bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate levels and outcome in osteosarcoma
Authors: Zelcer Shayna , Kellick Michael , Wexler Leonard H. , Shi Weiji , Sankaran Marie , Lo Sarah , Healey John , Huvos Andrew G. , Meyers Paul A. , Gorlick Richard 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackgroundPeak serum concentrations of methotrexate (MTX) have been reported to correlate with outcome in osteosarcoma (OS). Modification of the MTX dose to achieve peak levels between 700 and 1,000 µmol/L has been recommended. The goal of the study was to assess whether there is a correlation between histologic necrosis of the tumor and/or prognosis with peak MTX serum concentration.ProcedureTreatment included multi‐agent adjuvant chemotherapy, including high‐dose MTX (12 g/m2). Peak MTX levels were drawn following a 4‐hr infusion. Histologic evaluation for percent necrosis was done at the time of definitive resection.ResultsThe median peak MTX level (n = 52 patients) was 1,060 µmol/L (range: 410–4,700 µmol/L), with significant intra‐patient and inter‐patient variability. Fifty‐eight percent of the levels were 1,000 µmol/L or higher. Response to pre‐operative chemotherapy was: 18% Grade I necrosis, 35% Grade II, 31% Grade III, and 16% Grade IV. No significant association was found between the mean peak MTX levels and necrosis (P = 0.44). Event‐free survival (EFS) for the 48 patients with non‐metastatic disease at diagnosis was 76% at 4 years of follow‐up, with no association between the mean peak MTX level and EFS (P = 0.24).ConclusionsThe absence of a demonstrable correlation between peak MTX levels and histologic necrosis or EFS may suggest that most patients achieve therapeutic levels when MTX is given at a dose of 12 g/m2. The significant degree of intra‐patient variability in peak levels poses a dilemma for pharmacokinetic adjustment. Continued use of HD‐MTX in all patients, rather than dose adapted therapy, may be justified. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005;44:638–642. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of meconium aspiration in isolated perfused rat lungs
Authors: Wisniewski Wlodzimierz M. , Zagariya Alexander M. , Pavuluri Narendra , Srinivasan Harry , Shankarao Shan , Vidyasagar Dharmapuri 
Published: February 2005

AbstractOur objective was to study meconium‐induced lung injury in isolated perfused rat lungs exposed to anoxia. Our working hypothesis was that meconium‐induced lung injury is independent of preexisting hypoxia, and that hypoxia will increase severity of lung injury observed after meconium aspiration. We comparde five different groups of animals (n = 5) for pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), weight lung changes, and TNFα expression. Group I had lungs instilled with 4 ml of normal saline. Group II had lungs exposed to 5 min of anoxia. Group III had lungs instilled with 4 ml of 30% filtered human meconium. Group IV had lungs exposed to 5 min of anoxia and then instilled with 4 ml of 30% filtered human meconium. Group V had lungs instilled with 4 ml of 30% unfiltered human meconium. Our subjects were adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. The isolated rat lung model was prepared according to Levey and Gast (J Appl Physiol 1966;21:313–316). Lungs were ventilated with room air. Anoxia was caused by the use of N2. The pulmonary artery was cannulated, and pulmonary arterial pressure and lung weight were measured. Lung weight and pulmonary arterial pressure were monitored for 120 min, and TNFα levels were measured in effluent at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. Experiments were done at the Michael Reese Hospital (Chicago, IL). At the end of the experiment, PAP reached its highest values in group V (10.0 ± 1.7 mmHg). Final PAPs in groups I–IV were: 4.85 ± 0.3, 4.99 ± 0.4, 5.93 ± 0.3, and 7.25 ± 0.51 mmHg, respectively). Lung wet weight increased significantly only in groups IV and V vs. group I; at 120 min, they were: 0.96 ± 0.3 g, P < 0.01, and 1.5 g ± 0.2 g, P < 0.01, respectively. TNFα levels did not change significantly over time in group I. TNFα is a marker as well as proprietor of pulmonary inflammatory response. TNFα reached its highest levels in groups IV and V: 595 and 753 pg/ml at 120 min, respectively. In conclusion, a short episode of anoxia prior to meconium aspiration may increase lung sensitivity to meconium‐induced lung injury. This effect may be moderated by the TNFα present in the pulmonary circulation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:368–373. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surfactant protein expression is increased in the ipsilateral but not contralateral lungs of fetal sheep with left‐sided diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Davey Marcus G. , Biard Jean‐Marc , Robinson Lauren , Tsai Jackie , Schwarz Uwe , Danzer Enrico , Adzick N. Scott , Flake Alan W. , Hedrick Holly L. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) impairs fetal lung growth and increases the density of alveolar epithelial type 2 (AE2) cells. There is controversy whether surfactant protein (SP) expression is altered in CDH. The primary aim of this study was to assess SP expression (mRNA and protein) in the left and right lungs of fetal sheep with and without a diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Left‐sided DH was created in four fetal sheep at 65 days of gestational age (g.a.). Sham‐operated animals were used as controls. At 138 days g.a., lungs were harvested and the following parameters were measured: SP‐A, ‐B, and ‐C mRNA expression (Northern blot), SP‐A and ‐B expression (Western blot), and AE2 cell density (immunohistochemistry). The lung weight‐to‐body weight ratio was reduced by 42% in DH animals. The left‐to‐right lung weight ratio was lower in DH animals (0.47 ± 0.03 vs. 0.69 ± 0.03), indicative of asymmetric lung growth. SP‐A, ‐B, and ‐C mRNA expression were increased by 61.7%, 32.9%, and 75.5%, respectively, in the left lungs of DH animals. SP‐A and SP‐B were also increased in DH. In the right lung, SP expression (mRNA and protein) was not different between groups. AE2 cell density was higher (by 67%) in the left but not right lungs of DH animals. Although DH in fetal sheep results in significant lung hypoplasia, SP expression is not reduced. On the contrary, SP expression was increased in the ipsilateral lung of fetuses with left‐sided DH. Furthermore, AE2 cell density is increased in DH, suggesting that the increase in SP mRNA and protein levels is due to increases AE2 cell number. Our data further support the premise that fetal lung hypoplasia favors an AE2 phenotype. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:359–367. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pulse neural network reinforcement learning algorithm for partially observable Markov decision processes
Authors: Takita Koichiro , Hagiwara Masafumi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThis paper considers learning by a pulse neural network and proposes a new reinforcement learning algorithm focusing on the ability of pulse neuron elements to process time series. The conventional integrator neuron element is modeled in terms of the average firing rate of the biological neuron. But the pulse neuron is a modeling of the input–output relation of the time‐series pulse (spike) and the decay of the internal state (internal potential). The application of such neural networks has been considered in recent engineering studies. It is known in particular that a pulse neuron with a high decay rate acts as a coincidence detector. The proposed model combines pulse neuron elements with different decay rates, which facilitates the processing of the time‐series input information and the discrimination of fuzzy states in a partially observable Markov decision process. The proposed network is a four‐layered feedforward network in which the pulse neuron elements forming the two hidden layers provide a pseudo‐representation of the state in the environment. The elements generate a secondary reinforcement signal which results in learning similar to the conventional reinforcement scheme based on the state evaluation function. A computer experiment verifies that the proposed model works effectively in an environment which is strongly partially observable. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 36(3): 42–52, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10645
Heterologous protein production using the Pichia pastoris expression system
Authors: Macauley‐Patrick Sue , Fazenda Mariana L. , McNeil Brian , Harvey Linda M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe Pichia pastoris expression system is being used successfully for the production of various recombinant heterologous proteins. Recent developments with respect to the Pichia expression system have had an impact on not only the expression levels that can be achieved, but also the bioactivity of various heterologous proteins. We review here some of these recent developments, as well as strategies for reducing proteolytic degradation of the expressed recombinant protein at cultivation, cellular and protein levels. The problems associated with post‐translational modifications performed on recombinant proteins by P. pastoris are discussed, including the effects on bioactivity and function of these proteins, and some engineering strategies for minimizing unwanted glycosylations. We pay particular attention to the importance of optimizing the physicochemical environment for efficient and maximal recombinant protein production in bioreactors and the role of process control in optimizing protein production is reviewed. Finally, future aspects of the use of the P. pastoris expression system are discussed with regard to the production of complex membrane proteins, such as G protein‐coupled receptors, and the industrial and clinical importance of these proteins. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversity of dung‐beetle community in declining Japanese subalpine forest caused by an increasing sika deer population
Authors: Kanda Nami , Yokota Taketo , Shibata Ei'ichi , Sato Hiroaki 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe Ohdaigahara subalpine plateau in Japan has recently suffered a reduction in primary forest land caused by an increasing population of sika deer (Cervus nippon). Deer have debarked many trees, causing dieback, gradually changing the primary forest first to light forest with a floor that is densely covered with sasa grass (Sasa nipponica) and then toS. nipponicagrassland. To examine the effects of vegetative transformation on the dung‐beetle community, we compared the diversity and abundance of dung‐beetle assemblages in the primary forest, transition forest, andS. nipponicagrassland using dung‐baited pitfall traps. The species richness and species diversity (Shannon‐Wiener index) were significantly highest in the primary forest and lowest in theS. nipponicagrassland. The evenness (Smith‐Wilson index) was highest in the primary forest and nearly equal in the transition forest andS. nipponicagrassland. The abundance was apparently greater in the transition forest than in the primary forest andS. nipponicagrassland. These results suggest that loss of primary forest resulting from an increasing deer population decreases the diversity of the dung‐beetle community while increasing the abundance of dung beetles in the transition forest. Sika deer use transition forests and grasslands more frequently than primary forests as habitat, but an increase in dung supply there does not necessarily increase the diversity or abundance of dung‐beetle assemblages.
Strategic approaches to digital libraries and virtual learning environments (VLEs)
Authors: Joint Nicholas 
Published: February 2005

PurposeArgues that the successful introduction of digital libraries in the 1990s has important lessons for the successful implementation of e‐learning strategies.Design/methodology/approachAn opinion piece based on current and recent trends in digital library and e‐learning development.FindingsPragmatic information strategies have important parallels with potentially effective strategies for introducing VLEs. Information strategies were marketed as tools for pursuing more efficient ways of conducting existing forms of research and teaching. Initially, e‐learning platforms may well be best marketed as tools for facilitating existing forms of teaching carried out with transmission‐based pedagogies.Research limitations/implicationsAn expression of belief about what may prove to be likely methods for implementing virtual teaching and learning tools. Offers potential for exploration via more in‐depth research.Practical implicationsOffers a concrete strategy for successfully implementing in everyday academic teaching practice, and bases this firmly in the lessons to be learned from practice in library and information management.Originality/valueThe suggestion that by taking a pragmatic approach to the introduction of virtual teaching and learning tools, one based on the acceptability of existing pedagogic practice, many of the more “blue skies” ambitions of e‐learning may be eventually achieved, thereby encouraging deep‐seated and long‐lasting changes in educational delivery.
The paradox of using tacit and explicit knowledge
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Klein Jonathan H. , Connell Con 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper contrasts two perspectives on the distinction between tacit and explicit knowledge: on the one hand, the perspective that categorises knowledge as belonging to either one or the other class; and, on the other hand, the perspective that views knowledge type as a graded continuum.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores the extensive literature on the topic, and from this literature engages in conceptual development.FindingsThe paper adopts the view that the continuum perspective, in which knowledge in a particular context has both tacit and explicit characteristics, is of particular value when considering the knowledge strategy of an organisation. Whereas the former perspective presents a well‐known dilemma, the continuum perspective permits the specification of a strategy in which the advantages of both tacit and explicit knowledge can, in principle, be obtained. One such strategy might be one that renders organisational knowledge as internally explicit, but externally tacit.Originality/valueThe paper develops a view of the explicit/tacit dilemma that leads to a possible way forward in resolving the dilemma for organisations.
Dealing with the uncertainties of environmental change by adding scenario planning to the strategy reformulation equation
Authors: Walsh Philip R. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper serves to discuss the benefit of applying scenario‐planning techniques to more traditional approaches to strategy development in helping firms deal with uncertainty and evolutionary change in their surrounding environment. Assessing this environment provides insight into the unique changes, the implications these changes have on a firm's strategies, and the creation of special techniques required to understand them. One of these special techniques is scenario planning. Any study of the relationship between strategy, environment and performance must include variables that involve business scope and resource commitments.Design/methodology/approachA review of the research literature on the use and benefits of both the traditional approaches and the scenario approach to constructing the future strategy of a firm in a changing environment is undertaken.FindingsThe results suggest that a better understanding of the performance of firms within a changed environment can be achieved using the combination of a PESTEL analysis, internal resource analysis and the use of scenarios. This reformulation equation creates a model of a possible environment in which the firm must operate and an investigation of the strategic implications of various scenarios to the firm.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in that it marries the traditional approaches to strategy development with the application of scenario planning. It is of benefit to managers and strategic planners by illustrating how a firm may better develop insight into how it should formulate and implement its strategy in order to retain or create a competitive advantage in the changed environment in which it operates.
Strategic alliances and models of collaboration
Authors: Todeva Emanuela , Knoke David 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to engage in a comprehensive review of the research on strategic alliances in the last decade.Design/methodology/approachAfter presenting a typology of diverse alliance governance forms, reviews recent analyses of alliance formation, implementation management, and performance outcomes of collaborative activities.FindingsStrategic alliances developed and propagated as formalized interorganizational relationships. These cooperative arrangements represent new organizational formation that seeks to achieve organizational objectives better through collaboration than through competition.Practical implicationsThe paper provides future research directions on partner selection, networks patterns and processes, understanding the integration in alliances through fusion, fission, and how to manage developmental dynamics.Originality/valueConcludes with some future directions for theory construction and empirical research.
A correlation of servant leadership, leader trust, and organizational trust
Authors: Joseph Errol E. , Winston Bruce E. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeAims to explore the relationship between employee perceptions of servant leadership and leader trust, as well as organizational trust.Design/methodology.approachUses Laub's Organizational Leadership Assessment along with Nyhan and Marlowe's Organizational Trust Inventory.FindingsPerceptions of servant leadership correlated positively with both leader trust and organizational trust. The study also found that organizations perceived as servant‐led exhibited higher levels of both leader trust and organizational trust than organizations perceived as non‐servant‐led.Originality/valueThe findings lend support to Greenleaf's view that servant leadership is an antecedent of leader and organizational trust, and to aspects of other servant leadership models.
Leadership style
Authors: Yu Hui‐Chun , Miller Peter 
Published: February 2005

PurposeWestern researchers have concluded that generational groups of workers have different work characteristics and prefer different leadership styles. This paper investigates whether Western research applies equally to generational groups in Taiwan's workplaces, specifically in the higher education sector and manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachA total of 20 higher education institutions and 148 manufacturing SMEs in machinery manufacturing in Taipei were identified. After operational definitions for constructs were defined, a questionnaire was developed and administered. After data had been processed through editing, coding and tabulation, a statistical technique was selected where research expectation tests could be conducted. In order to test construct validity, factor analysis was also performed. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to test for any significant differences between the variables under investigation.FindingsThe research shows that generational groups in manufacturing industry have different work characteristics and require different leadership styles, while there were no differences in work characteristics and preferred leadership style for generational groups in the education sector.Originality/valueThe results of this research provide some direction for leaders and researchers. Leaders should recognise the different work characteristics between generational groups and apply leadership styles that will positively contribute to employee motivation.
Shadow delivers first hand
Authors: Kochan Anna 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo provide a concise briefing on a robot hand.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to present briefly the development and features of a robot hand by the Shadow Robot Company for one of its customers.FindingsFinds that the robot hand replicates the characteristics of a human hand as far as possible, being of a similar size with the same balance of strength and movement.Originality/valueThe paper provides information of value to those interested in developments in the robotics industries.
Optimum gripper using ant colony intelligence
Authors: Abu Zitar R.A. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe problem of estimating the minimum forces extracted by robot fingers on the surface of a grasped rigid object is very crucial to guarantee the stability of the grip without causing defect or damage to the grasped object. Solving this problem is investigated in this paper. Moreover, the optimum sets of parameters used to tune the algorithm are also studied here.Design/methodology/approachAnt Colony Optimization (ACO), which is a swarm intelligence‐based method, is used in this work to solve this problem. The problem under scope is a complex, constraint optimization problem. We develop our own approach to calculate those minimum forces. Ants ability to reorganize and behave collectively is modelled here. The required forces are a result of the final ants distribution around the fingers contact points. Ants move from contact point to another following the maximum pheromone level direction until they settle on a solution that accomplishes the given criteria. Ants number on a contact point constitutes the total force exerted by a finger on that contact point. The process is repeated until optimum solution is found. Simulations are repeated to track down most suitable ACO parameters for this type of problems and with different fingers configurations.FindingsThe results show that ACO can find optimum fingers forces for grasping rigid objects. These objects could be any polygon with or without friction between the fingers tips and the object surface. The method is computationally acceptable and can be applied with different fingers configurations and with different friction coefficients. We found that the optimal set of parameters used to tune ACO is independent of the initial number of ants on each location.Originality/valueIn this paper we present a very original, new, and interesting technique used to solve the optimum grasping forces of rigid objects. It is a well‐known fact that standard optimization techniques have their own requirements and limitations. This technique is based on swarm intelligence. This work opens the door for further investigations on how nature based methods can be used to solve complex problems. ACO offers a simple, yet structure approach to solve nonlinear constraint optimization problems.