bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progression after docetaxel‐based chemotherapy in androgen‐independent prostate cancer
Authors: Sella Avishay , Sternberg Cora , Kovel Svetlana , Yarom Nirit , Skoneczna Iwona 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical pattern of progression and prostate‐specific antigen doubling time (PSA‐DT) after exposure to docetaxel‐based chemotherapy in patients with androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC).PATIENTS AND METHODSFifty‐five patients received docetaxel‐based chemotherapy; data were collected retrospectively from three different departments. Progression was known in 44 (79%) and the PSA‐DT was available in 33 patients.RESULTSOf the 29 patients with soft‐tissue and soft‐tissue plus bone metastases, 22 (76%) developed soft‐tissue progression. Among the 35 patients with bone and bone plus soft‐tissue metastases, 27 (77%) had osseous progression. There was no difference between the PSA‐DT at progression before and after docetaxel‐based therapy (mean 3.1 vs 2.7 months, P = 0.592, Student’s t‐test.). However, the median (range) PSA‐DT at progression after docetaxel‐based therapy was 0.84 (0.3–4) months in patients with a PSA response, significantly shorter than the median of 3.1 (0.3–12) months of patients with no biochemical response (P = 0.002, Student’s t‐test). The PSA‐DT dynamics at progression had no effect on survival (P = 0.63, log‐rank test).CONCLUSIONThe pattern of progression after docetaxel‐based chemotherapy is predominantly osseous in patient with bone metastases and mostly soft‐tissue in those with soft‐tissue disease. Progression after docetaxel‐based chemotherapy in AIPC does not modify the PSA‐DT before docetaxel. Evaluation of a larger population is needed to assess the clinical relevance of PSA dynamics after docetaxel therapy.
Regional differences in the functional and biochemical properties of endothelin receptor subtypes in the rabbit prostatic urethra
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Takahashi Wataru , Latifpour Jamshid , Yamada Gen , Kai Nobuyuki , Honda Jiro , Nakanishi Juro , Weiss Robert M. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine the regional differences in the functional (pharmacological) and biochemical properties of endothelin (ET) receptors in the rabbit prostatic urethra.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe properties of ET receptors in 6‐month‐old male rabbit prostatic urethras were examined using isolated muscle‐bath and radioligand receptor‐binding techniques. Using plasma membrane suspensions, saturation and inhibition experiments with [125I]ET‐1 and unlabelled agonists and antagonists (ETA‐selective antagonist BQ123, and ETB‐selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c, STX6c) were done to determine the ET receptor densities and their subtype specificities in the different regions of the urethra.RESULTSThe ETs (ET‐1 and ET‐3) produced significant concentration‐dependent contractile responses in the smooth muscle strips from the different regions of the urethra. Although the maximum contractile responses induced by ET‐1 were similar in the different regions, the maximum contractile responses induced by ET‐3 were greater in the distal region than in the proximal or middle regions, suggesting that the contractile response to ET‐1 is more potent than that to ET‐3 in all regions, and that there are region‐specific differences in the responses to ET‐3 but not ET‐1. Moreover, the ET‐3‐induced contractile response was suppressed by BQ788 (a selective antagonist of the ETB receptor) suggesting that the ETB receptor subtype contributes to the contractile responses mediated by ET‐3. The ET receptors were expressed in higher concentrations in the distal than in the proximal or middle regions. BQ123 and STX6c inhibited [125I]ET‐1 binding in all regions with high and low affinity constants, indicating the presence of both ETA and ETB receptor subtypes. The proportions of high‐affinity binding sites for BQ123, representing ETA receptors, were ≈ 68%, 63% and 42% in the proximal, middle and distal regions, respectively. By contrast, the proportions of high‐affinity binding sites for STX6c, representing ETB receptors, were ≈ 27%, 35% and 52% in the proximal, middle, and distal regions, respectively. These data indicate the presence of regional differences in the densities and subtype specificities of ET receptor subtypes, and the existence of regional differences in the rabbit prostatic urethra.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest regional differences in ETB receptor subtypes that mediate contractile responses to ET‐3, reflecting differences in the densities and specificities of the ET receptor subtypes in the rabbit prostatic urethra.
Plasma endothelin response to acute hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wright R. J. , Macleod K. M. , Perros P. , Johnston N. , Webb D. J. , Frier B. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAims  To determine whether acute insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia provokes a detectable alteration in peripheral plasma endothelin (ET) concentrations in humans with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Serial plasma concentrations of ET were measured in 20 patients with Type 1 diabetes during controlled hypoglycaemia induced by intravenous infusion of soluble insulin.Results  A significant increase was observed in plasma ET concentrations, from 3.80 ± 0.31 pg/ml at baseline to 6.72 ± 1.47 pg/ml at 60 min after the onset of the hypoglycaemic reaction (P < 0.05).Conclusions  Acute insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia induces a rise in plasma endothelin concentrations in people with Type 1 diabetes. This finding is consistent with a putative role for ET in the mediation of hypoglycaemia‐induced vasoconstriction, and the possible precipitation of macrovascular or microvascular events.
The metamorphic fate of supernumerary caudal vertebrae in South Asian litter frogs (Anura: Megophryidae)
Authors: Handrigan Gregory R. , Wassersug Richard J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTadpoles of the Megophryidae, a South Asian family of litter frogs, are unique among anurans by virtue of their expanded caudal skeletons, which include supernumerary vertebral centra. The number of these vertebrae varies widely within the family, with tadpoles of Leptobrachella having as many as 30 and Leptolalax only five. Vertebral morphology is also quite variable, ranging from complete, perichordal centra to fragmentary ossifications. This variation in the caudal osteology of larval megophryids, however, is not manifested in the adult morphology. Post‐metamorphic litter frogs have a typical anuran axial skeleton, invariably comprising eight presacral vertebrae, a single sacral vertebra and, postsacrally, the urostyle. To resolve this incongruity between life phases and to determine the precise metamorphic fate of supernumerary caudal vertebrae in megophryids, we examined metamorphic specimens from the genera Leptobrachella, Leptolalax, Ophryophryne and Megophrys. In all four, the caudal larval skeleton undergoes massive reduction, leaving only the coccyx and hypochord untouched. Caudal centra are apparently degraded by osteoclasts, which have not previously been implicated in vertebral remodelling during anuran metamorphosis. In Megophrys and Ophryophryne metamorphs, presacral centra also undergo resorption, consistent with an epichordal mode of centrum formation. The conservation of megophryid adult axial osteology in the face of extensive larval skeletal diversity reveals the role of metamorphosis in constraining anuran morphology.
Insomnia and Circadian Variation of Attacks in Episodic Migraine
Authors: Alstadhaug Karl , Salvesen Rolf , Bekkelund Svein 
Published: June 2007

Objectives.—To assess the influence of insomnia on the 24‐hour temporal pattern of migraine.Background.—Migraine attacks have been reported to occur in a harmonic (monophasic) or a biphasic 24‐hour cyclic manner, and in some studies to have preponderance in the morning hours. The influence of insomnia on the circadian pattern has not been evaluated.Method.—Based on a previous study of the circadian variation in migraine, an explorative data analysis was made to compare the circadian pattern of insomnia‐related migraine attacks to the circadian pattern of migraine attacks not related to insomnia. If the patients reported difficulties in falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep the night prior to the reported attack or the night the attack occurred, the attack was defined as insomnia‐related. Relapses were not counted as distinctive attacks.Results.—Sixty‐eight female migraineurs (mean ± SD age: 35.5 ± 7.0) prospectively recorded 1869 migraine attacks. Five hundred‐and‐thirty‐three attacks (29%) were insomnia‐related. Insomnia‐related attacks had a biphasic temporal pattern with one peak in the morning hours and one peak after noon. They had a preponderance in the morning hours compared to attacks not related to insomnia (t= 3.27, df = 62, P= .002). In 79% of attacks insomnia was experienced prior to the headache.Conclusions.—Episodic morning migraine is associated with insomnia. The cause and consequences of insomnia in migraine is not clarified, but sleep obviously protects against attacks rather than provokes them.
Exploring Contrasting Formulations of Expectancy Theory*
Authors: Baker Douglas D. , Ravichandran Ramarathnam , Randall Donna M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe explanatory potential of four forms of expectancy theory with additive and multiplicative expectancy terms and linear and nonlinear valence functions were contrasted. A behavioral decision‐making theory approach was used when 101 subjects were asked to make 128 hypothetical job‐choice decisions. More than 25,800 decisions under a within‐subjects framework were analyzed. Results indicate that the majority (83 percent) of subjects employed additive or multiplicative expectancy models with linear valence functions. However, the predictive efficacy of the expectancy theory model was improved for 17 percent of the subjects when nonlinear valence terms were introduced. The findings imply that different functional forms of expectancy theory may be needed to model individuals' decision‐making processes.
Decision Models for Robot Selection: A Comparison of Ordinary Least Squares and Linear Goal Programming Methods
Authors: Imany Mohammad M. , Schlesinger Robert J. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe profusion of robot designs, the cost of testing, and the fact that robot operational parameter maximums are often mutually exclusive are factors that create a complex selection decision for the potential user. While formal robot testing standards are now in place, formal techniques to select robots for the testing process have not been addressed. A linear goal programming model is an effective tool for the decision maker for optimizing the robot selection process in terms of requirement priorities. It is also shown that this model provides a more stable result than the ordinary least squares estimator in the presence of statistical outliers of robot parameters. The methodology is illustrated through the use of current robot specifications.
Joint Lot Sizing and Scheduling of Multiple Items with Sequence‐Dependent Setup Costs
Authors: Dilts David M. , Ramsing Kenneth D. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research is to investigate the effects of setup‐cost estimating methods on the lot sizing and scheduling of multiple products in multiple periods. These initial setup cost estimators (ISCEs) are used to estimate sequence‐independent initial setup costs from sequence‐dependent setup costs. A search of the literature reveals that, although sequence‐dependent setup costs are frequently found in practice and ISCEs are frequently used, there is a dearth of research concerning the effect of using ISCEs.After a review of the literature, a mixed integer formulation of the joint problem of lot sizing and scheduling is presented, followed by a discussion of the difficulty in solving the formulation. Next, the six ISCEs evaluated are presented. These ISCEs range from simple (select the minimum setup cost) to complex (use the branch‐and‐bound solution to a traveling salesman‐type problem). Each ISCE is evaluated using a full factorial design with five independent variables: demand distribution (three levels), demand trend (three levels), setup to inventory level (six levels), setup distribution (three levels), and setup variability (two levels).Two hypotheses are researched. Do the more computationally complex ISCEs produce lower overall costs than do the simpler ISCEs? Does the reduction in total cost justify the additional computation cost? The results of this study demonstrate that it may be incorrect to use “conventional wisdom'’when selecting an ISCE.
Determinants and Consequences of Perceived Complexity in Human‐Computer Interaction*
Authors: Te'eni Dov 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA number of recently published studies on human‐computer interface variables report contradictory results. A lack of underlying theory may be the cause. This study investigates the usefulness of employing an intermediate variable–perceived complexity–in examining the impact of two information system (IS) variables on performance: the mode of presentation, which has been extensively studied; and the number of windows, which has scarcely been studied.The study demonstrates the usefulness of understanding the role of perceived complexity in human‐computer interaction. The specific results support past findings with regard to graphs vs. tables and reveal new findings on the role of windows. Most interesting is the interaction between the two IS variables. The use of more windows is significantly more beneficial for tabular, rather than graphical, presentation.The realization that perceived complexity is affected by task complexity and by IS variables has important implications for the design of flexible information systems. These implications are discussed.
Some Cautions on the Measurement of User Information Satisfaction*
Authors: Galletta Dennis F. , Lederer Albert L. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTUser information satisfaction (UIS) is important because of its potential effects on MIS department goals, quality of user work life, and extent of voluntary usage of systems. Reliable measurement of UIS is important for providing evaluative information for both researchers and practitioners. This study used 92 managers and executives as subjects to compare the test/retest reliability of a widely used, 13‐scale UIS instrument together with four summary questions under experimental and control conditions. The summary questions behaved more reliably than the detailed questions for all groups, perhaps because of problems with scale units and origins and with item heterogeneity. This suggests that researchers need more reliable measures of UIS and that practitioners need to exercise caution when collecting and interpreting UIS scores.
Lowering Inventory Systems Costs by Using Regression‐Derived Estimators of Demand Variability*
Authors: Jacobs Raymond A. , Wagner Harvey M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTScientific techniques for inventory management typically are applied to systems containing many items. Such techniques require an estimation of the demand variance (and mean) of each item from historical data. This research demonstrates a significant potential for improvement in system cost performance from using least‐squares regression fits of a variance‐to‐mean functional relation instead of the standard statistical variance estimate. Even when there is a moderate degree of heterogeneity among items and when the form of the variance‐to‐mean relation is misspecified, substantial cost savings may be realized. The cost of statistical uncertainty may be reduced by half. The research also provides evidence that system cost is fairly insensitive to the number of items used to fit the regression. This paper provides the underlying reason why a regression‐derived variance estimator yields lower cost: it is less variable than the usual individual item variance estimator.
Lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in non‐phymatous rosacea
Authors: Gomaa Amal H. A. , Yaar Mina , Eyada Moustafa M. K. , Bhawan Jag 
Published: June 2007

Background:  Our study evaluated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and D2‐40 in involved and uninvolved skin of 18 patients with rosacea.Methods:  Immunostaining of facial skin specimens with VEGF, CD31 and D2‐40 was compared between the lesional and the non‐lesional skin of patients with erythemotelangiectatic and papulopustular rosacea.Results:  Significantly increased dermal expression of VEGF in lesional vs. non‐lesional skin (88.9% and 55.6%) was observed. Dermal expression of CD31 and D2‐40 was also increased in lesional vs. non‐lesional skin. There was no statistically significant difference in cutaneous expression of VEGF, CD31 and D2‐40 between patients with papulopustular and erythemotelangiectatic rosacea, and no correlation was found between disease duration and immunoreactivity of VEGF, CD31or D2‐40.Conclusions:  Our study showed marked immunostaining of lesional skin with VEGF, CD31 and D2‐40 compared with non‐lesional skin. Increased immunoreactivity of D2‐40 in lesional skin is interesting, given that none of the patients had facial edema. There are no published data regarding the role of lymphangiogenesis in patients with non‐phymatous rosacea; thus, our study represents a new understanding of its pathogenesis. Lack of correlation between D2‐40 expression and disease duration suggests that lymphatics are involved early in the pathogenesis of rosacea and do not constitute a late event.
Das Leben als Überbrettl: Liliencrons Epos »Poggfred«
Authors: Szépe Helena 
Published: June 2007

Poggfred ist wohl das umstrittenste Werk Liliencrons. Die Urteile reichen von höchstem Lob (Thomas Mann) zu völliger Ablehnung (Ermatinger). Besonders die Frage nach dem Platz des Epos in der deutschen Literaturgeschichte ist bisher ungeklärt geblieben. War Poggfred nur ein »epixher Nachzügler« (Wiegand) oder ein Neubeginn?Die These, die in diesem Aufsatz aufgestellt wird, ist, dass Liliencron besonders durch die Einbeziehung kabarettistischer Mittel und der Umkehrung der traditionellen Regeln Åhnliches für das moderne Epos geleistet hat wie Bertolt Brecht für das moderne Drama.
über die Familie in Goethes«Werther»und«Wilhelm Meister»
Authors: Sørensen Bengt Algot 
Published: June 2007

SummaryDie von den Familienhistorikern festgestellte Emotionalisierung der bürgerlich‐patriarchalischen Familie in der zweiten Hälfte des 18. Jahrhunderts verbindet sich in der Literatur mit einer Verherr‐lichung der Familie als einer mit der Natur eng verbundenen Idylle. Wo sie aber als ein Teil der Gesellschaft erscheint, wird sie in der Literatur des Sturm und Drang eher negativ, da mit den Mängeln dieser Gesellschaft behaftet, dargestellt. Diese Doppelheit findet sich auch im«Werther»wieder. Werthers radikale Emotionalisierung der Familie Lottes und ihre Stilisierung als eine ländliche Idylle am Anfang des Romans weicht am Ende der Einsicht des Protagonisten, dass auch diese Familie in die von ihm verhasste Gesellschaft eingebunden ist. ‐ ähnliches gilt für die«Theatralische Sendung», besonders für die Darstellung der fragwürdigen Familienverhältnisse in Wilhelms Elternhaus. ‐ Die veränderten Ansichten des klassischen Goethe vom Verhältnis zwischen Individuum und Gesellschaft mussten der Familie in den«Lehrjahren»eine ganz andere Funktion verleihen. Die einleitenden Kapitel über Wilhelms Elternhaus wurden daher neu geschrieben. Wilhelms Bildungsgang führte ihn nun schliesslich in einen gesellschaftlichen Tätigkeitsbereich. Als Medium der Integration in die Gesellschaft gewann die Familie am Ende des Romans eine neue Bedeutung. Für Wilhelm wurde sie der Eingang in die Gesellschaft. Der Begriff der Familie wurde dabei sowohl von der feudalen Standesehe als auch von der in sich abgeschlossenen, von der Öffentlichkeit isolierten bürgerlichen Kernfamilie abgehoben. Für den klassischen Goethe verkörperte die Familie wie die organische Natur das Prinzip der Kontinuität und der Evolution. Ihre patriarchalische Struktur bleibt gewahrt und scheint auch das utopische Gesellschaftsmodell Lotharios zu bestimmen, wobei allerdings der programmatische Verzicht auf eigentliche Machtausübung auffallt.
Heme oxygenase 1 gene polymorphisms and outcome of renal transplantation
Authors: Turpeinen H. , Kyllönen L. E. , Parkkinen J. , Laine J. , Salmela K. T. , Partanen J. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryHeme oxygenase isoenzyme HO‐1 has been linked to several cytoprotective functions with a potentially beneficial role in transplantation. In the present study, the effect of genetic variation in HO‐1 on renal allograft outcome was investigated. Six hundred and eighty patients subject to renal transplantation in a single transplant unit and their cadaveric kidney donors were included in this study. Four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and one microsatellite marker in the HO‐1 gene region were analysed. Some statistically nominally significant associations were observed in preliminary analyses between polymorphisms studied and clinical outcomes, but after correction for multiple comparisons none remained significant. Our data suggest that the HO‐1 gene polymorphisms studied have no significant role on outcome of kidney transplantation in the Finnish population.
Identification of two novel HLA‐DRB1*11 alleles (DRB1*110404 and DRB1*1161) in two Italian cord blood units
Authors: Longhi E. , Frison S. , Serafini M. , Karpasitou K. , Poli F. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryWe describe the isolation and characterization of two novel HLA‐DRB1*11 alleles, officially named DRB1*1161 and 110404. These two new variants were both identified in two Caucasoid individuals. The exon 2 sequence of DRB1*1161 is identical to that of DRB1*110101 except at codon 41, where a nucleotide substitution (GAC>AAC) is responsible for an amino‐acidic change from Asp to Asn. The exon 2 sequence of the second novel allele described here, DRB1*110404, differs from that of DRB1*110401 only at codon 34 where the nucleotidic change CAA>CAG gives rise to a silent mutation.
METALS IN GRAINS SOLD UNDER VARIOUS LABELS – ORGANIC, NATURAL, CONVENTIONAL
Authors: CHANG PEI‐TEI , SALOMON MILTON 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTSamples of barley, brown rice, corn meal and lentils purchased under labels as organic and natural were compared for metal content to samples marketed normally (conventinal). With very few exceptions no significant differences were found between the market labels. Differences between replicate samples of similarly labeled grains were very large and inconsistent. There appeared to be more Zn and Pb in “organic” corn meal than in the “natural” but more Cu in the “natural.” Average levels (range) of metals (μgms/gm) are similar to those reported in the literature: (Fe, 13–117) (Zn, 12–42) (Cu, 0.8–9), (Pb, 0.5–7) (Cd, .09–0.4). Lentils accumulate higher levels of metals than the cereal grains.
DILUTION AND SOLIDS ADULTERATION OF APPLE JUICE
Authors: SHARKASI TAWFIK Y. , BENDEL ROBERT B. , SWANSON BARRY G. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT.The adulteration of apple juice with pear juice and corn drived syrups has been practiced in many countries.The sorbitol/sucrose ratios and the sorbitol/total sugar ratios were determined for the juices of 14 apple varieties and 3 pear varieties. A multivariate normal test was applied to develop an equation for the detection of apple juice adulteration with sugar solutions or pear juice. Adulteration of apple juice with more than 10% sugar solution or pear juice were detectable with this method.