bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P53 and ploidy assessed by flow cytometry in bladder washings
Authors: GRIFFITHS T.R.L. , MELLON J.K. , PYLE G.A. , SHENTON B.K. , NEAL D.E. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To determine p53 expression in cells in bladder washings and to relate this to DNA content and clinical outcome.Patients and methods Washings from 102 patients (41 with newly diagnosed superficial tumours [pTa and pT1], 49 with recurrent superficial tumours and 12 with carcinoma invading bladder muscle) were studied. In 39 cases, the primary bladder tumour was also analysed. The rates of tumour recurrence and progression were determined for the new superficial tumours and related to both p53 expression and DNA content.Results Cells positive for p53 were detected in 22 of 90 (24%) washings from patients with superficial bladder cancer. P53 expression correlated with tumour stage (P < 0.05), grade (P < 0.05) and abnormal DNA content (P < 0.05). The analysis of pure urothelial (cytokeratin‐positive) cells improved the detection of DNA abnormalities (P < 0.001). In 74% of cases where both washings and tumour were analysed, the results for DNA content agreed. Of 41 new superficial tumours, 27 (66%) recurred (11 were p53‐positive, 16 were p53‐negative, P= 0.221; 17 had abnormal DNA content, 10 were diploid, P= 0.069). Four patients progressed (one was p53‐positive, P= 0.315 and all had abnormal DNA content, P= 0.072).Conclusion P53‐positive cells can be detected in washings using flow cytometry and were more commonly detected in association with aneuploid tumours. At short‐term follow‐up, flow cytometric analysis of DNA content in washings had greater predictive value than had p53 expression. Few washings contained aneuploid cells when the primary tumour contained diploid cells, although the collection of washings is a convenient way of sampling tumour cells.
Laparoscopic varicocelectomy: indication, technique and surgical results
Authors: MIERSCH W. D.E. , SCHOENEICH G. , WINTER P. , BUSZELLO H. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of laparoscopic techniques for the operative therapy of varicocele.Patients and methods Fifty‐one patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy due to subfertility and/or pain between June 1992 and December 1994 were evaluated.Results In all patients, except one with a remaining slight reflux on post‐operative Valsalva's manoeuvre, operative therapy was effective and no major complications occurred. The procedure was minimally invasive, effective and, because the anatomy was readily seen, multiple veins and/or collaterals were easily assessed and the surgery precise.Conclusion The laparoscopic technique is an efficient, minimally invasive operation with optimal results. After a brief period of training the operation can be performed in 15–30 min and is therefore no longer than embolization techniques. Treatment of both sides in one session was not a problem.
Fetal pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction: predictors of outcome
Authors: BARKER A.P. , CAVE M.M. , THOMAS D.F.M. , LILFORD R.J. , IRVING H. C. , ARTHUR R.J. , SMITH S.E.W. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To examine the relationship between pre‐natal ultrasonographic findings typical of pelvi‐ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction and post‐natal renal function in the affected kidney,Patients and methods This retrospective study comprised 35 infants in whom pre‐natal ultrasonography had identified a unilateral pattern of dilatation of the renal pelvis and calices typical of PUJ obstruction. In each case, the presence of unilateral hydronephrosis had been confirmed post‐natally by ultrasonography, and differential function and drainage evaluated by isotope renography. The results of isotope renography were compared with the severity and timing of onset of the fetal hydronephrosis.Results Eleven kidneys (31%) appeared normal in the second trimester and dilatation only became apparent during the third trimester. Mean differential function in these kidneys was 48%. However, mean differential function was reduced (mean 38%) in those kidneys noted to be dilated between 16 and 24 weeks gestation. Differential function was loosely correlated with the severity of dilatation in early onset cases, i.e. the mean differential function was 42% for mild, 37% for moderate and 27% for severe dilatation. A considerable variation in differential function values was present in each group except for those with severe dilatation, which was a significant predictor of poor functional outcome when compared with mild and moderate dilatation combined (P < 0.01).Conclusion Fetal PUJ obstruction is a heterogenous condition permitting only broad predictions of functional outcome. Severe dilatation detected on second trimester imaging predicted significant loss of function. Mild and moderate degrees of dilatation were associated with a one in three risk of functional impairment in the obstructed kidney.
Maximum and average urine flow rates in normal children‐the Miskolc nomograms
Authors: SZABO L. , FEGYVERNEKI S. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To establish normal reference ranges of urinary flow rates in children.Subjects and methods From a screening programme, 200 healthy children (96 girls and 104 boys, between 3 and 18 years old) with no renal, urological, psychological or neurological disorders were selected, and they provided 433 micturitions for analysis. The children were divided into those with body surface areas of < 0.92 m2, between 0.92 and 1.42 m2 and > 1.42 m2. The voided volume, maximum and average flow rates of urine were measured. Data were fitted by several mathematical functions and goodness‐of‐fit determined.Results The relationship between maximal or average flow rates and voided volume was best fitted by a logarithmic function. The maximal and average urine flow rate nomograms are given in centile form for each body surface area group in both girls and boys. Flow rates showed a close relationship with voided volumes in both sexes and for all body sizes. The average maximal and average flow rates were higher in girls than in boys.Conclusion Normal nomograms of maximal and average urine flow rates of girls and boys at three different body surfaces are presented in centile form. These may be useful for diagnosing lower urinary tract disturbances in children over a wide range of body size and voided volumes.
A method of measuring fluid balance during transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: COPPINGER S.W. , LEWIS C.A. , MILROY E.J.G. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To design a practical system for non‐invasively monitoring fluid balance during transurethal resection of the prostate (TURP) and other endoscopic procedures.Materials and methods Load cell transducers are incorporated into a platform placed under the operating table. Output is passed to a digital weighmeter and then to a portable computer. The raw data is filtered using software written by the authors (GAL) and the output displayed both numerically and graphically on the computer screen. The device was tested under laboratory conditions and then assessed in the clinical setting.Results The device proved stable in both the laboratory and clinical settings. Examples of the common patterns generated during TURP are presented. The prototype has been used routinely in our practice to warn the surgeon and anaesthetist of fluid overload and has been used to monitor fluid balance in several studies.Conclusions This instrument provides a practical method of monitoring total fluid balance during TURP. It can be used with either general or regional anaesthesia and provides information not otherwise available. It provides an early warning of significant changes in total fluid balance, particularly irrigant fluid absorption. Use of this device serves to prevent development of the TUR syndrome, a potentially fatal complication of endoscopic surgery. Our ultimate aim is to produce a refined version that is simple, compact and cheap enough to be used routinely in all urological theatres. The cost of a single episode of intensive care for a patient developing iatrogenic complications from irrigant absorption would offset the cost of such a device.
Shared care for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a feasibility study
Authors: MORRIS S.B. , POGSON C. , SHEARER R.J. 
Published: November 2008

Objective To determine the proportion of patients with symptoms of urinary outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who could be managed in the community after assessment in a shared‐care clinic (managed by nursing staff, supervised by a consultant) to which they had direct access.Patients and methods A total of 127 men were referred to one consultant urologist in a 9‐month period for assessment of possible urinary outflow obstruction. All were investigated using urine analysis, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, urea and electrolytes, plain abdominal X‐ray, renal ultrasonography and urinary flow rate. Additional investigations were undertaken as required. The proportion of men who could have been investigated in a shared‐care clinic and then managed in the community was determined.Results Of 127 men, 88 (69%) were found to have uncomplicated outflow obstruction secondary to BPH; of these 49 (38%) could have been managed in the community after assessment in the shared‐care clinic and a further 27 (21%) could have been managed in the community after additional investigation by a specialist. Twelve men (9%) were found to have uncomplicated outflow obstruction and chose to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate.Conclusion Many men with uncomplicated outflow obstruction could be assessed in a shared‐care clinic and then managed in the community. A shared‐care protocol for the management of these men has now been introduced in this unit.
Reagent strip testing urine for significant bacteriuria in a urodynamic clinic
Authors: NUNNS D. , SMITH A.R.B. , HOSKER G. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives To determine the effectiveness of two reagent strips in detecting significant bacteriuria amongst patients attending for urodynamic assessment.Patients and methods Four hundred patients undergoing urodynamic assessment were recruited for the study. Routine diagnostic catheter specimens of urine were tested for nitrite, leucocytes and protein.Results The leucocytes and nitrite strips had a high specificity rate of 99.5%. The frequency of significant bacteriuria in our population was 7% (n= 28).Conclusion Culturing samples which test negative for these strips is unnecessary. Reagent strip testing of urine provides a cheap, rapid method of screening for infection.
Tangible Heritage: Production of Astrolabes on a Laser Engraver
Authors: Zotti G. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract The astrolabe, an analog computing device, used to be the iconic instrument of astronomers during the Middle Ages. It allowed a multitude of operations of practical astronomy which were otherwise cumbersome to perform in an epoch when mathematics had apparently almost been forgotten. Usually made from wood or sheet metal, a few hundred instruments, mostly from brass, survived until today and are valuable museum showpieces. This paper explains a procedural modelling approach for the construction of the classical kinds of astrolabes, which allows a wide variety of applications from plain explanatory illustrations to three‐dimensional (3D) models, and even the production of working physical astrolabes usable for public or classroom demonstrations.
Cultural Heritage As a Vehicle for Basic Research in Computing Science: Pasteur's Quadrant and a Use‐Inspired Basic Research Agenda
Authors: Arnold David 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Donald Stokes argued [Sto97] that for 50 years from the end of the Second World War to the end of the 20th century, there was an unhealthy taxonomy of research types which was formulated on a linear scale from pure to applied. The argument goes that the best research is only possible in environments which are free from contemplation of the potential uses to which results might be applied. In this paper, current research challenges in the application of ICTs to cultural heritage information are reviewed in order to consider where these applications‐linked needs require solutions that will advance the understanding of computational principles and help to develop new basic understanding in computer science, including shape manipulation and other aspects of importance in computer graphics and virtual environments. The paper draws extensively on the recently published EPOCH research agenda [AG07] for illustrations of the types of research which are required for the Cultural Heritage sector and the relationship between these and basic research challenges in Computing Science.
Verbal short‐term memory span in children: long‐term modality dependent effects of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Geva R. , Eshel R. , Leitner Y. , Fattal‐Valevski A. , Harel S. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Recent reports showed that children born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at greater risk of experiencing verbal short‐term memory span (STM) deficits that may impede their learning capacities at school. It is still unknown whether these deficits are modality dependent.Methods:  This long‐term, prospective design study examined modality‐dependent verbal STM functions in children who were diagnosed at birth with IUGR (n = 138) and a control group (n = 64). Their STM skills were evaluated individually at 9 years of age with four conditions of the Visual–Aural Digit Span Test (VADS; Koppitz, 1981): auditory–oral, auditory–written, visuospatial–oral and visuospatial–written. Cognitive competence was evaluated with the short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – revised (WISC‐R95; Wechsler, 1998).Results:  We found IUGR‐related specific auditory‐oral STM deficits (p < .036) in conjunction with two double dissociations: an auditory‐visuospatial (p < .014) and an input–output processing distinction (p < .014). Cognitive competence had a significant effect on all four conditions; however, the effect of IUGR on the auditory‐oral condition was not overridden by the effect of intelligence quotient (IQ).Conclusions:  Intrauterine growth restriction affects global competence and inter‐modality processing, as well as distinct auditory input processing related to verbal STM functions. The findings support a long‐term relationship between prenatal aberrant head growth and auditory verbal STM deficits by the end of the first decade of life. Empirical, clinical and educational implications are presented.
Interprofessional learning for supervision: ‘taking the blinkers off’
Authors: Davys Allyson M. , Beddoe Liz 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article will argue the advantages of interprofessional education as a context for learning about professional supervision. In a departure from most previous research which explores how the interprofessional learning situation affects the relationships between participants, we explored how the difference between the participants affected their learning. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in professional supervision in health and human services and a corresponding development in opportunities for supervision training. Evidence from a small qualitative study of participants’ views on learning in interprofessional supervision programmes was examined. It was found that the interprofessional learning environment deepened the exploration and level of understanding about supervision and encouraged participants to question taken‐for‐granted professional assumptions. The identification of difference between participants, rather than impeding learning, was seen to enhance the breadth of learning and participants were challenged to clarify ideas and language.
Residual effect and nitrate leaching in grass‐arable rotations: effect of grassland proportion, sward type and fertilizer history
Authors: Eriksen J. , Askegaard M. , Søegaard K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA key point in designing grass‐arable rotations is to find the right balance between the number of cultivations and the length of the grass phase. In a field experiment, we investigated the effect of cropping history (grazed unfertilized grass–clover and fertilized [300 kg N per hectare] ryegrass, proportion of grassland and previous fertilizer use) on crop growth and nitrate leaching for 2 years following grassland cultivation. In the final year, the effect of perennial ryegrass as a catch crop was investigated. The nitrogen fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of grassland cultivation was higher at 132 kg N per hectare in the rotation with 75% grassland compared with on average 111 kg N per hectare in rotations with 25 and 38% grassland and the NFRV of ryegrass in the rotation was higher than that of grass–clover. Nitrate leaching following cultivation was not affected by the proportion of grassland in the crop rotation or sward type. However, there was a considerable effect of having a ryegrass catch crop following the final barley crop as nitrate leaching was reduced from 60 to 9 kg N per hectare. When summarizing results from the crop rotations over a longer period (1997–2005), management strategy adopted in both the grassland and arable phases appeared to be the primary instrument in avoiding nutrient losses from mixed crop rotations, irrespective of grass proportion. In the arable phase, the huge potential of catch crops has been demonstrated, but it is also important to realize that all parts of the grass‐arable crop rotations must be considered potentially leaky.
Effect of irrigation and grazing animals on soil quality measurements in the North Otago Rolling Downlands of New Zealand
Authors: Houlbrooke D. J. , Littlejohn R. P. , Morton J. D. , Paton R. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe North Otago Rolling Downlands (NORD) of New Zealand is currently undergoing a large change in land use with subsequent intensification as a result of a new large community irrigation scheme. To assess the effect of this change, a 4‐year monitoring survey was established on two common Pallic soil types of the area to determine the influence of irrigation term (short, <5 years vs. long, >5 years) and grazing animal (cattle vs. sheep) on a range of physical and organic matter soil quality parameters. This 4‐year survey also included the historical land use of dryland sheep farming in the absence of irrigation water. Irrigation term had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on soil physical parameters (percentage macroporosity and bulk density) for 3 of 4 years and no significant effect (P > 0.05) on topsoil total carbon or nitrogen contents. However, irrigation term had a significant (P < 0.01) but biologically small effect on the ratio of carbon to nitrogen with narrowing of the range under longer term irrigation. A significant difference between the dryland and irrigated surveys was found for macroporosity (dryland sheep 17.3% v/v vs. irrigated sheep 13.4% v/v; P < 0.001) and for the C:N ratio (dryland sheep 10.7 vs. irrigated sheep 10.2; P < 0.05). The change in macroporosity under irrigation is likely to take effect within 1 or 2 years of land‐use change as little discernable differences in soil physical properties were evident from land under short‐ or long‐term irrigation.
Soil surfactant stops water repellency and preferential flow paths
Authors: Oostindie K. , Dekker L. W. , Wesseling J. G. , Ritsema C. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study reports the effects of a soil surfactant on reduction and prevention of water repellency and preferential flow paths in a sandy soil of a golf course fairway, located at Bosch en Duin near Utrecht, the Netherlands. The golf course is constructed on inland dunes composed of fine sand with low organic matter content. The topsoil (0–25 cm) of the fairways exhibits an extremely water repellent behaviour resulting in the development of numerous localized dry spots during dry periods in spring and summer. The influence of surfactant treatments on the wetting of the soil was studied by measuring the volumetric water content with a hand‐held Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) device. Actual water repellency was assessed by placing water drops at regular distances on soil cores taken to a depth of 25 cm with a small (1.5 cm diameter) auger at intervals of 25 cm over a distance of 25 m across the untreated and treated parts of the fairway. Surfactant applications resulted in more homogeneous wetting of the soil profile and elimination of actual water repellency in the fairway soil. Treatments significantly increased water uptake and moisture levels of the soil and prevented the development of preferential flow paths. A visible improvement in turf quality and density was evident on the treated part of the fairway.
Long‐Term Effects of Fiscal Policy on the Size and Distribution of the Pie in the UK*
Authors: Ramos Xavier , Roca‐Sagales Oriol 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.This paper provides a joint analysis of the output and distributional long‐term effects of various fiscal policies in the UK, using a vector autoregression (VAR) approach. Our findings suggest that the long‐term impact on GDP of increasing public spending and taxes is negative, and especially strong in the case of current expenditure. We also find significant distributional effects associated with fiscal policies, indicating that an increase in public spending reduces inequality while a rise in indirect taxes increases income inequality.
Restoring Salt Marshes Using Small Cordgrass, Spartina maritima
Authors: Castillo Jesús M. , Figueroa Enrique 
Published: November 2008

Abstract The use of exotic cordgrasses in salt marsh restoration projects has caused important negative environmental impacts and little is known about the possibilities of applying the endangered cordgrass Spartina maritima as a biotool at many European estuaries where it is the only native cordgrass. This paper discusses the planning and the development of an innovative restoration project based on S. maritima plantations in Odiel marshes (S.W. Iberian Peninsula). Our ecological restoration project had four specific goals: (1) to recover native vegetation, restoring the degraded landscape; (2) to phytostabilize oil‐polluted sediments; (3) to prevent erosion and stabilize banks; and (4) to promote the conservation of S. maritima. Spartina maritima was planted at two physiographical locations: slightly sloping channel banks and flat interior marshes. Nonsuccessional stands of S. maritima develop at the channel banks where the marsh surface was stabilized. In contrast, successional stands of S. maritima grown in flat interior marshes are being replaced naturally by Sarcocornia perennis.
The Ethic of Diversity: Local Law and the Negotiation of Urban Norms
Authors: Valverde Mariana 
Published: November 2008

Toronto prides itself both on being diverse and on celebrating rather than merely tolerating diversity. Urban diversity has been studied by demographers, sociologists, and planners, but sociolegal analyses of the negotiation of diversity are scarce. The study described here has three elements: a study of the Toronto Licensing Tribunal, a challenge to the property standards by‐law, and a campaign to reform the rules governing street food. The key substantive finding of the research is that municipal legal processes, in a city that takes pride in its diversity, still work to effect and naturalize distinctly ethnocentric norms. The content of (some) norms is subject to revision but the normative power of law as such remains unchallenged.
Methodologically, the article, inspired by Bruno Latour and Actor Network Theory, shows the usefulness of treating local legal processes as a series of networks in which nonhuman objects (such as weeds, courtroom Bibles, and hot dogs) can sometimes be protagonists of legal dramas rather than mere objects.