bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical versus partial nephrectomy
Authors: Zini Laurent , Perrotte Paul , Capitanio Umberto , Jeldres Claudio , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Antebi Elie , Saad Fred , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Relative to radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN) performed for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may protect from non‐cancer‐related deaths. The authors tested this hypothesis in a cohort of PN and RN patients.

METHODS:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐9 database allowed identification of 2198 PN (22.4%) and 7611 RN (77.6%) patients treated for T1aN0M0 RCC between 1988 and 2004. Analyses matched for age, year of surgery, tumor size, and Fuhrman grade addressed the effect of nephrectomy type (RN vs PN) on overall mortality (Cox regression models) and on non‐cancer‐related mortality (competing‐risks regression models).

RESULTS:

Relative to PN, RN was associated with 1.23‐fold (P = .001) increased overall mortality rate, which translated into a 4.9% and 3.1% absolute increase in mortality at 5 and 10 years after surgery, respectively. Similarly, non‐cancer‐related death rate was significantly higher after RN in competing‐risks regression models (P < .001), which translated into a 4.6% and 4.5% absolute increase in non‐cancer‐related mortality at 5 and 10 years after surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Relative to PN, RN predisposes to an increase in overall mortality and non‐cancer‐related death rate in patients with T1a RCC. In consequence, PN should be attempted whenever technically feasible. Selective referrals should be considered if PN expertise is unavailable Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Reduced tumorigenesis in p53 knockout mice exposed in utero to low‐dose vitamin E
Authors: Chen Connie S. , Squire Jeremy A. , Wells Peter G.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The limited antioxidative capacity of the fetus renders it more susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and possibly to ROS‐mediated cancer initiation or promotion in utero.

METHODS:

To test this hypothesis, pregnant cancer‐prone p53 knockout mice were prenatally supplemented with a low dietary dose of the antioxidant vitamin E (VE) (0.1% all‐rac‐α‐tocopherol‐acetate), and the homozygous (−/−) and heterozygous (+/‐) p53‐deficient and wild‐type (+/+) offspring were examined for VE levels, oxidative DNA damage, chromosomal stability, cellular viability and postnatal tumorigenesis.

RESULTS:

In utero exposure to VE reduced spontaneous postnatal tumorigenesis in p53 +/‐ offspring, and increased VE levels and reduced fetal DNA oxidation in some but not all tissues of p53‐deficient fetuses. Survival of VE‐exposed p53 +/‐ offspring at the end of the study was double that of the +/‐ controls (45% vs 23%). In primary culture of skin fibroblasts from VE‐exposed fetuses, VE did not alter chromosomal ploidy, but reduced cell death, indicating that its protective effect did not involve chromosomal stability.

CONCLUSIONS:

The tissue‐selective increase in fetal VE levels and reduced DNA oxidation, together with a concomitant reduction in postnatal tumorigenesis, suggest that in utero oxidative stress contributes to some postnatal cancers, and the risk can be reduced by maternal dietary supplementation with low‐dose VE. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Costs associated with complications are lower with capecitabine than with 5‐fluorouracil in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Chu Edward , Schulman Kathy L. , Zelt Susan , Song Xue
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Capecitabine, an oral alternative to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), has equal clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile; however, its use may be limited because of unit cost concerns. In this study, the authors measured the cost of chemotherapy‐related complications during treatment with capecitabine‐ and 5‐FU–based regimens.

METHODS:

Patients with CRC who received at least 1 administration of capecitabine or 5‐FU during 2004 and 2005 were identified from the Thomson MarketScan research databases. Monthly frequency and cost for 23 complications were recorded. Logistic regression was used to predict complication probability. General linear models were used to predict monthly complication cost and total monthly expenditure.

RESULTS:

In total, 4973 patients with CRC met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Although the most frequently observed complications were the same between capecitabine and 5‐FU (nausea and vomiting, infection, anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea), each was observed with greater frequency in 5‐FU–based regimens. The mean predicted monthly complication cost was significantly higher (by 136%) with 5‐FU monotherapy than with capecitabine monotherapy (difference, $601; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], $469‐$737). In addition, the mean predicted monthly complication cost for 5‐FU+oxaliplatin was higher than the cost with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (difference, $1165; 95% CI, $892‐$1595). When acquisition, administration, and complication costs were taken into consideration, there were no significant differences in the total cost between capecitabine regimens and 5‐FU regimens.

CONCLUSIONS:

Capecitabine compared well with 5‐FU–based therapy in patients with CRC and was associated with lower complication rates and associated costs. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Injuries to inferior vermis and dentate nuclei predict poor neurological and neuropsychological outcome in children with malignant posterior fossa tumors
Authors: Puget Stephanie , Boddaert Nathalie , Viguier Delphine , Kieffer Virginie , Bulteau Christine , Garnett Matthew , Callu Delphine , Sainte‐Rose Christian , Kalifa Chantal , Dellatolas Georges , Grill Jacques
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Children treated for a malignant posterior fossa tumor (PFT) are at risk of intellectual impairment. Its severity is not explained by age and radiotherapy alone. The current study was designed to define the correlations between the anatomical damage and the neurological/neuropsychological deficits in children with a malignant PFT.

METHODS:

Sixty‐one consecutive children (mean age, 6.0 years) treated for a malignant PFT with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy underwent a detailed neuropsychological evaluation, including a full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), on average 5.6 years after the diagnosis. The neurological examination was recorded 1 month after surgery and at the time of the neuropsychological evaluation. Cerebellar and brain injuries were scored based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Correlation of these injuries with neurological and cognitive outcome were performed after adjustment for other potential risk factors (radiotherapy schedule, age, hydrocephalus, duration of symptoms, socioeconomic status, and surgical complications).

RESULTS:

Neurological deficits were strong predictors of low cognitive performances irrespective of the other risk factors. The extent of cerebellar deficits and fine motor dexterity impairment were correlated with the degree of damage to the dentate nuclei and inferior vermis. The IQ scores were inversely correlated with the severity of the damage to the dentate nuclei; mean FSIQ was 83 if they were both intact and 65 in the case of bilateral damage (P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS:

Damage to the dentate nuclei and to the inferior vermis, observed on MRI, predict the degree of impairment of neurological and neuropsychological functions in children treated for a malignant PFT. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
CA‐125 change after chemotherapy in prediction of treatment outcome among advanced mucinous and clear cell epithelial ovarian cancers
Authors: Tian Chunqiao , Markman Maurie , Zaino Richard , Ozols Robert F. , McGuire William P. , Muggia Franco M. , Rose Peter G. , Spriggs David , Armstrong Deborah K.
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

There are limited data regarding unique clinical or laboratory features associated with advanced clear cell (CC) and mucinous (MU) epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC), particularly the relationship between CA‐125 antigen levels and prognosis.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of 7 previously reported Gynecologic Oncology Group phase 3 trials in patients with stage III/IV EOC was conducted. A variety of clinical parameters were examined, including the impact of baseline and changes in the CA‐125 level after treatment of CC and MU EOC on progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

Clinical outcomes among patients with advanced CC and MU EOC were significantly worse when compared with other cell types (median PFS, 9.7 vs 7.0 vs 16.7 months, respectively, P < .001; median OS, 19.4 vs 11.3 vs 40.5 months, respectively, P < .001). Suboptimal debulking was associated with significantly decreased PFS and OS among both. Although baseline CA‐125 values were lower in CC (median, 154 μ/mL) and MU (100 μ/mL), compared with other cell types (275 μ/mL), this level did not appear to influence outcome among these 2 specific subtypes of EOC. However, an elevated level of CA‐125 at the end of chemotherapy was significantly associated with decreased PFS and OS (P < .01 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgical debulking status is the most important variable at prechemotherapy predictive of prognosis among advanced CC and MU EOC patients. Changes in the CA‐125 levels at the end treatment as compared with baseline can serve as valid indicators of PFS and OS, and likely the degree of inherent chemosensitivity. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Mechanisms of constitutive activation of Janus kinase 2‐V617F revealed at the atomic level through molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lee Tai‐Sung , Ma Wanlong , Zhang Xi , Giles Francis , Kantarjian Hagop , Albitar Maher
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

The tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) is important in triggering nuclear translocation and regulation of target genes expression through signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. The valine‐to‐phenylalanine mutation at amino acid 617 (V617F), which results in the deregulation of JAK2, has been implicated in the oncogenesis of chronic myeloproliferative disease. However, both the mechanism of JAK2 autoinhibition and the mechanism of V617F constitutive activation remain unclear.

METHOD:

In this work, the authors used molecular dynamics simulation techniques to establish plausible mechanisms of JAK2 autoinhibition and V617F constitutive activation at the atomic level.

RESULTS:

In wild‐type JAK2, the activation loop of JAK2‐homology domain 1 (JH1) is pulled toward the JH1/JH2 interface through interactions with key residues of JH2, especially S591, F595, and V617, and stabilizes the inactivated form of JH1. In the case of V617F, through the aromatic ring‐ring stacking interaction, F617 blocks the interaction of JH1 the activation loop, S591, and F595, thus causing the JH1 activation loop to move back to its activated form.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that this simulation‐derived mechanism of JAK2 autoregulation is consistent with current available experimental evidence and may lead to a deeper understanding of JAK2 and other kinase systems that are regulated by pseudokinases. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Efficiency of the German electricity wholesale market
Authors: Growitsch Christian , Nepal Rabindra
Published: February 2009

One of the major challenges of liberalising European electricity markets is to create competitive and efficient power trading markets. In this paper, we assess the overall efficiency of the German electricity wholesale market using cointegration analysis and error correction modelling. Applying these techniques allows us to evaluate the wholesale market efficiency in terms of price adjustments and the rapidity towards the adjustment in the price discovery and adjustment process. We show that the wholesale market seems to be inefficient and not well functioning. The inability of European Energy Exchange spot market in providing an efficient price reference to the power market suggest that the power exchange still lacks liquidity. Second, our results indicate that bilateral contracts keep the wholesale electricity prices intact with the EEX prices and also stabilise the volatility in the German wholesale market. Also, the econometric results suggest that the existence of the OTC market along with power exchange is creating a competitive effect in the wholesale market in Germany. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SNP selection and multidimensional scaling to quantify population structure
Authors: Miclaus Kelci , Wolfinger Russ , Czika Wendy
Published: February 2009

In the new era of large‐scale collaborative Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), population stratification has become a critical issue that must be addressed. In order to build upon the methods developed to control the confounding effect of a structured population, it is extremely important to visualize and quantify that effect. In this work, we develop methodology for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection and subsequent population stratification visualization based on deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium in conjunction with non‐metric multidimensional scaling (MDS); a distance‐based multivariate technique. Through simulation, it is shown that SNP selection based on Hardy‐Weinberg disequilibrium (HWD) is robust against confounding linkage disequilibrium patterns that have been problematic in past studies and methods as well as producing a differentiated SNP set. Non‐metric MDS is shown to be a multivariate visualization tool preferable to principal components in conjunction with HWD SNP selection through theoretical and empirical study from HapMap samples. The proposed selection tool offers a simple and effective way to select appropriate substructure‐informative markers for use in exploring the effect that population stratification may have in association studies. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:488–496, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bayesian intervals for linkage locations
Authors: Sinha Ritwik , Igo Robert P. , Saini Shiv K. , Elston Robert C. , Luo Yuqun
Published: February 2009

Intermediate fine mapping has received considerable attention recently, with the goal of providing statistically precise and valid chromosomal regions for fine mapping following initial identification of broad regions that are linked to a disease. The following classes of methods have been proposed and compared in the literature: (1) LOD‐support intervals, (2) generalized estimating equations, (3) bootstrap, and (4) confidence set inference framework. These methods provide confidence intervals either with coverage levels deviating from the nominal confidence levels or that are not fully efficient. Here, we propose a novel Bayesian method for constructing such intervals using affected sibling pair data. The susceptibility gene location is treated as a parameter in this method, with a uniform prior. A Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm is implemented to sample from the posterior distribution and highest posterior density intervals of the disease gene locations are constructed. Correct coverage levels are maintained by our method. Both simulation studies and an application to a rheumatoid arthritis dataset demonstrate the improved efficiency of the Bayesian intervals compared with existing methods. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:604–616, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntheses of new quinoline‐containing heterocyclic scaffolds using inter‐ and intramolecular Pd‐catalyzed amination
Authors: Bogányi Borbála , Kámán Judit
Published: February 2009

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A tandem inter‐ and intramolecular Pd‐catalyzed amination protocol was studied on 4‐chloro‐3‐iodoquinoline and 3‐chloro‐4‐iodoquinoline with different aminohetarenes. Applying this method, ten novel quinoline derivatives and eight new heterocyclic ring systems were synthesized. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
New heterocycles from tetrazines and oxadiazoles
Authors: Chavez David E. , Parrish Damon A.
Published: February 2009

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The reactivity of 3,4‐diamino‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole (2) toward nucleophilic substitution of 3,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (1) was studied. A new class of high nitrogen heterocyclic systems was prepared. It was determined that 3,4‐diamino‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole did not display the required nucleophilicity to be reactive. However, the anion of 3,4‐diamino‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole, prepared by treatment with strong base, was sufficiently reactive to act as a nucleophile. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Insulin‐like growth factor‐I improves chondrogenesis of predifferentiated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Wang Limin , Detamore Michael S.
Published: February 2009

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hUCMSCs) are an attractive cell source for tissue engineering with numerous advantages over other adult stem cell sources, such as great expansion ability in vitro and extensive availability. The objective of this 6‐week study was to test the hypothesis that switching from chondrogenic transforming growth factor‐beta3 (TGF‐β3) to anabolic insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) at the 3‐week time point would produce more cartilage‐like matrix than TGF‐β3 alone. hUCMSCs were seeded into polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds and then cultured in chondrogenic medium containing TGF‐β3 for 3 weeks. The TGF‐β3‐treated hUCMSCs were then exposed for 3 more weeks to one of four different conditions: (1) continued in chondrogenic medium, (2) control medium (no TGF‐β3), (3) control medium with 10 ng/ml IGF‐I, or (4) control medium with 100 ng/ml IGF‐I. Compared to continuing with TGF‐β3, switching to IGF‐I increased collagen production, and furthermore increased both collagen type II gene expression and immunostaining. In conclusion, the shift from TGF‐β3 to IGF‐I at week 3 resulted in a significant increase of cartilage‐like extracellular matrix, confirming our hypothesis. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1109–1115, 2009
Cartilage abnormalities associated with defects of chondrocytic primary cilia in Bardet‐Biedl syndrome mutant mice
Authors: Kaushik Anjan P. , Martin James A. , Zhang Qihong , Sheffield Val C. , Morcuende Jose A.
Published: February 2009

Primary cilia are found on nearly every mammalian cell, including osteocytes, fibroblasts, and chondrocytes. However, the functions of primary cilia have not been extensively studied in these cells, particularly chondrocytes. Interestingly, defects in the primary cilium result in skeletal defects such as polydactyly in Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS), a ciliary disorder that also results in obesity, retinopathy, and cognitive impairments. Wild‐type mice and mutant mice of the ciliary proteins Bbs1, Bbs2, and Bbs6 were evaluated with respect to histological and biochemical differences in chondrocytes from articular cartilage and xiphoid processes. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, chondrocytic cilia were visualized from the load‐bearing joints and non‐load‐bearing xiphoid processes. Significant differences in ciliary morphology were not identified between mutant and wild‐type mice. However, after expanding chondrocytes in cell culture and implanting them in solid agarose matrix, it was seen that the fraction of ciliated cells in cultures from mutant mice was significantly lower than in the wild‐type cultures (p < 0.05). In addition, in Safranin‐O‐stained whole joint sections, Bbs mutant mice had significantly lower articular joint thickness (p < 0.05) and lower proteoglycan content saturation (p < 0.05) than wild‐type mice. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences of cell distribution between Bbs mutant and wild‐type mice (p < 0.05), indicating that mutant articular cartilage had changes consistent with early signs of osteoarthritis. These data indicate that Bbs genes and their functions in the chondrocytic primary cilium are important for normal articular cartilage maintenance. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1093–1099, 2009
Functional sensibility assessment. Part I: develop a reliable apparatus to assess momentary pinch force control
Authors: Chiu Haw‐Yen , Hsu Hsiu‐Yun , Kuo Li‐Chieh , Chang Jer‐Hao , Su Fong‐Chin
Published: February 2009

A precise magnitude and timing control of pinch performance is based on accurate feed‐forward and feedback control mechanisms. Ratio of peak pinch force and maximum load force during a functional performance is a sensitive parameter to reflect the ability to scale pinch force output according to actual loads. A pinch apparatus was constructed to detect momentary pinch force modulation of 20 subjects with normal hand sensation. The results indicated high intra‐class correlation coefficient and small coefficient of variation of the detected force ratio among three repeated tests, which represented that the stability test of the measured response confirmed the feasibility of this apparatus. The force ratio for a 480 g object with a steel surface ranged between 1.77 and 1.98. Normal subjects were able to scale and contribute pinch force precisely to a pinch‐holding‐up test. This study may provide clinicians a reliable apparatus and method to analyze the recovery of functional sensibility in patients with nerve injuries. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1116–1121, 2009
Edge‐fault‐tolerant pancyclicity of alternating group graphs
Authors: Tsai Ping‐Ying , Chen Gen‐Huey , Fu Jung‐Sheng
Published: February 2009

The alternating group graph, which belongs to the class of Cayley graphs, is one of the most versatile interconnection networks for parallel and distributed computing. Previously, the alternating group graph was shown to be pancyclic, i.e., containing cycles of all possible lengths. In this article, we further show that the alternating group graph remains pancyclic, even if there are up to 2n − 6 edge faults, where n ≥ 3 is the dimension of the alternating group graph. The result is optimal with respect to the number of edge faults tolerated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Simultaneous solution of Lagrangean dual problems interleaved with preprocessing for the weight constrained shortest path problem
Authors: Muhandiramge Ranga , Boland Natashia
Published: February 2009

Conventional Lagrangean preprocessing for the network Weight Constrained Shortest Path Problem (WCSPP), for example Beasley and Christofides (Beasley and Christofides, Networks 19 (1989), 379–394), calculates lower bounds on the cost of using each node and edge in a feasible path using a single optimal Lagrange multiplier for the relaxation of the WCSPP. These lower bounds are used in conjunction with an upper bound to eliminate nodes and edges. However, for each node and edge, a Lagrangean dual problem exists whose solution may differ from the relaxation of the full problem. Thus, using one Lagrange multiplier does not offer the best possible network reduction. Furthermore, eliminating nodes and edges from the network may change the Lagrangean dual solutions in the remaining reduced network, warranting an iterative solution and reduction procedure. We develop a method for solving the related Lagrangean dual problems for each edge simultaneously which is iterated with eliminating nodes and edges. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method computationally: we test it against several others and show that it both reduces solve time and the number of intractable problems encountered. We use a modified version of Carlyle and Wood's (38th Annual ORSNZ Conference, Hamilton, New Zealand, November, 2003) enumeration algorithm in the gap closing stage. We also make improvements to this algorithm and test them computationally. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Nanodisks protect amphotericin B from ultraviolet light and oxidation‐induced damage
Authors: Tufteland Megan L , Selitrennikoff Claude P , O Ryan Robert
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Macrolide polyene antibiotics possess potent broad‐spectrum antifungal properties. Use of these agents in the field or in controlled environments is impeded by their poor water solubility and susceptibility to oxidation‐ and/or light‐induced degradation. While typically used for human disease therapy, there is potential to expand the utility of polyene macrolide antibiotics, such as amphotericin B, for control of fungal disease infestation in agricultural settings. Thus, the susceptibility of this antibiotic to exposure‐induced activity loss was evaluated.

RESULTS: Incubation of the prototype polyene amphotericin B (AMB) with phospholipid vesicles and apolipoprotein A‐I results in the formation of nanoscale complexes, termed nanodisks (NDs), capable of solubilizing significant quantities of AMB. To evaluate whether AMB incorporation into NDs conferred protection against light‐ or oxidation‐induced damage, yeast growth inhibition assays were conducted. Compared with AMB solubilized in detergent micelles, AMB incorporated into NDs was protected from damage caused by exposure to UV light as well as by KMnO4‐induced oxidation. Furthermore, AMB‐NDs inhibited growth of the turfgrass fungus Marasmius oreades Fr.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that this water‐soluble formulation of a natural, biodegradable, antifungal agent represents a potential cost‐effective, non‐toxic and environmentally friendly substitute for chemical agents currently employed to control a range of fungal infestations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Representation and prediction of the Indian Ocean dipole in the POAMA seasonal forecast model
Authors: Zhao Mei , Hendon Harry H.
Published: February 2009

Predictive skill of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) using the Bureau of Meteorology's POAMA seasonal forecast model is assessed in light of the model's ability to represent the coupled nature of the IOD. The analysis is based on a ten‐member ensemble of nine‐month forecasts that are initialized from observed ocean and atmosphere states once per month for the period 1982–2006. Some aspects of the IOD are well represented by the POAMA forecast model, including the seasonal phase locking of the development of the IOD but the IOD's horizontal structure is distorted and its amplitude weakens with increasing forecast lead time, while at the same time the IOD becomes spuriously overdependent on ENSO. These deficiencies in the representation of the IOD are attributed to model error (including horizontal resolution and development of biases in the mean state), which affects depiction of important coupled dynamics for the IOD as well as the role of remote forcing of the IOD by ENSO (which itself exhibits distortion of its spatial structure attributed to biases in the simulated mean state).

In the light of these limitations of representing the IOD in the POAMA forecast model, skilful prediction of the peak phase of the IOD in September–November is limited to about a four‐month lead time, with a rapid drop in skill for forecasts initialized before June. Forecast skill for the IOD appears to be limited mainly by ability to predict development of SST anomalies in its eastern pole. Potential predictability estimates, assuming a perfect model, indicate great scope for improved prediction, although the IOD is much less predictable (potentially and in practice) than ENSO. The deficient depiction of the IOD at longer lead times means that estimates of potential predictability assuming a perfect model may be unreliable. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Excellent Prognosis of Patients with Nonhereditary Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma with Ultrasonographic Findings of Follicular Tumor or Benign Nodule
Authors: Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Ito Yasuhiro , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Akasu Haruki , Shimizu Kazuo , Miyauchi Akira
Published: February 2009

Background

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for only 1.4% of all thyroid malignancies in Japan. Generally, MTC shows ultrasonographic findings typical of thyroid carcinoma. However, in our experience, some MTC may be diagnosed as a follicular tumor or a benign nodule on ultrasonography because ultrasonographic findings of malignancy are lacking. In this study we investigated differences in biological behavior between these two types of MTC.

Methods

Seventy‐seven patients with nonhereditary MTC who underwent surgery in our department between 1988 and 2007 were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 54 were diagnosed as having thyroid carcinoma (malignant, or M‐type) but the remaining 23 were diagnosed as having follicular tumor or benign nodule (benign, or B‐type) on ultrasonography.

Results

Clinically apparent lateral node metastasis, extrathyroid extension, and extranodal tumor extension were observed in 37%, 17%, and 11% of M‐type patients, respectively, but none of the B‐type patients showed any of these features. All B‐type patients but only 59% of M‐type patients were biochemically cured. Lymph node metastasis was pathologically confirmed in 38 and 65% of B‐type and M‐type patients, respectively. Eight patients showed recurrence and three have died of carcinoma to date; all of these patients were M‐type patients.

Conclusions

B‐type MTC is highly indolent and shows an excellent prognosis. However, thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection for B‐type MTC should be the same as for M‐type MTC because 38% of B‐type MTC showed pathologic node metastasis.
Clinical Risk Assessment: Identifying Patients at High Risk for Heart Failure
Authors: Babb Marsha
Published: February 2009

Care requirements differ for individual patients in the heart failure continuum of care. Few tools exist that enable the bedside nurse to assess the cardiac surgical patient effectively.

A quality improvement project was conducted at a level I trauma center in the mid‐Atlantic United States to identify perioperative heart failure patients who do poorly after cardiac surgery.

The surgical patient who is at high risk for adverse events after coronary artery bypass graft surgery can be identified by clustering 11 characteristics. Of 1,971 patients studied, 294 had adverse outcomes. Data indicated that any cluster of the characteristics was intensified when emergency status was added. AORN J 89 (February 2009) 273–288. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Too Old For School? Barriers Nurses Can Overcome When Returning to School
Authors: Morgenthaler Marcia
Published: February 2009

Nurses may face a number of perceived barriers, such as geographical location, time, and cost, when deciding to return to school for additional education.

Viable solutions to overcome these barriers include distance education, effective time management, and tuition assistance programs. AORN J 89 (February 2009) 335–345. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Social Support During Anesthesia Induction in an Adult Surgical Population
Authors: Mayne Ian P. , Bagaoisan Cora
Published: February 2009

A surgical procedure is a stressful experience for the patient and his or her support persons. In addition, the unfamiliar OR environment may be overwhelming for the surgical patient.

This project assessed whether there is a need for support‐person presence during anesthesia induction in the adult surgical population at an academic hospital. A survey was used to measure the respondents' opinions related to different aspects of social support during the induction process.

The results of this project did not exhibit a significant need for a support person to be present during anesthesia induction. AORN J 89 (February 2009) 307–320. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
The Endovascular Approach to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Tinkham Michelle Rovena
Published: February 2009

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) affords patients the opportunity to undergo a less invasive method of repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms. The EVAR procedure results in a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and less chance of morbidity. This procedure can be performed in a variety of settings (eg, OR, interventional radiology suite, cardiac catheterization laboratory), each of which has its own benefits and challenges. Recently, hybrid ORs have been designed to perform both endovascular and open procedures.

AORN has many applicable recommended practices to guide perioperative nurses in the safe provision of care during EVAR procedures. AORN J 89 (February 2009) 289–302. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Long-term outcomes in patients with schizophrenia treated with risperidone long-acting injection or oral antipsychotics in Spain: Results from the electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e-STAR)
Authors: Olivares J.M. , Rodriguez-Morales A. , Diels J. , Povey M. , Jacobs A. , Zhao Z. , Lam A.
Published: February 2009

Background

The electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e-STAR) is a prospective, observational study of patients with schizophrenia designed to evaluate long-term treatment outcomes in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Parameters were assessed at baseline and at 3 month intervals for 2 years in patients initiated on risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) (n= 1345) or a new oral antipsychotic (AP) (n= 277; 35.7% and 36.5% on risperidone and olanzapine, respectively) in Spain. Hospitalization prior to therapy was assessed by a retrospective chart review.

Results

At 24 months, treatment retention (81.8% for RLAI versus 63.4% for oral APs,p< 0.0001) and reduction in Clinical Global Impression Severity scores (−1.14 for RLAI versus −0.94 for APs,p= 0.0165) were significantly higher with RLAI. Compared to the pre-switch period, RLAI patients had greater reductions in the number (reduction of 0.37 stays per patient versus 0.2,p< 0.05) and days (18.74 versus 13.02,p< 0.01) of hospitalizations at 24 months than oral AP patients.

Conclusions

This 2 year, prospective, observational study showed that, compared to oral antipsychotics, RLAI was associated with better treatment retention, greater improvement in clinical symptoms and functioning, and greater reduction in hospital stays and days in hospital in patients with schizophrenia. Improved treatment adherence, increased efficacy and reduced hospitalization with RLAI offer the opportunity of substantial therapeutic improvement in schizophrenia.
A case-comparison study of executive functions in alcohol-dependent adults with maternal history of alcoholism
Authors: Cottencin Olivier , Nandrino Jean-Louis , Karila Laurent , Mezerette Caroline , Danel Thierry
Published: February 2009

Introduction

As executive dysfunctions frequently accompany alcohol dependence, we suggest that reports of executive dysfunction in alcoholics are actually due, in some case to a maternal history of alcohol misuse (MHA+). A history of maternal alcohol dependence increases the risk for prenatal alcohol exposure to unborn children. These exposures likely contribute to executive dysfunction in adult alcoholics. To assess this problem, we propose a case-comparison study of alcohol-dependent subjects with and without a MHA.

Methods

Ten alcohol-dependent subjects, with a maternal history of alcoholism (MHA) and paternal history of alcoholism (PHA), were matched with 10 alcohol-dependent people with only a paternal history of alcoholism (PHA). Executive functions (cancellation, Stroop, and trail-making A and B tests) and the presence of a history of three mental disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, violent behavior while intoxicated, and suicidal behavior) were evaluated in both populations.

Results

Alcohol-dependent subjects with MHA showed a significant alteration in executive functions and significantly more disorders related to these functions than PHA subjects. The major measures of executive functioning deficit are duration on task accomplishment in all tests. Rates of ADHD and suicidality were found to be higher in MHA patients compared to the controls.

Conclusion

A history of MHA, because of the high risk of PAE (in spite of the potential confounding factors such as environment) must be scrupulously documented when evaluating mental and cognitive disorders in a general population of alcoholics to ensure a better identification of these disorders. It would be helpful to replicate the study with more subjects.
Impact of severity of personality disorder on the outcome of depression
Authors: Kelly Brendan D. , Nur Ula A. , Tyrer Peter , Casey Patricia
Published: February 2009

The influence of severity of personality disorder on outcome of depression is unclear. Four hundred and ten patients with depression in 9 urban and rural communities in Finland, Ireland, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom, were randomised to individual problem-solving treatment (n = 121), group sessions on depression prevention (n = 106) or treatment as usual (n = 183). Depressive symptoms were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Personality assessment was performed using the Personality Assessment Schedule and analysed by severity (no personality disorder, personality difficulty, simple personality disorder, complex personality disorder). Complete personality assessments were performed on 301 individuals of whom 49.8% had no personality disorder; 19.3% had personality difficulties; 13.0% had simple personality disorder; and 17.9% had complex personality disorder. Severity of personality disorder was correlated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores at baseline (Spearman's r = 0.21; p < 0.001), 6 months (r = 0.14; p = 0.02) and 12 months (r = 0.21; p = 0.001). On multi-variable analysis, BDI at baseline (p < 0.001) and type of treatment offered (individual therapy, group therapy, treatment as usual) (p = 0.01) were significant independent predictors of BDI at 6 months. BDI at baseline was the sole significant independent predictor of BDI at 12 months (p < 0.001). There was no interaction between personality disorder and treatment type for depression.

While multi-variable analyses indicate that depressive symptoms at baseline are the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms at 6 and 12 months, the strong correlations between severity of personality disorder and depressive symptoms make it difficult to establish the independent effect of personality disorder on outcome of depression.
Tea consumption during pregnancy and the risk of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wei Shu‐Qin , Xu Hairong , Xiong Xu , Luo Zhong‐Cheng , Audibert Francois , Fraser William D.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To examine the effects of tea consumption during pregnancy on the risk of pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

A case‐control study was carried out among nulliparous pregnant women in Quebec between January 2003 and March 2006. Data were collected using a structured study questionnaire. A total of 92 women with pre‐eclampsia and 245 controls were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were performed to examine the association between tea consumption and pre‐eclampsia.

Results

Compared with non‐tea drinking during pregnancy, the crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) of pre‐eclampsia for tea drinking were 1.34 (95% CI, 0.80–2.25) and 1.39 (95% CI, 0.81–2.41), respectively. The OR and aOR of severe pre‐eclampsia for tea drinking were 1.39 (95% CI, 0.78–2.46) and 2.14 (95% CI, 1.01–4.54), respectively. The aORs for persistent tea consumption in pre‐eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia were 1.88 (95% CI, 1.01–3.51) and 1.95 (95% CI, 1.06–3.57), respectively.

Conclusion

Persistent tea drinking during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia.
Helminths of the teiid lizard Kentropyx calcarata (Squamata) from an Amazonian site in western Brazil
Authors: Ávila R.W. , da Silva R.J.
Published: February 2009

Despite being conspicuous members of neotropical lizard communities, aspects of the life history of many teiid lizard species are poorly known, especially endoparasites infecting the genus Kentropyx. We studied seven specimens of K. calcarata collected at an Amazonian site in Mato Grosso state, Central Brazil in 2007. Four species of helminth were recovered: Oswaldocruzia sp., Piratuba digiticauda, Physaloptera retusa and Physalopteroides venancioi. Piratuba digiticauda, a body-cavity, parasite had the highest prevalence (42.9%), whereas the stomach parasites P. venancioi and P. retusa presented the highest intensity of infection and abundance, respectively. Moreover, this is the first report of Oswaldocruzia sp., P. digiticauda and P. venancioi in K. calcarata and new locality records for all nematodes were assigned.
Natural infection ofFasciola hepatica(Trematoda: Fasciolidae) inBulinus truncatus(Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in northern Tunisia
Authors: Hamed N. , Hammami H. , Khaled S. , Rondelaud D. , Ayadi A.
Published: February 2009

Monthly samples ofBulinus truncatuswere collected during a year from a cattle-breeding farm located in the region of Sejnane (North Tunisia) to detect natural infections withFasciola hepaticaand determine seasonal variations of the prevalence throughout a year. Of the 163 adult bulinids, larval forms ofF. hepaticawere found in 39% of snails. Two peaks in prevalence, the first in June and the second in October, were also noted.Bulinus truncatuscan be added to the list of potential intermediate hosts ofF. hepatica.
Optimal design of photoreceptor mosaics: Why we do not see color at night
Authors: MANNING JEREMY R. , BRAINARD DAVID H.
Published: February 2009

While color vision mediated by rod photoreceptors in dim light is possible (Kelber & Roth, 2006), most animals, including humans, do not see in color at night. This is because their retinas contain only a single class of rod photoreceptors. Many of these same animals have daylight color vision, mediated by multiple classes of cone photoreceptors. We develop a general formulation, based on Bayesian decision theory, to evaluate the efficacy of various retinal photoreceptor mosaics. The formulation evaluates each mosaic under the assumption that its output is processed to optimally estimate the image. It also explicitly takes into account the statistics of the environmental image ensemble. Using the general formulation, we consider the trade-off between monochromatic and dichromatic retinal designs as a function of overall illuminant intensity. We are able to demonstrate a set of assumptions under which the prevalent biological pattern represents optimal processing. These assumptions include an image ensemble characterized by high correlations between image intensities at nearby locations, as well as high correlations between intensities in different wavelength bands. They also include a constraint on receptor photopigment biophysics and/or the information carried by different wavelengths that produces an asymmetry in the signal-to-noise ratio of the output of different receptor classes. Our results thus provide an optimality explanation for the evolution of color vision for daylight conditions and monochromatic vision for nighttime conditions. An additional result from our calculations is that regular spatial interleaving of two receptor classes in a dichromatic retina yields performance superior to that of a retina where receptors of the same class are clumped together.
Bayesian decision theory as a model of human visual perception: Testing Bayesian transfer
Authors: MALONEY LAURENCE T. , MAMASSIAN PASCAL
Published: February 2009

Bayesian decision theory (BDT) is a mathematical framework that allows the experimenter to model ideal performance in a wide variety of visuomotor tasks. The experimenter can use BDT to compute benchmarks for ideal performance in such tasks and compare human performance to ideal. Recently, researchers have asked whether BDT can also be treated as aprocess modelof visuomotor processing. It is unclear what sorts of experiments are appropriate to testing such claims and whether such claims are even meaningful. Any such claim presupposes that observers’ performance is close to ideal, and typical experimental tests involve comparison of human performance to ideal. We argue that this experimental criterion, while necessary, is weak. We illustrate how to achieve near-optimal performance in combining perceptual cues with a process model bearing little resemblance to BDT. We then propose experimental criteria termedtransfer criteriathat constitute more powerful tests of BDT as a model of perception and action. We describe how recent work in motor control can be viewed as tests of transfer properties of BDT. The transfer properties discussed here comprise the beginning of anoperationalization(Bridgman, 1927) of what it means to claim that perception is or is not Bayesian inference (Knill & Richards, 1996). They are particularly relevant to research concerning natural scenes since they assess the ability of the organism to rapidly adapt to novel tasks in familiar environments or carry out familiar tasks in novel environments without learning.
MISSIONARIES (MIS-)REPRESENTING CHINA: ORIENTALISM, RELIGION, AND THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF VICTORIAN CULTURAL IDENTITY
Authors: Yue Isaac
Published: February 2009

In Sartor Resartus (1831), Thomas Carlyle wrote that “the loss of his religious Belief was the loss of everything” (129; bk. 2, ch. 7). At the time, this statement was no exaggeration because, as the nineteenth century dawned, Christianity was inarguably perceived by many as one of the most definitive components of Britishness; as Jane Austen's Henry Tilney says: “Remember that we are English, that we are Christians” (172, vol. 2, ch. 9). The sense of being a Christian represents a fundamentally important ideal to the conceptualization of Victorian cultural identity in that it not only dictated to society an imaginary concept of identity after which the Victorian civilization tried to pattern itself, but also led to the manifestation of cultural ideologies such as the ambiguously defined Victorian virtue and work ethic. However, in order for the ideology of cultural identity to function, a specific set of institutional forms would be required to provide society with a firm foundation for the process of “cultural elaboration” to take place. Thus, alongside the early Victorians' belief in their self-professed faith, Orientalism represents another of the more important Victorian cultural institutional forms, which complemented the concept of Christianity to create a sense of moralistic connection, and in turn allowed the manifestation of Victorian cultural identity as a rigidly moralistic and virtuous entity that was perceived by many early Victorians as a true reflection of their society.
ASIAN AWAKENINGS: ALICIA LITTLE AND THE LIMITS OF ORIENTALISM
Authors: Fiske Shanyn
Published: February 2009

Visiting a missionary school for girlsin the central Chinese city of Chungking in the early 1890s, British writer Alicia Little entertained some disquieting thoughts about instilling Western values in Chinese children. Her reflections inIntimate Chinaon the benefits and hazards of such teaching instance Britain's increasingly conflicted views of China in the last decades of the nineteenth century. On the one hand, the passage manifests the long-held Victorian view that the Chinese mind and culture had lain dormant for at least a century and needed Western aid to awaken them to their full potential. On the other hand, her unease about children made “susceptible of outside influences” admits both to the limited effects of Western teaching on entrenched Chinese traditions and to the dubious advantages of alienating individuals from the values of the country that must house their futures. Writing some thirty years after the Second Opium Wars, which formally opened China to foreign traders, travelers, and missionaries, and less than a decade before the Boxer Rebellion, in which thousands of foreigners and Chinese Christians were massacred in retaliations against Western influences, Little's observations foreground pivotal problems in Britain's evolving relationship with China as well as dispute conventional models of East-West relations in the nineteenth century.