bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastric Cancer Surgery in Elderly Patients
Authors: Gretschel Stephen , Estevez‐Schwarz Lope , Hünerbein Michael , Schneider Ulrike , Schlag Peter M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the value of individual risk‐adapted therapy in geriatric patients, we performed a consecutive analysis of 363 patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for gastric cancer.Patients and MethodsAll patients underwent extensive preoperative workup to assess surgical risk. The following criteria were evaluated in 3 age groups (< 60 years, 60–75 years, and > 75 years): comorbidity, tumor characteristics, type of resection, postoperative morbidity and mortality, recurrence rate, overall survival, and disease‐free survival.ResultsThere was an increased rate of comorbidity in the higher age groups (51% vs 76% vs 83%; P < 0.05). Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were most common. There was a decrease in the rate of both total gastrectomy (74%, 54%, 46%; P < 0.05) and D2 lymphadenectomy (78%, 53%, 31%; P <0.05). The 30‐day mortality in the 3 age groups was 0%, 1%, and 8%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was only a slight difference in tumor recurrence rate (35%, 37%, and 27%; P = 0.437), with no significant difference in 5‐year cancer‐related survival (61%, 53%, 61%; P = 0.199).ConclusionsPatient selection and risk‐adapted surgery in elderly patients can result in acceptable therapeutic results comparable to younger patients. Limited surgery in elderly gastric cancer patients with high comorbidity does not necessarily compromise oncological outcome.
Preoperative Positron Emission Tomography with Fluorine‐18‐Fluorodeoxyglucose is Predictive of Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection
Authors: Hatano Etsuro , Ikai Iwao , Higashi Tatsuya , Teramukai Satoshi , Torizuka Tatsuo , Saga Tsuneo , Fujii Hideaki , Shimahara Yasuyuki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) accumulate fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to various degrees. The standardized uptake values (SUVs) of FDG‐positron emission tomography (PET) in high‐grade HCCs are significantly higher than those in low‐grade HCCs.Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible usefulness of FDG‐PET in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients after resection. We analyzed the relationship between the tumor to non‐tumor SUV ratios (SUV ratio) and surgical outcome in 31 patients.Results:Of the 31 cases of HCC studied, seven (23%) exhibited SUV ratios greater than 2, as the cutoff value. The percentage of patients with poorly differentiated HCC was greater in the higher SUV ratio group (SUV ratio >2) than in the lower SUV ratio group (SUV ratio <2) (57 vs. 32%). The overall survival was significantly longer in the lower SUV ratio group than in the higher SUV ratio group (5‐year‐survival rate: 63 vs. 29% P = 0.006) (median survival time: 2310 vs.182 days).Conclusion:The SUV ratio was related significantly to disease‐related death as well as other predictive factors, including the number of tumors, the size, stage, and involvement of vessels, and the involvement of the capsule. Consequently, we conclude that the SUV ratio provides information of prognostic relevance in patients with HCC before surgery.
DRD2/DARPP‐32 Expression Correlates with Lymph Node Metastasis and Tumor Progression in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Li , Miyamoto Masaki , Ebihara Yuma , Mega Seiji , Takahashi Ryo , Hase Ryunosuke , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Kadoya Masatoshi , Itoh Tomoo , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Hirano Satoshi , Kondo Satoshi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundDopamine receptors (DRs) are members of seven transmembrane domain trimeric guanosine 5’‐triphosphate (GTP)‐binding protein‐coupled receptor family. Through dopamine receptor activation, dopamine plays a significant role in regulating gene expression, such as induced tumor cell migration.Materials and MethodsWe investigated DRD1 and DRD2 expressions in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) for immunohistochemistry and analyzed differences between DRD1, DRD2, and DARPP‐32 expressions of clinicopathological features in 122 patients with ESCC.ResultsDRD1 immunostaining correlated with the pathologic grade (P = 0.0127), and DRD2 immunostaining correlated with the pathologic stage (P = 0.0432) and pN classification (P = 0.0112). A significant correlation was found between DRD1 and DRD2 expression (P = 0.0292). However, no correlation was observed between DRD1/DRD2 expression and DARPP‐32 expression (P = 0.4555 and 0.4774, respectively). No correlation was observed between the DRD1/DRD2 expression and patient prognosis. To find the cooperative role between DRD1, DRD2, and DARPP‐32 expressions, patients were classified into the different groups. In the DRD2/DARPP‐32 combination, the (+/−) group was significantly correlated with pathologic stage (P = 0.0006), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0001), pT (P = 0.0287), and tumor size (P = 0.0202). Moreover, patients with this combination showed a lower survival rate compared with the other three groups (P = 0.0287).ConclusionsWe conclude that DRD2/DARPP‐32 expression is associated with tumor progression and that DRD2/DARPP‐32 expressions may help predict prognosis in patients with ESCC.
Outcomes of Surgery for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Fujino Yasuhiro , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Yoshikawa Takuro , Ajiki Tetsuo , Ueda Takashi , Matsumoto Ippei , Kuroda Yoshikazu 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundOur objective was to evaluate outcomes of surgery for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN) in terms of the clinicopathological features.MethodsFifty‐seven patients with IPMN were examined using clinicopathological analyses to evaluate appropriate surgical treatment, including total pancreatectomy (TP). IPMN was classified into two types: main‐duct type (MD, n = 33) and branch‐duct type (BD, n = 24).ResultsUltrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations easily revealed the main site of the lesions. Intraoperative US was the most useful device for diagnosis of lateral spreading, and accuracy rates were 74% for MD and 96% for BD. TP was performed on 16 patients and was appropriate for removing neoplastic lesions with malignancy or malignant potential in 12. Three patients who underwent partial pancreatectomy with involved cancer died of progressive disease. MD is a strong predictive factor in malignancy and indicative of TP. Concerning long‐term outcomes, 5 of 16 patients suffered from severe hypoglycemia, and 2 of 16 died from this condition.ConclusionPartial resection with cancer clearance was applied for BD‐type IPMN. TP should be performed on selected patients with MD‐type IPMN.
An experimental system to study ecophysiological responses of submerged macrophytes to temperature and light
Authors: Imamoto Hiroomi , Horiya Kenji , Yamasaki Mitsuo , Washitani Izumi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAn experimental growth system was devised to study the ecophysiological responses of submerged macrophytes to temperature and light. Using the system, a pilot study was conducted to compare responses to light of three representative species common to the littoral zone of Lake Biwa: Vallisneria asiatica Miki var. biwaensis Miki, which is endemic to Japan, Potamogetonmaackianus A. Benn., a dominant submerged macrophyte in Lake Biwa, and Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) St. John, one of the most influential submerged exotic macrophytes naturalized in Japan. Different relative growth rate responses and other growth parameters among the species were observed. We ascertained the experimental system to be useful for the comparison of ecophysiological responses of submerged macrophytes.
On the Asymptotic Distribution of Pearson’s X2 in Cross-Validation Samples
Authors: Joe Harry , Maydeu-Olivares Albert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn categorical data analysis, two-sample cross-validation is used not only for model selection but also to obtain a realistic impression of the overall predictive effectiveness of the model. The latter is of particular importance in the case of highly parametrized models capable of capturing every idiosyncracy of the calibrating sample. We show that for maximum likelihood estimators or other asymptotically efficient estimators Pearson’s X2 is not asymptotically chi-square in the two-sample cross-validation framework due to extra variability induced by using different samples for estimation and goodness-of-fit testing. We propose an alternative test statistic, X2xval, obtained as a modification of X2 which is asymptotically chi-square with C - 1 degrees of freedom in cross-validation samples. Stochastically, X2xval≤ X2. Furthermore, the use of X2 instead of X2xval with a χ2C - 1 reference distribution may provide an unduly poor impression of fit of the model in the cross-validation sample.
Neuronal damage and changes in the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in the neonatal rat cerebral cortical upon exposure to sparteine, a quinolizidine alkaloid
Authors: Flores‐Soto M.E. , Bañuelos‐Pineda J. , Orozco‐Suárez S. , Schliebs R. , Beas‐Zárate C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSparteine is a quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) produced by Lupine species that has generated much interest due to its anti‐hypertensive, anti‐pyretic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. In the nervous system, sparteine has been shown to display anti‐cholinergic and depressive activity, although how sparteine exerts its toxic effects in the brain remains unclear. We have addressed this issue by administering subcutaneous injections of sparteine (25 mg/kg of body weight) to rats on postnatal days 1 and 3, and then examining the expression of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subunits m1–m4 in the brains of the neonatal rats 14–60 days later. Administration of sparteine to neonatal rats caused neuronal damage in the cerebral motor cortex accompanied by transient changes in the expression of m1–m4 mAChR subunits as revealed by both RT‐PCR and Western blotting. This effect could be prevented by pre‐treatment with atropine (10 mg/kg) 1 h prior to the injection of sparteine, suggesting that the cytotoxic activity of sparteine is mediated through mAChRs.
“Good obstetrics” revisited: Too many evidence‐based practices and devices are not used
Authors: Fauveau V. , de Bernis L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIntroduction: As countries are designing and implementing strategies to address maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity (Millennium Development Goals 5 and 4), it appears that a large number of evidence‐based obstetric practices are not used in many settings, and this is a major obstacle to the improvement of quality obstetric care. Objectives: To remind readers of the existing, relatively easy‐to‐implement, evidence‐based interventions that are currently not being universally applied in obstetric care and, second, to foster research to expand the evidence base further for obstetric care practices and devices, especially those that could be used in resource‐poor settings. Methods: We review possible reasons why changes into practices are difficult to obtain, and we list the key evidence‐based interventions known to effectively deal with the main obstetric complications, with supporting references and sources of documentation. We also list some promising interventions that require more research before being recommended. Conclusion: Professionals and health services managers have a crucial role in producing the best quality obstetric and neonatal care through implementing the listed evidence‐based interventions and make them accessible to all pregnant women and their newborns without delay, even in poor settings. Reasons for which progress is slow should be addressed. One of these reasons being the lack of access to scientific knowledge from the part of professionals in developing countries, we give the key references and also websites which are freely accessible through the Internet. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate the discussion on the dissemination and use of good obstetric practices, and contribute to better maternal and newborn health.
On the tips of their tongues: authors and their views on scholarly publishing
Authors: Nicholas David , Jamali Hamid R. , Rowlands Ian 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe paper presents the results of an international questionnaire survey of the attitudes of senior authors towards scholarly publishing. It was commissioned by the Publishers Association (PA) and the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM). A total of 5,513 authors participated. The questionnaire included 22 closed questions and one open‐ended question that 1,943 authors used to freely express their views. Using QSR N6 textual analysis software, their comments were processed and themes extracted. The main concerns of the authors were the peer‐review process, faster publishing, better access to journals, journal prices, and issues related to electronic publishing.
Thought patterns of some editors of academic journals
Authors: Ju‐fang Shao , Hui‐yun Shen 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTInfluenced by Chinese traditional thought, some contemporary editors of Chinese academic journals have holistic and authority‐based thought patterns and values. Editors with such ideas are easily misled in the refereeing of manuscriptss. This leads to some high‐quality manuscripts being turned down and others, of little academic value, being published. The editorial aim of publication of the best material is difficult to realize. If a journal wishes to develop and gain international acceptance, editors with such ideas must adjust and change their thought patterns and values.
Strategic philosophy and management level
Authors: Parnell John A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine how a manager's strategic philosophy is influenced by his or her management level in the organization.Design/methodology/approachScales are developed to measure managers' philosophical perspectives along three key dimensions and tested with 289 managers in the United States. Refined scales are administered to 237 managers.FindingsA manager's level in the organization influences his or her strategic philosophy. As compared to middle‐and lower‐level managers, top managers were more likely to view strategy formulation as an art, to emphasize strategic flexibility as opposed to strategic consistency, and to see strategy as top‐down process.Research limitations/implicationsNo single strategic philosophy is suggested as the optimal perspective. In addition, there are multiple possible explanations for the findings. Additional research is needed. Recognizing differences in strategic philosophy can also enhance training and development efforts at the lower and middle management levels.Practical implicationsFindings lend support to the notion that one's strategic philosophy is not independent of one's management position and suggests that managers at each level may adopt perspectives that facilitate the managerial responsibilities at that level.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence for a nexus between management level and strategic philosophy, a stream of research that received only limited research interest to date.
Concept of entrapment and decision‐making
Authors: McElhinney David , Proctor Tony 
Published: July 2006

PurposeInforms executives of the dangers of entrapment which can occur when there is an increasing commitment to an ineffective course of action to justify previous allocation of resources when managing new projects.Design/methodology/approachReviews research studies on establishing call/contact‐centres in local government across the UK. Data were also collected via interviews with executives in authorities experienced in setting up call/contact centres.FindingsCentres involve spending millions of pounds but there was only limited knowledge of capital or ongoing revenue costs. Evidence of internal resistance, lack of any shared vision, or knowledge of the level of risk existed as well as only limited understanding of the centres' organisational impact, potential benefits or added value. There was an absence of stated project objectives or formal project appraisal and a creeping commitment to the projects continuation. The potential for entrapment existedResearch limitations/implicationsA single case study but one which adds to the existing literature on entrapment and focuses attention on the risks that can exist in the public sector.Practical implicationsUnderlines the importance of setting out specific procedures for evaluating the potential costs/benefits and subsequent progress of new, particular large scale, business projects.Originality/valueShows that potential entrapment can be present in the context of projects of national importance. The paper is relevant to managers within the public sector engaged on new ventures and to all executives in any setting.
Decision‐making in conditions of constant change – a case within the automotive industry
Authors: Lundbäck Magnus , Hörte Sven‐Åke 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo analyse how differences in decision‐making affected the integration of the R&D functions after Ford's acquisition of Volvo Cars.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is carried out in two steps. Step one analyses which type of approach Ford employed to integrate Volvo into the company. Step two analyses how R&D decisions are made by both firms and the consequences of found differences in decision‐making on the success of the integration process.FindingsFord's approach to the integration of Volvo Cars follows a symbiosis approach, combining a high need of both organizational autonomy and strategic interdependence. A symbiosis acquisition integration approach demands that the decision‐making processes are given special attention. The acquired firm's specific decision‐making processes need to remain intact in order to preserve its embedded unique R&D value creation capabilities. The decision‐making processes should be kept separate in order to prevent disruption.Originality/valueThe paper relates theories about firm acquisition processes and aspects of organization theory to establish a bridge between these research areas.
The Springfield Armory's role in developing interchangeable parts
Authors: Ford Robert C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeInterchangeable parts were a critical development in the advancement of industry and manufacturing. This paper traces its development, the factors that contributed to it, and answers the question of why did this innovation occur at the Springfield Armory.Design/methodology/approachThis is an illustrative case study.FindingsThe fortunate combination of location, key people, government policy, and arms demand combined to enable the development of interchangeable parts at the Springfield Armory. Led by its Superintendent, Roswell Lee, Springfield became the epicenter for the development of this concept as skilled gunmakers captured arms making knowledge unfettered by patent protection. Lee promoted this free interchange of ideas through sharing designs and equipment, his hiring practices, and his willingness to experiment with new tools and technologies. This created a critical mass of factors that led to this important innovation occurring at the Springfield Armory.Research limitations/implicationsThe critical drivers of innovative activity seen at Springfield merit further investigation and research, individually and collectively to see if these findings can be used to inform policies that promote innovation.Originality/valueThis case study identifies factors that contributed to the development of interchangeable parts at a particular location at a particular point in time. The value of this is to identity the important interplay of factors that can spur the innovative process and lead to important technological innovation.
Re‐visiting Devons' historical perspective on black holes and bullwhip
Authors: Towill Denis R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo publicise the little known work of Eli Devons (1950) as a source of practical operations management “know how”, collated by an economist but of direct interest to wider academe.Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of World War II UK aircraft production procedures against published literature and available case studies in operations management.FindingsSpecific and substantial anecdotal evidence suggesting that both bullwhip and learning curve losses were common phenomena waiting to be discovered.Research limitations/implicationsMuch of the original evidence is circumstantial but still capable of triangulation because of multiple events pointing to the same causality.Practical implicationsIdentifies generic problems and solutions but also pinpoints areas which are applications specific.Originality/valueThe re‐discovery that learning curve and bullwhip phenomena were rife 60 years ago supports the view that knowledge and its exploitation is episodic. Specifically, as soon as the environment returns to normal, so are the lessons learned under duress quickly forgotten.
Turning Segways into soccer robots
Authors: Browning Brett , Searock Jeremy , Rybski Paul E. , Veloso Manuela 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo adapt the segway RMP, a dynamically balancing robot base, to build robots capable of playing soccer autonomously.Design/methodology/approachFocuses on the electro‐mechanical mechanisms required to make the Segway RMP autonomous, sensitive, and able to control a football.FindingsFinds that turning a Segway RMP into a soccer‐playing robot requires a combined approach to the mechanics, electronics and software control.Research implicationsAlthough software algorithms necessary for autonomous operation and infrastructure supplying logging and debugging facilities have been developed, the scenario of humans and robots playing soccer together has yet to be addressed.Practical implicationsTurning the model into a soccer playing robot demonstrates the technique of combining mechanics, electronics and software control.Originality/valueShows how the model as a base platform can be developed into a fully functional, autonomous, soccer‐playing robot.
Roboclimber the 3 ton spider
Authors: Molfino Rezia , Armada Manuel , Cepolina Francesco , Zoppi Matteo 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of the research is to design, build and test a robot able to autonomously execute slope consolidation tasks.Design/methodology/approachA multidisciplinary approach has been adopted to solve the problem: mechanical and control architecture have been conceived simultaneously. Modularity and lifecycle are considered. The robot can climb by means of four legs and two ropes. The drilling system is hosted onboard. Drilling process is fully automated, motion can be controlled in tele‐operation.FindingsThe performance of the first prototype has satisfied the end‐user; new on‐site tests and improvements are planned.Research limitations/implicationsRoboclimber is cumbersome; both robot transport and on‐site positioning are complex operations. Coordination between legs motion and ropes tensioning is a difficult task.Practical implicationsThe system reduces operating costs and working time, while avoiding the human presence in unsafe and harsh environments.Originality/valueRoboclimber is the first robot able to do heavy duty works on rocky walls
Investing in inclusion
Authors: Burnett Tony 
Published: July 2006

PurposeLooks at the issue of diversity and how it relates to the realities of the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a viewpoint approach, working through a brief case study in the HGV industry.FindingsWhilst managers understand the theory behind diversity, they often fail to transfer this into the workplace. The author asserts that an inclusive approach will become a necessity in the future as workforces become more and more diverse.Originality/valueStresses the need to adopt an inclusive approach to workforce management.