bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II Study of Vinflunine in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Talbot Denis C. , Margery Jacques , Dabouis Gérard , Dark Graham , Taylor Henry , Boussemart Hélène , Cadic Véronique , Pinel Marie-Claire , Rivière Alain , Ollivier Liliane , Ruffié Pierre 
Published: October 2007

PurposeMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a disease of increasing incidence for which treatment options are limited. This study reports the clinical efficacy data for vinflunine, a novel microtubule inhibitor, in MPM.Patients and MethodsPatients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MPM were eligible for enrollment onto this multicenter phase II trial if they had not received prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy and had measurable lesions by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Vinflunine 320 mg/m2by 10-minute intravenous infusion was administered on day 1 of 21-day cycles. Modifications of dose and schedule were made according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0. Efficacy was assessed by an external, independent radiologist. The one-sample multiple testing procedure of Fleming was applied at the predetermined recruitment stages of 20 and 40 assessable patients.ResultsSixty-seven patients were enrolled. Five patients were not assessable for tumor response. The response rate was 13.8% (95% CI, 6.5% to 24.7%). The median survival was 10.8 months (95% CI, 7.8 to 12.0 months). The most common adverse events were anemia, neutropenia, fatigue, constipation, and nausea. Of grade 3 and 4 toxicities, neutropenia and constipation were the most common (45% and 9% of patients, respectively).ConclusionVinflunine can be delivered with high-dose intensity in patients with MPM. The response rate and median survival are encouraging for a single agent. These data suggest that vinflunine should be further evaluated in the management of MPM.
Use of Epoetin and Darbepoetin in Patients With Cancer: 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Authors: Rizzo J. Douglas , Somerfield Mark R. , Hagerty Karen L. , Seidenfeld Jerome , Bohlius Julia , Bennett Charles L. , Cella David F. , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Goode Matthew J. , Jakubowski Ann A. , Rarick Mark U. , Regan David H. , Lichtin Alan E. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeTo update the American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology (ASCO/ASH) recommendations for the use of epoetin. The guideline was expanded to address use of darbepoetin and thromboembolic risk associated with these agents.MethodAn Update Committee (“Committee”) reviewed and analyzed data published since 2002 through July 2007. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library databases were searched.RecommendationsFor patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia, the Committee continues to recommend initiating an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) as hemoglobin (Hb) approaches, or falls below, 10 g/dL, to increase Hb and decrease transfusions. ESA treatment continues to be recommended for patients with low-risk myelodysplasia for similar reasons. There is no evidence showing increased survival as a result of ESA treatment. Conclusive evidence is lacking that, absent clinical circumstances necessitating earlier treatment, initiating ESAs at Hb levels greater than 10 g/dL either spares more patients from transfusion or substantially improves their quality of life. Starting doses and dose modifications based on response or lack thereof should follow the package insert. Continuing ESAs beyond 6 to 8 weeks in the absence of response, assuming appropriate dose increase has been attempted in nonresponders as per US Food and Drug Administration–approved labeling, does not seem to be beneficial, and ESA therapy should be discontinued. The Committee recommends monitoring iron stores and supplementing iron intake for ESA-treated patients. ESAs should be used cautiously with chemotherapy, or in clinical states, associated with elevated risk for thromboembolic complications. The Committee also cautions against ESA use for patients with cancer who are not receiving chemotherapy, since recent trials report increased thromboembolic risks and decreased survival under these circumstances.
A Divergent Route to 3-Amino-2,3,6-trideoxysugars Including Branched Sugar: Synthesis of Vancosamine, Daunosamine, Saccharosamine, and Ristosamine
Authors: Doi Takayuki , Shibata Kazuaki , Kinbara Atsushi , Takahashi Takashi 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Four 3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxysugars were synthesized by a divergent route from a single enone 9a. The Migita–Stille coupling introduced a methyl group at the 3-position. Stereoselective reduction of enone and the Mitsunobu reaction provided both β- and α-hydroxy groups at the 4-position. Stereospecific radical cyclization of the C4 carbamoyl moiety furnished the desired 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b, respectively.
Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and lipid peroxidation in peripheral blood of children affected by coeliac disease
Authors: Stojiljković Vesna , Todorović Ana , Radlović Nedeljko , Pejić Snez̆ana , Mladenović Marija , Kasapović Jelena , Pajović Snez̆ana B 
Published: October 2007

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to examine the modulation of the biochemical response to oxidative stress in untreated and treated coeliac disease. Methods: The study involved peripheral blood samples from 39 paediatric patients (18 with active, 11 with silent form of the disease, 10 on gluten-free diet [GFD]) and 30 control subjects. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the concentrations of total glutathione (GSH) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were determined in patients and controls. Results: In comparison to the controls, a significant increase in SOD activity was found in the active group ( P<0.05), while CAT activity was elevated in GFD group ( P<0.05). GPx activity was lower in patients than in controls (active and silent, P<0.001; GFD, P<0.01). GSH contents were significantly reduced in all patient groups ( P<0.001) as well, while the concentration of LOOH was elevated in active and silent group ( P<0.001). The concentration of LOOH correlated negatively with the activity of GPx ( r = -0.32, P<0.01) and the concentration of GSH ( r = -0.70, P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of GSH and the activity of GPx ( r = 0.57, P<0.001). Conclusions: The results show evidence of increased oxidative stress in untreated coeliac disease. Although LOOH were not significantly elevated in the GFD group, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH content demonstrate that oxidative stress persists even in treated patients.
Can serum free light chains replace urine electrophoresis in the detection of monoclonal gammopathies?
Authors: Beetham Robert , Wassell Julie , Wallage Michael J , Whiteway Alastair J , James Jacky A 
Published: October 2007

Background: We investigated how sensitive serum free light chain (FLC) analysis was for the detection of Bence-Jones protein (BJP) and whether a serum κ/ λ ratio could replace urine electrophoresis as part of the investigation algorithm for monoclonal gammopathy. Methods: Serum κ and λ FLC analysis was performed on 932 consecutive patients investigated for monoclonal gammopathy, along with serum electrophoresis, serum immunofixation where appropriate, and in 483 individuals urine immunofixation. A reference interval for the κ/ λ ratio was derived from all patients who had normal serum and urine electrophoresis and no B-cell dyscrasia ( n = 312). Results: The 100% reference interval was 0.21-1.44 (median 0.50), lower than that previously published. From the 483 patients who provided urines, BJP was detected in 34, with an abnormal κ/ λ ratio in 26 of these. Using the reference interval, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of an abnormal κ/ λ ratio for the presence of BJP were 0.76, 0.96, 0.98 and 0.59 respectively. Seven patients had an abnormal κ/ λ ratio with no paraprotein. Conclusion: All κ/ λ results should be interpreted against a reference interval appropriate for the analyser in use and the population under study. Some urines will be positive for BJP when the serum κ/ λ ratio is normal, but there is little difference in outcome whether urine for BJP or serum FLC analysis is included in the screening strategy for monoclonal gammopathies. On balance, we believe that it is not yet time to dispense with urine BJP in the investigation of patients with suspected monoclonal gammopathy.
Comparison of three commercial tests for buprenorphine screening in urine
Authors: Leino Aila , Loo Britt-Marie 
Published: October 2007

Background: Rapid and sensitive tests for detecting buprenorphine and its metabolites for drug-screening situations have been long awaited. From the tests available, we have evaluated two on-site drugs-of-abuse testing devices using competitive binding immunoassays and one homogeneous enzyme immunoassay measured on an automated analyser. Methods: A total of 49 urine specimens were tested using three different kits. Two were point-of-care devices, a cassette test, QuikPac II OneStep Buprenorphine Test, and a strip test, QuikStrip OneStep Buprenorphine Test. The other was the CEDIA® Buprenorphine Assay performed on a Roche Modular P analyser. The confirmation analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The sensitivities of the three methods ranged from 88% to 100% and specificities from 91% to 100%. All three kits, especially the cassette and strip devices differed markedly from each other with respect to interpretation of the test result and to clarity of the test performance. Increasing the read time of the QuikStrip device from 5 to 30 min resulted in an increase in false-negative test results. Conclusions: Our results indicate that special care should be taken when selecting immunology-based point-of-care methods for measurement of buprenorphine.
Evaluation of a method for measuring tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity in healthy subjects
Authors: Matsushita Makoto , Irino Tsutomu , Kamiyama Kiyoshi , Muramoto Yoshimi , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Nakano Takanari , Komoda Tsugikazu 
Published: October 2007

Background: Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) isozymes in the healthy human serum samples appears in two isoforms: normal-molecular-weight IAP (NIAP) and high-molecular-weight IAP (HIAP). We have demonstrated that the reference range for serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is higher in blood group B and O antigen secretors than in the tested other blood groups, for the appearance of these isoforms is depended on blood group B or O antigen secretors. Methods: We assessed a diethanolamine-L-phenylalanine (DEA-Phe) method for measuring tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). This assays the sum of liver alkaline phosphatase and bone alkaline phosphatase activities as determined by an inhibiting IAP activity method with Phe. We classified 420 healthy subjects into two groups, a group of subjects who had blood group B or O antigen secretors ( n = 184) and a group of subjects who had other blood groups ( n = 236). Results: ALP activity was higher in the B or O secretor group than in the other group: 20.9% higher ( P<0.001) by the N-methyl-D-glucamine method, 13.7% higher ( P<0.002) by 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol method, and 9.6% higher ( P<0.05) by the diethanolamine method, but there was no significant difference in TNAP activity between the two blood group when measured by the DEA-Phe method. Conclusions: These results of this study support the expectation that the DEA-Phe method would be specific for TNAP activity. In addition, the reference range for TNAP activity did not vary with the differences in the tested all blood groups.
Studies of the Oxidation Dynamics of Turbine Oils—Initial Data from a New Form of the Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test
Authors: Selby T. W. , Froelicher S. W. , Secrist James 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The importance of oxidation-resistant turbine oils in the various applications in which turbines are used is difficult to understate. Turbines in themselves are very costly energy-converting mechanisms which, among many other applications, provide much of the electricity for the power grids of modern society. Most critical to these turbines are the lubricants that are essential to their operation in long, dependable service. Equally critical, then, are the tests that determine the acceptability of these turbine oils and the understanding of the oxidation mechanisms that cause these oils to form deposits and otherwise lose their ability to properly lubricate the turbine. This paper is a first report on a new dry-bath approach to not only determine antioxidation characteristics of turbine oils in the well-known Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (RPVOT) but to enable the direct study and modification of the oxidation process as it occurs. The instrument not only eliminates the hot oil-bath associated with the RPVOT but also allows the test fluid to be available for direct monitoring of temperature, chemical content, and the effects of injecting reactants. In the process of gathering the preliminary information for this paper, it was found that significant exotherms may develop in the turbine oil at a critical stage of oxidation response. These exotherms can vary in duration and temperature rise depending on the nature of the antioxidant system and other properties of the formulated turbine oil. Moreover, the fact that these exotherms seem to mark a certain level of the oxidation process, brings the opportunity to more thoroughly investigate and understand oxidation processes as well as the chemistries of other lubricants.
Surface Characterization Techniques in Wear of Materials
Authors: Miyoshi Kazuhisa , Ishibashi Kenichi , Suzuki Manabu 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
To understand the benefits that tribological engineering materials or surface modifications provide, and ultimately to devise better ones, it is necessary to study the topographical, mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics of surfaces. This paper reviews advanced surface analytical techniques for measuring surface topography and hardness of engineering surfaces. The primary emphases are on the use of these techniques as they relate to measurements of wear volume loss and nanohardness of materials using optical profilometry and nanoindentation in conjunction with atomic force microscopy, respectively.
Determination of Material Properties of Functionally Graded Plate Using the Dispersion of Guided Waves and an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Jiangong Yu , Bin Wu , Cunfu He 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Using guided wave dispersion characteristics, an inverse method based on artificial neural network (ANN) is presented to determine the material properties of functionally graded materials (FGM) plates. The group velocities of several lowest modes at several lower frequencies are used as the inputs of the ANN model; the outputs of the ANN are the distribution function of the volume fraction of the FGM plate. The Legendre polynomials method is used to calculate the dispersion curves for the FGM plate. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used as numerical optimization to speed up the training process of the ANN model.
Charles Dickens's Families of Choice: Elective Affinities, Sibling Substitution, and Homoerotic Desire
Authors: Furneaux Holly 
Published: October 2007

Holly Furneaux, “Charles Dickens's Families of Choice: Elective Affinities, Sibling Substitution, and Homoerotic Desire” (pp. 153–192)
This essay focuses upon one particularly rich strategy through which Charles Dickens and his contemporaries articulated the queer possibilities inherent within the putatively heterosexual family: in-lawing, in which prohibited desire for a member of the same-sex is quite transparently redirected or extended to an opposite-sex sibling. Such plots, which expose both female and male homoerotic motivations for courtship narratives, proliferate throughout Dickens's work. Focusing on Dickens's early career (The Pickwick Papers, Nicholas Nickleby, Martin Chuzzlewit), the essay suggests that explorations of in-lawing reflect and contribute to wider contemporary literary and biographical discourses about how Victorian families could accommodate same-sex desire. Dickens leans on—and then proceeds to expose the homoerotic possibilities within—two central Victorian beliefs about siblinghood: the expectation that sisters will imitate and fulfill their brother's desires, even and especially in the selection of a husband; and the perception of sibling parity or interchangeability, which was strikingly demonstrated in the Deceased Wife's Sister controversy. Recognizing the pervasiveness of homoerotic in-lawing in nineteenth-century works and lives, this essay builds upon recent developments in queer theory and histories of sexuality to propose that heterosexual bonds were not the only, or indeed the primary, erotic determinant of family formation in this period.
Edgar Allan Poe's (Meta)physics: A Pre-History of the Post-Human
Authors: Taylor Matthew A. 
Published: October 2007

Matthew A. Taylor, “Edgar Allan Poe's (Meta)physics: A Pre-History of the Post-Human” (pp. 193–221)
Edgar Allan Poe partakes of a social imaginary pursuing a single, unified theory of the physical and metaphysical. In this essay I examine how Poe, rather than following the predominantly utopian, utilitarian, and self-affirming teleologies of many such contemporary discourses (mesmerism, spiritualism, etc.), pictures instead the unsettling implications for human ontology consequent upon the idea that persons are less autonomous or sovereign entities than mutable effects of external, inhuman forces. Routing my discussion through a critical reading of Martin Heidegger's Being and Time, I argue that Poe's cosmological poem-essay Eureka and much of his short fiction—including “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher”—present a model of the universe and of the natural world that actively erodes the distinctions separating humanity from its physical environment, indeed that finally refuses the differentiation of subject and object altogether. My essay provides a brief genealogy for this macabre literalization of contemporary theories of the universe in Poe's writing and explores the implications that it has for a critical tradition (psychoanalytic, deconstructive, ideological) largely invested in the selves rather than the surroundings of Poe's tales.
Treatment of Ichthyophthiriasis in Rainbow Trout and Common Carp with Common and Alternative Therapeutics
Authors: Lahnsteiner Franz , Weismann Thomas 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The goal of this laboratory study was to provide better knowledge about the treatment of ichthyophthiriasis (causative agent: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a ciliate bacteria) in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and common carp Cyprinus carpio. The following questions were investigated: (1) the effectiveness of different chemicals (formalin, sodium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, Perotan, Virkon, Aquahumin, Baycox, and Ivomec) and at different concentrations and durations of application, (2) the number of treatments and the time intervals between treatments that were necessary to remove the parasite, and (3) how treatment effectiveness differed between the two species. The most effective treatment was a 37% stock solution of formalin at 110 μL/L of bath water for 1 h in rainbow trout and for 2 h in common carp. Aquahumin (150 μL/L for 2 h) was effective in slightly or moderately infected rainbow trout and at low water temperatures, but it was not effective for common carp. All other tested chemicals were ineffective. With formalin and Aquahumin, five treatments were necessary to remove I. multifiliis infestation. At 10 ± 1°C, the parasites were eradicated when the treatment was performed at 48-h intervals. At 18 ± 1°C the infestation was eliminated when treatment was performed at 24-h intervals but not at 48-h intervals. At 25 ± 1°C, treatment at 24-h intervals was ineffective; however, shorter intervals between treatments might improve treatment efficacy at this temperature. In contrast, the number of treatment repetitions played a minor role, and parasites were eliminated with five treatments in all experiments when the type of chemical and treatment interval were optimal.
Preferences, Specialization, and Management Attitudes of Trout Anglers Fishing in Tennessee Tailwaters
Authors: Hutt Clifford P. , Bettoli Phillip W. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Efforts to manage several trout fisheries in Tennessee have been stymied by conflicts between management agencies and angler groups. To assist in preventing such conflicts in the future, we examined attitudes and motivations of trout anglers who fished eight tailwater fisheries in Tennessee during 2001–2002. Using a stratified random sampling design, anglers were contacted and interviewed on site (n = 2,643). Those anglers who agreed to complete a questionnaire (n = 1,942) were mailed a 10-page survey. Response rate to the mail survey was 55% after excluding surveys that were undeliverable. Angler subgroups were created using hierarchical cluster analyses of 14 variables related to experience, resource use, investment, and centrality of fishing to their lifestyle. Five subgroups of minimally to highly specialized anglers were identified, and nonhierarchical cluster analysis determined the size of each group (n = 178–369 anglers/group). Subgroups differed in the importance they attached to harvesting trout and catching trophy trout. The most disparate mean ratings among subgroups were for the motive of “obtaining fish to eat.” Specialized anglers placed greater importance on catching a trophy fish, experiencing the catch, developing their skills, releasing fish, and restrictive regulations than did less-specialized anglers. Mean ratings for most of nine fishing regulations presented to anglers differed among tailwaters; however, bait restrictions and closed seasons received little support across all rivers. The Caney Fork, Clinch, and Hiwassee rivers had the most uniform distributions of anglers among the five subgroups and thus had a relatively high potential for conflicts over management decisions. The fisheries on the Elk, South Fork Holston, and Watauga rivers were dominated by the most specialized subgroups, indicating that the majority of anglers on those rivers would accept restrictive regulations.