bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability and Sample Size Requirements of Quality-of-Life Measures: A Randomized Study of Three Major Questionnaires
Authors: Cheung Yin-Bun , Goh Cynthia , Thumboo Julian , Khoo Kei-Siong , Wee Joseph 
Published: July 2005

PurposeTo compare the variability and sample size requirements of the global quality-of-life (QOL) scores of the following three major QOL instruments: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G), Functional Living Index–Cancer (FLIC), and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30).Patients and MethodsCancer patients were randomly assigned to answer two of the three instruments using an incomplete block design (n = 1,268). The instruments were compared in terms of coefficient of variation, effect size in detecting a difference between patients with different performance status, and correlation coefficient between scores at baseline and follow-up.ResultsThe FACT-G and FLIC had significantly smaller coefficients of variation than the EORTC QLQ-C30 (both P < .05). The FLIC also had significantly larger correlation coefficients between scores at baseline and follow-up than the EORTC QLQ-C30 (P < .05). The FACT-G and the FLIC had a larger effect size in a cross-sectional and longitudinal setting, respectively, than the EORTC QLQ-C30 in differentiating patients with different performance status (both P < .05).ConclusionIn some aspects, the FACT-G and FLIC global QOL scores had smaller variability and larger discriminative ability than the EORTC QLQ-C30. Further research using other criteria to compare the three instruments is recommended.
IncreasedHER2Gene Copy Number Is Associated With Response to Gefitinib Therapy in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Cappuzzo Federico , Varella-Garcia Marileila , Shigematsu Hisayuki , Domenichini Irene , Bartolini Stefania , Ceresoli Giovanni L. , Rossi Elisa , Ludovini Vienna , Gregorc Vanesa , Toschi Luca , Franklin Wilbur A. , Crino Lucio , Gazdar Adi F. , Bunn Paul A. , Hirsch Fred R. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeIn non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is significantly associated with the presence of increased copy number and/or activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR). Preclinical data indicate that HER2, a member of the EGFR family, could enhance TKI sensitivity.Patients and MethodsHER2 gene copy numbers per cell were evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in 102 NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib, and previously evaluated for EGFR status by FISH, immunohistochemistry, and presence of mutations.ResultsPatients with HER2 high copy number (high polysomy and gene amplification [HER2 FISH positive]) represented 22.8% of patients, and compared with patients with no or low gain (HER2 FISH negative), had significantly better objective response (OR, 34.8% v 6.4%; P = .001), disease control rate (DCR, 56.5% v 33.3%; P = .04), time to progression (TTP, 9.05 v 2.7 months; P = .02), and a trend toward longer overall survival (OS, 20.8 v 8.4 months; P = .056). HER2 protein expression investigated by immunohistochemistry was positive in only five of 72 (7%) patients analyzed and all 89 patients tested by DNA sequencing were negative for mutations in HER2 exon 20. Patients with HER2 FISH-positive tumors displaying increased expression of EGFR protein, gene gain, or mutations (EGFR positive) had a significantly better OR, DCR, TTP, and OS than patients negative for both receptors.ConclusionIncreased copy number of the HER2 gene is associated with gefitinib sensitivity in EGFR-positive patients, supporting use of HER2 FISH analysis for selection of patients for TKI therapy.
Assessing the Benefit of Radiation Therapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma-In-Situ
Authors: Hayman James A. , Kabeto Mohammed U. , Schipper Matthew J. , Bennett Jonathan E. , Vicini Frank A. , Pierce Lori J. 
Published: July 2005

Purpose To assess women's preferences regarding the trade-off between the risks and benefits of treatment with radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS). Patients and Methods Utilities were obtained from 120 patients and 210 nonpatients for eight relevant health states using standard gambles. Results Differences in utilities obtained from patient and nonpatient participants between health states were relatively similar. Reduction in the likelihood of local recurrence associated with RT did not result in higher utilities. Utilities for noninvasive recurrence were only lower after initial treatment with RT. Patient and nonpatient participants had the lowest utilities for invasive local recurrence, regardless of initial treatment or manner of salvage therapy. When comparing patient and nonpatient utilities directly, patients had higher utility for being without recurrence after initial RT and lower utility for invasive recurrence salvaged by mastectomy after initial BCS alone. None of the clinical or sociodemographic factors examined explained more than 5% of the variability in the patients' or nonpatients' utilities or their differences. Conclusion The principal benefit associated with adding RT to BCS for DCIS seems to be its ability to reduce invasive recurrences.
Rapid Switching Between Transdermal Fentanyl and Methadone in Cancer Patients
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Ferrera Patrizia , Villari Patrizia , Casuccio Alessandra 
Published: July 2005

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the clinical effects of switching from transdermal (TTS) fentanyl to methadone, or vice versa, in patients with a poor response to the previous opioid. Patients and Methods A prospective study was carried out on 31 patients who switched from TTS fentanyl to oral methadone, or vice versa, because of poor opioid response. A fixed conversion ratio of fentanyl to methadone of 1:20 was started and assisted by rescue doses of opioids, and then doses were changed according to clinical response. Pain and symptom intensity, expressed as distress score, were recorded before switching doses of the two opioids and after subsequent doses. The number of changes of the daily doses, time to achieve stabilization, and hospital stay were also recorded. Results Eighteen patients were switched from TTS fentanyl to methadone, and seven patients were switched from methadone to TTS fentanyl. A significant decrease in pain and symptom intensity, expressed as symptom distress score, was found within 24 hours after switching took place in both directions. Unsuccessful switching occurred in six patients, who were subsequently treated with an alternative therapy. Conclusion A rapid switching using an initial fixed ratio of fentanyl to methadone of 1:20 is an effective method to improve the balance between analgesia and adverse effects in cancer patients with poor response to the previous opioid. No relationship between the final opioid dose and the dose of the previous opioid has been found.
Increasing Minority Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials: The Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program Experience
Authors: McCaskill-Stevens Worta , McKinney Martha M. , Whitman Cynthia G. , Minasian Lori M. 
Published: July 2005

Purpose The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program (MBCCOP) seeks to enhance minority participation in cancer clinical trials by building clinical trials outreach and management capacity in healthcare institutions serving large numbers of minority cancer patients. This article examines temporal trends in MBCCOP accruals to cancer prevention and control (CP/C) and cancer treatment trials and the racial distribution of study participants, along with the major factors affecting minority enrollment. Methods We used NCI databases to analyze temporal trends in overall accruals and accruals by race. We analyzed transcripts from an NCI-sponsored meeting with MBCCOP principal investigators and data from a follow-up survey to identify factors affecting minority enrollment. Results Between 1992 and 2003, annual patient accruals to treatment trials increased 39% despite little change in the number of MBCCOP grantees. During this same period, annual participant accruals to CP/C trials more than doubled. Between 1995 and 2003, minorities comprised 51% to 67% of the MBCCOP patients accrued to cooperative group treatment trials compared with ≤ 23% of the patients accrued by other cooperative group members and affiliates. Major factors affecting minority enrollment include the availability of “clinically relevant” protocols, regulatory requirements, characteristics of the patient population, and the level of support from sponsoring institutions and community physicians. Conclusion MBCCOPs have demonstrated their ability to facilitate the participation of racial/ethnic minorities in clinical trials. However, the contributions that they could make to the design and conduct of minority-focused research studies merit further exploration.
Teaching Students about Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination: An Interview with Susan Fiske
Authors: Hackney Amy 
Published: July 2005

Susan T. Fiske is professor of psychology, Princeton University (PhD, Harvard University; honorary doctorate, Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium). She wrote Social Cognition (with Taylor) on how people make sense of each other. Currently, she investigates emotional prejudices (pity, contempt, envy, and pride) at cultural, interpersonal, and neural levels. She won the American Psychological Association's Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest for antidiscrimination testimony and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues' Allport Intergroup Relations Award for ambivalent sexism theory (with Glick). She edits the Annual Review of Psychology (with Schacter and Kazdin) and the Handbook of Social Psychology (with Gilbert and Lindzey). She just finished Social Beings: A Core Motives Approach to Social Psychology and a year as President of the American Psychological Society. Amy Hackney received her BA in psychology from Indiana University and her MS and PhD in social psychology from Saint Louis University. She began her career as an assistant professor of psychology at Georgia Southern University in the Fall of 2003. She teaches courses in social psychology, psychology and law, psychology of gender, and research methods. She conducts research on racial and gender stereotypes and prejudice. She is particularly interested in how stereotypes and prejudice affect jury decision making and how minority members experience and cope with prejudice.
The willingness to donate blood: an empirical analysis of socio-demographic and motivation-related determinants
Authors: Tscheulin Dieter K , Lindenmeier Jörg 
Published: July 2005

Since the willingness to donate blood is not very high among large parts of the population, a better understanding of the determinants for the willingness to donate blood is of significant importance. This article is intended to contribute to higher uniformity of results in the context of research on blood donation behaviour. Exploratory factor analysis and non-parametric tests are used to accomplish this. Potentially important socio-demographic and motivation-related variables particularly affecting the willingness to donate blood are examined. As an addition to the existing literature, the influence of the individual importance of structural characteristics of blood donation facilities, such as the standard of the facility's medical equipment or the training of the facility's staff, will be tested for its effects on the willingness to donate blood. The analysis will also include the influence of direct or indirect personal involvement on the part of the respondent. The results of the study indicate that typical blood donors are young women or men who are studying or possess a higher level of education. Furthermore, potential blood donors can easily be attracted by pecuniary incentives and word of mouth. Unlike non-donors, potential blood donors are not idle, have no fear of infections due to the donation and want reasonable opening hours of blood donation facilities.
Microscopic Investigations of the Material Eroded by a High Voltage Spark Discharge
Authors: Helmer Deborah J. C. , Walters J. P. 
Published: July 2005

The material eroded by a high voltage spark discharge in a point-to-plane configuration was investigated. Glass microscope slides were used to collect material close to the spark discharge and material which had traveled away from the spark. The effluent was also directed into a microwave discharge, and material from the spark which had traveled through this discharge was collected and inspected. The collected material was visually inspected with a light microscope and with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Using these microscopes, it was found that the material collected near the spark discharge consisted mainly of very small particles, although some larger droplets were also observed. As the material was collected farther from the spark, larger particles were observed. These were apparently aggregations of the smaller particles observed close to the spark. When these large particles passed through the microwave plasma, some were melted.
Physical Activity and Weight Loss Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Huang Zihao , Zhuang Xiaodong , Huang Rihua , Liu Menghui , Xu Xinghao , Fan Ziyan , Dai Rongling , Li Hansheng , Xiong Zhenyu , Guo Yue , Liang Qi , Liao Xinxue 
Published: February 2024

ImportancePrior findings from the Look AHEAD trial showed no significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events by lifestyle-induced weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity. However, physical activity (PA) may modify the changes in cardiovascular risk associated with weight loss.ObjectiveTo examine the joint association of weight loss and PA with the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with T2D and overweight or obesity.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study was a post hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD randomized clinical trial, which compared the cardiovascular effects of weight loss by intensive lifestyle intervention vs diabetes support and education among individuals with T2D and overweight or obesity. The study was conducted from June 2001 to September 2012, and participants were patients in the substudy of accelerometry-measured PA from 8 locations in the United States. Data were analyzed from June to August 2023.ExposuresBody weight change and accelerometer-derived PA volume across the first 4 years.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was a composite cardiovascular outcome including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for angina.ResultsAmong a total of 1229 participants (mean [SD] age, 60 [7] years; 533 male [43%]), 333 (27%) achieved and maintained weight loss for the first 4 years. Among the individuals who maintained weight loss, 105 (32%) maintained high PA volume. During a median of 9.5 years of follow-up, 198 participants (16.1%) experienced the primary outcome. Compared with those with low PA volume and no weight loss (105 [15.8%]), maintaining high PA volume and weight loss was associated with a 61% lower risk of the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81; P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of the primary end point among those with either weight loss only or high PA only. The multiplicative interaction between weight loss and PA for the risk of cardiovascular events was also significant (P for interaction = .01).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, maintaining weight loss and higher PA volume was associated with a lower risk of the composite cardiovascular outcome. The findings suggest that the cardiovascular benefits of PA may vary and be enhanced by weight loss among individuals with T2D and overweight or obesity.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence of Patients With Arthritis and Severe Joint Pain and Who Received Provider Counseling About Physical Activity for Arthritis Among Adults Aged 18 Years or Older—United States, 2019
Authors: Wise Akilah , Boring Michael A. , Odom Erica L. , Foster Anika L. , Guglielmo Dana , Master Hiral , Croft Janet B. 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study examined the racial and ethnic differences in individuals with self‐reported and doctor‐diagnosed arthritis, severe joint pain, and provider counseling for physical activity among US adults with arthritis.MethodsWe estimated prevalence by race and ethnicity among 31,997 adults aged ≥18 years in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. We used multiple logistic regression models to investigate associations between outcomes and race and ethnicity.ResultsCompared with non‐Hispanic White adults (22.9%), we found a significantly higher age‐adjusted prevalence of arthritis among American Indian/Alaska Native adults (30.3%). Among adults with arthritis, higher age‐adjusted prevalence of severe joint pain among American Indian/Alaska Native (39.1%), non‐Hispanic Black (36.4%), and Hispanic adults (35.7% vs 22.5% [White]) and higher provider counseling for physical activity among non‐Hispanic Black adults (58.9% vs 52.1% [White]) were observed and could not be fully explained by differences in socioeconomic factors, body mass index, depression history, and comorbid conditions. Additional models also containing inability to pay medical bills and food insecurity did not explain racial and ethnic differences.ConclusionOur findings highlight a need for multilevel interventions to mitigate social and environmental barriers to physical activity and eliminate disparities in individuals with arthritis and severe joint pain.
Er‐Doped MgAl2O4 Nanofilms Enabling Highly Efficient Near‐Infrared Electroluminescence from the Silicon‐Based MOS Devices Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Yu Zhimin , Guo Xinliang , Yan Zengxin , Yang Yang , Sun Jiaming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEr3+‐doped polycrystalline MgAl2O4 (MAO:Er) spinel nanofilms are deposited via atomic layer deposition, and the metal‐oxide–semiconductor light emitting devices are fabricated. The crystallinity and morphology of the MAO:Er nanofilms are explored by modifying the annealing temperatures, Al2O3/MgO ratios and Er2O3 dopant cycles. The similar electroluminescence (EL) emissions peaking at 1530 nm indicates the identical crystal field environment for the doped Er3+ ions. The concentration quenching is verified to occurs via the energy transfer among the neighboring Er3+ ions. The optimal device (800 °C‐annealed, Al2O3/MgO ratio close to stoichiometry, Er3+: 1.85 mol%) yields the highest external quantum efficiency of 28%, the power efficiency of 0.32% and the optical power density of 14.62 mW cm−2. The smooth MAO:Er spinel nanofilms with the low refractive index and high resistance ensure the highly efficient light extraction and the generation of energetic electrons for the impact excitation of Er3+ ions. The trap‐assisted tunneling under operation electric field dominates the conduction mechanism for the EL emissions. The estimated decay lifetime of 1154.4 µs and a large‐stimulated emission cross‐section in the order of 10−15–10−14 cm2 are revealed from the EL emissions. Intense near‐infrared emissions from these Si‐based MAO:Er devices have great potential in the optoelectronic applications.
Comparison of fatigue and functional status in elderly type 2 diabetes patients versus age and gender matched individuals
Authors: Bhatt Priyal P. , Sheth Megha S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionFatigue is a common yet not frequently explored complication of diabetes. There are fewer studies available on the impact of diabetes on the severity of fatigue and the functional status of patients.MethodsFifty individuals meeting the inclusion criteria were included. The individuals were divided into two groups: group A (diabetic elderly individuals) and group B (nondiabetic age and gender‐matched individuals). An observational analytical study was conducted. Outcome measures used were: fatigue severity scale (FSS), lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD), and 30‐second chair stand test. SPSS 16 was used to analyze data.ResultsAs per the normality test, a between‐group comparison of fatigue severity scale (FSS) score, chair stand test score, and LEFS score was carried out by a nonparametric Mann–Whitney test, which showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). Between‐group comparison of 6MWD was carried out by parametric unpaired t test. The results showed a statistically significant difference in the distance walked by both groups.ConclusionHigher levels of fatigue and impaired functional status along with reduced strength and function of lower limbs was seen in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes Inclusion of symptom assessment and strategies to reduce the burden of fatigue in diabetes patient should be incorporated.
Dynamic Reconstruction of Two‐Dimensional Defective Bi Nanosheets for Efficient Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis
Authors: Wang Yan , Xia Shuai , Cai Rui , Zhang Jianfang , Yu Cuiping , Cui Jiewu , Zhang Yong , Wu Jingjie , Wu Yucheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAbstract:Catalyst surface dynamics drive the generation of active species for electrocatalytic reactions. Yet, the understanding of dominant site formation and reaction mechanisms is limited. In this study, we thoroughly investigate the dynamic reconstruction of two‐dimensional defective Bi nanosheets from exfoliated Bi2Se3 nanosheets under electrochemical CO2 and nitrate (NO3−) reduction conditions. The ultrathin Bi2Se3 nanosheets obtained by NaBH4‐assisted cryo‐mediated liquid‐phase exfoliation are more easily reduced and reconstructed to Bi nanosheets with high‐density grain boundaries (GBs; GB‐rich Bi). The reconstructed GB‐rich Bi catalyst affords a remarkable yield rate of 4.6 mmol h−1 mgcat.−1 and Faradaic efficiency of 32 % for urea production at −0.40 V vs. RHE. Notably, this yield rate is 2 and 8.2 times higher than those of the low‐GB Bi and bulk Bi catalysts, respectively. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the GB sites significantly reduce the *CO and *NH2 intermediate formation energy and C−N coupling energy barrier, enabling selective urea electrosynthesis on the GB‐rich Bi catalyst. This work will trigger further research into the structure‐activity interplay in dynamic processes using in situ techniques.
Triply Selective & Sequential Diversification at Csp3: Expansion of Alkyl Germane Reactivity for C−C & C−Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Ahrweiler Eric , Schoetz Markus D. , Singh Gurdeep , Bindschaedler Quentin P. , Sorroche Alba , Schoenebeck Franziska 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe report the triply selective and sequential diversification of a single Csp3 carbon carrying Cl, Bpin and GeEt3 for the modular and programmable construction of sp3‐rich molecules. Various functionalizations of Csp3−Cl and Csp3−BPin (e.g. alkylation, arylation, homologation, amination, hydroxylation) were tolerated by the Csp3−GeEt3 group. Moreover, the methodological repertoire of alkyl germane functionalization was significantly expanded beyond the hitherto known Giese addition and arylation to alkynylation, alkenylation, cyanation, halogenation, azidation, C−S bond formation as well as the first demonstration of stereo‐selective functionalization of a Csp3‐[Ge] bond.