bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compressive Strengths of In-Situ Cured Graphite/Epoxy and Glass/Epoxy Composite Cylinders
Authors: Yee Kuo-Chung , Moon Tess J. 
Published: April 2004

In this paper, the compressive strengths of in-situ cured composite rings using a simple mechanical text fixture are presented. Reported results include T300/epoxy as well as E-glass/epoxy hoop-wound composite rings. A J2 deformation theory of plasticity is employed in the stress analysis of the compliant ring while linear elastic response is assumed for both the composite ring and stainless steel. Two objectives are included in the current study: first is the study of the compressive strengths of hoop wound fiber-reinforced thermoset composite rings made by in-situ curing method and correlate the compressive strength to the processing parameters; second is the quantitative assessment of the effect of residual stresses on the compressive strengths of composite rings. Experimental results indicated that composite ring failed initially by shear mode at the outer surface and propagated through-thickness. The kink band formation, followed by the shear failure, aggregated the failure zone. Finally layer delamination developed and led to a catastrophic failure of specimen. Most of the reported compressive strengths of unidirectional composites are based on unidirectional laminate composites. The current study represents one of the few works involving the composite ring specimens. Experimental results indicated that the compressive strengths of in-situ cured composite rings are very close to the compressive strengths of unidirectional laminates. This indication suggests that in-situ curing method can be used to produce high quality composite structures. Also the compaction pressure is found to have great influence on the measured compressive strength.
Comparison of Fulvestrant Versus Tamoxifen for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women Previously Untreated With Endocrine Therapy: A Multinational, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Howell Anthony , Robertson John F.R. , Abram Paul , Lichinitser Mikhail R. , Elledge Richard , Bajetta Emilio , Watanabe Toru , Morris Charles , Webster Alan , Dimery Isaiah , Osborne C. Kent 
Published: April 2004

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fulvestrant (Faslodex; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE), a new estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist that downregulates ER and has no agonist effects, versus tamoxifen, an antiestrogen with agonist and antagonist effects, for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Patients and Methods In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial, patients with metastatic/locally advanced breast cancer previously untreated for advanced disease were randomly assigned to receive either fulvestrant (250 mg, via intramuscular injection, once monthly; n = 313) or tamoxifen (20 mg, orally, once daily; n = 274). Patients' tumors were positive for ER (ER+) and/or progesterone receptor (PgR+), or had an unknown receptor status. Results At a median follow-up of 14.5 months, there was no significant difference between fulvestrant and tamoxifen for the primary end point of time to progression (TTP; median TTP, 6.8 months and 8.3 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.44; P = .088). In a prospectively planned subset analysis of patients with known ER+ and/or PgR+ tumors (∼78%), median TTP was 8.2 months for fulvestrant and 8.3 months for tamoxifen (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.36; P = .39). The objective response rate for the overall population was 31.6% with fulvestrant and 33.9% with tamoxifen, and 33.2% and 31.1%, respectively, in the known hormone receptor–positive subgroup. Both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusion In the overall population, between-group differences in efficacy end points favored tamoxifen, and statistical noninferiority of fulvestrant could not be demonstrated. However, in patients with hormone receptor–positive tumors, fulvestrant had similar efficacy to tamoxifen and was well tolerated.
Use of the Humanized Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody h-R3 in Combination With Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Crombet Tania , Osorio Marta , Cruz Teresa , Roca Carlos , del Castillo Ramón , Mon Rosa , Iznaga-Escobar Normando , Figueredo René , Koropatnick James , Renginfo Enrique , Fernández Eduardo , Alvárez Daniel , Torres Olga , Ramos Mayra , Leonard Idrissa , Pérez Rolando , Lage Agustín 
Published: April 2004

Purpose To evaluate safety and preliminary efficacy of the humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody h-R3 in combination with radiotherapy (RT) in unresectable head and neck cancer patients. Secondary end points were the measurement of h-R3 serum levels and the assessment of the potential mechanisms of antitumor effect on patient biopsies. Anti-idiotypic response to h-R3 was assessed. To predict pharmacologic effect, a mathematical model for antibodies recognizing antigens expressed in tumors and normal tissues was built. Patients and Methods Twenty-four patients with advanced carcinomas of the head and neck received six once-weekly infusions of h-R3 at four dose levels in combination with RT. Pretreatment tumor biopsies were obtained to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor expression as an enrollment criterion. Second biopsies were taken to evaluate the proliferative activity and angiogenesis in comparison with the pretreatment samples. Patient serum samples were collected to measure h-R3 levels and anti-idiotypic response. Results The combination of h-R3 and RT was well tolerated. Antibody-related adverse events consisted in infusion reactions. No skin or allergic toxicity appeared. Overall survival significantly increased after the use of the higher antibody doses. Immunohistochemistry studies of tumor specimens before and after treatment revealed that antitumor response correlated with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effect. One patient developed antibodies to h-R3. The mathematical model predicted that the maximum difference between the area under the curve in tumors and normal tissues is reached when the antibody has intermediate affinity. Conclusion h-R3 is a well-tolerated drug that may enhance radiocurability of unresectable head and neck neoplasms.
Randomized Clinical Trial of the Effectiveness of a Self-Care Intervention to Improve Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Miaskowski Christine , Dodd Marylin , West Claudia , Schumacher Karen , Paul Steven M. , Tripathy Debu , Koo Peter 
Published: April 2004

Purpose This randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of the PRO-SELF Pain Control Program compared with standard care in decreasing pain intensity scores, increasing appropriate analgesic prescriptions, and increasing analgesic intake in oncology outpatients with pain from bone metastasis. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to the PRO-SELF intervention (n = 93) or standard care (n = 81). Patients in the standard care arm were seen by a research nurse three times and were called three times by phone between the home visits. PRO-SELF group patients were seen by specially trained intervention nurses and received a psychoeducational intervention, were taught how to use a pillbox, and were given written instructions on how to communicate with their physician about unrelieved pain and the need for changes in their analgesic prescriptions. Patients were coached during two follow-up home visits and three phone calls on how to improve their cancer pain management. Results Pain intensity scores decreased significantly from baseline (all P < .0001) in the PRO-SELF group (ie, least pain, 28.4%; average pain, 32.5%; and worst pain, 27.0%) compared with the standard care group (ie, least increased by 14.6%, average increased by 1.9%, and worst decreased by 1.2%). The percentage of patients in the PRO-SELF group with the most appropriate type of analgesic prescription increased significantly from 28.3% to 37.0% (P = .008) compared with a change from 29.6% to 32.5% in the standard care group. Conclusion The use of a psychoeducational intervention that incorporates nurse coaching within the framework of self-care can improve the management of cancer pain.
Investigations into the antinociceptive activity of Sapindus trifoliatus in various pain models
Authors: Arulmozhi D. K. , Veeranjaneyulu A. , Bodhankar S. L. , Arora S. K. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The effect of the aqueous extract of Sapindus trifoliatus (ST) on chemical, thermal-induced pain, nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia and pain on inflamed tissue was investigated. The extract (20 and 100 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic-acid-induced abdominal constrictions, formalin-induced pain licking and hotplate-induced pain in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly increased the response latencies of nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia by the tail-flick method and mechanical pain on carrageenan-induced inflamed paw in rats. The data suggest that ST has an inhibitory activity on both peripheral and central pain mechanisms and has a modulatory role in NO-mediated nociceptive transmission.
Effects of protein-calorie malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, in rats
Authors: Bae Soo Kyung , Lee Shin Jung , Kwon Jong Won , Kim Won Bae , Lee Myung Gull 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The pharmacokinetic parameters of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, were compared after intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10mg kg−1 to control rats and rats with protein-calorie malnutrition (rats with PCM). After intravenous administration of 10mg kg−1 DA-7867 to rats, metabolism of the drug was not considerable and after 14 days approximately 85.0% of the dose was recovered as unchanged drug from urine and faeces. After intravenous administration to rats with PCM, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) was significantly smaller (10800 vs 6990μg min mL−1) compared with control rats. This may have been due to significantly faster total body clearance (CL, 0.930 vs 1.44mL min−1 kg−1). The faster CL in PCM rats could have been due to significantly faster non-renal clearance (0.842 vs 1.39mL min−1 kg−1 due to significantly greater gastrointestinal (including biliary) excretion; the amount of unchanged DA-7867 recovered from the entire gastrointestinal tract at 24h was significantly greater (1.19 vs 4.28% of intravenous dose)) because the renal clearance was significantly slower in PCM rats (0.0874 vs 0.0553mL min−1 kg−1). After oral administration to PCM rats, the AUC was significantly smaller compared with control rats (7900 vs 4310μgmin mL−1). This could have been due to a decrease in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Bupivacaine hydrochloride complexation with some α- and β-cyclodextrins studied by potentiometry with membrane electrodes
Authors: Kopecký František , Vojteková Mária , Kaclík Pavol , Demko Marek , Bieliková Zuzana 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Membrane electrodes selective to bupivacaine cations were developed and those with PVC-dibutylphthalate membrane containing sparingly soluble bupivacaine phosphotungstate appeared to be the most suitable. Inclusion complexation of bupivacaine cations with cyclodextrins was studied by potentiometric measurements of the free bupivacaine cation concentration in aqueous solutions of bupivacaine hydrochloride with cyclodextrin using the prepared electrodes. Native α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), as well as their random-substituted derivatives hydroxypropyl-α-cyclodextrin (HP-α-CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), were chosen for the study. The measured potentiometric data processed both by a linear and nonlinear regression corroborated the formation of weak 1:1 bupivacaine cation-cyclodextrin complexes and the corresponding complexation constants K11 ∼50–155m−1 were evaluated by the non-linear least-squares method. The mutual order of K11 values, especially α-CD &gt; β-CD, suggested that the bupivacaine butyl group was mainly responsible for the inclusion complexation; the highest K11 was exhibited by M-β-CD followed by α-CD. The observed complexation may substantially modify properties of bupivacaine hydrochloride dosage forms with sufficient concentration of cyclodextrin but bupivacaine cations are readily released from the weak cyclodextrin complexes by dilution.
Melissa officinalis L. essential oil: antitumoral and antioxidant activities
Authors: de Sousa Allyne Carvalho , Alviano Daniela Sales , Blank Arie Fitzgerald , Alves Péricles Barreto , Alviano Celuta Sales , Gattass Cerli Rocha 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Melissa officinalis L (lemon balm) is a traditional herbal medicine used widely as a mild sedative, spasmolytic and antibacterial agent. This paper focuses on the analysis of the chemical composition and the biological activities of M. officinalis essential oil obtained under controlled harvesting and drying conditions. An in-vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT indicated that this oil was very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, Caco-2, HL-60, K562) and a mouse cell line (B16F10). This oil possessed antioxidant activity, as evidenced by reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). These results pointed to the potential use of M. officinalis essential oil as an antitumoral agent.
The plasma glucose lowering action of tetrandrine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Chen Wang-Chuan , Hayakawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Huang Lee-Wen , Liu I.-Min , Cheng Juei-Tang 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The effect of tetrandrine, an active principle of Stephaniae tetrandrae, on the plasma glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats) was investigated. A single intravenous injection of tetrandrine decreased the plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner in STZ-diabetic rats. Moreover, tetrandrine (1.0 mg kg−1) significantly attenuated the rise in plasma glucose induced by the intravenous glucose challenge test in normal rats. A stimulatory effect of tetrandrine on glucose uptake was obtained in soleus muscles isolated from STZ-diabetic rats with a concentration-dependent manner from 0.01 to 10.0 μmol L−1. The increase in glucose utilization by tetrandrine was further characterized using the enhancement of glycogen synthesis in the hepatocytes of STZ-diabetic rats. These results suggest that tetrandrine has the ability to enhance glucose utilization in peripheral tissue, resulting in the lowering of plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin.
On the stability of Insulin delivered through a new glucose-responsive polymeric composite membrane
Authors: Zhang Kai , Quan Changling , Huang Huiyu , Taulier Nicolas , Wu Xiao Yu 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
A new glucose-responsive polymeric composite membrane that provided pulsatile insulin release was developed in our laboratory previously. To develop a clinically useful insulin delivery system, this study was designed to investigate factors influencing insulin stability during delivery by this membrane. The effects of stirring, release duration, insulin concentration and surfactant on insulin stability were studied under both incubation and delivery conditions in a buffer solution at 37°C. The structural change of insulin was characterized by reverse-phase HPLC and circular dichroism. Hydrophobicity of various contact surfaces was determined by contact angle measurement. The results indicated that insulin concentration played an important role in the insulin stability, followed by stirring. Treating the membrane with a non-ionic surfactant prevented insulin denaturation during delivery through the membrane.
Absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein as a model across the mesenteric surface in rats to determine the drug absorption route after intraperitoneal administration
Authors: Nishida Koyo , Nose Seiichi , Kuma Akiko , Mukai Takahiro , Nakashima Mikiro , Sasaki Hitoshi , Nakamura Junzo 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the absorption characteristics of a drug across the mesenteric surface, which occupies a large area of absorption in the peritoneal cavity, in order to determine the drug absorption route after intraperitoneal administration. Absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) as a model after application to the mesenteric surface was investigated in rats by employing a cylindrical diffusion cell attached to the mesentery with or without blood vessels. PSP was absorbed from the rat mesenteric surface, followed by its appearance in the plasma and bile, regardless of blood vessel existence. The absorption ratios of PSP in 6 h were calculated to be 92.1 and 83.6% from the mesenteric surface with and without blood vessels, respectively. We then employed an experimental system in which a polyethylene (PE) cap was stuck on the surface of the other side to exclude the influence of absorption of the drug from the other organ surfaces that penetrated across the mesentery. The PE cap decreased the appearance of PSP in the plasma from the mesenteric surface with blood vessels and eliminated the PSP absorption completely from the mesenteric surface without blood vessels. Accordingly, blood vessels on the mesenteric surface must actually play an important role in drug absorption, but the contribution of the mesenteric surface to drug absorption from the peritoneal cavity is unlikely to be significant because there is a small effective area of blood vessels.
Ca2+, calpain and 3-phosphorylated phosphatidyl inositides; decision-making signals in neutrophils as potential targets for therapeutics
Authors: Tian Wei , Dewitt Sharon , Laffafian Iraj , Hallett Maurice B. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The chemical signals within neutrophils that control their behaviour are complex and these signals control the complex activity of neutrophils with precision. Failure of neutrophils to reform their antibacterial activity would lead to infection, while over-activity of neutrophils may lead to tissue damage and inflammatory disease. The identity of some of the intracellular signals is becoming clear and insights into the potential for interplay between them are being sought. Although it is well established that cytosolic free Ca2+ plays a role, it is only recently that the importance of intracellular protease, calpain, and the 3-position phosphorylated phosphatidyl inositides is becoming recognised. In this review these three key signals are discussed as potential therapeutic targets for the modulation of neutrophil activity.
Liberalising trends in welfare reform: inside the Dutch miracle
Authors: Cox Robert Henry 
Published: April 2004

English
One of the most dramatic changes in the character of welfare states is the shift from public programmes that provide benefits for specific categories of need or entitlement, to programmes that encourage individuals to place part of their income in special savings accounts. This article argues that in countries where the welfare state has historically been defined in collectivist terms, the impact of the new savings schemes creates the potential for moral hazard. Focusing on recent reforms in The Netherlands, the article demonstrates how the new schemes provide greater advantage to high-income earners than to low-income earners and encourage egoistic behaviour among those who make use of the schemes. Take-up rates for the Dutch programmes have exceeded the government’s expectations and demonstrate how such liberalising reforms have altered the character of a welfare state that once was believed to be predicated on collectivist principles.
Predicting curriculum and test performance at age 7 years from pupil background, baseline skills and phonological awareness at age 5
Authors: Savage Robert , Carless Sue 
Published: April 2004

Background: Phonological awareness tests are known to be amongst the best predictors of literacy; however their predictive validity alongside current school screening practice (baseline assessment, pupil background data) and to National Curricular outcome measures is unknown.Aim: We explored the validity of phonological awareness and orthographic measures, the Infant Index baseline assessment (Desforges & Lindsay, 1995), gender, free school dinners, and SEN status taken at age 5 in the prediction of English, Maths, and Science performance in Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum in England.Sample: 435 children from nine schools in one Local Educational Authority (LEA) were screened at entry aged 4 or 5, and at 5:8, and age 7.Method: We trained schools Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to administer orthographic and phonological awareness measures. Teachers collected data on all baseline and Key Stage 1 performance measures.Results: A series of 13 logistic regression analyses revealed that phonological awareness and orthographic knowledge best predicted 12 of 13 measures of performance at Key Stage 1. Additional variance was nearly always explained by SEN status. In 11 analyses the Infant Index baseline score predicted performance at age 7 and was the best predictor of maths test performance. Gender was an occasional additional predictor.Conclusion: School LSAs can be readily trained to administer phonological awareness measures to cohorts of 5‐year‐old children. Such measures used in conjunction with baseline measures significantly enhance prediction of Key Stage 1 performance. Deploying LSAs in this fashion significantly enhances a school's capacity to identify young children for whom additional support may be necessary.
Can reading accuracy and comprehension be separated in the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability?
Authors: Spooner Alice L. R. , Baddeley Alan D. , Gathercole Susan E. 
Published: April 2004

Background: The Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA) (Neale, 1997) is widely used in education and research. It provides measures of reading accuracy (decoding) and comprehension, which are frequently interpreted separately.Aims: Three studies were conducted to investigate the degree to which the NARA measures could be separated.Samples: British 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds participated in Study 1 (N=114) and Study 2 (N=212). In Study 3, 16 skilled and less‐skilled comprehenders were identified from the Study 2 sample.Methods: Study 1: By investigating their contribution to silent reading comprehension, the independence of NARA decoding and comprehension scores was determined. Study 2: Decoding groups matched for listening comprehension were compared on the NARA comprehension measure, and population performance was compared across listening comprehension and NARA reading comprehension. Study 3: Comprehension groups were compared on ability to answer open‐ended and forcedchoice questions.Results: Firstly, NARA comprehension performance depended on decoding, to the extent that children with high listening comprehension ability but low decoding ability attained low NARA comprehension scores. Secondly, 32% of children who attained low NARA comprehension scores exhibited high listening comprehension. Thirdly, comprehension groups differed when assessed with open‐ended questions but not when assessed with forced‐choice questions.Conclusions: The NARA can underestimate the comprehension ability of children with weak decoding skills and children who have some difficulty with open‐ended questions. The decoding and comprehension measures of the NARA cannot be separated. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of the measures provided by the NARA, in education and research.