bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identities of Artefacts
Authors: BAUMBERGER CHRISTOPH , BRUN GEORG
Published: October 2011

In non‐philosophical discourse, “identity” is often used when the specific character of artefacts is described or evaluated. We argue that this usage of “identity” can be explicated as referring to the symbol properties of artefacts as they are conceptualized in the symbol theory of Goodman and Elgin. This explication is backed by an analysis of various uses of “identity”. The explicandum clearly differs from the concepts of numerical identity, qualitative identity and essence, but it has a range of similarities with the notion of self‐concept used in psychology and practical philosophy. The proposed explication is used to analyse claims about identity‐pluralism and identity‐conflicts. Firstly, the explication allows us to distinguish various ways how the same artefact can have a plurality of identities. Secondly, more or less sharp conflicts within an identity or between identities of an artefact are distinguished. Thirdly, many phenomena called “identity‐conflicts” are only apparently identity‐conflicts and can be analysed as involving some other form of tension.
Comparison of complications and results of early versus delayed surgery for Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures in pediatric patients
Authors: Han Qing‐lin , Wang You‐hua , Liu Fan
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To investigate the effect of timing of surgery on clinical results and perioperative complications in pediatric patients with Gartland III type supracondylar humeral fractures without neurovascular compromise.

Methods:  Eighty‐six consecutive children treated surgically at our hospital from April 2005 to June 2007 for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures were reviewed. All these patients were treated by the same group of doctors. The children were divided into two groups: early if treated within 12 hours after injury and delayed if treated later than that. Perioperative complications and clinical results, especially for open surgery, were compared between the two groups.

Results:  Forty pediatric patients underwent surgery in the early group and 46 in the delayed group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in perioperative complications such as pin tract infection, iatrogenic nerve injury, compartment syndrome and conversion to open surgery. For open surgery, both the clinical results and perioperative complications were not affected by delaying for more than 12 hours after injury. However, blood loss and operation time were greater in the early than in the delayed group, possibly due to relatively more edema.

Conclusion:  Delay in surgery, regardless of whether it is closed or open, for more than 12 hours after injury does not influence the perioperative complications and clinical results for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. However early open reduction and pinning may increase intra‐operative blood loss and take longer.
Design and application of a self‐evaluation questionnaire for individuals at a high‐risk of lung cancer
Authors: Chen Bojiang , Cao Huibi , Wang Dongmei , Liu Dan , Zeng Jing , Wang Youjuan , Zhang Shangfu , Gao Jun , Yu Jianqun , Li Weimin
Published: October 2011

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to establish a comprehensive evaluation system to assess the risk factors of lung cancer for the general population.

Methods:  With the method of evidence‐based medicine, risk factors of lung cancer were identified and their risk assignments were calculated to design the Self‐evaluation Scoring Questionnaire for High‐risk Individuals of Lung Cancer. Studies including more than 10 000 subjects were carried the out to confirm the questionnaire's value.

Results:  The questionnaire consisted of 15 risk factors and their risk assignments, such as sex, age, smoking, female passive smoking, previous illness histories, exposure to harmful gases, mental depression and genetic susceptibility. In the population application, data from 30 lung cancer patients revealed its desired reliability and validity. The next pre‐investigation, including 94 patients and 252 controls, confirmed its differentiating power, and encouraged a much larger‐scale survey with 2161 subjects to determine the threshold (T) to identify high‐risk individuals, the threshold was 116 points. According to this criterion, 1537 high‐risk volunteers and 6556 controls were recruited to participate in a 3‐year follow‐up study from 2007 to 2009. There were 31 cases of lung cancer detected in the high‐risk group, with a detection rate of 2.02%, significantly higher than that of the controls (5/6556, 0.08%), indicating an excellent predictive value of the questionnaire.

Conclusions:  The Self‐evaluation Scoring Questionnaire for High‐risk Individuals of Lung Cancer was a good means for evaluating the risks of lung cancer.
The role of personal values and basic traits in perceptions of the consequences of immigration: A three‐nation study
Authors: Vecchione Michele , Caprara Gianvittorio , Schoen Harald , Castro Josè Luis Gonzàlez , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: October 2011

Using data from Italy, Spain, and Germany (N= 1,569), this study investigated the role of basic values (universalism and security) and basic traits (openness and agreeableness) in predicting perceptions of the consequences of immigration. In line with Schwartz's (1992) theory, we conceptualized security as having two distinct components, one concerned with safety of the self (personal security) and the other with harmony and stability of larger groups and of society (group security). Structural equation modelling revealed that universalism values underlie perceptions that immigration has positive consequences and group security values underlie perceptions that it has negative consequences. Personal security makes no unique, additional contribution. Multi‐group analyses revealed that these associations are invariant across the three countries except for a stronger link between universalism and perceptions of the consequences of immigration in Spain. To examine whether values mediate relations of traits to perceptions of immigration, we used the five‐factor model. Findings supported a full mediation model. Individuals’ traits of openness and agreeableness explained significant variance in security and universalism values. Basic values, in turn, explained perceptions of the consequences of immigration.
Morality, values, traditional bullying, and cyberbullying in adolescence
Authors: Menesini Ersilia , Nocentini Annalaura , Camodeca Marina
Published: October 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate moral aspects and human values in traditional bullying and cyberbullying, in order to detect differences between the two types of bullying and to test the role of immoral and disengaged behaviours in mediating the relationships between personal values and involvement in bullying. Sample comprised 390 adolescents aged 14–18, balanced for gender, attending different high schools. Traditional and cyberbullying were detected by means of two self‐report measures, while the Portrait Values Questionnaire was used to assess 10 values in four dimensions according to the value system model by Schwartz (1992): self‐trascendence, self‐enhancement, openness to change, and conservation. Finally, immoral and disengaged behaviours were assessed by means of five items about behavioural and personal aspects salient for morality. Results showed that, irrespective of gender, self‐enhancement and self‐trascendence moderately predicted cyber and traditional bullying, respectively, while immoral and disengaged behaviours predicted both. Indirect effects showed that self‐enhancement and openness to change predicted both forms of bullying through immoral behaviour. Results are discussed in terms of similarities and differences between cyber and traditional bullying and with attention to the central role of morality in explaining bullying nature.
Radiochromic film dosimetry of HDR 192Ir source radiation fields
Authors: Aldelaijan Saad , Mohammed Huriyyah , Tomic Nada , Liang Li‐Heng , DeBlois Francois , Sarfehnia Arman , Abdel‐Rahman Wamied , Seuntjens Jan , Devic Slobodan
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

A radiochromic film based dosimetry system for high dose rate (HDR) Iridium‐192 brachytherapy source was described. A comparison between calibration curves established in water and Solid Water™ was provided.

Methods:

Pieces of EBT‐2 model GAFCHROMIC™ film were irradiated in both water and Solid Water™ with HDR192Ir brachytherapy source in a dose range from 0 to 50 Gy. Responses of EBT‐2 GAFCHROMIC™ film were compared for irradiations in water and Solid Water™ by scaling the dose between media through Monte Carlo calculated conversion factor for both setups. To decrease uncertainty in dose delivery due to positioning of the film piece with respect to the radiation source, traceable calibration irradiations were performed in a parallel‐opposed beam setup.

Results:

The EBT‐2 GAFCHROMIC™ film based dosimetry system described in this work can provide an overall one‐sigma dose uncertainty of 4.12% for doses above 1 Gy. The ratio of dose delivered to the sensitive layer of the film in water to the dose delivered to the sensitive layer of the film in Solid Water™ was calculated using Monte Carlo simulations to be 0.9941 ± 0.0007.

Conclusions:

A radiochromic film based dosimetry system using only the green color channel of a flatbed document scanner showed superior precision if used alone in a dose range that extends up to 50 Gy, which greatly decreases the complexity of work. In addition, Solid Water™ material was shown to be a viable alternative to water in performing radiochromic film based dosimetry with HDR192Ir brachytherapy sources.
Structural Dynamics of a Catalytic Monolayer Probed by Ultrafast 2D IR Vibrational Echoes
Authors: Rosenfeld Daniel E. , Gengeliczki Zsolt , Smith Brian J. , Stack T. D. P. , Fayer M. D.
Published: October 2011

A method to track fast vibrational motion in solution has been extended to catalytically important solid/liquid interfaces.
The balanced scorecard – a tool for improving practice performance
Authors: Coates Catherine
Published: October 2011

The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a management tool designed to improve the productivity of businesses. Developed in 1992 by Kaplan and Norton, it involves setting measurable objectives relating to customers, finances, internal processes, and innovation and learning. As these four areas are interlinked, improvements in one perspective should have a positive effect on the rest, as well as contributing to the achievement of the overall vision of the business. The BSC has proved popular with the large commercial organisations for which it was originally developed and has been used widely within diverse industry sectors. However, its application in small and medium enterprises has been limited, and there is little documented evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness in smaller businesses, and none for its application in veterinary practice. Here, Catherine Coates describes the concept of the BSC and uses a hypothetical veterinary practice to illustrate how it might be applied in veterinary practice.
Mammary mass in an overweight dog
Authors: Casey Rachel
Published: October 2011

A client brings in a nine‐year‐old female neutered labrador to ask your advice about a mammary mass. The mass is relatively small and well defined, and you consider it of value to biopsy and/or remove it. However, the dog is 33 kg (ideal weight 15 to 16 kg), struggles to walk and pants after coming from the car park to the waiting room. Looking at previous records, you see that the owner has not visited the practice for several months. At the last visit, they had been to two weight loss clinics and the dog's weight was 27 kg. A note on the record suggests that the owner was reluctant to follow the advice given or to change the dog's food from the working dog diet it was on, and could not afford a prescription diet. When you mention the weight problem and the need for the dog to lose weight before surgery is considered, the client becomes aggressive, tells you ‘the dog is on a diet and the weight problem is under control’ and refuses to discuss attending weight clinics again or changing food. You feel that the welfare of the dog is compromised, and mention this to the client, who becomes angrier and storms out of the practice.
Pleural effusions in dogs and cats
Authors: Murphy Kate , Papasouliotis Kostas
Published: October 2011

Pleural effusions in dogs and cats can be caused by various diseases, but the basic approach to diagnosis and management is similar in all patients. Affected animals can be very fragile, so careful handling and confidence in the emergency management of such cases is vital. This article, the first of two discussing pleural effusions in small animals, describes the diagnostic approach to animals presenting with respiratory distress due to a pleural effusion. Part 2, to be published in the November/December issue of In Practice, will discuss the placement of thoracic drains/thoracostomy tubes and the management of specific types of pleural effusion.
Simulator based angiography education in neurosurgery: results of a pilot educational program: Table 1
Authors: Fargen Kyle Michael , Siddiqui Adnan H , Veznedaroglu Erol , Turner Raymond D , Ringer Andrew J , Mocco J
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The use of simulators in medical training has been on the rise over the past decade as a means to teach procedural skills to trainees in a risk free environment. The goal of this study was to pilot a simulator based skills course for inexperienced neurosurgical residents to teach the fundamentals of cervicocerebral catheterization and angiography, with the ultimate goal of defining a universal simulator based curriculum that could be incorporated into neurosurgical resident training in the future.

Methods

Seven neurosurgery residents with no prior angiographic experience served as the pilot participants for this 2 day course. Four neurointerventional trained neurosurgeons served as faculty for instruction and evaluation. The majority of the course focused on hands-on simulator practice with close mentoring by faculty. Participants were evaluated with pre-course and post-course assessments.

Results

Post-course written test scores were significantly higher than pre-course scores (p<0.001). Faculty assessments of participants' technical skills with angiography (graded 0–10, with 10 being best) also improved significantly from pre-course to post-course (pre 2.1; post 5.9; p<0.001). Objective simulator recorded assessments demonstrated a significant decrease in the time needed to complete a four vessel angiogram (p<0.001) and total fluoroscopic time (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Participant angiography skills, based on both faculty and simulator assessments, as well as participant knowledge, improved after this didactic, hands-on simulator course. Neuroendovascular simulator training appears to be a viable means of training inexperienced neurosurgery residents in the early learning stages of basic endovascular neurosurgery. Further studies evaluating the translation of procedural skills learned on the simulator to actual clinical skills in the angiography suite is necessary.
SYSTEMATIC INVESTIGATIONS OF THE FREE FERMIONIC HETEROTIC STRING GAUGE GROUP STATISTICS: LAYER 1 RESULTS
Authors: MOORE D. , GREENWALD J. , RENNER T. , ROBINSON M. , BUESCHER C. , JANAS M. , MILLER G. , RUHNAU S. , CLEAVER G.
Published: October 2011

Using software under development at Baylor University, we explicitly construct all layer 1 gauge, weakly coupled free fermionic heterotic string models up to order 22 in four large spacetime dimensions. The gauge models consist primarily of gauge content making a systematic construction process efficient. We present an overview of the model building procedure, redundancies in the process, methods used to reduce such redundancies and statistics regarding the occurrence of various combinations of gauge group factors and GUT groups. Statistics for both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] models are presented.
INTRINSICALLY QUANTUM-MECHANICAL GRAVITY AND THE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT PROBLEM
Authors: MANNHEIM PHILIP D.
Published: October 2011

We propose that gravity be intrinsically quantum-mechanical, so that in the absence of quantum mechanics the geometry of the universe would be Minkowski. We show that in such a situation gravity does not require any independent quantization of its own, with it being quantized simply by virtue of its being coupled to the quantized matter fields that serve as its source. We show that when the gravitational and matter fields possess an underlying conformal symmetry, the gravitational field and fermionic matter-field zero-point fluctuations cancel each other identically. Then, when the fermions acquire mass by a dynamical symmetry breaking procedure that induces a cosmological constant in such conformal theories, the zero-point fluctuations readjust so as to cancel the induced cosmological constant identically. The zero-point vacuum problem and the cosmological constant vacuum problems thus mutually solve each other. We illustrate our ideas in a completely solvable conformal-invariant model, namely two-dimensional quantum Einstein gravity coupled to a Nambu–Jona-Lasinio self-consistent fermion.
PREVENTION OF FLEXOR POLLICIS LONGUS TENDON RUPTURE AFTER VOLAR PLATE FIXATION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES
Authors: Tada Kaoru , Ikeda Kazuo , Shigemoto Kenji , Suganuma Seigo , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2011

We evaluated the presence of "tendon irritation" of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) for cases of distal radius fracture treated with volar plates to prevent FPL tendon rupture. This report details cases of 24 patients. The presence of pain or a sense of incompatibility and subdermal crepitus around the wrist with an active thumb motion were defined as symptoms of FPL tendon irritation. Twelve of 24 patients complained of FPL tendon irritation. The plates were removed in nine of these 12 patients, while tendon injury was found in three cases. The other 12 patients did not complain of FPL tendon irritation. Four of these 12 patients underwent plate removal, and tendon injury was not detected. The results of this study indicate that FPL tendon irritation is likely to appear before tendon rupture. Therefore, FPL tendon rupture might be prevented by plate removal in patients who complained of tendon irritation.
HIGH DEFINITION ULTRASOUND AS DIAGNOSTIC ADJUNCT FOR INCOMPLETE CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE
Authors: Tan Ter Chyan , Yeo Chong Jin , Smith Einar Wilder
Published: October 2011

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment in the upper limb and carpal tunnel release (CTR) provides the most predictable outcome and relief of symptoms. Incomplete carpal tunnel releases are uncommon, however, in the event of incomplete surgical releases, symptoms following such incomplete releases tend to be more severe than the symptoms presented at the initial complaint. We present our experience in utilizing high definition ultrasound to reliably and accurately localize the anatomical cause to aid focused revision CTR.
HAND INFECTION IN DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: Jalil Amir , Barlaan Philip Ian , Fung Boris Kwok Keung , Ip Josephine Wing-Yuk
Published: October 2011

The diabetic hand infection is less reported in the literature. Therefore, it is easily ignored and underestimated resulting in increased morbidity among the diabetic population. Diabetic hand is a rapid in progression, extensive and severe tissue destruction. We analyze the clinical course and outcome of hand infection in diabetic patients. We reviewed all the admissions with hand infection from January 2006–April 2010. Thirty-seven patients were found with associated diabetes mellitus. The demographic data, culture report, number of operations and management, hospital stay and outcome-like amputation were recorded. The average age was 62 years. Pain and swelling were the chief complaints. The cause of infection was varied. The infection was superficial in 13 and deep in 24 patients. Forty-one percent of culture report revealed polymicrobial organism. The increased length of hospital stay, reoperations and amputation were associated with deep infection and polymicrobial organism.

Prompt medical and surgical attentions are the most important factors. A proper glycemic control, elevation of the affected extremity, thorough and adequate surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics are the important considerations when dealing with diabetic hand infection.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME CAUSED BY A GANGLION IN THE CARPAL TUNNEL WITH AN ATYPICAL TYPE OF PALSY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Shimizu Ayuko , Ikeda Masayoshi , Kobayashi Yuka , Saito Ikuo , Oka Yoshinori
Published: October 2011

Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by a ganglion is a rare condition. We report a case which presented with a rapidly progressive onset of symptoms and subsequent thenar palsy.
CLOSED RADIAL WEDGE OSTEOTOMY FOR PREISER'S DISEASE: A REPORT OF FOUR CASES
Authors: Hayashi Ousuke , Sawaizumi Takuya , Ito Hiromoto
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcome of closed radial wedge osteotomy (CRWO) for Preiser's disease.

Methods: CRWO was performed for four patients with Preiser's disease between 2000 and 2005. All patients were diagnosed by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Separation gaps in the radioscaphoid joint were observed to evaluate the decompression in the area. Clinical evaluation was performed using Cooney's scoring system.

Results: Although wrist pain persisted in patients with radioscaphoid arthritis change, marked mitigation of wrist pain was confirmed in three patients. The average clinical score was 66, with good in one, fair in two, and poor in one. Restriction of wrist movement by CRWO caused lower clinical scores. No patients had wrist arthrodesis at the last follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions: Short-term observation showed disappointing clinical results; however, for relief of wrist pain, this method is a potential surgical procedure for Preiser's disease under limited conditions.
REPAIR OF A MENISCUS DEFECT THROUGH CARTILAGINOUS METAPLASIA OF THE AUTOGENOUS TENDON GRAFT BY INJECTING RECOMBINANT HUMAN BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN-2
Authors: Naka Yoshifumi , Hashimoto Yusuke , Nakamura Hiroaki , Takaoka Kunio
Published: October 2011

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) (0, 0.1, 1, or 5 μg) was injected into the autogeneous semitendinosus tendon, and the tendon was transplanted to the region of the medial meniscus defect in a rabbit model to repair the defect. Cartilaginous transformation of the tendon by rhBMP-2 was expected under the less-vascularized intra-articular environment. At four and eight weeks after surgery, the left knee joints were harvested, and the morphological changes of the graft were examined by radiological, histological, and immunohistochemical methods. Cartilaginous tissue within the graft was detected by Safranin O staining and immunostaining of Type-II collagen. At four weeks, fibrocartilagenous tissue, together with small ossicles, was consistently noted in tendon autografts that were injected with 1 or 5 μg of rhBMP-2. At eight weeks, the cartilage located at the basal part of the graft adjacent to the joint capsule was partially replaced with ectopic bone in the 1-μg or 5-μg groups. The ossicles might have been formed by vascular invasion into the rhBMP-2-induced cartilage, but the cartilageous structure remained at the peripheral part of the graft and filled the meniscus defect. The experimental results indicate the potential use of rhBMP-2 in regenerating the cartilaginous meniscus if additional methods to suppress vascular invasion into the rhBMP-2–induced cartilage also inhibit ossification.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT RISK FACTORS FOR BACK, NECK AND SHOULDER MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AND CLAIMS IN AMBULANCE OFFICERS
Authors: Broniecki Monica , Esterman Adrian , May Esther , Grantham Hugh
Published: October 2011

This study aims to determine whether pre-employment medical, physical or psychological assessments can predict future back, neck and shoulder musculoskeletal injuries and claims in an Australian ambulance service.

This was a retrospective observational study based on linked datasets. Poisson regression analysis was undertaken to determine which pre-employment personality traits, using the Fifteen Factor Questionnaire and 36 medical and functional capacity evaluation variables, predicted the number of injuries and claims in ambulance officers.

Ambulance officers who at pre-employment assessment demonstrated more conceptual, intuitive and anxious personality traits, and those ambulance officers who had hypermobile joints, self-limited weights lifted, played less sport or exercised less, were more likely to sustain future back, neck or shoulder musculoskeletal injuries or submit workers compensation claims.

Individual pre-employment risk factors were found to predict musculoskeletal injuries and claims in a cohort of ambulance officers. Anxious as opposed to stable personality types and conceptual rather than practical personality types appear to be at greater risk of an injury or submitting a claim, as were recruits with hypermobile joints. Identification of individual risk factors at recruitment may assist in the selection of suitable applicants into the ambulance service as well as providing a focus for career counseling where relevant.
COMPLETELY MONOTONIC FUNCTIONS RELATED TO LOGARITHMIC DERIVATIVES OF ENTIRE FUNCTIONS
Authors: PEDERSEN HENRIK L.
Published: October 2011

The logarithmic derivative l(x) of an entire function of genus p and having only non-positive zeros is represented in terms of a Stieltjes function. As a consequence, (-1)p(xml(x))(m+p) is a completely monotonic function for all m ≥ 0. This generalizes earlier results on complete monotonicity of functions related to Euler's psi-function. Applications to Barnes' multiple gamma functions are given.
ONLINE REGRESSION WITH VARYING GAUSSIANS AND NON-IDENTICAL DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: HU TING
Published: October 2011

We consider a fully online regression algorithm associated with a general convex loss function and Gaussian kernels with changing variances. Error analysis is conducted in a setting with samples drawn from a non-identical sequence of probability measures. When a fixed Gaussian is used, it was known that the learning ability of induced algorithms is weak. By allowing varying Gaussians, we show that the achieved learning rates can be of polynomial decays.
EQUITABLE DOMINATION IN GRAPHS
Authors: ANITHA A. , ARUMUGAM S. , CHELLALI MUSTAPHA
Published: October 2011

Let D be a dominating set of a graph G = (V, E). For v ∈ D, let n1(v) = |N(v) ∩ (V - D)| and for w ∈ V - D, let n2(w) = |N(w) ∩ D|. Then D is called an equitable dominating set of type 1 if |n1(v1) - n1(v2)| ≤ 1 for all v1, v2 ∈ D and is called an equitable dominating set of type 2 if |n2(w1) - n2(w2)| ≤ 1 for all w1, w2 ∈ V - D. The minimum cardinality of an equitable dominating set of G of type 1 (type 2) is called the 1-equitable (2-equitable) domination number of G and is denoted by γ eq1 (G)(γ eq2 (G)). If D is an equitable dominating set of type 1 and type 2, then D is called an equitable dominating set and the equitable domination number of G is defined to be the minimum cardinality of an equitable dominating set and is denoted by γ eq (G). In this paper we initiate a study of these parameters.
PROMOTING AGGLOMERATION ECONOMIES AND INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERING THROUGH SEZs: EVIDENCE FROM INDIA
Authors: AGGARWAL ARADHNA
Published: October 2011

This paper argues that traditional theoretical approaches to SEZs are unable to adequately explain the rationale and economic contribution of SEZs in India and proposes an alternative approach based on the economics of agglomeration, in general, and industrial clustering, in particular. It argues that although SEZs are not treated as clusters in the SEZ literature, they share characteristics with the latter. It uses the proposed approach to evaluate the role of SEZs in promoting cluster-based industrialisation and entrepreneurship in the country. The analysis presented in the paper is based on observations during field visits to selected operational SEZs across nine states and in-depth interviews with bureaucrats, developers, entrepreneurs and employees.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODES: LONG-TERM ANALYSIS FROM EAST ASIA
Authors: CHEN EN-TE , NOWLAND JOHN
Published: October 2011

This study examines the effectiveness of corporate governance codes in four East Asian markets by investigating the timing and persistence of firm compliance with code recommendations. Over the period 1999 to 2009 we find a number of significant improvements in code compliance, but not all can be attributed to the introduction of code recommendations. We also provide evidence of the codes having unintended consequences — firms previously with higher board or committee independence reducing their independence to code recommendation levels. Our results suggest that code recommendations targeting the creation of new mechanisms (e.g., remuneration committees) have been effective but that policymakers need to be particularly careful when formulating code recommendations about existing governance practices.
THE RIEMANN–HILBERT APPROACH TO OBTAIN CRITICAL ASYMPTOTICS FOR HAMILTONIAN PERTURBATIONS OF HYPERBOLIC AND ELLIPTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: CLAEYS TOM
Published: October 2011

The present paper gives an overview of the recent developments in the description of critical behavior for Hamiltonian perturbations of hyperbolic and elliptic systems of partial differential equations. It was conjectured that this behavior can be described in terms of distinguished Painlevé transcendents, which are universal in the sense that they are, to some extent, independent of the equation and the initial data. We will consider several examples of well-known integrable equations that are expected to show this type of Painlevé behavior near critical points. The Riemann–Hilbert method is a useful tool to obtain rigorous results for such equations. We will explain the main lines of this method and we will discuss the universality conjecture from a Riemann–Hilbert point of view.
Glucose and pyruvate metabolism in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kao Christina C. , Hsu Jean W.-C. , Bandi Venkata , Hanania Nicola A. , Kheradmand Farrah , Jahoor Farook
Published: October 2011

The mechanisms leading to weight loss in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are poorly understood but may involve alterations in macronutrient metabolism. Changes in muscle oxidative capacity and lactate production during exercise suggest glucose metabolism may be altered in COPD subjects. The objective of this study was to determine differences in the rates of glucose production and clearance, the rate of glycolysis (pyruvate production), and oxidative and nonoxidative pyruvate disposal in subjects with severe COPD compared with healthy controls. The in vivo rates of glucose production and clearance were measured in 14 stable outpatients with severe COPD (seven with low and seven with preserved body mass indexes) and 7 healthy controls using an intravenous infusion of [2H2]glucose. Additionally, pyruvate production and oxidative and non-oxidative pyruvate disposal were measured using intravenous infusions of [13C]bicarbonate and [13C]pyruvate. Endogenous glucose flux and glucose clearance were significantly faster in the combined COPD subjects ( P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). This difference remained significant when COPD subjects were separated by body mass index. Pyruvate flux and oxidation were significantly higher in the combined COPD subjects than controls ( P = 0.02 for both), but there was no difference in nonoxidative pyruvate disposal or plasma lactate concentrations between the two groups. In subjects with severe COPD, there are alterations in glucose metabolism leading to increased glucose production and faster glucose metabolism by glycolysis and oxidation compared with controls. However, no difference in glucose conversion to lactate via pyruvate reduction is observed.
Noninvasive Detection of Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis Using Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII Targeted Imaging Probes
Authors: Tafreshi Narges K. , Bui Marilyn M. , Bishop Kellsey , Lloyd Mark C. , Enkemann Steven A. , Lopez Alexis S. , Abrahams Dominique , Carter Bradford W. , Vagner Josef , Grobmyer Stephen R. , Gillies Robert J. , Morse David L.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To develop targeted molecular imaging probes for the noninvasive detection of breast cancer lymph node metastasis.

Experimental Design: Six cell surface or secreted markers were identified by expression profiling and from the literature as being highly expressed in breast cancer lymph node metastases. Two of these markers were cell surface carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CAIX and/or CAXII) and were validated for protein expression by immunohistochemistry of patient tissue samples on a breast cancer tissue microarray containing 47 normal breast tissue samples, 42 ductal carcinoma in situ, 43 invasive ductal carcinomas without metastasis, 46 invasive ductal carcinomas with metastasis, and 49 lymph node macrometastases of breast carcinoma. Targeted probes were developed by conjugation of CAIX- and CAXII-specific monoclonal antibodies to a near-infrared fluorescent dye.

Results: Together, these two markers were expressed in 100% of the lymph node metastases surveyed. Selectivity of the imaging probes were confirmed by intravenous injection into nude mice-bearing mammary fat pad tumors of marker-expressing cells and nonexpressing cells or by preinjection of unlabeled antibody. Imaging of lymph node metastases showed that peritumorally injected probes detected nodes harboring metastatic tumor cells. As few as 1,000 cells were detected, as determined by implanting, under ultrasound guidance, a range in number of CAIX- and CAXII-expressing cells into the axillary lymph nodes.

Conclusion: These imaging probes have potential for noninvasive staging of breast cancer in the clinic and elimination of unneeded surgery, which is costly and associated with morbidities. Clin Cancer Res; 18(1); 207–19. ©2011 AACR.
hVps37A Status Affects Prognosis and Cetuximab Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wittinger Michael , Vanhara Petr , El-Gazzar Ahmed , Savarese-Brenner Bettina , Pils Dietmar , Anees Mariam , Grunt Thomas W. , Sibilia Maria , Holcmann Martin , Horvat Reinhard , Schemper Michael , Zeillinger Robert , Schöfer Christian , Dolznig Helmut , Horak Peter , Krainer Michael
Published: October 2011

Purpose: Although prognostic and predictive factors in ovarian cancer have been extensively studied for decades, only few have been identified and introduced to clinical practice. Here, we evaluate hVps37A (HCRP1) as a possible novel predictive marker for ovarian cancer. hVps37A was originally described as a member of the membrane-trafficking ESCRT-I complex mediating the internalization and degradation of ubiquitinated membrane receptors.

Experimental Design: We analyzed an ovarian cancer tissue microarray for HCRP1, EGFR, and HER2 expression. We used a tetracycline inducible ovarian cancer cell culture model to show the effects of hVps37A knockdown in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we studied the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors cetuximab and lapatinib on ovarian cancer cells under conditions of hVps37A knockdown.

Results: We find that hVps37A is significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer and modifies the prognostic value of EGFR and HER2 expression. In addition, hVps37A downregulation in ovarian cancer cells leads to cytoplasmic pEGFR retention and hyperactivation of downstream pathways and is associated with enhanced xenograft growth in nude mice and invasion of the collagen matrix. Furthermore, due to subsequent sustained Akt- and MAPK-pathway activation, hVps37A-deficient cells become irresponsive to inhibition by the therapeutic antibody cetuximab.

Conclusion: We propose that hVps37A status could become a novel prognostic and therapeutic marker for EGFR or HER2 driven tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(24); 7816–27. ©2011 AACR.
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Renal Cyst Marsupialization Using a Homemade Single-Port Device Has a Role as a Feasible Treatment Option
Authors: Lee Joo Yong , Lee Seung Wook
Published: October 2011

Aim: In patients with a renal cyst and concurrent symptoms, we examined the effectiveness and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for renal cyst marsupialization using a homemade single-port device (HSPD) by a single surgeon (S.W.L.). Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 31 patients with a renal cyst. A LESS renal cyst marsupialization was performed using a HSPD based on the Alexis® wound retractor and a powder-free surgical glove. In our study, the mean age was 55.29 ± 10.86 (range 31–73) years and the mean size of the renal cyst was 6.83 ± 1.09 cm. Results: All the surgical procedures were successfully performed. The mean operative time was 101.35 ± 16.04 min. Of the patients who underwent the procedure, none presented with major complications. In 7 patients who had pain preoperatively, there was a significant difference in the visual analogue pain scale score at 6.86 ± 0.69 preoperatively and 1.71 ± 0.49 at postoperative week 4 (p < 0.001). The number of patients who were satisfied with the postoperative outcome was 29 (93.5%). Conclusions: In patients with a simple renal cyst, LESS renal cyst marsupialization using a HSPD might be considered as a feasible, safe surgical treatment option.
The Usefulness of Vibration Perception Threshold as a Significant Indicator for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at a Primary Diabetes Mellitus Clinic
Authors: Amano Toshiyasu , Imao Tetsuya , Seki Masaya , Takemae Katsurou , Ohta Yasuharu , Sakai Sumi , Ohta Hisae
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship of erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes mellitus (DM) parameters (referred to with ‘1’), including peripheral neuropathy (referred to with ‘2’). Methods: (1) The DM parameters including age, serum levels of blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, duration of DM and number of DM complications were obtained from 145 patients at a general DM clinic. (2) The peripheral neuropathy examinations by vibration perception threshold (VPT) and Achilles tendon reflex were performed in 97 DM patients. Erectile functions in DM patients were evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF 5). The DM patients’ parameters were compared with the IIEF 5 scores. Results: (1) The data showed IIEF 5 scores were significantly correlated with patient age, duration of DM and number of DM complications. (2) IIEF 5 scores were significantly correlated with VPT time. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that patient age and VPT time were independent risk factors for predicting ED in DM patients. Conclusions: The severity of ED in DM patients depended on age, duration of DM, number of DM complications and VPT. Significantly, the age of DM patients and the measurement of VPT are considered to be simple and useful indicators to diagnose ED in DM patients.
A New Technique for Retrograde Flexible Ureteroscopy after Cohen Cross-Trigonal Ureteral Reimplantation
Authors: Lusuardi Lukas , Hruby Stephan , Jeschke Stephan , Zimmermann Reinhold , Sieberer Manuela , Janetschek Günther
Published: October 2011

Purpose: Retrograde ureteral access after cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation can be challenging. We present our experience with retrograde ureteral catheterization and flexible ureteroscopy after Cohen cross-trigonal reimplantation in patients presenting with ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: Cystoscopy is performed and a Tiemann ureteral catheter is inserted into the involved ureteral orifice. A retrograde ureterography is performed and hydrophilic guide wire is passed up to the kidney. A dual-lumen ureteral access sheath is then passed under x-ray control underneath the ureteral stone. The flexible ureterorenoscope is passed under x-ray control up to the stone which is then fragmented with a holmium laser. Results: From June 2006 to June 2010, this technique was successful in 8 patients without acute or delayed sequelae. Conclusions: Where the endourological expertise is readily available, the ureter can be accessed retrogradely even after Cohen cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation in a safe, straightforward and effective modality.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Castillejos-Molina Ricardo , Rodríguez-Covarrubias Francisco , Sotomayor Mariano , Gómez-Alvarado M. Olivia , Villalobos-Gollás Miguel , Gabilondo Fernando , Feria-Bernal Guillermo
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is linked to hormone-dependent cancers. Its prognostic implication in prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear. We analyzed the impact of MS in the survival of men with PCa treated surgically. Patients and Methods: We studied patients with PCa, treated surgically between 1990 and 2007, and compared the survival of men with MS (group 1) and without MS (group 2). A subgroup analysis of those in stage pT2 was also performed. We calculated biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) and cancer-specific survival, and the relation of clinical and pathological variables with these end-points. Results: 65 men had MS. The 5- and 10-year bPFS in group 1 was 36 and 32% vs. 72 and 68% in group 2 (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen (p = 0.001) and MS (p < 0.0001) predicted biochemical progression/recurrence (BP/R). There was no difference in cancer-specific survival between groups (p = 0.40). Of 146 men in stage pT2, 38 had MS; group 1 men had worse 5- and 10-year bPFS (55 and 48%) than group 2 (80 and 73%; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, MS was the strongest predictor of BP/R (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: MS is related to adverse characteristics in PCa and confers poor bPFS after radical prostatectomy. MS is independently associated to the risk of BP/R.
Lumbar Incisional Hernia of the Kidney after Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in a Patient with Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Miyazato Minoru , Yamada Shigeyuki , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Ishidoya Shigeto , Arai Yoichi
Published: October 2011

We report a first case of lumbar herniation of a kidney after laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. A 59-year-old woman underwent separate laparoscopic adrenalectomies for right adrenal Cushing’s syndrome and left primary aldosteronism. She consulted our department with a 6-month history of intermittent left back pain, starting 8 months after the second operation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed herniation of the left kidney through a defect of the lumbodorsal fascia.
Pilot Study of the Association between the HLA Region and Testicular Carcinoma among Croatian Patients
Authors: Gotovac Kristina , Grubic Zorana , Kastelan Zeljko , Stingl Katarina , Kulis Tomislav , Krhen Ivan , Hudolin Tvrtko , Kastelan Maja , Zunec Renata
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To analyze the distribution of HLA alleles and HLA microsatellite alleles in Croatian patients with testicular carcinoma, compare it with that of healthy controls and investigate whether the polymorphism within the HLA region could be associated with the development of testicular cancer. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood of 24 patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Patients and controls were typed for HLA class I and class II polymorphism by the PCR-SSO method. Nine HLA microsatellites were analyzed by PCR and electrophoresis in an automated sequencer. Results: No significant deviation in the distribution of frequencies at HLA class I alleles was observed between patients and controls. Among HLA class II alleles, a statistically significant increase in the frequency of the HLA-DPB1*1701 allele was found among patients. The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*07-DQA1*0201-DQB1*0202 haplotype was increased in patients in comparison to the controls. Analysis of HLA microsatellites showed an increased frequency of D6S291-3 allele (pcorr = 0.0455, OR = 3.05) among patients. Conclusions: The observed association of the disease and the DPB1*1701 allele as well as with the D6S291-3 allele suggests that this part of the HLA region might be involved in the pathogenesis of TGCT. Our data provide a basis for further studies about the correlation between the HLA region and testicular cancer.
A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy under Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy under General Anesthesia
Authors: Singh Vishwajeet , Sinha Rahul Janak , Sankhwar S.N. , Malik Anita
Published: October 2011

Objective: A prospective randomized study was executed to compare the surgical parameters and stone clearance in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) versus those who underwent PNL under general anesthesia (GA). Methods: Between January 2008 to December 2009, 64 patients with renal calculi were randomized into 2 groups and evaluated for the purpose of this study. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent PNL under CSEA and Group 2 consisted of patients who underwent PNL under GA. The operative time, stone clearance rate, visual pain analog score, mean analgesic dose and mean hospital stay were compared amongst other parameters. Results: The difference between visual pain analog score after the operation and the dose of analgesic requirement was significant on statistical analysis between both groups. Conclusion: PNL under CSEA is as effective and safe as PNL under GA. Patients who undergo PNL under CESA require lesser analgesic dose and have a shorter hospital stay.
mRNA Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Receptors in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Markić Dean , Çelić Tanja , Gršković Antun , Španjol Josip , Fučkar Željko , Grahovac Blaženka , Ðordević Gordana , Bobinac Dragica
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been studied in several cancers, but only limited information is available about renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). We determined the expression of mRNA of several BMP ligands and BMP receptors (BMPRs) in healthy kidney tissue and RCCs, and data were compared to clinicopathological parameters. Material and Methods: Sixty-four samples of RCCs and healthy renal tissues were prospectively examined. The expression of BMP2, BMP4, BMP6, BMP7, BMPRIA, BMPRIB and BMPRII mRNA was determined using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The expression levels of different BMP ligands and BMPRs were considerably higher in RCCs than in normal kidney tissue. BMP ligands showed elevated expression in clear-cell RCCs, whereas all three BMPRs showed higher expression levels in non-clear-cell RCCs. In clear-cell RCCs, the expression levels of BMP2 progressively increased and expression levels of BMP6, BMP7 and BMPRIB were lost with higher tumor stage. Conclusions: All BMPs and their receptors have stronger expression levels in RCC. The expression level of BMP2 is strongly elevated in kidney cancer.