bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic evaluation of ultrasonography‐estimated bladder weight and bladder wall thickness in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function
Authors: Bright Elizabeth , Pearcy Richard , Abrams Paul 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The diagnostic potential of ultrasound derived measurements of bladder wall thickness and bladder weight in men with LUTS and varying degrees of BOO have been explored. However, there is a paucity of such measurements in the asymptomatic population with which to compare such patients. This study investigates these measurements in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function.OBJECTIVE
To identify measurements of ultrasonography (US)‐derived bladder wall thickness (BWT) and bladder weight in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
A total of 100 male volunteers underwent transabdominal US measurements of BWT and bladder weight, using the BVM 9500 bladder scanner (Verathon Medical, Bothell, WA, USA), at a variety of bladder filling volumes.
The data were explored for any correlation between measurements of BWT and US‐estimated bladder weight (UEBW) with subject age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ M‐LUTS) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and IPSS Quality of Life index (IPSS QoL).
RESULTS
Several statistically significant but weak correlations were observed: BWT and weight (r= 0.216, P= 0.032); BWT and BMI (r= 0.246, P= 0.014); UEBW and weight (r= 0.304, P= 0.002); and UEBW and BMI (r= 0.260, P= 0.009).
Bladder filling volume appeared to have a greater effect on BWT than on UEBW, although this could not be determined accurately.
There was a substantial difference in measurements of BWT and UEBW in the assessment of inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability testing.
CONCLUSION
Further studies are required to validate automated measurements of BWT and UEBW and to investigate such measurements in the symptomatic and asymptomatic male population.
The impact of social networks and partnership status on treatment choice in men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Chamie Karim , Kwan Lorna , Connor Sarah E. , Zavala Mary , Labo Jessica , Litwin Mark S. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Decision analysis (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Very little is known about prostate cancer decision‐making. Hence, marital status is often assumed a proxy for the amount of social support.While marital status is often used as a proxy for social support, we found that the quality of support may impact treatment type more than the extent of the social matrix.OBJECTIVES
To determine whether martial status and social support impact treatment choice.
The decision to pursue radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer is often influenced by factors outside the realm of tumour risk, such as a man's support system at home.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study of 418 low‐income men who were diagnosed with non‐metastatic prostate cancer and underwent definitive treatment with either radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.
We performed univariate and multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis, with the dependent variable being treatment type.
Confidence intervals (CIs) for the predicted probabilities and relative risks were derived using bias‐corrected bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions.
RESULTS
Men with two or more members in their support system were more likely to be older, Hispanic, have less than a high school education, earn more than US $1500 monthly, have high‐risk disease and be in a significant relationship.
In multivariate analysis, partnered men with fewer than two social support members (relative risk, RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.63) were more likely to undergo surgery, whereas men who were morbidly obese (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.09–0.88), high school graduates (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64–0.99) or had high‐risk disease (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44–0.85) were less likely to undergo surgery than their respective referent groups.
Partnered men with two or more social support members were no more likely to undergo surgery than unpartnered men who lacked any social support.
CONCLUSIONS
In the present study cohort, married men with fewer than two members in their social network were more likely to have undergone surgery.
Although marital status is often used as a proxy for social support, we find that the quality of support and partner may impact treatment type more than the extent of the social matrix.
Comparison of intravesical hyaluronic acid instillation and hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Shao Yuan , Lu Guo‐liang , Shen Zhou‐jun 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a relatively rare bladder disease with a complex etiology. With the growing number of patients with pelvic radiation therapy, incidence of this disease has risen considerably. Although treatments like hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) had some benefit to improve the symptoms, the optimal treatment of this disease still remains a tough problem.We reported our experience of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and HBO in treating HC and the results seemed interesting. Intravesical HA is easier to do and well tolerated, and it showed a sustained decrease of bladder bleeding, pelvic pain and frequency of voiding for at least 12 months. We suggest it as an alternative and potential way in treating HC.OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) instillation and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of radiation‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In total 36 patients who underwent radiotherapy for their pelvic malignancies and subsequently suffered from HC were randomly divided into an HA group and an HBO group.
Symptoms of haematuria, frequency of voiding and the visual analogue scale of pelvic pain (range 0–10) were evaluated before and after the treatment with follow‐up of 18 months.
RESULTS
All patients completed this study and no obvious side effects of intravesical HA were recorded.
The improvement rate showed no statistical difference between the two groups at 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment.
Decrease of frequency was significant in both groups 6 months after treatment, but was only significant in the HA group 12 months after therapy.
The improvement in the visual analogue scale remained significant in both groups for 18 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravesical instillation of HA was as effective in treating radiation‐induced HC as HBO.
It is well tolerated and resulted in a sustained decrease of bladder bleeding, pelvic pain and frequency of voiding for at least 12 months.
The Ethics of Tax Evasion
Authors: BAGUS PHILIPP , BLOCK WALTER , EABRASU MARIAN , HOWDEN DAVID , ROSTAN JÉRÉMIE 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTA wide and growing consensus views taxation as fundamentally coercive in nature. Regardless of the magnitude of the tax or the agents perpetrating it, this fundamental coercive element remains. Tax evasion must consequently be treated as an effort to convert this coercive behavior into voluntary transactions. By altering the conditions of payment and receipt of goods and services, taxation veils both consumers' and producers' preferences. Critics of tax evasion have left unanswered the question as to how society will efficiently allocate its scarce resources under coercively falsified preference signals. Accepting that preferences are best signaled voluntarily and via market participants directly, we argue that tax evasion must result in increased economic efficiency, as well as allow for a reinstatement of an individual's right to contract freely.
Liquidity, Liquidity Risk and Stock Returns: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Li Bo , Sun Qian , Wang Changyun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper investigates‐whether liquidity and liquidity risk are priced in Japan. Using modified Amihud illiquidity measures, we find both cross‐sectional and time series evidence that liquidity is priced in the Japanese stock market during the period 1975–2006. The evidence is largely consistent with Amihud's (2002) findings in the US market. We further employ the liquidity‐adjusted CAPM proposed by Acharya and Pedersen (2005) to examine whether liquidity risk is priced in Japan. Consistent with Acharya and Pedersen's findings in the US, we show that liquidity risk is priced in the stock market, in addition to the liquidity level. These findings strengthen the confidence that liquidity is a determinant of stock returns.
Relaxed constraints support vector machine
Authors: Sabzekar Mostafa , Yazdi Hadi Sadoghi , Naghibzadeh Mahmoud 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a new model of support vector machines (SVMs) that handle data with tolerance and uncertainty. The constraints of the SVM are converted to fuzzy inequality. Giving more relaxation to the constraints allows us to consider an importance degree for each training samples in the constraints of the SVM. The new method is called relaxed constraints support vector machines (RSVMs). Also, the fuzzy SVM model is improved with more relaxed constraints. The new model is called fuzzy RSVM. With this method, we are able to consider importance degree for training samples both in the cost function and constraints of the SVM, simultaneously. In addition, we extend our method to solve one‐class classification problems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on artificial and real‐life data sets.
α7 Nicotinic receptor activation reduces β‐amyloid‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase‐independent death through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase signaling
Authors: Yu Wenfeng , Mechawar Naguib , Krantic Slavica , Quirion Rémi 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 848–858.AbstractThe neurotoxicity of amyloid‐β (Aβ) involves caspase‐dependent and ‐independent programmed cell death. The latter is mediated by the nuclear translocation of the mitochondrial flavoprotein apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). Nicotine has been shown to decrease Aβ neurotoxicity via inhibition of caspase‐dependent apoptosis, but it is unknown if its neuroprotection is mediated through caspase‐independent pathways. In the present study, pre‐treatment with nicotine in rat cortical neuronal culture markedly reduced Aβ1–42 induced neuronal death. This effect was accompanied by a significant reduction of mitochondrial AIF release and its subsequent nuclear translocation as well as significant inhibition of cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation. Pre‐treatment with selective α7nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(nAChR) antagonist (methyllycaconitine), but not the α4 nAChR antagonist (dihydro‐β‐erythroidine), could prevent the neuroprotective effect of nicotine on AIF release/translocation, suggesting that nicotine inhibits the caspase‐independent death pathway in a α7 nAChR‐dependent fashion. Furthermore, the neuroprotective action of nicotine on AIF release/translocation was suppressed by LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Pre‐treatment with nicotine significantly restored Akt phosphorylation, an effector of PI3K, in Aβ1–42‐treated neurons. These findings indicate that the α7 nAChR activation and PI3K/Akt transduction signaling contribute to the neuroprotective effects of nicotine against Aβ‐induced cell death by modulating caspase‐independent death pathways.
Ethanol causes the redistribution of L1 cell adhesion molecule in lipid rafts
Authors: Tang Ningfeng , Farah Benjamin , He Min , Fox Stephanie , Malouf Alfred , Littner Yoav , Bearer Cynthia F. 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)119, 859–867.AbstractFetal alcohol spectrum disorder is estimated to affect 1% of live births. The similarities between children with fetal alcohol syndrome and those with mutations in the gene encoding L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1) implicates L1 as a target of ethanol developmental neurotoxicity. Ethanol specifically inhibits the neurite outgrowth promoting function of L1 at pharmacologic concentrations. Emerging evidence shows that localized disruption of the lipid rafts reduces L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. We hypothesize that ethanol impairment of the association of L1 with lipid rafts is a mechanism underlying ethanol’s inhibition of L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. In this study, we examine the effects of ethanol on the association of L1 and lipid rafts. We show that,in vitro, L1 but not N‐cadherin shifts into lipid rafts following treatment with 25 mM ethanol. The ethanol concentrations causing this effect are similar to those inhibiting L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. Increasing chain length of the alcohol demonstrates the same cutoff as that previously shown for inhibition of L1–L1 binding. In addition, in cerebellar granule neurons in which lipid rafts are disrupted with methyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin, the rate of L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth on L1‐Fc is reduced to background rate and that this background rate is not ethanol sensitive. These data indicate that ethanol may inhibit L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth by retarding L1 trafficking through a lipid raft compartment.
Implementing nutritional guidelines – the effect of systematic training for nurse nutrition practitioners
Authors: Pedersen Preben U. , Tewes Marianne , Bjerrum Merete 
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 178–185Implementing nutritional guidelines – the effect of systematic training for nurse nutrition practitionersIntroduction:  Approximately 40% of patients admitted to hospitals are undernourished. Implementing nutritional guidelines might reduce the incidence of malnutrition, and it requires education and training for the hospital staff.Aim:  It was hypothesised that a training programme focusing on the staff behaviour would increase the identification of eating difficulties, improve patients’ knowledge about appropriate food choices and increase the number of snacks eaten between meals and thereby to reduce the risk of undernutrition.Methods:  A pre‐ and post‐test design was used to evaluate the effect of the training programme for nurses. The training was conducted in five modules over 1 year and combined nutritional issues with issues on implementation and theories of planned change. The programme was based on experimental learning theories and the steps of look, think and act. The effect on the patients was measured by a patient questionnaire.Results:  After implementing the guidelines, more patients discussed their eating difficulties with the staff, received relevant assistance during the meal and were served the type of food they had ordered and could chew. The patients’ knowledge of appropriate food choices from the menu increased, suggesting that the nutritional intake of the patients had improved.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that a strategy based on the principles of experimental learning theory and the phases in the look, think and act model facilitated the implementation of nutritional guidelines in a hospital setting.
Life experiences of Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative period
Authors: Chen Shu‐Ching 
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 98–103Life experiences of Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative periodThe incidence of oral cancer has rapidly increased in Taiwan. Oral cancer and its surgical treatment may also cause physical and psychological problems for patients. During the postoperative period, patients face adjustments in their disease, treatment and lives. However, research on these relevant issues is scant. A qualitative study was conducted with the purpose of exploring the life experiences of surgically treated Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative period. Thirteen patients with oral cancer were recruited from the otolaryngology head and neck surgery wards of a medical centre in northern Taiwan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and tape recorded after informed consent had been obtained. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. Results show that the life experiences of the patients with oral cancer were related to the impact of threatening symptoms, concerns about survival, restriction of interpersonal relationships, self‐restructuring and constructing a support network. The results of this study can provide healthcare professionals with a reference for implementing care plans to address the unique needs of patients with oral cancer.
Plasticizers excreted in urine: indication of autologous blood transfusion in sports
Authors: Monfort Núria , Ventura Rosa , Platen Petra , Hinrichs Timo , Brixius Klara , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario , Geyer Hans , Segura Jordi 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Misuse of autologous blood transfusions in sports remains undetectable. The metabolites of the plasticizer di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) were recently proposed as markers of blood transfusion, based on high urinary concentrations of these compounds observed in patients subjected to blood transfusion. This study evaluates DEHP metabolites in urine for detecting autologous blood transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One blood bag was drawn from moderately trained subjects and the red blood cells (RBCs) were reinfused after different storage periods. Group 1 (12 subjects) was reinfused after 14 days, and Group 2 (13 subjects), after 28 days of storage. Urine samples were collected before and after reinfusion for determination of the concentrations of three DEHP metabolites, mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate, mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxyhexyl)phthalate, and mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl)phthalate.RESULTS: Concentrations of DEHP metabolites on the days before reinfusion were in agreement with those described after common environmental exposure. A few hours after the reinfusion a significant increase was observed for all metabolites in all volunteers. Concentrations 1 day later were still higher (p < 0.05) than before reinfusion. Variations in urine dilution supported normalization by specific gravity. Concentrations of DEHP metabolites tended to be higher after longer storage times of RBCs.CONCLUSION: Autologous transfusion with RBCs stored in plastic bags provokes an acute increase in the urinary concentrations of DEHP metabolites, allowing the detection of this doping malpractice. The window of detection is approximately 2 days. The method might be applied to urine samples submitted for antidoping testing.
A Dual Mechanism for IKs Current Reduction by the Pathogenic Mutation KCNQ1‐S277L
Authors: CHEN JERRI , WEBER MICHAEL , YON UM SUNG , WALSH CHRISTINE A. , TANG YINGYING , MCDONALD THOMAS V. 
Published: September 2011

Background:
The hereditary long QT syndrome is characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization that can be caused by mutations to the KCNQ1 gene, which encodes the α subunits of the cardiac potassium channel complex that carries the IKs current (the β subunits are encoded by KCNE1). In this study, we characterized a deleterious variant, KCNQ1‐S277L, found in a patient who presented with sudden cardiac death in the presence of cocaine use.
Methods:
The KCNQ1‐S277L mutation was analyzed via whole‐cell patch clamp, confocal imaging, surface biotinylation assays, and computer modeling.
Results:
Homomeric mutant KCNQ1‐S277L channels were unable to carry current, either alone or with KCNE1. When co‐expressed in a 50/50 ratio with WT KCNQ1, current density was reduced in a dominant‐negative manner, with the residual current predominantly wild type. There was no change in the activation rate and minimal changes to voltage‐dependent activation for both KCNQ1 current and IKs current. Immunofluorescence confocal imaging revealed reduced surface expression of mutant KCNQ1‐S277L, which was biochemically confirmed by surface biotinylation showing a 44% decrease in mutant surface expression. Expression of KCNQ1‐S277L with human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) did not significantly affect HERG protein or current density compared to KCNQ1‐WT co‐expression.
Conclusion:
The KCNQ1‐S277L mutation causes biophysical defects that result in dominant‐negative reduction in KCNQ1 and IKs current density, and a trafficking defect that results in reduced surface expression, both without affecting HERG/IKr. KCNQ1‐S277L mutation in the proband resulted in defective channels that compromised repolarization reserve, thereby enhancing the arrhythmic susceptibility to pharmacological blockage of IKr current. (PACE 2011; 34:1652–1664)
Thermally Stable Pyrochlore Y2Ti2O7: Eu3+ Orange–Red Emitting Phosphors
Authors: Dai Pengpeng , Zhang Xintong , Zhou Meng , Li Xinghua , Yang Jikai , Sun Panpan , Xu Changshan , Liu Yichun 
Published: September 2011

Pyrochlore‐structured Y2Ti2O7 doped with Eu3+ activators via high‐temperature solid‐state reaction shows thermally stable orange‐red emission under near ultraviolet excitation. The concentration of Eu3+ activators was observed to influence both the intensity and color point of photoluminescence of Y2−xTi2O7:xEu3+ phosphors. The optimal doping concentration is around x = 0.45 determined by photoluminescence intensity; at this concentration, the luminescence branch ratio , named as the luminous intensity ratio of 5D0–7F2 (R) and 5D0–7F1 (O) transition is also at maximum, about 0.46. This orange–red emitting phosphor Y1.55Ti2O7:0.45Eu3+ shows excellent thermal stability in luminescence intensity, retaining 84% of room‐temperature luminescence at 250°C. Therefore, Y1.55Ti2O7:0.45Eu3+ phosphors may have great potential as an orange–red component for white light‐emitting diodes, especially for the high‐power devices.
High Yield Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nano‐Scale Zirconia and YTZP
Authors: Szepesi Christopher J. , Adair James H. 
Published: September 2011

Many techniques exist to synthesize zirconia and YTZP with a nano‐scale particle size, but a recently developed hydrothermal precipitation procedure has shown promise in producing high‐yield quantities of well‐dispersed 8–10 nm zirconia and YTZP. Using bicine as a complexing agent, a homogeneous solution of zirconyl nitrate and yttrium nitrate is formed; after hydrothermal treatment, 8–10 nm tetragonal zirconia or YTZP particles are precipitated. With the modified hydrothermal procedure, powder yield was increased to 100 g of powder per liter of reactant solution without significantly changing the powder characteristics. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to verify that the tetragonal phase was formed in the 1YTZP composition. Complementary particle size measurements were made using dynamic light scattering, BET nitrogen adsorption, and X‐ray diffraction; differences in measured particle size are discussed, and all three techniques verify the 8–10 nm particle diameter. Particle morphology and impurity content were measured with transmission electron spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence, respectively. To overcome the increased likelihood of agglomeration that accompanies the increased synthesis, wash solutions of deionized water, bicine, and oxalic acid were compared, and the particle–particle interactions of nano‐YTZP in these wash solutions and in ethanol are modeled with modified DLVO theory. The results show that yttria leaching is prevented and dispersion is promoted by laundering with a solution of oxalic acid and dispersing into deionized water, both adjusted to a pH value of 9.