bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of CD55 Is Associated with Aggressive Breast Tumors
Authors: Madjd Zahra , Durrant Lindy G. , Bradley Richard , Spendlove Ian , Ellis Ian O. , Pinder Sarah E.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: CD55 is a complement regulatory protein expressed by cells to protect them from bystander attack by complement. CD55 is overexpressed on some tumor cell lines, and in colorectal carcinomas, it has been shown to be an indicator of poor prognostic.

Experimental Design: A large set of samples (480) from patients with primary operable breast cancer followed for 4–192 months were included in the present study. The prognostic significance of CD55 was then investigated in these tumors using an anti-CD55 monoclonal antibody (RM1) that we raised against a synthetic peptide and a standard immunohistochemistry method.

Results: Ninety-five percent of the breast carcinomas expressed CD55 (RM1) with intensity ranging from weak (51%) to strong (6%). High expression of CD55 was significantly associated with low-grade (grades 1 or 2; P = 0.001), lymph node negativity (P = 0.031), and good prognosis tumors (Nottingham Prognostic Index < 3.4; P < 0.001). Survival analysis showed CD55 overexpression was associated with a more favorable outcome and loss of CD55 being associated with poor survival (P = 0.001). Intensity of CD55 expression was significantly correlated (P = 0.002) with intensity of CD59 expression (as shown in a previous study) in these series of patients.

Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that loss of both CD55 and CD59 in breast carcinomas is associated with a worse prognosis.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4-Mediated 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in a Human Colon Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Yoo Byong Chul , Jeon Eunkyung , Hong Sung-Hye , Shin Young-Kyoung , Chang Hee Jin , Park Jae-Gahb
Published: September 2005

Purpose: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been the mainstay treatment for colorectal cancer for the past few decades. However, as with other cancers, development of 5-FU resistance has been a major obstacle in colorectal cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to gain further understanding of the mechanisms underlying 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer cells.

Experimental Design: A 5-FU-resistant cell line was established from the human colon cancer cell line SNU-769A. Protein extracts from these two cell lines (parent and resistant) were analyzed using comparative proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins.

Results: 5-FU-resistant human colon cancer cells were found to overexpress metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4). Other experiments showed cellular resistance to 5-FU (i.e., cell survival) was altered by the mGluR4 agonist l-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP 4), and by the mGluR4 antagonist (S)-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (MAP 4), in that L-AP 4 increased 5-FU resistance in SNU-769A cells, whereas MAP 4 ablated 5-FU resistance in 5-FU-resistant cells. However, there was no significant effect of L-AP 4 or MAP 4 on basal cAMP and thymidylate synthase levels. Interestingly, 5-FU down-regulated mGluR4 expression, and MAP 4 suppressed proliferation in both cell lines.

Conclusions: We here report mGluR4 expression in human colon cancer cell line, which provides further evidence for extra-central nervous system expression of glutamate receptors. Overexpression of mGluR4 may tentatively be responsible for 5-FU resistance and, although activation by agonist promotes cell survival in the presence of 5-FU, decreased mGluR4 expression or inactivation by antagonist contributes to cell death.
Humoral Responses to Peptides Correlate with Overall Survival in Advanced Cancer Patients Vaccinated with Peptides Based on Pre-existing, Peptide-Specific Cellular Responses
Authors: Mine Takashi , Sato Yuji , Noguchi Masanori , Sasatomi Teruo , Gouhara Rumi , Tsuda Naotake , Tanaka Shoko , Shomura Hiroki , Katagiri Kazuko , Rikimaru Touru , Shichijo Shigeki , Kamura Toshiharu , Hashimoto Takashi , Shirouzu Kazuo , Yamada Akira , Todo Satoru , Itoh Kyogo , Yamana Hideaki
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The aim of this study is to find a laboratory marker for overall survival in advanced cancer patients who were vaccinated with peptides based on pre-existing, peptide-specific CTL precursors in the circulation.

Experimental Design: A group of 113 patients with advanced cancer (28 colorectal, 22 prostate, 15 lung, 14 gastric, and 34 other cancers) was enrolled in a Phase I clinical study of peptide vaccination in which peptide-specific CTL precursors of prevaccination peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured, followed by vaccination with these peptides (maximum of four). For cellular responses, pre and postvaccination (sixth) peripheral blood mononuclear cells were provided for measurement of both peptide-specific CTL precursors by IFN-γ release assay and tumor reactivity by 51Cr release assay. Delayed type hypersensitivity was also measured. For humoral response, pre and postvaccination (sixth) sera were provided for measurement of peptide-reactive IgG by an ELISA.

Results: The median survival time and 1-year survival rate of the total cases were 346 ± 64.9 days and 44.6%, respectively, and those of patients vaccinated more than six times (n = 91) were 409 ± 15 days and 54.4%, respectively. In these 91 patients, the overall survival of patients whose sera showed increased levels of peptide-reactive IgG (n = 60) was significantly more prolonged (P = 0.0003) than that of patients whose sera did not (n = 31), whereas none of cellular responses correlated with overall survival.

Conclusions: Peptide-specific IgG in postvaccination sera could be a suitable laboratory maker for the prediction of prolonged survival in advanced cancer patients vaccinated with peptides based on pre-existing CTL precursors.
Missense Mutations of
MADH4
Authors: Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Song Jason , Parmiagiani Giovanni , Yeo Charles J. , Hruban Ralph H. , Kern Scott E.
Published: September 2005

Purpose and Experimental Design: The mutational spectrum of MADH4 (DPC4/SMAD4) opens valuable insights into the functions of this protein that confer its tumor-suppressive nature in human tumors. We present the MADH4 genetic status determined on a new set of pancreatic, biliary, and duodenal cancers with comparison to the mutational data reported for various tumor types.

Results: Homozygous deletion, followed by inactivating nonsense or frameshift mutations, is the predominant form of MADH4 inactivation in pancreatic cancers. Among the naturally occurring MADH4 missense mutations, the MH2 domain is the most frequent target (77%) of missense mutations in human tumors. A mutational hot spot resides within the MH2 domain corresponding to codons 330 to 370, termed the mutation cluster region (MCR). A relationship was found between the locations of the missense mutations (the MH1 domain, the MH2-MCR, and the MH2 outside of the MCR) and the tumor types, suggesting environmental or selective influences in the development of MADH4 mutations. Immunohistochemical studies for Madh4 protein in nine archival cancers (six pancreatic cancers, two duodenal cancers, and one biliary cancer) with known missense mutations indicated that all mutations within the MH1 or MH2 domain COOH-terminal to the MCR (seven of nine cases) had negative or weak labeling, whereas two cancers with mutations within the MCR had strong positive nuclear labeling for Madh4 protein.

Conclusions: These findings have important implications for in vitro functional studies, suggesting that the majority of missense mutations inactivate Madh4 by protein degradation in contrast to those that occur within the MCR.
Novel Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibitor, AG14361, Restores Sensitivity to Temozolomide in Mismatch Repair-Deficient Cells
Authors: Curtin Nicola J. , Wang Lan-Zhen , Yiakouvaki Anthie , Kyle Suzanne , Arris Christine A. , Canan-Koch Stacie , Webber Stephen E. , Durkacz Barbara W. , Calvert Hilary A. , Hostomsky Zdenek , Newell David R.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency confers resistance to temozolomide, a clinically active DNA-methylating agent. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the reversal mechanism of temozolomide resistance by the potent novel poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 inhibitor, AG14361, in MMR-proficient and -deficient cells.

Experimental Design: The effects of AG14361, in comparison with the methylguanine DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, benzylguanine, on temozolomide-induced growth inhibition were investigated in matched pairs of MMR-proficient (HCT-Ch3, A2780, and CP70-ch3) and -deficient (HCT116, CP70, and CP70-ch2) cells.

Results: AG14361 enhanced temozolomide activity in all MMR-proficient cells (1.5–3.3-fold) but was more effective in MMR-deficient cells (3.7–5.2-fold potentiation), overcoming temozolomide resistance. In contrast, benzylguanine only increased the efficacy of temozolomide in MMR-proficient cells but was ineffective in MMR-deficient cells. The differential effect of AG14361 in MMR-deficient cells was not attributable to differences in PARP-1 activity or differences in its inhibition by AG14361, nor was it attributable to differences in DNA strand breaks induced by temozolomide plus AG14361. MMR-deficient cells are resistant to cisplatin, but AG14361 did not sensitize any cells to cisplatin. PARP-1 inhibitors potentiate topotecan-induced growth inhibition, but AG14361 did not potentiate topotecan in MMR-deficient cells more than in MMR-proficient cells.

Conclusions: MMR defects are relatively common in sporadic tumors and cancer syndromes. PARP-1 inhibition represents a novel way of selectively targeting such tumors. The underlying mechanism is probably a shift of the cytotoxic locus of temozolomide to N7-methylguanine and N3-methyladenine, which are repaired by the base excision repair pathway in which PARP-1 actively participates.
Predictive Value of Biological Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Fiorentino Michelangelo , Altimari Annalisa , Ravaioli Matteo , Gruppioni Elisa , Gabusi Elena , Corti Barbara , Vivarelli Marco , Bringuier Pierre-Paul , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Grigioni Walter Franco , D’Errico-Grigioni Antonia
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To help stratify candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), biomarkers are needed that are capable of predicting recurrence of disease (ROD). We investigated the prognostic role in this setting of immunohistochemical markers reported previously to predict poor prognosis in HCC patients treated with resection.

Experimental Design: Eighty-three patients with HCC who underwent OLT between 1987 and 2001 with a minimum clinical follow up of 12 months were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed immunohistochemical expression of the adhesion molecules E-cadherin and β-catenin (membrane/nuclear localization), MIB-1 proliferative index and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27, alongside the main clinical-pathological variables.

Results: At univariate analysis, vascular thrombosis, high MIB-1 index, lower membrane expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and nuclear β-catenin localization were associated with ROD. At multivariate analysis, only MIB-1 index, low equal E-cadherin (with respect to non-neoplastic surrounding tissue), and nuclear β-catenin appeared as independent predictors of ROD. The logistic regression analysis model indicated that detection of any one parameter was associated with at least 88% estimated risk of ROD (up to 99% for all three).

Conclusions: We propose these three molecular parameters as an additional tool for rational selection of OLT candidates among HCC patients (stratification according to the risk of ROD might help provide a similar life expectancy for cirrhotic candidates with and without HCC).
The Evaluation of Recombinant, Chimeric, Tetravalent Antihuman CD22 Antibodies
Authors: Meng Ruiqi , Smallshaw Joan E. , Pop Laurentiu M. , Yen Michael , Liu Xiaoyun , Le Lien , Ghetie Maria-Ana , Vitetta Ellen S. , Ghetie Victor
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prepare chimeric antihuman CD22 tetravalent monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with high functional affinity, long persistence in the circulation, increased antitumor activity, and conserved effector function in vitro.

Experimental Design: We investigated the association/dissociation rates of these tetravalent antibodies using CD22+ Daudi lymphoma cells. We then tested their ability to interact with Fc receptors on a human cell line (U937), to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity with human natural killer cells, to bind human C1q, to inhibit the in vitro growth of CD22 Daudi cells, and to persist in the circulation.

Results: The rate of dissociation of the tetravalent MAbs versus the divalent antibody was considerably slower. These tetravalent MAbs inhibited the in vitro proliferation of CD22 Daudi cells at a concentration that was at least 100-fold lower than that of the divalent murine antibody. The tetravalent MAbs containing both the CH2 and CH3 domains and a chimeric recombinant divalent antibody bound similarly to Fc receptor, C1q, and mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity equally well with human natural killer cells. The persistence in the circulation of chimeric tetravalent MAbs was considerably longer than that of chemical homodimers.

Conclusions: The tetravalent anti-CD22 MAbs with intact Fc regions should make effective therapeutic agents for B-cell tumors.
Comprehensive Analysis of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Tissue Inhibitor Expression in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Jones Lucie E. , Humphreys Michelle J. , Campbell Fiona , Neoptolemos John P. , Boyd Mark T.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To enable the design of improved inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, the expression profiles of a range of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) were determined.

Experimental Design: Nine MMPs (MMPs 1–3, 7–9, 11, 12, and 14) and three TIMPs (TIMPs 1–3) were examined in up to 75 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and 10 normal pancreata by immunohistochemistry. Eighteen additional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and an additional eight normal pancreata were also analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-PCR and additionally for MMP-15.

Results: There was increased expression by immunohistochemistry for MMPs 7, 8, 9, and 11 and TIMP-3 in pancreatic cancer compared with normal pancreas (P < 0.0001, 0.04, 0.0009, 0.005, and 0.0001, respectively). Real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed a significant increase in mRNA levels for MMP-11 in tumor tissue compared with normal pancreatic tissue (P = 0.0005) and also significantly reduced levels of MMP-15 (P = 0.0026). Univariate analysis revealed that survival was reduced by lymph node involvement (P = 0.0007) and increased expression of MMP-7 (P = 0.005) and (for the first time) MMP-11 (P = 0.02) but not reduced by tumor grade, tumor diameter, positive resection margins, adjuvant treatment, or expression of the remaining MMPs and TIMPs. On multivariate analysis, only MMP-7 predicted shortened survival (P < 0.05); however, increased MMP-11 expression was strongly associated with lymph node involvement (P = 0.0073).

Conclusions: We propose that the principle specificity for effective inhibitors of MMPs in pancreatic cancer should be for MMP-7 with secondary specificity against MMP-11. Moreover, these studies indicate that MMP-7 expression is a powerful independent prognostic indicator and potentially of considerable clinical value.
Serum Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Using Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption and Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Koopmann Jens , Zhang Zhen , White Nicole , Rosenzweig Jason , Fedarko Neal , Jagannath Sanjay , Canto Marcia I. , Yeo Charles J. , Chan Daniel W. , Goggins Michael
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Each year in the United States, ∼ 30,000 people die from pancreatic cancer. Fewer than 5% of patients survive >5 years after diagnosis, because most patients present with advanced disease. Early diagnosis may improve the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Design: In an attempt to improve on current approaches to the serological diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, we analyzed serum samples from patients with and without pancreatic cancer using surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization (SELDI) protein chip mass spectrometry. Using a case-control study design, serum samples from 60 patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma were compared with samples from 60 age- and sex-matched patients with nonmalignant pancreatic diseases, as well as 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. To increase the number of proteins potentially identifiable, serum was fractionated using anion exchange and profiled on two ProteinChip surfaces (metal affinity capture and weak cation exchange).

Results: We determined a minimum set of protein peaks able to discriminate between patient groups and used the unified maximum separability algorithm to compare the performance of the individual marker panels alone or in conjunction with CA19–9. Among the peaks identified by SELDI profiling that had the ability to distinguish between patient groups, the 2 most discriminating protein peaks could differentiate patients with pancreatic cancer from healthy controls with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 97%. These 2 markers performed significantly better than the current standard serum marker, CA19–9 (P < 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of the 2 markers was improved by using them in combination with CA 19-9. Similarly, a combination of 3 SELDI markers and CA19–9 was superior to CA19–9 alone in distinguishing individuals with pancreatic cancer from the combined pancreatic disease controls and healthy subject groups (P = 0.078). SELDI markers were also better than CA19–9 in distinguishing patients with pancreatic cancer from those with pancreatitis.

Conclusion: SELDI profiling of serum can be used to accurately differentiate patients with pancreatic cancer from those with other pancreatic diseases and from healthy controls.
Blockage of 2-Deoxy-d-Ribose-Induced Angiogenesis with Rapamycin Counteracts a Thymidine Phosphorylase-Based Escape Mechanism Available for Colon Cancer under 5-Fluorouracil Therapy
Authors: Seeliger Hendrik , Guba Markus , Koehl Gudrun E. , Doenecke Axel , Steinbauer Markus , Bruns Christiane J. , Wagner Christine , Frank Erika , Jauch Karl-Walter , Geissler Edward K.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Colorectal neoplasms remain a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A recognized weakness of conventional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy relates to expression of the intracellular enzyme, thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Although TP promotes 5-FU cytotoxicity, TP-derived 2-deoxy-d-ribose (dRib) counterproductively stimulates tumor angiogenesis. Here, the newly discovered antiangiogenic drug rapamycin was combined with 5-FU to counteract the potential escape mechanism of dRib-induced angiogenesis.

Experimental Design: Orthotopic tumor growth was assessed in rapamycin and 5-FU-treated BALB/c mice with TP-expressing CT-26 colon adenocarcinoma cells. To examine liver metastasis, green-fluorescent protein-transfected CT-26 cells were visualized by fluorescence microscopy after intraportal injection. Cell counting and Ki67 staining were used to determine in vitro and in vivo cell expansion, respectively. In vitro angiogenic effects of dRib were assessed with endothelial cell migration and aortic ring assays. Western blotting detected dRib effects on p70/S6 kinase activation.

Results: Rapamycin treatment of mice bearing orthotopic tumors inhibited tumor growth more than did 5-FU, and mice treated with both drugs typically developed no tumors. In the liver metastasis assay, combination therapy blocked metastatic expansion of solitary tumor cells. Interestingly, complex drug activities were suggested by tumor-cell proliferation being more sensitive to 5-FU than to rapamycin in vitro, but more sensitive to rapamycin in vivo. With regard to angiogenesis, dRib-induced endothelial cell migration and aortic ring formation were completely abrogated by rapamycin, correlating with blockage of dRib-induced p70/S6 kinase activation in endothelial cells.

Conclusions: Inhibition of dRib-induced angiogenesis with rapamycin counteracts a potential TP-based escape mechanism for colorectal cancer under 5-FU therapy, introducing a novel, clinically feasible, combination treatment option for this common neoplasm.
Inhibition of Src Tyrosine Kinase Impairs Inherent and Acquired Gemcitabine Resistance in Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Duxbury Mark S. , Ito Hiromichi , Zinner Michael J. , Ashley Stanley W. , Whang Edward E.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: We tested the hypotheses that Src tyrosine kinase overactivity represents a chemoresistance mechanism and that Src inhibition may enhance gemcitabine cytotoxicity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.

Experimental Design: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells PANC1, MiaPaCa2, Capan2, BxPC3, and PANC1GemRes, a stably gemcitabine-resistant subline of PANC1, were exposed to combinations of gemcitabine and Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2). Src expression, phosphorylation (Tyr-416), and activity were analyzed by immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assay. Expression of the M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM2), a putative chemoresistance enzyme, was quantified by Northern and Western blot. Cellular proliferation was quantified by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis was characterized by YO-PRO-1/propidium iodide staining, fluorometric caspase profiling, and caspase inhibition (Z-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone). The effects of constitutively active and dominant negative Src were determined. The therapeutic efficacy of PP2 in combination with gemcitabine was tested in nude mice orthotopically xenografted with PANC1GemRes.

Results: Greater gemcitabine resistance was associated with higher Src phosphorylation and activity, both of which were higher in PANC1GemRes, relative to PANC1; total Src levels were alike. PANC1GemRes overexpressed RRM2. PP2 enhanced inherent gemcitabine chemosensitivity and attenuated gemcitabine resistance in PANC1GemRes. Constitutively active Src increased gemcitabine chemoresistance; dominant negative Src impaired gemcitabine chemoresistance. PP2 augmented gemcitabine-induced caspase-mediated apoptosis, suppressed RRM2 expression, and decreased activity of the RRM2-regulating transcription factor E2F1 in PANC1GemRes. PP2 and gemcitabine in combination substantially decreased tumor growth and inhibited metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions: Increased Src tyrosine kinase activity represents a potential chemoresistance mechanism and a promising therapeutic target warranting further investigation in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Self-Organizing Hierarchies in Sensor and Communication Networks
Authors: Prokopenko Mikhail , Wang Peter , Valencia Philip , Price Don , Foreman Mark , Farmer Anthony
Published: September 2005

We consider a hierarchical multicellular sensing and communication network, embedded in an ageless aerospace vehicle that is expected to detect and react to multiple impacts and damage over a wide range of impact energies. In particular, we investigate self-organization of impact boundaries enclosing critically damaged areas, and impact networks connecting remote cells that have detected noncritical impacts. Each level of the hierarchy is shown to have distinct higher-order emergent properties, desirable in self-monitoring and self-repairing vehicles. In addition, cells and communication messages are shown to need memory (hysteresis) in order to retain desirable emergent behavior within and between various hierarchical levels. Spatiotemporal robustness of self-organizing hierarchies is quantitatively measured with graph-theoretic and information-theoretic techniques, such as the Shannon entropy. This allows us to clearly identify phase transitions separating chaotic dynamics from ordered and robust patterns.
Regional Energy Security Cooperation and Geo-Politics with Specific References to India
Authors: Prabhakar Akhilesh Chandra
Published: September 2005

The path from Africa to Indonesia – via West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia – has been of vital interest to North America. Situated at a junction of three continents – namely Asia, Africa, and Europe – linkage over land and across sea between Europe and the Indian Sub-continent on the one side and Africa and India on the other side, it offers the shortest and cheapest trade and transit routes between the West and the East. It commands a vast reservoir of oil – about 60 percent of the world's proven reserves of oil – which enormously contributes to the affluence of the United States.
Rain/No-Rain Classification Methods for Microwave Radiometer Observations over Land Using Statistical Information for Brightness Temperatures under No-Rain Conditions
Authors: Seto Shinta , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Iguchi Toshio
Published: September 2005

One of the goals of the Global Precipitation Measurement project, the successor to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), is to produce a 3-hourly global rainfall map using several spaceborne microwave radiometers. It is important, although often difficult, to classify radiometer observations over land as either “rain” or “no rain” because background land surface conditions change significantly with time and location. In this study, a no-rain brightness temperature database was created to infer land surface conditions using simultaneous observations by TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR) with a resolution of 1 month and 1° latitude × 1° longitude. This paper proposes new rain/no-rain classification (RNC) methods that use the database to determine the background brightness temperature. The proposed RNC methods and the RNC method developed for the Goddard profiling algorithm (GPROF; the standard rain-rate retrieval algorithm for TMI) are applied to all TMI observations for the entire year of 2000, and the results are evaluated against the RNC made by PR as the “truth.” The first method (M1) simply uses the average brightness temperature at 85-GHz vertical polarization [denoted as TB (85 V)] under no-rain conditions as the background brightness temperature at 85-GHz vertical polarization [denoted as TBe (85 V)]. The second method (M2) uses a regression equation between TB (85 V) and TB (22 V) under no-rain conditions from the database. Here, TBe (85 V) is calculated by substituting the observed TB (22 V) into the regression equation. The ratio of accurate rain detection by GPROF to all rain occurrences detected by PR was 59%. This ratio was 57% for M1 and 63% for M2. The ratio with the weight of the rain rate was 81% for M1 and 86% for M2; it was 80% for GPROF. These comparisons were made by setting a threshold using a constant coefficient k0 to make the ratio of false rain detection to all no-rain occurrences detected by PR almost the same (approximately 0.85%) for all three methods. Further comparisons among the methods are made, and the reasons for the differences are investigated herein.
The politics of discourse: Marketization of the New Zealand science and innovation system
Authors: Leitch Shirley , Davenport Sally
Published: September 2005

The politics of change are both played out within the arena of discourse and dedicated to transforming that arena. In this article, we bring together critical discourse theory and political process theory in order to highlight the ways in which a process of discourse transformation can be deployed by organizations to effect political and economic change. In the process we examine the discursive interplay between the actors as well as the discursive constraints on action. The context for our analysis was the attempt by a national science funding body to transform the New Zealand discourse of science and innovation in order to significantly change the behaviour of multiple stakeholder organizations. This discourse transformation had internal and external dimensions and required a radical restructuring of the organization to create a structure capable of driving and supporting the desired changes.
Apocalyptic Suicide: From a Pathological to an Eschatological Interpretation
Authors: Dein Simon , Littlewood Roland
Published: September 2005

Background: The authors examine the possible interpretations of apocalyptic suicide – a form of suicide amongst a group which believes that the world will end imminently.

Material: Through a literature search the authors identify a number of paradigmatic cases exemplifying this phenomenon including Jonestown, Waco, The Order of the Solar Temple and Heaven's Gate.

Discussion: Interpretations of apocalyptic suicide might consider individual factors – the most common approach – but also the social and eschatological themes which are found in the group's ideological work. Religious violence (including suicide) may be precipitated in a dialectical interaction between group members and the perceived outside world. We consider here the ideological aspects that commonly lead to a dualist epistemology for the group.

Conclusion: Apocalyptic suicide involves a shift of personal self and agency to the social self of the charismatic group.
Subjective Experience of Recovery from Schizophrenia-Related Disorders and Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Jenkins Janis H. , Strauss Milton E. , Carpenter Elizabeth A. , Miller Dawn , Floersch Jerry , Sajatovic Martha
Published: September 2005

Aims: This article investigates the subjective experience of the process of improvement and recovery from the point of view of persons diagnosed (according to research diagnostic criteria) with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorders.

Methods: A community study of persons using psychiatric services was conducted for a sample of ninety subjects taking atypical antipsychotic medications. Sociodemographic data and clinical ratings were collected to complement the qualitatively developed Subjective Experience of Medication Interview (SEMI), which elicits narrative data on everyday activities, medication and treatment, management of symptoms, expectations concerning recovery, stigma, and quality of life.

Results: Recovery was observed through: (1) relatively low ratings of psychiatrically observed symptomatology through BPRS scores; (2) the subjective sense among the majority (77.4%) of participants that taking medication plays a critical role in managing symptoms and avoiding hospitalization; and (3) the subjective sense articulated by the vast majority (80%) that they would recover from their illness and that the quality of their lives would improve (70.6%).

Conclusion: The overall quality of improvement and recovery is best characterized as an incremental, yet definitively discernable, subjective process.
The Social Functioning Questionnaire: A Rapid and Robust Measure of Perceived Functioning
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Nur Ula , Crawford Mike , Karlsen Saffron , MacLean Claire , Rao Bharti , Johnson Tony
Published: September 2005

Background: The Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ), an eight-item selfreport scale (score range 0–24), was developed from the Social Functioning Schedule (SFS), a semi-structured interview which has been used primarily with non-psychotic patients and has good test-retest and inter-rater reliability as well as construct validity. The SFQ was developed following the need for a quick assessment of perceived social function.

Aims: To give further details of old and new data sets from studies involving over 4000 subjects assessed with the SFQ illustrating its epidemiological and clinical associations.

Method: New data were analysed from a national epidemiological study, a comparison of key-worker and subject versions of the SFQ, and reanalysis of data from three earlier clinical studies, of psychiatric emergencies, general practice psychiatric patients and those with recurrent psychotic illnesses. These data were examined further to determine their range, their relationship to other clinical measures, and change over time in clinical trials.

Results: The population mean score in 4164 subjects was 4.6 and the data from all studies suggested that a score of 10 or more indicated poor social functioning. Those presenting as psychiatric emergencies had the poorest social function (mean 11.4) and psychiatric patients from general practice the best function (mean 7.7) of the clinical populations. The eight item scores had a normal distribution in psychiatric populations and a skewed one in a normal population; scores were relatively stable over the short (weeks) and long-term (months), and were high in the presence of acute mental health disturbance and personality disorder, giving support to the validity of the scale. The results from a UK sample of a randomly selected population specifically weighted for ethnic minorities showed similar social function across groups.
Towards a Theory of National Consciousness: Values and Beliefs in Education as a Contribution to ‘Cultural Capital’ in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Singh Anand
Published: September 2005

This article is a by-product of research carried out on the interface between African isiZulu-speaking primary school learners and mainly English-speaking teachers of Indian origin. This took place in six schools in Indian-dominated residential areas, situated in five suburbs of Durban, South Africa. It is an attempt to create a theoretical framework out of two issues: ethnographic data from fieldwork with teachers in schools in the city of Durban, and the current reality of South Africa's political transformation. After the preliminary data was gathered on learner–teacher language communication for another project, it begged for further observations and interviews to be carried out. Teachers were asked to respond to three questions relating to awareness and consciousness on national issues that have had an impact on their situations in their classrooms. After a brief discussion on the historical and contemporary issues pertaining to South Africa, the article focuses on three issues that are intrinsic to the need for a theoretical framework to inform, inspire, and capacitate teachers in their roles as educators: outcomes-based education as it appears in the Revised National Curriculum Statement of 2002, cultural capital, and national consciousness. Analysis of the ethnographic data that appears in tabulated form in this article reveals serious complexities and the need to ensure an inter-connection of these three issues in order to achieve such a result – but which, it concludes, is only achievable within an ideological framework that converges with national economic goals.
Schwarzenberg 1945: Antifascists and the ‘Third Way’ in German Politics
Authors: Pritchard Gareth
Published: September 2005

One ongoing debate in the historiography of post-war German history focuses on the so-called ‘antifascist committees’, which sprang up in great numbers in 1945, but which were almost immediately suppressed by all four of the occupying powers. Some historians have seen in the antifas a potential for grass-roots, citizens’ democracy that was ruthlessly snuffed out by military governments. This article aims to shed fresh light on the debate by exploring events in the district of Schwarzenberg, which remained unoccupied for several weeks after the end of the Second World War, and where, uniquely in Germany, the antifas were able to develop free of outside intervention. By exploring in some detail events in Schwarzenberg in the context of the underlying political dynamic of German politics in 1945, the author concludes that, whilst the Schwarzenberg episode reveals the vigour and potential of the antifascist movement, it also demonstrates its anti-democratic character. The differing responses of both the Soviets and the western powers to the anti-democratic potential of the antifascist Left established the two halves of Germany on differing political trajectories from the very beginning of the occupation.
From Cooperation to Alienation: An Insight into Relations between the Serres Group and the Young Turks during the Years 1906–9
Authors: Psilos Christopher
Published: September 2005

This article deals with the genesis and development of the unlikely cooperation between the Serres group, the Leftist breakaway faction of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (MRO) and the Young Turk organization in Ottoman Macedonia in the period 1906–9. The author argues that reasons of political expediency made this pact possible. The Serres Committee’s decision to work with the Young Turks was linked to its policy of opposing the Bulgarian administration and its Macedonian organizations. Further, the Serres group believed that the pact with the Young Turks would increase its political freedom and power in Macedonia, while the Young Turks felt that the cooperation with the Serres group would raise their influence among the Christian population in Macedonia and provide evidence of their ability to unite Christians and Muslims against the Hamidian regime. Following the successful July 1908 movement, the ruling Young Turks preserved their understanding with the Left MRO faction as a means of putting pressure on the Bulgarian government and diminishing the influence of its Macedonian organization. Yet in those years of bilateral cooperation signs of reciprocal circumspection and mistrust were obvious. Both sides considered the maintenance of this awkward pact a ‘necessary evil’. Had it not been for their common fear of Bulgaria and its Macedonian Committees, it would have been impossible for the two sides to tolerate each other since their ideology, policies and activity differed substantially both in content and perspective.
Micrometeorological measurements of N2O and CH4 emissions from a municipal solid waste landfill
Authors: McBain Matthew C. , Warland Jon S. , McBride Raymond A. , Wagner-Riddle Claudia
Published: September 2005

Micrometeorological measurements of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were made at the decommissioned Park Road Landfill in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada between June and August 2002. The influence of precipitation, air temperature, wind speed and barometric pressure on the temporal variability of landfill biogas emissions was assessed. Gas flux measurements were obtained using a micrometeorological mass balance measurement technique [integrated horizontal flux (IHF)] in conjunction with two tunable diode laser trace gas analyser (TDLTGA) systems. This method allows for continuous, non-intrusive measurements of gas flux at high temporal resolution. Mean fluxes of N2O were negligible over the duration of the study (–0.23 to 0.02 [.proportional]gm–2 s–1). In contrast, mean emissions of CH4 were much greater (80.4 to 450.8 [.proportional]gm–2 s–1) and varied both spatially and temporally. Spatial variations in CH4 fluxes were observed between grass kill areas (biogas ‘hot spots’) and the densely grass-covered areas of the landfill. Temporal variations in CH4 fluxes were also observed, due at least in part to barometric pressure, wind speed and precipitation effects.
Combined incineration of industrial wastes with in-plant residues in fluidized-bed utility boilers – decision relevant factors
Authors: Ragoßnig Arne M. , Lorber Karl E.
Published: September 2005

In Austria more than 50% of the high-calorific industrial residues and wastes generated are utilized for energy recovery in industrial utility boilers. This study investigated full-scale trials of combined incineration of in-plant residues with various industrial wastes. These trials were carried out in order to learn how the alternatively used fuel influences the incineration process itself as well as the quantity and quality of the various incineration products. The currently used fuel, which consisted of in-plant residues as well as externally acquired waste wood and the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) mixtures used during the full-scale trials are characterized in terms of material composition as well as chemical and physical parameters. An input–output mass balance for the incineration plant (two fluidized bed combustion units, 20 and 30 MW, respectively) has been established, based on the data collected during the full-scale incineration trials. Furthermore, pollutant concentrations in the off-gas as well as the solid incineration residue are reported. It is not only the pollutant content but also a variety of other internal as well as external factors that have to be considered if a company is to decide whether or not to thermally utilize specific waste types. Therefore a strengths and weaknesses profile for several types of waste and the specific industrial boiler is also presented.
The influence of operational conditions in sequencing batch reactors on removal of nitrogen and organics from municipal landfill leachate
Authors: Klimiuk Ewa , Kulikowska Dorota
Published: September 2005

The removal of nitrogen and organics from municipal landfill leachate in sequencing batch reactors (SBR) was investigated in the present study. The influence of hydraulic retention time (HRT), sludge age, manner of leachate dosage (short filling period of SBR and filling during the reaction period), and operational conditions with and without a mixing phase in the SBR cycle was explored. Four series were performed. In each series, the HRT used in the four SBRs was 12, 6, 3 and 2 days, respectively. Series 1 and 2 were characterized by a short leachate filling period, whereas series 3 and 4 were characterized by filling during the 4 h duration of the reaction in the SBR cycle. In series 1–3 SBR reactors worked with mixing and aeration phases, whereas in series 4 they worked only with an aeration phase. The effectiveness of the removal of organics increased with the extension of the HRT of leachate, particularly under operational conditions with the mixing and aeration phases in the SBR cycle. At 12 days HRT, the SBRs with the mixing and aeration phases in the cycle (series 1–3) showed better results than those with only an aeration phase (series 4). However, at 2 days HRT the operational conditions in SBR reactors with leachate filling over the reaction period (series 3 and 4) were more suitable. The highest efficiency of ammonium removal was obtained in series 1 with a short leachate filling period. In this series, at an HRT of 3– 12 days, the ammonium concentration in the effluent did not exceed 1 mg NNH4 L–1. Nitrogen removal proceeded mainly in the aeration phase as a result of ammonium losses and, to a lesser extent, dissimilative nitrate reduction over the mixing phase. The highest percentage of nitrogen removal as a result of ammonium losses was observed in series with a short filling period and long sludge age (series 1) and also in series without a mixing phase and filling over the aeration phase (series
Leachability testing of metallic wastes
Authors: Svensson Britt-Marie , Mårtensson Lennart , Mathiasson Lennart , Eskilsson Linda
Published: September 2005

The performance of two tests, a batch test and a percolation test for the characterization of waste as suggested in the EU council decision 2003/33/EC was investigated. The tests were carried out on two solid waste streams from a metal recycling industry. The concentrations of heavy metals such as Cu, Znand Pb were more than one order of magnitude lower than the proposed limit values. Generally, batch test values were equal or higher than percolation test values. With the proposed test procedures both materials could be considered as non-dangerous wastes. The test performance was also investigated using a leachant with higher ionic strength instead of demineralized water as prescribed. The results clearly show a significant increase in the concentration of some heavy metals. Total concentrations of phenolic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls were less than 1 p.p.m. and 2 p.p.b., respectively. The precision of the batch and the percolation tests were on average 48 and 35%, respectively.
Use of Annual Physical Examinations by Aging Chinese Canadians
Authors: Lai Daniel W. L. , Kalyniak Sonya
Published: September 2005

Objectives: This study identified predictors of use of annual physical examination by aging Chinese Canadians. Methods: Data were collected from a random sample of 2,272 Chinese Canadians aged 55 and older. Based on the Andersen-Newman service utilization framework, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of annual physical examination use. Results: Predicting factors of annual physical health examination use were marital status, gender, length of residency in Canada, Chinese ethnic identity, social support, number of illnesses, dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Findings showed importance in targeting identified groups for preventive health education. Strengthened ethnic identity may serve to enhance one’s social support network, which in turn facilitates the use of annual physical examinations. There may be awareness within the Chinese cultural network that builds education and attentiveness to preventive health care. The misconceptions about annual physical examinations were also discussed.
Age, Race, and Ethnicity in the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Health Self-Management
Authors: Grzywacz Joseph G. , Lang Wei , Suerken Cynthia , Quandt Sara A. , Bell Ronny A. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: Determine if complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for treating existing conditions and for health maintenance differs by age and ethnicity. Methods: Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey were used to operationalize distinct types of CAM in terms of (a) no use, (b) use for treatment only, (c) use for prevention only, and (d) use for both treatment and prevention. Differences in CAM use by age and ethnicity were examined using SUDAAN to adjust for design effects. Results: Associations of age with CAM use are curvilinear but differed by ethnicity. Some types of CAM are used primarily for treatment; others are used for health maintenance. Discussion: CAM use is one component of adults’ overall approach to health self-management. Patterns of CAM use by age and ethnicity likely reflect differences in CAM availability and prevailing public health policies when adults began making their own health-related decisions.
Predictors of Resourcefulness in African American Women
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Picot Sandra J. Fulton , Roberts Beverly L. , Debanne Sara M. , Wykle May L.
Published: September 2005

Although resourcefulness may facilitate coping with caregiver stress and burden, it has not been among African American women for whom caregiving is culturally prescribed. Objective: Using Rosenbaum’s theory of resourcefulness, this study examined situational (socioeconomic status, social support, daily hassles), physiological (age, body mass index, number of health problems, systolic blood pressure), and psychological factors (positive cognitions) as predictors of resourcefulness. Methods: A random sample of 97 African American caregivers and 110 noncaregivers provided data via structured interviews and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: No physiological indicators predicted resourcefulness; however, daily hassles, social support, and positive cognitions were significant predictors. Age, number of health problems, daily hassles, and social support had indirect effects on resourcefulness through positive cognitions. Discussion: These findings suggest a need to further examine the impact of daily hassles, social support, and positive cognitions on caregiving and continued review of models for predicting resourcefulness in African American women.