bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Capacitance and Linear Sweep Voltammetry Studies on Polycrystalline Lead and Electrodeposited Lead Dioxide
Authors: Carr J. P. , Hampson N. A. 
Published: February 2007

Impedance and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies are reported on polycrystalline Pb and electrodeposited

PbO

2

(
α

and

β
)
in aqueous NaOH

. Theimpedance studies indicate a pzc of

−
0.62
±
0.01
V
(
NHE
)

for

Pb and
+
1.15
±
0.01
V
(
NHE
)

for

β
‐

PbO

2

. The LSV studies indicate that the anodic oxidation of Pb and cathodic reductions of

α
‐

PbO

2

involve mass transport of OH− ions by diffusion in solution. Reduction of

β
‐

PbO

2

complicated by modification; to

α
‐

PbO

2

.
Phase I Study of Inhaled Doxorubicin for Patients with Metastatic Tumors to the Lungs
Authors: Otterson Gregory A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Sharma Sunil , Kris Mark G. , Imondi Anthony , Gerber Mirjam , White Dorothy A. , Ratain Mark J. , Schiller Joan H. , Sandler Alan , Kraut Michael , Mani Sridhar , Murren John R. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity profile of inhalational doxorubicin in patients with malignant disease in the lung.
Experimental Design: The OncoMyst Model CDD-2a inhalation device aerosolizes compounds to particles of 2 to 3 μm and prevents exhaled aerosol from escaping into the environment. Deposition efficiency of inhaled Technetium 99m was used to predict deposition of doxorubicin and calculate dose. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. No more than moderate pulmonary dysfunction was permitted (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, all &gt;50% predicted; resting SaO2 &gt;90%).
Results: Fifty-three patients were enrolled at 13 dose levels ranging from 0.4 to 9.4 mg/m2. The most common histologic diagnoses were sarcoma (n = 19) and non–small cell lung cancer (n = 16). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at the 9.4 mg/m2 dose level when two of four patients experienced pulmonary DLT. Of 11 patients treated at the 7.5 mg/m2 dose level, only one showed DLT consisting of a decline in forced vital capacity of &gt;20% from baseline. No significant systemic drug-related toxicity was observed. Several patients experienced declines in pulmonary function test variables, which were attributed to progressive disease. Observed activity included a partial response in a patient with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma previously treated with i.v. doxorubicin and ifosfamide.
Conclusions: Inhaled doxorubicin is safe up to a dose of 7.5 mg/m2 every 3 weeks in patients with cancer who had normal to moderately impaired pulmonary function.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Targeted Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Rini Brian I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma is a highly vascular tumor associated with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recently, VEGF-targeted therapies have been identified as a promising therapeutic approach. Three agents targeting the VEGF pathway have shown clinical activity as monotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, and small-molecule VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, sorafenib and sunitinib. This article explores these agents in terms of their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and toxicity profiles. This article also reviews future development strategies, including combination regimens and drug sequencing, trial design considerations, and patient selection opportunities.
Phase I/II Study of Bortezomib Plus Docetaxel in Patients with Advanced Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dreicer Robert , Petrylak Daniel , Agus David , Webb Iain , Roth Bruce 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To determine the dose-limiting toxicities and maximum tolerated dose, and evaluate the antitumor activity of bortezomib/docetaxel combination therapy in androgen-independent prostate cancer.
Experimental Design: Two bortezomib doses (1.3 and 1.6 mg/m2/dose) in combination with four docetaxel doses (25-40 mg/m2/dose) were evaluated. Both drugs were administered weekly for 2 out of 3 weeks. Antitumor activity was evaluated using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines.
Results: Eighty-three patients received at least one dose of study drug. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed despite escalation to the highest dose level. PSA response (≥50% decline in PSA levels from the baseline) occurred in 19 (28%) of 67 evaluable patients and was maintained for ≥4 weeks in 14 patients (21%). According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines, 11% achieved a partial response, and an additional 67% had stable disease. The degree of proteasome inhibition was similar to that reported with single-agent bortezomib. Treatment was well tolerated; fatigue was the most common drug-related adverse event, whereas diarrhea was the most common drug-related grade 3/4 adverse event. No clinically significant febrile neutropenia or neuropathy occurred.
Conclusions: The maximum tolerated dose of this 21-day regimen has not been reached. The highest dose level (1.6 mg/m2 bortezomib plus 40 mg/m2 docetaxel) was feasible and tolerable; bortezomib plus docetaxel showed antitumor activity. Activity and tolerability results were consistent with previous studies of bortezomib alone or in combination with docetaxel. Further investigations are warranted to determine activity and optimize bortezomib/docetaxel therapy in androgen-independent prostate cancers.
The Concept of "Religion" in Mesoamerican Languages
Authors: Pharo Lars Kirkhusmo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe article examines whether the indigenous languages in the cultural region called Mesoamerica comprise words corresponding to the European concept of "religion." In spite of the fact that the highly advanced phonetic (i.e. logosyllabic) writing systems are capable of expressing and recognising abstract representations in the languages, extant pre-Columbian Mesoamerican inscriptions do not contain words which can be rendered as "religion." Attention has therefore been directed to the descriptions of indigenous languages made by Spanish ethnographer-missionaries in the 16th and 18th centuries. Six indigenous lexemes translated as "religion" in colonial dictionaries, are analysed. It is, however, argued that the native terms for "religion" were in reality constructed by the Spanish ethnographer-missionaries in order to promote evangelisation and the conversion of the indigenous people. Nevertheless, it is not ineffective to operate with "religion" as an etic notion when analysing Mesoamerican cultures. A theory is put forward suggesting that a linguistic/philological examination of a given language offers a strategy for defining "religion" as a cultural analytical category according to Max Weber's notion of "ideal type."
COAMPS Real-Time Dust Storm Forecasting during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Authors: Liu Ming , Westphal Douglas L. , Walker Annette L. , Holt Teddy R. , Richardson Kim A. , Miller Steven D. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Dust storms are a significant weather phenomenon in the Iraq region in winter and spring. Real-time dust forecasting using the U.S. Navy’s Coupled Ocean–Atmospheric Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) with an in-line dust aerosol model was conducted for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in March and April 2003. Daily forecasts of dust mass concentration, visibility, and optical depth were produced out to 72 h on nested grids of 9-, 27-, and 81-km resolution in two-way nest interaction. In this paper, the model is described, as are examples of its application during OIF. The model performance is evaluated using ground weather reports, visibility observations, and enhanced satellite retrievals. The comparison of the model forecasts with observations for the severe dust storms of OIF shows that COAMPS predicted the arrival and retreat of the major dust events within 2 h. In most cases, COAMPS predicted the intensity (reduction in visibility) of storms with an error of less than 1 km. The forecasts of the spatial distribution of dust fronts and dust plumes were consistent with those seen in the satellite images and the corresponding cold front observations. A statistical analysis of dust-related visibility for the OIF period reveals that COAMPS generates higher bias, rms, and relative errors at the stations having high frequencies of dust storms and near the source areas. The calculation of forecast accuracy shows that COAMPS achieved a probability of dust detection of 50%–90% and a threat score of 0.3–0.55 at the stations with frequent dust storms. Overall, the model predicted more than 85% of the observed dust and nondust weather events at the stations used in the verification for the OIF period. Comparisons of the forecast rates and statistical errors for the forecasts of different lengths (12–72 h) for both dust and dynamics fields during the strong dust storm of 26 March revealed little dependence of model accuracy on forecast length, implying that the successive COAMPS forecasts were consistent for the severest OIF dust event.
African American Spirituality
Authors: Lewis Lisa M. , Hankin Sheila , Reynolds Diane , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore African American definitions of practicing spirituality and to describe the process of spirituality and its relationship to health promotion. Method: Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions via two focus groups from a total of 12 participants who self-identified as African American. Findings: This grounded theory methodology generated three categories of spirituality: (a) love in action, (b) relationships and connections, and (c) unconditional love. The overall process of practicing spirituality and its relationship to health identified a process of honoring God, self, and others. Conclusion: Research studies that investigate the concept of spirituality and its relationship to health promotion and disease management need to address the subjective experience of spirituality based on participant definitions rather than researcher-focused definitions of spirituality.
Dynamic changes in GABAAreceptors on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons following sleep deprivation and recovery
Authors: Modirrousta Mandana , Mainville Lynda , Jones Barbara E 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
The basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons play an important role in cortical activation and arousal and are active in association with cortical activation of waking and inactive in association with cortical slow wave activity of sleep. In view of findings that GABAA receptors (Rs) and inhibitory transmission undergo dynamic changes as a function of prior activity, we investigated whether the GABAARs on cholinergic cells might undergo such changes as a function of their prior activity during waking vs. sleep.

Results
In the brains of rats under sleep control (SC), sleep deprivation (SD) or sleep recovery (SR) conditions in the 3 hours prior to sacrifice, we examined immunofluorescent staining for β2–3 subunit GABAARs on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunopositive (+) cells in the magnocellular BF. In sections also stained for c-Fos, β2–3 GABAARs were present on ChAT+ neurons which expressed c-Fos in the SD group alone and were variable or undetectable on other ChAT+ cells across groups. In dual-immunostained sections, the luminance of β2–3 GABAARs over the membrane of ChAT+ cells was found to vary significantly across conditions and to be significantly higher in SD than SC or SR groups.

Conclusion
We conclude that membrane GABAARs increase on cholinergic cells as a result of activity during sustained waking and reciprocally decrease as a result of inactivity during sleep. These changes in membrane GABAARs would be associated with increased GABA-mediated inhibition of cholinergic cells following prolonged waking and diminished inhibition following sleep and could thus reflect a homeostatic process regulating cholinergic cell activity and thereby indirectly cortical activity across the sleep-waking cycle.
Innate immune system regulation of nuclear hormone receptors in metabolic diseases
Authors: Chow Edward Kai-Hua , Razani Bahram , Cheng Genhong 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe immune system modulates a number of biological processes to properly defend against pathogens. Here, we review how crosstalk between nuclear hormone receptors and the innate immune system may influence multiple biological functions during an immune response. Although nuclear hormone receptor repression of innate immune responses and inflammation has been well studied, a number of new studies have identified repression of nuclear hormone receptor signaling by various innate immune responses. IFN regulatory factor 3, a key transcription factor involved in the induction of antiviral genes, may play a role in mediating such crosstalk between the innate immune response and nuclear receptor-regulated metabolism. This crosstalk mechanism is now implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and Reye’s syndrome and could provide an explanation for other pathogen-associated metabolic and developmental disorders.
Benefits and challenges of prescribing training and implementation: perceptions and early experiences of RPSGB prescribers
Authors: George Johnson , McCaig Dorothy , Bond Christine M , Cunningham IT Scott , Diack H Lesley , Stewart Derek C 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective To investigate the challenges experienced by pharmacists in delivering supplementary prescribing (SP) services, to explore their perceptions of benefits of SP and to obtain feedback on both SP training and implementation.
Method A postal questionnaire focusing on prescribing training, early experiences of prescribing and general demographics was sent in September to November 2005 to all SP pharmacists (n = 488) in Great Britain after excluding a pilot sample (n = 30). The biggest benefits and challenges of SP, and reasons for not practising SP, were identified. Responses to a general open question were content analysed for major themes.
Key findings A total of 401 responses (82.2%) was received; 195 (48.6%) had started practising SP of which 154 (79%) had written at least one prescription. This paper focuses primarily on perceived benefits and challenges to the implementation of SP, and the responses to the open question. Better patient management (n = 58; 29.7%) was identified as the main benefit of SP and inadequate funding (n = 27; 13.8%) as the biggest challenge in delivering SP service. The main reasons for not commencing SP were: no organisational recognition of SP (n = 37; 18%); lack of funding (n = 33; 16%); non-availability of prescription pads (n = 22; 10.7%), and change of jobs (n = 18; 8.7%). The comments to the open question (n = 145; 36.2%) were regarding: SP training; perceived benefits of SP; and barriers to SP. Respondents highlighted the need for greater emphasis on clinical skills development as part of the SP course.
Conclusion Despite optimism among SP pharmacists, the need for support in terms of infrastructure and integration into the healthcare team has been identified. Our findings also inform the need for modifications in the structure, content and delivery of the prescribing course for pharmacists. Greater publicity of pharmacists' roles in medication management, support from the medical profession and healthcare organisations, and high standards by early practitioners are warranted for the success of SP by pharmacists.
Pharmaceutical care of the patient with diabetes mellitus: pharmacists' priorities for services and educational needs in Scotland
Authors: Douglas Elizabeth , Power Ailsa , Hudson Steve 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective To determine the extent of service provision by pharmacists in Scotland to patients with diabetes. Also, to investigate pharmacists' perceived education needs and their priorities for future service development to this patient group.
Setting A random sample of pharmacists in Scotland who had previously participated in NHS Education for Scotland (NES) education.
Method Questionnaire survey of pharmacists to estimate extent of provision of 28 defined aspects of diabetes care, educational needs and their professional aspirations.
Key findings Approximately two-thirds of community pharmacists who responded offered the following patient-centred services for patients with diabetes and included education/advice on: lifestyle, smoking cessation, medicines administration times, footcare and self-monitoring of glycaemia. Perceived need for further education was found to be linked with levels of service provision. Priorities for development of future services in this patient group were established, and preferred methods of educational support were also examined.
Conclusion Pharmacists in Scotland are providing services for patients with diabetes although these are not consistent. The profession in Scotland also has clear ideas of future priorities in practice for this patient group. However there is a need to provide further training and education in order to support service development.
Size Selective Extraction of N,N,N′,N′-Tetraoctyldiglycolamide and the Structure of Its Divalent Metal Complex
Authors: Sasaki Yuji , Masaki Tomo , Saeki Morihisa 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Using a new extractant, N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyldiglycolamide (TODGA), the dependence of the distribution ratio on the ionic radii for MII was investigated, and their relation with the structures of metal complexes were discussed. CaII (ionic radius: 100 pm) shows the highest D values, and the D values decrease with increase and decrease of ionic radius from 100 pm. The geometrical optimization by density functional theory (DFT) of MII–TODGA complex suggests that the carbonyl oxygen has more affinity with metal than the ether oxygen, and the distance between the center of oxygen donor and the edge of cation corresponds to the van der Waals radius of oxygen atom. The most stable complex, as 1:1 complex, can be formed with MgII from DFT calculation, the complex becomes unstable with increase of ionic radius of MII. This order is good agreement with the magnitude of D for CaII, SrII, and BaII.
Reducing Referral-to-Treatment Waiting Times in Cancer Patients Using a Multidisciplinary Database
Authors: Nouraei SAR , Philpott J , Nouraei SM , Maude DCK , Sandhu GS , Sandison A , Clarke PM 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION Modern delivery of cancer care through patient-centred multidisciplinary teams (MDT) has improved survival. This approach, however, requires effective on-going co-ordination between multiple specialties and resources and can present formidable organisational challenges. The aim of this study was to improve the efficiency of the MDT process for head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS A systems analysis of the MDT process was undertaken to identify bottlenecks delaying treatment planning. The MDT process was then audited. A revised process was developed and an Intranet-based data management solution was designed and implemented. The MDT process was re-evaluated to complete the audit cycle. RESULTS We designed and implemented a trust-wide menu-driven database with interfaces for registering and tracking patients, and automated worklists for pathology and radiology. We audited our MDT for 11 and 10 weeks before and following the introduction of the database, with 226 and 187 patients being discussed during each period. The database significantly improved cross-specialtity co-ordination, leading to a highly significant reduction in the number of patients whose treatment planning was delayed due to unavailability of adjunctive investigations (P < 0.001). This improved the overall efficiency of the MDT by 60%. CONCLUSIONS The NHS Cancer Plan aspires to reduce the referral-to-treatment time to 1 month. We have shown that a simple, trust-wide database reduces treatment planning delays in a sizeable proportion of head and neck cancer patients with minimal resource implications. This approach could easily be applied in other MDT meetings.
Decreasing the Blood Transfusion Rate in Elective Hip Replacement Surgery Using an Autologous Drainage System
Authors: Sturdee SW , Beard DJ , Nandhara G , Sonanis SV 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION This is a prospective study looking at the effectiveness of autologous postoperative drains in primary uncemented total hip replacement (THR) surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 86 patients were studied, with 43 using standard suction drains (normal drain group) and 43 using autologous drains (autologous drain group). RESULTS Thirty-seven units of homologous blood were transfused in the normal drain group and 5 units in the autologous drain group. The mean number of units of homologous blood transfused per patient was reduced from 0.86 to 0.12 (P < 0.01) with the use of autologous drains and the transfusion rate was reduced from 23% to 6% (P < 0.02). The mean length of hospital stay was also reduced by two nights (P < 0.05). There were no adverse effects from using the autologous system and it does reduce the need for a homologous blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS The system is simple and easy to use and we have also found it to be cost effective. Previously, it has not been reported as being effective in hip arthroplasty surgery, unlike knee arthroplasty surgery. We would recommend using autologous postoperative drains in primary THR surgery.
Pancreas-Sparing Distal Duodenectomy for Infrapapillary Neoplasms
Authors: Spalding DRC , Isla AM , Thompson JN , Williamson RCN 
Published: February 2007

INTRODUCTION For neoplasms that arise in the third and fourth parts of the duodenum (D3, D4), a duodenectomy that preserves the pancreas can provide adequate tumour clearance while avoiding the additional dissection and risk of the common alternative, pancreatoduodenectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pancreas-sparing distal duodenectomy (PSDD) was performed in 14 patients with infrapapillary duodenal neoplasms between 1991–2002, and the clinical outcome is reviewed. The operation entails careful separation of the lower pancreatic head from D3, complete mobilisation of the ligament of Treitz and end-to-end duodenojejunal anastomosis 1–3 cm below the major duodenal papilla. RESULTS There were 9 men and 5 women of median age 56 years, who presented with iron-deficiency anaemia (n = 8), gastric outlet obstruction (n = 4), anaemia and gastric outlet obstruction (n = 1), epigastric pain or mass (1 each). There were 11 malignant neoplasms (adenocarcinoma 5, stromal tumour 4, recurrent seminoma 1, plasmacytoma 1), 2 benign neoplasms (villous adenoma, lipoma) and 1 patient with steroid-induced ulceration. In addition to D3 and D4, resection included the distal part of D2 in 5 patients, while 4 required concomitant partial colectomy. Median operation time was 240 min and median blood loss 1197 ml, being greater for malignant than benign lesions (1500 ml versus 700 ml). There was one death from gangrenous cholecystitis, one early re-operation for anastomotic bleeding and one late re-operation for delayed gastric emptying secondary to anastomotic stricture, but no pancreatic complications. At a median follow-up of 47 months, three patients had died of recurrent disease while the other 10 were alive and well with no upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Provided there is a minimum 1-cm clearance at the papilla, PSDD is a useful alternative to formal pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with unusual neoplasms arising from the third and fourth parts of the duodenum. Although a major undertaking in its own right, it avoids the extra time of a pancreatic resection and the extra risk of a pancreatic anastomosis.