bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen level significantly related to clinical recurrence after radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer?
Authors: HAUKAAS SVEIN A. , HALVORSEN OLE J. , DAEHLIN LARS , HOSTMARK JENS , AKSLEN LARS A. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and other clinicopathological variables on the probability of biochemical failure and clinical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study was a retrospective survival analysis in 211 patients undergoing retropubic RP for clinically localized prostate cancer in the period 1988–2000. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method; survival endpoints were biochemical failure, defined as a PSA level of ≥ 0.5 ng/mL or clinical recurrence consisting of palpable tumours in the prostatic fossa or distant metastases. In 58 patients with biochemical failure after surgery, we assessed the impact of the doubling time of serum PSA level (PSADT) on the risk of developing skeletal metastases or local recurrence.RESULTSThe median (range) observation period was 66 (9–160) months. Biochemical failure occurred in 92 patients (44%) of whom 39 (42%) had local recurrence or skeletal metastases. There was a highly significant association (P < 0.001) between clinical T stage, histological grade, capsular penetration, surgical margin status, seminal vesicle invasion, preoperative serum PSA level and the probability of biochemical failure‐free survival. By contrast there was no statistically significant association between preoperative serum PSA level, clinical T stage, surgical margin status, and clinical recurrence. There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.021), histological grade (P = 0.025), capsular penetration (P = 0.018), seminal vesicle invasion (P = 0014), and clinical recurrence. Cox regression analysis showed that only histological grade and seminal vesicle invasion were independent predictors of clinical recurrence. In a subgroup of 58 patients with a rising serum PSA level after RP, a PSADT of ≤ 12.8 months conferred a significantly higher risk (P = 0.015) of developing skeletal metastases than a PSADT of >12.8 months.CONCLUSIONIn the present patients undergoing RP the preoperative serum PSA level was not associated with the clinical outcome, whereas it was significantly related to biochemical failure rate. The probability of skeletal metastases was significantly associated with the PSADT after biochemical failure.
Concentric needle electrodes are superior to perineal surface‐patch electrodes for electromyographic documentation of urethral sphincter relaxation during voiding
Authors: MAHAJAN SANGEETA T. , FITZGERALD MARY PAT , KENTON KIMBERLY , SHOTT SUSAN , BRUBAKER LINDA 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo compare interpretations of electromyographic (EMG) recordings from perineal surface patch electrodes (PSPEs) to those from urethral concentric needle electrodes (CNEs) during voiding.PATIENTS AND METHODSConsenting women underwent urodynamic testing with a 30 G, 3.8 cm CNE at the 12 o’clock position in the striated urethral sphincter muscle, and with PSPEs placed at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions around the anus. Pressure‐flow studies were conducted with simultaneous input from both EMG electrodes. Representative, de‐identified paper copies of EMG signals were assembled by chronology and electrode type. Six examiners unaware of the patient details were asked to determine if the tracings were interpretable and whether there was quiescence of the urethral sphincter motor unit during voiding. The agreement between the interpretations of each tracing was assessed using McNemar and κ statistics.RESULTSTwenty‐two women undergoing urodynamic testing for incontinence (16), voiding dysfunction (two) or urinary retention (four) participated in this study. CNE tracings were consistently more interpretable than PSPE tracings (mean 89% vs 67%). When tracings were interpretable, a significantly higher percentage of CNE EMG tracings (mean 79%) had urethral sphincter motor unit quiescence than PSPE EMG tracings (mean 28%). The κ values for agreement among the reviewers’ interpretations were highly variable and none were statistically significant. Reviewers unanimously agreed on only 12 of the 44 tracings, and 11 of these showed quiescence when using a CNE.CONCLUSIONSCNEs are more often interpretable than PSPEs for determining motor unit quiescence during voiding. CNE EMG appears to have greater clinical utility for central reading than PSPEs.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for prostates of >125 mL
Authors: MATLAGA BRIAN R. , KIM SAMUEL C. , KUO RAMSAY L. , WATKINS STEPHANIE L. , LINGEMAN JAMES E. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo examine a group of patients treated with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and with the bladder outlet obstructed by an exceptionally large (>125 mL) prostate, as such men are often not considered candidates for endoscopic treatments and historically have required open surgery.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed retrospectively all patients with prostates of > 125 mL on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) who underwent HoLEP between January 2000 and January 2005.RESULTSEighty‐six patients were identified; their mean (range) age was 72.6 (48–90) years and prostate volume 170.2 (125–309) mL. Their mean preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 9.82 ng/mL and preoperative American Urologic Association symptom score (AUA‐SS) was 19.6. The mean operative duration and hospital stay were 128.1 min and 26.1 h, respectively. The mean weight of tissue enucleated was 140.2 g. At the 1‐month follow‐up the mean AUA‐SS (63 men) was 8.4 and at 6 months (35 men) it was 6.4. The mean serum PSA level in 48 patients was 0.96 ng/mL, a reduction of 90%. TRUS measurements in 20 patients gave a mean prostate volume of 30.8 mL, a reduction of 82%. At the 1‐year follow‐up the mean AUA‐SS of 22 patients was 5.1.CONCLUSIONSThe present report details the largest series of patients, with the largest mean prostate size, treated by any endoscopic surgical method. HoLEP may be the ideal treatment for men with prostates of > 125 mL with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction.
Conversion from colonic conduit into recto‐sigmoid pouch (Mainz pouch II)
Authors: PAHERNIK SASCHA , WIESNER CHRISTOPH , GILLITZER ROLF , STEIN RAIMUND , THÜROFF JOACHIM W. 
Published: December 2005

The Mainz Pouch II has now been used widely and found to be a valuable addition to the various types of urinary diversion. The authors from Mainz describe how a colonic conduit can be converted into a Mainz Pouch II, and the expected outcome from such a procedure.OBJECTIVETo report our long‐term results of conversion from conduit conversion into a continent anal urinary diversion, as after conduit urinary diversion in childhood, some patients wish to have a later conversion to a continent diversion to avoid external appliances and to improve their quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1992 and 2003, 139 patients had a urinary diversion with a recto‐sigmoid pouch (Mainz pouch II), of whom four had a conversion from a colonic conduit diversion to a recto‐sigmoid pouch. The mean (range) age at conduit diversion was 5.5 (3–14) years and the mean interval between conduit diversion and conversion to a continent anal diversion was 8 (4–18) years. The mean age at conversion into a Mainz pouch II was 13  (8–32) years and the follow‐up afterward was 11.5 (1–13) years. The conversion was done by incorporating the pre‐existing colonic conduit into the recto‐sigmoid pouch with no ureteric reimplantation.RESULTSThere were no early complications; one nephrectomy was required 5 years after conversion because of uretero‐intestinal obstruction and pyelonephritis. All other reno‐ureteric units remained stable and renal function was maintained. All patients are continent day and night; three require substitution with alkali at a base excess of < −2.5 mmol/L to prevent hyperchloraemia and acidosis.CONCLUSIONThe recto‐sigmoid pouch is a therapeutic option when patients desire conversion from an incontinent type of urinary diversion to a continent type.
THE VALUE OF INFORMATION IN STOCHASTIC CONTROL AND FINANCE
Authors: ØKSENDAL BERNT 
Published: December 2005

We present an optimal portfolio problem with logarithmic utility in the following three cases:

The classical case, with complete information from the market available to the agent at all times. Mathematically this means that the portfolio process is adapted to the filtration of the underlying Brownian motion (or, more generally, the underlying Lévy process).
The partial observation case, in which the trader has to base her portfolio choices on less information than . Mathematically this means that the portfolio process must be adapted to a filtration for all t. For example, this is the case if the trader can only observe the asset prices and not the underlying Lévy process.
The insider case, in which the trader has some inside information about the future of the market. This information could for example be the price of one of the assets at some future time. Mathematically this means that the portfolio process is allowed to be adapted to a filtration for all t. In this case the associated stochastic integrals become anticipating, and it is necessary to explain what mathematical model it is appropriate to use and to clarify the corresponding anticipating stochastic calculus.

We solve the problem in all these three cases and we compute the corresponding maximal expected logarithmic utility of the terminal wealth. Let us call these quantities , respectively. Then represents the loss of value due the loss of information in (ii), and is the value gained due to the inside information in (iii).
Modelling and Forecasting Fiscal Variables for the Euro Area*
Authors: Favero Carlo A. , Marcellino Massimiliano 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn this paper, we assess the possibility of producing unbiased forecasts for fiscal variables in the Euro area by comparing a set of procedures that rely on different information sets and econometric techniques. In particular, we consider autoregressive moving average models, Vector autoregressions, small‐scale semistructural models at the national and Euro area level, institutional forecasts (Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development), and pooling. Our small‐scale models are characterized by the joint modelling of fiscal and monetary policy using simple rules, combined with equations for the evolution of all the relevant fundamentals for the Maastricht Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact. We rank models on the basis of their forecasting performance using the mean square and mean absolute error criteria at different horizons. Overall, simple time‐series methods and pooling work well and are able to deliver unbiased forecasts, or slightly upward‐biased forecast for the debt–GDP dynamics. This result is mostly due to the short sample available, the robustness of simple methods to structural breaks, and to the difficulty of modelling the joint behaviour of several variables in a period of substantial institutional and economic changes. A bootstrap experiment highlights that, even when the data are generated using the estimated small‐scale multi‐country model, simple time‐series models can produce more accurate forecasts, because of their parsimonious specification.
The Incremental Predictive Information Associated with Using Theoretical New Keynesian DSGE Models vs. Simple Linear Econometric Models*
Authors: Korenok Oleg , Swanson Norman R. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn this paper we construct output gap and inflation predictions using a variety of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) sticky price models. Predictive density accuracy tests related to the test discussed in Corradi and Swanson [Journal of Econometrics (2005a), forthcoming] as well as predictive accuracy tests due to Diebold and Mariano [Journal of Business and Economic Statistics (1995), Vol. 13, pp. 253–263]; and West [Econometrica (1996), Vol. 64, pp. 1067–1084] are used to compare the alternative models. A number of simple time‐series prediction models (such as autoregressive and vector autoregressive (VAR) models) are additionally used as strawman models. Given that DSGE model restrictions are routinely nested within VAR models, the addition of our strawman models allows us to indirectly assess the usefulness of imposing theoretical restrictions implied by DSGE models on unrestricted econometric models. With respect to predictive density evaluation, our results suggest that the standard sticky price model discussed in Calvo [Journal of Monetary Economics (1983), Vol. XII, pp. 383–398] is not outperformed by the same model augmented either with information or indexation, when used to predict the output gap. On the other hand, there are clear gains to using the more recent models when predicting inflation. Results based on mean square forecast error analysis are less clear‐cut, although the standard sticky price model fares best at our longest forecast horizon of 3 years, it performs relatively poorly at shorter horizons. When the strawman time‐series models are added to the picture, we find that the DSGE models still fare very well, often outperforming our forecast competitions, suggesting that theoretical macroeconomic restrictions yield useful additional information for forming macroeconomic forecasts.
Instructive niches: environmental instructions that confound NG2 proteoglycan expression and the fate‐restriction of CNS progenitors
Authors: Sellers Drew L. , Horner Philip J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCellullar deficits are replenished within the central nervous system (CNS) by progenitors to maintain integrity and recover function after injury. NG2 proteoglycan‐expressing progenitors replenish oligodendrocyte populations, but the nature of NG2 proteoglycan may not indicate a restricted population of progenitors. After injury, restorative spatiotemporal cues have the potential ability to regulate divergent fate‐choices for NG2 progenitors, and NG2 progenitors are known to produce multiple cell types in vitro. Recent data suggest that NG2 expression is attenuated while protein levels remain high within injurious tissue; thus, NG2 expression is not static but transiently controlled in response to a dynamic interplay of environmental cues. Therefore, NG2 proteoglycan expression could label newly generated cells or be inherited by resident cell populations that produce oligodendrocytes for remyelination, astrocytes that provide trophic support and other cells that contribute to CNS function.
Food safety research underpinning food service systems – a review
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana 
Published: December 2005

AbstractFood service systems allow the decoupling of food production from service and offer economies of scale. However, the multiple steps in processing introduce additional safety risks in comparison with the traditional preparation. Operators need to be aware of the preservation principles and the type of data available in food safety research. This paper provides justification and describes the link between different types of studies in the field: surveys of background microflora, challenge studies, food safety design, predictive modelling, hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP). The needs and directions for further research are identified.
Stream‐Stage Response Tests and Their Joint Interpretation with Pumping Tests
Authors: Rötting Tobias S. , Carrera Jesus , Bolzicco Jose , Salvany Josep Maria 
Published: December 2005

AbstractHydraulic head response to stream‐stage variations can be used to explore the hydraulic properties of stream‐aquifer systems at a relatively large scale. These stream‐stage response tests, also called flooding tests, are typically interpreted using one‐ or two‐dimensional models that assume flow perpendicular to the river. Therefore, they cannot be applied to systems that are both horizontally and vertically heterogeneous. In this work, we use the geostatistical inverse problem to jointly interpret data from stream‐stage response and pumping tests. The latter tests provide flow data (which are needed to resolve aquifer diffusivity into transmissivity and storage coefficient) and may supply supplementary small‐scale information. Here, we summarize the methodology for the design, execution, and joint numerical interpretation of these tests. Application to the Aznalcóllar case study allows us to demonstrate that the proposed methodology may help in responding to questions such as the continuity of aquitards, the role and continuity of highly permeable paleochannels, or the time evolution of stream‐aquifer interaction. These results expand the applicability and scope of stream‐stage response tests.
Where Do Periodic Variations in the Discharge of a Well Become Negligible?
Authors: Bakker Mark 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA rule of thumb is presented to determine where variations in the discharge of a pumping well have a significant influence on the flow in an aquifer. The rule of thumb relates the period of the variation of the discharge to the distance from the well beyond which the transient effect on the flow in the aquifer is insignificant. For example, when an irrigation well pumps intermittently during the growing season, the rule may be applied to determine the distance from the well beyond which flow in the aquifer can be simulated with an average discharge during the growing season; the distance from the well beyond which flow can be simulated with a steady, yearly averaged discharge can also be computed.
Grid Cell Distortion and MODFLOW’s Integrated Finite‐Difference Numerical Solution
Authors: Romero Dave M , Silver Steven E 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe ground water flow model MODFLOW inherently implements a nongeneralized integrated finite‐difference (IFD) numerical scheme. The IFD numerical scheme allows for construction of finite‐difference model grids with curvilinear (piecewise linear) rows. The resulting grid comprises model cells in the shape of trapezoids and is distorted in comparison to a traditional MODFLOW finite‐difference grid. A version of MODFLOW‐88 (herein referred to as MODFLOW IFD) with the code adapted to make the one‐dimensional DELR and DELC arrays two dimensional, so that equivalent conductance between distorted grid cells can be calculated, is described. MODFLOW IFD is used to inspect the sensitivity of the numerical head and velocity solutions to the level of distortion in trapezoidal grid cells within a converging radial flow domain. A test problem designed for the analysis implements a grid oriented such that flow is parallel to columns with converging widths. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates MODFLOW IFD’s capacity to numerically derive a head solution and resulting intercell volumetric flow when the internal calculation of equivalent conductance accounts for the distortion of the grid cells. The sensitivity of the velocity solution to grid cell distortion indicates criteria for distorted grid design. In the radial flow test problem described, the numerical head solution is not sensitive to grid cell distortion. The accuracy of the velocity solution is sensitive to cell distortion with error <1% if the angle between the nonparallel sides of trapezoidal cells is <12.5°. The error of the velocity solution is related to the degree to which the spatial discretization of a curve is approximated with piecewise linear segments. Curvilinear finite‐difference grid construction adds versatility to spatial discretization of the flow domain. MODFLOW‐88's inherent IFD numerical scheme and the test problem results imply that more recent versions of MODFLOW 2000, with minor modifications, have the potential to make use of a curvilinear grid.
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Turnover Is Linked to the Composition and Dynamics of the Bacterioplankton Assemblage during a Microcosm Phytoplankton Bloom
Authors: Pinhassi Jarone , Simó Rafel , González José M. , Vila Maria , Alonso-Sáez Laura , Kiene Ronald P. , Moran Mary Ann , Pedrós-Alió Carlos 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT

Processing of the phytoplankton-derived organic sulfur compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by bacteria was studied in seawater microcosms in the coastal Gulf of Mexico (Alabama). Modest phytoplankton blooms (peak chlorophyll
a
[Chl
a
] concentrations of ∼2.5 μg liter
−1
) were induced in nutrient-enriched microcosms, while phytoplankton biomass remained low in unamended controls (Chl
a
concentrations of ∼0.34 μg liter
−1
). Particulate DMSP concentrations reached 96 nM in the enriched microcosms but remained approximately 14 nM in the controls. Bacterial biomass production increased in parallel with the increase in particulate DMSP, and nutrient limitation bioassays in the initial water showed that enrichment with DMSP or glucose caused a similar stimulation of bacterial growth. Concomitantly, increased bacterial consumption rate constants of dissolved DMSP (up to 20 day
−1
) and dimethylsulfide (DMS) (up to 6.5 day
−1
) were observed. Nevertheless, higher DMSP S assimilation efficiencies and higher contribution of DMSP to bacterial S demand were found in the controls compared to the enriched microcosms. This indicated that marine bacterioplankton may rely more on DMSP as a source of S under oligotrophic conditions than under the senescence phase of phytoplankton blooms. Phylogenetic analysis of the bacterial assemblages in all microcosms showed that the DMSP-rich algal bloom favored the occurrence of various
Roseobacter
members, flavobacteria (
Bacteroidetes
phylum), and oligotrophic marine
Gammaproteobacteria
. Our observations suggest that the composition of the bacterial assemblage and the relative contribution of DMSP to the overall dissolved organic sulfur/organic matter pool control how efficiently bacteria assimilate DMSP S and thereby potentially divert it from DMS production.
Soil Microbial Community Responses to Additions of Organic Carbon Substrates and Heavy Metals (Pb and Cr)
Authors: Nakatsu Cindy H. , Carmosini Nadia , Baldwin Brett , Beasley Federico , Kourtev Peter , Konopka Allan 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT

Microcosm experiments were conducted with soils contaminated with heavy metals (Pb and Cr) and aromatic hydrocarbons to determine the effects of each upon microbial community structure and function. Organic substrates were added as a driving force for change in the microbial community. Glucose represented an energy source used by a broad variety of bacteria, whereas fewer soil species were expected to use xylene. The metal amendments were chosen to inhibit the acute rate of organic mineralization by either 50% or 90%, and lower mineralization rates persisted over the entire 31-day incubation period. Significant biomass increases were abolished when metals were added in addition to organic carbon. The addition of organic carbon alone had the most significant impact on community composition and led to the proliferation of a few dominant phylotypes, as detected by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. However, the community-wide effects of heavy metal addition differed between the two carbon sources. For glucose, either Pb or Cr produced large changes and replacement with new phylotypes. In contrast, many phylotypes selected by xylene treatment were retained when either metal was added. Members of the
Actinomycetales
were very prevalent in microcosms with xylene and Cr(VI); gene copy numbers of biphenyl dioxygenase and phenol hydroxylase (but not other oxygenases) were elevated in these microcosms, as determined by real-time PCR. Much lower metal concentrations were needed to inhibit the catabolism of xylene than of glucose. Cr(VI) appeared to be reduced during the 31-day incubations, but in the case of glucose there was substantial microbial activity when much of the Cr(VI) remained. In the case of xylene, this was less clear.