bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reported use of intravesical therapy for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): results from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) survey
Authors: Nielsen Matthew E. , Smith Angela B. , Pruthi Raj S. , Guzzo Thomas J. , Amiel Gilad , Shore Neal , Lotan Yair 
Published: April 2012

Study Type – Therapy (patterns of practice)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Claims‐based analyses suggest unexplained and potentially problematic variation in treatment intensity adherence to guidelines‐recommended care in NMIBC. Previous physician surveys prior to the contemporary Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) reported associations between variation in NMIBC care and practice type, years in practice, and other physician‐related factors.In the largest physician survey addressing the management of NMIBC, and the first to examine these questions after the promulgation of contemporary CPGs, US urologists report grade‐specific utilization consistent with CPG recommendations, at rates higher than suggested by recent claims‐based analyses. As with prior studies, practice type and years in practice were significantly associated with variation in practices. Further research is needed to reconcile these findings with administrative claims data.OBJECTIVES
To determine self‐reported practices of use of intravesical chemo‐ and immunotherapy for patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
To evaluate the extent to which respondent characteristics were associated with any observed variation. Guidelines recommend intravesical therapy (IVT) in the management of NMIBC, but recent claims‐based analyses suggest exceedingly low rates of use of some of these therapies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic survey was developed by members of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to elicit self‐reported use of management strategies for NMIBC.
The survey was circulated to urologists via the American Urological Association, Society for Urologic Oncology and Large Urology Group Practice Association distribution lists.
In all, 512 respondents completed the survey.
RESULTS
In all, 63% reported routine perioperative mitomycin‐c (MMC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (80% academic vs 54% private practice, P < 0.001).
Whereas 5% of respondents reported routine induction therapy with all new low‐grade (LG) diagnoses, 99% reported routinely doing so in new high‐grade (HG) cases; most commonly with single‐agent bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) (94% vs 9% BCG/interferon and 5% MMC).
Reported induction therapy was higher in the setting of high‐volume (77%) or frequently recurrent (44%) LG disease.
In all, 89% reported routinely using maintenance therapy for HG vs 29% for LG disease.
Routine biopsy after BCG, even with normal cystoscopy, was endorsed by 28% (39% academic vs 22% private practice, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Urologists report grade‐specific use of IVT for NMIBC, at rates higher than suggested in some claims‐based analyses.
Further study is needed to corroborate these self‐reported patterns of care with lower rates of use suggested by claims‐based analyses.
Insulin initiation and management in people with Type 2 diabetes in an ethnically diverse population: the healthcare provider perspective
Authors: Patel N. , Stone M. A. , Chauhan A. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1311–1316 (2012)AbstractAim  To explore barriers to prescribing of insulin, particularly delays in initiation, from the perspective of healthcare professionals involved in managing Type 2 diabetes in a multi‐ethnic setting.Methods  The study was carried out in a UK population with high numbers of people of South Asian (mainly Indian) origin. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 healthcare professionals from primary and secondary care. Analysis involved exploring interview transcripts in terms of themes and sub‐themes identified through a process of progressive focusing.Results  Initiation of insulin therapy was described as challenging in all patients irrespective of ethnicity, but some barriers were perceived to be accentuated because of language needs and lower levels of understanding about diabetes and insulin. Additionally, some South Asians were viewed as more likely than their white European counterparts to be influenced by negative observations and experiences about insulin therapy within community networks. Time restrictions were seen as a barrier that was accentuated in the management of South Asian patients. Participants suggested strategies for overcoming patient barriers; with South Asians these included involvement of families and patient peers and availability of South Asian healthcare providers.Conclusion  The challenge for healthcare providers is to how to address the tension between the optimal clinical time for commencing insulin therapy and the time when the patient feels psychologically ready. To help make these two time points coincide, our findings suggest the need to adopt a holistic approach involving consideration of the cultural context of patients, including their ethnic background.
Addressing smoking and other health risk behaviours using a novel telephone‐delivered intervention for homeless people: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: BONEVSKI BILLIE , BAKER AMANDA , TWYMAN LAURA , PAUL CHRISTINE , BRYANT JAMIE 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Despite substantial health disadvantage, few intervention studies have examined ways to deliver smoking cessation support to homeless people. This proof‐of‐concept study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, low‐cost, telephone‐delivered program.Design and Methods. Clients aged over 18 years, English‐speaking and currently receiving accommodation support from a homelessness outreach centre were invited to participate in a ‘Phone for Health’ program. Six sessions conducted once per week provided participants with personalised counselling about smoking cessation or reduction, as well as fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol use, physical activity and sun protection. Both clients and staff completed follow‐up quantitative surveys, and clients completed qualitative interviews.Results. Of 14 eligible participants, 12 consented to taking part and completed baseline measures, 10 commenced the telephone intervention and six completed the intervention program. Average length of telephone sessions was 17.8 min and participants completed an average of 3.8 sessions. Findings suggested high acceptability with most participants reporting that the Phone for Health program helped them meet their smoking reduction goals, and was convenient, useful and practical. Most participants reported making changes to their health risk behaviours as a result of taking part in the program.Discussion and Conclusions. Telephone delivery of the smoking cessation and other health behaviours intervention was acceptable and feasible. The results provide pragmatic lessons for the development of future health research and practice with an underserved population markedly difficult to reach and engage.[Bonevski B, Baker A, Twyman L, Paul C, Bryant J. Addressing smoking and other health risk behaviours using a novel telephone‐delivered intervention for homeless people: A proof‐of‐concept study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:709–713]
Advanced producer services industries in Hong Kong and Shenzhen: Struggles towards integration 走向艰难整合的香港－深圳现代服务业
Authors: Chan 陈子华 Tsze‐wah Gabriel , Zhao 赵晓斌 Simon X.B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe path towards a closer integration in Advanced Producer Services (APS) industries between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has been difficult despite favorable locational factors. Based on the authors' long‐term and extensive working experience in the APS sectors in the Pearl River Delta, combined with in‐depth interviews with senior officers of companies who are APS providers in Hong Kong in 2009, this paper will examine the factors, both tangible and intangible as in institutional and non‐institutional, regulatory and non‐regulatory, as well as legal, governmental, social and cultural, which affect and resist APS integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The findings suggest that the integration of APS between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has been greatly impeded by unfavourable institutional factors that have overwhelmed locational advantages. There are substantial inhibitions against free competition in the China marketplace including non‐regulatory and intangible inhibitions, embodied by local protectionism, heavy reliance on guanxi, rampant insider games and nepotism, excessive bureaucracy, an inadequate legal system, pervasive rent seeking and so forth that block integration between the two cities. The paper will also examine the Qianhai Free Trade Service Zone, the ambitious initiative made by the Shenzhen government to promote APS cooperation between the two areas.摘要提升香港、深圳两地现代服务业（高端生产性服务业）的融合，受两地政府、学者、及商业团体热烈支持。两地地域的接近，经济互补性，及人民的紧密联系，都鼓励经济融合。然而地域优势不能令所有经济活动相同受益，而两地边界对不同人及行业的阻碍，分别很大。根据作者在珠三角的工作经验及在二零零九年在香港对业内资深行政人员所作的访问，此论文探讨影响两地高端服务业融合的各方面因素，包括制度、惯例、法规、法制、政府管治、社会及文化等。调查指出内地不利的制度及惯例因素全面压倒地域的优势，严重阻碍市场竞争及两地高端服务业的融合，特别是非监管和无形的限制，地方保护主义，严重依赖关系，猖獗的内幕交易和裙带关系，过度的官僚主义，缺乏适当的法律制度及明晰的监管规章，选择性执法的法律，缺乏非市场机制，普遍的利润垄断等，完全阻隔两地经济结合，其不利影响，极之深邃。本文还对深圳政府在前海设立自由贸易服务区以推动两地高端服务业的合作，作出探讨。
Perceptually Optimized Coded Apertures for Defocus Deblurring
Authors: Masia Belen , Presa Lara , Corrales Adrian , Gutierrez Diego 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe field of computational photography, and in particular the design and implementation of coded apertures, has yielded impressive results in the last years. In this paper we introduce perceptually optimized coded apertures for defocused deblurring. We obtain near‐optimal apertures by means of optimization, with a novel evaluation function that includes two existing image quality perceptual metrics. These metrics favour results where errors in the final deblurred images will not be perceived by a human observer. Our work improves the results obtained with a similar approach that only takes into account the L2 metric in the evaluation function.
A Communities of Practice Approach to the Synoptic Problem
Authors: Madrigal Ramón Anthony 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAlthough the study of the Synoptic Problem has been the focus of scholarly attention for over two hundred years, the social learning theory known as Communities of Practice is a relatively recent phenomenon. This article describes a communities of practice approach to the study of the Synoptic Problem in an upper‐division undergraduate course at a private, liberal arts college. Students with little or no prior knowledge of the Synoptic Problem were introduced to the salient issues of the Synoptic Problem as well as a theoretical framework in which to interpret them. Data were collected using a variety of mixed methods, including pre‐ and post‐treatment tests, written survey questions, interviews, field notes, and focus group sessions. The results of this study suggest that a communities of practice approach can enhance students' knowledge of the Synoptic Problem and also foster an awareness of scholarly and personal presuppositions that influence the interpretation of the gospels.
REAL ALE MICROBREWING AND RELATIONS OF TRUST: A COMMODITY CHAIN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: MAYE DAMIAN 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the nature of supply chain linkages for microbrewing and contributes to existing geographical work on the specialist brewery industry. It argues that a commodity chain and, more specifically, a ‘whole chain’ approach, can be employed to examine such linkages and to contextualise economic relations. After outlining the main features of a whole chain methodology, the paper applies it to a case study of a real ale microbrewery in Northumberland in the North East of England. As well as examining the ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ nature of the microbrewer's own business supply chain, material from interviews with wholesalers, bottlers, pubs and other brewers is included to develop a locally sensitive cultural economy perspective. The paper reveals the complex nature of economic relationships and organisation for microbrewing, the different forms of trust that typify such supply chain relationships and tensions between difference and localness in relation to selling real ale.
An experimental analysis of psychometric functions in a threshold discrimination task with four response categories1
Authors: OKAMOTO YASUHARU 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAn experiment on a threshold discrimination task with four response categories was conducted to check the implicit assumptions of a threshold discrimination task with three response categories. Consideration of a task with three response categories, for example, “stronger,”“don't know,” and “weaker,” leads us to anticipate a relation between position parameters and that between the sizes of scale parameters of a model for a task with four response categories, such as, “stronger,”“probably stronger,”“probably weaker,” and “weaker.” That is, position parameters will be equidistant between adjacent categories and the middle scale parameter will be the largest. The results of the experiment on a four‐category task did not support these anticipated relation, and a possibility of biases in the estimation of point of subjective equality (PSE), using a three‐category task is pointed out. As an alternative to a three‐category task, a four‐category task is suggested when more than two categories are required.
Self‐oriented perfectionism and its relationship to selective attention: An experimental examination using social cognitive paradigm1
Authors: KOBORI OSAMU , TANNO YOSHIHIKO 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe cognitive biases associated with perfectionism include a selective attention to failure and the discounting of success. The present study experimentally focused on the relation between self‐oriented perfectionism (SOP) and selective attention using the social cognitive paradigm. Forty undergraduate students who were identified as either high or low in SOP were asked to perform modified versions of the Stroop task. The results suggest that participants with high SOP did not take longer to respond to failure words than to neutral words, but their reaction time to failure words was longer than that of participants with low SOP. These findings provided the basis for cognitive behavioral biases for perfectionism.
Inner vane fringes of barn owl feathers reconsidered: morphometric data and functional aspects
Authors: Bachmann Thomas , Wagner Hermann , Tropea Cameron 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIt is a challenge to understand how barn owls (Tyto alba) reduce noise during flight to be able to hunt small mammals by audition. Several specializations of the wing and the wing feathers have been implicated in noise reduction. What has been overlooked so far are the fringes at the inner vanes of remiges. We demonstrated, by using precise imaging techniques combined with morphometric measurements and air‐flow studies, that these fringes merge into neighboring feather vanes by gliding into the grooves at the lower wing surface that are formed by parallel‐oriented barb shafts. The connection of adjacent feathers results in a smooth lower wing surface and thus reduces sharp and noisy edges. This finding sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying noise reduction of flying owls.
Annual Research Review: Re‐thinking the classification of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Lord Catherine , Jones Rebecca M. 
Published: April 2012

Background:  The nosology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is at a critical point in history as the field seeks to better define dimensions of social‐communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors on an individual level for both clinical and neurobiological purposes. These different dimensions also suggest an increasing need for quantitative measures that accurately map their differences, independent of developmental factors such as age, language level and IQ.Method:  Psychometric measures, clinical observation as well as genetic, neurobiological and physiological research from toddlers, children and adults with ASD are reviewed.Results:  The question of how to conceptualize ASDs along dimensions versus categories is discussed within the nosology of autism and the proposed changes to the DSM‐5 and ICD‐11. Differences across development are incorporated into the new classification frameworks.Conclusions:  It is crucial to balance the needs of clinical practice in ASD diagnostic systems, with neurobiologically based theories that address the associations between social‐communication and restricted/repetitive dimensions in individuals. Clarifying terminology, improving description of the core features of ASD and other dimensions that interact with them and providing more valid and reliable ways to quantify them, both for research and clinical purposes, will move forward both practice and science.
New distributional and host records for the parasitoid Gronotoma adachiae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae) in Asia
Authors: ABE Yoshihisa , KONISHI Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe parasitoid Gronotoma adachiae is reported from Vietnam for the first time. The vegetable leaf miner Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a new host record. The G. adachiae specimens collected in Yunnan Province are the second record of this parasitoid from China.
A Cross‐Country Analysis of the Risk Factors for Depression at the Micro and Macro Levels
Authors: MELGAR NATALIA , ROSSI MÁXIMO 
Published: April 2012

Abstract1Past research has provided evidence of the role of some personal characteristics (age, gender, religion) as risk factors for depression. However, few researchers have jointly examined the specific impact of each characteristic and whether country characteristics (economic performance and others environmental factors) change the probability of being depressed. In general, this is due to the use of single‐country databases. The aim of this article is to extend previous findings by employing a much larger dataset and including the above‐mentioned country effects. We estimate probit models with country effects (model I) and we also explore linkages between specific environmental factors and depression (model II includes variables such as per capita Gross Domestic Product and the GINI index). The dataset for this research comes from the 2007 GALLUP Public Opinion Poll that allows us to consider a large and widely heterogeneous set of micro‐data. Findings indicate that depression is positively related to being a woman, adulthood, divorce, widowhood, unemployment, and low income. Moreover, we provide evidence of the significant association between economic performance and depression. Inequality raises the probability of being depressed, specially for those living in urban areas. Finally, we find that some population characteristics such as age distribution and religious affiliation facilitate depression.
A genetic risk factor for low serum ferritin levels in Danish blood donors
Authors: Sørensen Erik , Grau Katrine , Berg Trine , Simonsen Anne Catrine , Magnussen Karin , Erikstrup Christian , Hansen Morten Bagge , Ullum Henrik 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is a frequent side effect of blood donation. In recent years, several studies have described genetic variants associated with iron concentrations. However, the impact of these variants on iron levels is unknown in blood donors. Knowledge of genetic variants that predispose donors to iron deficiency would allow bleeding frequency and iron supplementation to be tailored to the individual donor.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The genotypes of five specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three genes that have been previously associated with iron status and/or restless leg syndrome (RLS) were investigated in two groups of female blood donors. The first group had low iron stores (serum ferritin ≤ 12 µg/L, n = 657), and the second group had normal to high iron stores (serum ferritin > 30 µg/L, n = 645). Genotype distribution for each of the SNPs was compared between the two groups.RESULTS: Homozygosity for the T‐allele of BTBD9 rs9296249 was associated with lower serum ferritin. The odds ratio for low serum ferritin was 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.02‐1.77; p = 0.03) when comparing donors with the TT genotype with donors with the CT genotype.CONCLUSION: A frequent polymorphism in BTBD9 was significantly associated with serum ferritin. This polymorphism has previously been associated with RLS, but not low iron stores in blood donors.
Rituximab maintenance for relapsed refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Bhagirath Vinai C. , Kelton John G. , Moore Jane , Arnold Donald M. 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody, has been used successfully to treat patients with relapsed or refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); however, the optimal dose and frequency and the role of rituximab maintenance remain uncertain.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We describe a 45‐year‐old woman with chronic relapsing immune thrombocytopenia who responded to rituximab retreatment administered in four doses over the course of 12 months. Previously, she had received four doses of rituximab and sustained a remission for 19 months. During her latest TTP relapse, multiple treatments were administered including rituximab retreatment. After the first dose (375 mg/m2), she developed serum sickness requiring further doses to be deferred. Three subsequent doses were administered at 4‐month intervals over the course of 12 months. ADAMTS13 activity was measured by von Willebrand factor (VWF) digestion. ADAMTS13 inhibition was measured by a modification of the VWF digestion assay and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, American Diagnostica).RESULTS: Clinical and laboratory remission were achieved after one dose of rituximab, with normalization of ADAMTS13 activity and disappearance of ADAMTS13 inhibitor. Three subsequent doses of rituximab were given without incident and the patient remained in remission after 3.5 years of follow‐up (2.5 years since her last dose of rituximab).CONCLUSION: Maintenance dosing of rituximab should be considered in some patients with relapsing TTP.