bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatotoxicity in acute iron poisoning
Authors: Robertson A , Tenenbein M
Published: November 2005

Although liver injury is a recognized consequence of acute iron poisoning, its description is limited to several case reports. It appears to be dose-related, however, there are published reports of severe iron poisoning without liver injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the hypothesis that this is a dose-related phenomenon and to identify the serum iron concentration of risk for this outcome. The design of this study is a retrospective review of our hospital's experience over 20 years. Extracted data included demographics, time of ingestion, highest serum iron concentration and highest hepatic transaminase activity. Iron poisoning was defined as a serum iron concentration / 300 mg/dL (55 mmol/L) within 12 hours of ingestion. Hepatotoxicity was defined as a serum transaminase (either ALT or AST) / 150 U/L. Severe hepatotoxicity was defined as / 1000 U/L. Seventy-three patients (1 / 704 mg/dL (55 / 48 years old) participated in the study and of these patients 60 (47 female) did not have hepatotoxicity. Their serum iron concentrations were 300 / 128 mmol/L). Thirteen patients had hepatotoxicity and of these patients, nine had severe liver injury. Severe injury was associated with serum iron concentrations well in excess of 1000 mg/dL (182 mmol/L). Our data support hepatotoxicity due to iron poisoning as a doserelated phenomenon with clinically important cases unlikely with a serum iron concentration of B / 700 mg/dL (128 mmol/L) within the first 12 hours. Clinically important hepatotoxicity occurs with values in excess of 1000 mg/dL (182 mmol/L).
Oxidative stress in operating room personnel: occupational exposure to anesthetic gases
Authors: Malekirad A Akbar , Ranjbar A , Rahzani K , Kadkhodaee M , Rezaie A , Taghavi B , Abdollahi M
Published: November 2005

Health professionals exposed to anesthetic gases are at higher risk of reproductive, neurological, hematological, immunological, hepatic and renal system diseases. We investigated if oxidative stress induced by chronic exposure to anesthetic gases has any association with this matter. Plasma lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and total thiol molecule levels were measured in 66 operating room staff in comparison with 66 controls. The exposed group had a significantly higher level of lipid peroxidation with decreased thiol groups compared to control subjects. Total antioxidant capacity of the body was no different among exposed and not exposed subjects.

Increased lipid peroxidation in the blood of exposed subjects warns that oxygen free radicals have increased in the body and thus might attack cells, which, in the longterm, results in multi-organ damage. The remaining blood total antioxidant capacity at normal values is promising and means that other non-thiol antioxidants, such as uric acid, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, and vitamin antioxidants, such as a-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, have been stimulated to maintain the total anti-oxidant power of the body at normal state.
Safety and tolerability of repeated administration of pyridoxal 2-chlorobenzoyl hydrazone in rabbits
Authors: Sterba M , Simunek T , Mazurová Y , Adamcová M , Popelová O , Kaplanová J , Ponka P , Gersl V
Published: November 2005

Recently, pyridoxal 2-chlorobenzoyl hydrazone (o-108) has been identified as an effective iron chelator [Link et al., Blood 2003; 101: 4172–79]. Since chronic treatment would be necessary in its potential indications, in the present study, the safety and tolerability of this agent after repeated administration was determined. Three doses of o-108 (25, 50, 100 mg/kg, in 10% Cremophor EL) were administered intraperitoneally, once weekly, for 10 weeks to three groups (n–5 each) of Chinchilla male rabbits. The effects on biochemical, haematological and cardiovascular parameters were examined during the experiment; histopathological examination was performed at the end of the experiment. Results were compared with control (saline 2 mL/kg, n–11) and vehicle groups (10% Cremophor EL, 2 mL/kg, n–12). No premature deaths occurred; the well-being of animals was evidenced by their body weight gain, although lower gain was observed with the highest dose (100 mg/kg). Significant elevations of cardiac troponin T plasma concentrations were observed with the highest dose of o-108, but no abnormalities were found in the cardiovascular function and only minor and inconsistent changes in haematological and biochemical parameters were observed. Histopathological examinations of selected organs revealed only weak and reversible changes through all studied groups. Thus, the data from this study suggest that o-108 remains a promising drug from the standpoint of the possibility of its repeated administration and warrants further investigation.
Light source spectrum, brightness perception and visual performance in pedestrian environments: a review
Authors: Fotios S , Cheal C , Boyce PR
Published: November 2005

This review considers the impact of light source spectral power distribution (SPD) on brightness perception and visual performance in mesopic conditions, with emphasis on the comparison of metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Models of mesopic vision predict that SPD is a significant variable in that at a HPS photopic luminance of 0.100 cd/m2, MH need only produce about 0.070-0.075 cd/m2 to be seen as equally bright. However, attempts to validate the predictions of these models in the field have met with mixed success. As for visual performance, experimentation has shown that there are effects of SPD in mesopic conditions, but the magnitude of these effects depends on the nature of the task. Three alternative approaches are suggested for comparing light sources with different SPDs in mesopic conditions.
Latent variable models for mixed categorical and survival responses, with an application to fertility preferences and family planning in Bangladesh
Authors: Moustaki Irini , Steele Fiona
Published: November 2005

In this article, we discuss a latent variable model with continuous latent variables for manifest variables that are a mixture of categorical and survival outcomes. Models for censored and uncensored survival data are discussed. The model allows for covariate effects both on the manifest variables (direct effects) and on the latent variable(s) (indirect effects). The methodological developments are motivated by a demographic application: an exploration of women’s fertility preferences and family planning behaviour in Bangladesh.
Modelling of repeated ordered measurements by isotonic sequential regression
Authors: Tutz Gerhard
Published: November 2005

This article introduces a simple model for repeated observations of an ordered categorical response variable which is isotonic over time. It is assumed that the measurements represent an irreversible process such that the response at time t is never lower than the response observed at the previous time point t − 1. Observations of this type occur, for example, in treatment studies when improvement is measured on an ordinal scale. As the response at time t depends on the previous outcome, the number of ordered response categories depends on the previous outcome leading to severe problems when simple threshold models for ordered data are used. To avoid these problems, the isotonic sequential model is introduced. It accounts for the irreversible process by considering the binary transitions to higher scores and allows a parsimonious parameterization. It is shown how the model may easily be estimated using existing software. Moreover, the model is extended to a random effects version which explicitly takes heterogeneity of individuals and potential correlations into account.
Understanding past ocean circulations: a nonparametric regression case study
Authors: Samworth Richard , Poore Heather
Published: November 2005

Oceanographers study past ocean circulations and their effect on global climate through carbon isotope records obtained from microfossils deposited on the ocean floor. An initial goal is to estimate the carbon isotope levels for the Pacific, Southern and North Atlantic Oceans over the last 23 million years and to provide confidence bands. We consider a nonparametric regression model and demonstrate how several recent developments in methodology make local linear kernel regression an attractive approach for tackling the problem. The results are used to estimate a quantity called the proportion of Northern Component Water and its effect on global climate. Several interesting and important geophysical and oceanographic conclusions are suggested by the study.
Mining epidemiological time series: an approach based on dynamic regression
Authors: Chiogna Monica , Gaetan Carlo
Published: November 2005

In epidemiology, time-series regression models are specially suitable for evaluating short-term effects of time-varying exposures to pollution. To summarize findings from different studies on different cities, the techniques of designed meta-analyses have been employed. In this context, city-specific findings are summarized by an ‘effect size’ measured on a common scale. Such effects are then pooled together on a second hierarchy of analysis. The objective of this article is to exploit exploratory analysis of city-specific time series. In fact, when dealing with many sources of data, that is, many cities, an exploratory analysis becomes almost unaffordable. Our idea is to explore the time series by fitting complete dynamic regression models. These models are easier to fit than models usually employed and allow implementation of very fast automated model selection algorithms. The idea is to highlight the common features across cities through this analysis, which might then be used to design the meta-analysis. The proposal is illustrated by analysing data on the relationship between daily nonaccidental deaths and air pollution in the 20 US largest cities.
Phase III Study Comparing Cisplatin Plus Fluorouracil to Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Hitt Ricardo , López-Pousa Antonio , Martínez-Trufero Javier , Escrig Vicente , Carles Joan , Rizo Alfredo , Isla Dolores , Vega M. Eugenia , Martí Juan L. , Lobo Francisco , Pastor Pedro , Valentí Vicente , Belón Joaquín , Sánchez Miguel A. , Chaib Carlos , Pallarés Cinta , Antón Antonio , Cervantes Andrés , Paz-Ares Luis , Cortés-Funes Hernán
Published: November 2005

Purpose

To compare the antitumor activity and toxicity of the two induction chemotherapy treatments of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (FU; PCF) versus standard cisplatin and FU (CF), both followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), in locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC).

Patients and Methods

Eligibility criteria included biopsy-proven, previously untreated, stage III or IV locally advanced HNC. Patients received either CF (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 plus FU 1,000 mg/m2 continuous infusion on days 1 through 5) or PCF (paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1, cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 2, and FU 500 mg/m2 continuous infusion on days 2 through 6); both regimens were administered for three cycles every 21 days. Patients with complete response (CR) or partial response of greater than 80% in primary tumor received additional CRT (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 plus 70 Gy).

Results

A total of 382 eligible patients were randomly assigned to CF (n = 193) or PCF (n = 189). The CR rate was 14% in the CF arm v 33% in the PCF arm (P < .001). Median time to treatment failure was 12 months in the CF arm compared with 20 months in the PCF arm (log-rank test, P = .006; Tarone-Ware, P = .003). PCF patients had a trend to longer overall survival (OS; 37 months in CF arm v 43 months in PCF arm; log-rank test, P = .06; Tarone-Ware, P = .03). This difference was more evident in patients with unresectable disease (OS: 26 months in CF arm v 36 months in PCF arm; log-rank test, P = .04; Tarone-Ware, P = .03). CF patients had a higher occurrence of grade 2 to 4 mucositis than PCF patients (53% v 16%, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion

Induction chemotherapy with PCF was better tolerated and resulted in a higher CR rate than CF. However, new trials that compare induction chemotherapy plus CRT versus CRT alone are needed to better define the role of neoadjuvant treatment.
Phase III Prostate Cancer Prevention Trials: Are the Costs Justified?
Authors: Thompson Ian M. , Tangen Catherine M. , Klein Eric A. , Lippman Scott M.
Published: November 2005

One randomized, prospective clinical trial for chemoprevention of prostate cancer has been completed, and two additional trials are ongoing. The investment, time, and effort for these trials are substantial. We reviewed the outcomes of these trials to address the value of the investment. The outcomes of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (testing finasteride) and the design of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT; testing vitamin E and selenium) trial as well as the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial (testing dutasteride) were reviewed. From a public health standpoint, there is tremendous potential for benefit from large-scale cancer prevention trials. Because of the volume of data that are collected, potential discoveries related to the biology of the disease are substantial. Translational scientific efforts are direct outgrowths of these studies. Prospective, randomized chemoprevention trials for prostate and other cancers are expensive and require long periods of time to conduct, yet the rewards are on a par with the investment.
Bisphosphonates for Treatment and Prevention of Bone Metastases
Authors: Michaelson M. Dror , Smith Matthew R.
Published: November 2005

Bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity for men with prostate cancer. Complications of bone metastases include pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression. Although they appear osteoblastic by radiographic imaging, most bone metastases are characterized by excess osteoclast number and activity. In addition, pathologic osteoclast activation is associated with increased risk of skeletal complications. Zoledronic acid, a potent inhibitor of osteoclast activity, differentiation, and survival, decreases the risk of skeletal complications in men with androgen-independent prostate cancer and bone metastases. Other bisphosphonates, including pamidronate and clodronate, seem to be ineffective in this setting. The reduction in risk of skeletal complications with zoledronic acid must be weighed against potential adverse effects. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal timing, schedule, and duration of treatment in men with bone metastases as well as the potential role of bisphosphonates in other settings including the prevention of bone metastases.
The Changing Face of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R. , Moul Judd W. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: November 2005

Prostate cancer remains the most common noncutaneous human malignancy, and the second most lethal tumor among men. However, the natural history of the disease is often prolonged, and the survival benefits of local therapy for men with low-risk tumors may not be realized for a decade or more, as is increasingly well demonstrated in long-term observational cohorts in both the United States and Europe. A significant proportion of men with prostate cancer may be overdiagnosed, in the sense that diagnosis may not improve their lifespan or quality of life. However, the extent to which overdiagnosis represents a true problem relates to the consistency with which diagnosis leads invariably to active treatment. Prostate cancer is diagnosed at progressively earlier stages and with lower risk features; despite these trends, patients are less likely now than a decade ago to undergo a trial of active surveillance. Rates of brachytherapy and hormonal therapy use, in particular, have risen markedly. Important progress has been made in recent years in prostate cancer risk assessment. These advances, in combination with biomarkers in later stages of development, should be expected in the coming years to yield further improvements in clinicians' ability to diagnose prostate cancer early, and guide appropriately selected patients toward increasingly tailored treatment.
Role of Diet in Prostate Cancer Development and Progression
Authors: Chan June M. , Gann Peter H. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: November 2005

Increasing evidence supports the important role of nutrition in cancer prevention, including prevention of prostate cancer. In this review, we summarize data for some of the most consistently observed dietary associations for prostate cancer incidence, briefly consider possible postdiagnostic effects of nutrition on prostate cancer progression/survival, discuss new but limited data on diet-gene interactions, and comment on current areas of controversy for future research focus. Potential protective dietary elements include tomatoes/lycopene, other carotenoids, cruciferous vegetables, vitamin E, selenium, fish/marine omega-3 fatty acids, soy, isoflavones and polyphenols; whereas milk, dairy, calcium, zinc at high doses, saturated fat, grilled meats, and heterocyclic amines may increase risk. It is important to note that randomized clinical trial data exist only for vitamin E, calcium, beta-carotene, and selenium (all of which suggest inverse or no association). Several genes, such as MnSOD, XRCC1, and GST, may modify the association of specific nutrients and foods with prostate cancer risk; and further research is warranted to confirm these initial observed relationships. Until further clinical trial data are available on specific supplements and prostate cancer prevention, it would be prudent to emphasize a diet consisting of a wide variety of plant-based foods and fish; this is similar to what is recommended (and what is more well established) for the primary prevention of heart disease.
Early Mortality After Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma: Analysis of Patients Entered Onto the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Trials Between 1980 and 2002—Medical Research Council Adult Leukaemia Working Party
Authors: Augustson Bradley M. , Begum Gulnaz , Dunn Janet A. , Barth Nicola J. , Davies Faith , Morgan Gareth , Behrens Judith , Smith Alastair , Child J. Anthony , Drayson Mark T.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

Early mortality in multiple myeloma (MM) is usually attributed to combined effects of active disease and comorbid factors. We have studied early deaths in a series of large multicenter trials to assess direct causes of death, their predictability, and whether current management strategies have reduced their frequency.

Patients and Methods

A total of 3,107 newly diagnosed patients entered onto United Kingdom Medical Research Council MM trials from 1980 to 2002 were studied. Trial files, final clinical summaries, and postmortem reports were analyzed.

Results

Death within 60 days of trial entry occurred in 299 patients (10%). Logistic regression modeling identified beta 2-microglobulin, performance status, and age as the most important predictors of early death, but only with 61% sensitivity and 73% specificity. Forty-five percent of deaths were attributable to infection, which was often associated with bone pain (particularly thoracic pain) and delay in presenting to medical care. Neutropenia was present at diagnosis in only 11 of the 135 deaths from infection. Renal failure was present in 28% of early deaths and was linked to light-chain MM, hypercalcemia, dehydration, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There was no time related reduction in the percentage or nature of early deaths in 1,550 patients older than 65 years receiving similar therapy between 1982 and 2002.

Conclusion

A tenth of patients die within 60 days of diagnosis of MM. Infection and renal failure are the main direct causes of early mortality, which cannot be accurately predicted by presenting prognostic features. All patients should be considered at high risk of death during induction therapy.
High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer: A Case for Early Chemotherapy
Authors: Gleave Martin , Kelly W. Kevin
Published: November 2005

High-risk tumors exhibit a more aggressive natural history and have higher positive margin and recurrence rates after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy alone, where unimodality therapy likely represents undertreatment. Hence, the therapeutic ratio (patients who actually realize a survival benefit from a therapeutic intervention) may, therefore, be greater in high-risk disease if its natural history can be altered by multimodality therapy. It is, thus, important to investigate therapies that optimize complete extirpation of all cancer cells and reduce the incidence of positive surgical margins and disease recurrence. Neoadjuvant therapy extends the logic of early adjuvant therapy further by applying systemic therapy earlier in the course of the disease before definitive locoregional therapy. In prostate cancer, outcomes have not been improved significantly when neoadjuvant hormone therapy is used before surgery; although outcomes are improved when androgen ablation is combined with radiotherapy, many patients remain at risk for systemic recurrence. With recent data confirming improved survival data with docetaxel chemotherapy in metastatic disease, future trials are now focusing on earlier combinations of chemohormonal or biologic therapies in high-risk patients.
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: For Whom?
Authors: Klotz Laurence
Published: November 2005

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) –based prostate cancer screening results in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in many men who are not destined to have clinical progression during their lifetime. Good-risk prostate cancer, defined as a Gleason score of 6 or less, PSA < 10, and T1c to T2a, now constitutes 50% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. In most of these patients, the disease is indolent and slow growing. The challenge is to identify those patients who are unlikely to experience significant progression while offering radical therapy to those who are at risk. The approach to favorable-risk prostate cancer described in this article uses estimation of PSA doubling time (PSA DT) to stratify patients according to the risk of progression. Patients who select this approach are managed initially with active surveillance. Those who have a PSA DT of 3 years or less (based on a minimum of three determinations over 6 months) are offered radical intervention. The remainder are closely monitored with serial PSA and periodic prostate rebiopsies (at 2, 5, and 10 years). In this series of 299 patients, the median DT was 7 years. Forty-two percent had a PSA DT > 10 years, and 20% had a PSA DT > 100 years. The majority of patients on this study remain under surveillance. The approach of active surveillance with selective delayed intervention based on PSA DT represents a practical compromise between radical therapy for all (which results in overtreatment for patients with indolent disease) and watchful waiting with palliative therapy only (which results in undertreatment for those with aggressive disease).
Prostate Cancer Immunology: Biology, Therapeutics, and Challenges
Authors: Webster W. Scott , Small Eric J. , Rini Brian I. , Kwon Eugene D.
Published: November 2005

A number of recently developed and promising approaches to antitumoral immunotherapy are being investigated as potential treatments for advanced prostate cancer. These approaches largely revolve around strategies to increase antigen-specific T-cell activation against prostate tumors as well as precise manipulations of critical co-regulatory receptors that help to maintain and prolong the activity of antigen-presenting cells and T cells that are capable of mediating tumor regression. Herein, we describe the experience with the most recent and promising approaches pertaining to prostate cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss the mechanistic basis for these approaches as well as current limitations that must still be addressed in order to propel immunotherapy into the forefront of prostate cancer treatment.
Radiotherapy in the Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Evolving Standards, Consensus, Controversies and New Directions
Authors: Speight Joycelyn L. , Roach Mack
Published: November 2005

Major advances have been made in the definitive use of various forms of radiotherapy (RT) in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Despite tremendous gains, the radiation oncology community continues to struggle with several key questions. In general, the areas of controversy pertain to how to improve the therapeutic ratio of RT. Specifically, key issues include dose escalation; the relative benefit of alternative forms of RT (ie, brachytherapy and protons); target localization; the use, timing, and duration of androgen deprivation; and the need for pelvic nodal irradiation. Multiple efforts have been made to address each of these issues; however, there is no consensus on how to resolve them. This review is an evidence-based critique of the available treatment approaches considered for the optimal use of radiotherapy as definitive management of clinically localized PCa.
Biology of Progressive, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Directed Therapies Targeting the Androgen-Receptor Signaling Axis
Authors: Scher Howard I. , Sawyers Charles L.
Published: November 2005

Prostate cancers that are progressing on medical and surgical therapies designed to ablate the action of androgens continue to express androgen receptor (AR) and to depend on signaling through the receptor for growth. A more clinically relevant classification of castration-resistant disease focuses on the mechanisms of receptor activation, which include (1) changes in the level of ligand(s) in tumor tissue; (2) increased levels of the protein due to gene amplification or altered mRNA expression; (3) activating mutations in the receptor that affect structure and function; (4) changes in coregulatory molecules including coactivators and corepressors; and (5) factors that lead to activation of the receptor independent of the level of ligand or receptor allowing kinase cross talk. From an AR perspective, the term “hormone refractory” is inappropriate. On the basis of this schema, we discuss strategies that are focused on the AR either directly or indirectly, as single agents or in combination, that are in clinical development.
Galectin-9: A New Endometrial Epithelial Marker for the Mid- and Late-Secretory and Decidual Phases in Humans
Authors: Popovici Roxana M. , Krause Miriam S. , Germeyer Ariane , Strowitzki Thomas , von Wolff Michael
Published: November 2005

Context: The galectin family has been reported to play a role in the regulation of cell growth, cell adhesion, apoptosis, inflammation, and immunomodulation, all of which are important for endometrial function, as well as implantation.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the expression and regulation of galectin-9, a β-galactoside-binding lectin in the human endometrium.

Design: Galectin-9 mRNA and protein were analyzed in dated endometrial biopsies throughout the menstrual cycle and in human early-pregnancy decidua, as well as in the different endometrial cell compartments. Regulation of galectin-9 by estradiol, progesterone, epidermal growth factor, and interferon-γ in endometrial epithelial cells in vitro was studied.

Results: Galectin-9 mRNA analyzed by RNase protection assay is expressed in the human endometrium, specifically in the human endometrial epithelial cells but not in stromal or immune cells. It is expressed at very low concentrations during the proliferative phase and the early-secretory phase and shows a sharp and significant increase in the mid- and late-secretory phases, the window of implantation, as well as in the decidua. Accordingly, galectin-9 protein is also exclusively increased in human endometrial epithelial cells during the mid- and late-secretory phases and in the decidua, however, not in endometrial stromal cells or decidualized cells in vivo or in vitro. A regulation in vitro by estradiol, progesterone, epidermal growth factor, and interferon-γ could not be detected.

Conclusions: Based on these findings and on the functional studies of other galectins, we suggest galectin-9 as a novel endometrial marker for the mid- and late-secretory and decidual phases.
In situ Synthesis of Ag2S Nanosized Particles in Porous Materials Using Single-source Precursor
Authors: Wada Yuji , Kaneko Masahiro , Niinobe Daisuke , Tsukahara Yasunori
Published: November 2005

Ag2S nanoparticles were synthesized in situ by thermal decomposition of a single-source precursor (SSP, silver diethyldithiocarbamate) in the pores of porous Vycor glass (PVG). The precursor was incorporated into PVG by sublimation or impregnation of a solution of the precursor. The band gaps of Ag2S in PVGs were estimated to be 1.63 and 1.43 eV for the samples prepared by the decomposition of the precursor incorporated by these two methods, indicating occurrence of quantum size effect in the nanoparticles.
Unique Coating of Ruby Crystals on an Aluminum Oxide Wall by Flux Evaporation
Authors: Teshima Katsuya , Takano Atsushi , Suzuki Takaomi , Oishi Shuji
Published: November 2005

Ruby (Al2O3:Cr) layer was successfully grown on a wall surface of an aluminum oxide crucible by isothermal evaporation of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) flux. The growth was conducted by heating a mixture of MoO3 and an oxide dopant (Cr2O3) at 1100 °C, for 5 h at this temperature without adding any reagent grade aluminum oxide. The ruby layers, obtained with a thickness up to 100–300 μm, were transparent-red. The layers consisted of ruby crystals having flat surfaces. This technique was found to be a very suitable method for coating ruby layer on aluminum oxide materials.
Negative Photochromism of a Spiropyran in a Langmuir–Blodgett Film
Authors: Yokoyama Yasushi , Hara Wakana , Inoue Tsuguya , Ubukata Takashi , Sakomura Masaru , Tukada Hideyuki
Published: November 2005

An indolinospiropyran possessing one long alkyl chain on the nitrogen atom of the indoline moiety and two nitro groups on the benzopyran ring, exhibiting negative photochromism in various organic solvents, showed negative photochromism in a Langmuir–Blodgett film. The change in the surface appearance was observed by atomic force microscopy after the visible light irradiation.
A Novel Seven-coordinate Technetium(IV) Complex: Synthesis and Characterization of [TcO(tpen)]2+ (tpen = N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine)
Authors: Yoshimura Takashi , Kawai Masanori , Takayama Tsutomu , Sekine Tsutomu , Kudo Hiroshi , Shinohara Atsushi
Published: November 2005

The 1:1 reaction of [TcOCl4]− with tpen (tpen = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) led to the formation of [TcO(tpen)]2+ which is the first example both of seven-coordinate technetium(IV) and oxotechnetium(IV). The coordination geometry of the Tc(IV) ion is a monocapped trigonal prism.
A Novel 3-D Open Coordination Polymeric Network Assembled from Silver(I) and 4,5-Bis(cyanoethylsulfanyl)-1,3-dithiole-2-thione with S···S Contacts
Authors: Ding Yi , Zhong Jian-Chu , Munakata Megumu , Konaka Hisashi , Ning Gui-Ling , Wang Hong-Zhi
Published: November 2005

A novel 3-D silver(I) cationic coordination polymeric network, [Ag4(bcdt)4(CF3SO3)2]·(CF3SO3)2·acetone (bcdt = 4,5-bis(cyanoethylsulfanyl)-1,3-dithiole-2-thione) with double (3,4)-connected nodes and extensive face-to-face and side-by-side S···S contacts, was synthesized and crystallographically characterized.
Alternative Approaches for Solving Real-Options Problems
Authors: Smith James E.
Published: November 2005

Brandao et al. (2005) describe an approach for using traditional decision analysis tools to solve real-option valuation problems. Their approach calls for a mix of discounted cash flow analysis and risk-neutral valuation methods and is implemented using Monte Carlo simulation and binomial decision trees. In this note, I critique their approach and discuss some alternative approaches for solving these kinds of problems. My criticisms and suggestions concern implementation issues as well as more fundamental issues. On implementation, I discuss the use of binomial lattices instead of trees, and alternative methods for estimating volatilities. More fundamentally, I discuss alternative approaches that rely entirely on risk-neutral valuation and model the uncertainties in the problem more directly.
Isotonic Separation
Authors: Chandrasekaran R. , Ryu Young U. , Jacob Varghese S. , Hong Sungchul
Published: November 2005

Data classification and prediction problems are prevalent in many domains. The need to predict to which class a particular data point belongs has been seen in areas such as medical diagnosis, credit rating, Web filtering, prediction, and stock rating. This has led to strong interest in developing systems that can accurately classify data and predict outcome. The classification is typically based on the feature values of objects being classified. Often, a form of ordering relation, defined by feature values, on the objects to be classified is known. For instance, the objects belonging to one class have larger (or smaller) feature values than do those in the other class. Exploiting this characteristic of isotonicity, we propose a data-classification method called isotonic separation based on linear programming, especially network programming. The paper also addresses an extension of the isotonic-separation method for continuous outcome prediction. Applications of the isotonic separation for discrete outcome prediction and its extension for continuous outcome prediction are shown to illustrate its applicability.
Planar Branch Decompositions II: The Cycle Method
Authors: Hicks Illya V.
Published: November 2005

This is the second of two papers dealing with the relationship of branchwidth and planar graphs. Branchwidth and branch decompositions, introduced by Robertson and Seymour, have been shown to be beneficial for both proving theoretical results on graphs and solving NP-hard problems modeled on graphs. The first practical implementation of an algorithm of Seymour and Thomas for computing optimal branch decompositions of planar hypergraphs is presented. This algorithm encompasses another algorithm of Seymour and Thomas for computing the branchwidth of any planar hypergraph, whose implementation is discussed in the first paper. The implementation also includes the addition of a heuristic to decrease the run times of the algorithm. This method, called the cycle method, is an improvement on the algorithm by using a “divide-and-conquer” approach.
Planar Branch Decompositions I: The Ratcatcher
Authors: Hicks Illya V.
Published: November 2005

The notion of branch decompositions and its related connectivity invariant for graphs, branchwidth, were introduced by Robertson and Seymour in their series of papers that proved Wagner's conjecture. Branch decompositions can be used to solve NP-hard problems modeled on graphs, but finding optimal branch decompositions of graphs is also NP-hard. This is the first of two papers dealing with the relationship of branchwidth and planar graphs. A practical implementation of an algorithm of Seymour and Thomas for only computing the branchwidth (not optimal branch decomposition) of any planar hypergraph is proposed. This implementation is used in a practical implementation of an algorithm of Seymour and Thomas for computing the optimal branch decompositions for planar hypergraphs that is presented in the second paper. Since memory requirements can become an issue with this algorithm, two other variations of the algorithm to handle larger hypergraphs are also presented.
A Modeling Layer for Constraint-Programming Libraries
Authors: Michel Laurent , Van Hentenryck Pascal
Published: November 2005

Mathematical-modeling and constraint-programming languages have orthogonal strengths in stating combinatorial optimization problems. Modeling languages typically feature high-level set and algebraic notations, while constraint-programming languages provide a rich constraint language and the ability to specify search procedures. This paper shows that many of the functionalities typically found in modeling languages can be integrated elegantly in constraint-programming libraries without defining a specific language or preprocessor. In particular, it presents the design of Modeler, a C++ modeling layer for constraint programming which demonstrates how to enhance the expressiveness of constraint-programming libraries and to bridge much of the gap between libraries and modeling languages.
The Next Generation: Research for Twenty-First-Century Public Policy on Children and Advertising
Authors: Friestad Marian , Wright Peter
Published: November 2005

The articles in this special section of Journal of Public Policy & Marketing examine topics that are fundamental to the emerging understanding about how children and adolescents cope with modern marketing practices. The articles take stock of current research about child and adolescent development, and they identify important opportunities for research that are relevant to public policy on preparing children for tomorrow's marketplace.
The Impact of the Daubert Decision on Survey Research Used in Litigation
Authors: Ford Gary T.
Published: November 2005

The opinions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc., General Electric Co. v. Robert K. Joiner, Kumho Tire Co. Ltd. v. Carmichael, and Weisgram v. Marley changed the ground rules for whether a survey is admissible as evidence into a trial. This article provides a history of the criteria used to determine the admissibility of expert reports before Daubert and summarizes Daubert and the three other relevant opinions. It provides examples of how the Daubert criteria are being applied in cases involving survey research and provides recommendations for conducting surveys that are likely to survive a Daubert challenge.
The Price Elasticities of Charitable Contributions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peloza John , Steel Piers
Published: November 2005

Tax deductibility has been recognized as a motive for charitable donations. This article considers charitable donations as purchases that consumers make, and it examines the effects of changes in the tax deductibility (i.e., the price of donating) on charitable donations. The meta-analysis includes approximately four decades of estimates of the price elasticity of charitable giving. The authors discuss implications for policy makers and the marketers of charities.
Combating Obesity in the Courts: Will Lawsuits against McDonald's Work?
Authors: Robinson Melissa Grills , Bloom Paul N. , Lurie Nicholas H.
Published: November 2005

A proposed method of combating obesity in the United States is to hold food companies legally liable for obesity-related damages. Recent lawsuits against fast-food restaurants, such as Pelman v. McDonald's Corp., have tried to draw on the success of tobacco litigation by claiming that fast-food marketers provide misleading information about the nutritional value of their products, leading consumers to overconsume and, thus, become obese. The Pelman plaintiffs also allege that fast food is addictive and have asked to represent a class of children who have become obese as a result of McDonald's products. This article compares legal efforts against the aggressive marketing of fast food with those against the marketing of tobacco products and argues that, for several reasons, such legal efforts will face substantial hurdles. In particular, this article argues that to be successful, such lawsuits must show either that McDonald's acted deceptively or that it has a duty to warn consumers about the unhealthful nature of its products. In addition, they must show that they satisfy the requirements necessary to certify a class. Finally, they must gain public and legislative support for legal action. Without these lawsuits satisfying the necessary legal elements and gaining increased public support for legal action against the industry, it seems unlikely that the fast-food industry will be held responsible for obesity-related damages. Having concluded that the tobacco litigation experience does not offer a promising road map to combat obesity, the authors briefly consider the vulnerability of the food industry to alternative legal strategies and legislative actions.
Photofission of209Bi at intermediate energies
Authors: Haba H. , Kasaoka M. , Igarashi M. , Washiyama K. , Matsumura H. , Oura Y. , Shibata S. , Sakamoto K. , Furukawa M. , Fujiwara I.
Published: November 2005

The reaction yields of 63 radionuclides with the mass numberA= 56 − 135 produced in the photofission of209Bi by bremsstrahlung of end-point energies (E0) from 450 to 1100 MeV have been measured using a catcher foil technique with the aid of intensive chemical separation. The charge distribution was well reproduced by a Gaussian function with the most probable charge (Zp) expressed by a linear function ofA,i.e.,Zp=RA+S, and with theA-independent full width at half maximum (FWHMCD). The charge distribution parametersR,Sand FWHMCDwere independent ofE0above 600 MeV, reflecting the resonance nature in photonuclear reactions at intermediate energies. The weighted mean values atE0≥ 600 MeV wereR= 0.421 ± 0.001,S= 0.6 ± 0.1 and FWHMCD= 2.1 ± 0.1 charge unit (c.u.). The numbers of pre- and post-fission neutrons were deduced to be νpre= 12 ± 1 and νpost= 1.4 ± 0.3, respectively, assuming the Unchanged Charge Distribution (UCD). Based on the charge distribution parameters, the symmetric mass yield distributions with the most probable massApof 96 ± 1 mass unit (m.u.) and the width FWHMMDof 33 ± 1 m.u. were also obtained. The characteristics of the charge and mass yield distributions are discussed by referring to those for197Au based on the results of calculations using the Photon-induced Intranuclear Cascade Analysis code combined with the Generalized Evaporation Model (PICA3/GEM).
Synergistic extraction of uranium(VI) by bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphini acid in the presence of neutral oxo-donors
Authors: Meera R. , Reddy M.L.P.
Published: November 2005

The extraction behavior of uranium(VI) from nitric acid solutions has been investigated using mixtures of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (HBTMPP) and trialkylphosphine oxide (Cyanex 923 = TRPO), triphenylphosphine oxide (TPhPO) or tributylphosphate (TBP). The results demonstrate that uranium(VI) is extracted into xylene as UO2(BTMPP)2 with HBTMPP alone and as UO2(BTMPP)2·S (where S = TRPO, TPhPO or TBP) in the presence of neutral oxo-donors. The extraction equilibrium constants of the above extracted complexes have been deduced by non-linear regression analysis with the aid of suitable chemically based model developed taking into account aqueous phase complexation of metal ion with inorganic ligands and all plausible complexes extracted into the organic phase. The addition of a neutral oxo-donor to the metal chelate system significantly enhances the extraction efficiency of uranium(VI). Complexation strength of uranium(VI) with neutral oxo-donors follows the order: TRPO > TPhPO > TBP, which is also the basicity sequence of these ligands. The IR spectral studies of the extracted complexes were used to further clarify the nature of the extracted complexes.
Accelerator mass spectrometry dating at Çatalhöyük
Authors: Göktürk E. H. , Hillegonds D. J. , Lipschutz M. E. , Hodder I.
Published: November 2005

Several charred plant and charcoal samples from various stratigraphic levels of the Neolithic Site, Çatalhöyük – Turkey, were dated in the AMS facility of Purdue University (PRIME Lab). Radiocarbon dates reveal a complicated chronology, as was foreseen from archeological investigations. Our measurements suggest that this unique Neolithic town may have been initiated at the East mound around 8390 BP.
Role of Complement Anaphylatoxin C3a in Photodynamic Therapy‐elicited Engagement of Host Neutrophils and Other Immune Cells
Authors: Cecic Ivana , Sun Jinghai , Korbelik Mladen
Published: November 2005

Tumor treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT) provokes a host‐protective inflammatory and acute‐phase response and an immune reaction. Neutrophilia manifested in this context is driven by multiple mediators of neutrophil chemotaxis orchestrated by an activated complement system. Mouse FsaR fibrosarcoma was used in this study to further investigate neutrophilia induced by Photofrin‐based PDT. The complement anaphylatoxin C3a was identified as a major chemo‐attractant in the advanced phase of PDT‐induced neutrophilia, because injecting mice with antibodies blocking its receptor C3aR significantly inhibited the increase in neutrophil levels 8 h after PDT. At the same time point, an increased C3aR expression was detected in neutrophils, monocytes and B lymphocytes in the blood of host mice. Peritoneal macro‐phages and mast cells harvested from treatment‐naive mice exhibited elevated C3aR expression after coincubation in vitro for 8 h with PDT‐treated FsaR cells. Thus, C3a emerges as one of the key effector molecules engaged in PDT‐induced host response.
The Lamentations of Don Juan and Macbeth
Authors: Goehring Edmund J.
Published: November 2005

In 1772, Gottlieb Stephanie introduced an adaptation of Macbeth to replace a banned Viennese Don Juan scenario. This essay uses Stephanie's “new stone guest” to uncover broader historical and thematic connections between Macbeth and Don Juan literature. Both tales have roots in anti-Machiavellian theater, which describes the psychic wreckage brought about when one suppresses the conscience in attempting to subdue fortune. Stephanie expresses this shared vision most vividly by folding a lamento into his tragedy. A closing lamentation delivered from hell was a fixture in Don Juan lore, and modern scholarship tends to interpret it as a carnivalesque defiance of temporal and divine stricture. Stephanie, however, draws on a different treatment of the episode: the protagonist's plaint represents a quest for immortality that has turned into a desire for annihilation. Instead of offering defiance, Stephanie's Macbeth follows the course of many Don Juans in despairing over the possibility of grace.
“Eviva il Coltello”? The Castrato Singer in Eighteenth-Century German Literature and Culture
Authors: Krimmer Elisabeth
Published: November 2005

This article investigates how eighteenth-century writers used the figure of the castrato as a privileged metaphor for the negotiation of class conflicts, gender concepts, and the nature of art. A reading of Johann Jakob Wilhelm Heinse's novelHildegard von Hohenthalshows that Heinse uses the character of the (fake) castrato to celebrate the artificiality of gender, desire, and art, but his novel leaves class boundaries intact. Friedrich Schiller's poem “Kastraten und Männer” attacks aristocratic supremacy but naturalizes gender codes and equates masculinity and art.
The Tenor of “Sarrasine”
Authors: Kolb Katherine
Published: November 2005

In dialogue with Roland Barthes, whose S/Z unfolds a multiplicity of “voices” in Balzac's “Sarrasine,” this essay focuses on literal voices in the story: those of the castrato and his historical successor, the tenor. It exposes the anachronism whereby a nineteenth-century tenor occupies the place of the baroque castrato hero in the central performance that seduces the title hero, and it analyzes the assumptions that made this anachronism essential to the functioning of the story-and invisible to Balzac, Barthes, and others. By emphasizing the thematics of rivalry and rage in the story and in the political and literary history surrounding it, the essay brings out the oedipal tensions in “Sarrasine” (and, briefly, its companion “L'élixir de longue vie”), tensions that both precipitated the castrato's demise and ensured his survival as a haunting presence in 1830, 1970, and beyond.