bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-house nucleic acid amplification tests for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum specimens: meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Flores Laura L , Pai Madhukar , Colford John M , Riley Lee W
Published: October 2005

Background

More than 200 studies related to nucleic acid amplification (NAA) tests to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from clinical specimens have appeared in the world literature since this technology was first introduced. NAA tests come as either commercial kits or as tests designed by the reporting investigators themselves (in-house tests). In-house tests vary widely in their accuracy, and factors that contribute to heterogeneity in test accuracy are not well characterized. Here, we used meta-analytical methods, including meta-regression, to identify factors related to study design and assay protocols that affect test accuracy in order to identify those factors associated with high estimates of accuracy.

Results

By searching multiple databases and sources, we identified 2520 potentially relevant citations, and analyzed 84 separate studies from 65 publications that dealt with in-house NAA tests to detect M. tuberculosis in sputum samples. Sources of heterogeneity in test accuracy estimates were determined by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Among 84 studies analyzed, the sensitivity and specificity estimates varied widely; sensitivity varied from 9.4% to 100%, and specificity estimates ranged from 5.6% to 100%. In the meta-regression analysis, the use of IS6110 as a target, and the use of nested PCR methods appeared to be significantly associated with higher diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

Estimates of accuracy of in-house NAA tests for tuberculosis are highly heterogeneous. The use of IS6110 as an amplification target, and the use of nested PCR methods appeared to be associated with higher diagnostic accuracy. However, the substantial heterogeneity in both sensitivity and specificity of the in-house NAA tests rendered clinically useful estimates of test accuracy difficult. Future development of NAA-based tests to detect M. tuberculosis from sputum specimens should take into consideration these findings in improving accuracy of in-house NAA tests.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Goodacre Steve , Sampson Fiona , Thomas Steve , van Beek Edwin , Sutton Alex
Published: October 2005

Background

Ultrasound (US) has largely replaced contrast venography as the definitive diagnostic test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We aimed to derive a definitive estimate of the diagnostic accuracy of US for clinically suspected DVT and identify study-level factors that might predict accuracy.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of diagnostic cohort studies that compared US to contrast venography in patients with suspected DVT. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Database of Reviews of Effectiveness, the ACP Journal Club, and citation lists (1966 to April 2004). Random effects meta-analysis was used to derive pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Random effects meta-regression was used to identify study-level covariates that predicted diagnostic performance.

Results

We identified 100 cohorts comparing US to venography in patients with suspected DVT. Overall sensitivity for proximal DVT (95% confidence interval) was 94.2% (93.2 to 95.0), for distal DVT was 63.5% (59.8 to 67.0), and specificity was 93.8% (93.1 to 94.4). Duplex US had pooled sensitivity of 96.5% (95.1 to 97.6) for proximal DVT, 71.2% (64.6 to 77.2) for distal DVT and specificity of 94.0% (92.8 to 95.1). Triplex US had pooled sensitivity of 96.4% (94.4 to 97.1%) for proximal DVT, 75.2% (67.7 to 81.6) for distal DVT and specificity of 94.3% (92.5 to 95.8). Compression US alone had pooled sensitivity of 93.8 % (92.0 to 95.3%) for proximal DVT, 56.8% (49.0 to 66.4) for distal DVT and specificity of 97.8% (97.0 to 98.4). Sensitivity was higher in more recently published studies and in cohorts with higher prevalence of DVT and more proximal DVT, and was lower in cohorts that reported interpretation by a radiologist. Specificity was higher in cohorts that excluded patients with previous DVT. No studies were identified that compared repeat US to venography in all patients. Repeat US appears to have a positive yield of 1.3%, with 89% of these being confirmed by venography.

Conclusion

Combined colour-doppler US techniques have optimal sensitivity, while compression US has optimal specificity for DVT. However, all estimates are subject to substantial unexplained heterogeneity. The role of repeat scanning is very uncertain and based upon limited data.
Age at onset of Huntington disease is not modulated by the R72P variation in TP53 and the R196K variation in the gene coding for the human caspase activated DNase (hCAD)
Authors: Arning Larissa , Kraus Peter H , Saft Carsten , Andrich Jürgen , Epplen Jörg T
Published: October 2005

Background

TP53 is an attractive candidate for modifying age of onset (AO) in Huntington disease (HD): The amino-terminus of the mutated huntingtin (htt) exon 1 translation product has functional properties which may affect critically the TP53 pathway in HD neurons. The pathogenic domain of mutant htt interacts with nuclear transcription factors, and it potentially modulates TP53-induced transcriptional events. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) resulting in the R72P exchange in TP53 protein might modulate the variation in AO. In addition, also the R196K replacement in human caspase activated DNase (hCAD) may theoretically affect the AO.

Methods

We have genotyped the polymorphisms R72P and R196K in a well established cohort of 167 unrelated HD patients.

Results

The expanded CAG repeat explained 30.8% of the variance in AO. Adding the genotypes of the SNPs investigated did not affect the variance of the AO variance explained.

Conclusion

In this replication study, no association was found explaining a significant amount of the variability in AO of HD thus contradicting a recent report.
Development of abbreviated measures to assess patient trust in a physician, a health insurer, and the medical profession
Authors: Dugan Elizabeth , Trachtenberg Felicia , Hall Mark A
Published: October 2005

Background

Despite the recent proliferation in research on patient trust, it is seldom a primary outcome, and is often a peripheral area of interest. The length of our original scales to measure trust may limit their use because of the practical needs to minimize both respondent burden and research cost. The objective of this study was to develop three abbreviated scales to measure trust in: (1) a physician, (2) a health insurer, and (3) the medical profession.

Methods

Data from two samples were used. The first was a telephone survey of English-speaking adults in the United States (N = 1117) and the second was a telephone survey of English-speaking adults residing in North Carolina who were members of a health maintenance organization (N = 1024). Data were analyzed to examine data completeness, scaling assumptions, internal consistency properties, and factor structure.

Results

Abbreviated measures (5-items) were developed for each of the three scales. Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 for trust in a physician (test-retest reliability = 0.71), 0.84 for trust in a health insurer (test-retest reliability = 0.73), and 0.77 for trust in the medical profession.

Conclusion

Assessment of data completeness, scale score dispersion characteristics, reliability and validity test results all provide evidence for the soundness of the abbreviated 5-item scales.
A prototype power assist wheelchair that provides for obstacle detection and avoidance for those with visual impairments
Authors: Simpson Richard , LoPresti Edmund , Hayashi Steve , Guo Songfeng , Ding Dan , Ammer William , Sharma Vinod , Cooper Rory
Published: October 2005

Background

Almost 10% of all individuals who are legally blind also have a mobility impairment. The majority of these individuals are dependent on others for mobility. The Smart Power Assistance Module (SPAM) for manual wheelchairs is being developed to provide independent mobility for this population.

Methods

A prototype of the SPAM has been developed using Yamaha JWII power assist hubs, sonar and infrared rangefinders, and a microprocessor. The prototype limits the user to moving straight forward, straight backward, or turning in place, and increases the resistance of the wheels based on the proximity of obstacles. The result is haptic feedback to the user regarding the environment surrounding the wheelchair.

Results

The prototype has been evaluated with four blindfolded able-bodied users and one individual who is blind but not mobility impaired. For all individuals, the prototype reduced the number of collisions on a simple navigation task.

Conclusion

The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of providing navigation assistance to manual wheelchair users, but several shortcomings of the system were identified to be addressed in a second generation prototype.
Exposure and risks from wearing asbestos mitts
Authors: Cherrie John W , Tindall Matthew , Cowie Hilary
Published: October 2005

Background

Very high fibre inhalation exposure has been measured while people were wearing personal protective equipment manufactured from chrysotile asbestos. However, there is little data that relates specifically to wearing asbestos gloves or mitts, particularly when used in hot environments such as those found in glass manufacturing. The aim of this study was to assess the likely personal exposure to asbestos fibres when asbestos mitts were used.

Results

Three types of work activity were simulated in a small test room with unused mitts and artificially aged mitts. Neither pair of mitts were treated to suppress the dust emission. The measured respirable fibre exposure levels ranged from <0.06 to 0.55 fibres/ml, with no significant difference in fibre exposure between aged and unused mitts. The use of high localised ventilation to simulate convective airflows from a furnace reduced exposure levels by about a factor of five. Differences between tasks were statistically significant, with simulated "rowing" of molten glass lowest and replacement of side seals on the furnace highest. Estimated lifetime cancer risk from 20 years exposure at the upper end of the exposure range measured during the study is less than 22 per 100,000.

Conclusion

People who wore asbestos mitts were likely to have been exposed to relatively low levels of airborne chrysotile asbestos fibres, certainly much lower than the standards that were accepted in the 1960's and 70's. The cancer risks from this type of use are likely to be very low.
No aggression in a 4-year-old boy with an androgen-producing tumour: Case Report
Authors: De la Marche Wouter , Prinsen Karin , Boot Annemieke M , Ferdinand Robert F
Published: October 2005

Background

The androgen testosterone plays a critical role in many aspects of sexual differentiation. Also, it is thought to induce aggressive behaviours or to play a role in social dominance.

Case presentation

In this case report a 4-year-old boy is described whose testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) levels were raised to pubertal levels due to a testosterone producing testis tumour. This provided the unique opportunity to examine the effects of elevated levels of androgens on levels of aggression or on social dominance before the onset of puberty.

Conclusion

The present case report does not support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between testosterone and aggression or between testosterone and social dominance in young children.
Efficacy of atomoxetine in adult attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a drug-placebo response curve analysis
Authors: Faraone Stephen V , Biederman Joseph , Spencer Thomas , Michelson David , Adler Lenard , Reimherr Fred , Glatt Stephen J
Published: October 2005

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atomoxetine, a new and highly selective inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter, in reducing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults by using drug-placebo response curve methods.

Methods

We analyzed data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design studies of adult patients (Study I, N = 280; Study II, N = 256) with DSM-IV-defined ADHD who were recruited by referral and advertising. Subjects were randomized to 10 weeks of treatment with atomoxetine or placebo, and were assessed with the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Clinical Global Impression of ADHD Severity scale before and after treatment.

Results

Those treated with atomoxetine were more likely to show a reduction in ADHD symptoms than those receiving placebo. Across all measures, the likelihood that an atomoxetine-treated subject improved to a greater extent than a placebo-treated subject was approximately 0.60. Furthermore, atomoxetine prevented worsening of most symptom classes.

Conclusion

From these findings, we conclude that atomoxetine is an effective treatment for ADHD among adults when evaluated using several criteria.
Unique Gene Expression Profile Based on Pathologic Response in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Spentzos Dimitrios , Levine Douglas A. , Kolia Shakirahmed , Otu Hasan , Boyd Jeff , Libermann Towia A. , Cannistra Stephen A.
Published: October 2005

Purpose

We investigated whether tumor tissue obtained at diagnosis expresses a specific gene profile that is predictive of findings at second-look surgery in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Patients and Methods

Tumor tissue obtained at the time of diagnosis was profiled with oligonucleotide microarrays. Class prediction analysis was performed in a training set of 24 patients who had undergone a second-look procedure. The resultant predictive signature was then tested on an independent validation set comprised of 36 patients.

Results

A 93-gene signature referred to as the Chemotherapy Response Profile (CRP) was identified through its association with pathologic complete response. When applied to a separate validation set, the CRP distinguished between patients with unfavorable versus favorable overall survival (median 41 months v not yet reached, respectively, log-rank P = .007), with a median follow-up of 52 months. The signature maintained independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis, controlling for other known prognostic factors such as age, stage, grade, and debulking status. There was no genetic overlap between the CRP and our previously described Ovarian Cancer Prognostic Profile (OCPP), which demonstrated similar prognostic value. The combination of the CRP and OCPP yielded better prognostic discrimination then either profile alone. Genes present in the CRP include BAX, a proapoptotic protein previously associated with chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Identification of a gene expression profile based on pathologic response in EOC provides independent prognostic information and offers potential insights into the mechanism of drug resistance. Efforts to identify a more tailored profile using selected genes from both the CRP and OCPP are underway.
Satisfaction After Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: The Significance of Mastectomy Type, Reconstructive Complications, and Body Appearance
Authors: Frost Marlene H. , Slezak Jeffrey M. , Tran Nho V. , Williams Constance I. , Johnson Joanne L. , Woods John E. , Petty Paul M. , Donohue John H. , Grant Clive S. , Sloan Jeff A. , Sellers Thomas A. , Hartmann Lynn C.
Published: October 2005

Purpose

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is one option for reducing the risk of a second breast cancer in women with a personal and family history of breast cancer. Few data are available regarding satisfaction, psychological, and social function after CPM. The purpose of this research is to evaluate women’s long-term satisfaction with CPM, factors influencing satisfaction, and psychological and social function after CPM.

Patients and Methods

This was a descriptive study of all women with a family history of breast cancer, known to be alive, who elected CPM at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between 1960 and 1993 (n = 621). Ninety-four percent of the women (n = 583) completed a study-specific questionnaire.

Results

A mean of 10.3 years after the procedure, the majority of women (83%) were satisfied with their CPM. A smaller number were neutral (8%) or dissatisfied (9%). Women who had a subcutaneous mastectomy had more problems with reconstruction, and fewer of these women were satisfied than women with simple mastectomy. Decreased satisfaction with CPM was associated with decreased satisfaction with appearance, complications with reconstruction, reconstruction after CPM, and increased level of stress in life. The majority of women experienced no change or favorable effects in self-esteem (83%), level of stress in life (83%), and emotional stability (88%). Satisfaction with body appearance, feelings of femininity, and sexual relationships were the most adversely affected with 33%, 26%, and 23% of the women responding negatively.

Conclusion

Although most women are satisfied with CPM, each woman should weigh the benefits alongside the potential adverse effects.
Role of Hematotoxicity and Sex in Patients With Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Analysis From the German Hodgkin Study Group
Authors: Klimm Beate , Reineke Thorsten , Haverkamp Heinz , Behringer Karolin , Eich Hans T. , Josting Andreas , Pfistner Beate , Diehl Volker , Engert Andreas
Published: October 2005

Purpose

Several scores have described sex as a prognostic factor in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). However, little is known how sex-specific factors influence treatment outcome. We systematically investigated sex differences with regard to pretreatment characteristics and therapy-related variables, and examined their influence on the outcome of HL patients.

Patients and Methods

This analysis comprises 4,626 HL patients of all prognostic risk groups who were enrolled onto the multicenter studies HD4 to HD9 of the German Hodgkin Study Group. At 5.5 years, 2,050 female and 2,576 male patients were analyzed.

Results

Male and female patients had similar prognostic factors. There was more acute chemotherapy-related hematotoxicity in women, especially more severe leucopenia (WHO grade 3/4, 69.9% female and 55.2% male; P < .0001). Importantly, this did not translate into more infections. Female patients had similar response rates but fewer relapses and deaths, leading to a significantly better freedom from treatment failure (FFTF; at 66 months, 81% female [95% CI, 79% to 82%] and 74% male [95% CI, 72% to 76%]). Severe leucopenia during chemotherapy was strongly associated with better FFTF, both for males and females. In addition, when only those patients who developed severe leucopenia within the first two cycles of chemotherapy were included, the factor maintained its protective role.

Conclusion

The protective role of severe leucopenia suggests the testing of a more individualized therapy. In future trials, this therapy may be tailored in a response-adapted manner depending on the individual toxicity profile within the first cycles.
Novel Reaction Course of Alkenes to Phosphonium Salts
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Izaki Toshiharu
Published: October 2005

The reaction of styrenes with triphenylphosphine in the presence of acid gave the corresponding 1-arylethylphosphonium salts in 76–82% yields. Indene also reacted with triphenylphosphine and tetrafluoroboric acid to afford 1-indanyltriphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate in 72% yield.
Thermal Isomerization at a C=N Double Bond: How Does the Mechanism Vary with the Substituent?
Authors: Yamataka Hiroshi , Ammal Salai Cheettu , Asano Tsutomu , Ohga Yasushi
Published: October 2005

Thermal isomerizations at the C=N double bonds in R1R2C=NC6H4X proceed via an inversion mechanism, in which the C=NC6H4X bond angle is near 180° at the transition state (TS). Available experimental data on the reactions of (CF3)2C=NC6H4X and YC6H4CH=NC6H4X have suggested that the reaction mechanism changes with substituent X. In the present study, HF, B3LYP, and MP2 computations were carried out to analyze the modes of mechanistic change with the substituent for the reactions of (CF3)2C=NC6H4X, YC6H4CH=NC6H4X, and other systems. There are two possible pathways within the inversion mechanistic framework: a planar pathway with the R1R2C=N double-bond plane and the aromatic ring being coplanar at the TS and a perpendicular one with the two planes being perpendicular to each other at the TS. It was found that the mechanistic change is not due to a change in the relative importance of two independent and competitive reaction pathways, but arises from a change of the character of a single TS from planar to perpendicular geometry when the substituent becomes more electron-withdrawing.
Chemometric Approach to Evaluate the Parameters Affecting Electrospray: Application of a Statistical Design of Experiments for the Study of Arginine Ionization
Authors: Charles Laurence , Caloprisco Stéphanie , Mohameda Salimo , Sergent Michelle
Published: October 2005

The effects of different experimental parameters on arginine electrospray ionization have been investigated with response surface modeling design. This chemometric technique allows a study of the effects of selected experimental variables and their interactions on the response of an experiment by performing a limited number of analyses. Six variables were studied: methanol content in the liquid phase, formic acid concentration, electrospray voltage, orifice voltage, mobile phase flow rate, and sheath gas flow rate. Signal abundance and signal-to-noise ratio of the protonated molecule and the protonated dimer were measured from the electrospray mass spectra and these four responses were tested by the design. The factor that exhibits the greatest influence on MH+ abundance is shown to be the liquid flow rate whereas the formation of protonated dimers is mainly controlled by the percentage of methanol in the mobile phase. A strong synergic effect of methanol content and formic acid concentration in the liquid has also been demonstrated in the study of noise level. Moreover, the capabilities of the multicriteria optimization method have been demonstrated through the successful prediction of a set of optimal experimental conditions.
Structural Characterization of Phosphatidylcholines by Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Delobel Arnaud , Touboul David , Laprévote Olivier
Published: October 2005

The potential of atmospheric pressure photoionization was investigated for the structural analysis of phosphatidylcholine lipids (PCs). [M+H]+ ions of high abundance were obtained, along with several fragment ions. Three of these dissociation products corresponded to quite unusual fragmentation pathways but allowed the determination of both the nature and the position on the glycerol backbone ( sn-1 or sn-2) of the fatty acyl chains. The loss of a methyl group from the choline head was also observed. These results suggest a complex ionization mechanism in atmospheric pressure photoionization. However, this method proved to be very powerful for the rapid structural analysis of PC species without using tandem mass spectrometry experiments.
Positive-Ion Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry of Acetone- and Acetonitrile-Soluble Fractions of Coal-Derived Liquids
Authors: Herod Alan A. , Millan Marcos , Morgan Trevor , Li Wenying , Feng Jie , Kandiyoti Rafael
Published: October 2005

The acetone-soluble fraction of a coal tar pitch has been examined using positive ion electrospray ionisation (ESI), by infusion into the ESI stream. The acetonitrile-soluble fractions of a coal tar pitch, a coal digest and a low temperature coal tar have also been studied by high performance liquid chromatography/ESI mass spectrometry. In contrast to positive-ion ESI of proteins, which gives rise to multiply charged ions, this application to fossil fuels, petroleum asphaltenes and humic acids, appears to only give singly-charged ions. The major components of these samples, polycyclic aromatics that could be detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, formed no ions in positive-ion ESI. The only ions detected were formed from azaarenes. Ions up to only m/z 500 or so were detected, although these fractions are known to contain higher-mass species, up to at least several thousand mass units. Fractions of the three samples [coal tar pitch, coal digest and a low temperature coal tar], insoluble in acetonitrile gave no satisfactory ESI spectra. The nitrogen contents of the fractions indicate that azaarenes become more prominent with increasing mass. However, these larger species could not be observed in the ESI mass spectra. Only some of the minor components of these samples could be observed. Size-exclusion chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry both indicate considerably larger molecules than those found by ESI-MS.
Generalized Robust Conjoint Estimation
Authors: Evgeniou Theodoros , Boussios Constantinos , Zacharia Giorgos
Published: October 2005

We introduce methods from statistical learning theory to the field of conjoint analysis for preference modeling. We present a method for estimating preference models that can be highly nonlinear and robust to noise. Like recently developed polyhedral methods for conjoint analysis, our method is based on computationally efficient optimization techniques. We compare our method with standard logistic regression, hierarchical Bayes, and the polyhedral methods using standard, widely used simulation data. The experiments show that the proposed method handles noise significantly better than both logistic regression and the recent polyhedral methods and is never worse than the best method among the three mentioned above. It can also be used for estimating nonlinearities in preference models faster and better than all other methods. Finally, a simple extension for handling heterogeneity shows promising results relative to hierarchical Bayes. The proposed method can therefore be useful, for example, for analyzing large amounts of data that are noisy or for estimating interactions among product features.
Collaborative Product and Market Development: Theoretical Implications and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Amaldoss Wilfred , Rapoport Amnon
Published: October 2005

In alliances jointly developing product and market, we first investigate how (a) the number of networks competing to develop a product, (b) the number of alternative technology platforms, and (c) market sensitivity to product development expenditures affect investments of partnering firms. We find that, in equilibrium, when the number of either competing networks or technologies increases, investments are more likely to be directed toward market, rather than product, development. Second, we consider the case in which firms continue to jointly develop a product but compete individually in the market. Our analysis suggests that forcing alliance partners to compete individually might not attenuate the underinvestment problem associated with new product alliances. Third, we extend the model to consider sequential market entry with rewards based on the order of entry, technology spillover, endogenous market size, and asymmetric technologies. Finally, key predictions of the basic model are tested in two experiments. The aggregate results provide strong support to the qualitative implications of the equilibrium solution but only mixed support to its quantitative predictions.
Modeling Movie Life Cycles and Market Share
Authors: Ainslie Andrew , Drèze Xavier , Zufryden Fred
Published: October 2005

We examine box-office sales in the context of a market share model. This is accomplished by developing a combination of a sliding-window logit model and a gamma diffusion pattern in a hierarchical Bayes framework. We show that accounting for the full choice set available every week not only increases the fit of weekly movie sales but also leads to parameter estimates that depict a richer picture of the movie industry. We show that movie studios appear to have a good understanding of the products they produce, knowing when to support them and when not to. We also show that the effect of the number of opening week screens is overestimated in traditional models. Our research indicates that actors have a direct and directors an indirect effect on consumers’ movie choice. Releasing a movie contemporaneously with other movies of the same genre adversely affects box-office performance all around. Releasing a movie against movies of the same Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating hurts its sales in the beginning, but there is a displacement effect, which leads to a less severe sales loss in the long run.
Expression of Autocrine Motility Factor (AMF) and Its Receptor, AMFR, in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Wen G. , Raz Avraham , Douglas-Jones Anthony , Mansel Robert E.
Published: October 2005

Autocrine motility factor (AMF) stimulates, via an autocrine route, the motility of cancer cells. The current study investigated the expression of AMF and its receptor, AMFR (gp78), in breast cancer and attempted to dissect a clinical link. Breast tumor tissues ( n=120) and non-neoplastic normal tissues ( n=32) were studied. AMF and AMFR distribution in tissues were assessed using immunohistochemistry and their transcripts were analyzed using RT-PCR and quantitative PCR. Median follow-up of the cohort was 10 years. Normal mammary epithelial cells, but not stromal and endothelial cells, weakly stained for AMF and AMFR. However, cancer cells showed stronger staining. Both AMF and AMFR transcripts were significantly higher in tumor than in normal tissues ( p=0.003 and p=0.0001, respectively). High levels of AMF and AMFR were seen in patients who died of breast cancer ( p=0.049, p=0.0435) and high AMF was also seen in patients who had local recurrence ( p=0.039) compared with those who remained disease free. A significant correlation was seen between long-term survival and the AMFR:CK19 ratio, in which patients with high AMFR:CK19 ratio tumors had a significantly shorter survival (101.0 months, 80.6–121.4) compared with those with low ratio (136.0 months, 123.7–148.2), p=0.0331. In conclusion, AMF and AMFR are overexpressed in human breast cancer and are negatively associated with patients' clinical outcome. This strongly indicates that the AMF–AMFR complex plays an important role in the progression of breast cancer, as well as having a prognostic role.
Ruminating about Placebo Effects of Marketing Actions
Authors: Shiv Baba , Carmon Ziv , Ariely Dan
Published: October 2005

In Shiv, Carmon, and Ariely (2005) , the authors demonstrate that marketing actions such as price promotions and advertising evoke consumer expectations, which can alter the actual efficacy of the marketed product, a phenomenon they call ”placebo effects of marketing actions.” In this rejoinder, they build on the preceding commentaries and refine their framework to account more fully for factors that may influence this placebo effect, and they describe directions for further research in this new topic area.
RFM and CLV: Using Iso-Value Curves for Customer Base Analysis
Authors: Fader Peter S. , Hardie Bruce G.S. , Lee Ka Lok
Published: October 2005

The authors present a new model that links the well-known RFM (recency, frequency, and monetary value) paradigm with customer lifetime value (CLV). Although previous researchers have made a conceptual link, none has presented a formal model with a well-grounded behavioral ”story.” Key to this analysis is the notion of ”iso-value” curves, which enable the grouping of individual customers who have different purchasing histories but similar future valuations. Iso-value curves make it easy to visualize the interactions and trade-offs among the RFM measures and CLV. The stochastic model is based on the Pareto/NBD framework to capture the flow of transactions over time and a gamma-gamma submodel for spend per transaction. The authors conduct several holdout tests to demonstrate the validity of the model's underlying components and then use it to estimate the total CLV for a cohort of new customers of the online music site CDNOW. Finally, the authors discuss broader issues and opportunities in the application of this model in actual practice.
Two Roads to Updating Brand Personality Impressions: Trait versus Evaluative Inferencing
Authors: Johar Gita Venkataramani , Sengupta Jaideep , Aaker Jennifer L.
Published: October 2005

This research examines the dynamic process of inference updating. The authors present a framework that delineates two mechanisms that guide the updating of personality trait inferences about brands. The results of three experiments show that chronics (those for whom the trait is accessible) update their initial inferences on the basis of the trait implications of new information. Notably, nonchronics (those for whom the trait is not accessible) also update their initial inferences, but they do so on the basis of the evaluative implications of new information. The framework adds to the inference-making literature by uncovering two distinct paths of inference updating and by emphasizing the moderating role of trait accessibility. The findings have direct implications for marketers attempting to understand the construction of brand personality, and they emphasize the constantly evolving nature of brand perceptions and the notion that both the consumer and the marketer have important roles to play in this process.
Probabilistic Subset-Conjunctive Models for Heterogeneous Consumers
Authors: Jedidi Kamel , Kohli Rajeev
Published: October 2005

The authors propose two generalizations of conjunctive and disjunctive screening rules. First, they relax the requirement that an acceptable alternative must be satisfactory on one criterion (disjunctive) or on all criteria (conjunctive). Second, they relax the assumption that consumers make deterministic judgments when evaluating alternatives. They combine the two generalizations into a probabilistic subset-conjunctive rule, which allows consumers to use any number or subset of decision criteria when screening alternatives and permits them to be uncertain about the acceptability of attribute levels. These two features allow for a screening process that is uncertain and more flexible than the deterministic conjunctive and disjunctive rules currently described in the literature. The authors describe a latent-class method for the estimation of the subset-conjunctive rules and the attribute-level consideration probabilities using either consideration or choice data. Applications using both types of data suggest that the proposed models predict as well as linear models do; can make different predictions of consideration, choice, and market shares; and provide insights into consumer decision processes that are different from those obtained with linear models.
Evidence for a Selective Sweep in the wapl Region of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Beisswanger Steffen , Stephan Wolfgang , De Lorenzo David
Published: October 2005

A scan of the X chromosome of a European Drosophila melanogaster population revealed evidence for the recent action of positive directional selection at individual loci. In this study we analyze one such region that showed no polymorphism in the genome scan (located in cytological division 2C10–2E1). We detect a 60.5-kb stretch of DNA encompassing the genes ph-d, ph-p, CG3835, bcn92, Pgd, wapl, and Cyp4d1, which almost completely lacks variation in the European sample. Loci flanking this region show a skewed frequency spectrum at segregating sites, strong haplotype structure, and high levels of linkage disequilibrium. Neutrality tests reveal that these data are unlikely under both the neutral equilibrium model and the simple bottleneck scenarios. In contrast, newly developed maximum-likelihood ratio tests suggest that strong selection has acted recently on the region under investigation, causing a selective sweep. Evidence that this sweep may have originated in an ancestral population in Africa is presented.
Construction of Paramithia tunnels, Egnatia motorway, Greece
Authors: Lefas I. D. , Dallas A. , Power N. , Georgiannou V. N.
Published: October 2005

The paper describes in detail the construction process followed for site set-up, portal formation, tunnel excavation and primary lining of two tunnels in the presence of heavily fragmented cataclastic material. Excavation techniques used to secure the crown of the tunnel and to avoid extensive collapses included, inter alia, grouted forepoles of various types and density, down the hole drilling, the use of self-drilling anchors and fibre-reinforced shotcrete. The optimum set of measures was selected according to block size, interlocking of blocks and cohesion of each unit at the tunnel crown and sides. Attention is paid to the observational method applied, the treatment of special cases with novel techniques such as horizontal cement piles and the treatment of localised ground collapses, and to the production rates achieved during construction. A procedure applicable when mixed conditions at the tunnel face are encountered during excavation in tunnelling projects is proposed.
Dynamic behaviour of laterally loaded model piles in clay
Authors: Boominathan A. , Ayothiraman R.
Published: October 2005

Dynamic experiments in lateral mode were carried out on model aluminium single piles in a simulated elastic half-space filled with clay soil to determine dynamic constants of the soil–pile system and to study the bending behaviour of piles. Model piles with various lengths were subjected to steady-state harmonic vibrations with different magnitudes of force of 7–30 N applied over a wide range of frequencies from 2 Hz to 50 Hz. The load transferred to the pile, pile head displacement and strain gauge readings at different locations on the pile were measured. It is observed consistently that the magnitude of the applied force and the pile length significantly affect the natural frequency of the soil–pile system. It is found that rigid piles behave linearly even at the higher magnitudes of applied force, but that flexible piles behave non-linearly as the magnitude of the applied force increases, which leads to a substantial reduction of the lateral stiffness of the soil–pile system. Damping of the soil–pile system is found to increase with an increase in pile length and magnitude of the applied force, owing to the occurrence of radiation and hysteretic damping. Based on experiments carried out on model piles embedded in clay at low confining pressure, it is found that the maximum dynamic bending moment of long flexible piles is about four times higher than that of short rigid piles. The maximum bending moment under dynamic loads occurs at deeper depth than the corresponding depth for static loads, which indicates an increase of the active length of piles under dynamic load.
Effect of high initial water content on cement-based sludge solidification
Authors: Boutouil M. , Levacher D.
Published: October 2005

When solidifying/stabilising high water content materials, the water/cement (w/c) ratios are higher than those usually found in concrete engineering. However, an important question about the availability of the total measured water content can be asked. In this paper, the influence of initial water content on the mechanical behaviour of solidified dredged sludge is investigated. Water consumptions for three types of cement are measured after solidification with different w/c ratios. It has been observed that the three types of cement consume different quantities of water. The theoretical water consumption value expressed by unit mass of anhydrous cement is 0·42. Many observations concerning the water consumption compared with the replacement level suggest that the measured initial water is not totally available to hydrate the added cement.

Lorsque l'on solidifie/stabilise des matériaux à forte teneur en eau, les rapports eau-ciment (w/c) sont plus élevés que ceux trouvé s habituellement dans l'ingé nierie du ciment. Cependant, on peut s'interroger sur la disponibilité de la teneur en eau totale mesuré e. Dans cet exposé, nous étudions l'influence de la teneur en eau initiale sur le comportement mécanique de la boue dragué e solidifié e. Nous avons mesuré les consommations en eau de trois types de ciment après solidification avec trois proportions w/c diffé rentes. Nous avons observé que les trois types de ciment consommaient diffé rentes quantité s d'eau. La valeur thé orique de la consommation en eau exprimé e par masse unitaire de ciment anhydre est de 0·42. De nombreuses observations concernant la consommation en eau comparé e avec le niveau de remplacement suggèrent que l'eau initiale mesuré e n'est pas totalement disponible pour hydrater le ciment ajouté
Concrete-to-concrete bond strength: influence of an epoxy-based bonding agent on a roughened substrate surface
Authors: Júlio E. N. B. S. , Branco F. A. B. , Silva V. D.
Published: October 2005

An experimental study was performed to evaluate the bond strength between two concrete layers, using different techniques for increasing the roughness of the substrate surface and a commercial epoxy-based bonding agent. A total of 40 slant shear half specimens and 40 pull-off half specimens first had the substrate surface prepared by wire-brushing, sand-blasting, chipping with a light jackhammer, or were left as-cast against steel formwork. Three months later, the bonding agent was applied and the new concrete was added. Pull-off tests and slant shear tests were performed to evaluate the bond strength in tension and in shear. Analysis of the results indicates that the application of an epoxy-based bonding agent does not improve the bond strength since the adopted method for surface preparation adequately increases its roughness.
Client Outcomes and the Working Alliance in Assertive Community Treatment Programs
Authors: Calsyn Robert J. , Morse Gary A. , Klinkenberg W. Dean , Lemming Matthew R.
Published: October 2005

This study examined the relationship between outcomes and the working alliance in clients who were receiving assertive community treatment only or integrated assertive community treatment (assertive community treatment plus substance abuse treatment). All 98 participants had a severe mental illness and a substance use disorder. The Working Alliance Inventory assessed the alliance from the perspective of both the client and the case manager at 3 and 15 months into treatment. The six outcome measures were stable housing, client rating of psychiatric distress, interviewer rating of psychiatric symptoms, self-report of days used alcohol or drugs, and interviewer rating of substance use. Only 4 of 24 correlations were significant, indicating little relationship between the strength of the working alliance and client outcome.
Development and Results of a Case Coordination Activity Tracking Tool
Authors: Sagan Mark , Hadjistavropoulos Heather , Bierlein Cecily , Managing Continuity of Case Coordination Rese
Published: October 2005

This study describes the development of a tool used to track the who, what, when, and how much of case coordination for elderly, community-based clients. The Case Coordination Activity Tracking Form measures phase of coordination (assessment, plan development, plan implementation, monitoring, reassessment, and discharge), type of activity (in-person, telephone, documentation, research, travel, case conference), with whom contact took place (client, family, client/family together, supervisor/colleague, service provider, physician, program access committee), and special circumstances (e.g., infection control). Over a 6-month span, we used the tool to study case coordination of services for elderly, community-based clients. The average amount of coordination time was 5.15 hours (n = 234), with 71% of the clients requiring between 2 and 6 hours of coordination, and 26% of the clients accounting for 49% of the total coordination time. Frequency and average amount of coordination declined greatly after the first month. Not all clients required coordination each month, and monitoring was the most common activity in later months. The tool was found to be reliable and easy to use, and of benefit to decision makers, managers, and case coordinators in measuring, analyzing, and describing case coordination. This tool could be readily used with other client groups.
Internal versus Terminal Metalation of Double‐Helical Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
Authors: Vinje Jo , Sletten Einar
Published: October 2005

The formation of adducts between cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl2], ZnII, and MnII and double‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotides was studied by 1D and 2D 1H, 31P, and 15N NMR spectroscopy. For labile adducts involving ZnII and MnII, both 1H chemical shifts (ZnII) and 1H line‐broadening effects (MnII) showed that in the hexamer [d(GGCGCC)]2 I, the terminal G1‐N7 is the exclusive binding site, while for the dodecamer [d(GGTACCGGTACC)]2 II, which contains both a terminal and internal GG pair, the preference for metal binding is the internal guanine G7. ZnII binding to II was confirmed by natural‐abundance 2D [1H,15N] HMBC NMR spectroscopy, which unambiguously showed that G7‐N7 is the preferred binding site. The long duplex [d(GGTATATATACCGGTATATATACC)]2 III was expected to have a more pronounced accumulation of electrostatic potential towards the central part of the sequence (vs the terminal part) than does II. However, the ZnII titration of III showed no increase in coordination with the internal Gs (vs the terminal Gs), compared with what was observed for II. The reaction between the nonlabile metal complex cis‐[PtCl2(15NH3)2] (cisplatin) and II showed a slight preference for the internal GG pair over the terminal GG pair. However, when the diaqua form of cisplatin cis‐[Pt(15NH3)2(H2O)2] was reacted with II a more pronounced binding preference for the internal GG pair was observed.
On highly convergent 2D acoustic and elastic wave propagation models
Authors: Barauskas Rimantas
Published: October 2005

The presented approach for reducing the phase and group errors in short wavelength pulses propagation modelling is based upon modal error minimization. A computational model is built of component substructures (CS) the matrices of which are obtained by modal synthesis. The necessary modal properties of CS are established by solving the cumulative modal error minimization problem for a sample domain the exact modal frequencies of which are known theoretically. Earlier the approach has been demonstrated to work well in 1D case. In this work the results for 2D rectangular meshes describing elastic and/or acoustic wave propagation have been obtained. As a result, models having up to 80% of modal frequencies with an error less than 2% can be obtained by using the optimized component substructures. Though the synthesized mass matrices are non‐diagonal, the obtained dynamic models are able to simulate short transient waves and wave pulses propagating in elastic or acoustic environments by using only a few nodal points per pulse length. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.