosomonas communis and potential nitrification in soil
Authors: Frühling W. , Rönnpagel K. , Ahlf W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA bacterial contact assay is described which uses a chemoautotrophic microorganism, Nitrosomonas communis (strain Nm2) to evaluate the biological effect of contaminated soils. The effects of two toxicants on the ammonium oxidation activity of the autochthonous microbial population in the soil are compared with inhibition of the same biological response in the new monospecies bioassay. Experiments were performed using soil samples dosed with organic and inorganic contaminants (benzalkonium chloride and zinc) to demonstrate the mode of operation and the sensitivity of the bioassay. The EC50 values of zinc and benzalkonium chloride were calculated to be 171 and 221 mg kg−1 soil, respectively. The toxic response provided by the bioassay can thus predict the effect of soil pollutants on the autochthonous nitrifying bacteria. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 439–443, 2001
Construction of FLAG and histidine tagging vectors for Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Huang Ying , Hamada Mitsuhiro , Patel Jimit , Maraia Richard J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSchizosaccharomyces pombe is becoming an increasingly popular model system for investigating important cellular processes. To facilitate detection, purification and functional studies of Sz. pombe gene products, we constructed two tagging expression vectors for use in Sz. pombe. These vectors allow proteins to be expressed ectopically as fusion proteins with a FLAG epitope and six histidine residue tags attached to their N‐terminus or C‐terminus. The function and applicability of these vectors were examined and the results are shown using the N‐terminal tagging vector encoding Sfc6p, a subunit of the Sz. pombe RNA polymerase III general transcription factor, TFIIIC. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
14‐3‐3 Proteins are essential for regulation of RTG3‐dependent transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Heusden G. Paul H. , Steensma H. Yde 
Published: August 2002

Abstract14‐3‐3 proteins comprise a family of highly conserved proteins that bind more than 60 different, mostly phosphorylated, proteins. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two genes, BMH1 and BMH2, encoding 14‐3‐3 proteins. Disruption of both genes together is lethal. In this study we constructed a mutant with a single, temperature‐sensitive bmh allele. Recessive mutations in SIN4 and RTG3 can suppress the temperature‐sensitive phenotype of this mutant. These genes encode a global transcriptional regulator and a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, respectively. The yeast 14‐3‐3 proteins were shown to bind to the Rtg3 protein. Overexpression of RTG3 is lethal even in wild‐type cells. These genetic and biochemical data are consistent with a model in which the 14‐3‐3 proteins are required to keep the Rtg3 protein in an inactive state, which is (one of) the essential function(s) of the 14‐3‐3 proteins. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of early rearing experience on adult behavior and nesting in captive Hawaiian crows (Corvus hawaiiensis)
Authors: Harvey Nancy C. , Farabaugh Susan M. , Druker Bill B. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBehavioral data were collected during the breeding season on eight pairs of Hawaiian crows (Corvus hawaiiensis) housed at two facilities on different islands. All data were collected from videocamera time‐lapse recordings of the nesting platforms. Behaviors included frequency of nest cup manipulation, percent of time spent on nest, allopreening, play, and stereotypy. The number of breeding pairs increased from four in 1996 to six in 1997, to seven in 1998, and to eight in 1999. Five of the older birds (three males and two females) were solitary‐reared for most if not all of their first year, while the remaining 12 birds were all socially reared. Significant differences were found between isolate‐ and socially‐reared birds, with isolate‐reared birds having higher rates of solo play (P = 0.0041) and stereotypies (P = 0.0090). Pairs that were comprised of at least one isolate‐reared bird engaged in significantly less allopreening (P = <0.0001) than pairs in which both birds were socially reared. From 1996 to 1999, 87 eggs were laid, with a mean of 1.88 ± 0.24 SEM eggs per clutch. Only three females produced clutches every year, and they were responsible for 85.1% of the eggs laid. Although not significant, the mean number of clutches produced per pair decreased from 2.50 ± 0.65 in 1996 to 0.87 ± 0.99 in 1999. Age of females does not appear to be a critical factor in the decrease in clutch production. New pairing combinations are under way in an effort to improve propagation in this highly endangered species. Zoo Biol 21:59–75, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remaining Small Bowel Length: Association with Catheter Sepsis in Patients Receiving Home Total Parenteral Nutrition: Evidence of Bacterial Translocation
Authors: Terra Ricardo M. , Plopper Caio , Waitzberg Dan L. , Cukier Celso , Santoro Sérgio , Martins Juliana R. , Song Rubens J. , Gama‐Rodrigues Joaquim 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPatients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have a high incidence of catheter‐related sepsis, one of its major complications. The aim of this study was to correlate the length of remaining small bowel (RSB) with septic episodes related to the central venous catheter in a group of patients with severe SBS with home TPN. The length of the RSB (<50 cm or ≥50 cm) was related to the frequency of catheter sepsis, time until the first episode, and the agents responsible in eight SBS patients receiving home TPN. There were 13 episodes of catheter infection (0.88 per patient‐year). The group with a shorter RSB length (five patients) presented 1.3 to 2.76 infections/year and 2 to 9 months until the first episode, compared to 0 to 0.75 infections/year (p= 0.0357) and 11 to 65 months until the first episode (p= 0.0332) in the group with the longer RSB. In the first group, the agents isolated were Enterobacteriae (Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Proteus sp.) in eight episodes and Candida sp. in one. In the latter sepsis was caused by Staphylococcus sp. in three episodes and Pseudomonas sp. in one. Therefore patients with remaining small bowel shorter than 50 cm have a higher frequency of catheter‐related sepsis, particularly by enteric microorganisms. This might be an evidence of the occurrence of bacterial translocation and its role in the pathogenesis of catheter‐related sepsis in patients with an extremely short RSB receiving home TPN.
Changes in Venous Hemodynamics after Superficial Vein Surgery for Mixed Superficial and Deep Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Ting Albert C.W. , Cheng Stephen W.K. , Wu Lisa L.H. , Cheung Grace C.Y. 
Published: August 2002

Abstract.The purpose of this study was to determine the hemodynamic changes after superficial vein surgery in patients with mixed superficial and deep venous insufficiency (MVI). Between July 1996 and June 1998, all patients with MVI together with saphenofemoral reflux were evaluated prospectively with air plethysmography (APG) and duplex scanning before and 1 month after superficial vein surgery. Saphenofemoral flush ligation without stripping was performed with multiple small incisions for avulsion of varicosities. Seventy‐eight patients with 102 operated limbs were included for analysis. The venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) improved significantly after superficial vein surgery (mean VFI 5.99 ± 3.39 vs. 1.82 ± 1.21 ml/s, p < 0.001; mean EF 48.39% ± 11.74% vs. 52.78% ± 14.33%, p < 0.05; mean RVF 49.80% ± 11.18% vs. 36.19% ± 12.98%, p < 0.001, respectively, before and after operation). The proportion of limbs with deep venous incompetence on duplex scanning at more than one site decreased from 70% to 44% after operation. The mean number of sites with deep venous incompetence decreased from 2.14 ± 0.96 to 1.52 ± 1.21 after operation (p < 0.001). In conclusion, superficial vein surgery resulted in significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters in limbs with MVI. There was also abolition of deep venous reflux after superficial vein surgery alone. Superficial vein surgery should be the first line of treatment in limbs with MVI, with deep vein reconstructive surgery reserved for those not responding to superficial vein surgery.
Correlation between Graft‐Versus‐Host Induced Immunosuppression and Host Natural Killer Cell Activity in Small Bowel Transplantation
Authors: Fändrich Fred , Schröder Jörg , Exner Beate , Papachrysanthou Athanasios , Peters Jochen , Chambers William , Zavazava Nicholas 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe occurrence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) following small bowel transplantation (SBTx) can be tuned by the recipient’s initial natural killer (NK) cell activity, which modifies the immunogeneic balance between donor and host immunocompetent cells. This study was aimed to investigate the role of host NK cells on the incidence and severity of GvHD following SBTx. Intraperitoneal administration of 50 μl ascites fluid of the highly specific anti‐NKR‐P1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3.2.3 into F1 recipient animals on three consecutive days prior to SBTx was performed to suppress NK activity in F1 hybrids. In vivo treatment with 3.2.3 mAb effectively depleted recipient NK activitiy for at least 10 days in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes of F1 hosts. In contrast to nontreated F1 recipients, all 3.2.3 mAb‐pretreated F1 animals suffered from severe signs of GvHD, and the mean survival time was decreased significantly from 16.0 ± 0.9 days to 11.0 ± 0.8 days (p< 0.01) in nontreated and NKR‐P1‐depleted F1 animals, respectively. Other sequelae included earlier onset of GvH manifestations, pronounced damage of primary and secondary lymphatic organs, substantial increase in spleen index, and lower CD4+/CD8+ratios over the course of progressing GvHD. Our results underline the important immunoregulatory role of NK cells as a first defensive line acting on the alloreactivity of donor‐derived immunocompetent cells in this model of solid organ transplantation.