bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing harmful effects in systematic Reviews
Authors: McIntosh Heather M , Woolacott Nerys F , Bagnall Anne-Marie 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Balanced decisions about health care interventions require reliable evidence on harms as well as benefits. Most systematic reviews focus on efficacy and randomised trials, for which the methodology is well established. Methods to systematically review harmful effects are less well developed and there are few sources of guidance for researchers. We present our own recent experience of conducting systematic reviews of harmful effects and make suggestions for future practice and further research.

Methods
We described and compared the methods used in three systematic reviews. Our evaluation focused on the review question, study designs and quality assessment.

Results
One review question focused on providing information on specific harmful effects to furnish an economic model, the other two addressed much broader questions. All three reviews included randomised and observational data, although each defined the inclusion criteria differently. Standard methods were used to assess study quality. Various practical problems were encountered in applying the study design inclusion criteria and assessing quality, mainly because of poor study design, inadequate reporting and the limitations of existing tools. All three reviews generated a large volume of work that did not yield much useful information for health care decision makers. The key areas for improvement we identified were focusing the review question and developing methods for quality assessment of studies of harmful effects.

Conclusions
Systematic reviews of harmful effects are more likely to yield information pertinent to clinical decision-making if they address a focused question. This will enable clear decisions to be made about the type of research to include in the review. The methodology for assessing the quality of harmful effects data in systematic reviews requires further development.
Effects of chemokines on proliferation and apoptosis of human mesangial cells
Authors: Wörnle Markus , Schmid Holger , Merkle Monika , Banas Bernhard 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Proliferation and apoptosis of mesangial cells (MC) are important mechanisms during nephrogenesis, for the maintenance of glomerular homeostasis as well as in renal disease and glomerular regeneration. Expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors by intrinsic renal cells, e.g. SLC/CCL21 on podocytes and CCR7 on MC is suggested to play a pivotal role during these processes. Therefore the effect of selected chemokines on MC proliferation and apoptosis was studied.

Methods
Proliferation assays, cell death assays including cell cycle analysis, hoechst stain and measurement of caspase-3 activity were performed.

Results
A dose-dependent, mesangioproliferative effect of the chemokine SLC/CCL21, which is constitutively expressed on human podocytes was seen via activation of the chemokine receptor CCR7, which is constitutively expressed on MC. In addition, in cultured MC SLC/CCL21 had a protective effect on cell survival in Fas-mediated apoptosis. The CXCR3 ligands IP-10/CXCL10 and Mig/CXCL9 revealed a proproliferative effect but did not influence apoptosis of MC. Both the CCR1 ligand RANTES/CCL5 and the amino-terminally modified RANTES analogue Met-RANTES which blocks CCR1 signalling had no effect on proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusions
The different effects of chemokines and their respective receptors on proliferation and apoptosis of MC suggest highly regulated, novel biological functions of chemokine/chemokine receptor pairs in processes involved in renal inflammation, regeneration and glomerular homeostasis.
Irinotecan plus folinic acid/continuous 5-fluorouracil as simplified bimonthly FOLFIRI regimen for first-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Teufel Andreas , Steinmann Silke , Siebler Jürgen , Zanke Christiane , Hohl Herbert , Adami Bernd , Schroeder M , Klein O , Höhler Thomas , Galle Peter R , Heike Michael , Moehler Markus 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Combination therapy of irinotecan, folinic acid (FA) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been proven to be highly effective for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, in light of safety and efficacy concerns, the best combination regimen for first-line therapy still needs to be defined. The current study reports on the bimonthly FOLFIRI protocol consisting of irinotecan with continuous FA/5-FU in five German outpatient clinics, with emphasis on the safety and efficiency, quality of life, management of delayed diarrhea, and secondary resection of regressive liver metastases.

Methods
A total of 35 patients were treated for metastatic colorectal cancer. All patients received first-line treatment according to the FOLFIRI regimen, consisting of irinotecan (180 mg/m2), L-FA (200 mg/m2) and 5-FU bolus (400 mg/m2) on day 1, followed by a 46-h continuous infusion 5-FU (2400 mg/m2). One cycle contained three fortnightly administrations. Staging was performed after 2 cycles. Dosage was reduced at any time if toxicity NCI CTC grade III/IV was observed. Chemotherapy was administered only to diarrhea-free patients.

Results
The FOLFIRI regimen was generally well tolerated. It was postponed for one-week in 51 of 415 applications (12.3%). Dose reduction was necessary in ten patients. Grade III/IV toxicity was rare, with diarrhea (14%), nausea/vomiting (12%), leucopenia (3%), neutropenia (9%) and mucositis (3%). The overall response rate was 31% (4 CR and 7 PR), with disease control in 74%. After primary chemotherapy, resection of liver metastases was achieved in three patients. In one patient, the CR was confirmed pathologically. Median progression-free and overall survival were seven and 17 months, respectively.

Conclusions
The FOLFIRI regimen proved to be safe and efficient. Outpatient treatment was well tolerated. Since downstaging was possible, combinations of irinotecan and continuous FA/5-FU should further be investigated in neoadjuvant protocols.
Identification of astrocytoma associated genes including cell surface markers
Authors: Boon Kathy , Edwards Jennifer B , Eberhart Charles G , Riggins Gregory J 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Despite intense effort the treatment options for the invasive astrocytic tumors are still limited to surgery and radiation therapy, with chemotherapy showing little or no increase in survival. The generation of Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) profiles is expected to aid in the identification of astrocytoma-associated genes and highly expressed cell surface genes as molecular therapeutic targets. SAGE tag counts can be easily added to public expression databases and quickly disseminated to research efforts worldwide.

Methods
We generated and analyzed the SAGE transcription profiles of 25 primary grade II, III and IV astrocytomas [1]. These profiles were produced as part of the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project's SAGE Genie [2], and were used in an in silico search for candidate therapeutic targets by comparing astrocytoma to normal brain transcription. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used for the validation of selected candidate target genes in 2 independent sets of primary tumors.

Results
A restricted set of tumor-associated genes was identified for each grade that included genes not previously associated with astrocytomas (e.g. VCAM1, SMOC1, and thymidylate synthetase), with a high percentage of cell surface genes. Two genes with available antibodies, Aquaporin 1 and Topoisomerase 2A, showed protein expression consistent with transcript level predictions.

Conclusions
This survey of transcription in malignant and normal brain tissues reveals a small subset of human genes that are activated in malignant astrocytomas. In addition to providing insights into pathway biology, we have revealed and quantified expression for a significant portion of cell surface and extra-cellular astrocytoma genes.
Smoking cigarettes of low nicotine yield does not reduce nicotine intake as expected: a study of nicotine dependency in Japanese males
Authors: Nakazawa Atsuko , Shigeta Masako , Ozasa Kotaro 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Many Japanese believe that low-yield cigarettes are less hazardous than regular cigarettes, and many smokers consume low-yield cigarettes to reduce their risks from smoking. We evaluate the association between actual nicotine intake and brand nicotine yield, and the influence of nicotine dependence on this association.

Methods
The study subjects included 458 Japanese male smokers, aged 51.2 ± 9.9 years, who participated in health check-ups in a hospital in 1998 and 2000. Each subject filled out a self-administered smoking questionnaire and the score of each on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was calculated. Urinary cotinine concentration was measured at the time of participation.

Results
The geometric mean of urinary cotinine concentration was 535 ng/mgCr for those who smoked brands with the lowest nicotine (0.1 mg on the package), compared with 1010 ng/mgCr for those who smoked brands with the highest (0.9–2.4 mg, weighted mean of 1.1 mg). Thus, despite the 11-fold ratio of nicotine yield on the packages, the ratio of urinary cotinine level was less than twofold. Both nicotine yield on the package and nicotine dependence significantly increased urinary cotinine concentration, and the negative interaction between them almost attained statistical significance. Cotinine concentration in heavily dependent smokers was consistently high regardless of the nicotine yield of brands.

Conclusions
The nicotine yield of cigarettes measured by machine-smoking does not reliably predict the exposure of smokers. Smokers consuming low-yield nicotine cigarettes did not reduce actual intake of nicotine to the level that might be expected, especially for those heavily dependent on nicotine. Current labeling practices are misleading for the two-third of smokers who are moderately or highly dependent on nicotine.
Estimating the Calorific Values of Lignocellulosic Fuels
Authors: Demirbaş Ayhan , Demirbaş A. Hilal 
Published: July 2004

Ultimate analysis based mathematical models are the most reported with Dulong's equation being among the first available to calculate the calorific value of coal or biomass. The higher heating value (HHV) at constant pressure measures the enthalpy change of combustion with water condensed. The HHVs (MJ/kg) of the lignocellulosic fuels as a function of carbon (C) or carbon + hydrogen (C + H) contents (wt%) were calculated using the following equations: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] for Equations (1 and 2) which in square of the correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.9734 and 0.9814, respectively. There is a highly significant correlation between the HHV of the lignocellulosic fuels and their carbon or (carbon + hydrogen) contents.
Sensorless IPMSM Drive with EKF Estimation of Speed and Rotor Position
Authors: Kosaka Manabu , Uda Hiroshi 
Published: July 2004

In this paper, a new sensorless Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) drive method with Extended Kalman Filtering (EKF) estimation of speed and rotor position is proposed. This method is on the basis of the sensorless Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (SPMSM) drive [1] that can be applied to motors with no salient pole and is developed so as to be able to be applied to motors with salient pole such as IPMSM. Noise and vibration in mechanical plant becomes larger if rotor position estimation error occurs. Furthermore, the rotor position estimation error causes noise and vibration. The feature of the method is that rotor position estimation error does not occur even if motor current or motor voltage change. Therefore, the method can be applied with arbitrary motor voltage waveform and, consequently, the method is suitable for sensorless IPMSM drive. Numerical simulations are illustrated to verify the effect of the method.
IT Outsourcing Strategies: Universalistic, Contingency, and Configurational Explanations of Success
Authors: Lee Jae-Nam , Miranda Shaila M. , Kim Yong-Mi 
Published: July 2004

Focus on individual outsourcing decisions in IT research has often yielded contradictory findings and recommendations. To address these contradictions, we investigate a holistic, configurational approach with the prevailing universalistic or contingency perspectives in exploring the effects of IT outsourcing strategies on outsourcing success. Based on residual rights theory, we begin by identifying three dimensions of IT outsourcing strategies: degree of integration, allocation of control, and performance period. We then develop a model of fit-as-gestalt, drawing from literatures on strategy, governance, interorganizational relationships, and outsourcing. Next, based on data from 311 firms in South Korea, we test universalistic and contingency perspectives in explaining the relationship between IT outsourcing strategies and outsourcing success. We then identify three congruent patterns, or gestalts, of IT outsourcing strategies. We term these strategies independent, arm's-length, and embedded strategies. To establish the predictive validity of these gestalts and the viability of a configurational perspective, we then explore the effects of these congruent gestalts vis-à-vis noncongruent patterns on three dimensions of outsourcing success: strategic competence, cost efficiency, and technology catalysis. We also contrast the effects of each of the three gestalts on each of the three dimensions of outsourcing success. Our findings indicate the superiority of the configurational approach over universalistic and contingency perspectives in explaining outsourcing success.
An Empirical Analysis of Network Externalities in Peer-to-Peer Music-Sharing Networks
Authors: Asvanund Atip , Clay Karen , Krishnan Ramayya , Smith Michael D. 
Published: July 2004

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks are an important medium for the distribution of information goods. However, there is little empirical research into the optimal design of these networks under real-world conditions. Early speculation about the behavior of P2P networks has focused on the role that positive network externalities play in improving performance as the network grows. However, negative network externalities also arise in P2P networks because of the consumption of scarce network resources or an increased propensity of users to free ride in larger networks, and the impact of these negative network externalities—while potentially important—has received far less attention. Our research addresses this gap in understanding by measuring the impact of both positive and negative network externalities on the optimal size of P2P networks. Our research uses a unique dataset collected from the six most popular OpenNap P2P networks between December 19, 2000, and April 22, 2001. We find that users contribute additional value to the network at a decreasing rate and impose costs on the network at an increasing rate, while the network increases in size. Our results also suggest that users are less likely to contribute resources to the network as the network size increases. Together, these results suggest that the optimal size of these centralized P2P networks is bounded—At some point the costs that a marginal user imposes on the network will exceed the value they provide to the network. This finding is in contrast to early predictions that larger P2P networks would always provide more value to users than smaller networks. Finally, these results also highlight the importance of considering user incentives—an important determinant of resource sharing in P2P networks—in network design.
Real Options and IT Platform Adoption: Implications for Theory and Practice
Authors: Fichman Robert G. 
Published: July 2004

The decision processes surrounding investments in innovative information technology (IT) platforms are complicated by uncertainty about expected payoffs and irreversibilities in the costs of implementation. When uncertainty and irreversibility are high, concepts from real options should be used to properly structure the evaluation and management of investment opportunities, and thereby capture the value of managerial flexibility. However, while innovation researchers have posited that option value can influence the motivations of early adopters, and options researchers have identified emerging IT as a promising area for application of options valuation techniques, there has yet to be a systematic theoretical integration of work on IT innovation and real options. This paper seeks to fill this gap by developing a model of the determinants of option value associated with investments in innovative IT platforms. In so doing, the model addresses a central question in the innovation field: When should a firm take a lead role in innovation with emerging technologies? The analysis begins with an explanation of real options analysis and how it differs from conventional approaches for evaluating new technologies. Then a set of 12 factors—drawn from 4 complementary perspectives on organizational innovation (technology strategy, organizational learning, innovation bandwagons, and technology adaptation)—is synthesized into a model of the option value of IT platform investments. Rationales are provided to explain the direct effects of these factors on option value, and selected interactions among the factors are also considered. Finally, the implications of the model are presented in three areas: predicting IT platform initiation and adoption, valuing IT platform options, and managing IT platform implementation.
Unreliability of International Normalized Ratio for Monitoring Warfarin Therapy in Patients with Lupus Anticoagulant
Authors: Rosborough Terry K. , Shepherd Michele F. 
Published: July 2004

Study Objective. To compare the international normalized ratios (INRs) of patients positive for lupus anticoagulant and the INRs of control patients receiving warfarin therapy with equivalent therapeutic chromogenic factor X levels.Design. Prospective case series.Setting. A 625‐bed, adult, private, tertiary care teaching hospital.Patients. Sixty‐eight outpatients positive for lupus anticoagulant and 57 control patients receiving long‐term warfarin therapy.Measurements and Main Results. Concomitant INR and chromogenic factor X activity were measured in all patients. In 44 control patients (77%) and 46 patients with lupus anticoagulant (68%), chromogenic factor X activity was 22–40% of normal, which is therapeutic. Of the 44 control patients, 4 (9%) had an INR above 3.0, and none had an INR above 4.0. In contrast, 18 (39%) of the 46 patients with lupus anticoagulant had an INR above 3.0, and 5 (11%) had an INR above 4.0.Conclusion. At least 10% of patients with lupus anticoagulant receiving long‐term warfarin therapy may have falsely high INR values, which could lead to inappropriate warfarin dosage reduction. Monitoring warfarin therapy by chromogenic factor X activity in patients with lupus anticoagulant avoids this INR artifact.
Adverse Effects of Atypical Antipsychotic Agents and Their Effects on Quality of Life
Authors: Dubisar Beth M. , Stoner Steven C. , Reynolds James , Khan Rintu , Ramlatchman Leonard 
Published: July 2004

Study Objectives. To determine how axis III metabolic disturbances associated with atypical antipsychotic agents (weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia) affect patients' quality of life by comparing perceived quality of life of patients taking these agents who developed the disorders with those who did not develop them. A secondary objective was to compare patients' assessments of their quality of life with assessments made of the same patients by their treating psychiatrists.Design. Analysis of questionnaire results.Patients. Thirty three patients hospitalized at a Missouri Department of Mental Health long‐term care psychiatric facility after January 1, 1990.Measurements and Main Results. Participating patients independently completed the “long” form of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. The psychiatrists who treated these patients completed the Physical Health‐Activities section of the same questionnaire, based on their assessments of their patients' quality of life. Fifteen patients had a diagnosed axis III metabolic disturbance. For the group with these comorbid illnesses, the mean score on overall life satisfaction and contentment was 3.6 (fair to good). The corresponding value for the group without these comorbid diseases was 4.538 (good to very good). Psychiatrists' assessments of their patients' quality of life were less positive than the patients' own assessments, regardless of the existence of comorbid disease.Conclusion. Patients receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs had a perceived high quality of life and were satisfied with a variety of aspects of their lives. However, metabolic disturbances had a significant, detrimental effect on patients' perceived quality of life.
Conventional Electron Microscopy and Electron Holography of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Simon P. , Maennig B. , Lichte H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractOrganic solar cells are a promising route towards large‐area and low‐price photovoltaic systems. The devices are composed of at least two layers: the hole‐transport layer and the electron‐transport layer. The light absorption can occur in one or both layers. At the interface of the layers the excitons are separated into charge carriers, and every layer deals with one type of carrier. Higher efficiencies of the separation process can be obtained by using a mixed layer containing both materials to obtain a very high interface area. Although the structure of the mixed layers used plays a crucial role for the device performance, until now the morphologies have not been elucidated. In order to correlate physical and optical findings with structure and morphology for the materials in question, electron microscopy experiments were performed on the single components as well as on the layer systems.The conventional electron microscope is a poor phase microscope. As consequence, weak‐phase objects like organic molecules have to be stained or imaged under strong defocus to produce an observable contrast. Artifacts caused by chemical staining and the appearance of Fresnel diffraction using the defocus technique represent the main problems of conventional microscopy. These artifacts can be avoided using electron holography. Holograms of ultrathin sections of thin layers composed of organic dye molecules were recorded. Subsequently, the phase images were reconstructed. In this manner, we succeeded in obtaining high‐contrast electron micrographs without applying staining or defocus. In addition, holograms of crystalline C60 and zinc phthalocyanine were successfully recorded. Holography has been shown to be a useful tool to image beam‐sensitive and weak‐phase objects without artifacts.
The Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on Self‐Assembled Polyaniline Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang L. , Long Y. , Chen Z. , Wan M. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractPolyaniline (PANI) nanotubes with an outer diameter of 165–240 nm and an inner diameter of 10–70 nm were prepared by a self‐assembly process in the presence of six different carboxylic acids—propionic acid (PA), lactic acid (LA), succinic acid (SA), malic acid (MA), tartaric acid (TA), and citric acid (CA)—as the dopants. These nanotubes aggregated to form nanotube dendrites when the carboxylic acids contain an OH group. Moreover, the number of OH and COOH groups of the carboxylic acids affected the size, aggregated dendrite morphology, and thermal and electrical properties of the nanotubes. It was proposed that the micelle formed by the carboxylic acids acts as a template in the formation of the nanotubes, while the hydrogen bonds between the polymer chain of PANI and the OH group of the carboxylic acids supply a driving force to form the aggregated nanotube dendrites.