Showing papers by "David Cameron published in 2001"

Adjuvant interferon alpha 2b in high risk melanoma – the Scottish study

Abstract: In 1989, the Scottish melanoma group initiated a randomized trial, comparing observation alone with 6 months' therapy with low dose interferon (given subcutaneously 3 MU day-1, twice weekly), for patients with primary melanomas of at least 3 mm Breslow thickness, or with evidence of regional node involvement. The trial was closed in 1993 with only 95 eligible patients randomized. There were no toxic deaths, and no patient failed to complete the treatment for reasons of toxicity. 6 months' treatment with low-dose interferon- resulted in a statistically significant improved disease-free survival for up to 24 months after randomization (P< 0.05). However, at a median follow-up of over 6 years, although there was an apparent improvement in disease-free survival (from 9 to 22 months), and overall survival (from 27 to 39 months), consistent with larger studies powered to detect such differences, these differences were not statistically significant. The data therefore suggest that 6 months of low-dose interferon is active, and confirm the importance of the large randomized studies, such as the UKCCCR AIM-High and EORTC trials, that seek to confirm a possible survival advantage for low or intermediate dose interferon.

Preparation and properties of transparent conductive aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films by sol–gel process

Abstract: Highly conductive and transparent aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films have been prepared from the solution of zinc acetate and aluminum nitrate in ethanol by the sol–gel process. The effect of changing the aluminum-to-zinc ratio from 0 to 5 at. % and annealing temperature from 0 °C to 700 °C in air has been investigated. The resistivities of thin films were measured as a function of annealing temperature and also as a function of aluminum dopant concentration in the solution. As-deposited films have high resistivity and high optical transmission. Annealing of the as-deposited films in air leads to a substantial reduction in resistivity. The films have a minimum value of resistivity of 1.5×10−4 Ω cm for 0.8 at. % aluminum-doped zinc oxide and a maximum transmission of about 91% when deposited on glass substrates. X-ray diffraction measurements employing Cu Kα radiation were performed to determine the crystallinity of the ZnO:Al films which showed that the films were polycrystalline with a hexagonal structure when annealed at 500 °C.

Letrozole as primary medical therapy for locally advanced and large operable breast cancer.

Abstract: Aims. To investigate the efficacy of letrozole 2.5mg and 10mg used as primary neoadjuvant therapy for patients with locally advanced and large operable breast cancer.

Characterization of transparent conductive ITO thin films deposited on titanium dioxide film by a sol–gel process

Abstract: Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films have been deposited on titanium dioxide film by a sol–gel process. The starting solution was prepared by mixing indium chloride dissolved in acetylacetone and tin chloride dissolved in ethanol. ITO thin films containing 0–20% Sn by weight were successfully prepared by heat treatment at above 400°C. The resistivity of ITO films has been minimised by optimising the tin doping concentration in the solution. The electrical, optical and structural properties of ITO thin films were investigated. The thickness of ITO films was measured by ellipsometer. The electrical resistivity was measured by using the four-point probe method. The ITO thin films containing 10 wt.% Sn showed a minimum resistivity of ρ=9.5×10−4 Ω cm. The spectral transmittance of ITO thin films was measured in the wavelength range 200–900 nm by a UV-vis spectrometer. Films with a thickness of 250 nm have a high transmittance of 90% at 900 nm. X-Ray diffraction measurements employing CuKα radiation were performed to determine the crystallinity of the ITO films, which showed that they were polycrystalline with a cubic bixbyite structure.

Chefs and Occupational Culture in a Hotel Chain: A Grid-Group Analysis

Abstract: A fierce recession in the UK between 1991 and 1995 led the hotel group Forte, like most companies,to initiate urgent turnaround and survival policies. This paper reports on a study of chefs' behaviour within Forte Crest Hotels, London, the strain placed on their occupation during this recession and the aftermath of Forte's levered corporate change policies in 1994-95. The inquiry was carried out before the hostile take-over of Forte by Granada in January 1996. Using grid-group analysis, a qualitative study based on structured interviews was undertaken. These interviews were analysed for commonalities and differences within a grid-group analysis framework, which addresses organisational, individual and group behavioural phenomena in a given social context. The findings reveal behavioural insights into the occupational identity of chefs and the allegiance they give to their occupation when faced with a programme of radical change initiated by management.

The tracheostomy tube change: a review of techniques.

Abstract: Tracheostomy tube changing is a routine procedure. However, occasional problems can arise and result in fatalities. This article reviews the various measures and techniques used to optimize the safeguarding of the airway during a tracheostomy tube change, including the 'railroad' technique. The management of accidental decannulations is also reviewed.

Persistent foreign body sensation and pharyngeal pain due to retention of staples: an interesting sequelae of endoscopic stapling procedure.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of a pharyngeal pouch with endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy is a relatively new concept. Long-term results and complications are yet to be fully studied. We describe a patient who developed persistent pharyngeal pain and foreign body sensation due to retention of a clump of staples at the cricopharyngeal sphincter. This complication has not been reported before. This case highlights the need for repeat endoscopy rather than a barium swallow X-ray if the patients are symptomatic after stapling procedures.

The commitment of chefs within 4-5 star hotels from a cultural perspective of organization and occupation

Abstract: As part of a series of work in progress papers, this study is now at the stage of conducting a pilot questionnaire that seeks to explore the level of commitment chefs are prepared to give to their occupation and/or organization. Briefly, the previous papers presented at CHME explored organization culture within the domain of cultural anthropology and sociology (Cameron et al 1999). The study by way of an in-depth literature review focused on culture and identity relationships. In addition, this research included the pressures and effect organization climate has on differing organizational sub-cultures. For example, from a management perspective, organization climate aims to moderate work perceptions and norms so that organizations are better placed to serve an adaptive society (Cameron et al 2000). The difficulty however, can arise with the inability of climate to either cope with, or recognise the restraining role cultural values have on sustaining long-term change criteria. To elaborate, Verbeke et al (1998) recorded category frequencies between the definitions of culture and climate from a sample of articles and books from 1960-93. In the Verbeke et al paper it was noticed that all 32 sampled definitions of ‘organization climate’ failed to recognise the importance of cultural values but, instead, provided category descriptors that imply ‘what is to be learned’. This goes some way to support Denison’s (1996) view that organization culture and organization climate share the same phenomenon but not necessarily the same methodology. Notwithstanding, Denison (1996) suggests that there still exist contentious issues as to the labelling of some previous research methodologies with respect to whether it pertains to culture or climate.

Chapter 7 – Optical and Electronic Properties of Carbon Nitride

Abstract: This chapter discusses the understanding of the electronic and optical properties of carbon nitride, whether crystalline or amorphous forms, is at a very rudimentary stage. Nitrogen-containing organic and polymeric carbon compounds have been known for many years, and even compounds containing only carbon and nitrogen—for example, so-called paracyanogen compounds that have a polymerized (C=N) n structure have been known and have been synthesized for some time. It is the potential mechanical properties of the materials and their use for wear-resistant coatings that have provoked interest until now because of the prediction of their superhard qualities. Most of the films deposited by sputtering processes have used conventional DC planar magnetron sputtering of graphite in an atmosphere of nitrogen or anargon-nitrogen mixture. In this process, most of the carbon species are neutral carbon atoms that react on the substrate with nitrogen ions and neutrals to form a carbon nitride compound with greater or lesser nitrogen content.