bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal function and histology in children after small bowel transplantation
Authors: Boyer Olivia , Noto Cristian , De Serre Natacha Patey‐Mariaud , Gubler Marie‐Claire , Dechaux Michèle , Goulet Olivier , Niaudet Patrick , Lacaille Florence
Published: August 2012

Boyer O, Noto C, Patey‐Mariaud De Serre N, Gubler M‐C, Dechaux M, Goulet O, Niaudet P, Lacaille F. Renal function and histology in children after small bowel transplantation.

Abstract:  CKD is a frequent long‐term complication after SBTx. CNIs are a well‐known factor, but probably not the only cause. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and severity of CKD in 27 children with SBTx (15 combined liver/SBTx) and prednisone/TAC‐based maintenance immunosuppression. Median follow‐up was seven yr (3–21). A renal biopsy was performed in 14 patients, 1–18 yr post‐SBTx. A reduced GFR was observed in 17 children (63%) during the follow‐up with none requiring dialysis. CNI toxicity was observed in 11/14 biopsies, as early as two yr post‐transplant, and could occur with a normal mGFR. The dose of TAC was reduced by 50% in 13 patients with CKD and/or significant kidney histological lesions, and six were also given MMF. This led to a significant improvement in renal function: mGFR normalized in eight patients and improved or stabilized in five. No rejection occurred. At last follow‐up, 37% had CKD stage 2 and 15% had CKD stage 3. In conclusion, CKD is frequent in children after SBTx and probably multifactorial. Less nephrotoxic immunosuppressive protocols may improve mGFR and should be further considered. The kidney histology helps in designing personalized immunosuppression strategies for patients.
Carbohydrate control over carotenoid build‐up is conditional on fruit ontogeny in clementine fruits
Authors: Poiroux‐Gonord Florine , Fanciullino Anne‐Laure , Poggi Isabelle , Urban Laurent
Published: August 2012

The final contents of primary and secondary metabolites of the ripe fruit depend on metabolic processes that are tightly regulated during fruit ontogeny. Carbohydrate supply during fruit development is known to influence these processes but, with respect to secondary metabolites, we do not really know whether this influence is direct or indirect. Here, we hypothesized that the sensitivity of clementine fruit metabolism to carbohydrate supply was conditional on fruit developmental stage. We applied treatments increasing fruit load reversibly or irreversibly at three key stages of clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) fruit development: early after cell division, at the onset of fruit coloration (color break) and near maturity. The highest fruit load obtained by early defoliation (irreversible) had the highest impact on fruit growth, maturity and metabolism, followed by the highest fruit load obtained by early shading (reversible). Final fruit size decreased by 21 and 18% in these early irreversible and reversible treatments, respectively. Soluble sugars decreased by 18% in the early irreversible treatment, whereas organic acids increased by 46 and 29% in these early irreversible and reversible treatments, respectively. Interestingly, total carotenoids increased by 50 and 18%, respectively. Changes in leaf starch content and photosynthesis supported that these early treatments triggered a carbon starvation in the young fruits, with irreversible effects. Furthermore, our observations on the early treatments challenge the common view that carbohydrate supply influences positively carotenoid accumulation in fruits. We propose that early carbon starvation irreversibly promotes carotenoid accumulation.
Possible effects of mobilisation on acute post‐operative pain and nociceptive function after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: LUNN T. H. , KRISTENSEN B. B. , GAARN‐LARSEN L. , KEHLET H.
Published: August 2012

Background

Experimental studies in animals, healthy volunteers, and patients with chronic pain suggest exercise to provide analgesia in several types of pain conditions and after various nociceptive stimuli. To our knowledge, there is no data on the effects of exercise on pain and nociceptive function in surgical patients despite early mobilisation being an important factor to enhance recovery. We therefore investigated possible effects of mobilisation on post‐operative pain and nociceptive function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Thirty patients undergoing TKA under standardised anaesthesia and analgesia underwent an exercise (mobilisation) strategy on the first post‐operative morning consisting of 25‐m walking twice, with a 20‐min interval. Pain was assessed at rest and during passive hip and knee flexion before, and 5 and 20 min after walk, as well as during walk. Nociceptive function (pain threshold and tolerance) was assessed with pressure algometry and an electrical stimulus.

Results

Pain at rest (supine) and during hip and knee flexion was significantly reduced 5 min (P < 0.03) and 20 min (P < 0.003) after walk compared with before walk, and pain was reduced during the second walk compared with the first walk (P < 0.034). Knee pain pressure threshold (P = 0.002) but not tolerance (P = 0.27) was increased following walk compared with before walk.

Conclusion

This first exploratory hypothesis‐generating pilot study suggests mobilisation to promote analgesic effects after TKA calling for future studies with a randomised, controlled design on exercise dose–response effects in post‐surgical patients.
Diabetes mellitus abrogates the cardioprotection of sufentanil against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by altering glycogen synthase kinase‐3β
Authors: CHEN Q. L. , GU E. W. , ZHANG L. , CAO Y. Y. , ZHU Y. , FANG W. P.
Published: August 2012

Background

Sufentanil is widely used in clinical anaesthesia because of its protective effects against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Diabetes mellitus elevates the activity of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), thereby increasing the permeability of mitochondrial transition pore. This study investigated the role of GSK‐3β in ameliorating the cardioprotective effect of sufentanil post‐conditioning in diabetic rats.

Methods

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats and age‐matched non‐diabetic rats were subjected to 30 min of ischaemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Five minutes before reperfusion, rats were administered one of the following: a vehicle, sufentanil (1 μg/kg), or a GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg). Myocardial infarct size, cardiac troponin I, and the activity of GSK‐3β were then assessed.

Results

Sufentanil post‐conditioning significantly reduced myocardial infarct size in the non‐diabetic, but not in diabetic rats. SB216763 reduced infarct size in both diabetic and non‐diabetic animals. Sufentanil‐induced phospho‐GSK‐3β was reduced 5 min after reperfusion in diabetic rats, but not in non‐diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Sufentanil treatment was ineffective in preventing against ischaemia/reperfusion in diabetic rats, which is associated with the activation of GSK‐3β. Our results also suggest that direct inhibition of GSK‐3β may provide a strategy to protect diabetic hearts against ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Rampant host‐ and defensive phenotype‐associated diversification in a goldenrod gall midge
Authors: Stireman J. O. , Devlin H. , Abbot P.
Published: August 2012

Natural selection can play an important role in the genetic divergence of populations and their subsequent speciation. Such adaptive diversification, or ecological speciation, might underlie the enormous diversity of plant‐feeding insects that frequently experience strong selection pressures associated with host plant use as well as from natural enemies. This view is supported by increasing documentation of host‐associated (genetic) differentiation in populations of plant‐feeding insects using alternate hosts. Here, we examine evolutionary diversification in a single nominal taxon, the gall midge Asteromyia carbonifera (O.S.), with respect to host plant use and gall phenotype. Because galls can be viewed as extended defensive phenotypes of the midges, gall morphology is likely to be a reflection of selective pressures by enemies. Using phylogenetic and comparative analyses of mtDNA and nuclear sequence data, we find evidence that A. carbonifera populations are rapidly diversifying along host plant and gall morphological lines. At a broad scale, geography explains surprisingly little genetic variation, and there is little evidence of strict co‐cladogenesis with their Solidago hosts. Gall morphology is relatively labile, distinct gall morphs have evolved repeatedly and colonized multiple hosts, and multiple genetically and morphologically distinct morphs frequently coexist on a single host plant species. These results suggest that Asteromyia carbonifera is in the midst of an adaptive radiation driven by multitrophic selective pressures. Similar complex community pressures are likely to play a role in the diversification of other herbivorous insect groups.
The consequences of lifetime and evolutionary exposure to toxic prey: changes in avoidance behaviour through ontogeny
Authors: Robbins T. R. , Langkilde T.
Published: August 2012

Responses to novel threats (e.g. invasive species) can involve genetic changes or plastic shifts in phenotype. There is controversy over the relative importance of these processes for species survival of such perturbations, but we are realizing they are not mutually exclusive. Native eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have adapted to top‐down predation pressure imposed by the invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) via changes in adult (but not juvenile) lizard antipredator behaviour. Here, we examine the largely ignored, but potentially equally important, bottom‐up effect of fire ants as toxic prey for lizards. We test how fire ant consumption (or avoidance) is affected by lifetime (via plasticity) and evolutionary (via natural selection) exposure to fire ants by comparing field‐caught and laboratory‐reared lizards, respectively, from fire ant‐invaded and uninvaded populations. More naive juveniles from invaded populations ate fire ants than did adults, reflecting a natural ontogenetic dietary shift away from ants. Laboratory‐reared lizards from the invaded site were less likely to eat fire ants than were those from the uninvaded site, suggesting a potential evolutionary shift in feeding behaviour. Lifetime and evolutionary exposure interacted across ontogeny, however, and field‐caught lizards from the invaded site exhibited opposite ontogenetic trends; adults were more likely to eat fire ants than were juveniles. Our results suggest that plastic and evolutionary processes may both play important roles in permitting species survival of novel threats. We further reveal how complex interactions can shape adaptive responses to multimodal impacts imposed by invaders: in our system, fire ants impose stronger bottom‐up selection than top‐down selection, with each selection regime changing differently across lizard ontogeny.
Infrared Thermal Imaging as a Rapid Tool for Identifying Water‐Stress Tolerant Maize Genotypes of Different Phenology
Authors: Zia S. , Romano G. , Spreer W. , Sanchez C. , Cairns J. , Araus J. L. , Müller J.
Published: August 2012

The main task of this research was to evaluate canopy temperature and Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) by assessing genotype variability of maize performance for different water regimes. To that end, three hundred tropical and subtropical maize hybrids with different phenology in terms of date of anthesis were evaluated. The influence of phenology on the change in canopy temperatures and CWSI was not equal during the three dates of measurement. At the end of vegetative growth (82 days after sowing, DAS) and at the blister stage (DAS 97), a high significant difference in temperatures and CWSI (P < 0.001) were obtained between the early‐ and late‐maturity genotypes. During anthesis (DAS 89), phenology had a significant effect (P < 0.01) only for the well‐watered genotypes, while under water‐stress conditions, no differences were found between early and late genotypes in terms of canopy temperature and CWSI. High significant differences (P < 0.001) in stomatal conductance (gs) between early and late genotypes for different treatments were observed. A relationship (R2 = 0.62) between gs and canopy temperature was obtained. Under a water‐stress canopy, temperature was measured at anthesis, which was negatively correlated with grain yield of the early (r = −0.55)‐ and late (r = −0.46)‐maturity genotypes in the water‐stressed condition.
Humidity‐controlled cold storage of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae): effects on male survival and reproductive ability
Authors: Ghazy N. A. , Suzuki T. , Amano H. , Ohyama K.
Published: August 2012

Humidification can suppress water loss from an organism and has great potential for improving the cold storage of short‐lived arthropods, such as predatory mites. The effectiveness of humidity‐controlled cold storage was recently verified for Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) females but was not examined for males. Combining both males and females in one storage protocol might increase the predator population because it would enhance the opportunity for multiple mating, which is necessary for females to maximize their egg production. Newly emerged adult males were stored at an air temperature of 5°C and relative humidity (RH) of 100% or 80%. The median survival time (LT50) was 32 days at 100% RH and 14 days at 80% RH; the survival curves differed significantly. Males stored at 100% RH for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days were introduced to virgin females for mating at 25°C to evaluate their reproductive ability. The pre‐oviposition period was significantly prolonged in the females mated with males stored for ≥20 days. No negative effects of storage were observed on the oviposition period, total number of eggs or net reproduction rate (R0) in the females mated with males stored for ≤20 days or on the mean generation time (T) for those stored for 30 days. A slight decrease in the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was observed in the females mated with males stored for ≥20 days. Our storage method can preserve N. californicus males for 20 days with only a minor reduction in their survival and reproductive ability.
Transient sputum eosinophilia may occur over time in non‐eosinophilic asthma and this is not prevented by salmeterol
Authors: BACCI ELENA , LATORRE MANUELA , CIANCHETTI SILVANA , BARTOLI MARIALAURA , COSTA FRANCESCO , DI FRANCO ANTONELLA , MALAGRINÒ LAURA , NOVELLI FEDERICA , VAGAGGINI BARBARA , DENTE FEDERICO L. , PAGGIARO PIERLUIGI
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective:  Symptomatic, steroid‐naïve asthmatic patients may have low sputum eosinophil numbers. The aim of the study was to determine whether low sputum eosinophil numbers persisted over time, during treatment with salmeterol monotherapy.

Methods:  Forty steroid‐naïve, symptomatic asthmatic patients, with sputum eosinophils <3%, were randomized to receive open‐label salmeterol (50 µg twice a day, n = 30) or fluticasone (125 µg twice a day, n = 10) and were then assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months. All patients underwent spirometry, a methacholine challenge test and sputum induction at each visit. Symptom scores and peak expiratory flow were recorded throughout the study. Patients were permitted to withdraw from the study at any time, if they experienced exacerbations or deterioration of symptoms.

Results:  The average sputum eosinophil percentage remained normal (≤1.9%) in both groups over the study period. The eosinophil percentages were ≤1.9% in 65 of the 80 samples obtained from salmeterol‐treated patients throughout the study period. Eight patients had an asthma exacerbation or deterioration, during which one developed sputum eosinophilia. Twelve patients, 11 of whom were randomized to salmeterol and one to fluticasone, developed transient sputum eosinophilia at least once during the study. This was not associated with asthma exacerbation (except for one patient). Sputum neutrophil percentage did not change in either group.

Conclusions:  Low sputum eosinophil numbers persisted over 6 months in a majority of patients with non‐eosinophilic asthma who received salmeterol monotherapy. However, transient sputum eosinophilia occurred in 40% indicating that non‐eosinophilic asthma may not be a stable phenotype.
The +252A/G polymorphism in the Lymphotoxin‐α gene increases the risk of asthma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: YANG MIN , FU XIAOWEI , ZHANG YONGGANG , ZHANG JIE , HE JIE , TIAN CAN , HUANG JIN , FAN HONG
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective:  A number of studies have shown that the +252A/G polymorphism (rs909253) in the lymphotoxin‐α (LT‐α) gene is implicated in susceptibility to asthma. However, the findings have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the +252A/G polymorphism in the LT‐α gene and the risk of asthma by performing a meta‐analysis.

Methods:  The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for all studies relating to this polymorphism and the risk of asthma. Statistical analyses were performed using the Revman4.2 and STATA 10.0 software.

Results:  Thirteen case‐control studies that included a total of 2220 cases and 6428 controls were included in the meta‐analysis. There was no significant association between this polymorphism and the risk of asthma in the all‐combined analysis (odds ratio (OR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.45 for GG+GA vs AA). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association with asthma risk was identified in Asians (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.97–1.77) or Europeans (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.77–1.53). In a subgroup analysis by age, a significantly increased risk was identified among adults (OR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03–1.50) but not children (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.28–3.89). In a subgroup analysis by atopic status, a significantly elevated risk was identified among atopic (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.28–1.87) but not non‐atopic individuals (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.53–1.68).

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis suggested that the +252A/G polymorphism in the LT‐α gene is a risk factor for asthma in adults and atopic populations.
Mitigation of radiation induced pulmonary vascular injury by delayed treatment with captopril
Authors: MOLTHEN ROBERT C. , WU QINGPING , FISH BRIAN L. , MOULDER JOHN E. , JACOBS ELIZABETH R. , MEDHORA MEETHA M.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective:  A single dose of 10 Gy radiation to the thorax of rats results in decreased total lung angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, pulmonary artery distensibility and distal vascular density while increasing pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at 2 months post‐exposure. In this study, we evaluate the potential of a renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) modulator, the ACE inhibitor captopril, to mitigate this pulmonary vascular damage.

Methods:  Rats exposed to 10 Gy thorax only irradiation and age‐matched controls were studied 2 months after exposure, during the development of radiation pneumonitis. Rats were treated, either immediately or 2 weeks after radiation exposure, with two doses of the ACE inhibitor, captopril, dissolved in their drinking water. To determine pulmonary vascular responses, we measured pulmonary haemodynamics, lung ACE activity, pulmonary arterial distensibility and peripheral vessel density.

Results:  Captopril, given at a vasoactive, but not a lower dose, mitigated radiation‐induced pulmonary vascular injury. More importantly, these beneficial effects were observed even if drug therapy was delayed for up to 2 weeks after exposure.

Conclusions:  Captopril resulted in a reduction in pulmonary vascular injury that supports its use as a radiomitigator after an unexpected radiological event such as a nuclear accident.
Pemetrexed plus platinum or gemcitabine plus platinum for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: final survival analysis from a multicentre randomized phase II trial in the East Asia region and a meta‐analysis
Authors: ZHANG XINJI , LU JIAN , XU JINFANG , LI HUI , WANG JINGYI , QIN YINGYI , MA PILIN , WEI LIXIN , HE JIA
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective:  Pemetrexed plus platinum has shown efficacy as a first‐line treatment for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but little is known about its efficacy and safety in East Asian patients. We report the final analysis of overall survival (OS) from a multicentre, randomized, phase II trial in chemotherapy‐naive Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC. An additional meta‐analysis was performed to systematically evaluate pemetrexed/platinum as first‐line treatment for advanced NSCLC.

Methods:  Eligible patients received up to six cycles of pemetrexed, 500 mg/m2 plus cisplatin, 75 mg/m2 (day 1) or gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8) plus cisplatin, 75 mg/m2 (day 1). OS and toxicity were assessed.

Results:  A total of 254 patients were randomized, and 251 were eligible for inclusion in the efficacy and safety analyses. Median OS in the pemetrexed/cisplatin arm was 15.3 months, compared with 16.9 months in the gemcitabine/cisplatin arm [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–1.48; log‐rank P = 0.4888). There was a trend towards improved survival in both arms. Patients in the pemetrexed/cisplatin arm showed a lower incidence of drug‐related grade 3 to 4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Meta‐analysis showed that pemetrexed‐platinum treatment was associated with 19% longer survival among females (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69–0.96) and 17% longer survival among patients with non‐squamous cell lung cancer (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.73–0.95).

Conclusions:  In Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC, pemetrexed/cisplatin treatment resulted in comparable OS outcomes and was better tolerated than gemcitabine/cisplatin. Meta‐analysis supports the use of pemetrexed‐platinum as first‐line treatment for female patients and those with the non‐squamous cell subtype of advanced NSCLC.
A continuous damage fracture model to predict formability of sheet metal
Authors: NGUYEN N‐T. , KIM D‐Y. , KIM H. Y.
Published: August 2012

A continuous damage fracture model, which consists of a fracture criterion and a continuum damage constitutive law was proposed in this paper to calculate formability of sheet metal. In this model, an extension of the McClintock void growth model was selected as the fracture criterion to be incorporated with a coupled damage‐plasticity Gurson‐type constitutive law. Also, by introducing a Lode angle dependent parameter to define the loading asymmetry condition, the shear effect was phenomenologically taken into account. The proposed fracture model was implemented in user defined material subroutines in ABAQUS. The model was calibrated and correlated by the uniaxial tension, shear and notched specimens tests. Application of the fracture criterion for the Limit dome height tests was discussed and the simulation results were compared with the experimental data.
Identification of fatigue crack growth mechanisms in IN100 superalloy as a function of temperature and frequency
Authors: ADAIR B. S. , JOHNSON W. S. , ANTOLOVICH S. D. , STAROSELSKY A.
Published: August 2012

A study is undertaken to investigate the fatigue crack growth rate properties of polycrystalline IN100 through the identification of crack growth mechanisms as a function of temperature, frequency and ΔK. An additional goal is to determine the stress free activation energy of IN100. Constant amplitude, load controlled tests are performed at room temperature (22 °C), 316 °C, 482 °C and 649 °C under two different loading frequencies of 20 and 0.33 Hz. These specimens are then analysed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine failure mechanisms. SEM shows that, as temperature increased from room temperature to 649 °C, the fracture mechanism transitions from transgranular to intergranular. The fracture mechanism is shown to transition from intergranular to transgranular at elevated temperatures as da/dN increases as a result of growing ΔK. Scanning electron microscopy shows that, as frequency decreases from 20 to 0.33 Hz at 649 °C, the fracture mechanism transitions from transgranular to intergranular.
Failure analysis of connecting bolts in collapsed tower crane
Authors: KIM E. S. , CHOI S. K.
Published: August 2012

The use of tower cranes can cause critical accidents during large building construction projects. Failure of the tower crane results in critical injuries to crane operators and other workers at the construction site. Issues that often cause the fatal collapse of tower cranes include the damage and fracture of the mast (or tower) and turntable parts, and the tower crane slewing‐unit‐support fleeing. Without systematic investigations and proper prevention procedures in place, this type of crane accident, which often leads to worker fatalities, will continue to occur. Therefore, more proactive, specialized and systematic research needs to be performed in terms of forensic engineering to minimize the occurrence of similar disasters. In this research, the tower crane collapse accidents are thoroughly investigated and the exact cause of the damaged crane parts is also identified using fractography and mechanical/chemical characterizations techniques, including visual inspections, field research, scanning electron microscopes and optical microscopes. Specifically, instrumented indentation technique is employed to evaluate the material properties, and energy spectrum analysis is used to determine the chemical characteristics. Based on thorough investigations, it has been identified that the connecting bolts of the tower crane are very vulnerable. It is recommended to improve the reliability of the bolts and to implement additional regulations to check their maintenance and safety. This research clearly provides guidance for investigating crane collapse accidents and contributes to the prevention of similar types of accidents. Several corrective actions and recommendations are suggested to reduce the risk of the tower crane failures.
Identification of stiffness and periodic excitation forces of a transverse switching crack in a Laval rotor
Authors: SHRAVANKUMAR C. , TIWARI R.
Published: August 2012

This work involves model‐based identification of rotor crack. A Laval rotor with a transverse surface crack and disc unbalance is studied. Viscous damping, disc eccentricity and additive stiffness due to crack are the parameters considered for identification. The linear system equations of motion together with the switching crack excitation function are used for developing the identification algorithm. Furthermore, the algorithm is extended for a novel attempt of estimating the coefficients of switching crack excitation function, which constitute the crack excitation force. This estimation could be used to provide valuable information on the actual opening/closing profile of the switching crack. The proposed algorithms are illustrated through numerical examples. They are tested against measurement noise and found to be reasonably robust.
Choice between prostatectomy and radiotherapy when men are eligible for both: a randomized controlled trial of usual care vs decision aid
Authors: van Tol‐Geerdink Julia J. , Willem Leer Jan , Weijerman Philip C. , van Oort Inge M. , Vergunst Henk , van Lin Emile N. , Alfred Witjes J. , Stalmeier Peep F.
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Many patients are eligible for more than one treatment option for prostate cancer. In usual care, urologists have a large influence on the treatment choice. Decision aids, providing balanced information on the pros and cons of different treatment options, improve the match between patient preferences and treatment received.

In men eligible for both surgery and external beam radiotherapy, treatment choice differed by hospital. Across the participating hospitals, the decision aid consistently led to fewer patients remaining undecided on their treatment preference and more patients choosing brachytherapy.

Objectives

To examine the treatment choice for localized prostate cancer in selected men who were eligible for both prostatectomy and radiotherapy.

To examine whether increased patient participation, using a decision aid, affected the treatment choice.

Patients and Methods

From 2008 to 2011, 240 patients with localized prostate cancer were enrolled from three separate hospitals.

They were selected to be eligible for both prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy. Brachytherapy was a third option for about half of the patients.

In this randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized to a group which only discussed their treatment with their specialist (usual care group) and a group which received additional information from a decision aid presented by a researcher (decision aid group). The decision aid was based on a literature review.

Predictors of treatment choice were examined.

Results

Treatment choice was affected by the decision aid (P = 0.03) and by the hospital of intake (P < 0.001).

The decision aid led to more patients choosing brachytherapy (P = 0.02) and fewer patients remaining undecided (P < 0.05).

Prostatectomy remained the most frequently preferred treatment.

Age, tumour characteristics or pretreatment urinary, bowel or erectile functioning did not affect the choice in this selected group.

Patients choosing brachytherapy assigned more weight to convenience of the procedure and to maintaining erectile function.

Conclusions

Traditionally, patient characteristics differ between surgery and radiotherapy groups, but not in this selected group of patients.

Men eligible for both prostatectomy and radiotherapy mostly preferred prostatectomy, and the treatment choice was influenced by the hospital they visited.

Giving patients evidence‐based information, by means of a decision aid, led to an increase in brachytherapy.
The Assessment of Recovery Capital: Properties and psychometrics of a measure of addiction recovery strengths
Authors: Groshkova Teodora , Best David , White William
Published: August 2012

Introduction and Aims

Sociological work on social capital and its impact on health behaviours have been translated into the addiction field in the form of ‘recovery capital’ as the construct for assessing individual progress on a recovery journey. Yet there has been little attempt to quantify recovery capital. The aim of the project was to create a scale that assessed addiction recovery capital.

Design and Methods

Initial focus group work identified and tested candidate items and domains followed by data collection from multiple sources to enable psychometric assessment of a scale measuring recovery capital.

Results

The scale shows moderate test–retest reliability at 1 week and acceptable concurrent validity. Principal component analysis determined single factor structure.

Discussion and Conclusions

The Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) is a brief and easy to administer measurement of recovery capital that has acceptable psychometric properties and may be a useful complement to deficit‐based assessment and outcome monitoring instruments for substance dependent individuals in and out of treatment.
Reframing Relevance as ‘Social Usefulness’: A Comment on Hodgkinson and Starkey's ‘Not Simply Returning to the Same Answer Over and Over Again’
Authors: Willmott Hugh
Published: August 2012

This is a commentary on Hodgkinson and Starkey's (British Journal of Management, 22 (2011), pp. 355–369) proposal to reframe the relevance of business and management research by combining design science with critical realism. Their proposal is welcomed for its advocacy of a ‘social usefulness’ agenda and for commending the insights of the social sciences, rather than emulating a professional (e.g. medical school) model. However, the advocacy of critical realism is not consistent with the commended conception of design science; and it also risks devaluing the contribution of other progressive, emancipation‐oriented approaches to research. Despite substituting ‘social usefulness’ for ‘relevance’, Hodgkinson and Starkey's proposal does not challenge the established, comparatively narrow, research agenda. The counterproposal prioritizes a conception of relevance/social usefulness that broadens what is studied by business school researchers as well as changing how established topics are researched.
DNA Methylation: A Mechanism for Embedding Early Life Experiences in the Genome
Authors: Szyf Moshe , Bick Johanna
Published: August 2012

Although epidemiological data provide evidence that early life experience plays a critical role in human development, the mechanism of how this works remains in question. Recent data from human and animal literature suggest that epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are involved not only in cellular differentiation but also in the modulation of genome function in response to early life experience affecting gene function and the phenotype. Such modulations may serve as a mechanism for life‐long genome adaptation. These changes seem to be widely distributed across the genome and to involve central and peripheral systems. Examining the environmental circumstances associated with the onset and reversal of DNA methylation will be critical for understanding risk and resiliency.
Deriving problem frames from business process and object analysis models
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Sun Jie , Yang Xiaohu , Wang Ye , Li Shanping , Kavs Aleksander J.
Published: August 2012

While Problem Frames have become a useful approach for requirements analysis, little research has been made to explore how to derive them from a complex problem context. The purpose of this paper is to propose such an approach. The proposed approach consists of three steps to drive the development of Problem Frames. In the first step, business process models are developed to capture the behavioural view of the problem context. In the second step, object analysis models are used to capture the structural view of the problem context. Together, these two views collectively and adequately capture the early context knowledge. These two types of model will then be used in the third step to construct context diagrams and derive Problem Frames. A complex real‐world problem – equity trading problem – is used to illustrate this approach.
A hybrid neural network/genetic algorithm applied to breast cancer detection and recurrence
Authors: Belciug Smaranda , Gorunescu Florin
Published: August 2012

Genetic algorithms (GAs) and neural networks (NNs) are both inspired by computation in biological systems and many attempts have been made to combine the two methodologies to boost theNNs performance. This paper deals with the evolutionary training of a feedforwardNNfor both breast cancer detection and recurrence. A multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) has been designed for this purpose, using aGAroutine to set weights, and aJava implementation of this hybrid model has been made. Four databases concerning cancer detection and recurrence have been used, two databases containing numerical attributes only, one database containing ordinal (categorical) attributes solely and one database with mixed attributes. In comparison to some standardNNs, the performance of this approach using the same databases is shown to be superior. Moreover, this hybridMLP/GAmodel is very flexible in terms of providing accurate classification, even with different types of attributes, which is usually found in medical studies.
Using simple scenarios for wheelchair driving assistance
Authors: Cablé Baptiste , Loriette Sophie , Nigro Jean‐Marc
Published: August 2012

Artificial intelligence can be used to recognize and anticipate dynamic situations. Several computational methods based on mathematical tools already exist, but most of the time their implementation is complex and takes a long time to execute.

In this article, we propose another learning and anticipation method in order to assist users in dynamic situations. We call it ‘scenario‐based reasoning’ algorithm. It is inspired by case‐based reasoning. It works with symbolic data and its aim is to make real‐time predictions. To do so, manipulated knowledge is specially designed to limit our solution's complexity and to facilitate learning and anticipation.
Neural network classification of aggregates by means of line laser based 3D acquisition
Authors: Sinecen Mahmut , Topal Ali , Makinaci Metehan , Baradan Bulent
Published: August 2012

This study focuses on the development of a new module for a more accurate determination of geometrical properties of aggregates. A laser‐based imaging system has been developed for the shape characterization of aggregates by using various digital image analysis techniques. By using this system it is possible to create a three‐dimensional (3D) image form of aggregate particles. The system has been optimized to minimize the possible errors during image capturing and processing. The aggregates were classified according to their shape properties as; round, flat, elongated, angular, sphere, and irregular during test procedures. Geometrical properties of each aggregate group were analysed in 3D spatial domain. 3D shape reconstruction and characterization of the aggregates were realized by using digital image processing and analysis techniques based on the laser imaging system. MatLab® Image Processing Toolbox and Neural Network Toolbox were used to extract typical features of the aggregates and classify them according to their geometrical properties. Among the classifier types, multi‐layered perceptron that has two hidden layers revealed the best performance (95.83%). The selection and production of appropriate shaped aggregate for various construction purposes seems to be possible by this developed method.
Women's Participation in Rural China's Self‐Governance: Institutional, Socioeconomic, and Cultural Factors in a Jiangsu County
Authors: WANG ZHENGXU , DAI WEINA
Published: August 2012

We examined women's participation in village self‐governance in an Eastern Chinese county. While they have more or less been universally participating in voting in village elections, their representation in the village self‐governance bodies remains low, and their political aspiration and sense of empowerment remain limited. A wide range of factors contribute to this situation. In general, women enjoy a much lower level of education and are economically dependent upon male members of their families. Social gender, or the stereotypes of women as less competent and are expected to stay away from public affairs, plays a very significant role too. Institutional problems, such as frauds and irregularities in election, lack of government's attention in promoting women's political roles, and the inability of state‐sponsored women organizations to influence local governance, all contribute to underrepresentation and inadequate participation of women. Policy responses must look beyond women's electoral participation and address these many deep‐rooted issues.
Late‐onset myasthenia not on the increase: a nationwide register study in Denmark, 1996–2009
Authors: Pedersen E. G. , Hallas J. , Hansen K. , Jensen P. E. H. , Gaist D.
Published: August 2012

Background

An increase in late‐onset myasthenia gravis (MG) has been reported. There are few large population‐based studies over longer periods of time reflecting recent developments in MG incidence.

Methods

We identified a nationwide cohort of patients with incident myasthenia in Denmark in 1996–2009. We used a validated algorithm to track subjects based on a combination of diagnosis and prescription (pyridostigmine) data from nationwide registers. Patients with myasthenia were classified into early onset (<50 years old) and late onset (50+ years). We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We identified 693 patients (362 women) with incident MG in the study period corresponding to an IR of 9.2 per million person‐years (8.5–9.9). Overall, 207 (29.9%) were classified as early‐onset and 486 (70.1%) as late‐onset MG. Women predominated in the early‐onset group (70.5%), but not in the late‐onset group (44.4%). The incidence rate of early‐onset MG was 4.2 (3.6–4.8) and late‐onset MG 18.9 (17.3–20.7) per million person‐years and it did not vary over time in the study period (P‐values for trend 0.54 and 0.15, respectively).

Conclusion

Late‐onset MG comprised a large proportion of all incident cases in Denmark, was more common in men than women, and occurred with a stable incidence in the 14‐year study period. Therefore, we speculate whether previous reports of a rise in late‐onset MG reflect a non‐biological phenomenon, that is, a gradual improvement in the diagnosis of MG in this age group in previous years.
Cognitive‐behavioral phenotype or comorbid disorder? The case of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: HUIJBREGTS STEPHAN
Published: August 2012

This commentary is on the original article by Lidzba et al. and Payne et al. on pages 892‐897 and 898‐904 of this issue.
Competition for resources mediated by intrinsic social dominance in sympatric finches
Authors: Brazill‐Boast James
Published: August 2012

Gouldian Erythrura gouldiae and Long‐tailed Finches Poephila acuticauda are morphologically and ecologically similar sympatric species, for which social dominance relationships are likely to determine access to critical limiting resources. Building on previous research showing that Long‐tailed Finches dominate competition for nest‐sites, I staged dyadic contests for food between the two species in captivity in order to test social dominance dynamics under controlled conditions. Long‐tailed Finches were likely to dominate interactions with Gouldian Finches and expressed higher levels of aggression while competing for access to food. These results suggest a stable dominance relationship between the two species which could be affecting Gouldian Finches' access to food resources in the wild, potentially constraining their ability to recover from recent population declines.
Energetic consequences of a major change in habitat use: endangered Brent Geese Branta bernicla hrota losing their main food resource
Authors: Clausen Kevin Kuhlmann , Clausen Preben , Fælled Casper Cæsar , Mouritsen Kim Nørgaard
Published: August 2012

Coastal seagrasses are declining at increasing rates worldwide, forcing herbivores previously reliant on these habitats to abandon them in search of alternative ways to fulfil their daily energy budgets. After two decades of declining seagrass abundance in Mariager Fjord, Denmark, the Svalbard breeding population of Light‐bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla hrota has experienced substantial changes in habitat use at this traditional autumn staging area. Declines in seagrasses have caused birds to depend increasingly on Sea Lettuce Ulva lactuca in recent years, and forced birds into terrestrial habitats such as saltmarsh and winter wheat. In contrast to those birds exploiting aquatic habitats, birds relying on these new habitats showed higher energy expenditure and failed to balance their energy budget. Eelgrass (Zostera) was energetically superior to other food resources, with marine Ulva being second best. Predicted body mass development under two different scenarios indicate that present habitat use resulted in a midwinter body mass around 122 g lower than just 20 years ago, equivalent to c. 9.4% of Brent Goose body weight. Even after controlling for inter‐annual differences in thermoregulatory costs, the effect of changes in habitat use translated into a body mass reduction of c. 56 g, which could adversely affect survival and future reproduction. Flyway‐wide declines in Zostera abundance and further reductions in traditional habitats due to climate change give cause to reassess projected population trends and consequent management implications for the East Atlantic flyway population of Light‐bellied Brent Geese.
I Was Only Nineteen, 45 Years Ago: What Can we Learn from Australia’s Conscription Lotteries?*,1
Authors: SIMINSKI PETER , VILLE SIMON
Published: August 2012

The Australian conscription lotteries of 1965–1972 are a unique and underutilised resource for studying the effects of army service and veterans’ programs. Drawing on many data sources and 25 years of related US literature, we present a comprehensive analysis of this natural experiment, examining indicators of health, personal economic outcomes, family outcomes and educational attainment. We discuss the numerous potential mechanisms involved and the limitations of available data.
Use of Care Management Practices in Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Physician Groups: Do Public Reporting of Physician Quality and Financial Incentives Matter?
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey A. , Maeng Daniel , Casalino Lawrence P. , Rittenhouse Diane
Published: August 2012

Objective

To examine the effect of public reporting (PR) and financial incentives tied to quality performance on the use of care management practices (CMPs) among small‐ and medium‐sized physician groups.

Data

Survey data from The National Study of Small and Medium‐sized Physician Practices were used. Primary data collection was also conducted to assess community‐level PR activities. The final sample included 643 practices engaged in quality reporting; about half of these practices were subject to PR.

Study Design

We used a treatment effects model. The instrumental variables were the community‐level variables that capture the level of PR activity in each community in which the practices operate.

Findings

(1) PR is associated with increased use of CMPs, but the estimate is not statistically significant; (2) financial incentives are associated with greater use of CMPs; (3) practices' awareness/sensitivity to quality reports is positively related to their use of CMPs; and (4) combined PR and financial incentives jointly affect CMP use to a greater degree than either of these factors alone.

Conclusion

Small‐ to medium‐sized practices appear to respond to PR and financial incentives by greater use of CMPs. Future research needs to investigate the appropriate mix and type of incentive arrangements and quality reporting.
Lack of association between p53SNPand FISSin a cat population from Germany
Authors: Mucha D. , Laberke S. , Meyer S. , Hirschberger J.
Published: August 2012

One recent study indicates a significant association between certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genomic sequence of feline p53 and feline injection‐site sarcoma (FISS). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between a specific nucleotide insertion in p53 gene andFISSin a German cat population. Blood samples from 150 German cats were allocated to a control group consisting of 100 healthy cats and aFISS‐group consisting of 50 cats withFISS. All blood samples were examined for the presence of theSNPin the p53 gene. Results found the T‐insertion atSNP3 in 20.0% of the cats in theFISS‐group and 19.2% of cats in the control‐group. No statistically significant difference was observed in allelic distribution between the two groups. Further investigations are necessary to determine the association ofSNPsin the feline p53 gene and the occurrence ofFISS.
Serum neopterin levels in female dogs with malignant mammary tumours
Authors: Szczubiał M. , Dąbrowski R. , Łopuszyński W.
Published: August 2012

In this study, we have determined serum neopterin levels in female dogs with primary malignant mammary tumours. The study involved 50 female dogs which had a malignant mammary tumours removed surgically (32 animals with carcinoma, 12 animals with sarcoma and 6 animals with carcinosarcoma) and 10 clinically healthy female dogs. Serum neopterin levels were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. The mean neopterin levels were lower in the malignant tumour groups than in healthy animals but differences were statistically significant only in carcinoma and sarcoma groups. The decrease of neopterin levels in animals with malignant mammary tumours may suggest their decreased cellular immunity. Moreover, it might indicate that decreased activity of cellular mechanisms of the anti‐neoplastic response is one of the factors associated with the development and course of malignant mammary tumours in female dogs; however, further studies are necessary.