Galaxy Dynamics Predictions in the Nonsymmetric Gravitational Theory

In the weak field approximation, the nonsymmetric gravitational theory has, in addition to the Newtonian gravitational potential, a Yukawa potential produced by the exchange of a spin $1^+$ boson between fermions. If the range $r_0$ is of order $30$ kpc, then the potential due to the interaction of known neutrinos in the halos of galaxies can explain the flat rotation curves of galaxies. The results are based on a physical linear approximation to the NGT field equations and they are consistent with equivalence principle observations, other solar system gravitational experiments and the binary pulsar data.Comment: 10 pages, plain TeX macro include

United States Value Set for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Eight Dimensions (FACT-8D), a Cancer-Specific Preference-Based Quality of Life Instrument

Objectives: To develop a value set reflecting the United States (US) general population’s preferences for health states described by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) eight-dimensions preference-based multi-attribute utility instrument (FACT-8D), derived from the FACT-General cancer-specific health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire. Methods: A US online panel was quota-sampled to achieve a general population sample representative by sex, age (≥ 18 years), race and ethnicity. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to value health states. The valuation task involved choosing between pairs of health states (choice-sets) described by varying levels of the FACT-8D HRQL dimensions and survival (life-years). The DCE included 100 choice-sets; each respondent was randomly allocated 16 choice-sets. Data were analysed using conditional logit regression parameterized to fit the quality-adjusted life-year framework, weighted for sociodemographic variables that were non-representative of the US general population. Preference weights were calculated as the ratio of HRQL-level coefficients to the survival coefficient. Results: 2562 panel members opted in, 2462 (96%) completed at least one choice-set and 2357 (92%) completed 16 choice-sets. Pain and nausea were associated with the largest utility weights, work and sleep had more moderate utility weights, and sadness, worry and support had the smallest utility weights. Within dimensions, more severe HRQL levels were generally associated with larger weights. A preference-weighting algorithm to estimate US utilities from responses to the FACT-General questionnaire was generated. The worst health state’s value was −0.33. Conclusions: This value set provides US population utilities for health states defined by the FACT-8D for use in evaluating oncology treatments

Health-related quality of life in long-term esophageal cancer survivors after potentially curative treatment

ObjectiveClinical outcomes have been investigated extensively in studies of esophageal cancer treatment. Less is known about long-term health-related quality of life outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess a range of health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer treated with potentially curative intent at least 1 year earlier.MethodsBetween January 1995 and December 2007, 163 consecutive patients with cancer of the esophagus underwent a potentially curative treatment. All patients with a minimal follow-up of 1 year and without tumor recurrence were eligible. Questionnaires included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer esophageal cancer-specific questionnaire (QLQ-OES18), and additional questions concerning survivorship issues.ResultsThirty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 36 completed the questionnaires. Twenty-one patients had received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, 9 patients had undergone surgery only, and 6 patients had chemoradiation only. Median survival was 54 (range, 16–162) months. In general, patients reported better health-related quality of life than a reference sample of patients with esophageal cancer, but somewhat compromised health-related quality of life compared with a reference sample of individuals from the general population. Although some symptoms continued to persist, patients' overall evaluation on their treatment, employment status and finances, body weight and image, and survivorship issues was positive.ConclusionsPatients who survive 1 year or more after potentially curative treatment for esophageal cancer can lead satisfactory lives. The results of this study can be used when informing patients with esophageal cancer about the long-term effects of treatment