bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FxJj43: A window into a 1.5‐million‐year‐old palaeolandscape in the Okote Member of the Koobi Fora Formation, northern Kenya
Authors: Stern Nicola , Porch Nicholas , McDougall Ian
Published: August 2002

FxJj43 differs from most other archaeological sites preserved in the Okote Member of the Koobi Fora Formation in ways that make it especially suited to the problem of clarifying the behavioral information encapsulated in fine time‐lines. At this site in northern Kenya, a continuous strip of outcrops, preserving a set of interlocking landforms, can be traced around the modern erosion front for more than half a kilometer. The characteristics and three‐dimensional geometries of the beds making up these outcrops show that they have preserved the southern bank, levee, and floodplain of a westerly flowing sandy channel. Both stone tools and animal bones are strewn across the eroding surfaces of these outcrops, and excavations show that they are derived from a narrow stratigraphic horizon immediately overlying the volcanic ash at the base of the sequence. The blue tuff, and the archaeological horizon that overlies it, have been dated using the 40Ar‐39Ar method on single crystals of alkali feldspar. Although there is no direct measure of how long it took the archaeological horizon to accumulate, it probably accumulated over a time span of 102–103 years. Thus the locality may be used to test the proposition that the analysis of archaeological debris from fine‐time lines will help to resolve ambiguities in the interpretation of early Pleistocene archaeological assemblages. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) and thermal ionization mass spectrometric (TIMS) 230Th/234U dating of teeth in Middle Paleolithic layers at Amud Cave, Israel
Authors: Rink W. Jack , Schwarcz H.P. , Lee H.K. , Rees‐Jones J. , Rabinovich R. , Hovers E.
Published: August 2002

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dating and thermal ionization mass spectrometric 230Th/234U dating was conducted on six teeth from the prehistoric site of Amud Cave. By combining the ESR and 230Th/234U analyses, we obtained burial ages for teeth in various layers of the site. Layer B1/6–7, from which the Amud I Neanderthal skeleton was recovered, is dated to 53 ± 8 ka. Layer B2/8, which yielded other important human remains including the Amud 7 skeleton, gives a mean burial age of 61 ± 9 ka. One tooth from the lowest layer (B4) yielded a date of 70 ± 11 ka, but another tooth from this layer gave an 113 ± 18 ka. Despite this discrepancy, these ages agree with previously published TL ages on heated flints for the corresponding layers. This agreement between ESR on tooth enamel and TL on burned flint is also seen at all other sites studied with both methods in Israel. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using in‐field phosphate testing to rapidly identify middens at Piedras Negras, Guatemala
Authors: Parnell J. Jacob , Terry Richard E. , Golden Charles
Published: August 2002

Recent studies have promoted using soil phosphate analysis to detect ancient Maya sites by delimiting areas of occupation based on decomposed organic matter. Refuse associated with human activity increases organic matter around areas of ancient human habitation. Theoretically, the highest concentration of organic matter—detectable by phosphate analysis—should be directly associated with areas of refuse disposal. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the potential of phosphate analysis to detect residential middens in Piedras Negras, Guatemala. This paper presents the results of a sensitive, in‐field phosphate analysis method applied as a midden prospection tool in residential areas. Phosphate concentration is correlated with artifact data obtained from a total of 37 test pits excavated in areas of varying phosphate concentration in three residential sites. A positive correlation between phosphate concentration and ceramic density indicates the potential of this method in defining and orienting excavations of residential areas. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evidence for the neural crest origin of turtle plastron bones
Authors: Clark Karen , Bender Günes , Murray B. Patrick , Panfilio Kristen , Cook Steven , Davis Raquel , Murnen Katherine , Tuan Rocky S. , Gilbert Scott F.
Published: August 2002

Summary: The migrating cranial neural crest cells of birds, fish, and mammals have been shown to form the membranous bones of the cranium and face. These findings have been extrapolated to suggest that all the dermal bones of the vertebrate exoskeleton are derived from the neural crest ectomesenchyme. However, only one group of extant animals, the Chelonians, has an extensive bony exoskeleton in the trunk. We have previously shown that the autapomorphic carapacial and plastron bones of the turtle shell arise from dermal intramembranous ossification. Here, we show that the bones of the plastron stain positively for HNK‐1 and PDGFRα and are therefore most likely of neural crest origin. This extends the hypothesis of the neural crest origin of the exoskeleton to include the turtle plastron. genesis 31:111–117, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heritability of plasma amyloid β in typical late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease pedigrees
Authors: Ertekin‐Taner Nilufer , Graff‐Radford Neill , Younkin Linda H. , Eckman Christopher , Adamson Jennifer , Schaid Daniel J. , Blangero John , Hutton Michael , Younkin Steven G.
Published: August 2002

Plasma amyloid β42 peptide (Aβ42) levels are significantly elevated in all genetic forms of early‐onset Alzheimer’s disease caused by familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations or Down’s syndrome. Moreover, recent studies have determined that both plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels are significantly elevated in late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) patients, their cognitively normal first‐degree relatives, and members of typical LOAD families when compared to appropriate controls. To determine the magnitude of the genetic component affecting plasma Aβ levels, we estimated the heritability of plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 in 15 extended, multigenerational LOAD pedigrees, using a variance components method. Heritability estimates as high as 73 and 54% were found for plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels, respectively. Inclusion of the ApoE ϵ4 dosage as a covariate was not found to have a significant effect on the heritability of these traits. These results suggest that genetic determinants other than ApoE account for a very substantial percentage of the phenotypic variance in plasma Aβ levels. The high heritability and the significant elevation of these traits in LOAD pedigrees suggest that at least some of the genetic determinants of plasma Aβ levels may lead to elevated Aβ and LOAD in these families. Thus, we suggest that plasma Aβ levels are quantitative traits that may be excellent surrogate markers for use in linkage analysis to identify loci that are important in typical LOAD. Genet. Epidemiol. 21:19–30, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular localization and expression patterns of interleukin‐10, interleukin‐4, and their receptors in multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Hulshof Sandra , Montagne Lisette , De Groot Corline J.A. , Van Der Valk Paul
Published: August 2002

Cytokines have been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, still limited data are available on the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines within the central nervous system (CNS) during MS lesion development. Therefore, we have examined the expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and IL‐4, and their specific receptors, IL‐10R and IL‐4R, in postmortem human brain tissue obtained from MS patients. Specific patterns of protein localization and expression for both proteins could be observed within active and chronic MS lesions. Strongest IL‐10 immunoreactivity was observed in reactive astrocytes within active demyelinating lesions and the hypercellular rim of chronic active MS lesions. Moreover, perivascular macrophages were immunoreactive for IL‐10 in (chronic) active MS lesions. Most intense IL‐4 immunoreactivity was detected in reactive fibrillary astrocytes within the hypocellular regions of chronic active and chronic inactive MS lesions. Strong immunoreactivity for IL‐10R and IL‐4R was detected on macrophages in both parenchymal and perivascular areas and on reactive astrocytes in active and chronic MS lesions. Our results indicate that IL‐10 and IL‐4 have an active role in CNS immune responses. The specific patterns of protein localization and protein expression for both IL‐10 and IL‐4 in MS lesions at different stages of development suggest that these anti‐inflammatory cytokines and their receptors participate in processes leading to the formation of chronic MS lesions. GLIA 38:24–35, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
KUB3 amplification and overexpression in human gliomas
Authors: Fischer U. , Hemmer D. , Heckel D. , Michel A. , Feiden W. , Steudel W.‐I. , Hulsebos T. , Meese E.
Published: August 2002

Gene amplification is known to occur frequently in human glioma. Recently we reported cloning of a novel gene termed glioma‐amplified sequence 16 (GAS16) by microdissection‐mediated cDNA capture. In this article, we demonstrate that GAS16 results from an alternative splicing process of the Ku70 binding protein 3 (KUB3) that is essential for DNA double‐strand break repair. The alternative splice product was found in glioblastoma and in normal fetal brain. We determined the amplification frequency of KUB3 in glioma with different grading. We analyzed a total of 102 glioma primary tumors and found KUB3 to be amplified in 12/82 (14%) glioblastomas, 4/13 anaplastic astrocytomas (30%), and 2/4 astrocytomas, but in none of three pilocytic astrocytomas. Northern blot analysis of glioblastoma shows a strong correlation between KUB3 amplification and overexpression. Amplification of KUB3 appears to be independent of other genetic changes frequently associated with the development of gliomas, including EGFR amplification, LOH of TP53, and LOH of chromosome 10. The KUB3 amplification and overexpression may interfere with the function of KUB3 in the DNA–PK complex involved in the maintenance of genome stability and reduction of mutation frequency. GLIA 36:1–10, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A feasibility study of antidepressant drug therapy in depressed elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease†
Authors: Yohannes Abebaw M. , Connolly Martin J. , Baldwin Robert C.
Published: August 2002

Objectives

To examine the acceptability of fluoxetine in elderly depressed patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Setting

A university teaching hospital.

Method

Single‐blinded (open) study. One hundred and thirty‐seven outpatients (69 male) with symptomatic irreversible, moderate to severe COPD were recruited. Major depression was diagnosed using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. Quality of life was assessed by the Breathing Problems Questionnaire, physical disability by the Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and severity of depression using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Exclusion criteria were: use of oral steroids within 6 weeks, acute or chronic confusion, known cancer and known psychosis.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients (42%) (25 males) with a mean age of 72 years (range 60–89 years) were depressed. Fourteen (six male) agreed to undergo therapy with fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 6 months, while 36 (72%) refused antidepressant drug therapy. Only seven subjects completed the trial; of these, four (57%) responded to fluoxetine therapy. Five subjects withdrew because of side‐effects. Twenty‐two of those who refused treatment (61%) agreed to be interviewed, and of these 19 (86%) were still depressed.

Conclusion

Patient acceptance of fluoxetine was poor. The reasons for refusing treatment varied but were largely due to misapprehension by the patient. Untreated depression became chronic. Offering antidepressants to COPD patients with depression is not an effective strategy. Why this might be so is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Validation and normative data of health status measures in older people: the Islington study
Authors: Pettit T. , Livingston G. , Manela M. , Kitchen G. , Katona C. , Bowling A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Health related quality of life scales have been developed to measure a global picture of health and well‐being from the patient's perspective. Separate validation of these measures in older people is important, as different areas of life are prioritized as important in older people and population norms for health status measures can differ with age.

Objectives

The aims of this paper were to examine the validity and acceptability of two health status measures the 12‐item Health Status Questionnaire (HSQ‐12) and 12‐item Short Form Health Survey SF‐12, and to present population norms in older people.

Setting

A door‐to‐door survey in Islington, a borough of inner London.

Subjects and methods

The subjects were allocated to complete either the SF‐12 (n = 541) or the HSQ‐12 (n = 544) by alternating the questionnaires with each household visited. The first 135 people who completed the HSQ‐12 were visited approximately 18 months later. Acceptability was measured examining the completion rate of the scales, and on a three‐point scale. The short‐CARE was used to elicit psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. We collected data on health and social care, and subjective health problems.

Results

Both scales distinguished between subjects with and without a variety of health states, including self‐defined health problems, health problems diagnosed by valid scales, problems with vision and hearing, and receipt of health or social services. The HSQ‐12, but not the SF‐12, could distinguish between people with and without dementia, and had high completion rates for those living in the community but not in 24‐hour care. Linear regression models demonstrated sensitivity to change in health status for the HSQ‐12.

Conclusion

The SF‐12 and HSQ‐12 are acceptable and valid as health status instruments in large community‐based studies of older people. The HSQ‐12, but not the SF‐12, is acceptable and valid for people with dementia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memory self‐appraisal and depressive symptoms in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Small Gary W. , Chen Stephen T. , Komo Scott , Ercoli Linda , Miller Karen , Siddarth Prabha , Kaplan Andrea , Dorsey Deborah , Lavretsky Helen , Saxena Sanjaya , Bookheimer Susan Y.
Published: August 2002

Objectives

A previous study found that subjective memory loss in middle‐aged and older persons is associated with the major genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, the apolipoprotein E‐4 (APOE‐4) allele. No previous study has focused on subjective memory complaints and depressive symptoms in the same subject population at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Method

Sixty‐six persons (mean age = 64 years, range = 43 to 82 years) without major depression or dementia but with mild age‐related memory complaints were rated for severity of depressive symptoms, using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and assessed for the presence of the APOE‐4 allele. Severity of subjective memory loss was assessed using the Memory Functioning Questionnaire, which measures four memory domains: frequency of forgetting, seriousness of forgetting, retrospective functioning, and mnemonics usage.

Results

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with subjective memory loss in subjects without the APOE‐4 allele, for retrospective functioning (perceived change in memory) and mnemonics usage, but not in APOE‐4 carriers. The same significant associations were found when the analysis was limited to the 44 subjects in the mid‐age range (55–74 years), wherein APOE‐4 confers its greatest effects on risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

These results confirm that mild depressive symptoms are related to subjective memory loss, but for some forms of memory complaint, the relationship holds true only for people without the major known genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjective health measures and acute treatment outcomes in geriatric depression
Authors: Lenze Eric J. , Miller Mark D. , Dew Mary Amanda , Martire Lynn M. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Begley Amy E. , Schulz Richard , Frank Ellen , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: August 2002

Background

Prior research suggests that elderly patients are less likely to respond to antidepressant treatment if they have low self‐rated health. However, successful treatment for depression has been associated with improvement in self‐rated health and other health measures.

Objectives

To examine measures of self‐rated health, physical disability, and social function as predictors of treatment response in late‐life depression, and to assess these same health measures as treatment outcomes. We hypothesized that greater impairment in these measures would predict poorer treatment response, and that these measures would show significant improvements with recovery from depression.

Method

Subjects were enrolled in a depression intervention study for people aged 60 and older with recurrent unipolar major depression; they were assessed with measures of self‐rated health, physical disability, and social functioning at baseline and at the end of treatment. Baseline measures were compared between the 88 remitters, 11 non‐remitters, and seven dropouts. Additionally, changes in the measures were examined in subjects who recovered from the index depressive episode.

Results

Subjects with poorer self‐rated health at baseline were more likely both to drop out of treatment and to not respond to adequate treatment. This relationship was independent of demographic measures, severity of depression, physical and social functioning, medical illness, personality, hopelessness, overall medication use, and side effects or non‐compliance with treatment.

Conclusion

Although this finding is preliminary because of the small number of dropouts and non‐remitters, it suggests that lower self‐rated health may independently predict premature discontinuation of treatment for depression. Additionally, subjects who recovered from depression showed significant improvements in self‐rated health, physical disability, and social functioning. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 2‐substituted‐2,3‐dihydro‐5‐benzoyl‐1H‐1,3,2‐benzodiazaphosphole 2‐oxides/sulfides
Authors: Reddy P. Vasu Govardhana , Babu Y. Hari , Reddy C. Suresh , Srinivasulu D.
Published: August 2002

Syntheses of 2‐aryloxy/2‐chloro ethoxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐5‐benzoyl‐1H‐1,3,2‐benzodiaza‐phosphole 2‐oxides 3a–h were accomplished by reactions of equimolar quantities of 3,4‐diaminobenzophenone (1) with various aryl/chloroethoxy phosphorodichloridates 2a–g and 2h in the presence of triethylamine at 50–60°C. Compounds 3i–k were prepared by reacting 3,4‐diaminobenzophenone (1) with aryl thiophosphorodichloridates 2i–k under similar conditions. They were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectral data. Some of these products possessed siginificant antimicrobial activity © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 13:340–345, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10044
Preparing international students for a successful social experience in higher education
Authors: Guidry Lacina Jan
Published: August 2002

Colleges and universities can increase their retention of international students by providing those students with help in adjusting to U.S. culture.
The death of cost‐minimization analysis?
Authors: Briggs Andrew H. , O'Brien Bernie J.
Published: August 2002

Four different types of evaluation methods, cost‐benefit analysis (CBA), cost‐utility analysis (CUA), cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost‐minimization analysis (CMA), are usually distinguished. In this note, we pronounce the (near) death of CMA by showing the rare circumstances under which CMA is an appropriate method of analysis. We argue that it is inappropriate for separate and sequential hypothesis tests on differences in effects and costs to determine whether incremental cost‐effectiveness (or cost‐utility) should be estimated. We further argue that the analytic focus should be on the estimation of the joint density of cost and effect differences, the quantification of uncertainty surrounding the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio and the presentation of such data as cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves. Two examples from recently published CEA are employed to illustrate the issues. The first shows a situation where analysts might be tempted (inappropriately) to employ CMA rather than CEA. The second illustrates one of the rare circumstances in which CMA may be justified as a legitimate form of analysis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: The prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits in the clinically N0 neck
Authors: Coatesworth Andrew P. , MacLennan Ken
Published: August 2002

Background

With squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract the presence or absence of neck metastases is the most important prognostic factor. This makes the histopathologic assessment of neck dissections of paramount importance. With the clinically N0 neck the prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits has not previously been described.

Methods

We have prospectively analyzed 96 elective neck dissections in 63 patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma and clinically N0 necks to assess the prevalence of microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits. The dissections were separated peroperatively into nodal levels; these were sectioned at 6‐μm sections and stained with H & E.

Results

Nineteen patients (30.2%) were upstaged to pN+ve. Twelve of these had microscopic extracapsular spread, which was 19.0% of the clinically N0 necks and 63.2% of the pN+ve. Five had soft tissue deposits, which was 7.9% of the clinically N0 necks. Fourteen patients had microscopic extracapsular spread and/or soft tissue deposits, which represented 22.2% of all necks examined and 73.7% of the pN+ve necks.

Conclusions

Microscopic extracapsular spread and soft tissue deposits have a high prevalence in patients with clinically N0 necks. Extracapsular spread can occur at an early stage in metastasis from upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma. Soft tissue deposits can also occur at an early stage. Soft tissue deposits may occur by the same process as lymph node metastasis with total effacement of the lymph node or may occur by some other process such as lymphatic tumor embolization. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 258–261, 2002; DOI 10.1002/hed.10020
Importance of the treatment package time in surgery and postoperative radiation therapy for squamous carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Rosenthal David I. , Liu Li , Lee Jason H. , Vapiwala Neha , Chalian Ara A. , Weinstein Gregory S. , Chilian Irina , Weber Randal S. , Machtay Mitchell
Published: August 2002

Background

To determine the effect of treatment time‐related factors on outcome in patients treated with surgery and postoperative radiation therapy (RT) for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN)

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 208 consecutive patients treated from 1992 to 1997 with surgery and postoperative RT (≥55 Gy) for SCCHN. The treatment time factors considered were (1) interval from surgery to the start of RT; (2) RT duration; and (3) the total time from surgery to completion of RT (treatment package time). Treatment package time was dichotomized into short (≤100 days) vs long (>100 days) categories. Other variables considered were clinical and pathologic staging, margin status, RT dose, and tumor site. Patients were also divided into intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups on the basis of eligibility for RTOG 95‐01. Univariate (logrank) and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Median follow‐up for surviving patients was 24 months. Actuarial 2‐year locoregional control (LRC) and survival rates were 82% and 71%, respectively. In univariate analysis, factors associated with higher locoregional failure were high‐risk group (p = .011), margin status (p = .038), pathologic stage (p = .035), clinical N stage (p = .006), package time (p = .013), and RT treatment time (p = .03). Package time was also a significant predictor of survival in univariate analysis (p = .021). The other two individual time factors, tumor factors, and RT dose were not significant. Both risk status and treatment package time were significant factors in a multivariate model of LRC.

Conclusions

A total treatment package time of <100 days is associated with improved tumor control and survival. Every effort should be made to keep the time from surgery to the completion of postoperative RT to <100 days. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Age and survival from squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Davidson Bruce J. , Root Wendy A. , Trock Bruce J.
Published: August 2002

Background

A worse outcome for young patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been previously suggested in the literature. This issue has been investigated with respect to squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program tumor registries were used. Cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (ICD‐9 codes 141.1–141.5) diagnosed from 1988–1993 in which this cancer was the one and only cancer were included (n = 749). Disease‐specific survival was evaluated with respect to age, type of surgical treatment, and radiotherapy while stratifying for stage using Cox proportional hazards analysis. A secondary analysis included the additional variables, tumor size and nodal status. (These fields were recorded in SEER for only about half of the cases in the primary analysis.)

Results

Analysis revealed that increasing age predicted worse disease‐specific survival. A 10‐year increase in age was associated with an 18% increase in risk of death. Surgical therapy with excision of the primary tumor alone or excision plus neck dissection predicted improved survival, whereas the use of radiotherapy was associated with worse survival. (The latter may reflect bias associated with positive surgical margins or premorbid conditions.) In the secondary analysis, age, tumor size, and positive lymph node status were associated with significantly worse disease‐specific survival, whereas surgical excision plus neck dissection was associated with improved survival.

Conclusion

The SEER database shows increased disease‐specific mortality with increasing age in patients with cancer of the oral tongue. Surgical therapy is associated with improved survival, whereas the use of radiotherapy, increasing tumor size, and positive lymph node status are associated with worse outcome. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 273–279. 2001.
Choosing a concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimen for squamous cell head and neck cancer: A systematic review of the published literature with subgroup analysis
Authors: Browman George P. , Hodson D. Ian , Mackenzie Robert J. , Bestic Nancy , Zuraw Lisa
Published: August 2002

Background

A systematic review was conducted to develop clinical recommendations for concomitant chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer (SCHNC).

Methods

Results of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were pooled using Meta‐analyst0.988 software.

Results

A pooled analysis of 18 RCTs (20 comparisons) involving 3,192 patients detected a reduction in mortality for concomitant therapy compared with RT alone (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–0.74; relative risk, 0.83; risk reduction, 11%; p < .00001). Platinum‐based regimens involving 1,514 patients from nine trials (10 comparisons) were most effective (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.71; p < .00001; risk reduction, 12%). Concomitant therapy produced more acute adverse effects than RT alone.

Conclusion

Platinum‐based concomitant CT and RT is superior to conventional RT alone in improving survival in locally advanced SCHNC. Subgroup analyses can be used to help in choosing the most appropriate concomitant regimen. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 579–589, 2001.
Theories supporting transfer of training
Authors: Yamnill Siriporn , McLean Gary N.
Published: August 2002

This article reviews theories and conceptual frameworks necessary to describe three factors affecting transfer of training. This information helps HRD professionals understand why people wish to change their performance after attending a training program, what training design contributes to people's ability to transfer skills successfully, and what kind of organizational environment supports the transfer. This article also provides HRD implementation strategies to help organizations achieve a high level of transfer.
An experimental study on vapor condensation of wet flue gas in a plastic heat exchanger
Authors: Jia L. , Peng X.F. , Sun J.D. , Chen T.B.
Published: August 2002

An experimental system investigating condensation heat transfer of wet flue gas was set up, and the heat transfer performance of vapor‐gas mixture with vapor condensation was discussed. The experimental results of laminar flow in a plastic longitudinal spiral plate heat exchanger were obtained and are in good agreement with the modified classical film model. It is shown that the plastic air preheater can avoid acid corrosion in the low‐temperature field for the boiler using fuel containing sulfur and recover latent heat of the water vapor of the wet flue gas. Also some SO2 was scrubbed during the vapor condensing process in the heat exchanger. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Heat Trans Asian Res, 30(7): 571–580, 2001
Suspended sediment in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers in Bangladesh: observation from TM and AVHRR data
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rezwanul , Yamaguchi Yasushi , Ogawa Katsuro
Published: August 2002

Remote sensing was used to understand the seasonal and spatial variation of suspended sediment in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers in Bangladesh for two different discharge periods. Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in these rivers was estimated from the reflectance of Landsat TM band 3. During the high discharge period, SSC in the Ganges is higher than that in the Brahmaputra. But in the low discharge period, this is reversed. Both erosional and depositional processes are active on their flood plains. Significant fluctuations in SSC and in suspended sediment load were observed along their courses because of river bank erosion and deposition and/or scouring and aggradation of river beds. Owing to scouring and turbulence, SSC increases markedly at the confluence of these rivers. Reflectance of AVHRR band 1 data was also analysed to study the distribution of suspended sediment along other reaches of these rivers. Like SSC, reflectance at the confluence zone increases compared with that in the Brahmaputra. However, this increase is not marked compared with the Ganges. The influence of their tributaries on the suspended sediment load could be inferred from the pattern of reflectance. Remote sensing data used in this study was corrected for atmospheric effects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between the common climatic parameters and average drought frequency
Authors: Pandey R. P. , Ramasastri K. S.
Published: August 2002

The parameters commonly considered to define climate are the mean annual precipitation and mean annual potential evapotranspiration. In this study an attempt has been made to develop a relationship between average drought frequency and the evapotranspiration/precipitation ratio for the arid, semi‐arid and subhumid climatic regions of India. The climatic regions are delineated using two climatic indices: namely (i) the ratio of mean annual precipitation (Pa) to global terrestrial mean annual precipitation (Pg), and (ii) the ratio of mean annual potential evapotranspiration (Ep) to mean annual precipitation (Pa). It was noted that the average drought frequency (i e., year−1.) decreases gradually from dry to wet regions. The return period varies from 2 to 3 years in the arid regions (12>Ep/Pa≥5), 3 to 5 years in semi‐arid regions (5>Ep/Pa≥2), and 5 to 8 years in sub‐humid regions (2>Ep/Pa≥3/4). Another relationship was developed between the average frequency of drought occurrence and the ratio of mean annual deficit to mean annual precipitation, (Ep−Pa)/Pa. The results have been compared with the drought experiences documented for other regions of the world. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intelligent control for modelling of real‐time reservoir operation
Authors: Chang Li‐Chiu , Chang Fi‐John
Published: August 2002

This paper presents a new approach to improving real‐time reservoir operation. The approach combines two major procedures: the genetic algorithm (GA) and the adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The GA is used to search the optimal reservoir operating histogram based on a given inflow series, which can be recognized as the base of input–output training patterns in the next step. The ANFIS is then built to create the fuzzy inference system, to construct the suitable structure and parameters, and to estimate the optimal water release according to the reservoir depth and inflow situation. The practicability and effectiveness of the approach proposed is tested on the operation of the Shihmen reservoir in Taiwan. The current M‐5 operating rule curves of the Shihmen reservoir are also evaluated. The simulation results demonstrate that this new approach, in comparison with the M‐5 rule curves, has superior performance with regard to the prediction of total water deficit and generalized shortage index (GSI). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil frost effects on soil water and runoff dynamics along a boreal forest transect: 1. Field investigations
Authors: Nyberg Lars , Stähli Manfred , Mellander Per‐Erik , Bishop Kevin H.
Published: August 2002

To determine how soil frost changes flowpaths of runoff water along a hillslope, a transect consisting of four soil profiles directed towards a small stream in a mature forest stand was investigated at Svartberget, near Vindeln in northern Sweden. Soil temperature, unfrozen water content, groundwater level and snow depth were investigated along the transect, which started at the riparian peat, and extended 30 m upslope into mineral soils. The two, more organic‐rich profiles closest to the stream had higher water retention and wetter autumn conditions than the sandy mineral soils further upslope. The organic content of the soil influenced the variation in frost along the transect. The first winter (1995–96) had abnormally low snow precipitation, which gave a deep frost down to 40–80 cm, whereas the two following winters had frost depths of 5–20 cm. During winter 1995–96, the two organic profiles close to the stream had a shallower frost depth than the mineral soil profile higher upslope, but a considerably larger amount of frozen water. The fraction of water that did not freeze despite several minus degrees in the soil was 5–7 vol.% in the mineral soil and 10–15 vol.% in the organic soil. From the measurements there were no signs of perched water tables during any of the three snowmelt periods, which would have been strong evidence for changed water flowpaths due to soil frost. When shallow soil layers became saturated during snowmelt, especially in 1997 and 1998, it was because of rising groundwater levels. Several rain on frozen ground events during spring 1996 resulted in little runoff, since most of the rain either froze in the soil or filled up the soil water storage. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Manawatu aquifers, North Island, New Zealand: Clarification of hydrogeology using a multidisciplinary environmental tracer approach
Authors: Taylor C. B. , Trompetter V. J. , Brown L. J. , Bekesi G.
Published: August 2002

A recently developed approach to carbon isotope methodology (process recognition via isotope diagrams) is applied in a multidisciplinary study of precipitation‐recharged aquifers of the lowlands–plains area of the Manawatu (south‐west North Island). Urban and rural areas rely on groundwater from the upper levels of a deep basin sequence comprising marine and terrestrial sediments of Pleistocene age. Hydrochemical and isotopic (18O, 3H, 13C and 14C) data are merged with known details of geology and hydrogeology to reveal two separate confined aquifers within the depth range to 200 m. The shallower of these, below unconfined, locally recharged groundwater, is recharged on the foothills of the Ruahine Range to the north‐east of the study area; flow direction is NE–SW. The deeper confined aquifer is recharged on the Tararua Range to the immediate east; flow direction essentially is transverse (SE–NW) to that in the shallower aquifer. Two processes are identified as dominant contributors to concentration and isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), namely addition of CO2 from decay of organic materials and carbonate dissolution. Limitations of carbon isotope methods in determining residence times are illustrated by the data. Although the confined groundwater is essentially tritium‐free, only a few samples showed conclusive evidence of significant ageing on the time‐scale of 14C. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of grid size on effective parameters and model performance of the MIKE‐SHE code
Authors: Vázquez R. F. , Feyen L. , Feyen J. , Refsgaard J. C.
Published: August 2002

The present study discusses the application of the physically based distributed MIKE‐SHE code to a medium size catchment using different grid sizes to investigate scale effects on the model results. First a 600 m grid‐square model was calibrated. This was then subjected to a multi‐resolution (MR) validation test by using the effective parameters of the calibrated model in a 300 m and a 1200 m grid‐square model. The MR test indicated that the models for the resolutions analysed only differ marginally. Secondly, the effect of grid size on both the calibrated effective model parameters and the model performance was analysed in the scope of a multi‐calibration test in which the calibration and validation processes were kept as unique and standard as possible for every grid size. The model was calibrated and validated for every grid size against both daily catchment discharge measurements and observed water levels using both a split sample procedure and a multi‐site validation test. The investigation indicated that the best validation results, in terms of river discharge, were obtained with a 600 m grid‐resolution, independent of the stream‐flow station. This, together with the exponential increase in computation time when reducing the grid size, indicates that, for the given level of data input and quality, the model type and structure, and the time step, a 600 m grid‐resolution is most appropriate for the catchment under study. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The developmental change in strategies parents employ to settle young children to sleep, and their relationship to infant sleeping problems, as assessed by a new questionnaire: the Parental Interactive Bedtime Behaviour Scale
Authors: Morrell Julian , Cortina‐Borja Mario
Published: August 2002

The development of a new parental self‐report questionnaire, the Parental Interactive Bedtime Behaviour Scale (PIBBS) is described. The PIBBS was designed to capture a wide range of parental behaviours used to settle infants off to sleep. The commonest behaviours employed were giving a feed, talking softly to the child, cuddling in the arms, and stroking. A factor analysis revealed five settling strategies; ‘active physical comforting’ (e.g. cuddling in arms); ‘encouraging infant autonomy’ (e.g. leaving to cry); ‘movement’ (e.g. car rides), ‘passive physical comforting’ (e.g. standing next to the cot without picking the infant up), and ‘social comforting’ (e.g. reading a story). Excessive ‘active physical comforting’ and reduced ‘encourage autonomy’ strategy use was associated with infant sleeping problems. Regarding developmental change in strategy between 1 and 2 years, the later the onset at which ‘encourage autonomy’ became the principal strategy used, the more likely that persistent infant sleeping problems would be present. Factors accounting for the change in strategy use over time were: (i) parental adaptation to infant developmental maturation; (ii) the interaction between maternal cognition and strategy, and, to a lesser extent; (iii) the interaction between infant temperament and parental strategy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body mass and stage of breast cancer at diagnosis
Authors: Cui Yadong , Whiteman Maura K. , Flaws Jodi A. , Langenberg Patricia , Tkaczuk Katherine H. , Bush Trudy L.
Published: August 2002

Obesity is a well‐known risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. In contrast, the relationship between obesity and stage of breast cancer at diagnosis is less clear. We hypothesized that increased breast size in obese women may delay discovery of breast tumors. Thus, the purpose of our study was to examine whether there is an association between body mass and stage of breast cancer at diagnosis using hospital medical records. Newly diagnosed breast cancer cases (n = 966) in the Baltimore metropolitan area from 1991 to 1997 were included in our study. Patient information including age, ethnicity, weight, height and pathology data were obtained from hospital medical records. High body mass was significantly associated with late stage of breast cancer at diagnosis. Women who were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27.3) were more likely to be at an advanced stage at diagnosis compared with women with a BMI of < 27.3 (multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–2.14). The association between body mass and stage at diagnosis was stronger among women younger than 50 years (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.34–4.08) compared with women 50 years or older (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.89–1.91). Our study suggests that higher body mass is associated with advanced stage of breast cancer at diagnosis. This finding may be of considerable concern, given the increasing prevalence of obesity in women in the United States and the poor prognosis associated with late‐stage tumors. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ovarian cancer antigen CA125 is encoded by the MUC16 mucin gene
Authors: Yin Beatrice W.T. , Dnistrian Ann , Lloyd Kenneth O.
Published: August 2002

Serum assays based on the CA125 antigen are widely used in the monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer; however very little is known about the molecular nature of the CA125 antigen. We recently cloned a partial cDNA (designated MUC16) that codes for a new mucin that is a strong candidate for being the CA125 antigen. This assignment has now been confirmed by transfecting a partial MUC16 cDNA into 2 CA125‐negative cell lines and demonstrating the synthesis of CA125 by 3 different assays. Of the 3 antibodies (OC125, M11 and VK‐8) tested on the transfected cells, only the first 2 were strongly positive, indicating the differential expression of the CA125 epitopes in these cells. The cloning and expression of CA125 antigen opens the way to an understanding of its function in normal and malignant cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency of serum DNA alterations in renal cell carcinoma detected by fluorescent microsatellite analysis
Authors: von Knobloch Rolf , Hegele Axel , Brandt Heidrun , Varga Zoltan , Wille Sebastian , Kälble Tilman , Heidenreich Axel , Hofmann Rainer
Published: August 2002

To date there are no reliable serological markers for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We applied fluorescent microsatellite analysis (MSA) to detect serum DNA alterations in patients with RCC. Fresh tumour, peripheral blood and serum specimens from 60 consecutive patients treated for malignant renal tumours (n= 53 RCC and n= 7 non‐RCC) were prospectively collected. After DNA extraction, we performed MSA with a total of 9 markers from the chromosomal regions 3p, 5q, 7p, 7q, 9p, 13q, 17p and 17q to identify tumour specific serum DNA alterations in Group I (n= 53 RCC); 11 additional markers were used in the first 23 RCCs (Group II) in order to increase sensitivity; and 20 healthy controls were investigated with 10 markers. Besides the histomorphological diagnosis the RCCs were genetically stratified according to the “Heidelberg Classification” of renal tumours. Detection of allelic imbalance and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was carried out on an automated laser sequencer. In Group I we identified serum DNA alterations in 74% (39/53) of cases. When applying 20 markers, the sensitivity was elevated to 87% (20/23) in Group II. Investigating 20 healthy controls with 10 markers, the method rendered 85% specificity. The highest incidence of alterations was detected for chromosomal regions 3p and 5q. The presence of serum DNA alteration was not associated with tumour nuclear grade but exhibited a trend towards advanced stages (p = 0,044). In RCC, the microsatellite analysis has a high sensitivity in the detection of serum DNA alterations when a sufficient number of markers from various chromosomal regions are used. Advanced tumours tend to express serum DNA alterations more frequently. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of Kupffer cells inhibits tumor growth in a murine model system
Authors: Chen George G. , Lau Wan Y. , Lai Paul B.S. , Chun Ying S. , Chak Ernest C.W. , Leung Billy C.S. , Lam Isa K.Y. , Lee Janet F.Y. , Chui Albert K.K.
Published: August 2002

Kupffer cells, a liver organ‐specific macrophage, play an important role in preventing the development of malignant tumors. The mechanism responsible for their tumoricidal activities is not completely known. In our study, we established in vivo models involving a rat malignant cell line, rat Kupffer cells and tumor implantation in nude mice. A series of relevant in vitro experiments were also carried out to determine possible pathways. LPS‐activated Kupffer cells produced significant amounts of NO, TNFα and IFNγ. Malignant cells treated with either Kupffer cells or culture supernatant of the activated Kupffer cells had an increase in caspase‐8 activity. Implanted tumors originated from malignant cells treated with either Kupffer cells or culture supernatant of the activated Kupffer cells grew much smaller than those from malignant cells without treatment or treated with control supernatants. The alteration of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 was inversely associated with the change of pro‐apoptotic caspase‐8 and their levels in the tumor tissues matched the size of the tumors and treatments they received. It appeared that the above changes resulted in an increase in cellular DNA damage and apoptosis seen in malignant cells. Therefore, Kupffer cells execute their anti‐tumor effect via increasing the production of NO, TNFα and IFNγ and these cytotoxic molecules inhibit the growth of tumor by damaging cellular DNA and inducing apoptosis that was featured by downregulation of Bcl‐2 but upregulation of caspase‐8. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.