bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer surveillance for which cystoscopy is partly replaced by microsatellite analysis of urine: a cost‐effective alternative?
Authors: De Bekker‐Grob Esther W. , Van Der Aa Madelon N.M. , Zwarthoff Ellen C. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Van Rhijn Bas W. , Van Der Kwast Theo H. , Steyerberg Ewout W. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine how good microsatellite analysis (MA) markers in voided urine samples should be to make a surveillance procedure cost‐effective in which cystoscopy is partly replaced by MA for patients with non‐muscle‐invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMI‐UC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe constructed a semi‐Markov model with a time horizon of 2 years, and a man aged 65 years as reference case. Data were used from a randomized trial (including 448 patients with NMI‐UC from 10 hospitals), and from other data sources. The costs and effects (probability of being in a specific health state) were compared for two surveillance strategies: (i) cystoscopy of the urinary bladder every 3 months (conventional arm), and (ii) semi‐automated MA of voided urine samples to identify loss of heterozygosity every 3 months, with a control cystoscopy at 3, 12 and 24 months (test arm). Various sensitivity analyses were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and costs of MA of urine for which the test arm was as cost‐effective as the conventional arm.RESULTSThe probability of being without recurrence after 2 years of surveillance was similar (86.6% conventional arm vs 86.3% test arm) with currently available MA markers (sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 73%). However, the test arm led to higher costs (€4104 vs €3433 per head). The test arm would be as effective and cost the same as the conventional arm if the sensitivity of the currently available MA markers was increased at ≥61%, had a specificity of 73%, and decreased the costs of the MA test per follow‐up sample from €158 to <€70.CONCLUSIONSOver 2 years, surveillance in which cystoscopy is partly replaced by currently available urinary MA to reduce patient burden can only provide a cost‐effective alternative to the conventional surveillance if the MA urine test had a slightly higher sensitivity and its costs could be reduced.
Dietary soy isoflavone replacement improves detrusor overactivity of ovariectomized rats with altered connexin‐43 expression in the urinary bladder
Authors: Okada Shinsuke , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Hamamoto Shuzo , Mizuno Kentaro , Sasaki Shoichi , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of dietary soy isoflavone on detrusor overactivity (DO) in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats and the association between these effects and expression of the gap junction protein, connexin‐43, in the urinary bladder, and to discuss the usefulness of soy isoflavones for overactive bladder (OAB).MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 24 (8‐week‐old) virgin female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided equally into four groups: sham operation with control diet (with no dietary soy isoflavones; Sham‐CD), bilateral Ovx with CD (Ovx‐CD), sham operation with soy isoflavone diet (Sham‐ID), bilateral Ovx with soy ID (Ovx‐ID). Cystometry was performed after the 4‐week CD or ID in each group while awake. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were also performed to examine the expression of connexin‐43 in each group.RESULTSIn Ovx‐CD rats, there were some significant changes in cystometry variables, including shortening of the intercontraction interval and an increased number of non‐voiding contractions compared with Sham‐CD rats (P < 0.05). These changes were significantly improved by 4‐week soy isoflavone administration (Ovx‐ID; P < 0.05). Quantitative RT‐PCR, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses showed that the expression level of connexin‐43 mRNA and protein was significantly greater in the urinary bladder of Ovx‐CD rats compared with Sham‐CD rats. Soy isoflavone administration significantly reduced this increased expression (Ovx‐ID).CONCLUSIONSSoy isoflavone replacement improved DO with alteration of the connexin‐43 expression pattern in the urinary bladder of Ovx rats. Routine consumption of diet soy isoflavones may be a useful treatment to prevent and improve OAB.
Competition and Competition Policy in the Trans‐Tasman Air Travel Market
Authors: Hazledine Tim 
Published: December 2008

Abstract New data on air fares offered on 29 trans‐Tasman and domestic New Zealand routes are analysed to test whether competition between traditional or ‘legacy’ airlines still matters for pricing in the new air travel regime characterised by internet booking systems and competition from low cost carriers. It is found that market structure does indeed still matter. Air fares are significantly lower on those domestic New Zealand routes where Air New Zealand faces competition from Qantas. In addition, on the trans‐Tasman routes, the new entrants Virgin (Pacific) Blue and Emirates have put competitive pressure on Air New Zealand and Qantas, but such pressure would not be sufficient to compensate for loss of independent competition between the larger incumbents.
A Note on Perry's Reconsideration of Macroeconomic Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Dalziel Paul , Peetz David 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Perry in this journal draws on two new sources to challenge claims by Dalziel (2002) and Peetz (2005) about relatively weak labour productivity growth in New Zealand after the introduction of its Employment Contracts Act (ECA) in 1991. While new data raise further research questions, they do not overturn our original conclusions. Whether the ECA contributed to higher labour input growth compared with Australia, it failed to improve labour productivity growth.
The Dynamic Efficiency Gains from Introducing Capacity Payments in the National Electricity Market
Authors: Simshauser Paul 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) has been a beacon for governments around the world considering power industry reform. However, while the energy‐only NEM has served Australia well since 1998, deep structural supply‐side faults exist. Competitive energy‐only markets do not have a stable equilibrium solution unless reliability constraints are violated, market power is exercised, or scarcity pricing operates unabated. But the political economy of electricity means none of this is likely. This research finds that by reducing the NEM price cap and introducing a ‘capacity payments pool’, a tractable and politically acceptable equilibrium can be established to facilitate timely plant entry.
A Consistent Poverty Approach to Assessing the Sensitivity of Income Poverty Measures and Trends
Authors: Saunders Peter , Hill Trish 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the sensitivity of estimates of income poverty rates and trends to variations in the poverty line and to whether or not certain households are included or excluded from the sample used to estimate poverty. The approach draws on the concept of consistent poverty, which has been used to identify those with incomes below the poverty line who also experience deprivation. Our approach involves excluding households with incomes below the poverty line if they report zero or negative income or are self‐employed, have expenditure well in excess of their income, have substantial wealth holdings, or if they do not report having experienced financial stress over the past year. The combined impact of all four exclusions is to reduce the half‐median income poverty rate from 9.9 per cent to 5.4 per cent, but also suggests that poverty increased by more over the decade to 2003–04 than the original estimates indicate.
Intergenerational Transmission of Fertility Patterns*
Authors: Booth Alison L. , Kee Hiau Joo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRecent studies by economists have focused on cultural transmission from the origin country rather than the origin family. Our paper extends this research by investigating how family‐specific‘cultural transmission’ can affect fertility rates. Following Machado and Santos Silva [Journal of the American Statistical Association (2005) Vol. 100, p. 1226] and Miranda [Journal of Population Economics (2008) Vol. 21, p. 67], we estimate count data quantile regression models using the British Household Panel Survey. We find that a woman's origin‐family size is positively associated with completed fertility in her destination family. A woman's country of birth also matters for her fertility. For a sub‐sample of continuously partnered men and women, both partners’ origin‐family sizes significantly affect destination‐family fertility.
Can a focused staff training programme improve the ward atmosphere and patient satisfaction in a forensic psychiatric hospital? A pilot study
Authors: Nesset Merete Berg , Rossberg Jan Ivar , Almvik Roger , Friis Svein 
Published: December 2008

Objective:  The main aim of the study was to describe whether staff training and lectures on milieu therapy to nursing staff can change the treatment environment, as perceived by the patients, in a desirable direction. The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Committee for Medical Research.Method:  To measure the patients’ perceptions of the treatment environment we used the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS). The ward atmosphere was evaluated three times during a 12‐month period. Additionally, the patients completed five questions concerning satisfaction with the treatment environment. Between the first and the second ward evaluation the nursing staff was given 3 weeks of lectures on different aspects of milieu therapy. The nursing staff completed the WAS and three satisfaction items.Results:  The study revealed a change in desired direction after education in five of the six key subscales of the WAS (Involvement, Support, Practical orientation, Angry and aggressive behaviour and Order and organization). Staff control was the only subscale with no changes. The patients also reported an increase in satisfaction. The study revealed no major changes in the staff scores. The present study included only a small number of patients and examined the changes in only one psychiatric department; hence it could be argued that the results cannot be generalized to equivalent populations within the forensic services.Conclusions:  The study indicated that it is possible to improve the ward atmosphere in a desirable direction by a 3‐week training programme for nursing staff about important aspects of milieu therapy.
The psychometric study of the Serbian KINDL questionnaire for health‐related quality of life assessment in children and adolescents
Authors: Stevanovic Dejan , Lakic Aneta , Vilotic Jelisaveta 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is the most frequently evaluated patient‐reported outcome. It is unexplored in Serbia and there are no methods for its evaluation. This study was aimed to analyse the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the KINDL questionnaire for HRQOL assessment in children and adolescents.Methods:  The KINDL‐Kid‐S completed 100 children and the KINDL‐Kiddo‐S 92 adolescents. Both versions were descriptively analysed and explored the items–sub‐scales relationships. Cronbach’s coefficient was used to explore the reliability of the versions.Results:  The means of all sub‐scales were located on the positive side of the response scale. The total score was 78.84 for the KINDL‐Kid‐S and 75.51 for the KINDL‐Kiddo‐S. Within the versions, the items showed significant correlations with its sub‐scale total score and the total score. Between the sub‐scales, there were significant relationships also. The Cronbach’s coefficient exceeded 0.8 for the internal consistency reliability of the total score in both, and ranged 0.45–0.7 for the sub‐scales.Conclusions:  Besides substantial inter‐ and intra‐sub‐scale correlations, the reliability coefficients of some sub‐scales are low in the Serbian KINDL, emerging the needs for revisions before extensive uses.
Alteration textures in terrestrial volcanic glass and the associated bacterial community
Authors: COCKELL C. S. , OLSSON‐FRANCIS K. , HERRERA A. , MEUNIER A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTAlteration textures were examined in subglacial (hyaloclastite) deposits at Valafell, Southern Iceland. Pitted and ‘elongate’ alteration features are observed in the glass similar to granular and tubular features reported previously in deep‐ocean basaltic glasses, but elongate features generally did not have a length to width ratio greater than five. Elongate features were found in only 7% of surfaces. Crystalline basalt clasts, which are incorporated into the hyaloclastite, did not display elongate structures. Pitted alteration features were poorly defined in crystalline basalt, comprising only 4% of the surface compared to 47% in the case of basaltic glass. Examination of silica‐rich glass (obsidian) and rhyolite similarly showed poorly defined pitted textures that comprised less than 15% of the surface and no elongate features were observed. These data highlight the differences in alteration textures between terrestrial basaltic glass and previously studied deep‐ocean and subsurface basaltic glass, and the important role of mineralogy in controlling the type and abundance of alteration features. The hyaloclastite contains a diverse and abundant bacterial population, as determined by 16S rDNA analysis, which could be involved in weathering the glass. Despite the presence of phototrophs, we show that they were not involved in the production of most alteration textures in the basaltic glass materials we examined.
Phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation in an atmosphere of H2: implications for Archean banded iron formations
Authors: CROAL L. R. , JIAO Y. , KAPPLER A. , NEWMAN D. K 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe effect of hydrogen on the rate of phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation by two species of purple bacteria was measured at two different bicarbonate concentrations. Hydrogen slowed Fe(II) oxidation to varying degrees depending on the bicarbonate concentration, but even the slowest rate of Fe(II) oxidation remained on the same order of magnitude as that estimated to have been necessary to deposit the Hamersley banded iron formations. Given the hydrogen and bicarbonate concentrations inferred for the Archean, our data suggest that Fe(II) phototrophy could have been a viable process at this time.
Video as an Effective Method to Deliver Pretest Information for Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Testing
Authors: Merchant Roland C. , Clark Melissa A. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Seage III George R. , DeGruttola Victor G. , Becker Bruce M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Video‐based delivery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pretest information might assist in streamlining HIV screening and testing efforts in the emergency department (ED). The objectives of this study were to determine if the video “Do you know about rapid HIV testing?” is an acceptable alternative to an in‐person information session on rapid HIV pretest information, in regard to comprehension of rapid HIV pretest fundamentals, and to identify patients who might have difficulties in comprehending pretest information.Methods:  This was a noninferiority trial of 574 participants in an ED opt‐in rapid HIV screening program who were randomly assigned to receive identical pretest information from either an animated and live‐action 9.5‐minute video or an in‐person information session. Pretest information comprehension was assessed using a questionnaire. The video would be accepted as not inferior to the in‐person information session if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference (Δ) in mean scores on the questionnaire between the two information groups was less than a 10% decrease in the in‐person information session arm’s mean score. Linear regression models were constructed to identify patients with lower mean scores based upon study arm assignment, demographic characteristics, and history of prior HIV testing.Results:  The questionnaire mean scores were 20.1 (95% CI = 19.7 to 20.5) for the video arm and 20.8 (95% CI = 20.4 to 21.2) for the in‐person information session arm. The difference in mean scores compared to the mean score for the in‐person information session met the noninferiority criterion for this investigation (Δ = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.26). In a multivariable linear regression model, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics, and those with Medicare and Medicaid insurance exhibited slightly lower mean scores, regardless of the pretest information delivery format. There was a strong relationship between fewer years of formal education and lower mean scores on the questionnaire. Age, gender, type of insurance, partner/marital status, and history of prior HIV testing were not predictive of scores on the questionnaire.Conclusions:  In terms of patient comprehension of rapid HIV pretest information fundamentals, the video was an acceptable substitute to pretest information delivered by an HIV test counselor. Both the video and the in‐person information session were less effective in providing pretest information for patients with fewer years of formal education.
Where to Focus Efforts to Improve Overall Ratings of Care and Willingness to Return: The Case of Tuscan Emergency Departments
Authors: Seghieri Chiara , Sandoval Guillermo A. , Brown Adalsteinn D. , Nuti Sabina 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Both regression and optimization models were used to identify an efficient combination of aspects of care (e.g., comfort of waiting room) necessary to improve global emergency department (ED) patient satisfaction. The approach, based on patient survey data, tends to favor aspects of care with large regression coefficients and those whose current performance is low, because improvements produce a greater effect on global satisfaction.Methods:  The authors used ED patient satisfaction survey data collected between September and October 2007 from a random sample of 5,277 adult patients who visited 43 EDs in Tuscany, Italy. Ordinal logistic regression models were run to predict overall ratings of care and willingness to return using 20 independent variables (i.e., aspects of care). An optimization model was run to increase these two global items to a maximum of 15%. This model minimizes the total combined percentage increase of the aspects of care. Models using all cases (n = 5,277), cases from local hospitals (n = 4,264), and cases from teaching hospitals (n = 1,013) were run.Results:  Four aspects selected by the optimization algorithm were in all models: “satisfaction with waiting time,”“comfort of the waiting room,”“professionalism of physicians” (technical skills), and “level of collaboration between physicians and nursing staff.” Most aspects needed a 15% increase to comply with the percentage increases set for the global satisfaction items. The model found that to increase overall ratings of care by 1, 2, or 8%, hospitals would need to focus only on one aspect: “level of collaboration between physicians and nursing staff.” The total number of variables increased to six when the improvement in overall ratings of care was set at 15%. To increase 3 or 5% willingness to return, the optimization algorithm found that 6 or 14 aspects, respectively, are needed. An increase of 6% or more was unfeasible.Conclusions:  This approach is only somewhat efficient, as a cost structure is absent. The optimization model assumes that the cost to increase each aspect by 1% is equivalent. By applying this modeling technique we have demonstrated that, at least, two elements are important to consider when developing efficient improvement strategies to increase global satisfaction: 1) the current level of satisfaction of the aspects of care and 2) the importance ascribed to the aspects of care. A third element, the cost to increase the aspects of care, might also be important. However, the impact of this element on the optimal solution is currently unknown.
Identification of the first in cis mutations in MYH9 disorder
Authors: Miyajima Yuji , Kunishima Shinji 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHere, we report the first in cis mutations in exon 1 of the MYH9 gene in a patient with MYH9 disorder. The patient was a 5‐yr‐old girl with macrothrombocytopenia and conspicuous cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in neutrophils. Immunofluorescence analysis of neutrophil non‐muscle myosin heavy chain‐II A (NMMHC‐IIA) indicated several cytoplasmic spots of NMMHC‐IIA aggregates that were circular to oval in shape (type II pattern). Mutational analysis showed two mutations, c.99G > T and c.103C > G, which would result in p.W33C and p.P35A, respectively, in exon 1 of the MYH9 gene. In addition, concurrent mutations were present on the same chromosome. Inclusion bodies are usually faint or mostly invisible in MYH9 disorders with a mutation in exon 1. In this case, double mutations might have caused the large myosin protein aggregation and accumulation. Although not observed in this patient, the development of Alport manifestations should be monitored by careful follow‐up.
Increased expression of TRPV1 channel in intrinsically aged and photoaged human skin in vivo
Authors: Lee Young Mee , Kim Yeon Kyung , Chung Jin Ho 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is activated by various stimuli including capsaicin, heat and acid. While TRPV1 has been localized in the epidermis, little is known about the physiological role of TRPV1 in the skin, especially in skin ageing. In this study, we investigated the effect of acute UV irradiation on TRPV1 expression in human skin and the changes in TRPV1 mRNA and protein in intrinsic ageing and photoageing using human sun‐protected (upper inner arm) and sun‐exposed (forearm) skin of young and elderly subjects.Western blot analysis of UV‐irradiated young buttock skin revealed that the expression of TRPV1 protein was increased at 24 h (2.3‐fold) and 48 h (2.4‐fold) after UV irradiation. Real‐time PCR analysis also showed that the mRNA level of TRPV1 was augmented by 2.4‐fold at 4 h after UV irradiation. TRPV1 protein was expressed at higher levels by 2.6‐fold in the sun‐protected skin of the elderly subjects than in that of young people according to western blotting, real‐time PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the photoaged skin of elderly showed increased expression of TRPV1 mRNA and protein compared with that of the sun‐protected skin of the same individuals. Also, we found increased expression of TRPV1 in nerve fibres of elderly persons using double staining of TRPV1 and nerve fibres.Based on the above results, our data suggest that the expression of TRPV1 is affected by both the intrinsic ageing and photoageing processes.
Flood insurance: from clients to global financial markets
Authors: Kron W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWeather‐related natural catastrophes are increasing worldwide in number and intensity, and losses have reached new levels. This represents a challenge that must be faced by governments, the people concerned, and the financial sector, both nationally and globally. Flood insurance is rare in most countries, but the development of solutions to make flood risk more insurable has gained momentum. There is no ideal flood insurance scheme, as each situation is influenced by factors such as risk‐adequate premium structure, adverse selection, and general risk awareness. Solutions tailored to the situation in each respective country must be found. While rich countries have to find ways to handle record losses of US$100 bn and more, poor countries need micro‐insurance to provide people with at least a minimum of financial security. The insurance industry has – through the reinsurance sector – established a system to pay local monetary losses globally. In the wake of extremely expensive catastrophes, a system involving the whole financial market has great potential.