Showing papers by "Indiana University published in 1996"

Cyclophosphamide and Cisplatin Compared with Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Patients with Stage III and Stage IV Ovarian Cancer

Abstract: Background Chemotherapy combinations that include an alkylating agent and a platinum coordination complex have high response rates in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Such combinations provide long-term control of disease in few patients, however. We compared two combinations, cisplatin and cyclophosphamide and cisplatin and paclitaxel, in women with ovarian cancer. Methods We randomly assigned 410 women with advanced ovarian cancer and residual masses larger than 1 cm after initial surgery to receive cisplatin (75 mg per square meter of body-surface area) with either cyclophosphamide (750 mg per square meter) or paclitaxel (135 mg per square meter over a period of 24 hours). Results Three hundred eighty-six women met all the eligibility criteria. Known prognostic factors were similar in the two treatment groups. Alopecia, neutropenia, fever, and allergic reactions were reported more frequently in the cisplatin–paclitaxel group. Among 216 women with measurable disease, 73 percent in the cisplatin–pacli...

Complications of Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy

Abstract: Background Endoscopic sphincterotomy is commonly used to remove bile-duct stones and to treat other problems. We prospectively investigated risk factors for complications of this procedure and their outcomes. Methods We studied complications that occurred within 30 days of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy in consecutive patients treated at 17 institutions in the United States and Canada from 1992 through 1994. Results Of 2347 patients, 229 (9.8 percent) had a complication, including pancreatitis in 127 (5.4 percent) and hemorrhage in 48 (2.0 percent). There were 55 deaths from all causes within 30 days; death was directly or indirectly related to the procedure in 10 cases. Of five significant risk factors for complications identified in a multivariate analysis, two were characteristics of the patients (suspected dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi as an indication for the procedure and the presence of cirrhosis) and three were related to the endoscopic technique (difficulty in cannulating the bile duct,...

A reexamination of the determinants of consumer satisfaction

Abstract: Although the “disconfirmation of expectations” model continues to dominate research and managerial practice, several limitations indicate that it is not a complete picture of satisfaction formation...

Obesity/insulin resistance is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Implications for the syndrome of insulin resistance.

Abstract: To test the hypothesis that obesity/insulin resistance impairs both endothelium-dependent vasodilation and insulin-mediated augmentation of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, we studied leg blood flow (LBF) responses to graded intrafemoral artery infusions of methacholine chloride (MCh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) during saline infusion and euglycemic hyperinsulinemia in lean insulin-sensitive controls (C), in obese insulin-resistant subjects (OB), and in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). MCh induced increments in LBF were approximately 40% and 55% lower in OB and NIDDM, respectively, as compared with C (P < 0.05). Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia augmented the LBF response to MCh by - 50% in C (P < 0.05 vs saline) but not in OB and NIDDM. SNP caused comparable increments in LBF in all groups. Regression analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between the maximal LBF change in response to MCh and body fat content. Thus, obesity/insulin resistance is associated with (a) blunted endothelium-dependent, but normal endothelium-independent vasodilation and (b) failure of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia to augment endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Therefore, obese/insulin-resistant subjects are characterized by endothelial dysfunction and endothelial resistance to insulin's effect on enhancement of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. This endothelial dysfunction could contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis in obese insulin-resistant subjects.

Explicit reversible integrators for extended systems dynamics

Abstract: Explicit reversible integrators, suitable for use in large-scale computer simulations, are derived for extended systems generating the canonical and isothermal-isobaric ensembles. The new methods are compared with the standard implicit (iterative) integrators on some illustrative example problems. In addition, modification of the proposed algorithms for multiple time step integration is outlined.

Measuring Public Service Motivation: An Assessment of Construct Reliability and Validity

Abstract: The public administration literature makes many assertions that the motivations of individuals who pursue public service careers differ in important ways from other members of American society. This research advances the study of these assertions by creating a scale to measure public service motivation. Public service motivation (PSM) represents an individual's predisposition to respond to motives grounded primarily or uniquely in public institutions. The construct is associated conceptually with six dimensions: attraction to public policy making, commitment to the public interest, civic duty, social justice, self-sacriflce, and compassion. Likert-type items are developed for each dimension to create the PSM scale. The measurement theory for the scale is tested using confirnatory factor analysis (CFA). The present study reports initial reliability and validity results.

L2 cognitive states and the Full Transfer/Full Access model:

Abstract: This article is a defence of the Full Transfer/Full Access (FT/FA) model. FT/FA hypothesizes that the initial state of L2 acquisition is the final state of L1 acquisition (Full Transfer) and that failure to assign a representation to input data will force subsequent restructurings, drawing from options of UG (Full Access). We illustrate the FT/FA model by reviewing our analysis of the developmental Turkish-German Interlanguage data of Schwartz and Sprouse (1994) and then turn to other data that similarly receive straightforward accounts under FT/FA.We also consider two other competing hypotheses, both of which accept Full Access but not Full Transfer: the Minimal Trees hypothesis (no transfer of functional categories) of Vainikka and Young-Scholten (1994; 1996) and the Weak Transfer hypothesis (no transfer of the values associated with functional categories) of Eubank (1993/94). We provide an example of (extremely robust) L2 acquisition data that highlight the inadequacy of the Minimal Trees hypothesis in...

The rock–paper–scissors game and the evolution of alternative male strategies

Abstract: MANY species exhibit colour polymorphisms associated with alternative male reproductive strategies, including territorial males and 'sneaker males' that behave and look like females1–3. The prevalence of multiple morphs is a challenge to evolutionary theory because a single strategy should prevail unless morphs have exactly equal fitness4,5 or a fitness advantage when rare6,7. We report here the application of an evolutionary stable strategy model to a three-morph mating system in the side-blotched lizard. Using parameter estimates from field data, the model predicted oscillations in morph frequency, and the frequencies of the three male morphs were found to oscillate over a six-year period in the field. The fitnesses of each morph relative to other morphs were non-transitive in that each morph could invade another morph when rare, but was itself invadable by another morph when common. Concordance between frequency-dependent selection and the among-year changes in morph fitnesses suggest that male interactions drive a dynamic 'rock–paper–scissors' game7.

Binding of GSK3β to the APC-β-Catenin Complex and Regulation of Complex Assembly

Abstract: The adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) is mutated in most colon cancers. The APC protein binds to the cellular adhesion molecule β-catenin, which is a mammalian homolog of ARMADILLO, a component of the WINGLESS signaling pathway in Drosophila development. Here it is shown that when β-catenin is present in excess, APC binds to another component of the WINGLESS pathway, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a mammalian homolog of Drosophila ZESTE WHITE 3. APC was a good substrate for GSK3β in vitro, and the phosphorylation sites were mapped to the central region of APC. Binding of β-catenin to this region was dependent on phosphorylation by GSK3β.

Genetically selected cardiomyocytes from differentiating embronic stem cells form stable intracardiac grafts.

Abstract: This study describes a simple approach to generate relatively pure cultures of cardiomyocytes from differentiating murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. A fusion gene consisting of the alpha-cardiac myosin heavy chain promoter and a cDNA encoding aminoglycoside phosphotransferase was stably transfected into pluripotent ES cells. The resulting cell lines were differentiated in vitro and subjected to G418 selection. Immunocytological and ultrastructural analyses demonstrated that the selected cardiomyocyte cultures (> 99% pure) were highly differentiated. G418 selected cardiomyocytes were tested for their ability to form grafts in the hearts of adult dystrophic mice. The fate of the engrafted cells was monitored by antidystrophin immunohistology, as well as by PCR analysis with primers specific for the myosin heavy chain-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase transgene. Both analyses revealed the presence of ES-derived cardiomyocyte grafts for as long as 7 wk after implantation, the latest time point analyzed. These studies indicate that a simple genetic manipulation can be used to select essentially pure cultures of cardiomyocytes from differentiating ES cells. Moreover, the resulting cardiomyocytes are suitable for the formation of intracardiac grafts. This selection approach should be applicable to all ES-derived cell lineages.

Knowledge acquisition from foreign parents in international joint ventures: an empirical examination in the Hungarian context

Abstract: In this paper, we examine organizational characteristics, structural mechanisms and contextual factors that influence knowledge acquisition from the foreign parent in international joint ventures (IJVs). We in turn relate assessments of knowledge acquisition to IJV performance. The data come from a survey of IJVs in the Hungarian context, where learning and knowledge acquisition from the foreign parent is thought to be particularly critical. Adaptation mechanisms, such as capacity to learn, articulated goals, and structural mechanisms, such as the provision of training, technology and managerial assistance by foreign parents, all were positively associated with the degree to which IJVs reported acquiring knowledge from their foreign parents. We also found limited support for the belief that cultural conflicts can impede knowledge acquisition, but only for two-party joint ventures with 50/50 equity arrangements. We also looked at the relationship between knowledge acquisition and different dimensions for evaluating IJV performance. The relationship between knowledge acquisition and performance was significant for all indicators of performance, through knowledge acquisition from the foreign parent and the organizational characteristics hypothesized to enhance IJV knowledge acquisition affected assessments of some dimensions of performance more than others. Our findings contribute to advancing knowledge about the relationship between organizational characteristics and organizational knowledge acquisition in IJVs, as well as the relationships between knowledge acquisition and different dimensions of IJV performance.

Intraperitoneal cisplatin plus intravenous cyclophosphamide versus intravenous cisplatin plus intravenous cyclophosphamide for stage III ovarian cancer

Abstract: Background Intravenous platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard primary therapy for advanced ovarian cancer. We conducted a phase 3 trial to compare the effects of intraperitoneal and intravenous cisplatin on the survival of women with previously untreated, stage III, epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods The patients underwent an initial exploratory laparotomy and resection of all tumor masses larger than 2 cm. Within four weeks after surgery, six courses of intravenous cyclophosphamide (600 mg per square meter of body-surface area per course) plus either intraperitoneal cisplatin (100 mg per square meter) or intravenous cisplatin (100 mg per square meter) were administered at three-week intervals. Results Of 654 randomized patients, 546 were eligible for the study. The estimated median survival was significantly longer in the group receiving intraperitoneal cisplatin (49 months; 95 percent confidence interval, 42 to 56) than in the group receiving intravenous cisplatin (41 months; 95 percent confidence ...

Molecular basis of phenotypic variability in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Abstract: We sequenced the prion protein gene and studied the biochemical characteristics and the intracerebral distribution of protease-resistant prion protein with Western blot and immunohistochemistry in 19 cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. We identified four groups of subjects defined by the genotype at codon 129 of the prion protein gene, the site of a common methionine/valine polymorphism, and two types of protease-resistant prion proteins that differed in size and glycosylation. The four Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease groups showed distinct clinicopathological features that corresponded to previously described variants. The typical Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease phenotype or myoclonic variant and the Heidenhain variant were linked to methionine homozygosity at codon 129 and to "type 1" protease-resistant prion protein. The atypical and rarer variants such as that with dementia of long duration, the ataxic variant, and the variant with kuru plaques were linked to different genotypes at codon 129 and shared the "type 2" protease-resistant prion protein. Our data indicate that the sporadic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease comprises a limited number of variants. The methionine/valine polymorphism at codon 129 of the prion protein gene and two types of protease-resistant prion proteins are the major determinants of these variants. These findings suggest the existence of prion strains in humans and provide the molecular basis for a novel classification of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Identification of primitive human hematopoietic cells capable of repopulating NOD/SCID mouse bone marrow: Implications for gene therapy

Abstract: The development of stem–cell gene therapy is hindered by the absence of repopulation assays for primitive human hematopoietic cells. Current methods of gene transfer rely on in vitro colony–forming cell (CFC) and long–term culture–initiating cell (LTC–IC) assays, as well as inference from other mammalian species. We have identified a novel human hematopoietic cell, the SCID–repopulating cell (SRC), a cell more primitive than most LTC–ICs and CFCs. The SRC, exclusively present in the CD4+ CD8− fraction, is capable of multilineage repopulation of the bone marrow of nonobese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (NOD/SCID mice). SRCs were rarely transduced with retroviruses, distinguishing them from most CFCs and LTC–ICs. This observation is consistent with the low level of gene marking seen in human gene therapy trials. An SRC assay may aid in the characterization of hematopoiesis, as well as the improvement of transduction methods.

Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Humans

Abstract: A variety of different techniques have been used for the assessment of the blood pressure response to changes in salt and water balance in humans. These have generally been found to be reproducible and to yield congruent results. This review surveys the characteristics of subjects identified as salt sensitive and salt resistant by different investigators from demographic and physiological perspectives.

Events and subjective well-being: Only recent events matter.

Abstract: The effect of life events on subjective well-being (SWB) was explored in a 2-year longitudinal study of 115 participants. It was found that only life events during the previous 3 months influenced life satisfaction and positive and negative affect. Although recent life events influenced SWB even when personality at Time 1 was controlled, distal life events did not correlate with SWB. SWB and life events both showed a substantial degree of temporal stability. It was also found that good and bad life events tend to covary, both between individuals and across periods of the lives of individuals. Also, when events of the opposite valence were controlled, events correlated more strongly with SWB. The counterintuitive finding that good and bad events co-occur suggests an exciting avenue for explorations of the structure of life events.

User Acceptance of Information Technology: Theories and Models

Abstract: Cet article traite de l'acceptation des utilisateurs des technologies de l'information mais aussi de la resistance de certains utilisateurs pour la conception et l'implementation des technologies de l'information. Apres une definition de la notion de l'acceptation par l'utilisateur, plusieurs approches theoriques sont examinees : la theorie de la diffusion innovation, la comprehension de la psychologie de l'acceptation de l'utilisateur, la conception de la technologie acceptable et les interactions homme-machine

Cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis and binucleation during murine development

Abstract: Cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis and binucleation indexes were determined during murine development. Cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis occurred in two temporally distinct phases. The first phase occurred during fetal life and was associated exclusively with cardiomyocyte proliferation. The second phase occurred during early neonatal life and was associated with binucleation. Collectively, these results suggest that cardiomyocyte reduplication ceases during late fetal life. Northern and Western blot analyses identified several candidate genes that were differentially expressed during the reduplicative and binucleation phases of cardiomyocyte growth.

Perspectives on archaeal diversity, thermophily and monophyly from environmental rRNA sequences.

Abstract: Phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal RNA sequences obtained from uncultivated organisms of a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park reveals several novel groups of Archaea, many of which diverged from the crenarchaeal line of descent prior to previously characterized members of that kingdom. Universal phylogenetic trees constructed with the addition of these sequences indicate monophyly of Archaea, with modest bootstrap support. The data also show a specific relationship between low-temperature marine Archaea and some hot spring Archaea. Two of the environmental sequences are enigmatic: depending upon the data set and analytical method used, these sequences branch deeply within the Crenarchaeota, below the bifurcation between Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, or even as the sister group to Eukaryotes. If additional data confirm either of the latter two placements, then the organisms represented by these ribosomal RNA sequences would merit recognition as a new kingdom, provisionally named "Korarchaeota."

Contrastive Rhetoric: Cross-Cultural Aspects of Second Language Writing

Abstract: PART 1 PRELIMINARIES: EARLY PHASES OF THE FIELD 1 Toward an extended definition of contrastive rhetoric 2 Contrastive rhetoric studies in applied linguistics 3 Historical evaluation of contrastive rhetoric: from Kaplan's 1966 study to diversification in languages, genres, and authors PART 2 INTERFACES WITH OTHER DISCIPLINES 4 Contrastive rhetoric and the field of rhetoric and composition 5 Contrastive rhetoric and text linguistics 6 Writing as an activity embedded in a culture 7 Contrastive rhetoric and translation studies 8 Genre-specific studies in contrastive rhetoric PART 3 IMPLICATIONS OF CONTRASTIVE RHETORIC 9 Methods of research in contrastive rhetoric 10 Conclusion: Implications and research directions

Dispositional and contextual determinants of organizational citizenship behavior

Abstract: This study of 402 professional and administrative employees of a VA hospital addressed the question of whether certain dispositional factors (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Equity Sensitivity) could account for the relationship between contextual work attitudes and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) Findings indicate this not to be the case Fairness/satisfaction had independent effects on OCB Additionally, Conscientiousness predicted some forms of OCB Neither Agreeableness nor Equity Sensitivity affected OCB Implications are noted for further inquiry into OCB