bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Use of Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: 1987-2000
Authors: Harlan Linda C. , Clegg Limin X. , Abrams Jeffrey , Stevens Jennifer L. , Ballard-Barbash Rachel 
Published: February 2006

Purpose We describe trends in the use of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy by nodal and estrogen receptor (ER) status in women with early-stage breast cancer. Methods Cases were randomly sampled from the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program and physician verified treatment was examined. A total of 9,481 women, aged 20 years and older, diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 1987 to 1991, 1995, and 2000 were included in the study. Results The use of chemotherapy plus tamoxifen increased between 1995 and 2000 for women with node-negative, ER-positive breast cancer ≥ 1 cm (8% to 21%). Nearly 23% of women with node-negative and ER-positive tumors ≥ 1 cm received no adjuvant therapy. The use of chemotherapy alone increased to nearly 60% in women with node-negative, ER-negative tumors ≥ 1 cm (48% to 59%). However, in 2000, 16% of women with node-positive and ER-negative tumors received no adjuvant therapy and an additional 6% received tamoxifen alone. The influence of age can clearly be seen. Chemotherapy is given much less often in women 70 years or older. Conclusion The results from SEER areas across the United States suggest that physicians quickly responded to publications and guidelines regarding breast cancer therapy. The lack of definitive findings from clinical trials on the use of adjuvant therapy in women 70 years and older may explain the lower use in this group of women.
Anthracyclines Cause Endothelial Injury in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chow Amy Y. , Chin Clifford , Dahl Gary , Rosenthal David N. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose The vascular endothelium plays a central role in the regulation of arterial vasomotor tone, releasing nitric oxide for vasodilation. Endothelial-dependent vasodilation can be assessed in vivo, using high resolution ultrasound to measure changes in diameter of the brachial artery. Animal studies have demonstrated that anthracyclines can damage the endothelium and impair the vasodilatory response of arteries; however, there are no comparable data in humans. This is a pilot study assessing endothelial toxicity from anthracyclines in pediatric cancer patients. Patients and Methods Fourteen control patients and 14 cancer patients (4 to 21 years) were studied. Cancer patients had completed chemotherapy containing no less than 300 mg/m2 of anthracyclines 2 to 60 months before study. Brachial artery diameters were measured at rest and 1 minute after blood pressure cuff occlusion. Brachial artery reactivity (BAR) was calculated as percent change between baseline and after cuff deflation measurements. Results were compared using unpaired, two-tailed t-test. Results Baseline characteristics, including age, percentage of females, blood pressure, and resting vessel diameters were similar between the two groups. BAR in the controls averaged 6.7% with a standard deviation (SD) of 3.3%, while BAR in patients receiving anthracyclines averaged 3.8% with an SD of 3.4%, demonstrating a significant decrease (P < .05) in vasomotor reactivity in the treated group. Conclusion These results suggest that anthracyclines cause impaired endothelial function, an important and newly recognized toxicity. Since endothelial dysfunction is an early event in atherogenesis, there may be important clinical implications from these findings. Further study is required to confirm these preliminary results in a larger cohort.
Characterization ofBRCA1andBRCA2Mutations in a Large United States Sample
Authors: Chen Sining , Iversen Edwin S. , Friebel Tara , Finkelstein Dianne , Weber Barbara L. , Eisen Andrea , Peterson Leif E. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Isaacs Claudine , Peshkin Beth N. , Corio Camille , Leondaridis Leoni , Tomlinson Gail , Dutson Debra , Kerber Rich , Amos Christopher I. , Strong Louise C. , Berry Donald A. , Euhus David M. , Parmigiani Giovanni 
Published: February 2006

PurposeAn accurate evaluation of the penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is essential to the identification and clinical management of families at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Existing studies have focused on Ashkenazi Jews (AJ) or on families from outside the United States. In this article, we consider the US population using the largest US-based cohort to date of both AJ and non-AJ families.MethodsWe collected 676 AJ families and 1,272 families of other ethnicities through the Cancer Genetics Network. Two hundred eighty-two AJ families were population based, whereas the remainder was collected through counseling clinics. We used a retrospective likelihood approach to correct for bias induced by oversampling of participants with a positive family history. Our approach takes full advantage of detailed family history information and the Mendelian transmission of mutated alleles in the family.ResultsIn the US population, the estimated cumulative breast cancer risk at age 70 years was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.54) in BRCA1 carriers and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.51) in BRCA2 carriers, whereas ovarian cancer risk was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.50) in BRCA1 carriers and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.32) in BRCA2 carriers. We also reported the prospective risks of developing cancer for cancer-free carriers in 10-year age intervals. We noted a rapid decrease in the relative risk of breast cancer with age and derived its implication for genetic counseling.ConclusionThe penetrance of BRCA mutations in the United States is largely consistent with previous studies on Western populations given the large CIs on existing estimates. However, the absolute cumulative risks are on the lower end of the spectrum.
Randomized Phase II Study Comparing Thalidomide With Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Chooi P. , Patel Poulam M. , Selby Peter J. , Hancock Barry W. , Mak Ian , Pyle Lynda , James Maggie G. , Beirne Debbie A. , Steeds Sarah , A'Hern Roger , Gore Martin E. , Eisen Tim 
Published: February 2006

Purpose To investigate escalating doses of thalidomide compared with medroxyprogesterone in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who had either progressed after first-line immunotherapy or who were not suitable for immunotherapy. Patients and Methods Thalidomide was started at 100 mg/d orally (PO) and escalated by 100 mg/d every 2 weeks to the maximum dose of 400 mg/d. Medroxyprogesterone was given at a fixed dose of 300 mg PO daily. Results Sixty patients were entered (thalidomide:medroxyprogesterone = 29:31; median age, 59 [thalidomide], 60 [medroxyprogesterone]; No. of patients assessable for response, 22 [thalidomide], 26 [medroxyprogesterone]). In the thalidomide arm, there was no objective response seen. The best response was SD in three patients lasting 5+, 6+, and 12 months, respectively. All patients in the medroxyprogesterone arm progressed. There was no difference in overall survival between the two arms; median survival in the thalidomide arm was 8.2 months compared with 4.8 months in the medroxyprogesterone arm (P = .62). Hazard ratio was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.94). Median duration of treatment was 73 days (range, 14 to 364 days) in the thalidomide arm, and 84 days (range, 7 to 175 days) in the medroxyprogesterone arm. The high incidence of toxicity in the thalidomide arm, mainly somnolence, constipation, fatigue and paraesthesia, meant that only 30.8% of patients were able to tolerate the maximum dose of 400 mg/d of treatment. Conclusion Thalidomide is not superior to medroxyprogesterone acetate in patients with metastatic RCC. Its risk/benefit ratio does not favor its use in this patient population.
Relationship Between Cisplatin Administration and the Development of Ototoxicity
Authors: Rademaker-Lakhai Jeany M. , Crul Mirjam , Zuur Lot , Baas Paul , Beijnen Jos H. , Simis Yvonne J.W. , van Zandwijk Nico , Schellens Jan H.M. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose To determine the auditory toxicity associated with dose- and schedule- intensive cisplatin/gemcitabine chemotherapy in non–small-cell lung carcinoma patients. Patients and Methods Patients were treated with gemcitabine followed by cisplatin according to an interpatient dose-escalation scheme. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment once a week for 6 weeks or once every 2 weeks for 4 weeks. The following cohorts of patients were treated with a reversed schedule once every 2 weeks, in which cisplatin was followed by gemcitabine. The dose-intensity of cisplatin was equal in both schedules. Audiometric evaluations were obtained for each ear at several frequencies. Mean hearing loss after cisplatin treatment was computed for each dose level at each tested frequency in each ear at baseline and subsequent follow-up audiometry. Pure tone averages (PTAs) were also calculated. The pharmacokinetics of cisplatin was determined to study the correlation among the maximum drug concentration, the area under the curve of unbound platinum, and the development of ototoxicity. Results A total of 328 audiograms were analyzed. At the higher frequencies, a more severe hearing impairment was recorded. Most patients showed a decrease in hearing thresholds at dosages above 60 mg/m2 cisplatin at the higher frequencies. PTAs at 1, 2, and 4 kHz show a mean hearing loss of 19 dB after cisplatin administration at dosages above 90 mg/m2. Threshold shifts at 8 and 12.5 kHz after cisplatin administration were experienced at dosages above 60 mg/m2. Conclusion Hearing loss after cisplatin therapy occurs mainly at high frequencies and at cisplatin dosages more than 60 mg/m2. It is more pronounced when cisplatin is given once every 2 weeks.
Preparation of Polysilsesquioxane (CH3SiO1.5)8 Crystals from Swollen PHEMA
Authors: Luo Qun , Tang Daihua , Li Xiaodong , Wang Qi , Wang Zhipeng , Zhen Zhen , Liu Xinhou 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Polysilsesquioxane (CH3SiO1.5)8 crystals were prepared from CH3Si(OCH2CH3)3-trapped poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) swollen in methanol in 23% yield under certain acidic or alkaline condition.
Cyanidin 3-O-β-d-Glucopyranoside is a Potent Antioxidant Against Cytochrome c-enhanced 5-(2-Aminoethyl)benzene-1,2,4-triol Oxidation
Authors: Yao Yu , Vieira Amandio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A naturally occurring flavonoid, cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, is shown to have potent antioxidant activity against the cytochrome c-enhanced oxidation of 5-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2,4-triol (6-OH dopamine), an oxidation assay reaction of neurotoxic relevance.
Field-effect Characteristics of a One-dimensional Platinum Chain Compound, Bis(1,2-benzoquinonedioximato)platinum(II)
Authors: Sakai Ken-ichi , Hasegawa Tatsuo , Ichikawa Musubu , Taniguchi Yoshio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
We report fabrication and device characteristics of field-effect transistors (FETs) based on single crystals of one-dimensional (1-D) platinum chain compound, bis(1,2-benzoquinonedioximato)platinum(II), Pt(bqd)2. The device with the channel along Pt chains shows n-type field-effect properties with a mobility of as large as 0.2 cm2/V s under atmospheric conditions.
Re‐examination of the split cold front in the British Isles cyclone of 17 July 1980
Authors: Locatelli John D. , Stoelinga Mark T. , Hobbs Peter V. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAn analysis of an MM5 model simulation of a cyclone that passed over the British Isles on 17 July 1980 indicates that the cyclone had some characteristics of both the split‐cold‐front model of Browning and Monk (1982) and of a schematic by Browning and Roberts (1996). Most importantly, the cyclone had the characteristic upper‐level baroclinic zone and its associated vertical velocity in advance of the surface front. This is an integral part of both the split‐cold‐front model of Browning and Monk and Browning and Roberts's schematic, and confirms the analysis of Browning and Monk. Simultaneously at different locations, the cyclone also had the characteristics of a warm occlusion in the lower levels with the portion of the cold front that was above the warm front tipped forward with height. The lower and upper portions of the cold front were not only fronts in equivalent potential temperature, as proposed by Browning and Monk, but true baroclinic zones with significant associated vertical velocity.The complex structure of this cyclone in the British Isles was similar to that of some storms in the Pacific Northwest of the United States (Locatelli et al. 2005). Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Radiative sensitivities for cloud structural properties that are unresolved by conventional GCMs
Authors: Barker H. W. , Räisänen P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe Independent Column Approximation (ICA), a stochastic subgrid‐scale cloudy column generator, and a dataset produced by an array of two‐dimensional cloud system‐resolving models are used to estimate radiative sensitivities and uncertainties for parameters that describe the macrostructure of layered cloud at scales unresolved by conventional global climate models (GCMs). Three cloud structural parameters are considered: vertical overlap of fractional cloud, vertical overlap of cloud condensate, and horizontal variability of condensate. Radiative sensitivity is the derivative of top of atmosphere (TOA) fluxes with respect to a cloud structural parameter. Radiative uncertainty is defined as the product of radiative sensitivity and corresponding uncertainty in structural parameter. It is argued that radiative sensitivities and uncertainties can help direct and prioritize development of subgrid‐scale parametrizations.Using estimates of sensitivities and uncertainties for structural parameters, it is shown that uncertainties in TOA short‐wave fluxes for cloud fraction overlap and horizontal variability are of similar magnitude averaged over the globe but display distinct spatial differences. Corresponding values for overlap of condensate are smaller and thus less important. For long‐wave radiation, cloud horizontal variability is generally the most important of the three parameters considered here, but sensitivities, and thus uncertainties, are smaller than those for short‐wave radiation. It is estimated that uncertainties associated with overlap of fractional cloud and horizontal variability are approximately as large as those associated with effective size of cloud particles. These results reinforce prior claims that GCM parametrizations for cloud overlap and horizontal variability should be addressed together, especially at solar wavelengths. These results are echoed in the appendix which examines TOA forcings that would arise in a GCM if the maximum‐random overlap of homogeneous clouds model was replaced by a model that addresses the cloud parameters mentioned above. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
The structure and realism of sensitivity perturbations and their interpretation as ‘Key Analysis Errors’
Authors: Isaksen Lars , Fisher Michael , Andersson Erik , Barkmeijer Jan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAdjoint sensitivity‐based perturbations (e.g. ‘Key Analysis Errors’) minimizing the two‐day forecast error have been calculated for December 2001 and January 2002 using three different initial‐time norms. The goal has been to investigate if the perturbations can justifiably be interpreted as analysis error. We perform a systematic comparison against available observations, at initial time and as the perturbations evolve during the first 24 hours of forecasts. Ten‐day forecasts have been run to verify that the medium‐range forecasts from the perturbed analyses are better than the control forecasts. It is shown that the structure of the perturbations depends strongly on the initial‐time norm, in experiments based on the energy norm, the background‐error covariance norm, and the Hessian norm. For all three norms it is found that forecasts starting from the perturbed analyses are further away from the observations than forecasts from control analyses during the first approximately 12 hours of forecasts, a signal that is increased when the number of iterations is increased. From 12 hours onwards the perturbed forecasts are closer to observations than the control forecasts. We conclude that the sensitivity perturbations cannot justifiably be interpreted as analysis error as far as their detailed structure is concerned. This result has implications in applications that rely on sensitivity‐based or singular vector‐based approaches for detailed characterization of analysis error, e.g. some observation‐targeting applications and the reduced‐rank Kalman filter. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
A 4D‐Var study on the potential of weather control and exigent weather forecasting
Authors: Henderson John M. , Hoffman Ross N. , Leidner S. MARK , Nehrkorn Thomas , Grassotti Christopher 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFour‐dimensional variational data assimilation is a well‐established operational technique whereby a background estimate of the atmosphere is optimally blended with observations, subject to the constraints of the model dynamics and the uncertainties of the information presented to the system. We extend the usual approach by applying a modified version of the Penn State/NCAR fifth‐generation mesoscale model (MM5) 4D‐Var to find the smallest temperature increments required to minimize the wind damage over southern Florida during hurricane Andrew of 1992. The increments calculated by 4D‐Var in this experiment created imbalances and asymmetries. As the storm resymmetrizes, at the end of the 4D‐Var interval the model storm is largely weakened in situ. The amount of energy required to effect these changes is large. An alternate objective measure of the size of the increments could be formulated in terms of the likelihood of occurrence with respect to the estimated error characteristics of the model background field and the observations. A possible operational technique is presented whereby the likelihood of weather events of consequence is estimated—both subjectively and objectively. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Urine Markers as Possible Tools for Prostate Cancer Screening: Review of Performance Characteristics and Practicality
Authors: Müller Heiko , Brenner Hermann 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Background: In recent years, an increasing number of urine-based tests have been proposed as potential screening tests for prostate cancer. The goal of this review was to summarize the current status of evidence regarding performance characteristics of the proposed tests and their practicality under screening conditions.
Method: Relevant articles published up to and including May 2005 were identified in the PubMed database. At least 10 cases and 10 controls had to be analyzed for a study to be included in the review. Data concerning the study population, performance characteristics, and the collection and processing of urine samples were extracted from the reviewed articles.
Results: In all, 34 retrospective studies evaluating 21 different markers complied with the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were rather small and included heterogeneous clinical study populations. Promising results were reported for a few markers in single studies, but they have often not been replicated in subsequent larger studies. Some of the more promising results were obtained with 24-h urines or with specimen-handling procedures that might be difficult to perform under screening conditions.
Conclusions: Larger studies with a prospective design are required to confirm promising findings regarding performance characteristics of some novel markers recently reported in mostly small studies. Future studies should also pay particular attention to the practicality of the markers under screening conditions.
Telemedicine and Collaborative Health Information Systems (Telemedizin und Kollaborative Gesundheitsinformationssysteme)
Authors: Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Ganslandt Thomas , Dumitru Roxana Corina , Ückert Frank 
Published: February 2006

Summary
In this paper two major tasks of health telematics are identified: telemedicine to support the physicians and collaborative health information systems additionally incorporating the patient. In the field of telemedicine, exemplary scenarios of teleconsultation/teletherapy but also the creation of joint electronic patient records by several healthcare providers are described in detail and analysed. Those are teleradiology, telepathology, and telesurgery. On the other side, collaborative health information systems provide several means to actively incorporate the empowered patient in the care process. We illustrate the approach of sharing a patient's electronic medical record with the patient and distinguish it from alternative approaches, such as email communications between patients and doctors or patient empowerment through web-based information services. For all such applications, recent trends in research and implementation are analysed and the technological as well as legal requirements are discussed.
Cognitive Tools for Medical Knowledge Management (Kognitive Werkzeuge für das Medizinische Wissensmanagement)
Authors: Spreckelsen Cord , Liem Steve , Winter Christof , Spitzer Klaus 
Published: February 2006

Summary
The term cognitive tool was coined for a means especially designed to improve human cognition. Examples of cognitive tools range from simple mind maps to computer-based assistence systems. Cognitive tools can play a key role in the knowledge management process. This paper describes specific requirements for cognitive tools in a medical context, and presents an implemented framework for enabling medical knowledge management by cognitive tools. The visualization of semantic networks and the users interaction with these graphical metaphors play an important role not only in the process of authoring or knowledge externalization, but in the computer-supported application and internalization of medical knowledge, as well. The paper addresses special methodological aspects, namely: 1) the seamless integration of formal knowledge representation and informal knowledge documentation, 2) the introduction of graphical means for interacting with the medical knowledge, and 3) the mutual support of eLearning and knowledge management. The framework is applied to complementary fields: 1) a learning system for differential diagnosis in paediatrics and 2) a tool, which empowers scientific literature retrieval by a graphical visualization of concept-nets based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). As a result the case studies show that a generic framework, which supports the visualization of conceptual structures and allows an easy interaction with a medical knowledge repository can successfully support very different steps of medical knowledge work and clinical decision support.
DFG-Schwerpunktprogramm „Netzbasierte Wissenskommunikation in Gruppen“ (The DFG Priority Program “Net-Based Knowledge Communication in Groups”)
Authors: Lauer Tobias , Ottmann Thomas , Trahasch Stephan , Haake Jörg M. , Pfister Hans-Rüdiger , Bauer Korinna , Hesse Friedrich W. 
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung
Thema dieses interdisziplinären Forschungsprogramms ist die Analyse und Optimierung des computerbasierten Wissensaustauschs in Lern- und Arbeitskontexten. Kommunikationswerkzeuge für derartige Situationen müssen auf bestimmte Herausforderungen eingehen, die sich aus der Kommunikation in Gruppen, auf Distanz und mit dem Ziel des Wissenserwerbs ergeben. Beispielhaft werden zwei Informatikprojekte vorgestellt, die das computerunterstützte kollaborative Lernen (CSCL) durch die Implementation von annotationsbasierten Lerndiskursen und CSCL-Skripten fördern.