bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nodal involvement at nephrectomy is associated with worse survival: A stage‐for‐stage and grade‐for‐grade analysis
Authors: Sun Maxine , Bianchi Marco , Hansen Jens , Abdollah Firas , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Lughezzani Giovanni , Shariat Shahrokh F , Montorsi Francesco , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo examine cancer‐specific mortality in patients with nodal metastases relative to patients without nodal involvement at nephrectomy for non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a population‐based cohort.MethodsA total of 11 374 non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients who underwent a lymph node dissection at nephrectomy were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (1988–2008). The 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates were examined according to the presence or absence of nodal involvement within the entire cohort, and stratified according to pathological tumor stage (pT1 vs pT2 vs pT3 vs pT4) and Fuhrman grade (I vs II vs III vs IV). Cox regression analyses for prediction of cancer‐specific mortality were modeled to assess the effect of nodal metastases versus no nodal involvement in the entire population. Finally, separate Cox regression models were fitted within each pathological stage and grade.ResultsOverall, 1260 (11%) patients had nodal metastases at nephrectomy. The overall 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates were 38.4 versus 83.8% in patients with nodal metastases and without nodal metastases, respectively. In multivariable analyses, amongst pT1, pT2, pT3 and pT4, patients with nodal metastases were 6.0‐, 3.6‐, 3.2‐ and 2.0‐fold, respectively, more likely to die after nephrectomy (all P < 0.001). Similarly, amongst Fuhrman grade I, Fuhrman grade II, Fuhrman grade III and Fuhrman grade IV, patients with nodal metastases were 3.9‐, 3.5‐, 3.1‐ and 2.7‐fold, respectively, more likely to die of cancer‐specific mortality (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsNodal involvement is an important determinant of higher cancer‐specific mortality after nephrectomy. The detrimental effect of nodal metastases is particularly strong amongst patients with low‐stage or low‐grade non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer: Adherence and accuracy of the recent guidelines
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Abdo Al'a , Sun Maxine , Schmitges Jan , Tian Zhe , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F , Perrotte Paul , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesThe 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines recommend pelvic lymph node dissection at radical prostatectomy. We sought to examine the adherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and to test the their accuracy, as well as the accuracy of the most contemporary National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Urological Association, and European Association of Urology guidelines to predict lymph node metastases.MethodsA total of 33 037 radical prostatectomy patients were identified, between 2004 and 2006. Adherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines was calculated using three clinically plausible cut‐offs: 2, 5 and 10%. The accuracy was tested using the area under the curve.ResultsOverall, 63% of patients underwent pelvic lymph node dissection. Of those, 61, 49 and 45% were managed according to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline cut‐off of 2, 5 and 10%, respectively. The accuracy of all the examined guidelines ranged from 61% to 71%. The highest accuracy was recorded for the European Association of Urology and the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network cut‐off 5% guidelines. The lowest accuracy was recorded for the most contemporary National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline.ConclusionsAdherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines was suboptimal. The accuracy of all the examined guidelines ranged from 61% to 71%. None of the examined guidelines can be regarded as an ideal indication for pelvic lymph node dissection.
Positive predictive value of prostate biopsy indicated by prostate‐specific‐antigen‐based prostate cancer screening: trends over time in a European randomized trial*
Authors: Bokhorst Leonard P. , Zhu Xiaoye , Bul Meelan , Bangma Chris H. , Schröder Fritz H. , Roobol Monique J. 
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (validating cohort)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) showed a reduction in prostate cancer mortality of 21% for PSA‐based screening at a median follow‐up of 11 years. In the ERSPC, men are screened at 4‐year intervals. A prostate biopsy is recommended for men with a PSA level ≥3.0 ng/mL.The study shows that the positive predictive value (PPV) of a prostate biopsy indicated by PSA‐based screening remains equal throughout consecutive screening rounds in men without a previous biopsy. In men who have previously had a benign biopsy, the PPV drops considerably, but 20% of the cancers detected still show aggressive characteristics.OBJECTIVE
To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of prostate biopsy, indicated by a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) threshold of ≥3.0 ng/mL, over time, in the Rotterdam section of the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In the Rotterdam section of the ERSPC, a total of 42 376 participants, aged 55–74 years, identified from population registries were randomly assigned to a screening or control arm.
For the ERSPC men undergo PSA screening at 4‐year intervals. A total of three screening rounds were evaluated; therefore, only men aged 55–69 years at the first screening were eligible for the present study.
RESULTS
PPVs for men without previous biopsy remained equal throughout the three subsequent screenings (25.5, 22.3 and 24.8% respectively).
Conversely, PPVs for men with a previous negative biopsy dropped significantly (12.0 and 15.2% at the second and third screening, respectively).
Additionally, in men with and without previous biopsy, the percentage of aggressive prostate cancers (clinical stage >T2b, Gleason score ≥7) decreased after the first round of screening from 44.4 to 23.8% in the second (P < 0.001) and 18.6% in the third round (P < 0.001).
Repeat biopsies accounted for 24.6% of all biopsies, but yielded only 8.6% of all aggressive cancers.
CONCLUSIONS
In consecutive screening rounds the PPV of PSA‐based screening remains equal in previously unbiopsied men.
In men with a previous negative biopsy the PPV drops considerably, but 20% of cancers detected still show aggressive characteristics.
Individualized screening algorithms should incorporate previous biopsy status in the decision to perform a repeat biopsy with the aim of further reducing unnecessary biopsies.
Active Labour Market Policy by a Profit‐Maximizing Firm
Authors: Gerards Ruud , Muysken Joan , Welters Riccardo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article investigates the effectiveness of an employment programme exclusively run by a private sector firm in order to find out whether such a programme can be beneficial to both the participating individuals and the private firm. To answer these questions, we use a unique dataset on a private employment programme covering 23 years of operations and data on 1,000 participating unemployed individuals. Using conservative estimates, we show that a private employment programme is more effective in reintegrating the unemployed than public efforts, while providing tangible benefits to the firm.
Firm‐Level Collective Bargaining and Wages in Greece: A Quantile Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Daouli Joan , Demoussis Michael , Giannakopoulos Nicholas , Laliotis Ioannis 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article analyzes the effect of firm‐level contracting on the wage structure in the Greek private sector. Using a matched employer–employee dataset for 2006, unconditional quantile regressions and relevant decomposition methods, we identify a wage premium associated with firm‐level contracting, which follows a hump‐shaped profile across the wage distribution. Further, the wage differential between workers under firm‐level and broader‐level collective agreements can be primarily attributed to the differences in the regime‐specific wage setting structure, for those below the median of the unconditional wage distribution, and to differences in worker and firm‐specific characteristics for those in the upper tail.
Institutions and Strategies: Trends and Obstacles to Recruiting Workers into Trade Unions in Poland
Authors: Czarzasty Jan , Gajewska Katarzyna , Mrozowicki Adam 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this article, we examine the role of institutional context, organizational structures and trade union strategies in tempering membership decline in the number of trade unions in Poland. Empirical data include membership statistics collected for NSZZ Solidarność and 54 affiliates of two other largest trade union confederations (OPZZ and FZZ) supplemented by semi‐structured interviews with union leaders. In a decentralized collective bargaining system in Poland, a centralized trade union confederation (NSZZ Solidarność) can more easily shift resources to efficiently organize workers than decentralized confederations, OPZZ and FZZ, whose development is mostly driven by competing trade unions representing narrower occupational groups. In conclusion, this observation is put in a broader context of the debates about trade union renewal in Eastern Europe.
Collaboration, Co‐operation or Collusion? Contrasting Employee Responses to Managerial Control in Three Call Centres
Authors: Nyberg Daniel , Sewell Graham 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article draws on ethnographic studies of three call centres in a single, medium‐sized insurance company to explore how employees responded differently to similar techniques of managerial control. Considering recent discussions of compromise in the workplace, we identify a response to control that sits between implacable resistance and supine acquiescence. We style this collusion and distinguish it from other states of compromise, such as collaboration and co‐operation. Drawing on the work ofEdwardset al., we argue that a dynamic and politically sophisticated collusive compromise can exist between parties whose control and developmental concerns are in conflict. From this position, we extend existing theories of compromise: (a) to accommodate different permutations of control and developmental concerns; and (b) to predict when collaboration, co‐operation and collusion are likely to occur under ostensibly similar conditions of managerial control.
Mohs micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinomas: appropriateness of ‘Rotterdam’ criteria and predictive factors for three or more stages
Authors: Flohil S.C. , van Dorst A.M.J.M. , Nijsten T. , Martino Neumann H.A. , Munte K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  In the Netherlands basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are eligible for Mohs microscopic surgery (MMS) if certain criteria are fulfilled.Objective  To study the MMS indication criteria practised at the department of dermatology of the Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam and to identify predictive factors for extensive subclinical tumour spread among BCCs eligible for MMS.Methods  Pre‐operative patient and tumour characteristics were derived retrospectively between January 2nd 2006 and December 28th 2009 from 1174 patient records, accounting for 1464 BCCs. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for one vs. two or more stages and for narrow (≤2 stages) vs. extensive subclinical spread (≥3 stages).Results  H‐zone location [adjusted OR 1.51 (95% CI 1.16–1.96)], recurrent tumour [adjusted OR 1.50 (95% CI 1.11–2.02)], aggressive subtype [adjusted OR 1.25 (95% CI 1.01–1.56)] and tumour size ≥11 mm [adjusted OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.20–1.96)] were significantly associated with two or more stages. Predictive factors for extensive subclinical spread were recurrent tumour [adjusted OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.61–3.17)], tumour size ≥21 mm [adjusted OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.13–2.51)] and location in the H‐zone [adjusted OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.15–2.46)].Conclusion  ‘Rotterdam’ indication criteria used for MMS are appropriate. Predictors for extensive subclinical spread are important for patients’ and surgeons’ expectations prior to the operation about time span, defect size, reconstruction and possible associated morbidity.
4‐O‐methylhonokiol, a PPARγ agonist, inhibits prostate tumour growth: p21‐mediated suppression of NF‐κB activity
Authors: Lee NJ , Oh JH , Ban JO , Shim JH , Lee HP , Jung JK , Ahn BW , Yoon DY , Han SB , Ham YW , Hong JT 
Published: October 2012

Background and PurposeThe effects of 4‐O‐methylhonokiol (MH), a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, were investigated on human prostate cancer cells and its mechanism of action elucidated.Experimental ApproachThe anti‐cancer effects of MH were examined in prostate cancer and normal cells. The effects were validated in vivo using a mouse xenograft model.Key ResultsMH increased the expression of PPARγ in prostate PC‐3 and LNCap cells. The pull‐down assay and molecular docking study indicated that MH directly binds to PPARγ. MH also increased transcriptional activity of PPARγ but decreased NF‐κB activity. MH inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells, an effect attenuated by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. MH induced apoptotic cell death and this was related to G0‐G1 phase cell cycle arrest. MH increased the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21, and apoptotic proteins, whereas it decreased phosphorylation of Rb and anti‐apoptotic proteins. Transfection of PC3 cells with p21 siRNA or a p21 mutant plasmid on the cyclin D1/ cycline‐dependent kinase 4 binding site abolished the effects of MH on cell growth, cell viability and related protein expression. In the animal studies, MH inhibited tumour growth, NF‐κB activity and expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins, whereas it increased the transcriptional activity and expression of PPARγ, and the expression of apoptotic proteins and p21 in tumour tissues.Conclusions and ImplicationMH inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cells through activation of PPARγ, suppression of NF‐κB and arrest of the cell cycle. Thus, MH might be a useful tool for treatment of prostate cancer.
Development and Evaluation of a Modification of the Fried Frailty Criteria Using Population‐Independent Cutpoints
Authors: Saum Kai‐Uwe , Müller Heiko , Stegmaier Christa , Hauer Klaus , Raum Elke , Brenner Hermann 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate a modification of the Fried frailty assessment using population‐independent cutpoints and to determine frailty prevalence of community‐dwelling elderly people in a German population.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of 8‐year follow‐up data of a large German cohort study.SettingSaarland, Germany.ParticipantsThree thousand one hundred twelve community‐dwelling adults aged 59 and older.MeasurementsFrailty was operationalized using modified Fried frailty criteria. Criteria were categorized according to quintiles (lowest‐quintile approach) or using population‐independent cutpoints derived from the literature (population‐independent approach). Agreement and construct validity of frailty classification according to both approaches were evaluated according to weighted kappa (κ) and Spearman rank correlation (rSp). Associations between frailty and covariates were assessed using multiple logistic regression models.ResultsAlthough more participants were identified as frail according to the population‐independent index (8.9%) than the lowest‐quintile index (6.5%), agreement and correlation of frailty classification using both approaches was high (κ = 0.75 and rSp = 0.84). Sex differences in frailty prevalence were more pronounced when the population‐independent approach was used (women 11.4%; men 6.1%). Similarly strong significant associations with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical factors such as older age, female sex, smoking, and obesity were seen for both approaches.ConclusionThe modified Fried index using literature‐derived cutpoints independent from the frailty criteria distributions in the underlying study population showed good correlation with the lowest‐quintile approach and enables prevalence estimates that are directly comparable between different populations.
Online Texts and Conventional Texts: Estimating, Comparing, and Reducing the Greenhouse Gas Footprint of two Tools of the Trade
Authors: Gattiker Thomas F. , Lowe Scott E. , Terpend Regis 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTMany universities are endeavoring to understand and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—or carbon footprints. Hard‐copy textbooks are (perhaps surprisingly) a large component of this footprint. Because they are “virtual,” electronic texts (e‐texts) are often considered environmentally superior to conventional hard‐copy texts. However, such claims lack thorough empirical validation. An effective tool for evaluating environmental impacts of products and services is lifecycle assessment (LCA). This article enumerates the steps in the lifecycles of conventional (hard copy) texts and e‐texts and it reports the potential GHG footprints of these activities. However, the actual footprint of most products and services depends on how individuals actually use them. Therefore, our second objective is to report survey results regarding actual student behaviors. Combining LCA and survey data, we estimate the GHG emissions of representative e‐texts and conventional texts; and we compare the two. This allows us to provide insight into the question, which alternative is best? Just as importantly, our analysis also identifies three levers that administrators, faculty and students can use to reduce text‐related GHG emissions.
A Cultural Comparison of Trust in eLearning Artifacts
Authors: Simmons Lakisha L. , Simmons Chris B. , Hayek Mario , Parks Rachida , Mbarika Victor W. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTA significant body of literature focuses on learning mediated by technology (eLearning). We conceptually develop and empirically test a model of trust antecedents with online undergraduate students. Contributing to the student eLearning success literature, we posit that eLearning students require the support of technologies and trust in those technologies to feel satisfied with their learning and perceive that they will have a positive learning outcome. This study considers the effect of culture by comparing the trust and satisfaction of American and Latin American students in eLearning technologies. By conducting this study in two countries that differ in terms of national culture power distance and individualism, we learned that culture directly and significantly impacts trust in learning technologies. Culture also significantly changes the strength of the relation between trust and satisfaction. Future research directions and implications for researchers and higher education instructors are discussed.
President Obama, the Senate, and the Polarized Politics of Treaty Making*
Authors: Peake Jeffrey S. , Krutz Glen S. , Hughes Tyler 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveWe examine President Obama's use of international agreements as he pursued his foreign policy agenda during his first three years in office. While President Obama uses executive agreements at similar levels as previous presidents, he has used the treaty mechanism far less often. This presents an interesting puzzle: Why has Obama used so few treaties when his own party controls the Senate?MethodsWe address this puzzle by analyzing Obama alongside other presidents in analyses of treaty use and in presidents’ experience with treaty delay employing ordinary least squares (OLS) and maximum likelihood estimation regression techniques. We also utilize the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and Obama's use of treaty priority lists as qualitative case studies.ResultsThe various findings together suggest that the rise of partisan polarization, including conservatives’ propensity to oppose significant treaties, factors into Obama's decisions to use treaties when completing major diplomacy.ConclusionsThe partisan context of the Senate provides a substantial constraint on presidents looking to cement important new foreign policies through international agreements.
Phase Evolution upon Aging of Air‐Plasma Sprayedt′‐Zirconia Coatings: I—Synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Lipkin Don M. , Krogstad Jessica A. , Gao Yan , Johnson Curtis A. , Nelson Warren A. , Levi Carlos G. 
Published: October 2012

Phase evolution accompanying the isothermal aging of free‐standing air‐plasma sprayed (APS) 7–8 wt% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is described. Aging was carried out at temperatures ranging from 982°C to 1482°C in air. The high‐temperature kinetics of the phase evolution from the metastablet′phase into a mixture of transformable Y‐rich (cubic) and Y‐lean (tetragonal) phases are documented through ambient temperature X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization. A Hollomon–Jaffe parameter (HJP),T[27 + ln(t)], was used to satisfactorily normalize the extent of phase decomposition over the full range of times and temperatures. Comparison to vapor depositedTBCs reveal potential differences in the destabilization mechanism inAPScoatings. Furthermore, the lattice parameters extracted from Rietveld refinement of theXRDpatterns were used to deduce the stabilizer concentrations of the respective phases, which suggest a retrograde tetragonal solvus over the temperature range studied. In concert with a complementary microstructural study presented in Part II, this effort offers new insights into the mechanisms governing the phase evolution and raises implications for the high‐temperature use of 8YSZceramics.
Enhancement of Eu3+ Luminescence by Ag Species (Ag NPs, ML‐Ag,Ag+) in Oxyfluoride Glasses
Authors: Wei RongFei , Li JingJing , Gao JiaYu , Guo Hai 
Published: October 2012

Enhanced Eu3+ luminescence by three Ag species in transparent Ag–Eu3+ co‐doped oxyfluoride glasses was investigated systematically. Under 464 nm excitation, enhancement of Eu3+ luminescence (four times) is attributed to local‐field surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Under 350 nm excitation, significant enhancement of Eu3+ emission (540 times) is assigned to energy transfer (ET) from very small molecule‐like, nonplasmonic Ag particles (ML‐Ag) to Eu3+. Under 270 nm excitation, big enhancement of Eu3+ luminescence (75 times) is ascribed to ET from isolated Ag+ to Eu3+. Our research may extend the understanding of interactions between Ag species and Eu3+.
Interstitial ectopic pregnancy presenting after failed termination of pregnancy
Authors: Egan Daniel J , Li May , Lewiss Resa E 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPregnant women frequently present to the ED for complaints related to the first trimester of pregnancy. The emergency physician must confirm the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy for many such complaints. Bedside ultrasound with well‐delineated criteria has become standard practice for many emergency physicians for this purpose. In the following case report, an interstitial pregnancy was identified by the emergency physician using bedside sonography in a 29‐year‐old woman presenting 2 weeks after dilation and aspiration for termination of pregnancy. The ED physician identified an inappropriately thin endomyometrial mantle raising suspicion for the diagnosis of an interstitial pregnancy. The case illustrates the importance of this uterine wall measurement given the otherwise normal appearance of a pregnancy within the uterus.