bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma oxidative stress level of IgA nephropathy in children and the effect of early intervention with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Pei Yuxin , Xu Yuanyuan , Ruan Jingwei , Rong Liping , Jiang Mengjie , Mo Ying , Jiang Xiaoyun 
Published: May 2016

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and analyze its relativity to the clinical and pathological classification. To discuss the early effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) on the plasma oxidative stress level in children with IgA nephropathy. Methods: Thirty-eight children with IgAN were divided into groups according to their clinical features, pathologic grades, and treatments. Twenty healthy children were included in the control group. Results: The plasma level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected. The plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly increased in the IgAN group, including a higher plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a lower plasma level of SOD. After treatment, the plasma level of oxidative stress was significantly decreased in the ACEI group. Conclusions: The children with IgAN had an increase in the plasma level of oxidative stress, expressed as an increased plasma level of AOPP and MDA and a decreased plasma level of SOD. Oxidative stress was associated with the progression of IgAN in children. Early treatment with ACEI therapy can significantly reduce the plasma level of oxidative stress in children with IgAN.
Yield of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the investigation of bile duct dilatation in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Tamir Shlomit , Braun Marius , Issachar Assaf , Bachar Gil N , Benjaminov Ofer 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundBiliary dilatation in the asymptomatic patient is a frequent incidental finding in the work‐up for which there are no current guidelines.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the yield of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in asymptomatic patients with an incidental finding of biliary duct dilatation.MethodsThe study included 68 consecutive patients for evaluation of biliary duct dilatation found incidentally on computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US). MRCP scans were reviewed, and data were retrospectively collected on demographics and laboratory work‐up. Patients were divided by the presence of a significant or non‐significant MRCP findings explaining the biliary duct dilatation and compared for normal or abnormal liver function.ResultsLiver function was normal in 47 patients and abnormal in 21 patients. MRCP identified the cause of the bile duct dilatation in 41 patients (60.3%). Rates of insignificant causes were 51% in the normal‐liver‐function group and 7% in the abnormal‐function group. Corresponding rates of significant causes were 27.7% and 61.9% (p  = 0.007).ConclusionsMRCP is a valuable tool in the work‐up of biliary duct dilatation. Although significantly more significant causes of bile dilatation are identified in patients with abnormal liver function, almost one‐third of patients with normal liver function need further work‐up. This has important implications for establishing criteria for the use of MRCP in asymptomatic patients with biliary dilatation.
Clinical Performance Scores Are Independently Associated with the American Board of Anesthesiology Certification Examination Scores
Authors: Baker Keith , Sun Huaping , Harman Ann , Poon K. Trudy , Rathmell James P. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:
It is unknown whether clinical performance during residency is related to the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) oral examination scores. We hypothesized that resident clinical performance would be independently associated with oral examination performance because the oral examination is designed to test for clinical judgment.

METHOD:
We determined clinical performance scores (Zrel) during the final year of residency for all 124 Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) anesthesia residents who graduated from 2009 to 2013. One hundred eleven graduates subsequently took the ABA written and oral examinations. We standardized each graduate’s written examination score (ZPart 1) and oral examination score (ZPart 2) to the national average. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the partial effects of MGH clinical performance scores and ABA written examination scores on ABA oral examination scores.

RESULTS:
MGH clinical performance scores (Zrel) correlated with both ABA written examination scores (ZPart 1) (r = 0.27; P = 0.0047) and with ABA oral examination scores (ZPart 2) (r = 0.33; P = 0.0005). ABA written examination scores (ZPart 1) correlated with oral examination scores (ZPart 2) (r = 0.46; P = 0.0001). Clinical performance scores (Zrel) and ABA written examination scores (ZPart 1) independently accounted for 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5%–12.4%; P = 0.012) and 20.8% (95% CI, 8.0%–37.2%; P < 0.0001), respectively, of the variance in ABA oral examination scores (ZPart 2).

CONCLUSIONS:
Clinical performance scores and ABA written examination scores independently accounted for variance in ABA oral examination scores. Clinical performance scores are independently associated with the ABA oral examination scores.
Hospital-Level Factors Associated with Anesthesia-Related Adverse Events in Cesarean Deliveries, New York State, 2009–2011
Authors: Guglielminotti Jean , Deneux-Tharaux Catherine , Wong Cynthia A. , Li Guohua 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:
Marked variation across hospitals in adverse maternal outcomes in cesarean deliveries is reported, including anesthesia-related adverse events (ARAEs). Identification of hospital-level characteristics accounting for this variation may help guide interventions to improve anesthesia care quality. In this study, we examined the association between hospital-level characteristics and ARAEs in cesarean deliveries and assessed individual hospital performance.

METHODS:
Discharge records for cesarean deliveries, ARAEs, and patient characteristics in the State Inpatient Database for New York State 2009 to 2011 were identified with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The hospital reporting index was calculated as the sum of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes divided by the number of discharges. Data on hospital characteristics were obtained from the American Hospital Association and the Area Health Resources files. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the association of hospital-level characteristics with ARAEs and to assess individual hospital performance.

RESULTS:
The study included 236,960 discharges indicating cesarean deliveries in 141 hospitals; 1557 discharges recorded at least 1 ARAE (6.6 per 1000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2–6.9). The following factors were associated with a significantly increased risk of ARAEs: Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.2), multiple gestation (aOR, 1.3), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR, 1.5), general anesthesia (aOR, 1.3), hospital annual cesarean delivery volume <200 (aOR, 2.3), and reporting index (aOR, 1.1 per 1 increase per discharge). Fifteen percent of the between-hospital variation in ARAEs was explained by the hospital annual cesarean delivery volume and 6% by the reporting index. Eight hospitals (6%) were classified as good-performing, 104 (74%) as average-performing, and 29 (21%) as bad-performing hospitals. Compared with good-performing hospitals, a 2.3-fold (95% CI, 1.7–3.0) and 5.9-fold (95% CI, 4.5–7.8) increase in the rate of ARAEs was observed in average- and bad-performing hospitals, respectively. Bringing up bad-performing hospitals to the level of average-performing hospitals would prevent 466 ARAEs (30%).

CONCLUSIONS:
Low cesarean delivery volume is the strongest hospital-level predictor of ARAEs in cesarean deliveries and the main determinant of between-hospital variation. Future study to identify other factors and interventions to improve performance in bad-performing hospitals is warranted.
International cooperation of Russia in fight against corruption: strategic points
Authors: Вазюлин  , Vazyulin Sergey 
Published: May 2016

In the article the importance of one of the most significant factors of world-class anti-corruption policy, the international cooperation is revealed. The author proves that intensive cooperation with the foreign states is a characteristic of the modern period of development of the Russian Federation. Each of the countries develops and strengthens the international cooperation for fight against corruption in view of historical, economic, geopolitical and sociocultural features in its own way.
Generalizing international experience of fight against corruption, the author has isolated the major factors constraining development of this negative phenomenon. The attention is focused on anti-corruption mechanisms of world anti-corruption politics. Strategic instruments of fight against corruption in modern Russia are considered.
Strategic and legal provision of e-government in the Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Алексиев  , Aleksiev Petr 
Published: May 2016

The article presents a theoretical analysis of the policy and regulatory electronic control of security in the Republic of Bulgaria. The object of the research is electronic control system; the subject — the strategic and regulatory bases for e-governance in the Republic of Bulgaria and their current status.
The main thesis of the scientific article is in spite of a good strategic and regulatory security of electronic control system in the Republic of Bulgaria, it is still not fully implemented, as a consequence, does not function effectively and efficiently, and the public sector is not able to provide some administrative services to the citizens and business in an electronic way.
Product Market Competition and Internal Governance: Evidence from the Sarbanes–Oxley Act
Authors: Chhaochharia Vidhi , Grinstein Yaniv , Grullon Gustavo , Michaely Roni 
Published: May 2016

We use the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) as a quasi-natural experiment to examine the link between product market competition and internal governance mechanisms. Consistent with the notion that competition plays an important role in aligning incentives within the firm, SOX has led to a larger improvement in the operation of firms in concentrated industries than in nonconcentrated industries. Furthermore, within concentrated industries, the effect is especially pronounced among firms with weaker governance mechanisms prior to SOX. We corroborate these findings using two additional regulatory changes in the United States and abroad. Overall, our results indicate that corporate governance is more important when firms face less product market competition. This paper was accepted by Itay Goldstein, finance.
Narrative Conflict Coaching
Authors: Winslade John , Pangborn Ashley 
Published: May 2016

Conflict coaching is a relatively new concept, derived from the domain of executive coaching. The concept has gained a foothold in the conflict resolution literature. There have been references made to a narrative practice of conflict coaching but it has not been articulated as fully as it might be. Here we seek to describe such a practice in relation to Foucault’s concept of the care of the self and Deleuze’s concept of the event. We also outline Deleuze’s approach to the reading of time as chronos and aion and show how these different readings might be put to use. A set of guidelines for narrative conflict coaching are proposed and transcribed conversation is provided as a case study to illustrate the process in action. In this conversation, the conflict coach asks questions which lead the client through an exploration of the series of events that make up the conflict story, the externalizing and deconstructing of this conflict story, and the opening of a counter story as a basis for the client’s preferred future conduct in relation to the conflict.
Modeling the Propensity to Default on Microloans in Mali, Africa
Authors: Norgaard Julia R. 
Published: May 2016

Microfinance is a global phenomenon that is focused on sustainable poverty alleviation. By providing people in developing countries with the capital to sustain themselves and an educational background on which to build their futures, microfinance institutions (MFIs) have given the poor an opportunity to get out of poverty. For the purposes of this study, a specific MFI in Mali Africa was utilized to model the propensity for micro-borrowers to default on their loans. Using the MFI’s historical data on each of their loans, this study models the repayment percentage of individual loans, contingent upon qualitative and quantitative factors. Employing an Ordinary Least Squares Model I am able to analyze how each independent factor influences default rates. I also harness fuzzy analysis to group together factors that contribute to high default rates. I hypothesize that high default rates were encouraged by a longer time between payments, a large initial loan size, business development in investment heavy industries, and starting a business in a hostile market environment. By utilizing these results, the MFI can optimize its loan repayment success by targeting specific borrowers and modifying their loan structure. The purpose of this study is to provide the Mali MFI with tangible results that they can utilize to increase their loaning effectiveness. This model is important because microfinance is a relatively new field and 3it seeks to improve the Mali MFI’s poverty alleviating capacity.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15, Its 12-Month Relative Change, and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Total Mortality in Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease: 10-Year Follow-up of the KAROLA Study
Authors: Dallmeier Dhayana , Brenner Hermann , Mons Ute , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Koenig Wolfgang , Rothenbacher Dietrich 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study considered whether baseline concentrations and 12-month changes of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are associated with subsequent cardiovascular events (CVEs) and total mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease.

METHODS
Baseline GDF-15 serum concentrations were measured in 1073 participants in a cardiac rehabilitation program (median follow-up 10 years). GDF-15 associations with subsequent CVE and total mortality were evaluated by Cox-proportional hazards models adjusting for well-established cardiovascular risk factors (Model 2), plus N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity (hs) CRP, and hs cardiac troponin T (Model 3).

RESULTS
In our study population [84.7% men, mean age 59 years, median baseline GDF-15 1232 ng/L (interquartile range, 916, 1674)] we observed 190 CVE and 162 deaths. Compared to participants with GDF-15 &lt;1200 ng/L, increased risk for death was found in participants with GDF-15 ≥1200 and ≤1800 ng/L [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68 (95% CI, 1.08–2.62)] and with GDF-15 &gt;1800 ng/L [HR 1.73 (1.02–2.94)], even in Model 3. The 12-month relative median change was −16.7%. As compared to participants with 12-month relative changes between −20% and 20%, GDF-15 increments &gt;20% were associated with: a) an HR of 1.84 (1.04–3.26) for CVE in Model 2, but found nonsignificant in Model 3; (b) an HR of 2.26 (1.32–3.86) for death even in Model 3.

CONCLUSIONS
GDF-15 at baseline is independently associated with subsequent CVE and 10-year total mortality. Twelve-month relative changes remained associated with subsequent CVE when adjusting for well-established cardiovascular risk factors, and with total mortality even after further adjustment for established cardiac biomarkers.
“A New Day Has Dawned for the UNIA”: Garveyism, the Diasporic Midwest, and West Africa, 1920–80
Authors: McDuffie Erik S. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This article examines the diasporic political linkages between the U.S. Midwest and West Africa through the largely unknown encounters of James R. Stewart, William L. Sherrill, and Clarence W. Harding, Jr., on the continent. They were leaders in the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) founded by Jamaican black nationalist Marcus Garvey. During its heyday in the early 1920s, the UNIA claimed six million members worldwide, including in the American heartland and West Africa. Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio, emigrated to Liberia in 1949. Sherrill of Detroit, Michigan, attended the 1957 independence ceremonies in Ghana, whereas Harding of Chicago, Illinois, moved to Liberia in 1966 and built a dynamic, grassroots Garvey movement in the West African nation. Their sojourns to the continent extend the analytical, geographic, and temporal parameters of the history of West Africa and the black diaspora through tracing the transnational linkages between the American heartland and continent, the gendered contours and paradoxes of Pan-Africanism, and the endurance and uneven results of Garveyism in Africa from the 1920s through the 1970s.
Boundary value problems for fractional differential equation with causal operators
Authors: Jiang Jingfei , Cao Dengqing , Chen Huatao 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In this paper, we study the two-point boundary value problems for fractional differential equation with causal operator. By lower and upper solution method and the monotone iterative technique, some results for the extremal solution and quasisolutions are obtained. At last, an example is given to demonstrate the validity of assumptions and theoretical results.
Centers: their integrability and relations with the divergence
Authors: Llibre J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This is a brief survey on the centers of the analytic differential systems in ℝ2. First we consider the kind of integrability of the different types of centers, and after we analyze the focus–center problem, i.e. how to distinguish a center from a focus. This is a difficult problem which is not completely solved. We shall present some recent results using the divergence of the differential system.
Vertex PI
v
Topological Index of Titania Carbon Nanotubes TiO
2
(m,n)
Authors: Farahani Mohammad Reza , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Imran Muhammad 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
A topological index of a graph G is a numeric quantity related to G which is invariant under automorphisms of G. The Padmakar-Ivan (PI) index of a graph G is defined as PI(G) = Σ
e=uv∈E(G) [nu
+ nv
], where nu
is the number of edges of G lying closer to v than u, analogously nv
. In this paper, we compute the vertex PI index of Titania carbon Nanotubes TiO
2[m,n].
Vibrational resonance: a study with high-order word-series averaging
Authors: Murua A. , Sanz-Serna J.M. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
We study a model problem describing vibrational resonance by means of a high-order averaging technique based on so-called word series. With the technique applied here, the tasks of constructing the averaged system and the associated change of variables are divided into two parts. It is first necessary to build recursively a set of so-called word basis functions and, after that, all the required manipulations involve only scalar coefficients that are computed by means of simple recursions. As distinct from the situation with other approaches, with word-series, high-order averaged systems may be derived without having to compute the associated change of variables. In the system considered here, the construction of high-order averaged systems makes it possible to obtain very precise approximations to the true dynamics.
Suicide Rates in Aboriginal Communities in Labrador, Canada
Authors: Pollock Nathaniel J. , Mulay Shree , Valcour James , Jong Michael 
Published: May 2016

Objectives. To compare suicide rates in Aboriginal communities in Labrador, including Innu, Inuit, and Southern Inuit, with the general population of Newfoundland, Canada.Methods. In partnership with Aboriginal governments, we conducted a population-based study to understand patterns of suicide mortality in Labrador. We analyzed suicide mortality data from 1993 to 2009 from the Vital Statistics Death Database. We combined this with community-based methods, including consultations with Elders, youths, mental health and community workers, primary care clinicians, and government decision-makers.Results. The suicide rate was higher in Labrador than in Newfoundland. This trend persisted across all age groups; however, the disparity was greatest among those aged 10 to 19 years. Males accounted for the majority of deaths, although suicide rates were elevated among females in the Inuit communities. When comparing Aboriginal subregions, the Innu and Inuit communities had the highest age-standardized mortality rates of, respectively, 165.6 and 114.0 suicides per 100 000 person-years.Conclusions. Suicide disproportionately affects Innu and Inuit populations in Labrador. Suicide rates were high among male youths and Inuit females.
Access and Quality of Care by Insurance Type for Low-Income Adults Before the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Nguyen Kevin H. , Sommers Benjamin D. 
Published: May 2016

Objectives. To compare access to care and perceived health care quality by insurance type among low-income adults in 3 southern US states, before Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Methods. We conducted a telephone survey in 2013 of 2765 low-income US citizens, aged 19 to 64 years, in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. We compared 11 measures of access and quality of care for respondents with Medicaid, private insurance, Medicare, and no insurance with adjustment for sociodemographics and health status. Results. Low-income adults with Medicaid, private insurance, and Medicare reported significantly better health care access and quality than uninsured individuals. Medicaid beneficiaries reported greater difficulty accessing specialists but less risk of high out-of-pocket spending than those with private insurance. For other outcomes, Medicaid and private coverage performed similarly. Conclusions. Low-income adults with insurance report significantly greater access and quality of care than uninsured adults, regardless of whether they have private or public insurance. Access to specialty care in Medicaid may require policy attention. Public Health Implications. Many states are still considering whether to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and whether to pursue alternative models for coverage expansion. Our results suggest that access to quality health care will improve under the Affordable Care Act's coverage expansions, regardless of the type of coverage.
Evaluation of American Indian Health Service Training in Pain Management and Opioid Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Katzman Joanna G. , Fore Chris , Bhatt Snehal , Greenberg Nina , Griffin Salvador Julie , Comerci George C. , Camarata Christopher , Marr Lisa , Monette Rebecca , Arora Sanjeev , Bradford Andrea , Taylor Denise , Dillow Jenny , Karol Susan 
Published: May 2016

We examined the benefits of a collaboration between the Indian Health Service and an academic medical center to address the high rates of unintentional drug overdose in American Indians/Alaska Natives. In January 2015, the Indian Health Service became the first federal agency to mandate training in pain and opioid substance use disorder for all prescribing clinicians. More than 1300 Indian Health Service clinicians were trained in 7 possible 5-hour courses specific to pain and addiction. We noted positive changes in pre- and postcourse knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes as well as thematic responses showing the trainings to be comprehensive, interactive, and convenient.