bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Permitted and Forbidden Sets in Symmetric Threshold-Linear Networks
Authors: Hahnloser Richard H. R. , Seung H. Sebastian , Slotine Jean-Jacques 
Published: February 2003

The richness and complexity of recurrent cortical circuits is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for thinking about high-level biological computation. In past theoretical studies, constraints on the synaptic connection patterns of threshold-linear networks were found that guaranteed bounded network dynamics, convergence to attractive fixed points, and multistability, all fundamental aspects of cortical information processing. However, these conditions were only sufficient, and it remained unclear which were the minimal (necessary) conditions for convergence and multistability. We show that symmetric threshold-linear networks converge to a set of attractive fixed points if and only if the network matrix is copositive. Furthermore, the set of attractive fixed points is nonconnected (the network is multiattractive) if and only if the network matrix is not positive semidefinite. There are permitted sets of neurons that can be coactive at a stable steady state and forbidden sets that cannot. Permitted sets are clustered in the sense that subsets of permitted sets are permitted and supersets of forbidden sets are forbidden. By viewing permitted sets as memories stored in the synaptic connections, we provide a formulation of long-term memory that is more general than the traditional perspective of fixed-point attractor networks. There is a close correspondence between threshold-linear networks and networks defined by the generalized Lotka-Volterra equations.
A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO EGYPTIAN MYTH AND MYTHEMES
Authors: Goebs Katja 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe article re-examines the definition of the Egyptian mythical tradition as notably different from that of other cultures. In particular, the supposed late development of Egyptian (narrative) myths, which has traditionally been inferred from the variability in both content and form of mythical fragments/mythemes in different contexts, is re-evaluated. It is argued that the form a myth or mytheme takes is dependent on the function of the context in which it is used, with the (structural) relationships between actors (or actors and objects) taking precedence over their identity, which is variable. This apparent flexibility should be regarded as a positive, rather than a limiting feature of myths, since it allows them to be adapted to a variety of contexts and purposes.
KBo 17.17+: REMARKS ON AN OLD HITTITE ROYAL SUBSTITUTION RITUAL
Authors: Goedegebuure Petra 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe focus of this article is a much debated passage of the Old Hittite magical ritual KBo 17.17+, for which the author proposes a new reading and interpretation. One of the results of this study is the isolation of a new lemma (LÚ) ānt- "equal", which might be related to the Luvian hapax aiauala- in the Tawagalawa Letter. The lemma ānt- also occurs in the substitute king rituals, thus raising the question whether KBo 17.17+ might belong to this type of rituals. If so, KBo 17.17+ would be the oldest Hittite example of the substitute king rituals.
WISSEN, WAS DIE WELT IM INNERSTEN ZUSAMMENHÄLT ODER FAUST IN ÄGYPTEN?
Authors: Von Lieven Alexandra 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIn the Coptic Martyrdom of St. Shenoufe and his Brethren there is an insertion of a short episode relating the faustic search for knowledge of a Pagan priest from Hermopolis. Being in danger of being tortured by demons the priest invoces Jesus Christ and is thus saved. In this paper the Coptic story is compared with religious and literary texts from the Pagan Egyptian tradition. Pagan Egyptian culture is usually regarded as encouraging the human pursuit of knowledge of the superhuman. Here to the contrary, it is argued that there are two different positions in the traditional literature: one advocates human endeavor to seek divine knowledge while the other is critical about just that endeavor. The divide between those two viewpoints coincides with the divide beetween religious texts and secular literature. Thus the Coptic episode can be demonstrated to stand in the tradition of Pagan Egyptian stories about magicians and their adventures. Though in its present form it clearly has a missionary intention, the story itself as well as its 'anti-faustian' tendency need not be a Christian invention.
THE EZEN pulaš - "A HITTITE INSTALLATION RITE OF A NEW PRIEST"
Authors: Taggar-Cohen Ada 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe Hittite text KUB 17.35 i 17'-37' (CTH 525) is part of a tablet belonging to the genre of cult-inventories. Cult inventories are among the numerous tablets regarding the cult, which were found mainly in Hattuša, as well as in a few other sites outside the capital. Most of the tablets were brought together by Laroche in the CTH under numbers 501-530. KUB 17.35 is one of the inventory texts from the time of Tudhaliya IV, dating to the end of the 13th century. The texts record materials for the cult (such as offerings, and cult objects) and temple personnel, and include descriptions of temple functions, especially festivals. The inventory texts therefore include important information about the cult and its institutions. The aim of this paper is to offer an interpretation of the rite described in the Hittite text KUB 17.35 i 17'-37' under the name EZEN pulaš. By relating it to other Hittite texts and by comparing it with the installation text of a priestess in Emar, to which it reveals striking correspondences, it may be interpreted as the rites surrounding the appointment and installation of a new priest.
Prognostic Value of Circulating Melanoma Cells Detected by Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Palmieri Giuseppe , Ascierto Paolo A. , Perrone Francesco , Satriano Sabrina M.R. , Ottaiano Alessandro , Daponte Antonio , Napolitano Maria , Caracò Corrado , Mozzillo Nicola , Melucci Maria T. , Cossu Antonio , Tanda Francesco , Gallo Ciro , Satriano Rocco A. , Castello Giuseppe 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Factors that are predictive of prognosis in patients who are diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM) are widely awaited. Detection of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has recently been postulated as a possible negative prognostic factor. Two main questions were addressed: first, whether the presence of CMCs, defined as the patient being positive for any of the three markers, had a prognostic role; and second, what the predictive value of each individual marker was. Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of 200 melanoma patients observed between January 1997 and December 1997, with stage of disease ranging from I to IV, was analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Tyrosinase, p97, and MelanA/MART1 were used as markers to CMCs on baseline peripheral blood samples. Progression-free survival (PFS) was used as a unique end point and was described by the product limit method. Multivariable analysis was applied to verify whether the auspicated prognostic value of these markers was independent of the stage of disease, and a subgroup analysis was performed that excluded patients with stage IV disease. Results: Overall, 32% (64 of 200) of patients progressed, and a median PFS of 52 months in the whole series was observed. The presence of CMCs and the markers individually or combined was predictive of prognosis in the univariate analysis but did not provide additional prognostic information to the stage of disease in multivariable models. In the subgroup analysis of stage (ie, I–III subgroup), similar results were observed. Conclusion: Detection of CMCs in peripheral blood samples at the time of MM diagnosis by semiquantitative RT-PCR does not add any significant predictive value to the stage of disease. Thus, this approach should not be used in clinical practice, and further studies are required to determine its usefulness.
Prognostic Value of Tumor Size, Metastases, Extension into Bone, and Increased Tumor Marker in Children With Malignant Sacrococcygeal Germ Cell Tumors: A Prospective Evaluation of 71 Patients Treated in the German Cooperative Protocols Maligne Keimzelltumoren (MAKEI) 83/86 and MAKEI 89
Authors: Calaminus G. , Schneider D.T. , Bökkerink J.P.M. , Gadner H. , Harms D. , Willers R. , Göbel U. 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of metastases, extension into bone, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) elevation in children with malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors (GCTs) prospectively collected in two cooperative Maligne Keimzelltumoren (MAKEI) protocols (83/86 and 89). Patients and Methods: Between October 1983 and October 1995, 76 of 210 registered patients with sacrococcygeal primaries presented either with pure yolk sac tumor, embryonal carcinoma (EC), or yolk sac tumor and EC mixed with immature and mature teratoma elements. Stages T1 and T2 disease were diagnosed in 15 and 61 children, respectively, 41 patients had metastases, and 35 children presented with extension into bone. At diagnosis, 22 children had an AFP elevation of less than 10,000 ng/mL. Thirty-six children showed an AFP level between 10,000 and 100,000 ng/mL, and 12 patients had values of greater than 100,000 ng/mL. Five patients died of complication during treatment and were excluded from further evaluation. Seventy-one patients could be analyzed. Results: The 5-year relapse-free survival rate (RFS, Kaplan-Meier) was 0.76 ± 0.03 (54 of 71 patients; median observation time, 54 months after diagnosis). The RFS of patients with and without metastases was different, but not significantly so (0.71 v 0.82). The outcome of patients with extension into bone (n = 31) and without this extension (n = 40) was 0.71 versus 0.80 (RFS, 5 years). Above-normal AFP level had no prognostic significance (P = .52). Conclusion: In children with malignant sacrococcygeal GCTs treated with an intensive, short-interval, platinum-based regimen, the stage, extent of metastases, extension into bone, and AFP level had no prognostic significance.
Shared Treatment Decision Making: What Does It Mean to Physicians?
Authors: Charles Cathy A. , Whelan Tim , Gafni Amiram , Willan Andy , Farrell Sylvia 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Physicians are urged to practice shared treatment decision making (STDM), yet this concept is poorly understood. We developed a conceptual framework describing essential characteristics of a shared approach. This study assessed the degree of congruence in the meanings of STDM as described in the framework and as perceived by practicing physicians. Methods: A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was mailed to eligible Ontario medical and radiation oncologists and surgeons treating women with early-stage breast cancer. Open-ended and structured questions elicited physicians’ perceptions of shared decision making. Results: Most study physicians spontaneously described STDM using characteristics identified in the framework as essential to this concept. When presented with clinical examples in which the decision-making roles of physicians and patients were systematically varied, study physicians overwhelmingly identified example 4 as illustrating a shared approach. This example was deliberately constructed to depict STDM as defined in the framework. In addition, more than 85.0% of physicians identified as important to STDM specific patient and physician roles derived from the framework. These included the following: the physician gives information to the patient on treatment benefits and risks; the patient gives information to the physician about her values; the patient and physician discuss treatment options; both agree on the treatment to implement. Conclusion: Substantial congruence was found between the meaning of STDM as described in the framework and as perceived by study physicians. This supports use of the framework as a conceptual tool to guide research, compare different treatment decision-making approaches, clarify the meaning of STDM, and enhance its translation into practice.
Final Results of a Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, and Fluorouracil With a Dose-Intensified Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide + Filgrastim as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: An EORTC-NCIC-SAKK Multicenter Study
Authors: Therasse P. , Mauriac L. , Welnicka-Jaskiewicz M. , Bruning P. , Cufer T. , Bonnefoi H. , Tomiak E. , Pritchard K. I. , Hamilton A. , Piccart M.J. 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of a standard anthracycline-based regimen to a dose-intensified anthracycline regimen in locally advanced breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Locally advanced breast cancer patients were randomly assigned onto a study comparing cyclophosphamide (C; 75 mg/m2 orally days 1 to 14), epirubicin (E; 60 mg/m2 intravenously [IV] days 1, 8), and fluorouracil (F; 500 mg/m2 IV days 1, 8) six cycles every 28 days versus E (120 mg/m2 IV day 1), C (830 mg/m2 IV day 1), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim; 5 μg/kg/d subcutaneously days 2 to 13) six cycles every 14 days. The study was designed to detect a 15% improvement; that is, from 50% to 65% in median progression-free survival (PFS) in favor of the dose-intensified regimen. Results: A total of 448 patients were enrolled over a period of 3 years. The median dose intensity delivered for C and E reached, respectively, 85% and 87% of that planned in the CEF arm and 96% and 95% of that planned in the EC arm. The dose-intensified arm was slightly more emetogenic and generated more grade 3 to 4 anemia but less febrile neutropenia episodes. After a median follow-up of 5.5 years, 277 events have been reported. The median PFS was 34 and 33.7 months for CEF and EC, respectively (P = .68), and the 5-year survival rate was 53% and 51% for CEF and EC, respectively (P = .94). Conclusion: Dose-intensified EC does not provide a measurable therapeutic benefit over CEF as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for unselected locally advanced breast cancer patients.
Neuroprotective Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Patients Treated With Cisplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Pace Andrea , Savarese Antonella , Picardo Mauro , Maresca Vittoria , Pacetti Umberto , Del Monte Girolamo , Biroccio Annamaria , Leonetti Carlo , Jandolo Bruno , Cognetti Francesco , Bove Loredana 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E in patients treated with cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods: Between April 1999 and October 2000, forty-seven patients were randomly assigned to either group one, which received vitamin E supplementation during cisplatin chemotherapy, or to group two, which received cisplatin chemotherapy alone. Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E; 300 mg/d) was administered orally before cisplatin chemotherapy and continued for 3 months after the suspension of treatment. For preclinical studies, nude mice carrying the human melanoma tumor were treated with cisplatin alone or in combination with vitamin E. Results: Twenty-seven patients completed six cycles of cisplatin chemotherapy: 13 patients in group one and 14 patients in group two. The incidence of neurotoxicity was significantly lower in group one (30.7%) than it was in group two (85.7%; P < .01). The severity of neurotoxicity, measured with a comprehensive neurotoxicity score based on clinical and neurophysiological parameters, was significantly lower in patients who were supplemented with vitamin E than in patients who were not supplemented with vitamin E (2 v 4.7, P < .01). The results of the preclinical studies showed that when cisplatin was combined with vitamin E, no differences were observed in tumor weight inhibition, tumor growth delay, or life span as compared with treatment with cisplatin alone. Conclusion: Supplementation of patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy with vitamin E decreases the incidence and severity of peripheral neurotoxicity.
Utility of Routine Psychological Screening in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Clinic
Authors: Recklitis Christopher , O’Leary Tara , Diller Lisa 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: This study examined the utility of routine psychologic screening in a childhood cancer survivor clinic by evaluating patient acceptance, comparing subjects’ symptoms to normative data, examining the utility of specific tests, and identifying risk factors associated with psychological distress.Methods: During their annual clinic visit, 101 adult survivors of childhood cancer (median age, 25 years) completed the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90), as well as the Short Form 36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and one additional suicide question. Psychological distress was operationally defined according to the published SCL-90 clinical case rule, classifying subjects with a consistent pattern of symptom elevations as clinical cases.Results: The majority of subjects (80%) completed the screening in less than 30 minutes and reported little (15%) or no (84%) distress. Sixty-four percent believed it would help “very much” or “moderately” in getting to know them, and 35% thought it would help “slightly.” On the SCL-90, 32 subjects (31.7%) had a positive screen, indicating significant psychological distress. All subjects with clinically significant symptoms on the BDI and SF-36 Mental Health Scale were cases on the SCL-90 (case-positive). Suicidal symptoms were reported in 13.9% of the sample, all of whom were SCL-90 cases. In a logistic regression model, subjects’ dissatisfaction with physical appearance, poor physical health, and treatment with cranial radiation were associated with psychological distress.Conclusion: Results demonstrate that routine psychological screening can be successfully integrated into the cancer survivor clinic and may be effective in identifying those survivors with significant distress who require further evaluation.
Surgery Combined With Peritonectomy Procedures and Intraperitoneal Chemohyperthermia in Abdominal Cancers With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Phase II Study
Authors: Glehen O. , Mithieux F. , Osinsky D. , Beaujard A.C. , Freyer G. , Guertsch Ph. , Francois Y. , Peyrat P. , Panteix G. , Vignal J. , Gilly F.N. 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the tolerance of peritonectomy procedures (PP) combined with intraperitoneal chemohyperthermia (IPCH) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), a phase II study was carried out from January 1998 to September 2001. Patients and Methods: Fifty-six patients (35 females, mean age 49.3) were included for PC from colorectal cancer (26 patients), ovarian cancer (seven patients), gastric cancer (six patients), peritoneal mesothelioma (five patients), pseudomyxoma peritonei (seven patients), and miscellaneous reasons (five patients). Surgeries were performed mainly on advanced patients (40 patients stages 3 and 4 and 16 patients stages 2 and 1) and were synchronous in 36 patients. All patients underwent surgical resection of their primary tumor with PP and IPCH (with mitomycin C, cisplatinum, or both) with a closed sterile circuit and inflow temperatures ranging from 46° to 48°C. Three patients were included twice. Results: A macroscopic complete resection was performed in 27 cases. The mortality and morbidity rates were one of 56 and 16 of 56, respectively. The 2-year survival rate was 79.0% for patients with macroscopic complete resection and 44.7% for patients without macroscopic complete resection (P = .001). For the patients included twice, two are alive without evidence of disease, 54 and 47 months after the first procedure. Conclusion: IPCH and PP are able to achieve unexpected long-term survival in patients with bulky PC. However, one must be careful when selecting the patients for such an aggressive treatment, as morbidity rate remains high even for an experienced team.
Treatment-Related Myelodysplasia and Acute Leukemia in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Armitage James O. , Carbone Paul P. , Connors Joseph M. , Levine Alexandra , Bennett John M. , Kroll Stewart 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Standard therapies for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) are associated with an increased risk of developing treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myelogenous leukemia (tMDS/AML). However, there is considerable debate over the incidence or risk of tMDS/AML in NHL patients treated with any particular modality and the factors that contribute to malignant transformation. Design: Conclusions were based on thorough analysis of data reported in the peer-reviewed literature and careful examination of the statistical methodology and methods for identifying cases of tMDS/AML. Unless noted, data are reported only for NHL patients, excluding Hodgkin’s disease patients. Results: Despite differences in methods used to identify cases and to estimate the cumulative incidence over time (actuarial v cumulative calculations), up to 10% of NHL patients treated with either conventional-dose chemotherapy or high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation may develop tMDS/AML within 10 years of primary therapy. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the actuarial incidence, which are based on censoring of patients who died without developing tMDS/AML, can lead to artificially high estimates with large confidence intervals at later time points. Although there is much debate about the cause(s) of tMDS/AML, there is compelling evidence that alkylating agents, certain other leukemogenic agents, and total-body irradiation (TBI) cause chromosomal damage that can lead to tMDS/AML. Conclusion: Limiting exposure to alkylating agents and eliminating TBI from transplantation conditioning regimens may reduce the relative risk of tMDS/AML.
Perspectives on the Value of American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Guidelines as Reported by Oncologists and Health Maintenance Organizations
Authors: Bennett Charles L. , Somerfield Mark R. , Pfister David G. , Tomori Cecilia , Yakren Sofia , Bach Peter B. 
Published: February 2003

Purpose: Although the American Society of Clinical Onoclogy’s (ASCO) Health Services Research (HSR) committee activities have primarily focused on clinical guideline development, little is known about the value placed on these guidelines by the desired end users. ASCO members and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) were surveyed on the value and implementation of ASCO guidelines. In this article, we summarize our findings. Methods: ASCO members (n = 1500) were queried about whether they had read ASCO’s first four clinical guidelines and technology assessment; whether they agreed with the recommendations; whether they used guidelines in clinical practice; and how guidelines had affected reimbursement. HMOs (n = 131) were queried on how they identify, implement, and value the first four ASCO clinical guidelines. Results: The membership survey indicated that ASCO guidelines were read more often by physicians in private healthcare settings compared with physicians in academic practices (P < .02). Disagreement rates were low for all guidelines (range, 1% to 7%). One quarter of respondents reported that the guidelines were difficult to find and difficult to apply to the practice setting, and approximately one tenth of respondents indicated that the guidelines were difficult to evaluate, interpret, or read. The HMO survey indicated that one third of HMOs reported use of ASCO guidelines, with higher rates of usage by larger HMOs and by those with higher National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) ratings. Respondent HMOs valued guidelines for various purposes and used multiple methods of guideline identification and implementation. Conclusion: ASCO guidelines are generally highly supported by physicians and HMOs. Additional studies are needed to identify implementation barriers and to see whether guidelines have resulted in improvements in healthcare.