bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological determinants of survival in node-negative oesophageal cancer
Authors: Khan O A , Alexiou C , Soomro I , Duffy J P , Morgan W E , Beggs F D
Published: November 2004

Background

Many studies have analysed prognostic factors following oesophagectomy, but few have examined survival determinants in node-negative (N0) oesophageal cancer. The prognostic significance of a number of histological variables following surgical resection of N0 oesophageal cancer was studied.

Methods

The case notes of 219 patients undergoing potentially curative oesophagectomy for N0 squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus were reviewed. Details of the patient's sex, age at operation, histological type, longitudinal tumour length, tumour (T) stage, circumferential resection margin involvement, tumour grade, presence of vascular invasion, perineural invasion, Barrett's metaplasia, and survival were noted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed three factors that correlated with poor prognosis: T stage (P = 0·024), adenocarcinoma (P = 0·033) and degree of differentiation (P = 0·001). Multivariate analysis revealed that all three were significant independent adverse prognostic indicators.

Conclusion

Surgical resection of node-negative oesophageal cancer is associated with diverse long-term outcomes. This diversity of outcome is not reflected in the tumour node metastasis (TNM)-based staging system. The utility of the TNM system in predicting prognosis after surgical resection is open to question.
Enatiomeric analysis of simendan by CE with β‐CD as chiral selector compared with CMPA‐HPLC
Authors: Li Famei , Zhang Dandan , Lu Xiumei , Wang Yuling , Xiong Zhili
Published: November 2004

The chiral separation of simendan enantiomers using capillary electrophoresis was studied with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as chiral selector. The inﬂuences of the concentration and pH of borate buffer solution, β‐CD concentration and methanol content in the background electrolyte were investigated. These factors were compared with those in an HPLC with β‐CD as chiral mobile phase additive (CMPA‐HPLC). The quantiﬁcation properties of the developed CE method were examined. A baseline separation of simendan enantiomers was achieved in the background electrolyte of 20 mmol/L borate buffer (pH 11.0) containing 12 mmol/L β‐CD‐methanol (50:50 in volume ratio). The CE method is comparable with CMPA‐HPLC in chiral resolution, although the optimal pH in CE (11.0) is much higher than that (6.0) in CMPA‐HPLC. This chiral CE method is applicable to the quantitative ananlysis and enantiomeric excess value determination of l‐simendan. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From issues to checkpoints and back: managing green issues in R&D
Authors: Blomquist Tomas , Sandström Johan
Published: November 2004

The article is based on a qualitative study of how green issues affect the R&D work in two large Swedish manufacturing firms. Both internal (environmental staff, top management) and external (regulators) actors drive the greening processes and our firms seem to be far reaching in their green works. In our discussions, we rely on a dynamic model of organizational change to emphasize that if green issues, in our cases perceived as strategic issues, are to change the firm and its R&D work, there has to be a focus on not only technological (tangible) components, but also on cultural (intangible) aspects. A proactive environmental product development strategy might therefore benefit from widening its focus to the whole organization. In addition to a more holistic approach, a basic argument in the paper is also that if green issues are to survive, they have to be kept evergreen. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Constructing ‘the eating disordered patient’1: A discourse analysis of accounts of treatment experiences
Authors: Malson H. , Finn D. M. , Treasure J. , Clarke S. , Anderson G.
Published: November 2004

In this study 39 participants who had all been hospitalized, either in Britain or Australia, at least once for anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia, were interviewed about their experiences of treatment for an eating disorder. Each interview lasted approximately 1 hour and was semi‐structured in nature covering: (i) the beginning of participants' problems and their initial diagnosis; (ii) their history of previous interventions; (iii) their current in‐patient treatment episode; (iv) their views on their recovery and future. Interview was audio‐tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The resulting interview transcripts were then analysed qualitatively using a discourse analytic methodology in order to identify the ways in which participants discursively constituted their treatment experiences. More specifically, the article focuses on an analysis of how ‘the eating disordered patient’ was constituted in participants' accounts both as a self‐construction and as a construction attributed to healthcare workers. The implications of these subject im/positions of ‘the eating disordered patient’ are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the Luciferin–Luciferase System and Quantification of Coelenterazine by Mass Spectrometry in the Deep‐Sea Luminous Ostracod Conchoecia pseudodiscophora
Authors: Oba Yuichi , Tsuduki Hiroshi , Kato Shin‐ichi , Ojika Makoto , Inouye Satoshi
Published: November 2004

The bioluminescence system of the ostracod Conchoecia pseudodiscophora, which is abundant in the Sea of Japan, has been characterized. The luminescence (λmax=463 nm) is produced by a luciferin–luciferase reaction, and the luciferin has been identified as coelenterazine. Coelenterazine, coelenteramide, and coelenteramine from C. pseudodiscophora were quantified by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. The coelenterazine content was estimated to be approximately 230 pg per animal by using a calibration curve of synthetic coelenterazine. The reaction between homogenates of C. pseudodiscophora and synthetic coelenterazine showed luminescence activity; this suggests that a coelenterazine‐type luciferase is present.
Cover Picture: Synthesis and Degradation of Nucleobases and Nucleic Acids by Formamide in the Presence of Montmorillonites (ChemBioChem 11/2004)
Authors: Saladino Raffaele , Crestini Claudia , Ciambecchini Umberto , Ciciriello Fabiana , Costanzo Giovanna , Di Mauro Ernesto
Published: November 2004

The cover picture shows the synthesis of several components of nucleic acids in prebiotic conditions. Purine, N9‐formylpurine, adenine, cytosine, uracil, hypoxanthine and several intermediates of the inosine pathway are obtained in “one‐pot” synthesis by heating a one‐carbon‐atom fragment, as simple as formamide, in the presence of Montmorillonite clays. The reactivity of the oligonucleotide backbone with formamide is also affected by Montmorillonites due to a modification of the rate of abstraction of the protons on the sugar moieties. Montmorillonites—so far considered as primitive enzymes mostly because of their catalytic function on the aldol condensation of formaldehyde into sugars—were in the position to play a protagonist role in origin‐of‐life scenarios. More details on this study by E. Di Mauro et al. can be found on p. 1558 ff
Power Consumption in Agitated Vessels with Dual Rushton Turbines: Baffle Length and Impeller Spacing Effects
Authors: Markopoulos J. , Babalona E. , Tsiliopoulou E.
Published: November 2004

The dependence of power consumption on baffle length, L, in vessels agitated by a dual Rushton turbine system was studied within the turbulent regime, and also in relation to the impeller spacing, ΔH. A dependence of varying strength could be observed. The presence of baffles in the agitated systems provided a stabilizing effect with regard to the dependence of the Newton number Ne on the Reynolds number Re. A sharp decrease in power consumption could be detected for baffle lengths L < 0.3 H, with H the liquid height in the vessel. The Newton number was not significantly affected by L in the range 0.3 H < L< 0.5 H. For L > 0.5 H a sharp increase in Ne with increasing L could be observed. The two Rushton turbines act independently at ΔH > 1.65 d, with d being the impeller diameter. As the baffle length decreased, an increased mutual interaction between the two impellers could be observed for a broad regime of ΔH/d values. Ne was not affected by ΔH for the unbaffled agitated systems studied.
High‐Pressure Treatment of Wood – Combination of Mechanical and Thermal Drying in the “I/D Process”
Authors: Stahl M. , Bentz M.
Published: November 2004

Thermal drying of materials with internal pores is always a time‐consuming and energy‐intensive step within a production process. For chemical and pharmaceutical mass products and, in particular, for wood as an important raw material it is desirable to reduce the water content before thermal treatment by mechanical operations. The wood‐processing industry, facing a rising stress of competition, is forced more than ever to offer high‐quality products at lowest prices. Today, drying of timber is mostly done by air drying or by technical drying in kiln dryers. In any case, drying is necessary to prevent deterioration in quality by shrinkage, formation of cracks, discoloration or infestation. A new process of dewatering wood by combining mechanical and thermal means has been developed at the University of Karlsruhe. Compared to conventional drying processes, short drying times and a low residual moisture content can be achieved and, thus, energy consumption and costs can be reduced. In industrial wood drying only thermal processes (e.g., convective kiln drying, vacuum drying, etc.) have been established because so far no method has been known for removing liquid by mechanical force without significant change in wood structure. With the new I/D process chances for alternatives to conventional thermal drying or for mechanothermal applications are offered.
Influence of Mass Transfer on the Production of Biodiesel
Authors: Lifka J. , Ondruschka B.
Published: November 2004

The growing interest in alternative fuels makes it important to optimize classical routes for the production of biodiesel, as well as to explore and introduce non‐classical alternatives. For the investigations reported in this article, a two‐phase system consisting of rape oil and methanol was chosen. The goal of the experiments was to investigate whether ultrasound had a significant influence on the conversion rate of the reaction and the reaction mechanism, or if more intensive mixing of the reaction mixture was required to cause an increased reactivity.
Effective rank for multivariate calibration methods
Authors: Seipel Heather A. , Kalivas John H.
Published: November 2004

In order to determine the proper multivariate calibration model, it is necessary to select the number of respective basis vectors (latent vectors, factors, etc.) when using principal component regression (PCR) or partial least squares (PLS). These values are commonly referred to as the prediction rank of the model. Comparisons between PCR and PLS models for a given data set are often made with the prediction rank to determine the more parsimonious model, ignoring the fact that the values have been obtained using different basis sets. Additionally, it is not possible to use this approach for determining the prediction rank of models generated by other modeling methods such as ridge regression (RR). This paper presents measures of effective rank for a given model that can be applied to all modeling methods, thereby providing inter‐model comparisons. A definition based on the regression vector norm and is compared with two alternative forms from the literature. With a proper definition of effective rank, a better assessment of degrees of freedom for statistical computations is possible. Additionally, the true nature of variable selection for improved parsimony can be properly assessed. Spectroscopic data sets are used as examples with PCR, PLS and RR. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The caring child: an evaluative case study of the Cornwall Young Carers project
Authors: Butler Allister H. , Astbury Gaynor
Published: November 2004

This paper reports on an evaluation of the Cornwall Young Carers project (jointly funded by social services and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Action Zone), conducted during the period 2000–2002. A diverse range of methodological approaches were adopted (comparative national statistics, local pilot study, monthly and quarterly data capturing instruments, and a service user focus group) in monitoring and evaluating the project's high level statements/outcomes. Four evaluative themes are discussed, namely: identification of young carers; assessment of young carers' needs; direct service provision; and partnership working. Recommendations and action steps are proposed with a view of informing future planning and service delivery, as well as developing an ethos of integrating evaluation into everyday practice for the Cornwall Young Carers Project. Overall, the project has made significant progress in meeting and exceeding its original targets. The fact that the project has been able to identify 202 new young carers over this period is a key milestone in demonstrating the critical need for the project's services. It is suggested that existing referrals are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ for work with young carers in Cornwall.
Adsorptive Behandlung VOC‐haltiger Abluftströme – Stand der Technik
Authors: Bathen D.
Published: November 2004

Um den Stand der Technik bei der adsorptiven Behandlung VOC‐haltiger Ströme zu ermitteln, wurden 247 Anlagen analysiert, die in den Jahren 1986 – 2003 gebaut wurden. Insgesamt zeigt diese Analyse, dass nur fünf Kombinationen aus Verfahren und Bautyp im Gebiet der VOC‐Behandlung breite Anwendung finden. Es handelt sich um Wechseladsorber, PSA‐Festbettadsorber, TSA‐Dampf‐regenerierte Festbettadsorber, TSA‐Abgas‐regenerierte Festbettadsorber und TSA‐Rotoradsorber. Aufbauend auf diesen Ergebnissen wird anhand von Beispielen aus der Industrie erläutert, welche Stärken und Schwächen die einzelnen Varianten haben und warum in welchen Bereichen welche Adsorbertypen eingesetzt werden.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐1 and cyclooxygenase‐2 in bronchial epithelium and nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hastürk Serap , Kemp Bonnie , Kalapurakal Shyla K. , Kurie Jonathan M. , Hong Waun K. , Lee Jin S.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase (Cox) is the main target enzyme for the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs that have been shown to suppress carcinogenesis in both experimental models and epidemiologic studies.

METHODS

To evaluate its utility as an intermediate biomarker in bronchial chemoprevention trials, the authors examined Cox 1 and Cox 2 expression in normal and premalignant bronchial epithelial cells and nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) samples using an immunohistochemical staining technique. Included in the current study were 101 NSCLC samples and 77 bronchial biopsy samples obtained from 15 healthy smokers.

RESULTS

In the normal bronchial epithelium, Cox 2 expression was found to be completely negative whereas Cox 1 expression was noted in a few scattered cells. The areas of basal cell hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia demonstrated the same pattern. There were relatively more Cox 2‐positive tumors, as defined by positive staining in > 10% of tumor cells, than Cox 1‐positive tumors (30 of 101 tumors [30%] vs. 14 of 101 tumors [14%]; P = 0.01). When tumor types were considered, there were more Cox 2‐positive adenocarcinomas compared with squamous cell carcinomas (21 of 51 adenocarcinomas [41%] vs. 9 of 46 squamous cell carcinomas [20%]; P = 0.03). In contrast, fewer adenocarcinomas tended to show Cox 1 expression compared with squamous cell carcinomas (4 of 51 adenocarcinomas [8%] vs. 9 of 46 squamous cell carcinomas [20%]; P = 0.14). Although smokers tended to have more Cox 2‐positive tumors than nonsmokers (29 of 91 tumors in the smokers [32%] vs. 1 of 10 tumors in the nonsmokers [10%]; P = 0.15), there was no statistically significant relation found between Cox 1 or Cox 2 expression and smoking status or prognostically significant clinicopathologic features.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study suggest that Cox 1 and Cox 2 expression may not be a useful intermediate biomarker in bronchial chemoprevention trials. Nevertheless, considering the patterns of Cox 1 and Cox 2 expression in tumor cells, Cox expression status may be a useful parameter when designing treatment strategies for a subset of NSCLC patients. Cancer 2002;94:1023–31. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10262
Serum cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) as a prognostic tumor marker in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nabeya Yoshihiro , Shimada Hideaki , Okazumi Shinichi , Matsubara Hisahiro , Gunji Yoshio , Suzuki Takao , Ochiai Takenori
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Serum cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (ICTP) is a metabolite of Type I collagen and has been reported to serve not only as a marker of bone metastasis but also as an indicator of treatment response and prognosis in several malignant tumors. The objective of this work was to evaluate the value of serum ICTP as a tumor marker in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

In this study, pretreatment serum ICTP concentrations were measured by double‐antibody radioimmunoassay in 50 patients undergoing tumor resection, chemoradiotherapy, or palliation for newly diagnosed esophageal SCC. The cutoff value for positive ICTP levels was defined as 4.50 ng/mL. As a comparison, serum concentrations of SCC antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin‐19 fragment, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were simultaneously evaluated. The results were categorized according to several clinicopathologic variables.

RESULTS

Among the markers tested, ICTP showed the highest sensitivity (58.0%) in esophageal SCC sera. Positive ICTP levels were significantly correlated with tumor progression variables, such as tumor depth ≥ T2, regional lymph node metastasis (N1), distant metastasis (M1), TNM stage ≥ II, and maximal tumor length greater than 50 mm. Survival analyses of 29 patients who underwent curative resection demonstrated that patients who were positive for ICTP had significantly worse outcomes in terms of overall, disease specific, and disease free survival than those who were negative. Multivariate analyses confirmed that serum ICTP levels provided an independent prognostic indicator of overall and disease specific survival. However, serum ICTP values did not correlate with prognosis or treatment response in 17 unresectable cases treated by chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that serum ICTP concentrations might be a novel prognostic tumor marker for assessing the progression of esophageal SCC. Cancer 2002;94:940–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10267
Different simian virus 40 genomic regions and sequences homologous with SV40 large T antigen in DNA of human brain and bone tumors and of leukocytes from blood donors
Authors: Martini Fernanda , Lazzarin Lorena , Iaccheri Laura , Vignocchi Beatrice , Finocchiaro Gaetano , Magnani Ivana , Serra Massimo , Scotlandi Katia , Barbanti‐Brodano Giuseppe , Tognon Mauro
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Many studies found only a small fragment of the large T‐antigen coding sequences in human tumors, raising doubts on authenticity of SV40 sequences detected in these samples.

METHODS

Five different regions of SV40 DNA were investigated in 106 fresh human tumor biopsies (25 brain, 69 bone, 12 Wilms' tumors), 71 tumor‐derived cell cultures (38 from brain and 33 from bone tumors) and normal tissues (5 fresh bone biopsies and 38 buffy coats) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques and filter hybridization with specific oligoprobes. Expression of SV40 Tag sequences was analyzed in human tumor specimens by RT‐PCR.

RESULTS

SV40 large T‐antigen sequences were detected at high prevalence, in human biopsies of primary brain (37–44%) and bone (21–37%) tumors, in cell cultures derived from brain (30–54%) and bone (53–80%) tumors. SV40 Tag sequences were detected in 29% of buffy coats of blood donors. However, only four brain tumor cell lines showed all the five regions of the SV40 genome investigated. Expression of SV40 Tag sequences was found in 11 of 27 (41%) human tumor samples. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the PCR‐amplified products belong to the SV40 wild type. Polymerase chain reaction products of Tag middle portion from 20 of 78 (26%) samples showed a 97% homology with telomeric sequences of human chromosomes 10 and 11.

CONCLUSIONS

Authentic SV40 sequences were detected in human samples. The expression of SV40 Tag sequences indicates that SV40 could play a role, as a cofactor, in the onset/progression of specific human cancers. The inability to detect some regions of the virus genome may suggest that those regions are not required for tumor persistence or growth and have been lost or, alternatively, may be the result of assay conditions that were unable to PCR‐amplify those regions in the tumors. Cancer 2002;94:1037–48. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10272
The specific role of isoflavones on estrogen metabolism in premenopausal women
Authors: Kumar Nagi B. , Cantor Alan , Allen Kathy , Riccardi Diane , Cox Charles E.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that dietary factors may play a role in the production, metabolism, and bioavailability of sex hormones and their impact on target tissues. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementing a group of premenopausal women who were free of breast carcinoma with a dietary supplement of isoflavones (40 mg per day) in producing a change in steroid hormones and menstrual cycle length.

METHODS

Sixty‐eight consecutively recruited, premenopausal, omnivorous women of all races and ethnicities between the ages of 25 years and 55 years were admitted to the study and randomized to an experimental group supplemented with soy (40 mg genistein per day) or to a control group that consumed a placebo for a 12‐week period. Changes in their anthropometric, nutritional, and hormonal biomarkers from early follicular phase were analyzed at baseline and postintervention.

RESULTS

Serum‐free estradiol and estrone levels decreased moderately in the experimental group. Serum hormone‐binding globulin levels increased in 41.4% of women in the experimental group compared with 37.5% of women in the placebo group. Free estradiol decreased in 53.85% of women in the experimental group compared with 37.5% of women in the placebo group. Estrone decreased in 55.56% of women in the experimental group compared with 42.86% in the placebo group. Those women in the experimental group who were consuming soy had their mean menstrual cycle length increased by 3.52 days compared with a mean decrease of 0.06 days for women in the placebo group (P = 0.04) from baseline to the third menstrual cycle. In addition, women who were taking soy had their mean follicular phase increase by 1.46 days compared with a mean increase of 0.14 days for women who were taking the placebo (P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that increased isoflavone intake affects estrogen metabolism by altering the steroid hormone concentrations and menstrual cycle length, thereby demonstrating a potential to reduce the risk for breast carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:1166–74. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10320
Cancer trends among Hispanic men in South Florida, 1981–1998
Authors: Wilkinson James D. , Wohler‐Torres Brad , Trapido Edward , Fleming Lora E. , MacKinnon Jill , Voti Lydia , Peace Steven
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Hispanics now represent a majority of residents in Miami‐Dade County, Florida. In this report, the authors present new cancer incidence and mortality data for South Florida's Hispanic men for the period 1990–1998 and compare them with data from a previous report from the 1980s. Periodic updating of cancer incidence data, reflecting current population distribution, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors, is necessary to inform cancer prevention and control activities optimally.

METHODS

The study population consisted of all incidents of cancer (1981–1998) occurring in males from Miami‐Dade County, as determined from the Florida Cancer Data System data base; patients were divided into two 9‐year periods for analysis. Age‐standardized incidence and mortality rates were computed for 14 common cancer sites, and rates for Hispanic men were compared with the rates for non‐Hispanic white men as standardized rate ratios (SRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Incidence and mortality trends were determined using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nearly 70,000 incident cancer cases were analyzed. For 1990–1998, the top five incident cancers for both race/ethnic groups were the same. The overall decreased cancer risk for Hispanic men (SRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.79–0.82), compared with non‐Hispanic white men, remained essentially constant over the two study periods. Cancer incidence increased similarly for the two race‐ethnic groups; cancer mortality decreased, with a sharper decrease for non‐Hispanic white men, resulting in apparent convergence of mortality trends recently.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in cancer risk for South Florida's Hispanic men have not attenuated over the past 20 years. With cancer incidence significantly less for Hispanic men, their mortality rate approaches that of non‐Hispanic white men, and cancer prevention and control strategies targeted for this ethnic group become increasingly important. Cancer 2002;94:1183–90. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10321
Overexpression of caveolin‐1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma correlates with lymph node metastasis and pathologic stage
Authors: Kato Kentaro , Hida Yasuhiro , Miyamoto Masaki , Hashida Hideaki , Shinohara Toshiya , Itoh Tomoo , Okushiba Shunichi , Kondo Satoshi , Katoh Hiroyuki
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Caveolin‐1 plays a regulatory role in several signaling pathways. Recently caveolin‐1 was identified as a metastasis‐related gene in prostate carcinoma. However, the clinical impact of caveolin‐1 expression in esophageal carcinoma remains unknown.

METHODS

One hundred thirty surgical specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically assessed for caveolin‐1 expression by polyclonal antibody. Caveolin‐1 immunoreactivity was correlated with patients' clinicopathologic parameters and outcome.

RESULTS

Positive caveolin‐1 immunostaining was detected in 58 patients (44.6%). Positive caveolin‐1 immunostaining correlated positively with pathologic stage (P = 0.029), pN (P = 0.023), and pM (P = 0.018). The overall survival rate was worse in patients with caveolin‐1‐positive tumors than in patients with caveolin‐1‐negative tumors (P = 0.0215). Univariate analyses identified caveolin‐1 positivity (P = 0.0238), pT (P = 0.0002), pN (P < 0.0001), pM (P = 0.0002), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.0021), and positive surgical margin (P < 0.0001) as negative prognostic predictors. Multivariate analyses indicated that pT (P = 0.0296), pN (P = 0.0003), and a positive surgical margin (P = 0.0452) were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Over‐expression of caveolin‐1 is associated with lymph node metastasis and a worse prognosis after surgery in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:929–33. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10329
Comparison between positron emission tomography and computed tomography in the use of the assessment of esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Nakajima Masanobu , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Yoshikawa Minako , Ojima Hitoshi , Tsukada Katsuhiko , Oriuchi Noboru , Inoue Tomio , Endo Keigo
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

The role and potential value of positron emission tomography (PET) scanning in certain tumors has been widely investigated in recent years. The authors retrospectively assessed the performance of 18‐F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐PET in the assessment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

The results using PET were compared with those using computed tomography (CT), and these were correlated with the pathologic findings. The authors studied 32 patients with thoracic esophageal SCC who had undergone radical esophagectomy.

RESULTS

Uptake of FDG in the primary tumor was found in 25 of the 32 (78.1%) cases. Comparison of the FDG uptake and the clinicopathologic findings showed that there was a significant association between the FDG uptake and each of the depth of tumor invasion (P < 0.05), occurrence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), and lymphatic invasion (P < 0.01). The survival rate in cases with high FDG uptake (standardized uptake value [SUV], >3) was significantly lower than that in cases with low FDG uptake (SUV, < 3; P < 0.05). In the evaluation of lymph node staging by the detection of lymph node metastasis, FDG‐PET showed 77.8% sensitivity, 92.9% specificity, and 84.4% accuracy, and CT scanning showed 61.1% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, and 65.6% accuracy. Positron emission tomography scanning showed a high degree of accuracy in the neck, upper thoracic, and abdominal regions. However, in the mid‐ and lower thoracic regions, the sensitivity was very low. The smallest lymph node metastasis that was detected by FDG‐PET imaging was 6 mm. The average size of lymph node metastasis that was undetected by FDG‐PET scanning was 7.3 mm (range, 1–17 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, FDG‐PET may be used as a noninvasive diagnostic technique in assessing the aggressiveness of the tumor and the prognosis in patients with esophageal SCC. During the preoperative diagnostic procedures, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of lymph node staging is higher with FDG‐PET than with CT imaging. In view of the high specificity of FDG‐PET, it also gives useful information to guide the choice of treatment of esophageal carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:921–8. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10330
Chemoprevention of gastrointestinal malignancies with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
Authors: Shaheen Nicholas J. , Straus Walter L. , Sandler Robert S.
Published: November 2004

In multiple studies, the chronic use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with a decreased incidence of several types of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. This effect may be mediated by one of several intracellular mechanisms, some of which involve the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) isoenzyme. In multiple studies of colorectal carcinoma, chronic NSAID use has shown a protective effect, with the majority of studies demonstrating a 30–70% risk reduction associated with NSAID use. The effect of NSAIDs on other types of GI neoplasia is less clear, but evidence suggests that chronic NSAID use may diminish the risk of esophageal and gastric carcinomas. Data assessing the effects of NSAIDs on the incidence of pancreatic and hepatic malignancies currently are too sparse and inconsistent to draw any conclusions. The newer COX‐2 specific agents may provide a less GI‐toxic alternative to nonselective NSAIDs as chemoprotective agents. Cancer 2002;94:950–63. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10333
Quality of life of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Talmi Yoav P. , Horowitz Zeev , Bedrin Lev , Wolf Michael , Chaushu Gavriel , Kronenberg Jona , Pfeffer M. Raphael
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Quality of life (QOL) issues in patients with head and neck carcinoma are of importance beyond the incidence of these tumors because of the impact of the disease and its treatment on external appearance and function of the upper aerodigestive tract. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients comprise a unique subgroup in whom, to our knowledge, QOL has not been studied directly.

METHODS

Adult patients with NPC treated during the past 15 years at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months were included in the current study. Patients were mailed the revised University of Washington quality of life (UW‐QOL) questionnaire and data pertaining to their disease were recorded. Patients with recurrent disease or another malignancy or those whose present status could not be ascertained were excluded from the study. QOL scores were analyzed based on treatment, disease stage, and patient age.

RESULTS

Twenty‐eight patients of 35 disease‐free patients (80%) responded to the questionnaire sent to patients meeting the study criteria. The mean score for general health was 3.1 (range, 1–5). Pain was not a significant factor. Other domains without noteworthy problems were speech and shoulder disability. The majority of patients described their appearance as normal or with minor changes, and questions concerning activity, recreation/entertainment, employment, and swallowing all scored > 70 (range, 0–100). Dry mouth, chewing, and ear problems were of major concern with the majority of patients and affected the QOL indices. Nevertheless, the overall mean QOL score of these patients was rated as “good” (4.2 on a scale of 1–6).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, patients with NPC reported ear problems, difficulties in chewing, and dry mouth but their overall QOL appeared to be good. Ear problems such as secretory otitis media should be recognized at the time of presentation and treated. Conformal radiotherapy techniques sparing the salivary glands and temporal bone most likely will be useful in reducing the morbidity associated with treatment. Cancer 2002;94:1012–7. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10342
Ossifying malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the liver
Authors: Heywood Glenroy , Burgart Lawrence J. , Nagorney David M.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Malignant mixed tumors of the liver in adults are rare. To the authors' knowledge, twenty‐four cases of primary malignant mixed hepatic tumors have been reported in the literature since the first description by Walter in 1896. Many of the previously reported cases are now considered mixed hepatoblastoma, primary hepatocellular carcinomas with focal sarcomatous metaplasia, or epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

METHODS

Clinical, radiologic, histologic and immunohistochemic methods were used to characterize an unusual example of a mixed malignant tumor of the adult liver that the authors descriptively refer to as “ossifying malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor” of the liver.

RESULTS

In contrast to previously reported cases, the tumor in question was morphologically distinct. It was composed of three distinct neoplastic phenotypes: malignant spindle cells, with adenocarcinomatous differentiation, and extensive osteoid formation. The tumor was treated by partial hepatectomy. The patient was alive 8 years postoperatively as of December 2001. The distinctive combination of morphologic features and prolonged survival are much different from previously reported cases of mixed malignant hepatic tumors, which were typically rapidly fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors believe that the clinical and pathologic features of this patient's tumor are sufficiently distinctive to exclude it from the well‐established categories of hepatic neoplasms. Histologically, the authors suggest the descriptive name “ossifying malignant mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the liver” as a preliminary description for this tumor until the origin and relationship to other hepatic neoplasms are further characterized. Cancer 2002;94:1018–22. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10345
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Mendenhall William M. , Zlotecki Robert A. , Scarborough Mark T.
Published: November 2004

In the current review, the authors set out to discuss the natural history and treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a rare indolent cutaneous tumor. Approximately 10–15% of all DFSPs contain areas of fibrosarcoma (DFSP‐FS), and such cases tend to exhibit more aggressive behavior. The optimal treatment for DFSP is resection with wide margins; the likelihood of local control associated with this procedure exceeds 90%. The probability of regional or distant metastases is ≤ 5%. Patients with positive or close surgical margins have an elevated risk of local recurrence after resection alone; however, postoperative radiotherapy results in local control rates of ≥ 85% in such patients. Postoperative radiotherapy also is indicated in the rare event that a patient has unresectable macroscopic disease. Experience with the use of radiotherapy alone to treat macroscopic disease is limited. Cancer 2004 © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Genetic similarities between Spitz nevus and Spitzoid melanoma in children
Authors: Gill Melissa , Cohen Jason , Renwick Neil , Mones Joan M. , Silvers David N. , Çelebi Jülide Tok
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Melanoma in children is rare. Diagnosis of the subtype of melanoma known as Spitzoid melanoma can be extremely challenging in this age group. Spitzoid melanoma clinically and histopathologically resembles a benign melanocytic proliferation referred to as Spitz nevus. In some cases, distinction between the two is impossible. Initial misdiagnoses of Spitzoid melanomas as Spitz nevi, thus leading to fatal outcomes, have occurred. The genetic basis and biologic behavior of Spitzoid melanoma is unknown. Although melanoma specimens exhibit high rates of mutation in the B‐RAF and N‐RAS genes, the Spitzoid melanoma subtype has not been evaluated. Spitz nevi have been found to be associated with a low percentage of mutations in the H‐RAS gene; however, the mutational profile of H‐RAS in Spitzoid melanoma is unknown.

METHODS

The authors evaluated a unique series of melanomas occurring in prepubescent children that showed Spitz nevus–like histopathology (Spitzoid melanoma). All of the melanomas in the current series have metastasized to lymph nodes, confirming the diagnosis of melanoma. The authors examined these tumors, as well as age‐matched Spitz nevi, for mutations in the B‐RAF, N‐RAS, and H‐RAS genes.

RESULTS

Activating hotspot mutations in the B‐RAF, N‐RAS, and H‐RAS genes were not identified in Spitzoid melanoma or Spitz nevus specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

There are genetic similarities with respect to the B‐RAF, N‐RAS, and H‐RAS genes between Spitzoid melanoma and Spitz nevi. Such similarities further differentiate these two tumor types from other melanoma subtypes and from melanocytic nevi, respectively. However, mutation analysis of B‐RAF, N‐RAS, and H‐RAS was not useful in differentiating between Spitzoid melanoma and Spitz nevus in children. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Neovascularization of bone marrow in patients with diffuse multiple myeloma
Authors: Baur Andrea , Bartl Reiner , Pellengahr Christoph , Baltin Vivian , Reiser Maximilian
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

The goal of the current study was to assess the correlation between bone marrow histology and contrast enhancement in infiltrative diffuse myeloma.

METHODS

Forty‐four patients with homogeneous diffuse infiltration of bone marrow by multiple myeloma were examined using magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The sequence protocol included T1‐weighted spin‐echo (pre– and post–gadolinium dimeglumine administration) and short–inversion time inversion recovery sequences. The percent increase in signal after intravenous gadolinium administration was calculated in bone marrow from patients with myeloma and from a control group of 86 patients who did not have bone marrow disease. Grade of infiltration with plasma cells, fat cell content, and hematopoietic marrow content were evaluated via histologic assessment of bone marrow, and microvessel density was evaluated via anti‐CD34‐positive immunostaining.

RESULTS

Increased microvessel density was observed in association with increasing plasma cell content (Kruskall–Wallis test: P < 0.0001). Contrast enhancement increased in a stepwise manner according to grade of microvessel density (Mann–Whitney U test: P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 for increases from low to intermediate and intermediate to high grade) and was significantly higher in patients with myeloma compared with control patients (Mann–Whitney U test: P < 0.001). A significant correlation also was found between histologic extent of tumor infiltration and contrast enhancement (Mann–Whitney U test: P < 0.0001). The mean level of contrast enhancement was 18% in the control group, 26% in patients with low‐grade infiltration, 49% in patients with intermediate‐grade infiltration, and 90% in patients with high‐grade infiltration. In addition, fat cell content was found to be inversely correlated with contrast enhancement (chi‐square test: P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

As a consequence of increased microvessel density, decreased fat cell content, and increased cellularity, the presence of diffuse bone marrow infiltration in patients with multiple myeloma can be verified using gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Successful human ovarian autotransplantation to the upper arm
Authors: Hilders Carina G. , Baranski Andrzej G. , Peters Lex , Ramkhelawan Andre , Trimbos J. Baptist
Published: November 2004

In young patients with cervical carcinoma, the standard surgical treatment is often followed by postoperative radiotherapy. This treatment strategy, although resulting in a significant increase in cure rates, often causes infertility and premature ovarian failure. Ovarian autotransplantation outside the field of radiotherapy is a new technique to preserve gonadal function.One ovary was transplanted to the left upper arm during the surgical treatment for cervical carcinoma. Vascular anastomoses were performed by microsurgery. After transplantation, the ovary showed adequate arterial and venous blood flow. By clinical examination and ultrasound monitoring, the ovarian cycles remained regular and follicle growth occurred normally for > 1 year. Heterotopic autotransplantation of the ovary to the upper arm is a promising surgical technique to maintain the ovarian function in women who become menopausal due to cancer treatment regimens. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The SOD2 Val/Val genotype enhances the risk of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma by p53 and XRCC1 polymorphisms
Authors: Liu Geoffrey , Zhou Wei , Park Sohee , Wang Lisa I. , Miller David P. , Wain John C. , Lynch Thomas J. , Su Li , Christiani David C.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces DNA damage. Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals, a major type of ROS, into hydrogen peroxide. p53 is a tumor suppressor gene, and X‐ray cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is involved in the base‐excision repair of ROS‐induced DNA damage.

METHODS

The authors investigated whether the SOD2 Ala16Val polymorphism modifies the associations between p53 Arg72Pro and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms and the risk of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in a case–control study of 935 Caucasian patients with NSCLC and 1233 healthy control participants. The results were analyzed using logistic regression models that were adjusted for possible confounding variables.

RESULTS

There was no association between p53 or XRCC1 polymorphism and NSCLC risk for individuals with SOD2 Ala/Ala or Ala/Val genotype. For individuals with the SOD2 Val/Val genotype, greater risks were found in association with p53 (variant Pro allele vs. Arg/Arg), XRCC1 (variant Gln allele vs. Arg/Arg), and the combination of the two polymorphisms (“double variant” vs. “double wild type”), with the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.84 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.20–2.82), 1.39 (95% CI, 0.98–2.21), and 2.54 (95% CI, 1.38–4.68), respectively. Furthermore, the greater risk for the double variant of p53 and XRCC1 in the SOD2 Val/Val genotype group was specific only for patients with adenocarcinoma and not for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, with adjusted ORs of 3.31 (95% CI, 1.68–6.51) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.24–2.02), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The SOD2 Val/Val genotype may increase the risk of NSCLC carried by XRCC1 and p53 polymorphisms, particularly for adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Convexity and all‐time C∞‐regularity of the interface in flame propagation
Authors: Daskalopoulos P. , Lee Ki‐Ahm
Published: November 2004

We consider the following one‐phase free boundary problem: Find (u, Ω) such that Ω = {u > 0} and

with QT = ℝn × (0, T). Under the condition that Ωo is convex and log uo is concave, we show that the convexity of Ω(t) and the concavity of log u(·, t) are preserved under the flow for 0 ≤ t ≤ T as long as ∂Ω(t) and u on Ω(t) are smooth. As a consequence, we show the existence of a smooth‐up‐to‐the‐interface solution, on 0 < t < Tc, with Tc denoting the extinction time of Ω(t). We also provide a new proof of a short‐time existence with C2,α initial data on the general domain. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Performance evaluation of Data Distribution Management strategies
Authors: Boukerche Azzedine , Dzermajko Caron
Published: November 2004

Data Distribution Management (DDM) is a High Level Architecture/Run‐Time Infrastructure (HLA/RTI) service that manages the distribution of state updates and interaction information in large‐scale distributed simulations and limits and controls the volume of data exchanged during the simulation.

In this paper, we describe a mini‐RTI framework that we have developed in an effort to determine the most efficient model for applying the DDM service and the limitations of the scalability of various DDM methods. We study and compare the performance of the following five DDM strategies: two variations of the fixed‐based method, two variations of the dynamics grid‐based scheme and the region‐based method. Due to a lack of accepted benchmarks, we also propose a variety of workloads and scenarios, which we hope will become a standards benchmark within the distributed simulation communities. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyelectrolytes inhibition effect on crystallization of gypsum
Authors: Doğan Ö. , Akyol E. , Öner M.
Published: November 2004

The spontaneous precipitation of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) at 30 °C was investigated in the presence of polyelectrolytes. The degree of inhibition is measured as the reduction in initial crystallization rate, determined by conductivity of the crystallizing solution. The inhibition increases with acid content of the copolymer. Changing the butyl ester to a hydrophilic ethylene oxide resulted in higher inhibition efficiency. The inhibition efficiency is believed to arise from the closer chain packing on the crystal surface. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A study on the tie‐set graph theory and network flow optimization problems
Authors: Koide Toshio , Kubo Haruki , Watanabe Hitoshi
Published: November 2004

Aiming at establishing a firm basic theory to ring‐based information network management systems, our paper proposes a tie‐set graph theory. We define a binary vector representing a tie‐set in a biconnected undirected graph G=(V,E) as a tie‐set vector. The set of tie‐set vectors forms a vector space over the proposed law of composition, then a basis of the vector space, μ linear independent tie‐set vectors, is defined as a tie‐set basis. The essential key concept in our theory is a tie‐set graph, which has a one‐to‐one correspondence to a tie‐set basis and represents a relation between two tie‐set vectors of the basis. Some important properties of tie‐set graphs and their application to survivable mesh networks in modern high‐speed backbone networks are also presented. Furthermore, as a general approach to network flow optimization problems, tie‐set flow vector space is proposed based on the tie‐set graph theory. A distributed algorithm for the network flow optimization problems and its application are also presented in this paper. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.