bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priorities of health policy: cost shifting or population health
Authors: Richardson Jeff RJ
Published: January 2005

Background

This paper is an edited version of an invited paper submitted to the Australian Health Care Summit on 17–19 August 2003. It comments upon the policies which have dominated recent debate and contrasts their importance with the importance of five issues which have received relatively little attention.

Methods

Policy is usually a response to identified problems and the paper examines the nature and size of the problems which heave led to recent policy initiatives. These are contrasted with the magnitude and potential cost effectiveness policies to address the problems in five areas of comparative neglect.

Results

It is argued that recent and proposed changes to the financing and delivery of health services in Australia have focused upon issues of relatively minor significance while failing to address adequately major inequities and system deficiencies.

Conclusion

There is a need for an independent review of the health system with the terms of reference focusing attention upon large system-wide failures.
SULT1A1 genotype, active and passive smoking, and breast cancer risk by age 50 years in a German case–control study
Authors: Lilla Carmen , Risch Angela , Kropp Silke , Chang-Claude Jenny
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Sulfotransferase 1A1 (encoded by SULT1A1) is involved in the metabolism of procarcinogens such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, both of which are present in tobacco smoke. We recently reported a differential effect of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) 2 genotype on the association between active and passive smoking and breast cancer. Additional investigation of a common SULT1A1 genetic polymorphism associated with reduced enzyme activity and stability might therefore provide deeper insight into the modification of breast cancer susceptibility.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case–control study in Germany. A total of 419 patients who had developed breast cancer by age 50 years and 884 age-matched control individuals, for whom risk factor information and detailed smoking history were available, were included in the analysis. Genotyping was performed using a fluorescence-based melting curve analysis method. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate breast cancer risk associated with the SULT1A1 Arg213His polymorphism alone and in combination with NAT2 genotype in relation to smoking.

Results

The overall risk for breast cancer in women who were carriers of at least one SULT1A1*2 allele was not significantly different from that for women with the SULT1A1*1/*1 genotype (adjusted odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.66–1.06). Risk for breast cancer with respect to several smoking variables did not differ substantially between carriers of the *2 allele and noncarriers. However, among NAT2 fast acetylators, the odds ratio associated with passive smoking only (3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.05–9.92) was elevated in homozygous carriers of the SULT1A1*1 allele but not in carriers of the SULT1A1*2 allele (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.50–3.31).

Conclusion

We found no evidence that the SULT1A1 genotype in itself modifies breast cancer risk associated with smoking in women up to age 50 years. In combination with NAT2 fast acetylator status, however, the SULT1A1*1/*1 genotype might increase breast cancer risk in women exposed to tobacco smoke.
Downregulation of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC)7 in invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast and its clinicopathologic relationships
Authors: Park Kwang-Hwa , Choi Sung-E , Eom Minseob , Kang Yup
Published: January 2005

Introduction

The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) is a multiprotein complex with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which is required for the ubiquitination of securin and cyclin-B. Moreover, the mitotic spindle checkpoint is activated if APC activation is prevented. In addition, several APC-targeting molecules such as securin, polo-like kinase, aurora kinase, and SnoN have been reported to be oncogenes. Therefore, dysregulation of APC may be associated with tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and the involvement of APC in tumorigenesis have not been investigated.

Methods

The expression of APC7 was immunohistochemically investigated in 108 invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast and its relationship with clinicopathologic parameters was examined. The expression of APC7 was defined as positive when the summed scores of staining intensities (0 to 3+) and stained proportions (0 to 3+) exceeded 3+.

Results

Positive APC7 expression was less frequent than its negative expression when histologic (P = 0.009) or nuclear grade (P = 0.009), or mitotic number (P = 0.0016) was elevated. The frequency of APC7 negative expression was higher in high Ki-67 or aneuploid groups than in low Ki-67 or diploid groups.

Conclusion

These data show that loss of APC7 expression is more common in breast carcinoma cases with poor prognostic parameters or malignant characteristics. They therefore suggest that dysregulation of APC activity, possibly through downregulation of APC7, may be associated with tumorigenesis in breast cancer.
The Roots of Evil: Social Conditions, Culture, Personality, and Basic Human Needs
Authors: Staub Ervin
Published: January 2005

Evil actions are defined as repeated or persistent, not commensurate with provocation and causing extreme harm, at times due to repetition. Evil develops or evolves. As individuals and groups harm others, they tend to develop characteristics that make further and more intense harmdoing probable. In this article, I explore instigating conditions (difficult life conditions in a society, group conflict); cultural characteristics; the nature of evolution, with its psychological and social processes in individuals and groups; and the passivity and complicity of bystanders that lead to genocide and other collective violence. I consider the question of whether bystanders can be regarded as evil, focusing on the genocide in Rwanda as an example. I examine the socialization and experience of children and youth that lead to aggression and the subsequent evolution of aggression toward greater violence and evil. I explore the way personal characteristics and a system of relationships can lead to sexual abuse by fathers. One organizing concept in understanding the generation of violence that causes extreme harm is the frustration of basic human needs and their subsequent destructive fulfillment.
Moral Disengagement in the Perpetration of Inhumanities
Authors: Bandura Albert
Published: January 2005

Moral agency is manifested in both the power to refrain from behaving inhumanely and the proactive power to behave humanely. Moral agency is embedded in a broader sociocognitive self theory encompassing self-organizing, proactive, self-reflective, and self-regulatory mechanisms rooted in personal standards linked to self-sanctions. The self-regulatory mechanisms governing moral conduct do not come into play unless they are activated, and there are many psychosocial maneuvers by which moral self-sanctions are selectively disengaged from inhumane conduct. The moral disengagement may center on the cognitive restructuring of inhumane conduct into a benign or worthy one by moral justification, sanitizing language, and advantageous comparison; disavowal of a sense of personal agency by diffusion or displacement of responsibility; disregarding or minimizing the injurious effects of one 's actions; and attribution of blame to, and dehumanization of those who are victimized. Many inhumanities operate through a supportive network of legitimate enterprises run by otherwise considerate people who contribute to destructive activities by disconnected subdivision of functions and diffusion of responsibility. Given the many mechanisms for disengaging moral control, civilized life requires, in addition to humane personal standards, safeguards built into social systems that uphold compassionate behavior and renounce cruelty.
The Intrinsic Appeal of Evil: Sadism, Sensational Thrills, and Threatened Egotism
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: January 2005

Three main sources of intrinsic appeal and satisfaction from performing violent acts are described. First, sadism involves deriving pleasure directly from the suffering of the victim. An opponent-process model is suggested. Second, the quest for thrilling sensations to escapefrom boredom can produce violent acts, including many in which the harmful consequences were not intended. Third, threatened egotism entails that one 's favorable view of self (or public image) has been attacked, and violent responses are directed toward the source of this attack. Relevant individual differences (respectively, low guilt, high sensation seeking, and narcissism) moderate these patterns. Analyzing the intrinsic appeal of evil acts is a useful complement to analyzing situational determinants of violence.
Methods for the Study of Evil-Doing Actions
Authors: Darley John M.
Published: January 2005

For obvious ethical reasons, experimental studies of severe harm-doing actions are precluded. What methods are available to experimental social psychologists for the study of harm-and evil-doing activities? Three are suggested: experiments that may have a component of role-playing but still can illuminate nodes in the socialization into harm-doing process, probes into the conceptual world of individuals who are enlisted into real-world harm-doing socialization processes, and secondary analyses of case studies written by those who have been caught up in harm doing. The methodological limits of each activity are examined, and it is argued that an approach in which combinations of methods are employed to arrive at theoretical constructions can both support generalizations that provide insights into the socialization process and be sufficiently rigorous to support prudent social action recommendations.
Socially Shared Cognition, Affect, and Behavior: A Review and Integration
Authors: Thompson Leigh , Fine Gary Alan
Published: January 2005

In this article, we review 4 classes of models of socially shared cognition and behavior: supraindividual models, information-processing models, communication models, and social interaction models. Our review draws on research and theory in social psychology, sociology, and organization behavior. We conclude that these innovative perspectives on socially shared behavior represent a new approach to the study of groups and are distinct from traditional models of the group mind and crowd behavior. The key processes implicated in these models focus on the potency of immediate interaction, reciprocal influence processes between individuals and groups, goal-directed behavior, negotiated processing of information and ideas, and the maintenance and enhancement of social identity. This approach to socially shared understanding is not antagonistic toward the analysis of individual-level processes but rather maintains that individual-level processes are necessary but not sufficient to build a social psychology of shared understanding.
Achievement Goals and Intrinsic Motivation: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Rawsthorne Laird J. , Elliot Andrew J.
Published: January 2005

This article presents a meta-analysis of the experimental literature that has examined the effect of performance and mastery achievement goals on intrinsic motivation. Summary analyses provided supportfor the hypothesis that the pursuit ofperformance goals has an undermining effect on intrinsic motivation relative to the pursuit of mastery goals. Moderator analyses were conducted in an attempt to explain significant variation in the magnitude and direction of this effect across studies. Results indicated that the undermining effect ofperformance goals relative to mastery goals was contingent on whether participants received confirming or nonconfirming competence feedback, and on whether the experimental procedures induced a performance-approach or performance-avoidance orientation. These findings provide conceptual clarity to the literature on achievement goals and intrinsic motivation and suggest numerous avenues for subsequent empirical work.
Solomon Asch's Legacy for Group Research
Authors: Levine John M.
Published: January 2005

Asch's work has had a profound impact on how psychologists think about and study social influence in groups. To appreciate this impact, we must go beyond his classic conformity experiments and consider his broader theoretical framework. This article examines 4 of Asch's ideas that have proven to be particularly influential in later efforts to understand social influence in groups: (a) Social interaction depends on individuals' ability to represent others' positions, define themselves as members of the same group, and regulate their behavior in terms of the norms and values of the group; (b) independence is critical to effective group functioning; (c) independence and conformity are not simply mirror images that can be explained in terms of a unitary psychological process; and (d) change of meaning is an important mechanism of social influence. Finally, Asch's role as a theorist and researcher in the wider area of group dynamics is considered.
9-cis-Retinoic Acid Inhibits Androgen Receptor Activity through Activation of Retinoid X Receptor
Authors: Chuang Kuang-Hsiang , Lee Yi-Fen , Lin Wen-Jye , Chu Chin-Yi , Altuwaijri Saleh , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne , Chang Chawnshang
Published: January 2005

Although the retinoic X receptor (RXR) forms heterodimers with many members of the estrogen receptor subfamily, the interaction between RXR and the members of the glucocorticoid receptor subfamily remains unclear. Here we show that the RXR can form a heterodimer with the androgen receptor (AR) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Functional analyses further demonstrated that the AR, in the presence or absence of androgen, can function as a repressor to suppress RXR target genes, thereby preventing the RXR binding to the RXR DNA response element. In contrast, RXR can function as a repressor to suppress AR target genes in the presence of 9-cis-retinoic acid, but unliganded RXR can function as a weak coactivator to moderately enhance AR transactivation. Together, these results not only reveal a unique interaction between members of the two nuclear receptor subfamilies, but also represent the first evidence showing a nuclear receptor (RXR) may function as either a repressor or a coactivator based on the ligand binding status.
Cancer Promoted by the Oncoprotein v-ErbA May Be Due to Subcellular Mislocalization of Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Bonamy Ghislain M. C. , Guiochon-Mantel Anne , Allison Lizabeth A.
Published: January 2005

The retroviral v-ErbA oncoprotein is a highly mutated variant of the thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα), which is unable to bind T3 and interferes with the action of TRα in mammalian and avian cancer cells. v-ErbA dominant-negative activity is attributed to competition with TRα for T3-responsive DNA elements and/or auxiliary factors involved in the transcriptional regulation of T3-responsive genes. However, competition models do not address the altered subcellular localization of v-ErbA and its possible implications in oncogenesis. Here, we report that v-ErbA dimerizes with TRα and the retinoid X receptor and sequesters a significant fraction of the two nuclear receptors in the cytoplasm. Recruitment of TRα to the cytoplasm by v-ErbA can be partially reversed in the presence of ligand and when chromatin is disrupted by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. These results define a new mode of action of v-ErbA and illustrate the importance of cellular compartmentalization in transcriptional regulation and oncogenesis.
A dual fate of the hindlimb muscle mass: cloacal/perineal musculature develops from leg muscle cells
Authors: Valasek Petr , Evans Darrell J. R. , Maina Flavio , Grim Milos , Patel Ketan
Published: January 2005

The cloaca serves as a common opening to the urinary and digestive systems. In most mammals, the cloaca is present only during embryogenesis, after which it undergoes a series of septation events leading to the formation of the anal canal and parts of the urogenital tract. During embryogenesis it is surrounded by skeletal muscle. The origin and the mechanisms regulating the development of these muscles have never been determined. Here, we show that the cloacal muscles of the chick originate from somites 30-34, which overlap the domain that gives rise to leg muscles (somites 26-33). Using molecular and cell labelling protocols, we have determined the aetiology of cloacal muscles. Surprisingly, we found that chick cloacal myoblasts first migrate into the developing leg bud and then extend out of the ventral muscle mass towards the cloacal tubercle. The development of homologous cloacal/perineal muscles was also examined in the mouse. Concordant with the results in birds, we found that perineal muscles in mammals also develop from the ventral muscle mass of the hindlimb. We provide genetic evidence that the perineal muscles are migratory, like limb muscles, by showing that they are absent in metd/d mutants. Using experimental embryological procedures (in chick) and genetic models (in chick and mouse), we show that the development of the cloacal musculature is dependent on proximal leg field formation. Thus, we have discovered a novel developmental mechanism in vertebrates whereby muscle cells first migrate from axially located somites to the pelvic limb, then extend towards the midline and only then differentiate into the single cloacal/perineal muscles.
The developmental cell biology ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Matthews Keith R.
Published: January 2005

Trypanosoma brucei provides an excellent system for studies of many aspects of cell biology, including cell structure and morphology, organelle positioning, cell division and protein trafficking. However, the trypanosome has a complex life cycle in which it must adapt either to the mammalian bloodstream or to different compartments within the tsetse fly. These differentiation events require stage-specific changes to basic cell biological processes and reflect responses to environmental stimuli and programmed differentiation events that must occur within a single cell.

The organization of cell structure is fundamental to the trypanosome throughout its life cycle. Modulations of the overall cell morphology and positioning of the specialized mitochondrial genome, flagellum and associated basal body provide the classical descriptions of the different life cycle stages of the parasite. The dependency relationships that govern these morphological changes are now beginning to be understood and their molecular basis identified. The overall picture emerging is of a highly organized cell in which the rules established for cell division and morphogenesis in organisms such as yeast and mammalian cells do not necessarily apply. Therefore, understanding the developmental cell biology of the African trypanosome is providing insight into both fundamentally conserved and fundamentally different aspects of the organization of the eukaryotic cell.
Parametric Modeling of a Flexible 2D Structure
Authors: Darus I. Z. Mat. , Tokhi M. O.
Published: January 2005

This paper investigates the utilization of genetic algorithms (GAs) for dynamic modeling of a highly non-linear system. The global search technique of GA is used to identify the parameters of a flexible square plate structure based on one-step-ahead prediction. The results obtained, in both time and frequency domains, are compared with those obtained using the recursive least squares (RLS) technique. Simulations indicate the superiority of a GA technique over RLS algorithm in modeling a flexible square plate structure.
Thromboprophylaxis in pelvic and acetabular trauma surgery
Authors: Steele N. , Dodenhoff R. M. , Ward A. J. , Morse M. H.
Published: January 2005

We prospectively studied the outcome of a protocol of prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 103 consecutive patients undergoing surgical stabilisation of pelvic and acetabular fractures. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was administered within 24 hours of injury or on achieving haemodynamic stability. Patients were screened for proximal DVT by duplex ultrasonography performed ten to 14 days after surgery.

The incidence of proximal DVT was 10% and of pulmonary embolus 5%. Proximal DVT developed in two of 64 patients (3%) who had received LMWH within 24 hours of injury, but in eight of 36 patients (22%) who received LMWH more than 24 hours after the injury (p < 0.01). We conclude that LMWH, when begun without delay, is a safe and effective method of thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients with major pelvic or acetabular fractures.
Bacterial survival in the interfacial gap in gentamicin-loaded acrylic bone cements
Authors: Hendriks J. G. E. , Neut D. , van Horn J. R. , van der Mei H. C. , Busscher H. J.
Published: January 2005

Clinical experience indicates the beneficial effects of antibiotic-loaded bone cement. Although in vitro studies have shown the formation of a biofilm on its surface they have not considered the gap between the cement and the bone. We have investigated bacterial survival in that gap. Samples with gaps 200 μm wide were made of different bone cements. These were stored dry (‘pre-elution’) or submersed in phosphate-buffered saline to simulate the initial release of gentamicin (‘post-elution’). The gaps were subsequently inoculated with bacteria, which had been isolated from infected orthopaedic prostheses and assessed for their sensitivity to gentamicin. Bacterial survival was measured 24 hours after inoculation. All the strains survived in plain cements. In the pre-elution gentamicin-loaded cements only the most gentamicin-resistant strain, CN5115, survived, but in post-elution samples more strains did so, depending on the cement tested. Although high concentrations of gentamicin were demonstrated in the gaps only the gentamicin-sensitive strains were killed. This could explain the increased prevalence of gentamicin-resistant infections which are seen clinically.
Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty
Authors: Treacy R. B. C. , McBryde C. W. , Pynsent P. B.
Published: January 2005

We report the survival at five years of 144 consecutive metal-on-metal resurfacings of the hip implanted between August 1997 and May 1998. Failure was defined as revision of either the acetabular or femoral component for any reason during the study period. The survival at the end of five years was 98% overall and 99% for aseptic revisions only. The mean age of the patients at implantation was 52.1 years.

Three femoral components failed during the first two years, two were infected and one fractured. A single stage revision was carried out in each case. No other revisions were performed or are impending. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four died from unrelated causes during the study period.

This study confirms that hip resurfacing using a metal-on-metal bearing of known provenance can provide a solution in the medium term for the younger more active adult who requires surgical intervention for hip disease.
The effect of psychological disturbance on symptoms, self-reported disability and surgical outcome in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Hobby J. L. , Venkatesh R. , Motkur P.
Published: January 2005

In a prospective study, we have evaluated the impact of psychological disturbance on symptoms, self-reported disability and the surgical outcome in a series of 110 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Self-reported severity of symptoms and disability were assessed using the patient evaluation measure and the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale.

There was a significant association between psychological disturbance and the pre-operative symptoms and disability. However, there was no significant association between pre-operative psychological disturbance and the outcome of surgery at six months. We concluded that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome should not be denied surgery because of pre-operative psychological disturbance since it does not adversely affect the surgical outcome.
Pathomorphology and treatment of congenital anterolateral bowing of the tibia associated with duplication of the hallux
Authors: Manner H. M. , Radler C. , Ganger R. , Grossbötzl G. , Petje G. , Grill F.
Published: January 2005

Congenital unilateral anterolateral tibial bowing in combination with a bifid ipsilateral great toe is a very rare deformity which resembles the anterolateral tibial bowing that occurs in association with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. However, spontaneous resolution of the deformity without operative treatment and with a continuously straight fibula has been described in all previously reported cases. We report three additional cases and discuss the options for treatment. We suggest that this is a specific entity within the field of anterolateral bowing of the tibia and conclude that it has a much better prognosis than congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, although conservative treatment alone may not be sufficient.
Comparison of offset in Birmingham hip resurfacing and hybrid total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Loughead J. M. , Chesney D. , Holland J. P. , McCaskie A. W.
Published: January 2005

Hip resurfacing is being performed more frequently in the United Kingdom. The possible benefits include more accurate restoration of leg length, femoral offset and femoral anteversion than occurs after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

We compared anteroposterior radiographs from 26 patients who had undergone hybrid THA (uncemented cup/cemented stem), with 28 who had undergone Birmingham Hip Resurfacing arthroplasty (BHR). We measured the femoral offset, femoral length, acetabular offset and acetabular height with reference to the normal contralateral hip. The data were analysed by paired t-tests.

There was a significant reduction in femoral offset (p = 0.0004) and increase in length (p = 0.001) in the BHR group. In the THA group, there was a significant reduction in acetabular offset (p = 0.0003), but femoral offset and overall hip length were restored accurately. We conclude that hip resurfacing does not restore hip mechanics as accurately as THA.
Cervical myelopathy caused by an exostosis of the posterior arch of C1
Authors: Chooi Y. S. , Siow Y. S. , Chong C. S.
Published: January 2005

We report a case of vertebral osteochondroma of C1 causing cord compression and myelopathy in a patient with hereditary multiple exostosis. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis and the appropriate surgery in order to obtain a satisfactory outcome.
Low Hematocrit and Serum Albumin Concentrations Underlie the Overestimation of Tacrolimus Concentrations by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay versus Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Brown Nigel W , Gonde Christopher E , Adams Jemimah E , Tredger J Michael
Published: January 2005

Background: Rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods are used increasingly for tacrolimus (TRL) monitoring but show a negative difference with respect to a microparticle immunoassay (MEIA). This report examines possible reasons for this difference between methods.

Methods: We collected 1156 blood samples from 277 adult and 121 pediatric recipients of liver, renal, and bone marrow grafts or hepatocyte or pancreatic islet cell implants. TRL was measured in whole blood by MEIA and LC-MS/MS, and hematologic and biochemical data were collected when available.

Results: LC-MS/MS was significantly more precise (P <0.02) than the MEIA with increased sensitivity. The MEIA had a median difference of 16.2% vs LC-MS/MS overall, and this was significantly affected by patient cohort (P <0.001). The difference was greater in adult or pediatric liver graft recipients while they were inpatients rather than outpatients (31.8% and 14.0% vs 7.5% and 6.5%, respectively). The difference was also greater in bone marrow than kidney graft recipients (32.8% vs 15.8%, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant inverse relationships of this difference with hematocrit (packed cell volume) and plasma albumin (P <0.001) in the total cohort and a positive relationship with plasma bilirubin in a subgroup of pediatric liver graft recipients.

Conclusions: Patients with a low packed cell volume and plasma albumin are likely to show artificially high concentrations of TRL when measured by MEIA. The increased risk of underimmunosuppression must be considered should doses be reduced to lower these seemingly high TRL concentrations.
PDF simulations of ethylene decomposition in tubular LDPE reactors
Authors: Kolhapure Nitin H. , Fox Rodney O. , Daiβ Andreas , Mähling Frank‐Olaf
Published: January 2005

The present study deals with turbulent reacting flow simulation inside low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) tubular reactors, based on a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique—transported probability density function (PDF) methods. The ability of the PDF methods to provide an exact representation of chemical source terms is ideally suited for coupling complex LDPE chemistry with small‐scale fluid dynamic fluctuations in turbulent flow. LDPE chemistry with a total of 16 scalars provides an ideal test case for illustrating the applicability of an efficient chemistry algorithm based on in‐situ adaptive tabulation. A particle‐based Monte Carlo algorithm is used to solve the joint‐composition PDF equation, whereas a finite‐volume code is used to obtain hydrodynamic fields from the standard k–ε turbulence model. The influence of feed temperature, initiator concentration, and degree of premixing is investigated to gain detailed knowledge of micromixing effects on steady‐state reactor performance. The computational approach provides a low‐cost alternative to experimental and pilot‐plant tests for exploring a variety of design options when making important design and operational decisions, or for investigating unstable reactor operating conditions. The ability of a simplified, but otherwise equivalent multi‐environment‐presumed PDF model to predict turbulence–chemistry interactions close to physical reality is validated using the detailed transported PDF simulations. The transported PDF method is shown to be an excellent tool for obtaining fundamental information on turbulent reacting flows, as well as for deriving simplified models for faster and easier interpretation of these flows when developing safe and efficient chemical processes. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 585–606, 2005
Improved liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric determination and pharmacokinetic study of glimepiride in human plasma
Authors: Pistos Constantinos , Koutsopoulou Maria , Panderi Irene
Published: January 2005

An improved liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of glimepiride in human plasma has been developed and fully validated. The article describes in detail the bioanalytical procedure and summarizes the validation results obtained. The samples were extracted using liquid–liquid extraction with a mixture of 1‐chlorobutane–isopropanol–ethyl acetate (88:2:10, v/v/v). The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed‐phase Hypersil ODScolumn (250 × 4.6 mm i.d.; 5 mm particle size) using a mobile phase consisting of formic acid 0.05 m–acetonitrile (28:72, v/v), pumped at a ﬂow rate of 0.3 ml min−1 heated to 25C. The analytes were detected using an API 3000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Tandem mass spectrometric detection enabled the quantitation of glimepiride down to 0.50 ng mL−1. Calibration graphs were linear (r better than 0.998, n = 11), in concentration range 0.50–1000 ng mL−1, and the intra‐ and inter‐ day RSD values were less than 10.37 and 11.55% for glimepiride. The method was successfully applied to a kinetic study in order to assess the main pharmacokinetic parameters of glimepiride. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of community risk factors and resources on breast carcinoma stage at diagnosis
Authors: Davidson Pamela L. , Bastani Roshan , Nakazono Terry T. , Carreon Daisy C.
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

The current study investigated the individual and community determinants of breast carcinoma stage at diagnosis (BCSAD) using multiple data sources merged with cancer registry data. The literature review yielded 5 studies that analyzed cancer registry data merged with community‐level variables (1995–2004).

METHODS

Community variables constructed for the current study reflected social and economic risk factors, physician supply, and health maintenance organization penetration. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the significant predictors of increasingly progressive BCSAD.

RESULTS

Disparities remained for black and Hispanic females in California, who were least likely to be diagnosed early compared with their white counterparts. Younger (< 40 years) and middle‐aged (40–64 years) females were less likely to be diagnosed with early BCSAD, compared with older females (≥ 65 years). Utilizing services at hospitals serving a lower volume of patients with breast carcinoma was associated with later BCSAD. After controlling for individual‐level factors, community‐level variables constructed at the census block group and county level were tested. If a woman resided in a neighborhood with greater percentages of female‐headed households, persons living below the poverty level, less educated people, and more recent immigrants, then her chances of being diagnosed at an earlier stage were diminished. If, conversely, she resided in a neighborhood with greater percentages of females ≥ 65 years (a proxy for Medicare coverage), her access to medical care and the probability of earlier BCSAD increased. County‐level insurance rates and residing in counties where greater percentages of women ever had a mammogram were associated with in situ and early‐stage diagnosis. Similarly, the supply of primary care physicians and radiologists was associated positively with earlier BCSAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirmed community‐level predictors of socioeconomic and delivery system context matter, although the individual‐level predictors showed a stronger effect. Nevertheless, analysis of community variables is promising for guiding and evaluating the effects of health policy and developing community and delivery system interventions for earlier detection and treatment of breast carcinoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
The treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma in 122 immunocompetent patients
Authors: Shenkier Tamara N. , Voss Nicholas , Chhanabhai Mukesh , Fairey Randall , Gascoyne Randy D. , Hoskins Paul , Klasa Richard , Morris James , O'Reilly Susan E. , Pickles Tom , Sehn Laurie , Connors Joseph M.
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of a population‐based cohort of immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) treated with 3 different strategies over 13 years.

METHODS

One hundred twenty‐two consecutive patients (median age, 66 years) with PCNSL were identified. Three treatment strategies were employed: 1) whole‐brain irradiation with (from January, 1990, to June, 1991) or without (from April, 1995, to December, 1999) cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)‐type chemotherapy (n = 50 patients); 2) combined‐modality therapy, including 1 g/m2 methotrexate plus whole‐brain irradiation (from July, 1991, to March, 1995; n = 34 patients); and 3) 8 g/m2 methotrexate alone (from January, 2000, to March, 2003) with whole‐brain irradiation reserved for those with progressive disease (n = 38 patients). Treatment failure was defined as progressive disease, disease recurrence, death from toxicity or lymphoma, or toxicity that necessitated a change in primary treatment.

RESULTS

The median failure‐free survival was 7 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 17 months. The median OS was similar in all 3 eras. In this population‐based analysis, one‐third of patients did not receive the treatment strategy of the era. Therefore, the data also were analyzed by treatment received. On multivariate analysis (including era of treatment), 3 factors—age > 60 years, lactate dehydrogenase > normal, and omission of methotrexate—were associated significantly with poorer OS (hazard ratio: 2.3, 2.2, and 2.3, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes for a general population with PCNSL remained constant despite different treatment strategies over three eras. For the two‐thirds of patients who could receive potentially curative treatment, age, lactate dehydrogenase level, and receipt of ≥ 1 g/m2 methotrexate appeared to be important determinants of OS. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Personality traits, health behavior, and risk for cancer
Authors: Hansen Pernille Envold , Floderus Birgitta , Frederiksen Kirsten , Johansen Christoffer
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

The authors conducted a prospective investigation into the relation between personality traits and the risk for cancer.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 29,595 Swedish twins from the national Swedish Twin Registry who were ages 15–48 years at time of entry. In 1973, the twins completed a questionnaire eliciting information on personality traits and health behavior. The Eysenck Personality Inventory was used to measure neuroticism and extroversion as two personality dimensions. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for extroversion and neuroticism separately as well as for their joint effect, and conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the relation between personality traits and risks for cancer in twin pairs who were discordant for cancer. All analyses were conducted for six etiologically different groups of cancers: hormone‐related organ cancers, virus‐related and immune‐related cancers, digestive organ cancers (excluding liver), respiratory organ cancers, cancers in other sites, and all cancer sites.

RESULTS

Follow‐up in the Swedish Cancer Registry for 1974–1999 revealed 1898 incidents of primary cancer. The authors found no significant association between neuroticism, extroversion, their joint effects and the risk for any cancer group.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results did not support the hypothesis that certain personality traits are associated with cancer risk. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Shipping charges and shipping-charge skepticism: Implications for direct marketers’ pricing formats
Authors: Schindler Robert M. , Morrin Maureen , Bechwati Nada Nasr
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this research is to develop a theoretical framework for understanding consumer response to direct marketers’ pricing formats based on shoppers'perceptions of fairness. As part of this effort, we introduce an individual difference variable we call shipping-charge skepticism. An experiment is conducted ( n = 189) to examine whether offers are more appealing when shipping charges are bundled into a single price or partitioned out separately from a base product price. We demonstrate that when an external reference price is available, shipping-charge skeptics prefer direct marketers’ offers more in a bundled price format, whereas non-skeptics prefer them more in an unbundled price format. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Federal do not call registry is here to stay: What's next for direct marketing regulation?
Authors: Cain Rita Marie
Published: January 2005

In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission established a national do not call registry for commercial telemarketing. In 2004, a federal appeals court upheld the validity of the registry. This article explains the history of the regulation and analyzes the court's opinion. The article discusses the impact of the opinion on other direct marketing regulations, such as e-mail solicitation, wireless advertising messages, data privacy protection, and nonprofit solicitation.
A seismic upgrading method for steel arch bridges using buckling‐restrained braces
Authors: Usami Tsutomu , Lu Zhihao , Ge Hanbin
Published: January 2005

In this study the employment of buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) as energy dissipation dampers is attempted for seismic performance upgrading of steel arch bridges and the effectiveness of BRBs to protect structures against strong earthquakes is numerically studied. With buckling restrained, BRB members can provide stable energy dissipation capacity and thus damage of the whole structure under major earthquakes can be mitigated. Cyclic behaviour of such members is addressed with a numerical simulation model, and a strength design method for BRBs is proposed. BRBs are then placed at certain locations on the example steel arch bridge to replace some normal members with two schemes, and the effect of the two installation schemes of BRBs for seismic upgrading is investigated by non‐linear time‐history analyses under various ground motions representing major earthquake events. Compared with the seismic behaviour of the original structure without BRBs, satisfactory seismic performance is seen in the upgraded models, which clarifies the effectiveness of the proposed upgrading method and it can serve as an efficient solution for earthquake‐resistant new designs and retrofit of existing steel arch bridges. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation standards in an international context
Authors: Love Arnold , Russon Craig
Published: January 2005

This chapter discusses the general concept of international evaluation standards, describing the notion of open standards and the standards debate during two international meetings.
Background and history of the Joint Committee's Program Evaluation Standards
Authors: Yarbrough Donald B. , Shulha Lyn M. , Caruthers Flora
Published: January 2005

To ground the discussion of standards in an international context, this chapter traces the continuing history of the U.S.‐Canadian Joint Committee Standards.
The development and status of evaluation standards in western Europe
Authors: Widmer Thomas
Published: January 2005

The author presents standards developments in the national evaluation organizations of Switzerland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as related work in the European Commission.
Data‐ and literature‐based reflections on western european evaluation standards and practices
Authors: Beywl Wolfgang , Speer Sandra
Published: January 2005

The European Commission is offered as an example of the way that governments are implementing evaluation standards.
National evaluation standards for Australia and New Zealand: Many questions but few answers
Authors: Fraser Doug
Published: January 2005

The author discusses the history and current status of the Australasian Evaluation Society' standards‐setting activities.
Variability in fMRI: A re‐examination of inter‐session differences
Authors: Smith Stephen M. , Beckmann Christian F. , Ramnani Narender , Woolrich Mark W. , Bannister Peter R. , Jenkinson Mark , Matthews Paul M. , McGonigle David J.
Published: January 2005

We revisit a previous study on inter‐session variability (McGonigle et al. [2000]: Neuroimage 11:708–734), showing that contrary to one popular interpretation of the original article, inter‐session variability is not necessarily high. We also highlight how evaluating variability based on thresholded single‐session images alone can be misleading. Finally, we show that the use of different first‐level preprocessing, time‐series statistics, and registration analysis methodologies can give significantly different inter‐session analysis results. Hum. Brain Mapping 24:248–257, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous medium theory for nonequilibrium solvation: III. Solvation shift by monopole approximation and multipole expansion in spherical cavity
Authors: Zhu Quan , Fu Ke‐Xiang , Li Xiang‐Yuan , Gong Zhen , Ma Jian‐Yi
Published: January 2005

According to the classical electrodynamics, a new and reasonable method about electrostatic energy decomposition of the solute‐solvent system has been proposed in this work by introducing the concept of spring energy. This decomposition in equilibrium solvation gives the clear comprehension for different parts of total electrostatic free energy. Logically extending this cognition to nonequilibrium leads to the new formula of electrostatic free energy of nonequilibrium state. Furthermore, the general solvation shift for light absorption/emission has been reformulated and applied to the ideal sphere case with the monopole approximation and multipole expansion. Solvation shifts in vertical ionizations of atomic ions of some series of main group elements have been investigated with monopole approximation, and the variation tendency of the solvation shift versus atomic number has been discussed. Moreover, the solvation shift in photoionization of nitrate anion in glycol has been investigated by the multipole expansion method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 4: 399–409, 2005
A clinical, histological, and computer‐based assessment of the Polaris LV, combination diode, and radiofrequency system, for leg vein treatment
Authors: Sadick Neil S. , Trelles Mario A.
Published: January 2005

Background and Objectives

Electro‐optical synergy (ELOS™) is a novel technology that combines radiofrequency (RF) with optical energy. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the Polaris LV™ system, which is based on combined RF and diode laser (915 nm), for the treatment of leg veins.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifty women (Fitzpatrick II–IV) with red or blue leg veins (1–4 mm in diameter) were treated with the Polaris LV, using a fluence of 60–80 J/cm2 and conducted RF energy of 100 J/cm3. Patients received up to three treatment sessions at 2‐ to 4‐week intervals. Both patients and an independent physician graded the level of vessel clearance at 2 months following the last treatment, using pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs. Also, a computer‐generated assessment of vessel clearance was done in 40 patients. Twenty patients provided biopsy specimens for histologic assessment.

Results

Approximately three‐quarters of patients demonstrated ≥ 50% vessel clearance, and about 30% had 75%–100% vessel clearance. Computer‐generated scores correlated closely with physician scores. Histologic assessment showed signs of coagulation and prominent endothelial degeneration in all treated vessels, but the epidermis remained normal. There were minimal complications.

Conclusions

The Polaris LV is effective and safe in treating red and blue leg veins up to 4 mm in diameter. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Graphitic carbon nanofiber (GCNF)/polymer materials. II. GCNF/epoxy monoliths using reactive oxydianiline linker molecules and the effect of nanofiber reinforcement on curing conditions
Authors: Zhong Wei Hong , Li Jiang , Lukehart Charles M. , Xu Luoyu R.
Published: January 2005

Reactive (r‐) graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) with 3,4'‐oxydianiline (ODA), r‐GCNF‐ODA, capable of covalent binding to an epoxy resin during thermal curing, are prepared by reaction of GCNFs surface‐derivatized with ODA linker molecules (GCNF‐ODA) with butyl glycidyl ether. The thermal curing characteristics of r‐GCNF‐ODA/epoxy resin mixtures having nanofiber loadings of 0.3 wt% and 1.3 wt% are analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The quality of the cured GCNF/epoxy nanocomposites is assessed through bending tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results indicate that the presence of r‐GCNF‐ODA nanofibers affects the thermal curing process, and that additional heating is required to achieve cured nanocomposites at higher nanofiber loadings. Reaction of GCNF‐ODA nanofibers with butyl glycidyl ether prior to mixing with an epoxy resin gives more well‐dispersed r‐GCNF‐ODA/epoxy resin mixtures and r‐GCNF‐ODA/epoxy nanocomposites having better flexural strength than the corresponding GCNF‐ODA/epoxy materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:128–135, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers