bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the profile of articles on traumatic dental injuries in pediatric dental journals
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Feldens Eliane Gerson
Published: February 2013

Aim

To explore the profile of articles on traumatic dental injuries (TDI) published in leading pediatric dental journals between 2000 and 2010 via bibliometric analysis.

Methods

A search was conducted on the PubMed database to find the six pediatric dental journals with the highest numbers of articles on TDI published between January 2000 and December 2010. All titles and abstracts of full‐length articles were reviewed by two examiners. Studies focusing on TDI were independently categorized according to the following aspects: (i) year of publication; (ii) country where the study was carried out; (iii) study design; (iv) topic addressed; (v) type of TDI; and (vi) type of dentition. Data were analyzed in terms of frequency distribution.

Results

Of a total of 3720 articles published in the six selected journals, only 119 (3.2%) focused on TDI, with no significant variations across the journals or years. The countries with the greatest number of publications on TDI were India (19.3%), followed by the USA (15.1%), Brazil (13.4%), and Italy (11.8%). Case report and case series were the dominant study design (53%). Most studies addressed treatment of TDI (63%) and described injuries to permanent teeth (68%), especially avulsion and crown fractures.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need for expanding the number and quality of research on TDI in pediatric dental journals, especially with better quality study designs. Cohort studies and investigations focusing on the assessment of health services and technologies are important targets for future research.
Decoding face categories in diagnostic subregions of primary visual cortex
Authors: Petro Lucy S. , Smith Fraser W. , Schyns Philippe G. , Muckli Lars
Published: February 2013

Higher visual areas in the occipitotemporal cortex contain discrete regions for face processing, but it remains unclear if V1 is modulated by top‐down influences during face discrimination, and if this is widespread throughout V1 or localized to retinotopic regions processing task‐relevant facial features. Employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we mapped the cortical representation of two feature locations that modulate higher visual areas during categorical judgements – the eyes and mouth. Subjects were presented with happy and fearful faces, and we measured the fMRI signal of V1 regions processing the eyes and mouth whilst subjects engaged in gender and expression categorization tasks. In a univariate analysis, we used a region‐of‐interest‐based general linear model approach to reveal changes in activation within these regions as a function of task. We then trained a linear pattern classifier to classify facial expression or gender on the basis of V1 data from ‘eye’ and ‘mouth’ regions, and from the remaining non‐diagnostic V1 region. Using multivariate techniques, we show that V1 activity discriminates face categories both in local ‘diagnostic’ and widespread ‘non‐diagnostic’ cortical subregions. This indicates that V1 might receive the processed outcome of complex facial feature analysis from other cortical (i.e. fusiform face area, occipital face area) or subcortical areas (amygdala).
Malignant melanoma of the third eyelid in a horse
Authors: Albanese V. , Newton J. C. , Waguespack R. W.
Published: February 2013

An 8‐year‐old greyQuarterHorse gelding was referred for evaluation of a rapidly growing mass associated with the third eyelid of the left eye. A pigmented mass of approximately 2 cm in diameter was palpated and visualised associated with the conjunctival lining of the nictitans. It was not possible to palpate normal nictitans deep to the base of the mass. A full dermatological examination revealed no other melanomas in common sites. Based on the size and rapid growth of the mass, surgical excision and one application of local chemotherapy was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma and the presence of clean surgical margins. There was no recurrence at 5 weeks post surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a primary malignant melanoma of the third eyelid in a horse.
Intracellular accumulation of advanced glycation end products induces apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress in chondrocytes
Authors: Yamabe Soichiro , Hirose Jun , Uehara Yusuke , Okada Tatsuya , Okamoto Nobukazu , Oka Kiyoshi , Taniwaki Takuya , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Mammalian cells attempt to maintain their homeostasis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. If the stress cannot be alleviated, cells are led to apoptosis through induction of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). ER stress is provoked in osteoarthritis chondrocytes, and intracellular accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in chondrocytes is a possible cause. To clarify the role of intracellular AGE accumulation in chondrocytes, the present study investigated the effect of intracellular AGE accumulation on ER stress and apoptosis by in vitro and in vivo analysis. Intracellular AGE accumulation induced by AGE precursors caused apoptosis, induced expression of ER stress markers, and led to co‐localization of AGEs with glucose‐regulated protein 78, leading to formation of high‐molecular‐weight complexes in cultured chondrocytes. These reactions were inhibited by an AGE formation inhibitor. CHOP deletion inhibited apoptosis induced by intracellular AGE accumulation. In vivo intracellular AGE accumulation induced by intra‐articular injection of AGE precursors caused ER stress and apoptosis in chondrocytes and led to degradation of articular cartilage. Additionally, intracellular AGE accumulation increased the degree of cartilage degradation in an osteoarthritis model. These data indicate that intracellular accumulation of AGEs induces modification of unfolded protein response‐related protein by AGEs and apoptosis via ER stress in chondrocytes. Moreover, the in vivo study showed that intracellular AGE accumulation in chondrocytes is involved in the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis through ER stress. Thus, research on mechanisms of apoptosis via ER stress induced by intracellular AGE accumulation in chondrocytes will lead to a new understanding of osteoarthritis pathology.
Enter the matrix: shape, signal and superhighway
Authors: Lund Dane K. , Cornelison D. D. W.
Published: February 2013

Mammalian skeletal muscle is notable for both its highly ordered biophysical structure and its regenerative capacity following trauma. Critical to both of these features is the specialized muscle extracellular matrix, comprising both the multiple concentric sheaths of connective tissue surrounding structural units from single myofibers to whole muscles and the dense interstitial matrix that occupies the space between them. Extracellular matrix‐dependent interactions affect all activities of the resident muscle stem cell population (the satellite cells), from maintenance of quiescence and stem cell potential to the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. This review focuses on the role of the extracellular matrix in muscle regeneration, with a particular emphasis on regulation of satellite‐cell activity.
Underestimation of primary productivity on continental shelves: evidence from maximum size of extant surfclam (Spisula solidissima) populations
Authors: Munroe D.M. , Powell E.N. , Mann R. , Klinck J.M. , Hofmann E.E.
Published: February 2013

Atlantic surfclams (Spisula solidissima), among the largest extant non‐symbiotic clam species in the world, live in dense aggregations along the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) continental shelf. The food resources that support these populations are poorly understood. An individual‐based model that simulates the growth of post‐settlement surfclams was used to investigate the quantity of food needed to maintain existing surfclam populations along the MAB continental shelf. Food inputs to the model were based on measured near‐bottom water‐column chlorophyll concentrations. Simulations showed that these water‐column food sources supported only 65% of the observed body mass of a standard large surfclam (160‐mm shell length). Additional simulations using benthic food sources to supplement water‐column food sources by 20% generated surfclams that grew to observed size and biomass and exhibited spawn timing consistent with the known surfclam spawning season. The simulation results suggest that measured water‐column chlorophyll concentrations may underestimate the food available to the continental shelf benthos. Large continental shelf bivalves are an essential resource for fisheries and higher trophic level consumers. Understanding available and utilized food resources is important for predicting long‐term impacts of climate change on benthic secondary production and fishery yield on the continental shelf.
Vertical behavior of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean based on archival tag data
Authors: Matsumoto Takayuki , Kitagawa Takashi , Kimura Shingo
Published: February 2013

The behavior of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean was investigated using archival tag data for 28 fish [49–72 cm fork length (FL) at release, 3–503 days] released in Japanese waters around the Nansei Islands (24–29°N, 122–132°E) and east of central Honshu (Offshore central Honshu, 32–36°N, 142–148°E). Vertical behavior was classified into three types based on past studies: ‘characteristic’ (non‐associative), ‘associative’ (associated with floating objects) and ‘other’ (behavior not fitting into these two categories). The proportion of fish showing associative behavior decreased and that of characteristic behavior increased as fish grew, and this shift was pronounced at 60–70 cm FL. The fish usually stayed above the 20°C isotherm during the daytime and nighttime when showing associative behavior and below the 20°C isotherm during daytime for characteristic behavior. A higher proportion of characteristic behavior was seen between December and April around the Nansei Islands, and between September and December for offshore central Honshu. Seasonal changes in vertical position were also observed in conjunction with changes in water temperature. In this study, ‘other’ behavior was further classified into five types, of which ‘afternoon dive’ behavior, characterized by deep dives between around noon and evening, was the most frequent. The present study indicated that in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, the vertical behavior of bigeye tuna changes with size, as well as between seasons and regions.
Atmospheric forcing drives recruitment variation in the Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), revisited
Authors: Shanks A. L.
Published: February 2013

For 12 yr (1997–2001, 2006–2012) daily abundance of Cancer magister megalopae was measured in Coos Bay, Oregon. Before 2007 from 2000 to 80 000 megalopae were caught annually. In 2007, catch jumped and has since varied from 164 000 to 2.3 million. The step change in catch size appears related to a shift to negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) values. Late season catches, which cannot be due to local spawning, are negatively correlated to the PDO, suggesting that these megalopae derive from north of the California Current. During periods of lower and higher catches, annual returns of megalopae were significantly negatively correlated to the day of the year of the spring transition and positively correlated to the amount of upwelling during the settlement season. The size of the Oregon commercial catch lagged 4 yr to allow for growth of recruits into the fishery is set by the number of returning megalopae; the relationship is parabolic. At lower returns, the population is recruitment limited, but at higher returns, density‐dependent effects predominate and set the commercial catch. Lagged commercial catches in Washington and Northern and Central California were also related to the number of megalopae returning to Coos Bay, suggesting that the forces causing variation in larval success are coast wide. If high return rates are due to a PDO regime shift, then for years to decades the commercial catch may be set by density‐dependent effects following settlement and the huge numbers of returning megalopae may impact benthic community structure.
Functional limitations in Romanian children with haemophilia: further testing of psychometric properties of the Paediatric Haemophilia Activities List
Authors: Groen W. , van der Net J. , Lacatusu A. M. , Serban M. , Helders P. J. M. , Fischer K.
Published: February 2013

Children with haemophilia often experience limitations in activities of daily life. Recently the Paediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL) has been developed and tested in Dutch children with intensive replacement therapy. The psychometric properties of the PedHAL in children not receiving intensive replacement therapy are not known. The objective was to gain further insight into the psychometric properties of the PedHAL and to study the functional health status of Romanian children and adolescents with haemophilia. Children attending to the rehabilitation centre of Buzias in Romania were sampled consecutively. Construct validity of the PedHAL was evaluated by concurrent testing with objective and subjective measures of physical function and functional ability. Reproducibility was tested by a 3‐day test–retest by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LOA). Responsiveness to rehabilitation was assessed by Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and PedHAL. Twenty‐nine children with severe (n = 25) or moderate (n = 4) haemophilia participated. Mean age was 13.2 years (SD 4.0). Median score of the PedHAL was 83.5 (IQR 47.9–90.5). The PedHAL correlated moderately with HJHS (rho = −0.59), Functional Independence Score in& Haemophilia (rho = 0.65) and Child Health Questionnaire‐physical function (rho = 0.40) and not with Child Health Questionnaire‐mental health, Child Health Questionnaire‐behaviour and 6MWT. Test‐retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.95). LOA was 17.4 points for the sum score. HJHS scores improved slightly after rehabilitation, whereas PedHAL scores did not change. In general, construct validity and test–retest reliability were good, test–retest agreement showed some variability. Therefore, currently the PedHAL may be more appropriate for research purposes than for individual patient monitoring in clinical practice.
Practical and cost‐effective measurement of B‐domain deleted and full‐length recombinant FVIII in the routine haemostasis laboratory
Authors: Cauchie M. , Toelen J. , Peerlinck K. , Jacquemin M.
Published: February 2013

The assessment of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) activity (FVIII:C) in plasma of patients is dependent on the assay. Notably, a calibration with a product‐specific laboratory standard is recommended when measuring Refacto‐AFR activity in plasma with a one‐stage assay. The objective of this study was to facilitate the measurement of rFVIII, taking into account the recent demonstration that a calibration curve does not have to be included in each run. FVIII:C was measured in patients' samples after infusion of different types of rFVIII with a one‐stage and a chromogenic assay calibrated either with pooled normal plasma or a product‐specific laboratory standard. Results obtained with the one‐stage coagulation assay were compared with these provided by a chromogenic assay. We confirmed that a calibration curve can be used for a prolonged period of time without loss of precision and accuracy. In such conditions, a stable relation between the calibration curves generated with a product‐specific laboratory standard and plasma can be established. In patients' plasma, Refacto‐AF levels measured with a one‐stage FVIII assay calibrated with plasma or a product‐specific laboratory standard diverged from −58% to −17% and from −25% to +18%, respectively, from the activity determined with a chromogenic substrate assay. By comparison, FVIII:C levels of full‐length rFVIII measured with the one‐stage assay calibrated with plasma were 6–49% lower than with the chromogenic assay. In a monocentric setting, the long‐term stability of the calibration curves allows the implementation of a practical and cost‐effective approach to determine rFVIII:C levels.
Derangement of ghrelin secretion after long‐term high‐fat diet feeding in rats
Authors: Sugiishi Aya , Kimura Masaki , Kamiya Ryo , Ueki Satomi , Yoneya Mikiko , Saito Yoshimasa , Saito Hidetsugu
Published: February 2013

Aim

Appetite control is an important goal for the management of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity; however, little is known about how hormones concerning appetite regulation are affected by long‐term consumption of a high‐fat diet. We investigated the effect of high‐fat diet on secretory regulation of ghrelin and leptin in rats.

Methods

Rats were fed a control or a high‐fat diet for 18 weeks and then killed. Before being killed, a glucose tolerance test was performed. Weight, total calorie intake and blood glucose levels were measured, and the plasma levels of total and active ghrelin, and leptin were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Body and fat weight and total calorie intake were significantly higher in the high‐fat diet group than in the control, although blood glucose levels did not differ. Plasma leptin was significantly higher in the high‐fat diet group, and a significant positive correlation was observed between bodyweight and leptin levels in both groups. The levels of active and total ghrelin were not significantly changed by high‐fat diet, and active ghrelin levels in the control group significantly correlated negatively with bodyweight, while its correlation was lost in the high‐fat diet group. The glucose tolerance test showed that ghrelin levels were significantly higher than those of controls even 60 min after glucose loading.

Conclusion

These results indicate that secretion of ghrelin, but not leptin, are deranged by consumption of a high‐fat diet, and active ghrelin levels lose their correlation with bodyweight and food intake.
Optimizing patient involvement in quality improvement
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Herbert Georgia , Aveling Emma‐Louise , Dixon‐Woods Mary , Martin Graham
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Patient and public involvement in healthcare planning, service development and health‐related research has received significant attention. However, evidence about the role of patient involvement in quality improvement work is more limited. We aimed to characterize patient involvement in three improvement projects and to identify strengths and weaknesses of contrasting approaches.

Methods

Three case study quality improvement projects were purposively sampled from a broader programme. We used an ethnographic approach involving 126 in‐depth interviews, 12 weeks of non‐participant observations and documentary analysis. Data analysis was based on the constant comparative method.

Results

The three projects differed in the ways they involved patients in their quality improvement work, including their rationales for including patients. We characterized three very different models of patient involvement, which were each influenced by project context. Patients played distinctive roles across the three projects, acting in some cases as intermediaries between the wider patient community and clinicians, and sometimes undertaking persuasive work to convince clinicians of the need for change. We identified specific strategies that can be used to help ensure that patient involvement works most effectively and that the enthusiasm of patients to make a difference is not dissipated.

Conclusion

Patient involvement in quality improvement work needs careful management to realize its full potential.
Metanephric adenoma and solid variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma: common and distinctive features
Authors: Mantoan Padilha Mariana , Billis Athanase , Allende Daniela , Zhou Ming , Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina
Published: February 2013

Aims

To evaluate morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features helpful in distinguishing metanephric adenoma (MA) from solid papillary renal cell carcinoma (s‐PRCC).

Methods and results

We present a detailed study of 21 MA and 23 s‐PRCC. The two entities exhibited significant similarities, both being well‐circumscribed tumours composed of tightly packed small cells arranged in solid sheets or ill‐defined tubules, often presenting glomeruloid bodies, psammoma bodies and dystrophic calcification, and showing overlapping immunoreactivity for S100, CD57 and CK7. Conversely, most MA were non‐encapsulated, whereas most s‐PRCC showed a thick fibrous pseudocapsule; MA cells had scanty cytoplasm and a high nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio in comparison to s‐PRCC, where occasional tumour cells showed abundant cytoplasm and high nuclear grade. Polypoid branching fronds were common in MA, but absent in s‐PRCC; multifocality and papillary hyperplasia/adenoma were seen only in s‐PRCC. MA were positive for WT1 and negative for EMA and alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR); s‐PRCC were positive for EMA and AMACR and negative for WT1.

Conclusions

Despite overlapping features, careful morphological and architectural evaluation should result in accurate diagnosis of most MA and s‐PRCC. In challenging cases, IHC stains for WT1, EMA and AMACR may help in distinguishing these two entities.
Design and Fabrication of Transparent and Gas‐Tight Optical Windows in Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Welker Tilo , Geiling Thomas , Bartsch Heike , Müller Jens
Published: February 2013

Low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) enable the fabrication of microfluidic elements such as channels and embedded cavities in electrical devices. Hence, LTCC facilitate the realization of complex and integrated microfluidic devices. Examples can be applied in many areas like reaction chambers for synthesis of chemical compounds. However, for many applications it is necessary to have an optically transparent interface to the surroundings. The integration of optical windows in LTCC opens up a wide field of new and innovative applications such as the observation of chemiluminescent reactions. These chemical reactions emit electromagnetic radiation and thus offer a method for noninvasive detection. Thin glasses (≤500 μm) were bonded by thermocompression onto a LTCC substrate. As the bonding agent, a glass frit paste was used. Borosilicate glasses, fused silica as well as silicon were successfully bonded onto LTCC. To join materials with a large coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch (i.e., fused silica and LTCC), it is necessary to limit the heat input to the bond interface. Therefore, a heating structure was integrated into the LTCC substrate beneath the bond interface. This bonding process provides a gas‐tight optical port with a high bond strength.
Decreasing effect of fluoride content in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) by chemical treatments
Authors: Jung Hae Rim , Kim Min‐A , Seo Yong‐Soo , Lee Yang‐Bong , Chun Byung‐Soo , Kim Seon‐Bong
Published: February 2013

Decreasing effects of fluoride contents in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) as affected by chemical treatments with and without heating were investigated. The used chemicals were NaOH, Na2CO3, Na2SO3, citric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, HCl, ethanol, lysine, aminoguanidine, arginine, carnitine, betaine, and creatine. Fluoride contents per dry weight were 788 ± 10 mg kg−1 in the whole body of krill (WBK) and 294 ± 4 mg kg−1 in the peeled krill meat (PKM) respectively. When WBK was treated with chemicals with and without heating or thawed, fluoride was not decreased. On the other hand, when the PKM was treated with chemicals without heating was remarkably decreased to less than 100 mg kg−1, which is the criteria recommended by FDA. Particularly, the treatment of betaine without heating showed the best reduction effect of 30 ± 6 mg kg−1, followed by carnitine (38 ± 17 mg kg−1), acetic acid (52 ± 1 mg kg−1), phosphoric acid (67 ± 2 mg kg−1) and hydrochloric acid (68 ± 1 mg kg−1).
Detection of aflatoxins in tea samples based on a class‐specific monoclonal antibody
Authors: Zhang Xun , Feng Min , Liu Liqiang , Xing Changrui , Kuang Hua , Peng Chianfang , Wang Libing , Xu Chuanlai
Published: February 2013

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody was established to detect aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in tea. The antibody was prepared from a hybridoma derived by fusing Sp2/0‐Ag14 myeloma cells and immunised spleen B cells. The effects from pH, ionic strength, and organic solvents on immunoassay were optimised and the 50% inhibition (IC50) value was 0.057 ± 0.007 ng mL−1. Spiked black and green tea samples at 10, 20 and 50 ng g−1 levels of AFB1 were detected with this proposed ELISA. The recoveries for black tea samples ranged from 68.5% to 117.7% and 73.5 to 114.3% for green tea samples. This immunoassay showed no cross‐reactions with other mycotoxin family but good recognition with related aflatoxins. These results indicate that the ELISA assay could be used as a screening method for aflatoxin detection in tea samples.
Optimizing arousal to manage aggression: A pilot study of sensory modulation
Authors: Sutton Daniel , Wilson Michael , Van Kessel Kirsten , Vanderpyl Jane
Published: February 2013

The dominant model that informs clinical training for preventing violence and managing aggression posits arousal as mediated downwards from higher cortical structures. This view results in an often‐misplaced reliance on verbal and cognitive techniques for de‐escalation. The emergence of sensory modulation, via the Six Core Strategies, is an alternative or complementary approach that is associated with reduced rates of seclusion and restraint. Sensory‐based interventions are thought to promote adaptive regulation of arousal and emotion, but this connection has had limited theoretical and empirical development. This paper presents results of a pilot trial of sensory‐based interventions in four inpatient mental health units in New Zealand. Narrative analysis of interview and focus group data suggest that modifications to the environment and the use of soothing stimuli moderate or optimize arousal and promote an ability to adaptively regulate emotion. Findings are discussed in light of recent advances in the neurophysiology of emotional regulation and the General Aggression Model that posits arousal and maladaptive emotional regulation as precursors to aggression.
A prospective window into medical device‐related pressure ulcers in intensive care
Authors: Coyer Fiona M , Stotts Nancy A , Blackman Virginia Schmied
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, location, aetiology, treatment and healing of medical device‐related pressure ulcers (PUs) in intensive care patients for up to 7 days. A prospective repeated measures study design was used. Patients in six intensive care units of two major medical centres, one each in Australia and the USA, were screened 1 day per month for 6 months. Those with device‐related ulcers were followed daily for up to 7 days. The outcome measures were device‐related ulcer prevalence, pain, infection, treatment and healing. Fifteen of 483 patients had device‐related ulcers and 9 of 15 with 11 ulcers were followed beyond screening. Their mean age was 60·5 years, and most were men, overweight and at increased risk of PU. Endotracheal (ET) and nasogastric (NG) tubes were the cause of most device‐related ulcers. Repositioning was the most frequent treatment. Four of 11 ulcers healed within the 7‐day observation period. In conclusion, device‐related ulcer prevalence was 3·1%, similar to that reported in the limited literature available, indicating an ongoing problem. Systematic assessment and repositioning of devices are the mainstays of care. We recommend continued prevalence determination and that nurses remain vigilant to prevent device‐related ulcers, especially in patients with NG and ET tubes.
Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort
Authors: Bronselaer Guy A. , Schober Justine M. , Meyer‐Bahlburg Heino F.L. , T'Sjoen Guy , Vlietinck Robert , Hoebeke Piet B.
Published: February 2013

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

The sensitivity of the foreskin and its importance in erogenous sensitivity is widely debated and controversial. This is part of the actual public debate on circumcision for non‐medical reason. Today some studies on the effect of circumcision on sexual function are available. However they vary widely in outcome.

The present study shows in a large cohort of men, based on self‐assessment, that the foreskin has erogenous sensitivity. It is shown that the foreskin is more sensitive than the uncircumcised glans mucosa, which means that after circumcision genital sensitivity is lost. In the debate on clitoral surgery the proven loss of sensitivity has been the strongest argument to change medical practice. In the present study there is strong evidence on the erogenous sensitivity of the foreskin. This knowledge hopefully can help doctors and patients in their decision on circumcision for non‐medical reason.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that sensitivity of the foreskin is a substantial part of male penile sensitivity.

To determine the effects of male circumcision on penile sensitivity in a large sample.

Subjects and Methods

The study aimed at a sample size of ≈1000 men.

Given the intimate nature of the questions and the intended large sample size, the authors decided to create an online survey.

Respondents were recruited by means of leaflets and advertising.

Results

The analysis sample consisted of 1059 uncircumcised and 310 circumcised men.

For the glans penis, circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure and lower orgasm intensity. They also stated more effort was required to achieve orgasm, and a higher percentage of them experienced unusual sensations (burning, prickling, itching, or tingling and numbness of the glans penis).

For the penile shaft a higher percentage of circumcised men described discomfort and pain, numbness and unusual sensations.

In comparison to men circumcised before puberty, men circumcised during adolescence or later indicated less sexual pleasure at the glans penis, and a higher percentage of them reported discomfort or pain and unusual sensations at the penile shaft.

Conclusions

This study confirms the importance of the foreskin for penile sensitivity, overall sexual satisfaction, and penile functioning.

Furthermore, this study shows that a higher percentage of circumcised men experience discomfort or pain and unusual sensations as compared with the uncircumcised population.

Before circumcision without medical indication, adult men, and parents considering circumcision of their sons, should be informed of the importance of the foreskin in male sexuality.
Strategic Re‐framing as a Vote Winner: Why Vote‐seeking Governments Pursue Unpopular Reforms
Authors: Elmelund‐Præstekær Christian , Emmenegger Patrick
Published: February 2013

Most political science accounts assume that governments in Western democracies avoid unpopular reforms to protect their re‐election chances. Nevertheless, governments sometimes embark on electorally risky reforms – even in times when they have no slack in the polls. In this article, it is argued that pursuing unpopular reforms can be a perfectly rational strategy for vote‐seeking governments. Based on a simple game theoretical model that compares strategic framing with the classic blame avoidance strategy, it is demonstrated that unpopular policy reforms allow governments to pursue gains of both policy and votes by opting for a highly visible strategy of reframing the substantive reform issue in question. This general argument is illustrated with the substantial 2011 retrenchment of Danish early retirement benefits. This particular welfare state programme was highly popular. Nevertheless, the incumbent Liberal prime minister proposed to abolish it only a few months prior to a national election while his government was trailing significantly in the polls.
Extended Producer Responsibility in the United States
Authors: Nash Jennifer , Bosso Christopher
Published: February 2013

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that requires manufacturers to finance the costs of recycling or safely disposing of products consumers no longer want. This article describes the evolution of EPR policies in the United States, focusing on the role of states as policy actors. For their part, federal lawmakers have not embraced EPR policies except to remove some barriers to state‐level initiatives. In the two‐decade period from 1991 to 2011, U.S. states enacted more than 70 EPR laws. In addition, manufacturers have implemented voluntary programs to collect and recycle products, but those efforts have proven largely ineffective in capturing significant quantities of waste products. With the help of new coalitions of diverse interest groups, recently states have renewed efforts to establish effective EPR programs, enacting 40 laws in the period 2008–2011. Several state initiatives suggest a more promising future for EPR.
Simulation and Managerial Decision Making:A Double‐Loop Learning Framework
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , MacDonald Roderick H. , Andersen David F.
Published: February 2013

Systems approaches present opportunities for public managers and policy makers to view policies and programs in a broader context. This article presents a framework to explain how simulation modeling promotes double‐loop learning in management teams by building and exploring collective mental models as well as by enhancing accuracy of the mental models. The authors discuss the types of problems that may benefit from simulation modeling and illustrate how double‐loop learning occurs in the process of dynamic hypothesis testing. Using a case from New York State's Division of Disability Determination, the article shows how simulation modeling built confidence in a management team's decision by providing the team with tools to share and examine multiple hypotheses about a declining trend in initial disability recipients in the state between 1998 and 2004.
Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Combining “Paclitaxel” Eluting Balloon and “Limus” Eluting Stent in the Same Lesion
Authors: BASAVARAJAIAH SANDEEP , LATIB AZEEM , HASEGAWA TASUKU , REZQ AHMED , TAKAGI KENSUKE , NAGANUMA TORU , KAWAGUCHI MASA , FIGINI FILIPPO , COLOMBO ANTONIO
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To assess the safety and efficacy of combining drug‐eluting balloon (DEB) and drug‐eluting stents (DES) in the same coronary lesion.

Background

Use of DEB may not always produce optimal results or even result in dissection, compelling the operators to consider bailout stenting with bare metal stents (BMS). However, BMS may not be ideal in patients who have significant risk‐profile for restenosis. We have opted for DES over BMS in such situations and present our follow‐up data.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011, 46 patients (57 lesions) requiring bailout stenting following DEB use were treated with second‐generation DES. All patients had at‐least one or more risk‐factors that made them vulnerable for restenosis (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, previous in‐stent restenosis [ISR], and/or long diffuse lesions ≥30 mm).

Results

Of the 57 lesions, 34 (60%) were previous ISR. The mean length of the DEB was: 36.2 ± 5.6 mm. All patients had TIMI‐3 flow post PCI with no in‐lab complications. At median follow‐up of 12.3 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.5–18.1), the rates target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) were 3 (5.3%) and 4 (7%), respectively. One patient had died 3 months following treatment. There were no episodes of myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate defined as cardiac‐death, MI, and TVR occurred in 11% of patients.

Conclusion

The results from this novel strategy of combining “Paclitaxel” eluting balloon and “Limus” eluting stent in a same lesion are encouraging. Dual drug‐elution acting on two different pathways may provide potential synergy that may explain the favorable outcome. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:259–263)
Estimation of False Discovery Rate Using Sequential Permutation p‐Values
Authors: Bancroft Tim , Du Chuanlong , Nettleton Dan
Published: February 2013

We consider the problem of testing each of m null hypotheses with a sequential permutation procedure in which the number of draws from the permutation distribution of each test statistic is a random variable. Each sequential permutation p‐value has a null distribution that is nonuniform on a discrete support. We show how to use a collection of such p‐values to estimate the number of true null hypotheses m0 among the m null hypotheses tested and how to estimate the false discovery rate (FDR) associated with p‐value significance thresholds. We use real data analyses and simulation studies to evaluate and illustrate the performance of our proposed approach relative to standard, more computationally intensive strategies. We find that our sequential approach produces similar results with far less computational expense in a variety of scenarios.
A Regularization Corrected Score Method for Nonlinear Regression Models with Covariate Error
Authors: Zucker David M. , Gorfine Malka , Li Yi , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Spiegelman Donna
Published: February 2013

Many regression analyses involve explanatory variables that are measured with error, and failing to account for this error is well known to lead to biased point and interval estimates of the regression coefficients. We present here a new general method for adjusting for covariate error. Our method consists of an approximate version of the Stefanski–Nakamura corrected score approach, using the method of regularization to obtain an approximate solution of the relevant integral equation. We develop the theory in the setting of classical likelihood models; this setting covers, for example, linear regression, nonlinear regression, logistic regression, and Poisson regression. The method is extremely general in terms of the types of measurement error models covered, and is a functional method in the sense of not involving assumptions on the distribution of the true covariate. We discuss the theoretical properties of the method and present simulation results in the logistic regression setting (univariate and multivariate). For illustration, we apply the method to data from the Harvard Nurses' Health Study concerning the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer mortality in the period following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Middle school students overestimate normative support for aggression and underestimate normative support for nonviolent problem‐solving strategies
Authors: Henry David B. , Dymnicki Allison B. , Schoeny Michael E. , Meyer Aleta L. , Martin Nina C. ,   Multisite Violence Prevention Project
Published: February 2013

This study tested five hypotheses related to the accuracy of students' perceptions of school norms for aggression and nonviolent problem‐solving strategies with two cohorts (ns = 852 and 968) of 6th‐grade students in 12 schools. Students consistently overestimated peer normative support for aggression and underestimated peer normative support for nonviolent problem‐solving strategies. This effect remained significant in tests of moderation by gender, ethnicity, and aggression level. Tests for moderation by the degree of provocation (e.g., if a student was hit first) and a test measuring actual norms from eighth graders and perceived norms from seventh graders suggested that the discrepancy was not due to self‐serving bias or social desirability. Longitudinal analysis found that the discrepancy remained through 8th grade. The discrepancy between actual and perceived norms has implications for risk and violence prevention, which are discussed.
Integration and Cospecialization of Emerging Complementary Technologies by Startups
Authors: Anderson Edward G. , Parker Geoffrey G.
Published: February 2013

We analyze the market entry problem faced by startups that must integrate their service or product with one or more complementary technologies. The problem is especially challenging when the complementary technologies have uncertain cost reduction potentials. The entrepreneurship literature suggests that startups should pursue focused strategies for various reasons, including bounded rationality and budget constraints, but generally overlooks startups entering markets with complementary technologies. The advice for mature firms investing in complementary technologies is often to diversify investment across multiple complements to manage technological uncertainty. Given competing guidance, we seek to extend the entrepreneurship literature by modeling startups' entry decisions for markets in which complementary technologies exhibit strong learning effects. We find that, consistent with the extant entrepreneurship literature, startups generally achieve higher expected returns by channeling their integration investment to only one complementary technology. However, the mechanisms driving our results differ significantly by hinging on nonlinear feedback effects that occur when firms concentrate integration investment in only one complementary technology. Interestingly, this focused strategy often does not yield the highest market share or the lowest likelihood of bankruptcy. We characterize the situations under which each finding holds and describe the implications of these findings for theory, practice, and policy.
Assessing natural and disturbed population structure in European grayling Thymallus thymallus: melding phylogeographic, population genetic and jurisdictional perspectives for conservation planning
Authors: Weiss S. J. , Kopun T. , Sušnik Bajec S.
Published: February 2013

Natural and human‐mediated population structure of European grayling Thymallus thymallus was assessed in primarily Austrian reaches of the Danube River catchment. Data on phylogeographic structure based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were combined with variation found across 13 microsatellite loci to assess introgression stemming from stocking activities. Populations north of the Alps generally showed no signs of long‐term introgression from allochthonous stocks, although one population comprised two distinct genotypic groups, one of which may stem from recently stocked material. South of the Alps, levels of introgression with stocks from the north were extensive and only one of six populations is believed to represent a reference state. Allelic diversity and expected heterozygosity were positively correlated with mtDNA admixture supporting more recent introgression and that there is little or no reproductive barrier between these two major lineages north and south of the Alps. A third unrelated mtDNA lineage is described from the Lafnitz, a tributary of the Raab drainage. The high lineage diversity in the upper Austrian Danube is not concordant with an existing model of T. thymallus evolutionarily significant units in Europe. Caveats in naming such units or following a strict hierarchical conservation unit structure for broadly distributed species with complex phylogeographic distributions stretching over various jurisdictions are discussed. The necessity of using both phylogeographic and population genetic approaches in evaluating the history and conservation value of populations in a conservation context is additionally highlighted.
Overwinter body condition, mortality and parasite infection in two size classes of 0+ year juvenile European bitterling Rhodeus amarus
Authors: Francová K. , Ondračková M.
Published: February 2013

Body condition and parasite abundance were examined in two size classes of European bitterling Rhodeus amarus during the first overwintering period in two seasons (2007–2008 and 2009–2010). Body condition of large fish did not change during winter, and increased significantly in March. From November to February, small fish showed a decreasing trend in condition. Despite a significant increase in March condition of small fish only reached the same level as before winter. Total parasite abundance increased significantly in winter in both fish size classes, reflecting a seasonal increase in monogenean infection. Large fish were parasitized significantly more than small fish during winter, but only in small fish was a negative correlation between parasite infection and condition found and a significant decrease in parasite abundance recorded after wintering, indicating mortality of heavily infected individuals with low condition during the winter. A trend for higher overwinter mortality in small fish was found under semi‐experimental conditions. The decrease in condition during the winter period in small fish may reflect faster energy depletion generally expected in smaller individuals. The results indicate that parasite infection may contribute to the overwinter mortality of 0+ year R. amarus, with a stronger effect in smaller individuals.
Tongue Strength Is Associated with Jumping Mechanography Performance and Handgrip Strength but Not with Classic Functional Tests in Older Adults
Authors: Buehring Bjoern , Hind Jacqueline , Fidler Ellen , Krueger Diane , Binkley Neil , Robbins JoAnne
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To determine whether classic muscle function tests and jumping mechanography (JM) are related to tongue strength.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Ninety‐seven community‐dwelling individuals aged 70 and older (49 female, 48 male, mean age 80.7, range 70–95) with and without identified sarcopenia.

Measurements

Participants performed muscle function tests including the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength, and JM. Isometric tongue strength was evaluated using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). JM consisted of maximal countermovement jumps performed on a force plate to calculate weight‐corrected peak power and jump height. Total body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess appendicular lean mass (ALM) to define sarcopenia based on commonly used ALM/height2 cutoffs. Associations between IOPI measures and other muscle function tests were evaluated.

Results

Sarcopenia was present in 23.7% (23/97) of this cohort. Anterior isometric tongue pressure was positively correlated with grip strength (P = .003), jump height (P = .01), and power (P = .04). Individuals in the lowest tertile of tongue pressure had lower scores on these muscle function tests than individuals in the other tertiles. Classic functional tests and ALM/height2 were unrelated to tongue strength.

Conclusion

In older adults with and without sarcopenia, isometric tongue pressure is positively correlated with grip strength and jump height and power. These data support consideration of oropharyngeal functional decline as part of the sarcopenia syndrome.