bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of CNS Treatment on Mood in Adult Survivors of Childhood Leukemia: A Report From the Children’s Cancer Group
Authors: Glover Dorie A. , Byrne Julianne , Mills James L. , Robison Leslie L. , Nicholson H. Stacy , Meadows Anna , Zeltzer Lonnie K.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: This study assessed the relationship between CNS treatment and psychologic mood using the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a standardized measure of affect, among a large sample of young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; N = 555).

Patients and Methods: Survivors of childhood ALL (ages 18 to 33 years at study entry) participated in a structured telephone interview eliciting demographic, health, and behavioral data and the POMS. Treatment data included total dose of CNS irradiation (CRT) and intrathecal methotrexate (MTX) obtained from medical records.

Results: Mood disturbance was reported by 24% of survivors. High-dose CRT and MTX predicted disturbance rates modestly and primarily in combination with education variables. Interactions between educational achievement, a history of attendance in special education classes, and sex were better predictors than treatment type or dose. Nonwhite males, those younger than 12.5 years of age at diagnosis, and those with negative perceptions of current health and cancer’s impact on employment were also at greater risk for mood disturbance (P < .01 to .001).

Conclusion: Although most survivors are doing well psychologically, a subset of long-term survivors show potentially serious mood disturbance. Mood disturbance seems to be a function of interactions between preexisting individual difference variables (eg, sex, race/ethnicity), treatment factors, and posttreatment educational experiences. Prevention strategies aimed at childhood cancer survivors at greatest risk for mood disturbance may be improved by focus on posttreatment psychosocial and educational supports.
Toward New Strategies to Select Young Endometrial Cancer Patients for Mismatch Repair Gene Mutation Analysis
Authors: Berends Maran J.W. , Wu Ying , Sijmons Rolf H. , van der Sluis Tineke , Ek Wietske Boersmavan , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J.L. , Arts Neeltje J.W. , ten Hoor Klaske A. , Kleibeuker Jan H. , de Vries Elisabeth G.E. , Mourits Marian J.E. , Hollema Harry , Buys Charles H.C.M. , Hofstra Robert M.W. , van der Zee Ate G.J.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: To determine the frequency of mismatch repair (MMR) gene germline mutations in endometrial cancer patients who were diagnosed at less than 50 years of age; to relate the presence of mutations to family history, histopathologic data, presence of tumor microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunostaining; and to formulate criteria for genetic testing in these patients.

Patients and Methods: Endometrial cancer patients (N = 58), who were diagnosed at less than 50 years of age, were included and questioned about their family history. Mutation analysis of the MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 genes was performed (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequence analysis to detect small mutations and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to detect large deletions or duplications). For MSI analysis, five consensus markers were used, and immunostaining of the three MMR proteins was performed.

Results: In five of 22 patients with a positive first-degree family history for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)-related cancers, pathogenic germline mutations were found (one MLH1, three MSH2, and one MSH6). Four mutation carriers belonged to families fulfilling the revised Amsterdam criteria. No mutations were found in the 35 patients without such family history (P = .006). MSI was detected in 20 of 57 cancers, among which four were from mutation carriers. In 23 of 51 cancers, one or more MMR protein was absent; in all five mutation carriers, immunostaining indicated the involved MMR gene.

Conclusion: In 23% of the young endometrial cancer patients with at least one first-degree relative with an HNPCC-related cancer, an MMR gene mutation was detected. Therefore, presence of an HNPCC-related cancer in a first-degree relative seems to be an important selection criterion for mutation analysis. Subsequent immunostaining of MMR proteins will point to the gene(s) that should be analyzed.
Fully Synthetic Carbohydrate-Based Vaccines in Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Clinical Trial Results With α-N-Acetylgalactosamine-O-Serine/Threonine Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Slovin Susan F. , Ragupathi Govindaswami , Musselli Cristina , Olkiewicz Krystyna , Verbel David , Kuduk Scott D. , Schwarz Jacob B. , Sames Dalibor , Danishefsky Samuel , Livingston Philip O. , Scher Howard I.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: We report the synthesis of a mucin-related O-linked glycopeptide, α-N-acetylgalactosamine-O-serine/threonine (Tn), which is highly simplistic in its structure and can induce a relevant humoral response when given in a trimer or clustered (c) formation. We tested for an antitumor effect, in the form of a change in the posttreatment versus pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) slopes, that might serve as a surrogate for effectiveness of vaccines in delaying the time to radiographic progression.

Methods: We compared the antibody response to immunization with two conjugates, Tn(c)-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and Tn(c)-palmitic acid (PAM) with the saponin immunologic adjuvant QS21, in a phase I clinical trial in patients with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer. Patients received Tn(c)-KLH vaccine containing either 3, 7, or 15 μg of Tn(c) per vaccination. Ten patients received 100 μg of Tn(c)-PAM. QS21 was included in all vaccines. Five vaccinations were administered subcutaneously during 26 weeks with an additional booster vaccine at week 50.

Results: Tn(c), when given with the carrier molecule KLH and QS21, stimulated the production of high-titer immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies. Inferior antibody responses were seen with T(c)-PAM. There was no evidence of enhanced immunogenicity with increasing doses of vaccine. An antitumor effect in the form of a decline in posttreatment versus pretreatment PSA slopes was also observed.

Conclusion: A safe synthetic conjugate vaccine in a trimer formation was developed that can break immunologic tolerance by inducing specific humoral responses. It seemed to affect the biochemical progression of the disease as determined by a change in PSA log slope.
Minichromosome Maintenance Protein 2 Is a Strong Independent Prognostic Marker in Breast Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez Michael A. , Pinder Sarah E. , Callagy Grace , Vowler Sarah L. , Morris Lesley S. , Bird Kate , Bell Jane A. , Laskey Ronald A. , Coleman Nicholas
Published: November 2003

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that prognostic information in breast cancer may be derived from an accurate assessment of epithelial cell cycle entry, as indicated by expression of minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins.

Materials and Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of Mcm-2 in breast tissue. Power calculations based on a pilot study of 67 whole tissue sections led to selection of an independent 347-core breast carcinoma tissue microarray validation set. We tested for associations between Mcm-2 (and Ki-67) labeling index (LI) and various clinicopathologic parameters.

Results: Mcm-2 was expressed more frequently than the standard proliferation marker Ki-67 in whole tissue sections of normal breast (P = .0003) and breast carcinoma (P < .0001). In 221 assessable cores of invasive carcinoma, the Mcm-2 LI showed a positive association with tumor size (P = .002), mitotic index (P < .0001), histologic grade (P < .0001), and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) score (P < .0001). Using a cutoff value of 50%, Mcm-2 LI was associated with overall survival (P = .0007), disease-free interval (P = .0002), and with the development of regional recurrence (P = .011) and distant metastases (P = .0016). Cox regression analysis suggested that the Mcm-2 LI is a strong prognostic factor in breast cancer that is independent and superior to histologic grade, lymph node stage, and Ki-67 LI, but not the NPI score.

Conclusion: Mcm-2 may be of utility as a prognostic marker to refine the prediction of outcome in breast cancer, for example when combined with parameters currently used in the NPI.
Prognostic Characteristics of Breast Cancer Among Postmenopausal Hormone Users in a Screened Population
Authors: Kerlikowske Karla , Miglioretti Diana L. , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Weaver Donald L. , Buist Diana S.M. , Barlow William E. , Cutter Gary , Geller Berta M. , Yankaskas Bonnie , Taplin Stephen H. , Carney Patricia A.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: We determined the risk of breast cancer and tumor characteristics among current postmenopausal hormone therapy users compared with nonusers, by duration of use.

Methods: From January 1996 to December 2000, data were collected prospectively on 374,465 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years who underwent screening mammography. We calculated the relative risk (RR) of breast cancer (invasive or ductal carcinoma-in-situ) and type of breast cancer within 12 months of postmenopausal therapy use among current hormone users with a uterus (proxy for estrogen and progestin use) and without a uterus (proxy for estrogen use), compared with nonusers.

Results: Compared with nonusers, women using estrogen and progestin for ≥ 5 years were at increased risk of breast tumors of stage 0 or I (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.66), stage II or higher (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.63), size ≤ 20 mm (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.43 to 1.76), size greater than 20 mm (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.42), grade 1 or 2 (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.77), grade 3 or 4 (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.73), and estrogen receptor-positive (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.55 to 1.90). Estrogen-only users were slightly more likely to have estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer compared with nonusers (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.23).

Conclusion: Use of estrogen and progestin postmenopausal hormone therapy for five years or more increased the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including both tumors with favorable prognostic features and tumors with unfavorable prognostic features.
Patient-Controlled Methylphenidate for the Management of Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bruera Eduardo , Driver Larry , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Willey Jie , Shen Loren , Palmer J. Lynn , Escalante Carmelita
Published: November 2003

Purpose: To assess the effects of patient-controlled methylphenidate for cancer-related fatigue.

Patients and Methods: In this prospective open study, 31 patients with advanced cancer and fatigue who scored ≥ 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 received methylphenidate 5 mg by mouth every 2 hours as needed for 7 days (maximum, 20 mg/d). Multiple symptoms were assessed daily; the primary end point, fatigue, was measured using the 0 to 10 scale, and the Functional Assessment for Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) was performed at baseline, day 7, and day 28.

Results: The following mean (± standard deviation) scores for 30 assessable patients improved significantly between baseline and day 7: fatigue (0 to 10 scale), 7.2 ± 1.6 v 3.0 ± 1.9 (P < .001); overall well-being (0 to 10 scale), 4.5 ± 2.2 v 2.8 ± 2.1 (P < .001); fatigue (FACIT-F) subscore, 17.5 ± 11.3 v 34.7 ± 10.0 (P < .001); functional well-being, 14.4 ± 5.9 v 18.3 ± 6.6 (P < .001); and physical well-being, 13.5 ± 6.4 v 21.4 ± 5.0 (P < .001). Anxiety, appetite, pain, nausea, depression, and drowsiness all improved significantly (P < .05). All patients took afternoon or evening doses, and 28 patients (93%) took three or more doses daily. All patients chose to continue taking methylphenidate after 7 days of treatment. No serious side effects were reported.

Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that patient-controlled methylphenidate administration rapidly improved fatigue and other symptoms. Randomized controlled trials are justified.
Treatment of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias With Thalidomide and Its Derivatives
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios , Weber Donna
Published: November 2003

Purpose: In 1999, investigators reported promising results of a phase II study of thalidomide in patients with resistant multiple myeloma (MM). Since then, various trials of thalidomide alone and in combination with other agents have been tested in patients with resistant and, more recently, untreated MM. In addition, preliminary results of phase I studies of the immunomodulatory derivatives (IMiDs) of thalidomide have been recently reported.

Design: We reviewed and report the results of clinical trials of thalidomide and the IMiDs, as well as the pharmacology, mechanism of action, and toxicity of these agents.

Results: Thalidomide has demonstrated significant activity in both resistant and previously untreated multiple myeloma. Combination therapy with dexamethasone increases response rate, even in patients previously resistant to both drugs given as single agents. More recent studies of thalidomide with dexamethasone in previously untreated patients are highly encouraging. The addition of chemotherapy to thalidomide and dexamethasone may further increase response rates, but its effect on patient survival has not been clarified. Preliminary results of trials of IMiD-3 indicate that this agent is active in resistant myeloma and has a toxicity profile different from that of thalidomide.

Conclusion: Many studies have confirmed the activity of thalidomide in MM, as well as an improved response with dexamethasone. Newer thalidomide derivatives with reduced toxicity (neuropathy, teratogenicity) are also promising. Thalidomide with dexamethasone may now represent the treatment of choice for previously untreated patients. Further studies with these and other novel agents early in the course of myeloma may improve complete remission rates and frequency of long-term control.
Outcome in Children With Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Initial Treatment With the French Leucémie Aiquë Myéloïde Enfant (LAME) 89/91 Protocol of the French Society of Pediatric Hematology and Immunology
Authors: Aladjidi Nathalie , Auvrignon Anne , Leblanc Thierry , Perel Yves , Bénard Antoine , Bordigoni Pierre , Gandemer Virginie , Thuret Isabelle , Dalle Jean Hugues , Piguet Christophe , Pautard Brigitte , Baruchel André , Leverger Guy
Published: November 2003

Purpose: After present first-line therapies for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), nearly 40% of patients still relapse. The goals of this retrospective study were to determine whether these children could be treated successfully with a salvage regimen and to establish the optimal therapeutic strategy.

Patients and Methods: In the multicentric, prospective, Leucémie Aiquë Myéloïde Enfant 89/91 protocol, 106 of the 308 children enrolled between 1988 and 1998 relapsed. Initial treatment after the first complete remission (CR1) had been allogenic HLA-identical bone marrow transplantation (BMT; n = 21) or chemotherapy (n = 85). Treatment procedures were scheduled according to the choice of each participating institution.

Results: When reinduction therapy was attempted, second complete remission (CR2) was obtained in 71% of patients (68 of 96 patients). BMT was performed in 53 (78%) of these 68 patients (autograft, mainly harvested in CR1, n = 25; matched sibling-donor BMT, n = 12; or alternative-donor BMT, n = 16). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for all 106 patients was 33%, and the disease-free survival (DFS) rate for children in CR2 was 45%. Multivariate analysis of re-treated children showed that the 5-year OS was higher if the CR1 had been longer than 12 months compared with less than 12 months (54% v 24%, respectively; P = .001) and lower if maintenance therapy had been given after CR1 compared with chemotherapy without maintenance therapy or HLA-identical BMT (12% v 40% v 52%, respectively; P = .002). For patients attaining CR2, the 5-year DFS rate was not significantly different for matched sibling-donor BMT (60%), autograft (47%), or alternative-donor BMT (44%).

Conclusion: After aggressive first-line therapy, one third of unselected, relapsing AML children could be cured. Further prospective trials are warranted to define the optimal reinduction regimen and megadose chemotherapy and to evaluate the late effects of these therapies.
Risk of Second Primary Malignancy After Esophagectomy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thoracic Esophagus
Authors: Matsubara Toshiki , Yamada Kazuhiko , Nakagawa Aya
Published: November 2003

Purpose: To assess the risk of subsequent malignancies after esophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus for the establishment of an adequate follow-up program.

Patients and Methods: We statistically analyzed clinical factors in 114 cases of second malignancy after esophagectomy that developed in 94 of 679 patients who underwent curative resection. The cancer incidence rates in the general population estimated by the Research Group for Population-Based Cancer Registration in Japan were used as standards for comparison.

Results: The 10-year cumulative risk of second malignancy was 34.5%, and the overall relative risk (RR) was 2.98 (95% CI, 2.41 to 3.65). The risk of head and neck cancer was markedly elevated (RR, 34.9; 95% CI, 24.3 to 48.6), followed by the risks of lung cancer (RR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.89 to 5.19) and stomach cancer (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.21). Multifactor analysis demonstrated that independent factors affecting the risk of subsequent malignancies were presence of other malignancies detected before esophagectomy and any of the following factors: masculine sex, alcohol consumption, and smoking. The 5-year survival rate after detection of subsequent malignancy was 45%. The outcome in patients with subsequent head and neck cancer was significantly less favorable as a result of difficulty in early detection.

Conclusion: Patients had a remarkably high risk of subsequent cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract after esophagectomy, in particular, head and neck cancer. Minute postoperative surveillance is strongly recommended, especially in patients with a history of malignancies before esophagectomy. Early detection of second malignancies allowed less invasive treatment with favorable outcome.
Phase I Trial of the Antivascular Agent Combretastatin A4 Phosphate on a 5-Day Schedule to Patients With Cancer: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence for Altered Tumor Blood Flow
Authors: Stevenson James P. , Rosen Mark , Sun Weijing , Gallagher Maryann , Haller Daniel G. , Vaughn David , Giantonio Bruce , Zimmer Ross , Petros William P. , Stratford Michael , Chaplin David , Young Scott L. , Schnall Mitchell , O’Dwyer Peter J.
Published: November 2003

Purpose: Combretastatin A4 (CA4) phosphate (CA4P) inhibits microtubule polymerization and is toxic to proliferating endothelial cells in vitro. It causes reversible vascular shutdown in established tumors in vivo, consistent with an antivascular mechanism of action. The present study investigated escalating doses of CA4P administered intravenously to patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and Methods: Patients with solid malignancies and good performance status received CA4P as a 10-minute infusion daily for 5 days repeated every 3 weeks. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed during cycle 1. Patients receiving ≥ 52 mg/m2/d had serial dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) studies to measure changes in tumor perfusion with CA4P treatment.

Results: Thirty-seven patients received 133 treatment cycles. CA4P dose levels ranged from 6 mg/m2 to 75 mg/m2 daily. Severe pain at sites of known tumor was dose limiting at 75 mg/m2. Dose-limiting cardiopulmonary toxicity (syncope and dyspnea or hypoxia) was noted as well in two patients treated at 75 mg/m2. Other toxicities included hypotension, ataxia, dyspnea, nausea or vomiting, headache, and transient sensory neuropathy. Plasma CA4P and CA4 area under the concentration-time curve and maximal concentration values increased linearly with dose. Tumor perfusion, as measured by the first-order rate constant of gadolinium plasma to tissue transfer during DCE-MRI studies, was found to decrease in eight of 10 patients. Relationships were also demonstrated between perfusion changes and pharmacokinetic indices. A partial response was observed in a patient with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, and 14 patients exhibited disease stability for a minimum of two cycles.

Conclusion: Doses of CA4P on a daily times five schedule of 52 to 65 mg/m2 were reasonably well-tolerated. The 52 mg/m2 dose is recommended for further study based on cumulative phase I experience with CA4P. Antitumor efficacy was observed, and the use of DCE-MRI provided a valuable noninvasive measure of the vascular effects of CA4P treatment.
A General Choice Model for Bundles with Multiple-Category Products: Application to Market Segmentation and Optimal Pricing for Bundles
Authors: Chung Jaihak , Rao Vithala R.
Published: November 2003

The attribute-based approach to study customer choices cannot deal with bundles of heterogeneous components, which are usually drawn from different product categories. The authors develop the comparability-based balance model, which is a unified framework for modeling bundle choices. The model can be employed for any bundle, regardless of the heterogeneity of bundle components, under a pure bundling strategy. The conjoint model and balance model are special cases of the general model. The authors use mixture distributions in a hierarchical Bayesian framework to incorporate consumer heterogeneity in a more flexible manner than the extant approaches such as latent-class and random-coefficient models. The empirical tests of the model show that most attribute effects are significant and consistent with the model's predictions. The model is superior to those that do not consider the issues of comparability of attributes, latent-class structure, and heterogeneity among respondents. The authors show how the model can be used to find market segments for bundles with heterogeneous products in multiple product categories, to estimate individual reservation prices for bundles, and to determine the optimal bundle prices for different market segments.
E-Customization
Authors: Ansari Asim , Mela Carl F.
Published: November 2003

Customized communications have the potential to reduce information overload and aid customer decisions, and the highly relevant products that result from customization can form the cornerstone of enduring customer relationships. In spite of such potential benefits, few models exist in the marketing literature to exploit the Internet's unique ability to design communications or marketing programs at the individual level. The authors develop a statistical and optimization approach for customization of information on the Internet. The authors use clickstream data from users at one of the top ten most trafficked Web sites to estimate the model and optimize the design and content of such communications for each user. The authors apply the model to the context of permission-based e-mail marketing, in which the objective is to customize the design and content of the e-mail to increase Web site traffic. The analysis suggests that the content-targeting approach can potentially increase the expected number of click-throughs by 62%.
The Effect of Forced Choice on Choice
Authors: Dhar Ravi , Simonson Itamar
Published: November 2003

Whereas most academic and industry studies of consumer preferences and decision making involve forced choice (i.e., participants are told to choose one of the presented product or service alternatives), buyers usually also have the option not to select any alternative. An implicit assumption in the experimental practice of forcing choice is that the no-choice option draws proportionately from the various available alternatives, such that the qualitative conclusions are unaffected. However, the authors propose that the no-choice option competes most directly with alternatives that buyers tend to select when they are uncertain about their preferences. Building on this general proposition, the authors show that the introduction of the no-choice option strengthens the attraction effect, weakens the compromise effect, and decreases the relative share of an option that is “average” on all dimensions. They also examine the mechanisms underlying the impact of having the option not to choose and the conditions under which the no-choice option is likely to affect relative option shares. The results are consistent with the notion that the no-choice option provides an alternative way of resolving difficult choices that is not available when subjects are forced to choose. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research.
Simultaneous Signaling and Screening with Warranties
Authors: Soberman David A.
Published: November 2003

It is well known that sellers can use warranties to screen consumers and increase profits. The ability of warranties to signal is also well accepted. The author considers a situation in which a high quality seller needs warranty policy to both screen and signal. Through an analytical model, the objective is to identify the optimal strategy for a high quality seller that offers a base warranty and optional extended warranty for a product whose quality is not observable to buyers. The author finds that signaling can limit a seller's ability to screen, especially when buyers are willing to pay a significant premium for higher quality. To signal, the seller generally lengthens base warranties and shortens optional coverage, making the bundles for each type of buyer more and more similar. The author also provides an empirical application of the model in the Toronto used-car market.
The Impact of the Internet on Information Search for Automobiles
Authors: Ratchford Brian T. , Lee Myung-Soo , Talukdar Debabrata
Published: November 2003

Using data from surveys of automobile buyers collected in 1990 and 2000 in a natural experiment setting, the authors study the determinants of use of the Internet as a source of information on automobiles, its impact on the use of other sources, and its impact on total search effort. The results indicate that the Internet draws attention in approximately the same proportion from other sources. The results also show that those who use the Internet to search for automobiles are younger and more educated and search more in general. However, the analysis also indicates that they would have searched even more if the Internet had not been present.
Specific Investments in Marketing Relationships: Expropriation and Bonding Effects
Authors: Rokkan Aksel I. , Heide Jan B. , Wathne Kenneth H.
Published: November 2003

Specific investments, which are tailored to a particular company or value-chain partner, are important components of firms' marketing strategies. At the same time, extant theory suggests that such investments pose considerable risk, because they put the receiver in a position to opportunistically exploit the investor. In this article, the authors examine this “expropriation” scenario but also consider whether specific investments, because of their specialized nature, may actually “bond” the receiver and reduce opportunism under certain conditions. These conditions involve a focal relationship's time horizon (i.e., its extendedness) and particular norms. The key theoretical argument is that the effect of specific investments on opportunism will shift in a nonmonotonic fashion over the range of these relationship conditions. The authors test their research hypotheses empirically through parallel analyses on each side of 198 matched buyer–supplier dyads. The empirical tests provide general support for the predictions but also reveal differences between buyers and suppliers regarding the focal effects. The authors discuss the implications of the findings for marketing theory and practice.
Multicriterion Clusterwise Regression for Joint Segmentation Settings: An Application to Customer Value
Authors: Brusco Michael J. , Cradit J. Dennis , Tashchian Armen
Published: November 2003

The authors present a multicriterion clusterwise linear regression model that can be applied to a joint segmentation setting. The model enables the consideration of segment homogeneity, as well as multiple dependent variables (segmentation bases), in a weighted objective function. The authors propose a heuristic solution strategy based on simulated annealing and examine trade-offs in the recovery of multiple true cluster structures for several synthetic data sets. They also propose an application of the model to a joint segmentation problem in the telecommunications industry, which addresses important issues pertaining to the selection of the objective function weights and the number of clusters.
A Comparison of Segment Retention Criteria for Finite Mixture Logit Models
Authors: Andrews Rick L. , Currim Imran S.
Published: November 2003

Despite the widespread application of finite mixture models in marketing research, the decision of how many segments to retain in the models is an important unresolved issue. Almost all applications of the models in marketing rely on segment retention criteria such as Akaike's information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, consistent Akaike's information criterion, and information complexity to determine the number of latent segments to retain. Because these applications employ real-world data in which the true number of segments is unknown, it is not clear whether these criteria are effective. Retaining the true number of segments is crucial because many product design and marketing decisions depend on it. The purpose of this extensive simulation study is to determine how well commonly used segment retention criteria perform in the context of simulated multinomial choice data, as obtained from supermarket scanner panels, in which the true number of segments is known. The authors find that an Akaike's information criterion with a penalty factor of three rather than the traditional value of two has the highest segment retention success rate across nearly all experimental conditions. Currently, this criterion is rarely, if ever, applied in the marketing literature. Experimental factors of particular interest in marketing contexts, such as the number of choices per household, the number of choice alternatives, the error variance of the choices, and the minimum segment size, have not been considered in the statistics literature. The authors show that they, among other factors, affect the performance of segment retention criteria.
A Model of Web Site Browsing Behavior Estimated on Clickstream Data
Authors: Bucklin Randolph E. , Sismeiro Catarina
Published: November 2003

Using the clickstream data recorded in Web server log files, the authors develop and estimate a model of the browsing behavior of visitors to a Web site. Two basic aspects of browsing behavior are examined: (1) the visitor's decisions to continue browsing (by submitting an additional page request) or to exit the site and (2) the length of time spent viewing each page. The authors propose a type II tobit model that captures both aspects of browsing behavior and handles the limitations of server log-file data. The authors fit the model to the individual-level browsing decisions of a random sample of 5000 visitors to the Web site of an Internet automotive company. Empirical results show that visitors' propensity to continue browsing changes dynamically as a function of the depth of a given site visit and the number of repeat visits to the site. The dynamics are consistent both with “within-site lock-in” or site “stickiness” and with learning that carries over repeat visits. In particular, repeat visits lead to reduced page-view propensities but not to reduced page-view durations. The results also reveal browsing patterns that may reflect visitors' time-saving strategies. Finally, the authors report that simple site metrics computed at the aggregate level diverge substantially from individual-level modeling results, which indicates the need for Web site analyses to control for cross-sectional heterogeneity.
Modeling Interdependent Consumer Preferences
Authors: Yang Sha , Allenby Greg M.
Published: November 2003

A consumer's preference for an offering can be influenced by the preferences of others in many ways, ranging from social identification and inclusion to the benefits of network externalities. In this article, the authors introduce a Bayesian spatial autoregressive discrete-choice model to study the preference interdependence among individual consumers. The autoregressive specification can reflect patterns of heterogeneity in which influence propagates within and across networks. These patterns cannot be modeled with standard random-effect specifications and can be difficult to capture with covariates in a linear model. The authors illustrate their model of interdependent preferences with data on automobile purchases and show that preferences for Japanese-made cars are related to geographically and demographically defined networks.
The Role of Firm Resources in Returns to Market Deployment
Authors: Slotegraaf Rebecca J. , Moorman Christine , Inman J. Jeffrey
Published: November 2003

Researchers in marketing tend to adopt one of two approaches to examining competitive advantage: a focus on a firm's resources or a focus on a firm's strategic or tactical actions. The authors suggest that neither of these approaches by itself fully captures the drivers of competitive advantage. Focusing on marketing-specific actions referred to as market deployment, the authors investigate the roles of both resources and action by examining how the nature and level of a firm's resources influence the success of the firm's marketing actions. The results, based on a secondary data approach and a series of sequentially estimated hierarchical regression models, indicate that resource possession influences returns to market deployment. Specifically, higher levels of intangible marketing resources and intangible technological resources increase the effectiveness of market deployment related to distribution and coupon activity, whereas higher levels of financial resources decrease the effectiveness of these types of market deployment.
Measuring the Hedonic and Utilitarian Dimensions of Consumer Attitude
Authors: Voss Kevin E. , Spangenberg Eric R. , Grohmann Bianca
Published: November 2003

This article reports the development and validation of a parsimonious, generalizable scale that measures the hedonic and utilitarian dimensions of consumer attitudes toward product categories and different brands within categories. The hedonic/utilitarian (HED/UT) scale includes ten semantic differential response items, five of which refer to the hedonic dimension and five of which refer to the utilitarian dimension of consumer attitudes. The authors conducted six studies to establish the unidimensionality, reliability, and validity of the two HED/UT subscales. In reaching the final scale, the authors also develop and implement a unique process of paring down a psychometrically sound but otherwise too large set of items. Nomological validity is established by replacing a typical, one-dimensional attitude toward the brand measure with the hedonic and utilitarian dimensions in a central route processing model. Results suggest that the hedonic and utilitarian constructs are two distinct dimensions of brand attitude and are reliably and validly measured by the HED/UT scale.
Multivariate Analysis of Multiple Response Data
Authors: Edwards Yancy D. , Allenby Greg M.
Published: November 2003

Multiple response questions, also known as a pick any/J format, are frequently encountered in the analysis of survey data. The relationship among the responses is difficult to explore when the number of response options, J, is large. The authors propose a multivariate binomial probit model for analyzing multiple response data and use standard multivariate analysis techniques to conduct exploratory analysis on the latent multivariate normal distribution. A challenge of estimating the probit model is addressing identifying restrictions that lead to the covariance matrix specified with unit-diagonal elements (i.e., a correlation matrix). The authors propose a general approach to handling identifying restrictions and develop specific algorithms for the multivariate binomial probit model. The estimation algorithm is efficient and can easily accommodate many response options that are frequently encountered in the analysis of marketing data. The authors illustrate multivariate analysis of multiple response data in three applications.
Buying Modular Systems in Technology-Intensive Markets
Authors: Stremersch Stefan , Weiss Allen M. , Dellaert Benedict G.C. , Frambach Ruud T
Published: November 2003

Technology-intensive markets consist of products that are often interdependent and operate together as a modular system. Although prior research has extensively addressed standardization and network externalities in such markets, it has not addressed the buying of modular systems. The authors identify two focal decision dimensions of the buyer, namely the decision of whether to outsource system integration and the decision of how much to concentrate the purchase of system components with one or more suppliers. The authors develop a comprehensive production- and transaction-cost framework to explain companies' positions on these two decisions. They find that especially leakage and the buyer's know-how, together with the technological volatility the buyer faces, drive the preference for outsourcing system integration and the purchase concentration of system components. An empirical test in the market for telecommunications systems supports the theory developed.
Negative Consequences of Dichotomizing Continuous Predictor Variables
Authors: Irwin Julie R. , McClelland Gary H.
Published: November 2003

Marketing researchers frequently split (dichotomize) continuous predictor variables into two groups, as with a median split, before performing data analysis. The practice is prevalent, but its effects are not well understood. In this article, the authors present historical results on the effects of dichotomization of normal predictor variables rederived in a regression context that may be more relevant to marketing researchers. The authors then present new results on the effect of dichotomizing continuous predictor variables with various nonnormal distributions and examine the effects of dichotomization on model specification and fit in multiple regression. The authors conclude that dichotomization has only negative consequences and should be avoided.
Combined Biological Treatment/Ozonation of Wastewaters for the Mineralisation of Non‐Biodegradable Naphthalene‐1,5‐Disulphonic Acid
Authors: Breithaupt T. , Reemtsma T. , Jekel M. , Storm T. , Wiesmann U.
Published: December 2003

This paper deals with the ozonation and biological treatment for achieving the mineralisation of the non‐biodegradable compound naphthalene‐1,5‐disulphonic acid (NADSA; C10H8O6S2), a basic chemical for dyes and building materials. This combination of ozonation and biological treatment is expected to minimise the ozone consumption compared to ozonation alone. To examine the influence of ozone on the biodegradability of NADSA, a lab‐scale plant was run semi‐continuously and batch tests were conducted for comparison. For total ozonation, 1.8 mol O3/mol DOC have to be used. For optimum biodegradation, only 0.8 mol O3/mol DOC are needed. The results show that by using a combination of ozonation and biological treatment the ozone consumption can be reduced by more than 50% compared to ozonation alone.

Some of the intermediate products are isolated and suggestions for their chemical structures are made. A proposal for the first steps of ozonation is also presented to illustrate a possible pathway of ozonation. All the major identifiable compounds are non‐biodegradable. From these results, it is quite clear that further intermediate products are formed, which are biodegradable.
Multiple input–multiple output adaptive feedback control strategies for the active headrest system: design and real‐time implementation
Authors: Pawelczyk Marek
Published: December 2003

In this article, multiple input–multiple output adaptive feedback control techniques for acoustic noise control in a headrest system are developed. The main goal underlying their design is to provide acoustic comfort to the user, i.e. high noise attenuation level over possibly large areas at the ears. Classical Internal Model Control system does not yield acceptable performance. An approach based on estimates of the residual noise at the ears is then proposed. It is shown that increase in the number of secondary sources to operate for one channel improves the performance. The experiments of tonal noise control are performed on an originally set‐up prototype of the active headrest system. The results obtained are illustrated in the promoted form of distribution of zones of quiet. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Restaurierung des größten archäologischen Fundes – ein chemisches Problem: die Erhaltung der Farbfassungen der chinesischen Terrakotta‐Armee in Lintong
Authors: Langhals Heinz , Bathelt Daniela
Published: December 2003

Nach 2200 Jahren Lagerung im feuchten Erdreich verlieren die ursprünglich bunten, lebensecht bemalten Figuren der Terrakotta‐Armee des ersten chinesischen Kaisers Qin Shihuangdi bald nach der Ausgrabung irreversibel ihre Farbfassungen. Der Grund ist, dass sich die in zwei Schichten aufgetragene Lackgrundierung im Laufe der Lagerung so verändert hat, dass sie reißt, sich vom Untergrund löst, zusammenrollt und abfällt, wenn die relative Luftfeuchtigkeit unter 84 % sinkt; mit dem Abfallen der Lackgrundierung geht auch die über ihr liegende Pigmentschicht verloren. Daher wurde intensiv nach einer Möglichkeit zur Festigung dieser Grundierung gesucht. Sie gelang durch die durch Elektronenbestrahlung ausgelöste Polymerisation einer genau abgestimmten Kombination von Monomeren.
The Restoration of the Largest Archaelogical Discovery—a Chemical Problem: Conservation of the Polychromy of the Chinese Terracotta Army in Lintong
Authors: Langhals Heinz , Bathelt Daniela
Published: December 2003

The conservation of the polychromy of the terracotta army of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuangdi represents a special problem because of the deterioration of the ground layer consisting of organic material. This was triggered due to it having spent more than 2200 years in water‐saturated soil. The consolidation of the polychromy was achieved through polymerisation of a specially adapted combination of monomers.
Determination of lipid‐soluble arsenic species in seaweed‐eating sheep from Orkney
Authors: Devalla Sandhya , Feldmann Jörg
Published: December 2003

This work is part of an ongoing research study towards an understanding of the complete metabolism of arsenosugars in mammalian organisms when ingesting seaweed, using the North Ronaldsay (NR) sheep as a model organism. We focus on the analysis of only those arsenic species bound to the lipids of the feed (Laminaria digitata), faeces and the tissues of the NR sheep using a novel enzymatic hydrolytic method that is simple and reliable. This rare breed of sheep, found in the remote Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland, live the entire year on the beaches and eat seaweed that is washed ashore (up to 3 kg daily).

Previous studies on arsenic fractionation in muscle, kidney and liver tissues revealed that most of the arsenic is concentrated in the fat fractions of these tissues (muscle fat: 61%; liver fat: 66%; kidney fat: 25%) rather than in the non‐lipid fractions. Hence, this study was undertaken in order to determine the arsenic species bound to lipids in the muscle, kidney and faeces of NR sheep and to compare these with the arsenic species bound to the lipids of the L. digitata consumed.

The enzymatic hydrolytic procedure has been successfully employed for the first time to cleave the arsenic species cleanly from the rest of the lipid structure. This makes the arsenic species water soluble and enables their direct determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) and monomethylarsonic acid (MA(V)) were found to be the major hydrolysed arsenic species bound to the kidney and muscle lipids, whereas arsenosugar‐1 was found to be the major hydrolysed arsenic species in L. digitata lipids. On the other hand, DMA(V) was found to be the major arsenical obtained after the enzymatic hydrolysis of the faeces lipids. These results seem to suggest that both direct absorption and biotransformation of the absorbed organoarsenicals are the likely reasons for their occurrence and accumulation in the NR sheep tissues. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trust and trustworthiness in a sequential bargaining game
Authors: Chaudhuri Ananish , Ali Khan Sarah , Lakshmiratan Aishwarya , Py Anne‐Laure , Shah Lisa
Published: December 2003

We use a two‐person extensive form bargaining game to explore individuals' trusting and reciprocal behavior and how those relate to their scores on a trust survey. In keeping with prior research, we find that the ‘self‐interested’ outcome is rejected by a majority of individuals. People who score high on the trust survey are both trusting and are also trustworthy, in that they reciprocate others' trust. But people with low‐trust scores often exhibit trust but are not trustworthy. These ‘inconsistent trusters’ seem to be interested in exploiting the trust and trustworthiness of others in increasing their own payoff. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inﬂuence of nonionic surfactants on the chromatographic behaviour of proteins in hydrophobic interaction chromatography
Authors: Rukhadze Marina D. , Sebiskveradze Maya V. , Makharadze Teona G. , Sidamonidze Nino Sh.
Published: December 2003

The chromatographic characteristics of proteins in the presence of additives of nonionic surfactants Brij‐35 and Tween‐80 in the conditions of descending gradient of ammonium sulfate and phenyl‐coated polymeric stationary phase were investigated. It was revealed that retention factors of proteins may be regulated by use of mentioned additives. The improvement of resolution is achieved for some hardly separated pairs of proteins, viz. albumin egg/albumin bovine, aldolase/tripsin. A reversion of the elution order is observed for tripsin/chymotrypsinogen A. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geotechnical Virtual Laboratory. I. Permeability
Authors: Mašala Srboljub , Biggar Kevin
Published: December 2003

The Geotechnical Virtual Laboratory is a computer based instructional package intended to complement, and potentially replace, some physical testing in a real geotechnical laboratory. The article covers initial design stages of the project, mostly work on the first (permeability) module, its outcomes, evaluation results, and the experience in its use. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 11: 132–143, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10044