bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four French catheters for diagnostic coronary angiography
Authors: Mehta Haresh , Chatterjee Tushar , Windecker Stephan , Eberli Franz R. , Fleisch Martin , Seiler Christian , Hess Otto M. , Meier Bernhard
Published: February 2003

A randomized study was conducted to assess the feasibility of 4 Fr catheters for diagnostic coronary angiograms. A total of 1,114 consecutive patients were randomized to 4 or 5 Fr catheters. Ease of use of catheters was subjectively assessed by the primary operator and the picture quality was assessed by two independent observers with a good interobserver variability (r = 0.94; P < 0.001). Predischarge local complications were recorded by the attending physician. No statistically significant difference was observed in the picture quality for the left coronary artery, right coronary artery, aorta, left ventricle, venous grafts, or renal arteries between the two groups. Fluoroscopy time (7.1 ± 5.6 for 4 Fr vs. 6.7 ± 5.7 min for 5 Fr) and contrast quantity (140 ± 58 vs. 144 ± 57 ml) were comparable between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the 5 Fr group as regards maneuverability of catheters (93% vs. 79%; P < 0.001), and 5 Fr pigtail catheters crossed the aortic valve easier than the 4 Fr pigtail catheters (91% vs. 81%; P < 0.001). Crossover to the other catheter size or a larger sheath was more frequent with 4 Fr catheters (33/522 vs. 3/592; P < 0.001). Median time to hemostasis was 9 min for 4 Fr and 14 min for 5 Fr (P < 0.001). Of the 4 Fr patients, 84% could be mobilized at 1 hr and 86% of 5 Fr patients at 2 hr. Significant hematomas were observed in 2% with 4 Fr or 5 Fr and small hematomas in 10% and 16%, respectively (P = NS). Time to discharge was comparable in both groups (4.0 ± 3.2 with 4 Fr vs. 4.3 ± 3.7 hr with 5 Fr). The 4 Fr catheters are a good alternative for diagnostic coronary angiograms. The increased difficulty in maneuverability and a need for catheter changes in 70% are compensated for in part by easier hemostasis. With increasing use and finesse of these catheters, the difficulty in maneuverability are likely to be overcome. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:275–280. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prospective cohort study determining the prevalence of thrombotic events in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a central venous line who are treated with L‐asparaginase
Authors: Mitchell Lesley G. ,   and the PARKAA Group
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic events (TEs) are serious secondary complications in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who receive L‐asparaginase (ASP) therapy; however, the prevalence of TEs has not been established. The primary objective of the Prophylactic Antithrombin Replacement in Kids with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated with Asparaginase (PARKAA) Study was to determine the prevalence of TEs. The secondary objective was to detect any association of TEs with the presence of congenital or acquired prothrombotic disorders.

METHODS

Children with ALL were screened for TEs at the end of ASP treatment using bilateral venograms, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography. Symptomatic TEs were confirmed by appropriate radiographic tests. All tests were read by a blinded central adjudication committee.

RESULTS

Twenty‐two of 60 children had TEs, a prevalence of 36.7% (95% confidence interval, 24.4–48.8%). TEs were located in the sinovenous system of the brain in 1 patient, the right atrium in 3 patients, and the upper central venous system in 19 patients. TEs detected by venography resulted in 1) 25–100% occlusion, with 1 in 3 patients showing occlusion of > 75% of the greatest vessel dimension, and 2) the presence of collaterals in 60% of patients, with 40% categorized as major. No children with TEs were positive for factor V Leiden or prothrombin gene 20201A, and four of eight children with antiphospholipid antibodies had a TE.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of TEs is exceedingly high in this population, and it is likely that the extent of occlusion is likely clinically significant. No trend was seen toward an association between TEs and the presence of congenital prothrombotic disorders. A trend was seen toward an association between TEs and antiphospholipid antibodies. Carefully designed clinical trials of primary prophylaxis for the prevention of TEs are required in this patient population. Cancer 2003;97:508–16. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11042
Mammography screening matters for young women with breast carcinoma
Authors: Buseman Sandra , Mouchawar Judy , Calonge Ned , Byers Tim
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Breast carcinoma is the leading cause of death for women between the ages of 40 and 49 years, yet questions linger regarding the effectiveness of screening mammography in reducing mortality rates among women of this age. In the current study, the authors report on the association between cancer stage at diagnosis and a history of mammography screening in a clinical setting that has emphasized informed choice regarding mammography screening for women in this age group.

METHODS

Previous mammographic screening for 247 breast cancer patients 42–49 years of age who were diagnosed at Kaiser Permanente Colorado during 1994–2000 was evaluated relative to cancer stage. Cancer stage was dichotomized into early (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] Stages 0 and I) and late (AJCC Stages II–IV) and previous screening was defined as at least one normal screening mammogram within 24 months before the breast carcinoma diagnosis.

RESULTS

Women who were screened were less likely to be diagnosed at a late stage than were women who were not screened (40% vs. 52% late stage, respectively). Adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, and family history, screened women were 0.56 (95% confidence interval = 0.32–0.97) times as likely as unscreened women to be diagnosed at a late stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Women 42–49 of years with breast carcinoma who undergo regular screening mammography have a more favorable cancer stage than do women with breast carcinoma who do not undergo regular screening. This downstaging of breast carcinoma is likely to translate into improved breast carcinoma survival resulting from screening mammography for women 40–49 years of age. Cancer 2003;97:352–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11050
Patterns of disease recurrence influenced by hematogenous tumor cell dissemination in patients with cervical carcinoma of the uterus
Authors: Janni Wolfgang , Hepp Florian , Strobl Barbara , Rack Brigitte , Rjosk Dorothea , Kentenich Christina , Schindlbeck Christian , Hantschmann Peer , Pantel Klaus , Sommer Harald , Braun Stephan
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

The presence of isolated tumor cells (ITC) in the bone marrow at the time of primary diagnosis indicates an increased risk for subsequent development of distant metastases in various solid tumors. This study evaluates the prevalence and prognostic significance of ITC in patients with primary carcinoma of the cervix uteri.

METHOD

We immunocytochemically analyzed bone marrow aspirates of 130 patients with newly diagnosed carcinoma of the cervix uteri for the presence of cytokeratin(CK)‐positive cells from May 1994 to January 2001. We used a quantitative immunoassay with the monoclonal anti‐CK antibody A45‐B/B3 and evaluated 2 × 106bone marrow cells per patient. Patients were followed prospectively for a median of 43 (range, 1–85) months.

RESULTS

Isolated tumor cells were found in the bone marrow of 38 patients (29%). The presence of ITC did not correlate with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) tumor stage (P= 0.61), pelvic and paraaortal lymph node involvement (P= 0.41), histopathologic grading (P= 0.67), the histologic type of the carcinoma (P= 0.93), invasion of lymph nodes (P= 0.93) and blood vessels (P= 0.92), or with menopausal status (P= 0.17). The bone marrow status at the time of primary diagnosis did not correlate with the overall survival as estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis (P= 0.30). However, distant metastases occurred in 5% of the patients (n= 5) with negative bone marrow status and in 15% of the patients (n= 6) with positive bone marrow status (P= 0.054). The median distant disease‐free survival period was 78 months (95% confidence interval 73–82) in patients with negative bone marrow status and 72 months (95% CI 61–82) in patients with positive bone marrow status (P= 0.051). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of ITC as a significant, independent risk factor for the subsequent development of distant metastases (relative risk 3.6,P= 0.046).

CONCLUSION

Despite the locoregional predominance of cervical carcinoma at the time of primary diagnosis, the presence of ITC in the bone marrow indicates an increased risk for the development of distant metastases. This information may prove useful to stratify patients for systemic treatment. Cancer 2003;97:405–11. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11066
Primary germ cell tumors in the mediastinum
Authors: Takeda Shin‐ichi , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Ohta Mitsunori , Minami Masato , Masaoka Akira , Matsuda Hikaru
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Primary germ cell tumors (GCT) of the mediastinum share similar clinical and biologic characteristics, which are different from their testicular counterpart. The purpose of the current study was to review the authors' institutional experience of mediastinal GCT, emphasizing the clinical spectrum, time trends of treatment, and recent advances in therapeutic modalities for malignant GCT.

METHODS

Between 1951 and 2000, 129 patients (70 males and 59 females) underwent surgical treatment for GCT, which accounted for 16.0% of the mediastinal tumors during the same period. There were 95 patients with mature teratomas, 13 patients with seminomas, and 21 patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) with median ages of 26.4 years, 27.6 years, and 28.5 years, respectively.

RESULTS

Adult patients with mature teratomas were less symptomatic (33.3%) than pediatric patients (52.4%). All patients with mature teratoma were cured by resection alone. Eight of the 13 patients (61.5%) with seminoma were symptomatic and 10 of 13 patients (83.3%) survived after surgery and radiation with/without chemotherapy. Nineteen of 21 patients (90.5%) with NSGCT had dyspnea, chest pain, and superior vena cava syndrome. Before 1985, patients received radical resection and/or chemoradiotherapy. However, all patients died due to disease progression, with a median survival period of 7.6 months. After 1986, six of eight patients received cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, including three who received additional high‐dose chemotherapy with a supporting peripheral blood stem cell transplantation until tumor markers normalized. Five patients who underwent salvage resection are currently disease free with a median survival period of 58.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The institutional experience indicates the benign nature of mediastinal mature teratomas and the excellent prognosis for patients with seminomas after resection. An improved survival advantage was ensured with cisplatin‐based preoperative chemotherapy in patients with NSGCT. Cancer 2003;97:367–76. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11068
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with problematic spitzoid melanocytic lesions
Authors: Su Lyndon D. , Fullen Douglas R. , Sondak Vernon K. , Johnson Timothy M. , Lowe Lori
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Spindle and/or epithelioid melanocytic proliferations that display overlapping histopathologic features of Spitz nevus and Spitz‐like melanoma are diagnostically difficult and controversial melanocytic tumors. There are reports of such lesions metastasizing to regional lymph nodes, with a few widely disseminating, resulting in death.

METHODS

The authors reviewed clinical and histopathologic data on all patients with atypical or borderline spitzoid melanocytic proliferations who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). They examined how frequently histologically problematic or borderline spitzoid melanocytic lesions metastasized to sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and which clinical or histologic features, if any, predisposed patients to a higher risk lesion.

RESULTS

Six male patients and 12 female patients, ages 5–32 years (mean, 16 years), had tumors ranging in size from 1.2 mm to 7.9 mm (mean, 3.5 mm) in thickness. Atypical histologic features that were present most frequently included incomplete maturation (18 of 18 patients), deep dermal mitoses (16 of 18 patients), nuclear pleomorphism (10 of 18 patients), and focal sheet‐like growth (10 of 18 patients). Eight of 18 patients (44%) had SLN metastasis and were offered adjuvant treatment. One of eight patients with SLN positive results who underwent regional lymphadenectomy had one additional involved lymph node. All 18 patients were alive and well with no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease after a follow‐up of 3–42 months (mean, 12 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Histologically atypical or borderline spitzoid, melanocytic tumors are diagnostically challenging and controversial melanocytic lesions, some of which represent unrecognized melanomas. SLNB aids in confirming a diagnosis of melanoma and identifies patients who may benefit from early therapeutic lymph node dissection and/or adjuvant therapy. Cancer 2003;97:499–507. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11074
Response to preoperative chemoradiation increases the use of sphincter‐preserving surgery in patients with locally advanced low rectal carcinoma
Authors: Crane Christopher H. , Skibber John M. , Feig Barry W. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Thames Howard D. , Curley Steve A. , Rodriguez‐Bigas Miguel A. , Wolff Robert A. , Ellis Lee M. , Delclos Marc E. , Lin Edward H. , Janjan Nora A.
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Although controversial, some believe that preoperative chemoradiation increases the use of sphincter‐preserving surgery in low rectal carcinoma patients. This article investigates the relationship between objective tumor response and sphincter preservation in low rectal carcinoma patients.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the records of 238 patients with T3 or T4 low rectal carcinoma (≤ 6 cm from the anal verge) who underwent preoperative pelvic chemoradiation (45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks, n = 182 or 52.5 Gy/30 fractions/5 weeks, n = 56 with continuous infusion 5‐fluorouracil at 300 mg/m2, Monday to Friday) followed by mesorectal (n = 223) or local excision (n = 15). A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of objective tumor response (defined as complete clinical response) and other prognostic factors on sphincter preservation. Because degrees of partial response could not be objectively defined retrospectively, the influence of partial response on sphincter preservation could not be evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 49% of patients (117 of 238) had sphincter‐preserving surgery. The clinical complete response rate was 47%. Independent predictors of sphincter preservation included the year of surgery, tumor distance from the anal verge, circumferential tumor involvement, and response to chemoradiation. The sphincter preservation rate increased over the period of the study (from 28% [December 1989 to December 1992] to 44% [January 1993 to December 1996] to 67% [January 1997 to December 2000]). The difference in the rates of sphincter preservation according to response was most striking among patients with tumors 3 cm or less from the anal verge (44% vs. 22%, P = 0.01). The pelvic disease recurrence rate among patients undergoing sphincter‐preserving surgery has been less than 10% since January 1993 and was not statistically different between the groups treated from January 1993 to December 1996 and from January 1997 to December 2000.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been an increase in the use of sphincter‐preserving surgery without an increase in pelvic disease recurrence over the past decade. Although not necessary for sphincter preservation, clinical response to preoperative chemoradiation independently contributed to sphincter‐preserving surgery, particularly in patients with low rectal tumors. Cancer 2003;97:517–24. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11075
The influence of anatomic location on outcome in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity
Authors: Gerrand Craig H. , Bell Robert S. , Wunder Jay S. , Kandel Rita A. , O'Sullivan Brian , Catton Charles N. , Griffin Anthony M. , Davis Aileen M.
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

The anatomic location of an extremity soft tissue sarcoma may influence the patient's presentation, management, and local and systemic recurrence rates. The objective of this study was to compare the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity and the lower extremity.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent limb‐sparing surgery for extremity soft tissue sarcoma between January, 1986 and April, 1997 were analyzed. Local recurrence free rates and metastasis free rates were calculated using the method of Kaplan and Meier. Univariate and multivariate analyses of potential predictive factors were evaluated with the log‐rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Of 480 eligible patients, 48 patients (10.0%) had a local recurrence, and 131 patients (27.3%) developed distant metastasis. The median follow‐up of survivors was 4.8 years (range, 0.1–12.9 years). Patients with upper extremity tumors had smaller lesions (6.0 cm vs. 9.3 cm; P < 0.001), more often underwent unplanned excision before referral (89 patients [64.0%] vs. 160 patients [46.9%]; P < 0.001), and less often received radiotherapy (98 patients [70.5%] vs. 289 patients [84.8%]; P < 0.001). The 5‐year local recurrence free rate was 82% for patients with sarcomas of the upper extremity and 93% for patients with sarcomas of the lower extremity (P = 0.002). The 5‐year metastasis free rate was 82% for patients with sarcomas of the upper extremity and 69% for patients with sarcomas of the lower extremity (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Local recurrence was more frequent in patients who had sarcomas of the upper extremity compared with patients who had sarcomas of the lower extremity. Factors that contributed to this difference included histologic type, the use of radiotherapy, and local anatomy. Metastasis was more frequent among patients with sarcomas of the lower extremity, because those tumors tended to be large and deeper compared with upper extremity tumors. Cancer 2003;97:485–92. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11076
Sentinel lymph node versus axillary lymph node dissection for early‐stage breast carcinoma
Authors: Jani Ashesh B. , Basu Anirban , Heimann Ruth , Hellman Samuel
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to compare the value of sentinel lymph node dissection (SND) and axillary lymph node dissection (AND) in improving the utility‐adjusted survival for early‐stage breast carcinoma patients.

METHODS

A number needed to treat (NNT) analysis was used to compare SND with AND. In the NNT equation, 1/(SSND − SAND), S is the 5‐year utility‐adjusted survival. A literature review was performed to estimate 1) the prevalence of axillary lymph node disease for early‐stage breast carcinoma, 2) the sensitivity and specificity of SND and AND, 3) the 5‐year overall survival as a function of axillary lymph node involvement, 4) the risk of arm lymphedema as a function of the intervention performed, and 5) the utility correction (Uc; impairment of quality of life) for arm lymphedema.

RESULTS

The NNT method of analysis favored SND over nearly the entire range of parameters with a sign change to a negative value occurring only as Uc becomes very close to unity. This suggests the superiority of the SND approach. Only when there is minimal loss of utility does AND become favored and then only minimally.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with AND, SND improves the utility‐adjusted survival in patients with early‐stage breast carcinoma. This finding is quite robust and was found to remain constant over a range of values for utility and lymph node prevalence. Cancer 2003;97:359–66. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11081
Liposomal amphotericin B versus the combination of fluconazole and itraconazole as prophylaxis for invasive fungal infections during induction
Authors: Mattiuzzi Gloria N. , Estey Elihu , Raad Issam , Giles Francis , Cortes Jorge , Shen Yu , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios , Koller Charles , Munsell Mark , Beran Miloslav , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: February 2003

BACKGROUND

Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The authors evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB) compared with a combination of fluconazole plus itraconazole (F+I) as prophylaxis in this setting.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed AML or high‐risk MDS who were undergoing initial induction chemotherapy were randomized to receive either F+I (fluconazole 200 mg orally every 12 hours plus itraconazole tablets 200 mg orally every 12 hours) or L‐AmB (3 mg/kg intravenously 3 times per week) in this prospective, open‐label study.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two L‐AmB‐treated patients and 67 F+I‐treated patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 47% of patients completed antifungal prophylaxis without a change in therapy for proven or suspected fungal infection. Three patients in each arm developed a proven fungal infection. Twenty‐three percent of the L‐AmB‐treated patients and 24% of the F+I‐treated patients were changed to alternative antifungal therapy because of persistent fever (P value not significant). Nine percent of the L‐AmB‐treated patients developed pneumonia of unknown etiology compared with 16% of the F+I‐treated patients (P value not significant). Increases in serum creatinine levels to > 2 mg/dL (20% for the L‐AmB arm vs. 6% for the F+I arm; P = 0.012) and increases in serum bilirubin levels to > 2 mg/dL (43% vs. 22%, respectively; P = 0.021) were more common with L‐AmB. Infusion‐related reactions were noted in five L‐AmB‐treated patients. Responses to chemotherapy and induction mortality rates were similar for the two arms.

CONCLUSIONS

L‐AmB and F+I appear similar in their efficacy as antifungal prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy for patients with AML and MDS. L‐AmB was associated with higher rates of increased serum bilirubin and creatinine levels. Cancer 2003;97:450–6. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11094
An adaptive path routing scheme for satellite IP networks
Authors: Chen Jing , Jamalipour Abbas
Published: February 2003

Mobile satellites can be considered as the promising solution to the global IP network. In order to provide quality of service (QoS) in future networks, mobile satellite can be integrated with the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) to switch IP datagrams in the space. For such a network, new and sophisticated routing and handoff algorithms are essential. In this paper, a new scheme called adaptive path routing scheme (APRS) is proposed. It is shown that the APRS can provide superior performance for routing and handoff in mobile satellite networks compared with conventional schemes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WTCP: an efficient mechanism for improving wireless access to TCP services
Authors: Ratnam Karunaharan , Matta Ibrahim
Published: February 2003

The transmission control protocol (TCP) has been mainly designed assuming a relatively reliable wireline network. It is known to perform poorly in the presence of wireless links because of its basic assumption that any loss of a data segment is due to congestion and consequently it invokes congestion control measures. However, on wireless access links, a large number of segment losses will occur more often because of wireless link errors or host mobility. For this reason, many proposals have recently appeared to improve TCP performance in such environment. They usually rely on the wireless access points (base stations) to locally retransmit the data in order to hide wireless losses from TCP. In this paper, we present Wireless‐TCP (WTCP), a new mechanism for improving wireless access to TCP services. We use extensive simulations to evaluate TCP performance in the presence of congestion and wireless losses when the base station employs WTCP, and the well‐known Snoop proposal (A comparison of mechanisms for improving TCP performance in wireless networks. In ACM SIGCOMM Symposium on Communication, Architectures and Protocols, August 1996). Our results show that WTCP significantly improves the throughput of TCP connections due to its unique feature of hiding the time spent by the base station to locally recover from wireless link errors so that TCPs round trip time estimation at the source is not affected. This proved to be critical since otherwise the ability of the source to effectively detect congestion in the fixed wireline network is hindered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing single connection TCP goodput by trading bandwidth for BER
Authors: Celandroni Nedo , Potortì Francesco
Published: February 2003

All other conditions being equal, the end‐to‐end throughput of a TCP connection depends on the packet loss rate at the IP level. This is an issue when IP runs on a wireless link, where the bit error rate is variable and typically much higher than it is on fixed links. Especially on physical links where the bandwidth delay product is high, TCP performance is significantly impaired by apparently low values of the bit error rate. Generally speaking, on a wireless link bandwidth can be traded for information quality (error rate), the simplest method being to change the type or parameters of forward error correction. On this basis, we show a general method of taking advantage of this trade‐off in order to maximize the throughput of a TCP connection. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of tree initiation by analysis of discharge magnitude and discharge luminescence at each phase angle section
Authors: Ehara Yoshiyasu , Fukawa Yosuke , Kishida Haruo , Ito Tairo
Published: February 2003

Partial discharge is one of the causes of deterioration of insulating polymer materials subjected to high voltages. In this case, the deterioration that is caused by partial discharges in gaps, such as voids inside an insulator, is of particular importance. In this study, the prediction of tree initiation due to partial discharge occurring in voids is considered. New tree initiation diagnostic methods are proposed by measuring discharge magnitude and discharge luminescence in each phase angle section of the applied voltage. It is noted that some samples revealed different time dependence of partial discharge patterns even under the same measurement condition. These patterns were the case of occurrence of swarming pulsive micro discharges (SPMDs) before tree initiation and the case of no occurrence of SPMDs. The prediction of tree initiation by using moving average of the discharge magnitude is discussed. We propose the parameters to reflect a pre‐tree initiation mode and also evaluate their usefulness for the prediction of tree initiation by using moving average analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 143(2): 22–29, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10076
On the kinetics of the autoxidation of fats: substrates with conjugated double bonds
Authors: Brimberg Ulla I. , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf
Published: February 2003

This paper provides a kinetic evaluation of rate data on the oxidation of conjugated linoleic acid methyl esters published by Kern et al. almost 50 years ago. The results of the kinetic analysis suggest that the oxidation of pure substrates with conjugated double bonds in bulk starts with carbon‐oxygen cross‐linking causing oligomerization (degree of polymerization ≈3). The reaction then proceeds with simultaneous oligomerization and formation of monomeric cyclic peroxides. The oligomerization was described by the empirical equation used previously for oleate and linoleate, which was modified by adding a power term. In contrast to the case of linoleate, hydroperoxides are only minor products in the oxidation of methyl‐conjugated linoleate suggesting that micelle formation does not play a significant role in this oxidation.
Eating behaviour: social influences in open community nuns
Authors: Guisado Macías Juan A. , Vaz Leal Francisco J.
Published: February 2003

This article analysed the eating behaviour and the psychological discomfort in a sample of 44 religious women living in open communities. The Eating Attitudes Test‐40 items, the Interview for the Diagnosis of Eating Disorders, the Bulimic Investigatory Test, and the revised Symptom Checklist‐90 were used in order to assess the sample, and a factor analysis was performed. Three basic dimensions in the mental state were obtained: (1) Psychological discomfort, (2) Anorexic behaviour, and (3) Bulimic behaviour. Our results support the idea that people living in open communities share the social values regarding weight and body size, and show elevated levels of psychological discomfort strongly associated with symptoms of eating disturbances. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Understanding the experience of drop‐out from treatment for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Eivors Alison , Button Eric , Warner Sam , Turner Keith
Published: February 2003

Research suggests that approximately 50 per cent of patients drop out prematurely from services for anorexia nervosa. This research set out to investigate the possible reasons for this high drop‐out rate. The experiences of eight women were explored through written accounts and semi‐structured interviews. The information was analysed using a social constructionist revision of grounded theory. A central theme of control emerged which was affected by interactions with the wider social system. The cumulative battle for control between the anorectic and others appeared to result in the act of dropping out as the treatment approach, timing and context recreated the setting conditions of lost control. The organizational and clinical implications of this model are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Experiences of pregnancy‐related body shape changes and of breast‐feeding in women with a history of eating disorders
Authors: Larsson Gunilla , Andersson‐Ellström Agneta
Published: February 2003

In spite of the growing problems of eating disorders in society, no publications have reported the cumulative prevalence of eating disorders among childbearing women. The condition may constitute a risk during pregnancy and the childbirth period. This study examined the frequency of self‐reported eating disorder histories in women who had been delivered 3–7 months earlier as well as their experiences of body shape changes and breast feeding and the length of the breast‐feeding periods. Five hundred and sixteen women were invited to participate, of whom 454 responded to a questionnaire (88 per cent). A history of an eating disorder was reported by 11.5 per cent of the respondents, with a predominance of younger women. Significantly fewer women among those reporting an eating disorder breast‐fed their 3‐month‐old baby. However, no difference was seen regarding feelings related to the transformed body shape. Almost all women described such feelings as positive. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Meister Proper oder die Lyrik im Supermarkt
Authors: Platen Christoph
Published: February 2003

Tempo, Tesa und Nivea — Markennamen sind in aller Munde. Was hinter den schillernden Produktnamen unserer modernen Waren‐ und Konsumwelt steckt, ist nicht nur für den Sprachwissenschaftler aufschlussreich
Kommunikation mit Eingeschlossenen
Authors: Birbaumer Niels , Kübler Andrea
Published: February 2003

Ein elektronisches System zur Übersetzung von Gedanken eröffnet gelähmten Menschen wieder den Zugang zu ihrer Umwelt
Das Blau aus den Tiefen der Erde
Authors: Drüppel Kirsten , Okrusch Martin
Published: February 2003

Im Norden Namibias wird seit den sechziger Jahren ein beliebter tiefblauer Naturstein abgebaut — der „Namibia‐Blue”︁. Neue mineralogische Untersuchungen vermitteln nicht nur Einblicke in die Herkunft dieses Gesteins, sondern geben Auskunft über folgenreiche Prozesse der Erdgeschichte
Im Cockpit der Fliege
Authors: Egelhaaf Martin , Kern Roland , Kurtz Rafael , Warzecha Anne‐Kathrin
Published: February 2003

Kleine Gehirne können große Gehirne an Leistung bei weitem übertreffen. So hat sich die Fliege als hervorragendes Modellsystem für die Bildverarbeitung im Gehirn erwiesen
Nur am Anfang sind alle gleich …
Authors: Abele‐Brehm Andrea E.
Published: February 2003

Noch immer verlaufen die Berufswege von Frauen und Männern anders. Auch die Karrieremuster von Akademikerinnen und Akademikern unterscheiden sich. Eine Studie untersucht und vergleicht die Ursachen
Von Krautköpfen und Froschfressern
Authors: Mohrmann Ruth‐E. , Meyer Silke
Published: February 2003

Mit den Augen eines Engländers unterwegs im Europa des 18. Jahrhunderts: Historische Karikaturen und Illustrationen geben unerwartete Einblicke in damalige und heutige Klischees und deren Kontext
HSP27 is markedly induced in Schwann cell columns and associated regenerating axons
Authors: Hirata Kazuho , He Jianwen , Hirakawa Yasuhiro , Liu Wenting , Wang Songyan , Kawabuchi Masaru
Published: February 2003

It is well known that regenerating axons enter Schwann cell (SC) columns, within which they grow to reinnervate the appropriate targets. The current study detected a marked induction of a 27‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP27) in the SC columns of crush‐injured rat sciatic nerves. Immunohistochemical studies showed the first appearance of strong HSP27‐immunoreactive linear structures in the proximal stump near an injury site 7 h after an operation. The HSP27‐immunoreactive linear structures crossed the injury site to the distal stump 2 days after the operation. They then extended in a more proximal and more distal direction and were found to have propagated through the entire length of the nerve 1 week after the operation. This pattern of expression was maintained until 3 weeks after the operation. Double‐immunofluorescent labeling and confocal laser microscopy confirmed that the linear structures consisted of SC columns and associated multiple axons. The HSP27‐immunoreactive SC columns expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein, but not S‐100 protein. Electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that reactive Schwann cells (SCs) and the associated axons with an outgrowing profile exhibited a strong immunoreactivity to HSP27, with the former containing a greater number of bundles of intermediate filaments. It is suggested that HSP27 may play an essential role in axonal outgrowth, especially by contributing to cytoskeletal dynamics in SCs. GLIA 42:1–11, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lentiviral vectors for gene delivery to normal and demyelinated white matter
Authors: Zhao Chao , Strappe Padraig M. , Lever Andrew M.L. , Franklin Robin J.M.
Published: February 2003

Lentiviral vectors are increasingly used for gene delivery to neurons and in experimental models of neurodegeneration. Their use in gene delivery to white matter and their potential value in preventing or repairing CNS demyelination has received less attention. Here we show using a VSV‐G–pseudotyped HIV‐derived vector expressing the marker gene LacZ that lentiviral vectors transduce the major macroglial cell types present in normal white matter (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitors). Injection of lentiviral vectors causes an inflammatory response at the injection site characterized by OX42+ and ED1+ macrophages, but only a few CD8+ and no CD4+ lymphocytes, and mild demyelination. Injection of lentiviral vectors into areas of toxin‐induced demyelination resulted in significant numbers of cells expressing the marker gene and was a more effective means of gene delivery than was a LacZ‐expressing murine retroviral vector. GLIA 42:59–67, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential effects of Th1 and Th2 lymphocyte supernatants on human microglia
Authors: Séguin Rosanne , Biernacki Katarzyna , Prat Alexandre , Wosik Karolina , Kim Ho‐Jin , Blain Manon , Mccrea Ellie , Bar‐Or Amit , Antel Jack P.
Published: February 2003

We assessed the effects of soluble molecules (supernatants) produced by pro‐ (Th1) and anti‐ (Th2) inflammatory T‐cell lines on the capacity of adult human CNS‐derived microglia to express or produce selected cell surface and soluble molecules that regulate immune reactivity or impact on tissue protection/repair within the CNS. Treatment of microglia with supernatants from allo‐antigen and myelin basic protein‐specific Th1 cell lines augmented expression of cell surface molecules MHC class II, CD80, CD86, CD40, and CD54, enhanced the functional antigen‐presenting cell capacity of microglia in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, and increased cytokine/chemokine secretion (TNFα, IL‐6, and CXCL10/IP‐10). These Th1‐induced effects were not reproduced by interferon‐γ (IFNγ) alone and were only incompletely blocked by anti‐IFNγ antibody. Th2 cell supernatant treatments did not alter costimulatory/adhesion molecule expression or induce cytokine/chemokine production by microglia. Th2 treatment, furthermore, failed to reduce the induction observed in response to Th1 supernatants. Neither Th1 nor Th2 supernatants induced production of the neurotrophin molecules, nerve growth factor, or brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Our results suggest that soluble molecules released by Th1 and not Th2 cells that infiltrate the CNS can stimulate resident microglia to acquire enhanced effector and accessory cell functions; the Th1‐induced effects were not downregulated by Th2 supernatant‐mediated bystander suppression. GLIA 42:36–45, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Professional growth plans: Possibilities and limitations of an organizationwide employee development strategy
Authors: Fenwick Tara J.
Published: February 2003

Professional growth plans, while not a new approach to employee development, are rarely mandated as standard
supervisory practice. This article offers a study of widescale mandatory implementation of professional growth
plans (PGPs) in Canadian school systems, as an approach to fostering continuous professional learning.
Reported benefits include greater employee commitment to learning; increased employee focus on purposes for
their own development; increased collegiality; and employees' sense of self‐affirmation.
Tensions over control and direction, between organizational desires to guide employee development and
professionals' desires for autonomy, need to be worked through. But with sufficient employee‐supervisor
trust, dialogue, flexibility, and patience, the findings suggest that PGPs motivate dialogue and questioning that
energizes collective learning and professional practice.
The handling of nonresponse error
Authors: Dooley Larry M. , Lindner James R.
Published: February 2003

This study was designed to describe and explore how nonresponse in Human Resource Development
Quarterly (HRDQ) historically has been handled. All feature and article manuscripts (n
= 158) published in HRDQ during the years 1990 through 1999 were analyzed using
content analysis techniques. Study findings show that not mentioning nonresponse error as a threat to external
validity of a study, not attempting to control for nonresponse error, or not providing a reference to the
literature were unfortunately the norm and not the exception. Four recommendations for handling nonresponse
error are comparison of early to late respondents, using “days to respond” as a regression
variable, comparing respondents to nonrespondents, and comparing respondents on characteristics known a
priori.
Boys' and girls' perceptions of parental discipline in transgression situations
Authors: Sorbring Emma , Rödholm‐Funnemark Margaretha , Palmérus Kerstin
Published: February 2003

Children's perceptions of parental discipline methods and their perceptions of child gender differences in their parents' choices of discipline methods were assessed. One hundred and seventy 8‐year‐old children (78 boys, 92 girls) in two‐parent families were asked about disciplinary behaviour in five transgression situations. The results pointed to gender differences when the children were talking about themselves. Boys believed that they would receive more physical punishment, milder requests and less induction than girls. Children also indicated that their parents would choose a different response if they (themselves) were of the other sex. Both boys and girls reported that their parents would treat boys more severely than they would girls. The results showed that the responses of those children with a sibling of the other sex did not reveal any gender‐differentiated experience of their parents' discipline strategies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin‐10 genotypes associate with the risk of gastric carcinoma in Taiwanese Chinese
Authors: Wu Ming‐Shiang , Wu Chun‐Ying , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lin Ming‐Tsan , Shun Chia‐Tung , Lin Jaw‐Town
Published: February 2003

The association of cytokine genotypes with gastric carcinoma (GC) may be influenced by environmental factors and varies among different populations. Few studies have addressed the impact of different cytokine genotypes on the development and progression of GC. We analyzed 11 functional polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐4 and IL‐10 genes in 220 Taiwanese Chinese with GC and in 230 healthy controls. The risk of genotypes was adjusted with confounding environmental risks. Our results revealed that the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–2.56], cigarette smoking (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.38–2.95) and high IL‐10 producer genotype (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.29–5.50) was significantly increased in the entire GC patients. Among different subtypes of GC, a higher risk of developing diffuse type (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.67) or cardia cancer (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.13–2.67) was observed for the CT/CC genotype of IL‐4 at the position −590, whereas the high IL‐10 producer genotype was significantly linked with the risk of cardia cancer (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.06–9.73) or advanced stage (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.12–4.64). No association was noted between GC and controls in the distribution of IL‐1 and TNF‐α genotypes. Logistic regression analyses revealed that H. pylori infection (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.14–2.52), cigarette smoking (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.27–‐2.96) and IL‐10 genotype (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.24–5.61) are independent risks for GC. Independent effects of IL‐10 genotype, H. pylori infection and cigarette smoking indicate that carcinogenesis of GC is influenced by a variety of host and environmental factors. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circulating levels of sex steroid hormones and risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: Lukanova Annekatrin , Lundin Eva , Akhmedkhanov Arslan , Micheli Andrea , Rinaldi Sabina , Zeleniuch‐Jacquotte Anne , Lenner Per , Muti Paola , Biessy Carine , Krogh Vittorio , Berrino Franco , Hallmans Göran , Riboli Elio , Kaaks Rudolf , Toniolo Paolo
Published: February 2003

Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports a role for sex steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. We investigated the association between ovarian cancer risk and pre‐diagnostic blood concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, estrone and SHBG. A case–control study nested within 3 cohorts, in New York (USA), Umeå (Sweden) and Milan (Italy), included 132 subjects with primary invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. For each case subject, 2 controls were selected who matched a case on cohort, menopausal status, age and date of recruitment and, if premenopausal, day of the menstrual cycle at blood donation. Only women who did not use exogenous hormones at blood donation were included in the study. Conditional logistic regression was used to relate cancer risk to sex steroid hormone concentrations with adjustment for potential confounders. No clear association was observed between ovarian cancer risk and any of the 5 hormones under study. In the premenopausal group, the risk appeared to increase with increasing blood concentrations of androstenedione (upper vs. lower tertile OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 0.81–6.82.), but the small number of subjects in the sub‐group precluded reaching unambiguous conclusions about such association. Our study does not support previous observations relating elevations in blood levels of the major sex steroid hormones to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, but offers some evidence that elevated circulating androstenedione before menopause may be associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of liposomal fenretinide targeted to human neuroblastoma
Authors: Raffaghello Lizzia , Pagnan Gabriella , Pastorino Fabio , Cosimo Emilio , Brignole Chiara , Marimpietri Danilo , Montaldo Paolo G. , Gambini Claudia , Allen Theresa M. , Bogenmann Emil , Ponzoni Mirco
Published: February 2003

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. In advanced disease stages, prognosis is poor and treatments have limited efficacy, thus novel strategies are warranted. The synthetic retinoid Fenretinide (HPR) induces apoptosis in NB and melanoma cell lines. We reported an in vitro potentiation of HPR effects on melanoma cells when the drug is incorporated into GD2‐targeted immunoliposomes (anti‐GD2‐SIL‐HPR). We investigated the antitumor activity of anti‐GD2‐SIL‐HPR against NB cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Anti‐GD2‐SIL showed specific, competitive binding to and uptake by, various NB cell lines. In in vitro cytotoxicity studies, NB cells, incubated with 30 μM HPR entrapped in anti‐GD2‐immunoliposomes, showed a significant reduction in cellular growth compared to free HPR, HPR entrapped in Ab‐free liposomes or anti‐GD2 empty liposomes. In an in vivo NB metastatic model, we demonstrated that anti‐GD2‐SIL‐HPR completely inhibited the development of macroscopic and microscopic metastases in comparison to controls. Similar, but significantly less potent, antitumor effect was observed also in mice treated with anti‐GD2 immunoliposomes without HPR (anti‐GD2‐SIL‐blank) or anti‐GD2 MAb alone (p = 0.0297 and p = 0.0294, respectively, vs. anti‐GD2‐SIL‐HPR). Moreover, our results clearly demonstrated that although anti‐GD2 MAb had a strong antitumor effect in this in vivo NB model, 100% curability was obtained only after treatment with anti‐GD2‐SIL‐HPR (p < 0.0001). Anti‐GD2 liposomal HPR should receive clinical evaluation as adjuvant therapy of neuroblastoma. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.