bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comments on “Volterra Kernel Identification Using Triangular Wavelets”
Authors: Safavi A.A.
Published: June 2007

This article presents some comments on the article recently published by Prazenica and Kurdila under the title “Volterra Kernel Identification Using Triangular Wavelets”. First some common misconceptions in the literature in using wavelets for modeling and identifications are addressed. Then, misconceptions and demonstrational errors regarding the definitions and applications of Haar wavelets and Haar scaling functions are highlighted within the article by Prazenica and Kurdila, and their consequences are investigated. Practical comments and some modifications are also provided.
An Actor-Oriented Dynamic Network Approach
Authors: van de Bunt Gerhard G. , Groenewegen Peter
Published: June 2007

There is a growing interest in intra- and interorganizational network dynamics. The central question in the latter domain is, ``How do firms choose collaborative partners given their present network configuration, their goals, and characteristics to get a strategic network position?'' We introduce actor-oriented network models as a method to describe and explain the development of interorganizational collaboration networks. The models are applied to longitudinal data about collaborative agreements within the genomics industry.
Hierarchical Linear Modeling in Organizational Research
Authors: Schonfeld Irvin Sam , Rindskopf David
Published: June 2007

Organizational researchers, including those carrying out occupational stress research, often conduct longitudinal studies. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM; also known as multilevel modeling and random regression) can efficiently organize analyses of longitudinal data by including within- and between-person levels of analysis. A great deal of longitudinal research has been conducted in the context of growth studies in which change in the dependent variable is examined in relation to the passage of time. HLM can treat longitudinal data, including data outside the context of the growth study, as nested data, reducing the problem of censoring. Within-person equation coefficients can represent the impact of Time t − 1 working conditions on Time t outcomes using all appropriate pairs of data points. Time itself need not be an independent variable of interest.
Content and Reliability of Discrepancy-Defined Self-Awareness in Multisource Feedback
Authors: Kulas John T. , Finkelstein Lisa M.
Published: June 2007

Although researchers have documented multiple antecedent and outcome correlates of the self-awareness construct, relatively little work has focused on placing the construct within a nomological network. Using item response theory (IRT) analyses of differential item functioning (DIF), the authors compared the relationships between observed and latent performance domains on a 360° assessment for high- and low-self-aware individuals. The reliability of discrepancy-defined self-awareness was assessed and deemed adequate, and indices of graded response model fit to 360° data were recorded. As an initial step toward defining this discrepancy-defined construct within a larger nomological network, extant constructs of personal warmth, self-promoting, and self-monitoring were identified as potential contributors to self-awareness using the DIF investigative framework.
Intervening in the Inevitable: Contesting Globalization in a Public Sector Organization
Authors: Spicer André , Fleming Peter
Published: June 2007

Drawing on data from a study of an Australian public broadcaster (the Australian Broadcasting Corporation), this paper demonstrates how the marketization of public sector organizations involves a `discourse of globalization' that legitimates marketization initiatives by making them appear inevitable. This discursive dimension also becomes a site of contestation. We examine three oppositional groups that challenge the apparent inevitability of globalization through a range of discursive tactics. They are surfacing implicitly shared values, appropriating dominant themes of globalization, and recovering traditional notions of public service. The paper explores the socio-political effects of such discursive tactics as they relate to understandings of globalization `from below'.
Discipline and Party Institutionalization in Post-Soviet Legislatures
Authors: Thames Frank C.
Published: June 2007

Fearing that weak or poorly institutionalized party systems may undermine democratic consolidation, scholars have examined party systems in a myriad of contexts. The vast majority of these studies utilize aggregate measures of party system institutionalization to assess the relative merits of individual systems. While laudable, relying on aggregate measures may obscure the effects of the variation in party institutionalization in different systems. This article examines legislative politics in postCommunist Russia and Ukraine to determine whether variation in party institutionalization, even in weakly institutionalized party systems, has significant effects. The empirical results show that variation in party institutionalization creates variation in levels of parliamentary party discipline in both contexts. This raises the possibility that systemic level analyses of party system institutionalization are ignoring the effects of within-system variation.
Tourist water safety: Surf Life Saving initiatives for the Japanese inbound market
Authors: De Nardi Monica , Wilks Jeff
Published: June 2007

Australia is viewed internationally as a desirable tourist destination. At a time when many other destinations are struggling with tourist health, safety and security issues, Australia is fortunate to have a stable political and social environment with little negative impact on both the community and international visitors. Within the Asia Pacific region, Japan is a very important inbound tourism market for Australia. Queensland, especially the Gold Coast, is a leading tourist destination preferred by Japanese tourists. In recent years, however, the number of Japanese inbound tourists to Australia has declined, while the market has simultaneously been exposed to adverse travel advisories. It is therefore essential for the destination to implement positive initiatives that demonstrate a genuine interest in keeping visitors safe. Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) plays an essential role in keeping tourists safe at the beach. This article outlines some of the innovative safety programs run by SLSQ on the Gold Coast specifically for the Japanese tourism market.
Children's Mental Health Services and Ethnic Diversity: Gujarati Families' Perspectives of Service Provision for Mental Health Problems
Authors: Dogra Nisha , Vostanis Panos , Abuateya Hala , Jewson Nick
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to explore Gujarati parents' and adolescents' perceptions of child and adolescent mental health services and how these should be improved to best meet their needs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out with 15 parents and 15 young people, recruited from a community centre. Overall, the quality of the service appeared more important than its responsiveness to culture or ethnicity for both young people and their parents. These findings indicate the need for further evidence and debate on whether Black and ethnic minority families should be treated as though they are a homogenous group.
Initiation Rites as a Perceived Stressor for Isixhosa Males with Schizophrenia
Authors: Le Roux Roselle , Hendrik Niehaus Daniel Jan , Koen Liezl , Seller Cathlene , Lochner Christine , Emsley Robin Alexander
Published: June 2007

Although traditional initiation forms a pivotal part of Xhosa culture, it may be a stressful life event for the individual. In this study, 75 Xhosa males diagnosed with schizophrenia were interviewed to examine their perceptions of the role of initiation in the onset and course of their illness. In all, eight patients (10.7%) perceived the initiation rites as a stressful event that had triggered the onset of a psychotic episode, and six (8%) felt it precipitated a relapse. Our findings suggest that initiation rituals may be perceived as a stressful life event influencing the onset and course of schizophrenia. This underlines the importance of understanding the cultural background of patients.
Trust in Science
Authors: Sztompka Piotr
Published: June 2007

Trust in science means in effect trust in scholars and their actions. Both the strategic trust based on concrete estimates of trustworthiness and the culture of trust understood as a general imperative to be trustful based on the general presumption of trustworthiness are engendered by the axiological and normative framework typical for the domain of science and known as a scientific ethos. The classical codification of the ethos of science was proposed by Robert K. Merton by means of four principles: universalism, communalism, disinterestedness and organized scepticism. Each of them is shown to facilitate or even evoke the truthful, competent, sincere and honest — in brief: trustworthy — conduct of scholars. The ethos of science and its implication — the trustworthiness of scholars — explain relatively low levels of fraud and plagiarism as compared with other domains. Unfortunately this description is adequate only with respect to the traditional model of `academic science'. In our time we have witnessed the emergence of a different model of science characterized by dependence on huge financial resources, privatization and secrecy of research, commodification of research results, bureaucratization of scientific institutions and instrumentalization of science by subjecting it to extra-scientific interests. In this period of `post-academic science' Mertonian norms lose some of their binding moral power, and the decay of trust in science is the predictable result. Consequently, the opportunities for, and actual cases of, fraud and plagiarism seem on the increase. To oppose this tendency it is necessary to rejuvenate the ethos of science by returning to Mertonian principles, but at the same time reformulating them in ways more adequate to the current institutional structures of post-academic science.
The Three Merton Theses
Authors: Enebakk Vidar
Published: June 2007

In this article I examine the historical background to Merton's formulation of the scientific ethos, especially in relation to his dissertation, published in 1938 as Science, Technology and Society in Seventeenth-Century England. Here Merton outlined the so-called `Merton thesis', and I emphasize how both the content and the context of the monograph is related to his formulation of an `ethos of science' — introduced for the first time in 1938 in `Science and the Social Order'. Three different readings can, however, highlight different aspects of Merton's monograph, thus the article attempts to enrich the understanding both of the ethos of science and of Merton as a politically engaged social scientist by discussing `The Three Merton Theses'.
Social movements and political practice in education
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: June 2007

In this article I respond to the analyses of Educating the `Right'Way and The State and the Politics of Knowledge that were given by Stephen Ball, Russell Fox and Antonio Novoa. I situate the development of the kinds of argument that these books make, in the larger corpus of my work and in the growth of neoliberal, neoconservative, authoritarian populist religious movements, and the new managerial emphases that have become so powerful internationally in education. I then discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the thoughtful points made by Ball, Fox and Novoa.
Truth and truthfulness in the sociology of educational knowledge
Authors: Young Michael , Muller Johan
Published: June 2007

The aim of this article is to reflect on and explore questions of truth and objectivity in the sociology of educational knowledge. It begins by reviewing the problems raised by the social constructivist approaches to knowledge associated with the `new sociology of education' of the I970s. It suggests that they have significant parallels with the pragmatist ideas of James and Dewey that Durkheim analysed so perceptively in his lectures on pragmatism. The article then considers Basil Bernstein$quoteright$s development of Durkheim$quoteright$s ideas.We argue that despite his highly original conceptual advances Bernstein seems to accept, at least implicitly, that the natural sciences remain the only model for objective knowledge. This leads us to a discussion of Ernest Cassirer$quoteright$s idea of symbolic forms as a more adequate basis for the sociology of knowledge. In the conclusion, the article suggests how an approach to knowledge in educational studies that draws on Cassirer$quoteright$s idea of$space$quoteleftsymbolic objectivity' can come to terms with the tension between the concept of truth and a commitment to `being truthful' that was left unresolved, even unaddressed, by the $space$quoteleftnew' sociology of education of the I970s.
Developing a model of inclusive citizenship `Institutional multiculturalism' and the citizen—state relationship
Authors: Kiwan Dina
Published: June 2007

In this article, I propose an inclusive model of citizenship, drawing both on empirical data collected on `constructions' of citizenship in the English citizenship education policy process, and also developing certain themes raised in the politico-philosophical literature on citizenship.This model consists of two main components: the concept of `institutional' multiculturalism, constituted as process; and that citizenship education must redirect its emphasis to the citizen—state relationship, relative to the emphasis on the relationship between individuals and groups from different backgrounds and cultures, the predominant focus of `interculturalism' (Gundara, 2003; Kymlicka, 2003). Implications for policy and practice are considered.
Incidence and clinical implications of GATA1 mutations in newborns with Down syndrome
Authors: Pine Sharon R. , Guo Qianxu , Yin Changhong , Jayabose Somasundaram , Druschel Charlotte M. , Sandoval Claudio
Published: June 2007

Somatic mutations in the GATA1 gene are present in almost all cases of Down syndrome (DS)–associated acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and transient leukemia (TL). An in utero origin of the GATA1 mutation suggests it is an early leukemogenic event. To determine the detectable incidence and clinical relevance of GATA1 mutations in DS newborns, we screened Guthrie cards from 590 DS infants for mutations in the GATA1 gene. Twenty-two (3.8%) of 585 evaluable infants harbored a predicted functional GATA1 mutation; 2 were identified exclusively within intron 1. Hispanic newborns were 2.6 times more likely to have a mutated GATA1 gene than non-Hispanics (P = .02). Two newborns with a GATA1 mutation subsequently developed AMKL, and none of the infants without a functional GATA1 mutation were reported to have developed leukemia. In addition to screening for TL, a GATA1 mutation at birth might serve as a biomarker for an increased risk of DS-related AMKL.
The immunogenicity of Bcr-Abl–expressing dendritic cells is dependent on the Bcr-Abl kinase activity and dominated by Bcr-Abl–regulated antigens
Authors: Scheich Florian , Duyster Justus , Peschel Christian , Bernhard Helga
Published: June 2007

In Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the constitutively active Bcr-Abl kinase leads to the up-regulation and activation of multiple genes, which may subsequently result in the expression of leukemia-associated antigens. In this study, we investigated the immunogenicity of Bcr-Abl–regulated antigens by stimulating CD8+ T lymphocytes with autologous dendritic cells transfected with RNA coding for Bcr-Abl wild-type or a kinase-deficient mutant. Significant HLA class I–restricted T-cell responses were detected against antigens regulated by the Bcr-Abl kinase, but not toward the Bcr-Abl protein itself. The T-cell repertoire of a patient with CML in major molecular remission due to imatinib mesylate was also dominated by T cells directed against Bcr-Abl–regulated antigens. These results encourage the development of immunotherapeutic approaches against Bcr-Abl–regulated antigens for the treatment of CML patients with residual disease following therapy with Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors.
Communicating genetic information: a difficult challenge for future pediatricians
Authors: Rosas-Blum Eduardo , Shirsat Pratibha , Leiner Marie
Published: June 2007

Background

The role of the pediatrician as genetic counselor is ideal because pediatricians have medical knowledge and experience with genetic disorders (e.g. Down syndrome). Moreover, pediatricians can provide comprehensive care in a medical home to patients with genetic disorders. However, changes in the curriculum of the pediatric resident are necessary to address the future challenges of effectively communicating genetic information to patients. The objective of this study was to explore these challenges and make recommendations for training to adequately prepare pediatricians for their future role as genetic counselors.

Methods

Three reviewers independently searched PubMed, OVID, and Medline databases to identify articles describing the challenges of communicating genetic information to patients, published from 1960 to December 2005. After the publications were identified and reviewed, four major areas of interest were identified in order to categorize the findings.

Results

Twenty-five publications were identified during the literature search. From the review, the following categories were selected to organize the findings: (1) Inherent difficulties of communicating and comprehending genetic information; (2) Comprehension of genetic information by pediatricians; (3) Genetics training in residency programs; and (4) The effect of genetic information on the future role of pediatricians and potential legal implications.

Conclusion

Pediatricians and residents lack essential knowledge of genetics and communication skills for effective counseling of patients. The review indicated that successful communication of genetic information involves a number of important skills and considerations. It is likely that these skills and considerations are universally required for the communication of most complex specialized medical information. In the past, communication skills have not been considered a priority. Today, these skills have become a demanding professional and even legal obligation. However, the challenges involved in communicating complex medical information cannot be successfully addressed with universal, one-size-fits-all recommendations. Residency training programs require changes to adequately prepare future pediatricians for the growing challenge of communicating genetic information. Four important skills should be considered in the training of residents to improve the communication of complex information to patients. These skills are (1) discriminating, (2) understanding, (3) simplifying, and (4) explaining information.
Fas (CD95) induces macrophage proinflammatory chemokine production via a MyD88-dependent, caspase-independent pathway
Authors: Altemeier William A , Zhu Xiaodong , Berrington William R , Harlan John M , Liles W Conrad
Published: June 2007

Activation of the prototypical death receptor, Fas (CD95), can induce both caspase-dependent cell death and production of proinflammatory chemokines, leading to neutrophil recruitment and end-organ injury. The precise mechanism(s) by which Fas up-regulates chemokine production and release, is currently unclear. We hypothesized that Fas-induced chemokine release by macrophages is dependent on the MyD88 adaptor molecule and independent of caspase activity. To test this hypothesis, we measured chemokine response to Fas activation both in RAW 264.7 cells with RNAi-attenuated MyD88 expression and in MyD88-deficient primary macrophages. We found that Fas-induced chemokine release was abrogated in the absence of MyD88. In vivo, MyD88−/− mice had impaired CXCL1/KC release and polymorphonuclear cell recruitment in response to intratracheal treatment with the Fas-activating monoclonal antibody, Jo-2. Furthermore, Fas-induced chemokine release was not dependent on either IL-1 receptor signaling or on caspase activity. We conclude that MyD88 plays an integral role in Fas-induced macrophage-mediated inflammation.
Identification of a New Subset of Myeloid Suppressor Cells in Peripheral Blood of Melanoma Patients With Modulation by a Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulation Factor–Based Antitumor Vaccine
Authors: Filipazzi Paola , Valenti Roberta , Huber Veronica , Pilla Lorenzo , Canese Paola , Iero Manuela , Castelli Chiara , Mariani Luigi , Parmiani Giorgio , Rivoltini Licia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Phenotypic and functional features of myeloid suppressor cells (MSC), which are known to serve as critical regulators of antitumor T-cell responses in tumor-bearing mice, are still poorly defined in human cancers. Here, we analyzed myeloid subsets with suppressive activity present in peripheral blood of metastatic melanoma patients and evaluated their modulation by a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) –based antitumor vaccine.

Patients and Methods

Stage IV metastatic melanoma patients (n = 16) vaccinated with autologous tumor-derived heat shock protein peptide complex gp96 (HSPPC-96) and low-dose GM-CSF provided pre- and post-treatment whole blood specimens. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry, separated into cellular subsets, and used for in vitro proliferation assays. PBMCs from stage-matched metastatic melanoma patients (n = 12) treated with non–GM-CSF-based vaccines (ie, HSPPC-96 alone or interferon alfa/melanoma–derived peptides) or sex- and age-matched healthy donors (n = 16) were also analyzed for comparison.

Results

The lack of or low HLA-DR expression was found to identify a CD14+cell subset highly suppressive of lymphocyte functions. CD14+HLA-DR–/locells were significantly expanded in all metastatic melanoma patients, whereas they were undetectable in healthy donors. Suppressive activity was mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), whereas no involvement of the arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase pathways could be detected. CD14+HLA-DR–/locells, as well as spontaneous ex vivo release and plasma levels of TGF-β, were augmented after administration of the HSPPC-96/GM-CSF vaccine. No enhancement of the CD14+-mediated suppressive activity was found in patients receiving non–GM-CSF-based vaccines.

Conclusion

CD14+HLA-DR–/locells exerting TGF-β–mediated immune suppression represent a new subset of MSC potentially expandable by the administration of GM-CSF–based vaccines in metastatic melanoma patients.
Identification of a Proliferation Signature Related to Survival in Nodal Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Cuadros Marta , Dave Sandeep S. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Honrado Emiliano , Milne Roger , Alves Javier , Rodríguez Jose , Zajac Magdalena , Benitez Javier , Staudt Louis M. , Martinez-Delgado Beatriz
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, suggesting the existence of molecular differences contributing to their histologic and clinical variability. Initial expression profiling studies of T-cell lymphomas have been inconclusive in yielding clinically relevant insights. We applied DNA microarrays to gain insight into the molecular signatures associated with prognosis.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the expression profiles of 35 nodal PTCLs (23 PTCLs unspecified and 12 angioimmunoblastic) using two different microarray platforms, the cDNA microarray developed at the Spanish National Cancer Centre and an oligonucleotide microarray.

Results

We identified five clusters of genes, the expression of which varied significantly among the samples. Genes in these clusters seemed to be functionally related to different cellular processes such as proliferation, inflammatory response, and T-cell or B-cell lineages. Regardless of the microarray platform used, overexpression of genes in the proliferation signature was associated significantly with shorter survival of patients. This proliferation signature included genes commonly associated with the cell cycle, such as CCNA, CCNB, TOP2A, and PCNA. Moreover the PTCL proliferation signature showed a statistically significant inverse correlation with clusters of the inflammatory response (P < .0001), as well as with the percentage of CD68+ cells.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that proliferation could be an important factor in evaluating nodal PTCL outcome and may help to define a more aggressive phenotype.
Lost Opportunities: Physicians' Reasons and Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Bickell Nina A. , LePar Felice , Wang Jason J. , Leventhal Howard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Women with breast cancer do not consistently receive adjuvant treatments that have been shown to increase survival. Acquiring an understanding of the reasons for these lost opportunities may inform strategies for quality improvement.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with surgeons treating 119 women who did not receive guideline-recommended adjuvant therapy to ascertain reasons underlying treatment omission. Primary reason for underuse was categorized as not recommended, recommended but declined, or system failure (treatment recommended, not refused but did not ensue). Logistic regression identified patient characteristics, and surgeons' practice and referral patterns associated with underuse.

Results

Surgeons did not recommend adjuvant treatment for 41 (34%) of 119 women, most often because perceived risks exceeded benefits (37 of 119; 31%); unawareness of treatment benefits was rare (four of 119; 3%). Among the 78 (66%) of 119 for whom surgeons recommended treatment, 37 (31%) declined therapy; 41 (34%) system failures occurred. System failures occurred more commonly among minority than white women (73% v 54%; P < .01), and more commonly in women who were receiving Medicaid or were uninsured than those with Medicare or commercial insurance (54% v 19%; P < .01). Women treated by a surgeon who works closely with oncologists were less likely to experience a system failure (84% v 68%; P < .05).

Conclusion

One third of underuse episodes were attributable to surgeons' perceptions that treatment was not indicated, one third because women did not accept recommendations, and one third were the result of system failures. Reasons for underuse of adjuvant breast cancer treatments appear multifactorial and this heterogeneity suggests the need for simultaneous development of different strategies to improve care.
Age, Health, and Education Determine Supportive Care Needs of Men Younger Than 70 Years With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Smith David P. , Supramaniam Rajah , King Madeleine T. , Ward Jeanette , Berry Martin , Armstrong Bruce K.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

It is important to meet the supportive care needs of cancer patients to ensure their satisfaction with their care. A population-wide sample of men younger than 70 years and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer was surveyed to determine their unmet needs in five domains and the factors predicting them.

Patients and Methods

Eligible men were younger than 70 years and residents in New South Wales, Australia, with newly diagnosed histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer. Sixty-seven percent of eligible men diagnosed between October 2000 and October 2001 participated. Demographic, treatment, and self-reported health data were collected. Information on cancer stage, grade, and prostate-specific antigen was obtained from medical records. Logistic regression analyses determined patient and treatment variables that predicted higher unmet needs.

Results

More than half (54%) of men with prostate cancer expressed some level of unmet psychological need, and 47% expressed unmet sexuality needs. Nearly one fourth expressed a moderate or high level of unmet need with respect to changes in sexuality. Sexuality needs were independently predicted by being younger, having had a secondary school education only, having had surgery, and being married, living as married, or divorced. Uncertainty about the future was also an important area of unmet need.

Conclusion

Attention should be given to sexual and psychological needs in the early months after diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer, particularly in younger men, those with less education, and those having surgery. Research into better ways of meeting these needs will enable us to meet them with as much rigor as we meet clinical treatment needs.
Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and Radiotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Results of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group Phase II Study N9942
Authors: Haddock Michael G. , Swaminathan Revathi , Foster Nathan R. , Hauge Mark D. , Martenson James A. , Camoriano John K. , Stella Philip J. , Tenglin Richard C. , Schaefer Paul L. , Moore Dennis F. , Alberts Steven R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy and toxicity of radiotherapy with concomitant gemcitabine and cisplatin for patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

Forty-eight patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma received gemcitabine (30 mg/m2) and cisplatin (10 mg/m2) twice weekly during the first 3 weeks of radiotherapy. The radiation dose to the primary tumor and regional nodes was 45 Gy in 25 fractions, and the gross tumor volume received an additional 5.4 Gy in three fractions. Four weeks after radiotherapy, patients received gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) once weekly every 3 of 4 weeks for a 12-week period. The primary end point was survival at 12 months. Secondary end points were time to progression, toxicity, and quality of life.

Results

Survival at 1 year was 40% for 47 eligible patients. The median survival was 10.2 months. Confirmed responses were observed for 8.5% (two partial, two complete), and median time to progression was 7.3 months. Grade 4 or higher toxicity was observed for 31% and consisted primarily of hematologic and GI toxicity. There was a trend toward improved overall quality of life, measured by the Symptom Distress Scale (P = .06), with significant improvements in domains of insomnia, pain, and outlook.

Conclusion

The combination of radiotherapy, gemcitabine, and cisplatin was well tolerated. Survival results were similar to those achieved with other treatment regimens for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer but did not meet our predefined criteria for additional evaluation of this regimen.
Social and Racial Differences in Selection of Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens
Authors: Griggs Jennifer J. , Culakova Eva , Sorbero Melony E.S. , Poniewierski Marek S. , Wolff Debra A. , Crawford Jeffrey , Dale David C. , Lyman Gary H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Breast cancer outcomes are worse among black women and women of lower socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to investigate racial and social differences in selection of breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.

Methods

Detailed information on patient, disease, and treatment factors was collected prospectively on 957 patients who were receiving breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy in 101 oncology practices throughout the United States. Adjuvant chemotherapy regimens included in any of several published guidelines were considered standard. Receipt of nonstandard regimens was examined according to clinical and nonclinical factors. Differences between groups were assessed using χ2 tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with use of nonstandard regimens.

Results

Black race (P = .008), lower educational attainment (P = .003), age ≥ 70 years (P = .001), higher stage (P < .0001), insurance type (P = .048), employment status (P = .045), employment type (P = .025), and geographic location (P = .021) were associated with the use of nonstandard regimens in univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, black race (P = .020), lower educational attainment (P = .024), age ≥ 70 years (P = .032), and higher stage (P < .0001) were associated with receipt of nonstandard regimens.

Conclusion

The more frequent use of non–guideline-concordant adjuvant chemotherapy regimens in black women and women with lower educational attainment may contribute to less favorable outcomes in these populations. Addressing such differences in care may improve cancer outcomes in vulnerable populations.
High Expression Levels of the ETS-Related Gene, ERG, Predict Adverse Outcome and Improve Molecular Risk-Based Classification of Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study
Authors: Marcucci Guido , Maharry Kati , Whitman Susan P. , Vukosavljevic Tamara , Paschka Peter , Langer Christian , Mrózek Krzysztof , Baldus Claudia D. , Carroll Andrew J. , Powell Bayard L. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Larson Richard A. , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To validate ERG overexpression as an adverse predictor and assess its prognostic value in the context of other molecular markers in cytogenetically normal (CN) -acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Patients and Methods

Seventy-six adult patients with primary CN-AML, younger than 60 years and treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial 19808, were evaluated for ERG expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. They were then combined with 72 patients enrolled onto CALGB 9621 for analyses that included other molecular markers.

Results

Similar to patients enrolled onto CALGB 9621, high ERG expressers on CALGB 19808 had fewer complete remissions (CRs; P = .03) and worse event-free survival (EFS; P = .016) than low ERG expressers. In the combined set, high expressers (n = 55) had fewer CRs (P = .004) and shorter EFS (P < .001) than low expressers (n = 93). High ERG predicted failure to achieve CR (P = .004) after adjusting for BAALC expression (P = .04) and age (P = .008), and EFS (P = .004) after adjusting for FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD; P < .001). Among patients without FLT3-ITD (FLT3-ITD negative), only high ERG predicted shorter EFS (P = .001). Among NPM1-mutated (NPM1 positive) patients, high ERG predicted shorter EFS (P = .003), after adjusting for FLT3-ITD (P < .001). When all three markers were considered together, in the favorable FLT3-ITD–negative/NPM1-positive subset, high ERG was the only factor predicting shorter EFS (P = .002).

Conclusion

We validated ERG overexpression as an adverse predictor in CN-AML. Moreover, by using ERG expression levels, we improved the previously proposed molecular-risk classification of CN-AML based on the presence or absence of FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutations, given that we identified subsets with different outcome among FLT3-ITD–negative, NPM1-positive, and FLT3-ITD–negative/NPM1-positive patients.
Identifying Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients: The Influence of the Patient, Surgeon, and Pathologist
Authors: Morris Eva Judith Ann , Maughan Nicola Joanne , Forman David , Quirke Philip
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Nodal yields from resected colorectal cancers vary greatly. This study sought to determine what patient, tumor, and management factors influence the number of nodes retrieved and to determine if the extent of lymphadenectomy affects stage allocation and influences survival.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study of the nodal yields of 7,062 surgically resected colorectal cancer patients for whom colorectal pathology minimum data sets had been collected. The percentage of patients diagnosed as stage III was compared across nodal yield categories. A threshold for an adequate lymphadenectomy was defined as retrieval of 12 nodes. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with obtaining an adequate lymphadenectomy.

Results

Median nodal yields increased over the study period from 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 4 to 11) in 1995 to 13 (IQR 8 to 19) in 2003. There was no difference in yield by cancer site or sex, but yields were lower in older patients. Yields increased with increasing local invasion and stage of tumor. The percentage of patients diagnosed as stage III increased as yields increased. Five-year survival was lower in those patients who did not have an adequate lymphadenectomy. Adequate lymphadenectomy was significantly more likely in patients with advanced tumors and when the surgery and pathology was undertaken by a specialist. Older patients were significantly less likely to receive an adequate lymphadenectomy.

Conclusion

Variations in nodal yield are due to idiosyncratic patient and tumor characteristics and differences in the quality of surgery and pathology undertaken. Adequate lymphadenectomy is essential to ensure correct stage allocation and optimal survival.
Weekly Infusional High-Dose Fluorouracil (HD-FU), HD-FU Plus Folinic Acid (HD-FU/FA), or HD-FU/FA Plus Biweekly Cisplatin in Advanced Gastric Cancer: Randomized Phase II Trial 40953 of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Gastrointestinal Group and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie
Authors: Lutz Manfred P. , Wilke Hansjochen , Wagener D.J. Theo , Vanhoefer Udo , Jeziorski Krzysztof , Hegewisch-Becker Susanna , Balleisen Leopold , Joossens Eric , Jansen Rob L. , Debois Muriel , Bethe Ullrich , Praet Michel , Wils Jacques , Van Cutsem Eric
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This multicentric, randomized, two-stage phase II trial evaluated three simplified weekly infusional regimens of fluorouracil (FU) or FU plus folinic acid (FA) and cisplatin (Cis) with the aim to select a regimen for future phase III trials.

Patients and Methods

A total of 145 patients with advanced gastric cancer where randomly assigned to weekly FU 3,000 mg/m2/24 hours (HD-FU), FU 2,600 mg/m2/24 hours plus dl-FA 500 mg/m2 or l-FA 250 mg/m2 (HD-FU/FA), or FU 2000 mg/m2/24 hours plus FA plus biweekly Cis 50 mg/m2, each administered for 6 weeks with a 1-week rest. The primary end point was the response rate.

Results

Confirmed responses were observed in 6.1% (two of 33) of the eligible patients treated with HD-FU, in 25% (12 of 48, including one complete remission [CR]) with HD-FU/FA, and in 45.7% (21 of 46, including four CRs) with HD-FU/FA/Cis. The HD-FU arm was closed after stage 1 because the required minimum number of responses was not met. The median progression-free survival of all patients in the HD-FU, HD-FU/FA, and HD-FU/FA/Cis arm was 1.9, 4.0, and 6.1 months, respectively. The median overall survival was 7.1, 8.9, and 9.7 months, and the survival rate at 1 year was 24.3%, 30.3%, and 45.3%, respectively. Grade 4 toxicities were rare. The most relevant grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia in 1.9%, 5.4%, and 19.6%, and diarrhea in 2.7%, 1.9%, and 3.9% of the cycles in the HD-FU, HD-FU/FA, and HD-/FU/Cis arms, respectively.

Conclusion

Weekly infusional FU/FA plus biweekly Cis is effective and safe in patients with gastric cancer.
Hydrogen Production and Morphological Change of Chrysotile Asbestos in the Radiolysis of Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Aoyagi Noboru , Nagaishi Ryuji , Esaka Fumitaka , Yamada Reiji
Published: June 2007

A high yield of H2 gas was unprecedentedly produced by the radiolysis of water-containing asbestos while the morphology of them turned fibrous bundles into nonfibrous particles in 0.40 M H2SO4 solution over 2.0 MGy dose of irradiation.
A Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Using a Red Ruthenium(II) Complex with 9,9-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diazafluorene
Authors: Ono Katsuhiko , Tanaka Hiromitsu , Shiozawa Masahito , Motohiro Tomoyoshi , Kunikane Shigemitsu , Saito Katsuhiro
Published: June 2007

A ruthenium(II) complex containing a 4,5-diazafluorene moiety as a polypyridyl ligand was synthesized and its properties were investigated. A solar cell using the complex as a dye sensitizer showed a solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency of η=7.3% under irradiation with AM 1.5 solar light; the value was slightly higher than that of red dye N719 (η=7.0%).
Novel Route to Synthesize Nanosized β-Zeolite with High Surface Area
Authors: Sakthivel Ayyamperumal , Komura Kenichi , Sugi Yoshihiro
Published: June 2007

Nanosized β-zeolite was synthesized in presence of two templates viz., tetraethylammonium hydroxide and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide by steaming dry-gel precursors.
Preparation of GaN Powder by Mechanochemical Treatment of Gallium under Ammonia Gas Environment
Authors: Kano Junya , Jenfeng Lu , Kang In-Cheol , Tongamp William , Kobayashi Eiko , Saito Fumio
Published: June 2007

A new route for synthesizing GaN from gallium metal by grinding in NH3 gas atmosphere is proposed in this paper. The proposed route is to grind Ga metal under ammonia gas atmosphere by using a planetary mill with unisized ZrO2 balls. The grinding, which induces mechanochemical reaction between the two, has been conducted. The formation of GaN was confirmed in XRD patterns, and the peak intensity of GaN increases with grinding time.
Anion Incorporation-induced Cage Deformation in 12CaO·7Al2O3 Crystal
Authors: Nomura Takatoshi , Hayashi Katsuro , Kubota Yoshiki , Kamiya Toshio , Hirano Masahiro , Takata Masaki , Hosono Hideo
Published: June 2007

Effects of O2− or OH− ion incorporation on the cage geometry in 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7) crystals are examined by the maximum entropy method (MEM)/Rietveld analyses of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. Presence of an extraframework anion in a cage causes inward displacements of two Ca2+ ions axially coordinating to the anion. The OH− ion locates at the cage center and induces smaller symmetric displacements of the two Ca2+ ions, while the O2− ion likely locates on off-axis positions and induces larger asymmetric Ca2+ ion displacements.
Measurements of Ammonium and Sodium salt Aerosol Particles Using a Laser-ionization Single-particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Narukawa Masahiro , Matsumi Yutaka , Takahashi Kenshi , Yabushita Akihiro
Published: June 2007

Using a laser-ionization single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (LISPA-MS), mass spectra of ammonium and sodium salt particles were obtained. In the negative-ion mass spectra, HSO4−, and NO2− and NO3− were dominant ions for (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 particles, respectively, while ions with sodium were also dominant for Na2SO4 and NaNO3 particles. The chemical compositions of such salt aerosol particles can be inferred from the distribution of ions in those negative-ion mass spectra obtained using the LISPA-MS.
A Self-template Method for Mesoporous Organosilica Particles
Authors: Koo Sang Man , Hah Hoe Jin , Han Dong Il , Jung Chan Yoon
Published: June 2007

Mesoporous organosilica particles with large internal pores were prepared by a self-template, self-assembly process using homo- and heterocondensation of silane mixture, and extraction of highly soluble, homocondensed PTMS. This method not only provides a simple synthetic route without using an expensive template but also endows chemical flexibility to mesoporous particles owing to alkyl and aryl functional groups in organosilanes.
Complexant-assisted Fabrication of Flowery Assembly of Hexagonal Close-packed Cobalt Nanoplatelets
Authors: Ni Xiaomin , Li Dongguo , Zhang Yongfeng , Zheng Huagui
Published: June 2007

Flowery assembly of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) cobalt nanoplatelets was fabricated in high yield via a simple one-pot method without any surfactants. The process involved the reduction of the precursor of cobalt dimethylglyoximate with hydrazine in a basic medium. Thus-prepared cobalt flowers exhibited a ferromagnetic characteristic with the coercivity of 308 Oe at room temperature, much higher than that of bulk counterpart.
Phase maps for particles and microorganisms in animal quarters
Authors: Weihe W. H.
Published: June 2007

Measurements of fallout of particles and microorganisms were carried out during the light and dark period in animal rooms occupied by rats, rabbits, cats and monkeys. Correlations between both parameters were established. The 24-hour mean was calculated and the percentage deviation of the individual measurements from this mean used for the elaboration of phase maps. For rats there is a high increase of particle and microorganism emission during the night following the activity cycle, while for cats and monkeys emission increases only during the feeding period. In rabbit rooms there is a nearly equal emission during day and night.
X-ray enlargement modified for use in experimental animal science
Authors: Freyschmidt J. , Reznik G. , Reznik-Schüller Hildegard , Eckel H. , Rippel W.
Published: June 2007

The primary enlarged x-ray image is produced by a reduction of the focal-film-distance to 80 cm at a given focal size of 0·15 mm. The advantages of this technique as compared to conventional x-ray methods are exemplified with x-ray images from the shoulder joint of a European hamster, a pseudoarthrosis in the foreleg of a beagle, and a renovasography of a rat. The principles of the technique and its significance for investigations using small laboratory animals are discussed.
Occurrence of calcium deposits in the ovaries of the baboon
Authors: Ishmael J.
Published: June 2007

Calcium deposits were found in the ovaries of 87 (81·3%) of a series of 107 young female baboons. The deposits were located in the cortex and in the majority of instances were bilateral. They were thought to arise as a result of dystrophic calcification in atretic follicles.
A discounted least squares quadratic growth prediction model for use in 2 year toxicity studies
Authors: Iman Ronald L. , Brunden Marshall N.
Published: June 2007

Weekly weighings of the laboratory rats are required to determine the correct dosage for mixing in the food. This creates problems in that the food mixing must be done immediately after the weighings and staff are often heavily taxed to perform the task. A discounted least squares growth prediction model allows for prediction of weights a week ahead of time, obviating the necessity for instantaneously processing the weight data. When dosages were prepared based on these predictions, for 10 treatment combinations 100% of the doses proved to be within 8·0% of the required dosage; 98·4% were within 5% of the required dosage; 78·7% were within 2% of the required dosage; and 51·6% were within 1% of the required dosage. The quadratic weight prediction model can also be incorporated into a model for predicting food consumption.
Spleen and liver weight changes in NZB mice with haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Simpson L. O.
Published: June 2007

Spleen and liver weights from 998 NZB mice were subjected to computerised multivariate analysis. 3-dimensional graphs relating predicted spleen and liver weights to age and body weight were prepared and the relationship of the fitted surface to the histology and pathological autoantibody is discussed. On the basis of spleen weight increase, red-cell destruction throughout the greater part of life seems to be mainly intrasplenic, while intrahepatic destruction does not become important until later, when it is probably a dominant feature in the terminal period of the disease. Only limited organ weight increases occur in breeding females, and it is suggested that pregnancy lessens the effect of the haemolytic disease, the 'protective' effect extending long after the cessation of breeding.
The mongolian gerbil: qualitative and quantitative aspects of the cellular blood picture
Authors: Dillon Walter G. , Glomski Chester A.
Published: June 2007

The gerbil displays sex determined differences in packed red-cell volume, haemoglobin level, total leukocyte count and absolute number of circulating lymphocytes. The erythrocytes demonstrate a prominent polychromasia and frequent occurrence of basophilic stippling.
A survey of laboratory animal disease in kenya
Authors: Cooper J. E.
Published: June 2007

Diseases and infections diagnosed in laboratory mice, rats, guinea-pigs, golden hamsters and rabbits at the Veterinary Research Laboratory, Kabete, Kenya, are listed and discussed. Zoonoses encountered included salmonellosis and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. A number of traditionally recognised conditions were recorded but there were some notable omissions. The changing picture in laboratory animal science in East Africa is outlined and attention is drawn to the need for work on related diseases and infections.