bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors in patients with thick cutaneous melanoma (> 4 mm)
Authors: Zettersten Elizabeth , Sagebiel Richard W. , Miller James R. , Tallapureddy Sreedhar , Leong Stanley P. L. , Kashani‐Sabet Mohammed 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe current study was conducted to examine the role of multiple clinical and histologic factors in the prognostic assessment of patients with thick primary melanoma (> 4 mm, classified as T4).METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed in 329 patients with T4 cutaneous melanomas who were seen at the University of California at San Francisco Melanoma Center between 1978 and 2000. Fourteen histopathologic features were recorded prospectively by a single dermatopathologist. In addition, 9 clinical factors were analyzed.RESULTSSeveral histologic factors were found to have a significant impact on the survival of patients with T4 melanoma. On univariate analysis, tumor thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, microsatellites, vascular involvement, and histogenetic type of the primary tumor all were found to have a significant impact on the overall survival rate. Regional lymph node involvement reduced the overall survival of T4 patients dramatically. The 5‐year overall survival of patients with lymph node‐negative T4 disease was 61%, compared with 30% for those with lymph node‐positive disease. When lymph node status was taken into account, tumor thickness, vascular involvement, and ulceration all remained independent predictors of overall survival on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Neither age, gender, nor anatomic location appeared to affect the recurrence‐free or overall survival rates.CONCLUSIONSPatients with thick primary cutaneous melanomas (> 4 mm) comprise a heterogeneous group. The presence or absence of lymph node involvement, vascular involvement, and ulceration appears to result in significantly divergent overall survival rates in this patient cohort. Consideration of these factors has important implications in the management of patients with T4 melanoma. Cancer 2002;94:1049–56. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10326
Evaluation of screening strategy for detecting hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Furukawa Taiji , Konishi Fumio , Shitoh Kazuhisa , Kojima Masayuki , Nagai Hideo , Tsukamoto Toshihiko 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Amsterdam criteria are used worldwide for the clinical diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC). In Japan, clinical criteria (JCC) have been proposed to identify as many HNPCC cases as possible, but the suitability of the JCC remains uncertain. In this article, the authors evaluate retrospectively whether the JCC are adequate to diagnose HNPCC compared with the Bethesda guidelines (BG) and also investigated useful screening methods for HNPCC.METHODSThe authors studied 452 colorectal carcinoma cases, of which 69 cases fulfilled the JCC (A, 12; B, 57) and 106 fulfilled the BG. Microsatellite instability (MSI) was examined for 452 cases. TGFβRII, immunohistochemical staining, and germline mutations of hMLH1 and hMSH2 were analyzed in high‐frequency MSI cases.RESULTSHigh‐frequency MSI was found in 21.7% (98 of 452). Germline mutations were detected in eight cases (hMLH1, three, hMSH2; five). Six cases fulfilled the JCC (A, four; B, two), and six fulfilled the BG. The germline mutation rate was significantly higher in the JCCA than in non‐JCCA cases (33.3% vs. 0.91%; P < 0.001) and in cases with an age at onset younger than 50 years than older than 50 years (9.3% vs. 0.27%, P < 0.001). All germline mutation carriers had the TGFβRII mutation. Immunohistochemically, a decreased nuclear staining was found in 57.3% (47 of 82) for hMLH1 and in 18.3% (15 of 82) for hMSH2. The frequency of predicted germline mutations was higher in cases with decreased hMSH2 than hMLH1 (33.3% vs. 6.4%; P = 0.016).CONCLUSIONSThe JCCA are suitable for selecting cases to analyze for gene mutations, but the JCCB are not useful for the clinical setting. The authors suggest that an age at onset younger than 50 years is also important for screening. Analyzing TGFβRII mutations and immunohistochemical staining of hMLH1 or hMSH2 for cases with MSI phenotype are useful for selecting cases who should be tested for germline mutations. Cancer 2002;94:911–20. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10332
HER‐2 profiling and targeting in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Morris Michael J. , Reuter Victor E. , Kelly W. Kevin , Slovin Susan F. , Kenneson Kate , Verbel David , Osman Iman , Scher Howard I. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe clinical effects of targeting HER‐2 in prostate carcinoma are not known. This study explored the feasibility of molecular profiling to determine the correlation between HER‐2 expression, hormonal sensitivity, and the antitumor effects of trastuzumab and paclitaxel in patients with prostate carcinoma.METHODSPatients with progressive androgen dependent (AD) and androgen independent (AI) prostate carcinoma were eligible to participate in the study. HER‐2 expression was assessed on pretreatment tissue specimens, and patients were then assigned to one of four treatment groups: AD HER‐2 positive, AD HER‐2 negative, AI HER‐2 positive, and AI HER‐2 negative. They were treated with weekly trastuzumab at a dose of 2 mg/kg (after a 4 mg/kg loading dose) until they experienced disease progression, when weekly paclitaxel at 100 mg/m2 was added.RESULTSThe authors screened 130 patients for HER‐2 expression. In total, 23 patients were treated. Six eligible patients had HER‐2 positive disease; therefore, only the AI HER‐2 negative arm accrued to completion. All patients (100%) experienced disease progression on trastuzumab alone at or before the first 12 weeks of treatment. Fifteen patients received combined therapy: Seven patients (47%) experienced disease progression, 5 patients (33%) had stable disease, and 3 patients (20%) had a decline ≥ 50% in prostate specific antigen PSA level or in soft tissue disease. HER‐2 overexpression was found in significant proportions only in AI metastatic tissue samples (42% HER‐2 positive; 95% confidence interval, 14–60%). In three of nine matched pairs, the AD prostate biopsy was HER‐2 negative, and the AI metastatic sample was HER‐2 positive.CONCLUSIONSTrastuzumab is not effective as a single agent for the treatment of patients with AI HER‐2 negative tumors. HER‐2 expression varies by clinical state in patients with prostate carcinoma: Accurate HER‐2 profiling requires sampling metastatic tissue in patients with metastatic disease. Further development of trastuzumab for the treatment of patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma is not feasible until more reliable and practical methods of sampling metastatic disease are developed to identify patients with HER‐2 positive tumors. Cancer 2002;94:980–6. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10339
Clinical pretreatment risk factors and Ga‐67 scintigraphy early during treatment for prediction of outcome of patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Israel Ora , Mor Maya , Epelbaum Ron , Frenkel Alex , Haim Nissim , Dann Eldad J. , Gaitini Diana , Bar‐Shalom Rachel , Kolodny Gerald M. , Front Dov 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDClinical pretreatment risk factors indicate the severity of disease in patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Ga‐67 scintigraphy during treatment is an early indicator of treatment‐related features of lymphoma cells. The ability of risk factors and Ga‐67 to predict disease outcome was compared in 139 patients with aggressive NHL.METHODSPretreatment clinical risk factors and Ga‐67 scintigraphy performed after one cycle and at mid‐treatment were evaluated for their correlation with response rate and as predictors of 5‐year failure‐free survival (FFS). Univariate analysis was performed to determine the ability of pretreatment risk factors and Ga‐67 early during treatment to predict FFS. Subsequently, multivariate analysis was performed on the variables with significant univariate results using the Cox proportional hazards method. The predictive value of risk factors and Ga‐67 scintigraphy was calculated to determine their suitability in selecting patients with poor outcome.RESULTSResponse rate correlated with stage of disease (P < 0.01) and the international prognostic index (IPI) score (P < 0.05). Five‐year FFS was predicted by stage of disease (P < 0.004), performance status (P < 0.02), and the IPI score (P < 0.01). Response rate correlated with results of Ga‐67 scintigraphy after one cycle of chemotherapy (P < 0.001) and at mid‐treatment (P < 0.001). Five‐year FFS was predicted by Ga‐67 after one cycle of chemotherapy (P < 0.0004) and at mid‐treatment (P < 0.0001). Positive Ga‐67 after the first cycle of treatment predicted 64% of patients who had failure of treatment. A positive study at mid‐treatment predicted 77% of patients who had treatment failure. Cox analysis showed Ga‐67 after one course (P < 0.0012) and at mid‐treatment (P < 0.0002) as being the most significant variables in predicting FFS.CONCLUSIONSGa‐67 scintigraphy demonstrates early the effect of treatment in patients with aggressive NHL. It is a better predictor than pretreatment risk factors of both response rate and FFS. Positive Ga‐67 early during treatment may be used as an independent test in selecting patients who will not respond favorably to current protocol treatment for early therapeutic modifications. Cancer 2002;94:873–8. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10344
Acupuncture for xerostomia
Authors: Johnstone Peter A. S. , Niemtzow Richard C. , Riffenburgh Robert H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the authors' clinic, patients with xerostomia after radiation therapy for malignancy have been offered acupuncture as potential palliation of their symptoms since November 1999. Preliminary data revealed that many patients achieve relief, even for symptoms refractory to pilocarpine therapy.METHODSAcupuncture technique has been refined since the authors' previous publication. Originally described as a two‐step process, a single treatment with eight needles is now used. Three points are treated in each ear, and one in the radial aspect of each index finger. Patients are also provided a sugar‐free lozenge in the mouth to further stimulate salivation. Response is measured by the xerostomia inventory (XI).RESULTSFifty patients have undergone 318 treatments (median, 5; range, 2–15 treatments). Median follow‐up since the first treatment is 224 days (range, 9–455 days). Median palliation as described by the XI was 9 points (range, 0–25 points). Response (defined as improvement of 10% or better over baseline XI values) occurred in 35 patients (70%). Twenty‐four patients (48%) have received benefit of 10 points or greater on the XI. Duration of effect for 13 patients (26%) has exceeded 3 months.CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture palliates xerostomia for many patients. A regimen of three to four weekly treatments followed by monthly sessions is now recommended, although some patients achieve lasting response without further therapy. Cancer 2002;94:1151–6. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10348
Docetaxel plus epidoxorubicin as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with large operable or locally advanced carcinoma of the breast
Authors: de Matteis Andrea , Nuzzo Francesco , D'Aiuto Giuseppe , Labonia Vincenzo , Landi Gabriella , Rossi Emanuela , Mastro Angelo Antonio , Botti Gerardo , De Maio Ermelinda , Perrone Francesco 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to test the activity and toxicity of epirubicin plus docetaxel as primary chemotherapy for women with large, operable (T2; > 3 cm) or locally advanced (Stage III) breast carcinoma, including patients with inflammatory breast carcinoma.METHODSIn this single‐center, open‐label, single‐stage, Phase II trial, epirubicin (75 mg/m2; intravenous bolus) followed by docetaxel (80 mg/m2; 1‐hour intravenous infusion) was administered on Day 1 of each cycle for four cycles.RESULTSNine of 30 patients (30%) had inflammatory breast carcinoma. Twenty‐three patients (76.7%; 95% confidence interval, 57.7–90.1) had a clinical objective response that was complete in 6 patients (20%). Twenty‐seven patients (90%) underwent surgery that was conservative in 5 patients (16.7%). Pathologic response evaluation revealed four complete responses (13.3%; 95% confidence interval, 3.8–30.7). Grade 4 neutropenia was recorded in 80.0% of patients, and febrile neutropenia was recorded in one‐third of patients. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were never severe. Other side effects were diarrhea (26.6%), oral mucositis (43.3%), and emesis (26.6%).CONCLUSIONSNeoadjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin plus docetaxel was a feasible treatment and was active in an unfavorable series of patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma, including patients with inflammatory breast carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:895–901. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.20335
A population‐based study of colorectal cancer test use
Authors: Etzioni David A. , Ponce Ninez A. , Babey Susan H. , Spencer Benjamin A. , Brown E. Richard , Ko Clifford Y. , Chawla Neetu , Breen Nancy , Klabunde Carrie N. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent research has supported the use of colorectal cancer (CRC) tests to reduce disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. A new health survey has provided an opportunity to examine the use of these tests in California's ethnically diverse population. The authors used the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001) to evaluate 1) rates of CRC test use, 2) predictors of the receipt of tests, and 3) reasons for nonuse of CRC tests.METHODSThe CHIS 2001 is a random‐digit dial telephone survey that was conducted in California. Responses were analyzed from 22,343 adults age ≥ 50 years. CRC test use was defined as receipt of a fecal occult blood test in the past year and/or receipt of an endoscopic examination in the past 5 years.RESULTSNearly 54% of California adults reported receipt of a recent CRC test. Insurance coverage and having a usual source of care were the most important predictors of CRC testing. Latinos age < 65 years were less likely to be tested than whites (relative risk [RR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.77–0.92). Men were more likely to be tested than women, an effect that was greater among individuals age 50–64 years (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.23–1.32) than among individuals age ≥ 65 years (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.15–1.23). Women were more likely than men to say that their physician did not inform them the test was needed and that CRC tests were painful or embarrassing.CONCLUSIONSResults of the current study indicate a need for physicians to recommend CRC testing to their patients. Assuring that all individuals have both health insurance and a usual source of care would help address gaps in the receipt of CRC tests. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The limit from the Schrödinger‐Poisson to the Vlasov‐Poisson equations with general data in one dimension
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zheng Yuxi , Mauser Norbert J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe deal with the classical limit of the Schrödinger‐Poisson system to the Vlasov‐Poisson equations as the Planck constant ϵ goes to zero. This limit is also
frequently called “semiclassical limit”. The coupled Schrödinger‐Poisson system for the wave functions {ψ(t, x)} are transformed to the Wigner‐Poisson equations for a “phase space function” fϵ(t, x, ξ). For the case of the so called “completely mixed state”, i.e. j = 1, 2, · · ·, ∞, under additional assumptions on the potential, this classical limit has been solved in 1993 by P.‐L. Lions and T. Paul in [24] and, independently, by P. A. Markowich and N. J. Mauser in [26] with strong assumptions on the initial data.The so called “pure state” case where only one or a finite number of wave functions {ψ(t, x)} are considered, has been open up to now.We prove here for general initial data (pure state as well as mixed state case) of the wave functions in one space dimension that the Wigner measure f(t, x, ξ), which is a weak limit of fϵ(t, x, ξ) as ϵ tends to 0, satisfies the classical 1‐d Vlasov‐Poisson equations. As a by‐product, we have improved the decay assumption on the initial data of 1‐d Vlasov‐Poisson equations in [38] for the existence of
global weak solutions with measures as initial data.The equations we regard are widely used in quantum/classical transport and semiconductor theory as a nonlinear one particle (“mean field”) approximation of the linear N electron Schrödinger/Hamilton equation.
Influence of the temperature and the oxygen partial pressure on the phase formation in the system Cu – Fe – O
Authors: Kenfack F. , Langbein H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCopper iron oxides, Cu1‐xFe2+xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5), have been synthesized by thermal oxidation of copper ‐ iron mixtures. In this process, the phase formation and the phase stability were investigated as function of the temperature (800°C – 1200°C) and the oxygen partial pressure (1.013 x 101 – 1.013 x 105 Pa). The phase formation starts with the reaction of the metallic components to simple oxides (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, CuO). From these simple oxides, the formation of complex oxides requires a minimum temperature of 800°C. The synthesis of single phase spinel compounds Cu2+1‐2x Cu1+xFe2+xO4±δ is realized for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, using specific temperature – p(O2) – conditions for a given value of x. Remarkably, to achieve our goal, we found that the increase of x implies that of the reaction temperature and/or a decrease of the p(O2) in the reaction gas stream. Besides, a single phase spinel CuFe2O4 does not exist in the temperature / p(O2)‐field investigated. Using the results of XRD ‐ phase analysis, T ‐ p(O2) – x – diagrams were constructed. These diagrams allow the prediction of phase compositions expected for different synthesis conditions. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of TGS and DTGS single crystals doped with Pt(II), Pt(IV) and L‐alanine
Authors: Novotný J. , Březina B. , Zelinka J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe single crystals of triglycine sulfate doped with bivalent and tetravalent Pt‐ions and with L‐alanine (LADTGS/Pt(II) and LATGS/Pt(IV)) were grown in the ferroelectric phase from low temperature solutions. Using stick seeds the full‐shaped crystals with many growth pyramids have been prepared. The growth rate along the axiscof the doped crystals is much higher than in an undoped one. Morphology, domain structure andP‐Ehysteresis loops have been investigated. The effect of the dopant on the growth velocity is explained on the basis of catalytic action of supposed platinum complexes. The first series of the pyroelectric detectors have been prepared from these materials and their fundamental parameters are presented. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fluorescence properties of Nd3+ doped stoichiometric LiNbO3 fiber single crystals by micro‐pulling down method
Authors: Shur J. W. , Yoon D. H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractUsing the micro‐pulling down (μ‐PD) method, 1 and 3 mol% Nd2O3 doped near stoichiometric lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single crystal fibers were grown in 1 mm diameter and 35∼40 mm length. The grown crystal fibers were free of cracks and the homogeneous distribution of Nd3+ ion concentrations were confirmed by the electron probe micro analysis. The changes of fluorescence spectra were measured with respect to the Nd3+ ion doping concentration. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analogic CNN algorithm for estimating position and size of moving objects
Authors: Costantini Giovanni , Casali Daniele , Perfetti Renzo 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn analogic CNN algorithm is proposed for detection of multiple moving objects in high resolution, grey‐scale images taken from a fixed camera. The algorithm, based on simple 3 × 3 templates, can be implemented using CNN hardware, providing the real‐time operation required in surveillance and traffic control applications. Efficient separation of moving objects from the background is obtained through automatic threshold selection. The performance of the proposed method is shown using real‐life indoor and outdoor video sequences. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immitance data modelling via linear interpolation techniques: A classical circuit theory approach
Authors: Yarman B. Siddik , Kilinc Ali , Aksen Ahmet 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWith the advancement of the manufacturing technologies to produce new generation analog/digital communication systems, immitance data modelling has gained renewed importance in the literature. Specifically, models are utilized for behaviour characterization, simulation of physical devices or to design sub‐systems with active and passive solid‐state devices. Therefore, in this paper, new computer aided tools are presented to model one port immitance data by means of linear interpolation techniques. The basic philosophy of the new modelling tools is based on the numerical decomposition of the immitance data into its minimum and Foster parts. Computer algorithms are presented to model the minimum and the Foster parts of the given immitance data. Implementations of these algorithms are exhibited by means of examples. Depending on the application, modelling tools based on linear interpolation techniques may present ‘computational and practical’ advantages over the existing interpolation techniques, non‐linear curve fittings or regression methods. It is expected that the new modelling tools will be utilized to provide initial circuit topologies to the commercially available analysis/simulation and design packages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure generation and performance comparison of ellipticGm‐Cfilters
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Szczepanski Stanislaw , Schaumann Rolf 
Published: November 2004

AbstractStarting from a set of matrices describing a generalGm‐Cfilter topology, a procedure is developed for generating structures of lowpass filters. As the matrices and the filter topologies have a one‐to‐one correspondence, an algebraic method is used to identify filter topologies with desired properties, here, transfer functions with finitejω‐axis transmission zeros, specifically elliptic filters. Sensitivity expressions for these structures are derived and a performance comparison based on a set of chosen criteria is made. For a specified elliptic transfer function, filters with only grounded capacitors and those containing also floating capacitors emerge as alternative realizations, as are filters with a single input and those with distributed inputs. For third‐order functions, a detailed comparison is performed of leapfrog (LF) and inverse follow‐the‐leader‐feedback (IFLF), the most popular special cases, and of topologies that have also floating capacitors (LFf, IFLFf), as well as of a novel configuration that uses also distributed inputs (DIf) and leads to a reduced element count. Design guidelines and restrictions are given, which follow from the derived results with focus on the circuits' sensitivity performance and other properties important for IC implementation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An iteration formulation for normalized diode characteristics
Authors: He Ji‐Huan , Wan Yu‐Qin , Guo Qian 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBy a general Lagrange multiplier, an iteration approach is proposed to solve the generalized normalized diode equation, by suitable choice of the initial trial‐function, one‐step iteration leads to a high accurate solution, which is valid for the whole solution domain. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.