bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in perioperative management of radical prostatectomy using clinical pathways according to a standardized care plan: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Okamura Kikuo , Nojiri Yoshikatsu , Tanaka Yoshinori , Nagae Hiroshi , Arai Yoichi , Matsuda Tadashi , Hattori Ryohei , Hashine Katsuyoshi , Naito Seiji , Hasegawa Tomonori
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To improve the perioperative care for radical prostatectomy patients at a multi‐institutional level and practice.

Methods

A prospective multi‐institutional study involving 50 hospitals was carried out in cooperation with the Japanese Society of Endourology. As the first step, a consensus meeting was held to establish a standardized perioperative care plan. Second, the clinical pathways were individually developed and revised according to the standardized care plan in each of the participating hospitals. Patterns of perioperative care, including preoperative hospital stay, resuming meals and ambulation, removal of pelvic drain and urethral catheter, antimicrobial administration, and postoperative hospital stay, were compared before (2007) and after developing/revising pathways (2009). Furthermore, actual practice and complications before and after implementing the pathways were investigated.

Results

Except for resuming ambulation, all perioperative pathways were significantly shortened with the adoption of the newly defined clinical pathway (P < 0.001). Furthermore, all settings except for postoperative hospital stay significantly decreased in terms of variance (P < 0.002). In 2009, the overall complication rate significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and all of the outcomes except urethral catheter removal were also significantly shortened (P ≤ 0.008) and decreased in variance after implementation of the new pathways (P ≤ 0.006). In multivariate analyses, implementation of the refined clinical pathways was an important factor to improve perioperative care.

Conclusions

When standardized goals in perioperative care are recommended to hospitals and care plans are developed/revised in individual hospitals, both settings and practice are significantly improved. It is to be investigated whether a similar intervention could be useful to achieve a standardization of surgical pathway for other diseases.
Anatomic single‐bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in Asian population
Authors: Sun Luning , Zhao Jinzhong , Shen Jirong , Du Bin , Yuan Bin
Published: October 2012

Background

Non‐anatomic tunnel placement, which leads to failure in double‐bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), has focused greater attention on single‐bundle ACL reconstruction. However, single‐bundle ACL with 2‐ to 4‐strand autogenous hamstring tendon graft always showed weak graft strength.

Methods

To solve this problem, single‐bundle ACL with 6‐strand autogenous hamstring tendon graft was performed on 32 Asian patients in this study. At 24 months post‐operatively, all patients were evaluated with Lysholm knee scores, Tegner activity level and KT‐1000 examinations.

Results

The results demonstrated that no patients showed knee extension limitation. Of the 32 patients, there were 26 negative and 6 positive 1° in Lachman test; 31 negative and 1 positive 1° in pivot‐shift test. There were four patients with a 5° flexion limitation. The median Lysholm score increased from 45 preoperatively to 92 post‐operatively (P < 0.001). The median Tegner sport level score increased from 1 preoperatively to 4 post‐operatively (P < 0.001). KT‐1000 examination revealed that the median anterior laxity at 25° of flexion was 6.3 mm preoperatively and 1.7 mm post‐operatively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The data showed that arthroscopic central anatomic single‐bundle ACL reconstruction with 6‐strand autogenous hamstring tendon graft is a reliable method to restore stabilization and function of the knee.
Mortality rates after surgery in New South Wales
Authors: Harris Ian , Madan Aman , Naylor Justine , Chong Shanley
Published: October 2012

Background

Studies have been conducted to determine 30‐day and 365‐day mortality rates after surgical procedures in different regions; however, there is a lack of data for mortality rates in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The aim of this study was to determine 30‐day and 365‐day post‐operative mortality rates after selected common operations performed in NSW.

Methods

Using the Centre for Health Record Linkage, we linked the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and Australian Bureau of Statistics to retrospectively calculate 30‐day and 365‐day post‐operative mortality rates for 21 selected surgical procedures between 2000 and 2009. One year (365 days) standardized mortality ratios, and proportion of public and private hospital admissions and mortality, were calculated for each procedure.

Results

Thirty‐day mortality was lower than in previous studies for femur fracture fixation (3.7%), cervical spine fusion (0.8%), prostatectomy (0.2%), coronary valve replacement (4.2%), pulmonary resection (2.5%), bariatric surgery (0.07%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (6.2%). Thirty‐day mortality was higher than previously reported for abdominal aortic aneurysm (12.6%) and tonsillectomy (0.02%). One‐year mortality rates ranged from 0.2% for tonsillectomy and bariatric surgery, to 24.6% for hip fracture fixation.

Conclusions

Thirty‐day mortality rates in NSW are similar, if not lower for most procedures when compared with rates reported in other studies. The reported mortality rates for each procedure allow clinicians and patients to be more informed of surgical risks.
What is the process of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment? Results from a qualitative study
Authors: Coombs T. , Curtis J. , Crookes P.
Published: October 2012

COOMBS T., CURTIS J. & CROOKES P. (2013) What is the process of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment? Results from a qualitative study. International Nursing Review60, 96–102

Background:  It is a truism that nursing care must be informed by assessment, otherwise how can one know what care is required or that it has been successfully delivered? Yet, little is known about the process of comprehensive mental health nursing assessment in practice. If the education of mental health nurses is to be effective, it is essential that the key content of, and the processes involved in carrying out a mental health nursing assessment in practice are able to be articulated to learners.

Aim:  To identify the processes of assessment that occur in mental health nursing practice based on interviews with mental health nurses working in clinical and management roles in clinical areas.

Method:  Interviews were undertaken with 18 nurses who worked in inpatient and community mental health settings either as clinicians or managers. The nurses ranged from new graduates to those with more than 20 years of experience.

Findings and discussion:  Clear processes were reported to be involved in undertaking a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment in practice, with three main themes emerging during analysis. First is the importance of engaging the patient; second is tell me what the problem is? with one subtheme reconcile inconsistencies; and finally, the ongoing nature of the assessment process.

Conclusion:  Common processes emerged when the nurses described their individual approaches to undertaking comprehensive mental health assessment. The results have important policy implications for the educational preparation of mental health nurses, their ongoing supervision and further research into contemporary mental health nursing practice.
National News Attention to the 106th Senate
Authors: Fogarty Brian J.
Published: October 2012

Scholars have established that the national news media focus their attention on important actors in Congress such as party leaders, committee chairs and influential senators. However, researchers have yet to consider whether the median voter and filibuster pivot – salient actors in the legislative process – receive differential coverage by the news media. Examining the 106th Senate, I demonstrate that having a positive probability of being the median voter in the chamber affects the attention garnered from the national press. However, there is no significant difference observed for filibuster pivots.
Governance and Rural Development: The Case of the Rural Partnership Programme (RPP) in Post‐Socialist Lithuania
Authors: Macken‐Walsh Áine , Curtin Christopher
Published: October 2012

The aim of this article is to contribute to the debate on how governance and rural development may operate in the alternative political setting of Central and Eastern Europe. Presenting a case study of a UK‐funded Rural Partnership Programme (RPP) implemented in the Ukmerge District of Lithuania, crucial determinants on the operation of the governance and rural development model that arise from characteristics of the post‐socialist rural environment are identified and discussed. Three channels of influence on the operation of the RPP in this post‐socialist case study District are explored: the recent period of transition; historical experiences of socialism; and local variations within the Ukmerge District.
Distinguishing Belief and Imagination
Authors: Sinhababu Neil
Published: October 2012

Some philosophers (including Urmson, Humberstone, Shah, and Velleman) hold that believing that p distinctively involves applying a norm according to which the truth of p is a criterion for the success or correctness of the attitude. On this view, imagining and assuming differ from believing in that no such norm is applied. I argue against this view with counterexamples showing that applying the norm of truth is neither necessary nor sufficient for distinguishing believing from imagining and assuming. Then I argue that the different functional properties of these mental states are enough to distinguish them, and that norm‐application doesn't help us draw the functional distinctions.
Group Level Interpretations of Probability: New Directions
Authors: Rowbottom Darrell P.
Published: October 2012

In this article, I present some new group level interpretations of probability, and champion one in particular: a consensus‐based variant where group degrees of belief are construed as agreed upon betting quotients rather than shared personal degrees of belief. One notable feature of the account is that it allows us to treat consensus between experts on some matter as being on the union of their relevant background information. In the course of the discussion, I also introduce a novel distinction between intersubjective and interobjective interpretations of probability.
Association of a Tgf‐B1‐509c/T Polymorphism with Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Kang , Xia Fan , Zhang Kai , Mo Anwei , Liu Li
Published: October 2012

Published data on the association between the transforming growth factor B1 (TGF‐B1) gene 509C/T polymorphism and gastric cancer risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis of the TGFB1‐509C/T polymorphism (with 2130 cases and 2374 controls) from seven published case‐control studies was performed. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association in the codominant model, the dominant model, and the recessive model. In the overall analysis, the T allele was significantly associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer in the recessive model (TT vs. CC+CT) (TT vs. CC+CT: OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10–1.66, P = 0.10 for heterogeneity) when all the included studies were pooled into the meta‐analysis. In the stratified analysis by country, the T allele was also found to be significantly associated with increased gastric cancer risk in the recessive model (TT vs. CC+CT) in Chinese studies and in T versus C in the Indian study. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis supports the TGFB1‐509T polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for gastric cancer.
Prospect theory does not describe the feedback‐related negativity value function
Authors: Sambrook Thomas D. , Roser Matthew , Goslin Jeremy
Published: October 2012

Humans handle uncertainty poorly. Prospect theory accounts for this with a value function in which possible losses are overweighted compared to possible gains, and the marginal utility of rewards decreases with size. fMRI studies have explored the neural basis of this value function. A separate body of research claims that prediction errors are calculated by midbrain dopamine neurons. We investigated whether the prospect theoretic effects shown in behavioral and fMRI studies were present in midbrain prediction error coding by using the feedback‐related negativity, an ERP component believed to reflect midbrain prediction errors. Participants’ stated satisfaction with outcomes followed prospect theory but their feedback‐related negativity did not, instead showing no effect of marginal utility and greater sensitivity to potential gains than losses.
Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in a Moroccan dialysis center and isolates characterization
Authors: Oumokhtar Bouchra , Elazhari Mohamed , Timinouni Mohammed , Bendahhou Karima , Bennani Bahia , Mahmoud Mustapha , El Ouali Lalami Abelhakim , Berrada Sanae , Arrayhani Mohammed , Squalli Houssaini Tariq
Published: October 2012

Staphylococcus aureus, which has its ecological niche in the anterior nares, has been shown to cause a variety of infectious diseases mainly for patients in hemodialysis units. We performed this study to evaluate the prevalence of nasal S. aureus carriage among hemodialysis outpatients, to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates, to characterize the virulence genes, and to identify associated risk factors. Nares swab specimens were obtained from 70 outpatients on hemodialysis between March and June 2010. Samples were plated immediately onto S. aureus specific media and pattern of antibacterial sensitivity was determined using disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect nuc, mecA, and genes encoding staphylococcal toxins. Medical record of patients was explored to determine S.aureus carriage risk factors. Nasal screening identified 42.9% S. aureus carriers with only one (3.3%) methicillin‐resistant S. aureus isolate. Among the methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus isolates, high rate of penicillin resistance (81.8%) has been detected. The identified risk factors were male gender and age ≤ 30 years. Research of virulence factors showed a high genetic diversity among the 30 S. aureus isolates. Twenty‐one (70%) of them had at least one virulence gene, of which 3.3% were Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (lukS/F‐PV) genes. S. aureus carriage must be screened for at regular intervals in hemodialysis patients. Setting up a bacterial surveillance system is one of the strategies to understand the epidemiology of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, to guide local antibiotic policy and prevent spread of antibiotic‐resistant S. aureus.
Effect of Drug Use and Influence of Abstinence on Sexual Functioning in a Spanish Male Drug-Dependent Sample: A Multisite Study
Authors: Vallejo-Medina Pablo , Sierra Juan Carlos
Published: October 2012

Introduction

To date, it has been difficult to address the issue of sexual functioning and drug use, and many approaches to it have basic problems and methodological errors.

Aim

The present cross-sectional study compared the sexual functioning scores of a group of drug users with those of a group of nondrug users. It explored the relationship between drug abstinence and sexual functioning.

Main Outcome Measures

A sample of 905 males participated in this study (549 met the substance dependence criteria and 356 were controls). All of them were assessed with the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Drugs version.

Method

The assessment was conducted from September 2009 to January 2011. The clinical sample was evaluated in nine different substance abuse treatment facilities.

Results

Results show that, overall, all dimensions (pleasure, desire, arousal, and orgasm) were moderately impaired. Yet, differences regarding preferred substance were observed. Pleasure and orgasm were the two areas most significantly impaired. In these areas, all drugs seemed to negatively affect sexual functioning. However, desire and arousal were not affected by all the substances. In addition, at least after 2 weeks of drug abstinence, no relationship was found between drug abstinence and improvement in sexual functioning. The sample studied had an average of 1 year of drug abstinence and was found to have poorer sexual functioning than the control group.

Conclusions

Therefore, these results seem to contradict those that argue that drug use only impairs sexual functioning temporarily. Moreover, they suggest that sexual functioning does not improve just by stopping drug use.
Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs among Healthy People and Specific Cerebrovascular Safety
Authors: Fosbøl Emil L. , Olsen Anne-Marie Schjerning , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Andersson Charlotte , Kober Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H.
Published: October 2012

Background

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase bleeding and thrombosis, but little is known about the cerebrovascular safety of these drugs, especially among healthy people.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in healthy people. Methods By individual-level linkage of nationwide administrative registers in Denmark, information on hospital admissions, prescription claims, vital status, and cause of death were obtained. A cohort of healthy people without hospital admissions for five-years and no important prescription claims for two-years was selected. Case crossover and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relationship between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug utilization and specific cerebrovascular risk (fatal or non-fatal ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke).

Results

We selected 1 028 437 healthy individuals (median age 39 years). At least one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug was claimed by 44·7% of the study population, and the drugs were generally used for a short period of time and in low doses. High-dose ibuprofen and diclofenac were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke [hazard ratio 2·15 (95% confidence interval 1·66–2·79) and 2·37 (confidence interval 1·99–2·81), respectively]. Diclofenac was also associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and so was naproxen [hazard ratio 2·15 (confidence interval 1·35–3·42)]. Conclusions In healthy individuals, use of commonly available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen was associated with increased risk of stroke.
Illustrating Problems Faced by Stroke Researchers: A Review of Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sutton Christopher J. , Watkins Caroline L. , Dey Paola
Published: October 2012

The cluster-randomized controlled trial is a design increasingly used in prevention and health care evaluation studies and is highly relevant to stroke research. However, there are methodological issues that make it complex to implement. These are not always fully appreciated, with reviews continuing to reveal deficiencies. We searched PUBMED and CENTRAL databases to March 31, 2011 for cluster-randomized controlled trials in stroke. Two investigators independently reviewed citations for eligibility and extracted data on key aspects of each trial. Fifteen trials met the eligibility criteria. No trial fully met CONSORT cluster-randomized controlled trial guidelines, although good design and reporting practice were usually present. Twelve trials included the term ‘cluster-randomized’ (or ‘group-randomized’) in the title, and 12 trials stated the intraclass correlation coefficient used to plan the number of clusters and cluster size. However, few provided a clear, evidence-based justification for the choice of intraclass correlation coefficient, and only two-thirds reported the intraclass correlation coefficient for primary outcomes. Several trials appeared underpowered because of problems in determining an appropriate sample size, defining appropriate clusters, and recruiting and retaining clusters and patients. Cluster-randomized controlled trials are difficult to design and perform due to the combination of methodological and practical difficulties. It is important that further improvements are made to reporting cluster-randomized trials and intraclass correlation coefficients should be estimated using a standardized approach and reported consistently; this would be beneficial for stroke researchers when designing future cluster-randomized trials.
Computational investigations of baffle configuration effects on the performance of primary sedimentation tanks
Authors: Shahrokhi Mahdi , Rostami Fatemeh , Md Said Md Azlin , Sabbagh Yazdi Saeed Reza , Syafalni Syafalni
Published: October 2012

To increase the performance of a primary sedimentation tank (clarifier), it is essential to have a uniform and calm flow field. The use of suitable baffle configurations may help forming favourable flow field and increase the efficiency of the primary sedimentation tank. To find the proper position and height of a baffle in a rectangular primary sedimentation tank, computational investigations are performed. Also, laboratory experiments are conducted to verify the numerical results, and the measured velocity fields that were by acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) are used. The results of computational investigations performed in the present study indicate that the favourable flow field (uniform in the settling zone) would be enhanced for the case that the baffle position and height provide small circulation regions volume, or the recirculation region forms a small portion of the flow field and dissipate the kinetic energy in the tank.
Multi‐Product Quality Competition: Impact of Resource Constraints
Authors: Yayla‐Küllü H. Müge , Parlaktürk Ali K. , Swaminathan Jayashankar M.
Published: October 2012

We study a multi‐product firm with limited capacity where the products are vertically (quality) differentiated and the customer base is heterogeneous in their valuation of quality. While the demand structure creates opportunities through proliferation, the firm should avoid cannibalization between its own products. Moreover, the oligopolistic market structure puts competitive pressure and limits the firm's market share. On the other hand, the firm has limited resources that cause a supply‐side fight for adequate and profitable production. We explicitly characterize the conditions where each force dominates. Our focus is on understanding how capacity constraints and competition affect a firm's product‐mix decisions. We find that considering capacity constraints could significantly change traditional insights (that ignore capacity) related to product‐line design and the role of competition therein. In particular, we show that when the resources are limited, the firm should offer only the product that has the highest margin per unit capacity. We find that this product could be the diametrically opposite product suggested by the existing literature. In addition, we show that for intermediate capacity levels, whereas the margin per unit capacity effect dominates in a less competitive market, proliferation and cannibalization effects dominate in a more competitive market.
Collaborative Product Development: The Effect of Project Complexity on the Use of Information Technology Tools and New Product Development Practices
Authors: Peng David Xiaosong , Heim Gregory R. , Mallick Debasish N.
Published: October 2012

Collaboration is an essential element of new product development (NPD). This research examines the associations between four types of information technology (IT) tools and NPD collaboration. The relationships between NPD practices and NPD collaboration are also examined. Drawing on organizational information processing theory, we propose that the relationships between IT tools and NPD collaboration will be moderated differently by three project complexity dimensions, namely, product size, project novelty, and task interdependence, due to the differing nature of information processing necessitated by each project complexity dimension. Likewise, the moderation effects of the project complexity dimensions on the relationship between NPD practices and NPD collaboration will also be different. We test our hypotheses using data from a sample of NPD projects in three manufacturing industries. We find that IT tools are associated with collaboration to a greater extent when product size is relatively large. In contrast, IT tools exhibit a smaller association with collaboration when project novelty or task interdependence is relatively high. NPD practices are found to be more significantly associated with NPD collaboration under the contingency of high project novelty or high task interdependence. The findings provide insights about circumstances where several popular IT tools are more likely to facilitate collaboration, thus informing an NPD team's IT adoption and use decisions.
Sequence Matters: Shelf‐Space Allocation under Dynamic Customer‐Driven Substitution
Authors: Gilland Wendell G. , Heese H. Sebastian
Published: October 2012

Customers who face a stockout situation often decide to purchase a different product in the same category. We analyze the resulting dynamic substitution problem in a retail environment, where customers serve themselves from the store shelves, such that the sequence of customer arrivals affects how scarce products are allocated to customers. We consider a setting with constrained shelf space, and we study how a retailer should optimally allocate such space between substitute products. We characterize environments where the sequence of customer arrivals can have a substantial impact on profitability.
Development of prostate cancer in a patient with primary hypogonadism: intratumoural steroidogenesis in prostate cancer tissues
Authors: Arai S. , Shibata Y. , Nakamura Y. , Kashiwagi B. , Uei T. , Tomaru Y. , Miyashiro Y. , Honma S. , Hashimoto K. , Sekine Y. , Ito K. , Sasano H. , Suzuki K.
Published: October 2012

Intratumoural steroidogenesis may play a significant role in the progression of prostate cancer (PC) in the context of long‐term ablation of circulating testosterone (T). To clarify the mechanism accounting for the progression of PC in a 74‐year‐old man who had undergone bilateral orchiectomy when he was 5 years old, we performed immunohistochemical studies of androgen receptor (AR) and steroidogenic enzymes in the prostate. We also measured steroid hormone levels in the serum and prostate, as well as mRNA levels of genes mediating androgen metabolism in the prostate. Positive nuclear staining of AR was detected in malignant epithelial cells. The levels of androstenedione (Adione), T, and 5‐alpha dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the serum of the patient were similar to those in PC patients receiving neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but were higher in the patient's prostate than in PC patients not receiving ADT. The gene expression of CYP17A1 and HSD3B1 was not detected, whereas that of STS, HSD3B2, AKR1C3, SRD5A1, and SRD5A2 was detected. Moreover, cytoplasmic staining of HSD3B2, AKR1C3, SRD5A1, and SRD5A2 was detected in malignant epithelial cells. Hence, in the present case (a man with primary hypogonadism), steroidogenesis in PC tissues from adrenal androgens, especially dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, was the mechanism accounting for progression of PC. This mechanism might help elucidate the development of castration‐resistant PC.
Emergence and Communication in Computational Sociology
Authors: Salgado Mauricio , Gilbert Nigel
Published: October 2012

Computational sociology models social phenomena using the concepts of emergence and downward causation. However, the theoretical status of these concepts is ambiguous; they suppose too much ontology and are invoked by two opposed sociological interpretations of social reality: the individualistic and the holistic. This paper aims to clarify those concepts and argue in favour of their heuristic value for social simulation. It does so by proposing a link between the concept of emergence and Luhmann's theory of communication. For Luhmann, society emerges from the bottom‐up as communication and he describes the process by which society limits the possible selections of individuals as downward causation. It is argued that this theory is well positioned to overcome some epistemological drawbacks in computational sociology.
Who Would Benefit from Solifenacin Add‐On Therapy to Tamsulosin for Overactive Bladder Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Authors: OBATA Jun , MATSUMOTO Kazuhiro , YAMANAKA Hiroyuki , NINOMIYA Akiharu , NAKAMURA So
Published: October 2012

Objectives: We evaluated the types of patient factors that influence the efficacy and safety of solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin in men with overactive bladder (OAB) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: A total of 130 BPH patients with persistent OAB symptoms despite undergoing alpha1‐adrenagic antagonist monotherapy were enrolled in this study. Their OAB symptoms persisted after monotherapy consisting of tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily for more than 8 weeks, followed by subsequent solifenacin 5 mg once daily. The patient backgrounds were assessed, as were the changes in their International Prostate Symptom score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QOL) index, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) before and 8 weeks after the administration of solifenacin.

Results: Total IPSS, QOL index, and OABSS improved significantly following solifenacin administration. Multivariate analyses revealed prostate volume was the only predictor that contributed to the improvement of total IPSS. In patients with prostate volume <30 mL, the improvement in total IPSS (−3.5) was superior to that for prostate volume >30 mL (−0.5; P = 0.002). The data also demonstrated that diabetes mellitus was an independent factor preventing OABSS improvement. In patients with diabetes mellitus, OABSS was not sufficiently improved (−0.6) compared to patients without diabetes (−2.1; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin showed efficacy and good tolerability in BPH patients with OAB symptoms. The findings also indicated that patients with a relatively small prostate and without diabetes mellitus would receive more benefit from this therapy.
A coupled phylogeographical and species distribution modelling approach recovers the demographical history of a Neotropical seasonally dry forest tree species
Authors: Collevatti Rosane G. , Terribile Levi Carina , Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus S. , Nabout João C. , de Oliveira Guilherme , Rangel Thiago F. , Rabelo Suelen G. , Diniz‐Filho Jose A. F.
Published: October 2012

We investigated here the demographical history of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Bignoniaceae) to understand the dynamics of the disjunct geographical distribution of South American seasonally dry forests (SDFs), based on coupling an ensemble approach encompassing hindcasting species distribution modelling and statistical phylogeographical analysis. We sampled 17 populations (280 individuals) in central Brazil and analysed the polymorphisms at chloroplast (trnS‐trnG, psbA‐trnH, and ycf6‐trnC intergenic spacers) and nuclear (ITS nrDNA) genomes. Phylogenetic analyses based on median‐joining network showed no haplotype sharing among population but strong evidence of incomplete lineage sorting. Coalescent analyses showed historical constant populations size, negligible gene flow among populations, and an ancient time to most recent common ancestor dated from ~4.7 ± 1.1 Myr BP. Most divergences dated from the Lower Pleistocene, and no signal of important population size reduction was found in coalescent tree and tests of demographical expansion. Demographical scenarios were built based on past geographical range dynamic models, using two a priori biogeographical hypotheses (‘Pleistocene Arc’ and ‘Amazonian SDF expansion’) and on two additional hypotheses suggested by the palaeodistribution modelling built with several algorithms for distribution modelling and palaeoclimatic data. The simulation of these demographical scenarios showed that the pattern of diversity found so far for T. impetiginosa is in consonance with a palaeodistribution expansion during the last glacial maximum (LGM, 21 kyr BP), strongly suggesting that the current disjunct distribution of T. impetiginosa in SDFs may represent a climatic relict of a once more wide distribution.
Incomplete lineage sorting or secondary admixture: disentangling historical divergence from recent gene flow in the Vinous‐throated parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus)
Authors: Qu Yanhua , Zhang Ruiying , Quan Qing , Song Gang , Li Shou Hsien , Lei Fumin
Published: October 2012

Although Pleistocene glaciations had a major impact on the population genetic patterns of many species in North America and Europe, it remains unclear how these climatic fluctuations contributed to species diversification in East Asia. One reason for this is the difficulty of distinguishing genetic admixture following secondary contact from incomplete lineage sorting, both of which can generate similar patterns of genetic variation. Using a combination of multilocus analyses and coalescent simulation, we explore how these two processes occurred in the Pleistocene evolutionary history of a widespread East Asian bird, the Vinous‐throated parrotbill, Paradoxornis webbianus. Maximum likelihood (ML) tree identified two major mitochondrial lineages, which are geographically separated in most parts of its range, but are sympatric at a few sampling sites. NJ tree and Structure analysis of microsatellite data set revealed an extensive level of admixture and little population structure, suggesting recent admixture between two formerly separated groups. Networks from nuclear DNA data sets, however, did not indicate any geographically isolated groups but rather a panmictic population, thus support incomplete lineage sorting. By using coalescent simulation approaches, we show that both processes did occur, although at different temporal scales. During the Pleistocene glaciations, probably around 0.1–0.5 Ma (the Marine Isotope Stage 6, MIS6), P. webbianus contracted into two separate refugia, and subsequently accumulated genetic divergence. During the interglacial MIS5, the species expanded into previously glaciated areas allowing the once separated groups to come into contact and become admixed. Taken together, our results indicate the current genetic variation within P. webbianus is a combination pattern of widespread distribution in pre‐Pleistocene, then contraction and fragmentation into separated refugia during glacial advance, followed by recently postglacial expansion and admixture.
Human phase response curve to a single 6.5 h pulse of short‐wavelength light
Authors: Rüger Melanie , St Hilaire Melissa A. , Brainard George C. , Khalsa Sat‐Bir S. , Kronauer Richard E. , Czeisler Charles A. , Lockley Steven W.
Published: October 2012

Key points

The human ∼24 h circadian pacemaker ensures appropriate timing of physiological, behavioural and metabolic events and is synchronized to the 24 h day primarily by the 24 h light–dark cycle.

The direction and magnitude of photic resetting depend on the timing of light exposure, and are described by a phase response curve (PRC).

The human circadian photoreception system is functionally and anatomically distinct from the visual system and employs a novel photoreceptor, melanopsin, which is maximally sensitive to short‐wavelength (blue) visible light.

We constructed a PRC to 6.5 h of blue (480 nm) light and compared it with a prior 6.7 h white light PRC; the blue light PRC achieved ∼75% of the resetting response of the white light PRC.

This study suggests that short‐wavelength visible light exposures may be more efficient than traditional high‐intensity white light exposures for treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Abstract  The photic resetting response of the human circadian pacemaker depends on the timing of exposure, and the direction and magnitude of the resulting shift is described by a phase response curve (PRC). Previous PRCs in humans have utilized high‐intensity polychromatic white light. Given that the circadian photoreception system is maximally sensitive to short‐wavelength visible light, the aim of the current study was to construct a PRC to blue (480 nm) light and compare it to a 10,000 lux white light PRC constructed previously using a similar protocol. Eighteen young healthy participants (18–30 years) were studied for 9–10 days in a time‐free environment. The protocol included three baseline days followed by a constant routine (CR) to assess initial circadian phase. Following this CR, participants were exposed to a 6.5 h 480 nm light exposure (11.8 μW cm−2, 11.2 lux) following mydriasis via a modified Ganzfeld dome. A second CR was conducted following the light exposure to re‐assess circadian phase. Phase shifts were calculated from the difference in dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) between CRs. Exposure to 6.5 h of 480 nm light resets the circadian pacemaker according to a conventional type 1 PRC with fitted maximum delays and advances of −2.6 h and 1.3 h, respectively. The 480 nm PRC induced ∼75% of the response of the 10,000 lux white light PRC. These results may contribute to a re‐evaluation of dosing guidelines for clinical light therapy and the use of light as a fatigue countermeasure.
Regulation of synaptic transmission at the photoreceptor terminal: a novel role for the cation–chloride co‐transporter NKCC1
Authors: Shen Wen , Purpura Lauren A. , Li Baoqin , Nan Changlong , Chang Irene J. , Ripps Harris
Published: October 2012

Key points

The Cl− uptake cotransporter, Na+–K+–2Cl− type 1 (NKCC1), is expressed in the distal synaptic layer of the vertebrate retina, where photoreceptor terminals contact the dendrites of horizontal and bipolar cells.

Light adaptation, dopamine and a D1 receptor agonist increased the expression levels of phosphorylated NKCC1, the active form of the transporter inserted in the cell membrane.

Pharmacological blockage of NKCC1 with bumetanide increased the rod‐ and cone‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in horizontal cells.

Inhibiting NKCC1 increased exocytotic membrane capacitance, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel currents in both rod and cone terminals, all of which are associated with increased transmitter release.

This study describes a new function of NKCC1, specifically the suppression of transmitter release at the photoreceptor terminals, a process that serves to prevent the depletion of glutamate and protect retinal neurons from its putative cytotoxic effects.

Abstract  The Na+–K+–2Cl− co‐transporter type 1 (NKCC1) is localized primarily throughout the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the distal retina, a synaptic lamina that is comprised of the axon terminals of photoreceptors and the dendrites of horizontal and bipolar cells. Although known to play a key role in development, signal transmission and the gating of sensory signals in other regions of the retina and in the CNS, the contribution of NKCC1 to synaptic transmission within the OPL is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the function of NKCC1 at the photoreceptor–horizontal cell synapse by recording the electrical responses of photoreceptors and horizontal cells before and after blocking the activity of the transporter with bumetanide (BMN). Because NKCC1 co‐transports 1 Na+, 1 K+ and 2 Cl−, it is electroneutral and its activation had little effect on membrane conductance. However, recordings from postsynaptic horizontal cells revealed that inhibiting NKCC1 with BMN greatly increased glutamate release from both rod and cone terminals. In addition, we found that NKCC1 directly regulates Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis at the photoreceptor synapse, raising the possibility that NKCC1 serves to suppress bulk release of glutamate vesicles from photoreceptor terminals in the dark and at light offset. Interestingly, NKCC1 gene and protein expressions were upregulated by light, which we attribute to the light‐induced release of dopamine acting on D1‐like receptors. In sum, our study reveals a new role for NKCC1 in the regulation of synaptic transmission in photoreceptors.
Do calcium waves propagate between cells and synchronize alternating calcium release in rat ventricular myocytes?
Authors: Li Y. , Eisner D. A. , O’Neill S. C.
Published: October 2012

Key points

In cell pairs isolated from rat ventricular muscle, spontaneous waves of Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release are much more likely to propagate between cells connected side to side than end to end.

Investigation of this difference using fluorescence techniques shows that the end‐to‐end connection probably contains the intercalated disc. It is this structure that accounts for the greater distance between sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release units being so large (about 2.3 μm). At side‐to‐side connections, this distance is much less (about 1.6 μm). This variation may be the cause of the difference in propagation properties.

In cell pairs isolated from rat ventricular muscle, we have been able to induce systolic Ca2+ alternans in‐phase between the cells in a pair. This is not due to propagation of Ca2+ waves between cells. In some cases, wave propagation can interfere with synchrony.

Abstract  The aim was to investigate the propagation of Ca2+ waves between cells and determine whether this synchronizes alternating Ca2+ release between cells. Experiments were carried out on electrically coupled cell pairs; spontaneous Ca2+ waves were produced by elevating external Ca2+. There was a significant difference in the ability of these waves to propagate between cells depending on the orientation of the pairs. Although almost all pairs connected by side‐to‐side contacts showed propagating Ca2+ release, this was very uncommon in end‐to‐end cell pairs. Confocal studies showed that there was a gap at the intercalated disc consisting of cell membranes and a region of cytoplasm devoid of sarcoplasmic reticulum. This gap was 2.3 μm in length and is suggested to interfere with Ca2+ wave propagation. The gap measured was much smaller between side‐to‐side contacts: 1.5 μm and so much less likely to interfere with propagation. Subsequent experiments investigated the synchronization between cells of Ca2+ alternans produced by small depolarizing pulses. Although this alternation results from beat‐to‐beat alternation of intracellular Ca2+ wave propagation, there was no evidence that propagation of Ca2+ waves between cells contributed to synchronization of this alternans.
Photovoltaic Production of Hydrogen at Stratospheric Altitude
Authors: Dumas Antonio , Trancossi Michele , Anzillotti Stefano , Madonia Mauro
Published: October 2012

This paper compares hydrogen production by photovoltaic powered electrolysis of water at sea level and at low stratospheric altitudes up to 21 km. All the hydrogen production processes have been considered from catchable solar radiation to storage technologies. The evaluation has been performed for 1 m2 of flat horizontal plane. It has been considered the electric energy amount produced by considering the equilibrium temperature of photovoltaic (PV) modules and its evolution due to external temperature and solar radiation. Hydrogen production through electrolysis has been evaluated too. Two different methods of hydrogen storage have been evaluated: high pressure compression up to 20 MPa and the liquefaction process. The energetic cost of both production processes has been evaluated. The comparison is presented in terms of effective energy deliverable to final users considered in terms of HHV. This evaluation considers also, in the case of the liquefaction process the energy which can be recovered by the regasification process.
Forecasting of Global Horizontal Irradiance Using Sky Cover Indices
Authors: Marquez Ricardo , Gueorguiev Vesselin G. , Coimbra Carlos F. M.
Published: October 2012

This work discusses the relevance of three sky cover (SC) indices for solar radiation modeling and forecasting. The three indices are global in the sense that they integrate relevant information from the whole sky and thus encode cloud cover information. However, the three indices also emphasize different specific meteorological processes and sky radiosity components. The three indices are derived from the observed cloud cover via total sky imager (TSI), via measurements of the infrared radiation (IR), and via pyranometer measurements of global horizontal irradiance (GHI). We enhance the correlations between these three indices by choosing optimal expressions that are benchmarked against the GHI SC index. The similarity of the three indices allows for a good qualitative approximation of the GHI irradiance when using any of the other two indices. An artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm is employed to improve the quantitative modeling of the GHI sky cover index, thus improving significantly the forecasting details of GHI when all three indices are used.
Stability Limits of Reversible-Pump Turbines in Turbine Mode of Operation and Measurements of Unstable Characteristics
Authors: Olimstad Grunde , Nielsen Torbjørn , Børresen Bjarne
Published: October 2012

Measurements have been performed on a reversible-pump turbine model installed in a closed loop conduit system. The characteristics of the unstable pump turbine in turbine mode show a hysteresis pattern. Hence the output of the system is dependent on the previous state of the flow and not only the input variables. The hysteresis pattern is a characteristic of the whole system, but is caused by the unstable pump turbine. The unstable part of the characteristics was measured by three different methods: 1) by transient sampling of data during the transition between operation modes, 2) by throttling valves that steepens the friction-loss curve, and 3) by switching the causality in the system such that the torque becomes an input parameter and the speed of rotation becomes an output parameter. In the valve throttling measurements a pressure dependency was seen for the characteristics at high nondimensional speeds. This was further investigated by additional measurements of the characteristics at three different pressure levels. A rigid-water-column stability analysis has been conducted. The classic H-Q criterion describes static stability for a pump turbine with constant speed of rotation. With the speed of rotation as a variable, there is a new static stability criterion in addition to the dynamic stability criterion.