As we have demonstrated here, one useful quality assurance tool is the repeated monitoring of ICCs for continuous variables during data collection; this relies on concurrent data entry.
Whereas NB3-3T showed a pulse of nuclear Prospero at stage 15 concurrent with entry into quiescence, NB3-3A did not show nuclear Prospero and did not enter quiescence.
Here, we characterize further our observation that NB3-3T showed low level nuclear Prospero at stage 15, concurrent with the entry into quiescence.
Exclusion criteria included previous chemotherapy within 3 months, oral/intravenous steroids within 72 h of study entry, concurrent radiotherapy and known autoimmune disease.
Validity checks were made concurrent with data entry in the electronic case record form, including plausibility checks for each variable and between variables.
These procedures included preparatory meetings, site visits, close monitoring of data collection and data entry, concurrent query management, inconsistency checks, double data collection for selected medical charts, and the use of a detailed manual of operation.
High quality data and reliable information was guaranteed by several steps: preparatory meetings, development of detailed manuals of operation, monitoring technical site visits to the centers, close monitoring of data collection and data entry, concurrent query management, checking for logical inconsistencies, and correction of database.
Thus, this paradigm allows us to study both concurrent (listening and subtraction/text entry), and sequential multitasking (alternating between subtraction and text entry).
Key exclusion criteria included peripheral oedema ⩾grade 2; pulmonary, pericardial or peritoneal effusions of any grade; an excessive risk of an intracranial haemorrhage; major surgery within 2 weeks before study entry; and concurrent warfarin administration.
Further study criteria were Karnofsky performance status >60, age >18 years, life expectancy >12 weeks, measurable or evaluable disease, no major surgery within 4 weeks before study entry, and no concurrent anti-cancer treatment within the last 30 days.
