bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outcome of Combined-Modality Therapy for Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the Elderly
Authors: Schild Steven E. , Stella Philip J. , Geyer Susan M. , Bonner James A. , McGinnis William L. , Mailliard James A. , Brindle Jeffery , Jatoi Aminah , Jett James R. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: The North Central Cancer Treatment Group performed a phase III trial to determine whether chemotherapy plus either bid radiation therapy (RT) or daily (qd) RT resulted in a better outcome for patients with stage III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). No difference in survival was identified between the two arms. This secondary analysis was performed to examine the relationship between patient age and outcome. Patients and Methods: Two hundred forty-six patients were randomized to receive etoposide plus cisplatin and either RT qd or split-course RT bid. This retrospective study compared the outcomes of patients aged ≥70 years (“elderly patients”) with those of younger individuals. Of the 244 assessable patients, 63 (26%) were elderly, and 181 (74%) were younger individuals. Results: The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 39% and 18%, respectively, in patients younger than 70 years, compared with 36% and 13%, respectively, in elderly patients (P = .4). Grade 4+ toxicity occurred in 62% of patients younger than 70 years compared with 81% of elderly patients (P = .007). Grade 4+ hematologic toxicity occurred in 56% of patients younger than 70 years, compared with 78% of elderly patients (P = .003). Grade 4+ pneumonitis occurred in 1% of those younger than 70 years, compared with 6% of elderly patients (P = .02). Conclusion: Toxicity, especially myelosuppression and pneumonitis, was more pronounced in the elderly patients receiving combined-modality therapy for locally advanced NSCLC. Despite increased toxicity, elderly patients have survival rates equivalent to younger individuals. Therefore, fit, elderly patients with locally advanced NSCLC should be encouraged to receive combined-modality therapy, preferably on clinical trials with cautious, judicious monitoring. Future studies should explore ways to decrease toxicity of therapy in elderly patients.
Relationships among CSF monoamine metabolite levels, alcohol sensitivity, and alcohol‐related aggression in rhesus macaques
Authors: Barr Christina S. , Becker Michelle L. , Suomi Stephen J. , Higley J. Dee 
Published: July 2003

AbstractA relationship between alcohol intake and aggressive behavior has been demonstrated in both associational and laboratory studies. Among the factors that contribute to aggression during intoxication are a history of violence and the level of alcohol‐induced stimulation. In humans, excessive alcohol intake and alcoholism are predicted by decreased sensitivity, or a low level of response (LOR), to alcohol. In addition, aggressive behavior, LOR, and alcoholism have been attributed to CNS serotonergic dysfunction. Given that they are both related to diminished CNS serotonin, in this study we wanted to determine whether a low LOR to alcohol would be associated with aggression during intoxication in rhesus macaques. Adolescent rhesus macaques (N=115) received an intravenous dose of ethanol (2.2g/kg) and were scored for their levels of response for 30 minutes. Following provocation by an investigator, animals were then scored for aggressive behaviors (lunges, open‐mouth threats, stares, head‐bobs, and barks) for five minutes. At the approximate age of five years, animals were entered into a free‐access alcohol consumption study, during which they were allowed voluntary access for one hour/day, four days/week to aspartame‐sweetened alcohol or vehicle. Alcohol intake for each subject was determined using a computerized collar, which was detected by a station system that measured individual subject consumption rates. Data were analyzed using regression analyses and t‐tests. Decreased sensitivity to alcohol, alcohol‐induced increases in CSF MHPG, and pre‐alcohol CSF levels of 5–HIAA were associated independently with aggression during intoxication (r= −0.32, P= 0.0006 , r = − 0.29, P=0.01, and r= −0.21, P=0.02, respectively). High rates of alcohol‐related aggression predicted future alcohol consumption (r=0.27, p=0.004), even after controlling for rearing condition and monoamine metabolite concentrations, previously shown in these animals to predict alcohol consumption. By investigating the relationships between LOR, central catecholamine reactivity and function, and alcohol‐induced aggression in alcohol‐naïve nonhuman primates, this report provides evidence that alcohol‐induced stimulation and neurotransmitter‐linked predisposition to impulsive aggression independently contribute to aggression during intoxication. This paper further emphasizes the importance of the nonhuman primate model for studying susceptibility to alcohol‐related aggression and alcoholism, because variables such as prior exposure to alcohol are difficult to control in human subjects. Aggr. Behav. 29:288–301, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perpetrators of alcohol‐involved sexual assaults: How do they differ from other sexual assault perpetrators and nonperpetrators?
Authors: Zawacki Tina , Abbey Antonia , Buck Philip O. , McAuslan Pamela , Clinton‐Sherrod A. Monique 
Published: July 2003

AbstractApproximately 50% of sexual assaults involve alcohol. Researchers have documented situational characteristics that distinguish between sexual assaults that do and do not involve alcohol, but little attention has been paid to differences between the perpetrators of these two types of assault. In this study, discriminant function analysis was used to distinguish between college men (N=356) who reported perpetrating sexual assault that involved alcohol, sexual assault that did not involve alcohol, or no sexual assault. Predictors of sexual assault perpetration that have been documented in past research differentiated nonperpetrators from both types of perpetrators. Perpetrators of sexual assaults that involved alcohol were in most ways similar to perpetrators of sexual assaults that did not, although they did differ on impulsivity, alcohol consumption in sexual situations, and beliefs about alcohol. These findings suggest mechanisms through which alcohol is involved in sexual assault that are relevant to theory and prevention. Aggr. Behav. 29:366–380, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liquid Crystals for Charge Transport, Luminescence, and Photonics
Authors: O'Neill M. , Kelly S.M. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractOrdered molecular materials are increasingly used in active electronic and photonic organic devices. In this progress report we discuss whether the self‐assembling properties and supramolecular structures of liquid crystals can be tailored to improve such devices. Recent developments in charge‐transporting and luminescent liquid crystals are discussed in the context of material requirements for organic light‐emitting devices, photovoltaics, and thin film transistors. We identify high carrier mobility, polarized emission, and enhanced output‐coupling as the key advantages of nematic and smectic liquid crystals for electroluminescence. The formation of anisotropic polymer networks gives the added benefits of multilayer capability and photopatternability. The anisotropic transport and high carrier mobilities of columnar liquid crystals make them promising candidates for photovoltaics and transistors. We also outline some of the issues in material design and processing that these applications demand. The photonic properties of chiral liquid crystals and their use as mirror‐less lasers are also discussed.
Mortality among chrome leather tannery workers: An update
Authors: Stern Frank B. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackgroundEmployees engaged in the tanning and finishing of leather are potentially exposed to numerous carcinogens.MethodsA previous mortality study among 9,352 workers from two chrome tanneries has been updated with the addition of 11 years of vital status and work history follow‐up and 1,153 new deaths. Ninety‐two different causes of death were analyzed using a modified life‐table approach. Death rates from both the United States and the states in which the tanneries were located were used as the comparison populations in calculating cause‐specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).ResultsThe mortality risks from all causes and from all cancers were lower than the expected for the combined cohort. Analyzing the two tanneries separately, no a priori cause of death (i.e., cancer of the lung, pancreas, bladder, kidney, testes, nasal cavity, lymphoma, or soft‐tissue sarcoma) was shown to be significantly elevated. An exception was lung cancer at one tannery when state death rates were used (SMR = 130, P < 0.01). Analyzing by duration of employment, no significant trend in any cause of death at either tannery was revealed.ConclusionsSome studies have shown elevated risks for various site‐specific causes of cancer; however, sites in excess are not consistent between studies. The differences may have been due to distinct processes used by the tanneries resulting in varying levels, as well as different types, of exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:197–206, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the total number of newly‐recognized silicosis cases in the United States
Authors: Rosenman Kenneth D. , Reilly Mary Jo , Henneberger Paul K. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe US employer‐based surveillance system for documenting occupational injuries and illnesses undercounts chronic diseases. We suggest a method to estimate the number of individuals who are newly‐recognized with silicosis each year in the United States.MethodsData from US death certificates, the Michigan state‐based surveillance system, and capture–recapture analysis were used to calculate national estimates of silicosis.ResultsFrom 1987 to 1996, 2,787 deaths occurred in the United States where silicosis was mentioned on the death certificates. During the same period, in Michigan 77% of death certificates with a mention of silicosis were confirmed as silicosis‐related deaths and the ratio of the number of living to deceased confirmed silicosis cases was 6.44. The proportion of confirmed silicosis deaths, the ratio of the living to deceased silicosis cases and capture–recapture analysis from the Michigan surveillance system, were used to estimate that there were 3,600–7,300 cases per year of silicosis in the United States from 1987 to 1996.ConclusionsOur estimate of the annual number of newly‐recognized silicosis cases is significantly larger than the estimate from the employer‐based reporting system used for counting occupational disease in the United States. This employer‐based surveillance system is inadequate for determining the frequency of occupational disease. Our analysis which combines a readily‐available and relatively inexpensive national administrative database (i.e., death certificates) with a more costly state‐based active surveillance system is a cost‐effective model that could be used to provide better estimates of a number of different occupational diseases. Accurate estimates of occupational illnesses are essential to both determine temporal trends and evaluate efforts to prevent silicosis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:141–147, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatal occupational injuries among self‐employed workers in North Carolina
Authors: Mirabelli Maria C. , Loomis Dana , Richardson David B. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackgroundResearch suggests that rates of occupational injury and death may be higher among self‐employed workers than in the wage and salaried population. This analysis was conducted to describe the demographic and occupational characteristics, as well as injuries, activities, and occupations of self‐employed workers who are fatally injured on the job.MethodsCharacteristics of workers by type of employment were compared using data from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 1978–1994. Age‐, activity‐, and industry‐specific fatality rates in self‐employed workers (N = 395) were contrasted to those privately employed (N = 1,654).ResultsHighest fatal injury rates among the self‐employed occurred in agriculture, retail, and transportation industries. Homicide deaths occurred more frequently among self‐employed workers; deaths resulting from unintentional injuries occurred more frequently among non‐self‐employed workers.ConclusionsElevated occupational fatality death rates among self‐employed workers, especially in retail and transportation industries, provide justification for addressing work‐related conditions of self‐employed workers in North Carolina. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:182–190, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pneumoconiosis in a vermiculite end‐product user
Authors: Howard Thomas Peter 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackgroundVermiculite is a silicate used as an insulating agent, soil additive, and carrier for chemicals and fertilizers. It is currently perceived to have no adverse effects to “end‐product” users. An 82‐year‐old man presented with complaints of progressive dyspnea on exertion.MethodsA clinical evaluation included a chest radiograph, complete pulmonary function testing, CT scan of the thorax, and comprehensive occupational and environmental history.ResultsThe patient had clinical and radiographic features of advanced pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. The presence of calcified pleural plaques, together with the other clinical and radiographic features, strongly supported a diagnosis of asbestosis. His only significant exposure was to vermiculite used in the workplace for several hours per day from 1970 to 1987.ConclusionsThis case represents the first report of an end‐product vermiculite‐user with probable asbestosis, and together with recent similar findings in a vermiculite expansion plant worker, requires further epidemiologic investigations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:214–217, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory health of cobalt production workers
Authors: Linna Asko , Oksa Panu , Palmroos Pirjo , Roto Pekka , Laippala Pekka , Uitti Jukka 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackgroundCobalt production workers are exposed to metallic cobalt and nickel and their compounds and to different irritant gases. The aim of our study was to determine whether long‐term exposure is associated with an increased occurrence of respiratory symptoms and findings or diseases, other than asthma, which is a known hazard, among cobalt processing workers.MethodsThe study population was comprised of 110 current and former cobalt workers who had worked more than 10 years in a cobalt plant. The reference group consisted of 140 unexposed workers. All the participants were men. The analysis was based on exposure history, pulmonary function, chest X‐ray findings, and symptom questionnaires.ResultsSymptoms of asthma based on questionnaire responses were statistically more prevalent among the exposed workers. The respiratory flow rates MEF25 and MEF50, which refer to smaller airways, were significantly lower among the smoking exposed workers than among the smoking unexposed workers. The causative factors of these symptoms and pulmonary function changes could not be determined by the study. One new case of cobalt asthma and one case of allergic asthma were diagnosed in the exposed population. No cases of hard metal disease or fibrosing alveolitis were found.ConclusionsNo chronic respiratory diseases, except asthma, were found among cobalt production workers in this study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:124–132, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The study of things I have never seen
Authors: Bernstein Irwin S. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractTinbergen defined structure as the momentary condition of an organism. Inference, interpretation, and theory were reserved for answering the “why” questions. Mason, however, observed that the study of behavior is incorrigibly mentalistic. Description seems barren compared to the richness supplied by creative intelligence. Exciting intervening variables such as learning, intention, and selective pressures can only be examined using inference, logic, and powerful deductive theories. For more than 100 years people have argued the two extremes: should science be restricted to the directly observable, or expanded to include what professional judgment could provide? I have devoted my life to the study of aggression and dominance, yet I have directly observed neither. I point to some behavior as an example of aggression, but I cannot provide an operational definition of what I mean. I will never know if another intends harm. I will never know if another is aware of the functions that behavior serves, and the outcomes that I confuse with past selective pressures and motivation. In a world where our subjects face extinction, perhaps it is wise to use computer simulations, to ask colleagues to rate their impressions, and to use logic to deduce behavior. The new “data” may be very useful. Still, I will miss actually watching what animals really do, even if I always describe it in terms of what I infer. Am. J. Primatol. 60:77–84, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome painting shows that the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) has a derived karyotype and is phylogenetically nested within asian colobines
Authors: Bigoni F , Stanyon R , Wimmer R , Schempp W 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe exceptional diploid number (2n=48) of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) has played a pivotal role in phylogenies that view the proboscis monkey as the most primitive colobine, and a long‐isolated genus of the group. In this report we used molecular cytogenetic methods to map the chromosomal homology of the proboscis monkey in order to test these hypotheses. Our results reveal that the N. larvatus karyotype is derived and is not primitive in respect to other colobines (2n=44) and most other Old World monkeys. The diploid number of 2n=48 can be best explained by derived fissions of a segment of human chromosomes 14 and 6. The fragmentation and association of human chromosomes 1 and 19 as seen in other Asian colobines, but not in African colobines, is best explained as a derived reciprocal translocation linking all Asian colobines. The alternating hybridization pattern between four segments homologous to human chromosomes 1 and 19 on N. larvatus chromosome 6 is the result of the reciprocal translocation followed by a pericentric inversion. N. larvatus shares this pericentric inversion with Trachypithecus, but not with Pygathrix. This inversion apparently links Nasalis and Trachypithecus after the divergence of Pygathrix. The karyological data support the view that Asian colobines, including N. larvatus, are monophyletic. They share many linking karyological features separating them from the African colobines. The hybridization pattern also suggests that Nasalis is nested within Asian Colobines and shares a period of common descent with other Asian colobines after the divergence of Pygathrix. Am. J. Primatol. 60:85–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mikrobläschen als Kontrastmittel für die diagnostische Ultraschall‐Bildgebung: die Schlüsselrolle von Perfluorverbindungen
Authors: Schutt Ernest G. , Klein David H. , Mattrey Robert M. , Riess Jean G. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractMikrometergroße Gasbläschen, die bei den für diagnostische Zwecke genutzten Ultraschallfrequenzen als Resonator fungieren, sind effektive Kontrastmittel für die Ultrasonographie. Doch einfache Luftbläschen lösen sich nach der Injektion in die Blutbahn innerhalb weniger Sekunden auf. Erst Fluorkohlenwasserstoffe, die die Lebensdauer der Mikrobläschen in vivo von Sekunden auf Minuten erhöhen, machten die Kontrast‐Ultrasonographie zu einer klinisch einsetzbaren Technik. Durch selektives Unterdrücken der Gewebesignale erhält man noch kontrastreichere Bilder. Zugelassen sind bisher C3F8‐ und SF6‐Mikrobläschen sowie N2‐Mikrobläschen, die osmotisch durch C6F14 stabilisiert sind. Mit ihnen lassen sich kardiovaskuläre Anomalitäten und Organschäden wie Tumore nachweisen und charakterisieren. Die so erhaltenen genauen Bilder tragen zu zuverlässigeren Diagnosen bei; damit kann dieser Technik eine entscheidende Rolle bei der klinischen Entscheidungsfindung zukommen. Neue Forschungsziele sind Mikrobläschen, die bestimmte Zellen ansteuern – sowohl für die Untersuchung einer Erkrankung als auch für die Wirkstoff‐Freisetzung und den Gentransport.
Injectable Microbubbles as Contrast Agents for Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging: The Key Role of Perfluorochemicals
Authors: Schutt Ernest G. , Klein David H. , Mattrey Robert M. , Riess Jean G. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractUltrasonography has, until recently, lacked effective contrast‐enhancing agents. Micrometer‐sized gas bubbles that resonate at a diagnostic frequency are ideal reflectors for ultrasound. However, simple air bubbles, when injected into the blood stream, disappear within seconds through the combined effects of Laplace pressure, blood pressure, and exposure to ultrasound energy. Use of fluorocarbon vapor, by extending the persistence of microbubbles in vivo from seconds to minutes, propelled contrast ultrasonography into clinical practice. Imaging techniques that selectively suppress tissue, but not microbubble signal, further increase image contrast. Approved products consist of C3F8 or SF6 microbubbles, and N2 microbubbles osmotically stabilized with C6F14. These agents allow the detection and characterization of cardiovascular abnormalities and solid organ lesions, such as tumors. By providing higher quality images, they improve the accuracy and confidence of disease diagnosis, and can play a decisive role in clinical decision making. New objectives include agents that target specific cells for the molecular imaging of disease, and drug and gene delivery, including ultrasound‐triggered delivery.
Ultradrawing properties of gel films of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene blends prepared at various formation temperatures
Authors: Yeh Jen‐Taut , Lin Yue‐Tang , Chen Kan‐Nan 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe ultradrawing behavior of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene film specimens prepared at various concentrations and formation temperatures was studied. The critical draw ratio (Drc) of UL−0.7 film specimens was found to depend significantly on the formation temperature used to prepare the film specimens. At any fixed drawing temperature, the Drc values of UL−0.7 specimens prepared at various formation temperatures increased significantly as the formation temperatures were reduced. In fact, with an optimum drawing temperature of 95°C, the Drc values of UL−0.7 specimens prepared at a formation temperature of 0°C reached 488, about 50% higher than that of UL−0.7 specimens prepared at a formation temperature of 95°C. These interesting phenomena were investigated in terms of the thermal, birefringence, and tensile properties of these undrawn and drawn UL−0.7 specimens. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3728–3738, 2003
Composites based on eucalyptus tar pitch/castor oil polyurethane and short sisal fibers
Authors: Melo Breno N. , Pasa Vânya M. D. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractPolymeric materials are being developed with renewable resources to promote industrial progress with environmentally friendly technologies. For this reason, polyurethane samples were prepared with 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (NCO/OH = 1), eucalyptus tar pitch (biopitch), castor oil as a polyol, and dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. These materials were reinforced with different contents of short sisal fibers (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0%) and were prepared by resin‐transfer molding. The composites were characterized by IR absorption spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry), impact resistance, scanning electron microscopy, and water absorption resistance. These materials showed hydrophobic characteristics, despite the addition of sisal fibers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3797–3802, 2003