bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP17genetic polymorphism, breast cancer, and breast cancer risk factors: Australian Breast Cancer Family Study
Authors: Chang Jiun-Horng , Gertig Dorota M , Chen Xiaoqing , Dite Gillian S , Jenkins Mark A , Milne Roger L , Southey Melissa C , McCredie Margaret RE , Giles Graham G , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Hopper John L , Spurdle Amanda B 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Because CYP17 can influence the degree of exposure of breast tissues to oestrogen, the interaction between polymorphisms in this gene and hormonal risk factors is of particular interest. We attempted to replicate the findings of studies assessing such interactions with the -34T→C polymorphism.

Methods
Risk factor and CYP17 genotyping data were derived from a large Australian population-based case-control-family study of 1,284 breast cancer cases and 679 controls. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression analyses.

Results
We found no associations between the CYP17 genotype and breast cancer overall. Premenopausal controls with A2/A2 genotype had a later age at menarche (P < 0.01). The only associations near statistical significance were that postmenopausal women with A1/A1 (wild-type) genotype had an increased risk of breast cancer if they had ever used hormone replacement therapy (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.7; P = 0.05) and if they had menopause after age 47 years (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.0; P = 0.06). We found no associations in common with any other studies, and no evidence for interactions.

Conclusion
We observed no evidence of effect modification of reproductive risk factors by CYP17 genotype, although the experiment did not have sufficient statistical power to detect small main effects and modest effects in subgroups. Associations found only in subgroup analyses based on relatively small numbers require cautious interpretation without confirmation by other studies. This emphasizes the need for replication in multiple and large population-based studies to provide convincing evidence for gene–environment interactions.
AIDS-Related Burkitt's Lymphoma Versus Diffuse Large-Cell Lymphoma in the Pre–Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and HAART Eras: Significant Differences in Survival With Standard Chemotherapy
Authors: Lim Soon Thye , Karim Roksana , Nathwani Bharat N. , Tulpule Anil , Espina Byron , Levine Alexandra M. 
Published: May 2005

Purpose To compare outcomes of patients with HIV-Burkitt's lymphoma (HIV-BL) and HIV-diffuse large-cell lymphoma (HIV-DLCL) after treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) or M-BACOD (methotrexate, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide) in pre–highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) versus HAART eras. Patients and Methods Three hundred sixty-three patients with AIDS-related lymphoma diagnosed from 1982 to 2003 were reviewed retrospectively, including 262 in the pre-HAART (HIV-BL, 117; HIV-DLCL, 145) and 101 in the HAART era (HIV-BL, 18; HIV-DLCL, 83). Pre-HAART included those who did not receive HAART, and HAART era included those diagnosed after January 1997 who received HAART. Results There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, history of injection drug use, prior AIDS, lactate dehydrogenase level, and disease stage at diagnosis. Compared with HIV-BL, HIV-DLCL was associated with significantly lower CD4 counts in the pre-HAART but not the HAART era. Although the overall median survival was similar for both groups in the pre-HAART era (HIV-BL, 6.4 months v HIV-DLCL, 8.3 months; P = .43), survival was significantly worse in patients with HIV-BL in the HAART era (HIV-BL, 5.7 months v HIV-DLCL, 43.2 months; P = .0003). Failure to attain complete remission and CD4 count less than 100 cells/mm3 independently predicted for poor survival in the pre-HAART era. In comparison, histology of HIV-BL and no attainment of complete remission were independent poor prognostic factors in the HAART era. Conclusion Survival of patients with HIV-DLCL has improved in the HAART era, along with CD4 count, whereas survival of similarly treated patients with HIV-BL remained poor. The current practice of using the same regimen for both groups of patients should be re-evaluated.
Phase II Study of Low-Dose Decitabine in Patients With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Resistant to Imatinib Mesylate
Authors: Issa Jean-Pierre J. , Gharibyan Vazganush , Cortes Jorge , Jelinek Jaroslav , Morris Gail , Verstovsek Srdan , Talpaz Moshe , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Kantarjian Hagop M. 
Published: May 2005

Purpose To determine the activity of decitabine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, in imatinib-refractory or intolerant chronic myelogenous leukemia. Materials and Methods Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this phase II study (12 in chronic phase, 17 in accelerated phase, and six in blastic phase). Decitabine was administered at 15 mg/m2 intravenously over 1 hour daily, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. DNA methylation was measured using a LINE1 bisulfite/pyrosequencing assay. Results Complete hematologic responses were seen in 12 patients (34%) and partial hematologic responses in seven patients (20%), for an overall hematologic response rate of 54% (83% in chronic phase, 41% in accelerated phase, and 34% in blastic phase). Major cytogenetic responses were observed in six patients (17%), and minor cytogenetic responses were seen in 10 patients (29%) for an overall cytogenetic response rate of 46%. Median response duration was 3.5 months (range, 2 to 13+ months). Myelosuppression was the major adverse effect, with neutropenic fever in 28 (23%) of 124 courses of therapy. LINE1 methylation decreased from 71.3% ± 1.4% (mean ± standard error of the mean) to 60.7% ± 1.4% after 1 week, 50.9% ± 2.4% after 2 weeks, and returned to 66.5% ± 2.7% at recovery of counts (median, 46 days). LINE1 methylation at the end of week 1 did not correlate with subsequent responses. However, at day 12, the absolute decrease in methylation was 14.5% ± 3.0% versus 26.8% ± 2.7% in responders versus nonresponders (P = .007). Conclusion Decitabine induces hypomethylation and has clinical activity in imatinib refractory chronic myelogenous leukemia. We hypothesize that the inverse correlation between hypomethylation 2 weeks after therapy and response is due to a cell death mechanism of response, whereby resistant cells can withstand more hypomethylation.
Establishing a practical blood platelet threshold to avoid reporting spurious potassium results due to thrombocytosis
Authors: Thurlow V , Ozevlat H , Jones SA , Bailey IR 
Published: May 2005

Background: Thrombocytosis is one of several pre-analytical factors which contribute to spuriously high serum potassium concentrations, yet there is little published data to guide analysts in the selection of a specific platelet count threshold above which serum potassium results become unreliable. We have studied the sensitivity and specificity of blood platelet count as a predictor of false elevations in potassium. Methods: Paired serum and plasma potassium measurements together with full blood count were performed for 300 patients. All samples were stored at room temperature and analysed within 4 h of collection. The difference between serum and plasma potassium was plotted against blood platelet count. Results: When the difference (serum-plasma) in potassium concentration was plotted against platelet count, there was a direct linear relationship. Blood platelet counts of >500 x 109/L will detect elevations in serum relative to plasma potassium of >0.5 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 89%. Conclusion: It is recommended that where blood platelet count is above 500 x 109/L, potassium measurements should be repeated using lithium heparin plasma. When serum potassium results of >5.4 mmol/L are obtained, it is our policy to check the platelet count if a sample is available before reporting results. If available and above 500 x 109/L, potassium results are withheld and plasma requested.
An innovative Australian point-of-care model for urine albumin: creatinine ratio testing that supports diabetes management in indigenous medical services and has international application
Authors: Shephard MDS , Gill JP 
Published: May 2005

Background: Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure in Australia's indigenous people. The measurement of urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) as a marker for early renal disease is an important component of the management of indigenous patients with diabetes. Methods: An innovative national program (Quality Assurance for Aboriginal Medical Services [QAAMS]) for point-of-care (POC) urine ACR testing on the DCA 2000 analyser (Bayer Diagnostics) was established to monitor microalbuminuria in indigenous people with diabetes in 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services across Australia. Aboriginal health workers perform the ACR test. The QAAMS model provides ongoing education and training, an annual workshop, monthly quality assurance testing and a telephone help hotline. Quality assurance testing is conducted using paired, linearly related samples with a wide range of ACR concentrations (1-25 mg/mmol). Results: The average participation rate across four six-monthly QAAMS ACR testing cycles was 83%. In all, 94% of 1163 quality assurance tests performed were within the preset limits of acceptability. The median precision (coefficient of variation percent for ACR quality assurance testing averaged 5.4%, well within desirable performance specifications. Between-site accuracy was excellent. Conclusion: This unique POC model for supporting diabetes management is the first of its type to be developed for indigenous communities and has considerable potential to be adopted worldwide.
A simple method for the analysis of urinary sucralose for use in tests of intestinal permeability
Authors: Anderson A D G , Poon P , Greenway G M , MacFie J 
Published: May 2005

Background: Sucralose is a unique disaccharide probe which is stable in the colon and can be used to assess permeability over the whole gut. Additional information can be gained when sucralose is administered in combination with lactulose and a monosaccharide such as L-rhamnose in the form of a 'triple sugar test.' We describe a simple assay for urinary sucralose by HPLC with refractive index detection (HPLC-RI). Methods: Phenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (internal standard) was added to 10 mL of urine, which was then passed through a 0.45 μm syringe filter. Elution was with 30% methanol (1 mL/min) on a reverse-phase C18 column. Detection was by refractive index, and integration based upon peak areas. Sixty standards of sucralose in human urine were analysed in order to quantify analytical variation. Results: The standard curve for urinary sucralose was linear from 25 to 500 mg/L ( r>0.99). The limit of detection was 11 mg/L. Analytical recovery of sucralose at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/L was 101.5% (CV 7.59%), 102.9% (CV 5.82%) and 105.0% (CV 4.26%), respectively Conclusions: The technique described represents a simple assay for urinary sucralose which performed with acceptable accuracy and precision and should facilitate the use of the triple sugar test in clinical research.
A Dynamic Changepoint Model for New Product Sales Forecasting
Authors: Fader Peter S. , Hardie Bruce G. S. , Huang Chun-Yao 
Published: May 2005

At the heart of a new product sales-forecasting model for consumer packaged goods is a multiple-event timing process. Even after controlling for the effects of time-varying marketing mix covariates, this timing process is not a stationary one, which means the standard interpurchase time models developed within the marketing literature are not suitable for new products.In this paper, we develop a dynamic changepoint model that captures the underlying evolution of the buying behavior associated with the new product. This extends the basic changepoint framework, as used by a number of statisticians, by allowing the changepoint process itself to evolve over time. Additionally, this model nests a number of the standard multiple-event timing models considered in the marketing literature.In our empirical analysis, we show that the dynamic changepoint model accurately tracks (and forecasts) the total sales curve as well as its trial and repeat components and other managerial diagnostics (e.g., percent of triers repeating).
The Corporate Digital Divide: Determinants of Internet Adoption
Authors: Forman Chris 
Published: May 2005

The diffusion of Internet technology among firms is widely considered to be one of the primary factors behind the rapid economic growth of the 1990s. However, little systematic study has examined the variation in firm decisions to adopt the Internet. I explore the sources of this variation by examining Internet adoption decisions in a very large sample of organizations in the finance and services sector in 1998.I show how prior information technology (IT) investments and workplace organization decisions affect the returns to adopting simple and complex Internet technologies. I show that recent investments in client/server (C/S) networking applications have competing effects on the likelihood of Internet adoption. Such investments can slow adoption by acting as a short-run substitute or by creating “switching costs.” Geographic dispersion of employees is complementary with Internet adoption, suggesting that Internet technology lowered internal coordination costs. Increases in organization size and external pressure also increase the likelihood of adoption.
Alcohol and gene interactions
Authors: Whitfield John B. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAlcohol use produces both desirable and undesirable effects, ranging from short-term euphoria and reduction in cardiovascular risk, to violence, accidents, dependence and liver disease. Outcomes are affected by the amount of alcohol used (which is itself affected by genetic variation) and also by the drinker's genes. Genetic effects have been most clearly demonstrated for alcohol dependence, and several of the genes for which variation leads to increased dependence risk have been identified. These include genes for enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism (alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase), and genes for receptors affected by alcohol (particularly γ-aminobutyric acid receptors). Many other gene/dependence associations have been reported but not fully substantiated. Genetic effects on phenotypes other than alcohol dependence are less well understood, and need to be clarified before a full picture of gene-alcohol interactions can be achieved.
New Method to Determine the True Water Content of Organic Soils
Authors: O'Kelly BC 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The true water content of organic soils is overestimated when the standard oven drying temperature of 110 ± 5°C is used due to some oxidation of the solids, and underestimated when the recommended oven drying temperature of 60°C is used due to some residual pore water remaining in the voids. A new method is presented to identify the precise oven drying temperature for which the mass of the residual pore water exactly balances the loss in the mass of solids due to oxidation. The true water content is calculated on the basis of the specimen dry mass recorded for this oven drying temperature.
A larger error arose when the water content of the test soil (70% organic content) was determined using the specimen dry mass recorded at 60°C rather than the standard drying temperature of 110 ± 5°C. Longer drying times were also required for the dry mass to equilibrate, making it more inconvenient from a practical standpoint. Some oxidation of the organic solids occurred for oven specimen drying above 80°C. The true value of the water content corresponded to an oven drying temperature of 86°C.
Development of a New Hollow Cylinder Apparatus for Stress Path Measurements over a Wide Strain Range
Authors: O'Kelly BC , Naughton PJ 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe development and operation of a new, automated hollow cylinder apparatus that facilitates accurate stress path measurements from the pseudo elastic domain to failure strain levels are described. Innovative sample loading mechanisms of 19.3 kN axial and 103 N · m torsional capacities facilitate rapid, precise (of the order of 10−5 % strain) displacement and rotation of the sample loading piston, with negligible compliance in the mechanisms on reversing the direction of piston motion. Both internal and external instrumentation are used to record the deformational response of the test specimen to better than 10−2 % strain. Significant differences were found between the strain values measured using the internal and external instrumentation, with the external instrumentation underestimating the true stiffness of the specimen. A series of drained stress-path tests on Leighton Buzzard sand specimens showed that predefined stress paths can be followed to an accuracy of 0.5 kPa using the new apparatus.
Free Energy of Water-Suction-in Filter Papers
Authors: Bulut R , Wray WK 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In this paper, a critical evaluation of the filter paper method is presented. The paper evaluates wetting and drying filter paper suction calibration and total and matric soil suction measurement techniques using the filter paper method. Calibration of the method was investigated by evaluating the processes of wetting and drying the filter papers through vapor transfer and of wetting and drying the filter papers through fluid transfer. Recent research shows that different calibration curves result from two different experimental measurement programs (vapor transfer, no contact method and fluid transfer, contact method) for total and matric components of suction. In this study, a filter paper wetting curve was constructed using osmotic suction potentials of sodium chloride (NaCl), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) salt solutions and Schleicher & Schuell No. 589-WH filter papers. Equilibrium time and temperature were two weeks and 25°C with ±0.1°C accuracy, respectively. The adopted laboratory testing protocol shows that suction measurements as low as 50 kPa can be made reliably using the wetting calibration curve obtained in this research study. The calibration curves obtained from the processes of drying the filter papers through vapor transfer (from salt solutions) and drying and wetting the filter papers through fluid transfer (pressure plate type devices) were evaluated based on recently published literature. Although there is hysteresis between the wetting curve with salt solutions and the drying curve with pressure plates, the marked differences between the curves at very low suction levels may not be explained with hysteresis.
Particle Density of Volcanic Scoria Determined by Water Pycnometry
Authors: Tamari S , Samaniego-Martínez D , Bonola I , Bandala ER , Ordaz-Chaparro V 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Particle density is widely used in Soil Science. Several classical textbooks define this concept as the density of the soil solid-matter, whereas most standard test methods define it as the density of a soil sample crushed and passed through a sieve with a 2-mm mesh (for agronomical purposes) or 4.75 mm (for civil engineering purposes). We hypothesize that both definitions are not equivalent for volcanic scoria, because these contain small vesicles apparently isolated from the atmosphere. To test this hypothesis, an experiment was performed with basaltic scoria (known as tezontle in Mexico) with sizes ranging from 2 to 4.75 mm. These scoriae were divided into five samples that were crushed and passed through different sieves. The samples were then carefully saturated with water and their density determined by water pycnometry. Particle density was found to be 2.55 g cm−3 for the undisturbed scoria (i.e., passing a 4.75-mm sieve), 2.61 g cm−3 for slightly crushed scoria (i.e., passing a 2-mm sieve), and higher than 2.79 g cm−3 for finely crushed scoria (i.e., passing a 74-µm sieve). This study shows that the concept of particle-density must be carefully considered for soils with a high content of volcanic scoria.
Examination of Spur Marks Found on Inkjet-printed Documents
Authors: Akao Y , Kobayashi K , Seki Y 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In this paper, we propose the examination of spur mark evidence on inkjet-printed documents. Spur marks are tool marks created by the spur gears in the paper conveyance system of many inkjet printers. The relationship between printouts and printers were investigated by comparing the spur marks found on printed documents with reference spur marks sampled from known printers. The comparison was based on two characteristics of spur marks: pitch and mutual distance. These characteristics extracted the geometric features of spur marks and provided information on the type of spur gears and their location in the paper conveyance system. The spur marks on a printout matched the reference spur marks within three percent of the measured values. Spur marks were considered to be effective class characteristics to identify certain brands of inkjet printers since spur gears are used in many types of these machines.
Analysis of a Simulated Heroin Distribution Chain by HPLC
Authors: Zelkowicz A , Magora A , Ravreby MD , Levy R 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A heroin distribution chain was simulated by taking three different seizures and preparing four additional samples from each seizure by adding a paracetamol-caffeine mixture in varying amounts, resulting in three different batches each composed of five samples. All of the samples from the three batches were analyzed using HPLC with a UV-PDA detector at a wavelength of 230 nm. The area ratio of various opium alkaloids, acetylation products and components were compared. From the results of the UV area ratios, the fifteen samples could readily be separated into three batches of five samples, with each batch of five samples having a common origin.
An Elisa Method for the Identification of Salivary Amylase
Authors: Quarino L , Dang Q , Hartmann J , Moynihan N 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
An ELISA method for the detection of salivary amylase in dried stains using a monoclonal anti-human salivary amylase antibody was developed. Studies demonstrated the assay to be sensitive down to 0.0002 Sigma units and showed a linear response between absorbance and salivary amylase activity between 0.002 and 0.2 units. The assay showed no cross reactivity with either commercially purchased human pancreatic or bacterial amylase. Sample studies utilizing swabs from several human body fluids showed that 100% of all saliva containing swabs (sixteen of sixteen) and 13% of non-saliva human body fluid swabs (eight of sixty-three) showed a net absorbance with the method. Of these eight non-saliva swabs yielding a net absorbance, none exceeded a salivary amylase activity of 0.003 units. In contrast, only three of the sixteen saliva-containing swabs (swabs produced from saliva diluted 1:5, 1:6, and 1:10, respectively) showed an activity below 0.2 units. Of these swabs, the 1:100 dilution showed the lowest activity (0.048). This value is still more than ten times that of the non-saliva containing swab with the highest activity.