bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with curative intent and survival in men with high‐risk prostate cancer. A population‐based study of 11 380 men with serum PSA level 20–100 ng/mL
Authors: Ladjevardi Sam , Berglund Anders , Varenhorst Eberhard , Bratt Ola , Widmark Anders , Sandblom Gabriel 
Published: July 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
There are two randomized controlled trials showing that radiotherapy can be beneficial for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The present study confirms the importance of curative treatment for men with high‐risk prostate cancer.
Objective
To investigate the influence of curative treatment on cause‐specific mortality in men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) with serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels between 20 and 100 ng/mL.
Materials and Methods
Patients with PCa (T1–4, N0/N1/NX, M0/MX), PSA 20–100 ng/mL and age ≤75 years were identified in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden.
Data on co‐morbidity diagnoses were obtained from the National Patient Register and cause of death from the Cause of Death Register.
Following adjustment for age at diagnosis, co‐morbidity burden, Gleason score, T‐category, PSA level and cause‐specific mortality in relation to treatment were estimated using Cox regression analysis.
Result
A total of 11 380 men were diagnosed with PCa between 1996 and 2008 and fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
The cumulative 10‐year PCa‐specific mortality was 36% for patients receiving only palliative treatment and 13% for those treated with curative intent.
For the 8462 (74%) patients with PSA levels from 20 to 50 ng/mL at diagnosis, the hazard ratio for death from PCa was 0.23 (95% confidence interval 0.19–0.27) for those treated with curative intent compared with those given palliative treatment after adjusting for age, co‐morbidity, T category, PSA level and Gleason score. The corresponding hazard ratio was 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.17–0.30) for patients with PSA levels from 51 to 100 ng/mL.
Conclusion
Treatment with curative intent for men with high‐risk PCa was associated with reduced cause‐specific mortality and should be considered even when serum PSA exceeds 20 ng/mL.
Short (≤1 mm) positive surgical margin and risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shikanov Sergey , Marchetti Pablo , Desai Vikas , Razmaria Aria , Antic Tatjana , Al‐Ahmadie Hikmat , Zagaja Gregory , Eggener Scott , Brendler Charles , Shalhav Arieh 
Published: July 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
It has been suggested that a very short positive margin does not confer additional risk of BCR after radical prostatectomy.
This study shows that even very short PSM is associated with increased risk of BCR.
Objective
To re‐evaluate, in a larger cohort with longer follow‐up, our previously reported finding that a positive surgical margin (PSM) ≤1 mm may not confer an additional risk for biochemical recurrence (BCR) compared with a negative surgical margin (NSM).
Patients and Methods
Margin status and length were evaluated in 2866 men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer at our institution from 1994 to 2009.
We compared the BCR‐free survival probability of men with NSMs, a PSM ≤ 1 mm, and a PSM < 1 mm using the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox regression model adjusted for preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, age, pathological stage and pathological Gleason score (GS).
Results
Compared with a NSM, a PSM ≤ 1 mm was associated with 17% lower 3‐year BCR‐free survival for men with pT3 and GS ≥ 7 tumours and a 6% lower 3‐year BCR‐free survival for men with pT2 and GS ≤ 6 tumours (log‐rank P < 0.001 for all).
In the multivariate model, a PSM ≤ 1 mm was associated with a probability of BCR twice as high as that for a NSM (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2), as were a higher PSA level (HR 1.04), higher pathological stage (HR 2.7) and higher pathological GS (HR 3.7 [all P < 0.001]).
Conclusion
In men with non‐organ‐confined or high grade prostate cancer, a PSM ≤ 1 mm has a significant adverse impact on BCR rates.
Outcomes after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: comparison of two laparoscopic surgeons with different levels of expertise
Authors: Friedersdorff Frank , Werthemann Peter , Cash Hannes , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Magheli Ahmed , Hinz Stefan , Waiser Johannes , Liefeldt Lutz , Miller Kurt , Deger Serdar , Fuller T. Florian 
Published: July 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy has evolved as the procurement method of choice for living kidney donation. Given that this is a technically challenging procedure with potential risks for the healthy donor, skills transfer from an experienced laparoscopist to a novice is critical.
The present study investigates donor and recipient outcomes during a novice's early experience with this procedure. Previous training in laparoscopic renal surgery and mentoring by the expert helps the novice to generate acceptable outcomes. However, longer warm ischaemia times during the learning phase may affect short‐term graft function.
Objective
To test the effect of surgeon experience on donor and recipient outcomes after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN). Results of a LLDN expert were compared with those of an LLDN novice.
Patients and Methods
Between October 2008 and October 2010 the last 20 cases of a series of 130 consecutive LLDNs, performed by an expert (EXP) were compared with the first 20 cases of an LLDN novice (NOV).
Donor and recipient outcomes were evaluated.
The novice was mentored by the expert during his initial four LLDN cases.
Results
Donor and recipient demographics were not different between the two surgeon groups.
Total operating time and warm ischaemia time during LLDN was significantly longer in the NOV group compared with the EXP group (273 min vs 147 min and 213 s vs 162 s, respectively). The incidence of donor complications was low in both groups. Length of hospital stay among donors did not differ between groups.
Although delayed graft function, rejection rates and postoperative serum creatinine levels indicated slightly poorer recipient outcomes in the NOV group, differences did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions
Mentoring by an experienced urological laparoscopist may help an LLDN novice to generate acceptable donor and recipient outcomes.
Whether or not prolonged operating times and warm ischaemia times during the early phase of an LLDN experience are risk factors for impaired graft function needs further evaluation.
Early detection of high‐grade prostate cancer using digital rectal examination (DRE) in men with a prostate‐specific antigen level of <2.5 ng/mL and the risk of death
Authors: Hattangadi Jona A. , Chen Ming‐Hui , D'Amico Anthony V. 
Published: July 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?There is little data on the utility of digital rectal examination (DRE) as a diagnostic tool in the era of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing. Using a population‐based database, we found that detection of prostate cancer while still localized among men with high‐grade PSA‐occult disease may result in survival benefit.OBJECTIVE
To determine whether detection of high‐grade prostate cancer while still clinically localised on digital rectal examination (DRE) can improve survival in men with a normal prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
From the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, 166 104 men with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2007 were identified.
Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the occurrence of palpable, PSA‐occult (PSA level of <2.5 ng/mL), Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer.
Fine and Gray's and Cox multivariable regressions were used to analyse whether demographic, treatment, and clinicopathological factors were associated with the risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) and all‐cause mortality (ACM), respectively.
RESULTS
Both increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.03; P < 0.001) and White race (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.54; P= 0.027) were associated with palpable, Gleason 8–10 prostate cancer. Of 166 104 men, 685 (0.4%) had this subset of prostate cancer.
Significant factors associated with risk of PCSM included PSA level (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.99; P= 0.04), higher Gleason score (aHR 2.20, 95% CI 1.25–3.87; P= 0.006), and T3–T4 vs T2 disease (aHR 3.11, 95% CI 1.79–5.41; P < 0.001).
Significant factors associated with risk of ACM included age (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06; P= 0.006), higher Gleason score (aHR 2.05, 95% CI 1.36–3.09; P < 0.001), and T3–T4 vs T2 disease (aHR 2.11, 95% CI 1.38–3.25, P < 0.001)
CONCLUSIONS
Clinically localised disease on DRE among men with PSA‐occult high‐grade prostate cancer was associated with improved PCSM and ACM, suggesting that DRE in this cohort (older age and White race) may have the potential to improve survival.
Consistent and Transparent? The Problem of Longitudinal Poverty Records
Authors: Walters Bernard , Marshall Richard , Nixson Frederick 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe World Bank and leading donors have emphasized the importance of evidence‐based policy making in addressing entrenched poverty. Adoption of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers has also required establishing and updating poverty baselines, typically through Living Standards Measurement Surveys. Although the conceptual basis of these surveys has been questioned, little attention has been paid to whether frequent revisions to the longitudinal record have undermined their value. This article argues that changes to the poverty record have been sufficiently frequent and often sufficiently large to compromise the creation of a sound longitudinal poverty record. The lack of transparency also weakens national debate and ownership and undermines the construction of evidence‐based policy.
The Expansion of Industrial Tree Plantations and Dispossession in Brazil
Authors: Kröger Markus 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe recent expansion of tree plantations is the most important agrarian change in many parts of Brazil. This article uses the results of extensive field research to analyse the different ways paper and pulp companies assure their land base for eucalyptus plantations. The mechanisms of land access have changed little over the decades, amounting to a process of primitive accumulation which seems to be controlled by the ways the pulp industry influences land markets and prices, the strength of any resistance, and particularly the government support enjoyed by industry. Many paper and steel companies, either directly or indirectly, are increasingly relying on eucalyptus plantations, with negative impacts in many places. The expansion of tree monocultures with rural exclusion is characteristic of the wider phenomenon of land grab which is driven by the dominating financial logic of current capitalism.
THE RISK‐FREE RATE IN A FINITE HORIZON MODEL WITH BEQUESTS
Authors: Cui Xiaoyong , Gong Liutang 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the risk‐free rate in an overlapping generations economy with bequests. It is shown that the risk‐free rate depends on risk aversion, the elasticity of intertemporal substitution, the share of wealth invested in human wealth, life expectancy, and the preference for bequests. In a standard life‐cycle context, mortality increases the subjective time rate of discount, and thus increases the compensation required to postpone consumption. This latter effect is offset in a bequest‐driven model of the type considered here, leading to much more powerful income effects. In this sense, the model provides a bequest‐motive explanation for the risk‐free rate puzzle put forward by Weil in 1989.
TESTING FOR STATIONARITY WITH A BREAK IN PANELS WHERE THE TIME DIMENSION IS FINITE
Authors: Hadri Kaddour , Larsson Rolf , Rao Yao 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we consider the case of finite time dimension in the panel stationarity tests with structural breaks. By fixing T, the finite sample properties of the tests for both micro (T small and N large) and macro (both T and N large) panel data are generally greatly improved. More importantly, the derivation of the tests for finite T and , as opposed to joint asymptotic where N and simultaneously, avoids the imposition of the rate condition  making the test valid for any (T, N) blend. Four models corresponding to the usual combination of breaks are considered. The asymptotic distributions of the test are derived under the null hypothesis and are shown to be normally distributed. Their moments for T fixed are derived analytically employing Ghazal’s corollary 1. The case with unknown breaks is also considered. The proposed tests have generally empirical sizes that are very close to the nominal size. The Monte Carlo simulations show that the power of the test statistics increases substantially with N and  T.
ENDOGENOUS FLEXIBILITY IN THE FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM
Authors: Matsumura Toshihiro , Shimizu Daisuke 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe investigate the flexible manufacturing system (FMS) by using the spatial price discrimination framework of Pal. The degree of flexibility when producing variants can be increased by increasing the investment or production cost and is endogenously determined. Our result is that private incentives for increasing flexibility are excessive from a social welfare perspective.
SUBSIDIES AS OPTIMAL FISCAL STIMULI
Authors: Molana Hassan , Montagna Catia , Kwan Chang Yee 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTTheoretical macroeconomic models typically take fiscal policy to mean tax‐and‐spend by a ‘benevolent government’ that exploits potential aggregate demand externalities inherent in the imperfectly competitive nature of goods markets. Whilst shown to raise aggregate output and employment, these policies crowd‐out private consumption and typically reduce welfare. On account of their widespread use to stimulate economic activity, we consider the use of ‘tax‐and‐subsidize’ instead of ‘tax‐and‐spend’ policies. Within a static general equilibrium macro‐model with imperfectly competitive goods markets, we examine the effects of wage and output subsidies and show that, for a small open economy, positive tax and subsidy rates exist which maximize welfare, rendering no intervention suboptimal. We also show that, within a two‐country setting, a Nash non‐cooperative symmetric equilibrium with positive tax and subsidy rates exists, and that cooperation between governments in setting these rates is more expansionary and leads to an improvement upon the non‐cooperative solution.
BEYOND COPPER: COMMODITIES AND VALUES IN MIDDLE BRONZE CYPRO‐LEVANTINE EXCHANGES
Authors: CREWE LINDY 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDuring the transition from the Middle to Late Bronze Age, Cyprus became a full participant in the Levantine maritime interaction sphere. This is reflected in the archaeological record by a dramatic increase in the Cypriot pottery found in the surrounding region, widely assumed to be the by‐product of an (archaeologically invisible) external demand for Cypriot copper. On the receiving end of this relationship, small numbers of imported ‘luxury’ goods appear on Cyprus. This paper discusses one aspect of exchange that has received little attention in the literature, the presence and significance of quantities of imported transport amphorae (Canaanite jars). These vessels have only rarely been recognized from excavations on Cyprus but recent examination of material from several sites reveals that they are more common than previously assumed. The Canaanite jar evidence may go some way towards redressing the apparent imbalance in goods exchanged and also to illuminate the processes through which Cypriot populations first engaged with the materiality of urban ways of ordering the world.
ROUTINE MAGIC, MUNDANE RITUAL: TOWARDS A UNIFIED NOTION OF DEPOSITIONAL PRACTICE
Authors: CHADWICK ADRIAN M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis article seeks to advance ongoing discussions within archaeology concerning the relationship between ritual and depositional practices. Previous researchers have argued that ‘structured’ or ‘placed’ deposits are the result of ritual activities, but also that in many societies the disposal of refuse is governed by social ‘rules’. Distinguishing ‘technical’ actions such as rubbish disposal from deliberately ‘placed’ deposits is extremely difficult, however, and reinforces modern dualistic thought. Instead, this article argues that there was a continuum of practices from formal and ritualized events through to small‐scale, informal acts undertaken on a routine basis, including everyday refuse discard. It also questions purely utilitarian interpretations of storage structures. Drawing on ethnographic and ethnohistorical examples, it explores case studies from the later prehistoric and Romano‐British periods of north central England, and concludes by proposing methodologies through which these practices can be explored more fully in the future.
Admission hyperglycemia causes infarct volume expansion in patients with ICA or MCA occlusion: association of collateral grade on conventional angiography
Authors: Shimoyama T. , Shibazaki K. , Kimura K. , Uemura J. , Shiromoto T. , Watanabe M. , Inoue T. , Iguchi Y. , Mochio S. 
Published: July 2012

Background and purposeHyperglycemia (HG) is associated with infarct volume expansion in acute ischaemic stroke patients. However, collateral circulation can sustain the ischaemic penumbra and limit the growth of infarct volume. The aim of this study was to determine whether the association between HG and infarct volume expansion is dependent on collateral circulation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 93 acute ischaemic stroke patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion within 24 h of onset were retrospectively studied. HG was diagnosed in patients with an admitting blood glucose value ≥140 mg/dl. Angiographic collateral grade 0–1 was designated as poor collateral circulation and grade 2–4 as good collateral circulation. Infarct volume was measured at admission and at again within 7 days using diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance images.ResultsAmong 34 patients with poor collateral grade, the change in infarct volume was significantly greater in the HG group than in the non‐HG group (106.0 ml vs. 22.7 ml, P = 0.002). Among the 59 patients with good collateral circulation, the change in infarct volume was greater in the HG group than in the non‐HG group (53.3 ml vs. 10.9 ml, P = 0.047). Multiple regression analysis indicated that admission HG (P = 0.004), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (P = 0.018), and poor collateral circulation (P = 0.040) were independently associated with infarct volume expansion.ConclusionsInfarct volume expansion was greater in individuals with HG on admission regardless of collateral circulation status.
The retrenchment of second‐tier pensions in Hungary and Poland: A precautionary tale
Authors: Fultz Elaine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn 1997, Hungary and Poland led Central Europe in partially privatizing their national pension systems, diverting a portion of public pension contributions to privately‐managed individual investment accounts. In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, both governments retrenched these second‐tier schemes: Hungary (December 2010), by ceasing to fund the accounts and recouping most workers' existing balances; and Poland (April 2011), by reducing the diversion of contributions to the second tier. The factors that drove these retrenchments are traced to the original 1997 second‐tier designs, which omitted key specifications related to financing the accounts, private benefit design, and the regulation of private management fees. While both governments tried to compensate for the missing design specifications during implementation, the results were limited. By reducing investment returns and raising borrowing costs, the global economic crisis brought the problems to a head. The conclusion highlights some outstanding issues whose resolution will shape the retrenchments' long‐term impacts.
The redistributive effect of social transfer programmes and taxes: A decomposition across countries
Authors: Wang Chen , Caminada Koen , Goudswaard Kees 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe aim of this article is to offer detailed information of the redistributive impact of social transfer programmes and taxes in 28 Member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, employing data that have been computed from the Luxembourg Income Study's micro‐level database. We find that welfare states on average reduce inequality by 35 per cent. Social benefits have a much stronger redistributive impact than taxes. As far as social programmes are concerned, public pensions account for the largest reduction in income inequality, although the pattern is diverse across countries. To a lesser extent, social assistance, disability and family benefits also contribute to smaller income disparities.
The decline of substitute pathways into retirement: Empirical evidence from the Dutch health care sector
Authors: Euwals Rob , van Vuren Annemiek , van Vuuren Daniel 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEarly retirement schemes and disability insurance in the Netherlands have undergone several reforms in recent decades. The reforms have increased incentives for older workers to continue working and have decreased the roles of “substitute pathways” into retirement. This article gives an overview of the reforms and, using administrative data for workers in the health care sector, tests a number of hypotheses about the labour market participation of older workers. The results offer two main findings: i) that the Dutch reforms have indeed been effective, as the labour force participation rate of older workers has increased; and ii) the concept of “substitute pathways” has become less relevant as the use of disability insurance has been closed off as an exit route to early retirement. Nevertheless, caution is required before generalizing the implications of these Dutch findings to other OECD countries.