bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient and disease factors predictive of adverse perioperative outcomes after nephrectomy
Authors: Henderson JM , Pitcher D , Steenkamp R , Fowler S , Keeley FX 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the patient and disease factors predictive of adverse perioperative outcomes after nephrectomy using the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) audit database. Methods All nephrectomies entered on the BAUS database for the year 2012 were included and ten patient or disease factors were selected for analysis. Logistic regression was used to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.5 = no better than chance, 1.0 = perfect prediction) for each variable and 500 bootstrap samples were used to determine variable selection. Results Data were captured for 6,031 nephrectomies in 2012. World Health Organization performance status (WHO-PS) (AUC: 0.733) and anaemia (AUC: 0.696) were the most significant predictors of 30-day mortality in univariate analysis. WHO-PS (AUC: 0.626) and anaemia (AUC: 0.590) also predicted complications classified as Clavien–Dindo grades III–V. Anaemia (AUC: 0.722) and clinical T stage (AUC: 0.713) predicted need for transfusion. Conclusions Adverse perioperative outcomes after nephrectomy are predicted by clinical presentation with haematuria, poor WHO-PS and higher TNM (tumour, lymph nodes, metastasis) stage. This study used surgeon collected data as opposed to an administrative database, which may have advantages in terms of accuracy and breadth of data fields. These data form a basis for preoperative patient counselling and informed consent for nephrectomy. They can also be used as a standard against which surgeons and hospitals can compare their own results.
Presenting symptoms of giant fibrovascular polyp of the oesophagus: case report and literature review
Authors: Sestini S , Gisabella M , Pastorino U , Billé A 
Published: April 2016

Introduction Lipomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare, slow-growing lesions that comprise 0.4% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. They can cause dysphagia, dyspnoea or sudden choking. Case History Due to rarity of this condition and its uncommon presentation, a literature review was carried out (PubMed). This search revealed 290 articles, of which 74 were considered pertinent and were evaluated. We report a case of a 13cm pedunculated oesophageal lipoma that presented with increasing dysphagia and two episodes of suffocation. The patient underwent curative resection through a cervical approach. Conclusions Resection is recommended for large (>5 cm) or symptomatic polyps. Outcomes are excellent given that lesions are universally benign and oesophageal resection is not required.
An intraoperative irrigation regimen to reduce the surgical site infection rate following adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery
Authors: Herwijnen B van , Evans NR , Dare CJ , Davies EM 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a gentamicin antibiotic intraoperative irrigation regimen (regimen A) with a povidone-iodine intraoperative irrigation regimen (regimen B) and to evaluate the ability of adjunctive local vancomycin powder (regimen C) to reduce the surgical site infection (SSI) rate following idiopathic scoliosis correction. Methods This was a retrospective, single centre, two-surgeon cohort study of paediatric scoliosis procedures involving 118 patients under the age of 18 years who underwent correction for idiopathic scoliosis over a period of 42 months. Patients’ baseline characteristics, pseudarthrosis and rates of SSI were compared. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable in all three groups, with the exception of sex distribution. Over a quarter (27%) of patients with regimen B were male compared with 13% and 6% for regimens A and C respectively. Patients were mostly followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The SSI rate for both superficial and deep infections was higher with regimen A (26.7%) than with regimens B and C (7.0% and 6.3% respectively). The SSI rates for regimens B and C were comparable. No patients developed complications related to vancomycin toxicity, metalwork failure or pseudarthrosis. Conclusions Wound irrigation with a povidone-iodine solution reduces SSIs following adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery. The direct application of vancomycin powder to the wound is safe but does not reduce the SSI rate further in low risk patients. Additional studies are needed to elucidate whether it is effective at higher doses and in high risk patient groups.
Evaluation of the Impact of Corticosteroid Dose on the Incidence of Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Patients with an Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Baker James M. , Pace Heather A. , Ladesich James B. , Simon Stephen D. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose Guidelines recommend systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) albeit in lower doses than studies that cemented corticosteroids' place in therapy. Corticosteroids potentiate hyperglycemia, however it is undetermined how corticosteroid dose impacts hyperglycemia incidence. Objectives To establish whether a greater incidence of steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIHGLY) exists for high- versus low-dose corticosteroids. Methods Patients with primary discharge diagnosis 491.21/491.22 in a community hospital were retrospectively reviewed and divided into tertiles based on corticosteroid dosage. Baseline characteristics and primary endpoint were statistically assessed between tertiles using logistic regression analysis. A Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model adjusted for potential covariates. Post hoc analysis for primary outcome and CPH model was run removing non-insulin dependent diabetics because of disproportionate event count. A secondary endpoint used a Kaplan-Meier curve to evaluate time to event between tertiles. Results Tertile divisions were 125 and 187.5 mg methylprednisolone equivalents. The primary outcome for incidence of SIHGLY was insignificant; post hoc analysis removing non-insulin-dependent diabetics narrowly missed significance between tertiles 1 and 3 ( P = .056). CPH analysis found significant differences in SIHGLY between tertiles 1 and 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.02–2.76) and tertile 1 and 3 (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.13–2.84), further post hoc analysis resulted in a loss of significance for the CPH analysis. Of 21 non-insulin-dependent diabetics, 20 met event status. The Kaplan-Meier analysis results were insignificant. Conclusions Study results suggest that a link between larger corticosteroid doses and hyperglycemia incidence may exist, but it requires further study. Results in non-insulin-dependent diabetics provide evidence for increased glucose monitoring upon initiation of corticosteroid therapy.
Sevelamer Carbonate and Lanthanum Usage Evaluation and Cost Considerations at a Veteran's Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Robison Ross , Cooney Danielle , Low Mary Beth , Desai Niraj 
Published: April 2016

Background Hyperphosphatemia is a common problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Calcium-containing phosphate binders are typically used as first-line therapy, primarily due to cost considerations. Non-calcium phosphate binders such as sevelamer and lanthanum may be considered in the appropriate setting. It is hypothesized that lanthanum is less costly and has a lower pill burden compared to sevelamer carbonate. Objective Determine the difference in cost (outcome 1) and tablet burden (outcome 2) between sevelamer carbonate and lanthanum within the Veteran population. Methods Patients with an active prescription for lanthanum or sevelamer carbonate on October 22, 2014 were evaluated. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze categorical data, and 2-sided t test was used for continuous data. An α of 0.05 determined significance. Results One hundred fifty patients were included in the evaluation. Patients were predominately male (96%) and had a diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD; 78%). The combined rate of non-dialysis CKD (ND-CKD) stage 5 and ESRD was similar between lanthanum and sevelamer carbonate groups. Both groups achieved similar phosphorus control (56% vs 65%, with phosphorus level less than or equal to 5.5 mg/dL, respectively; P = .23). Lanthanum prescriptions required significantly fewer tablets per day (4 lanthanum tablets daily vs 7 sevelamer carbonate tablets daily; P < .001). A potential prescription cost savings of approximately $4,500 monthly or $54,000 annually was seen when considering conversion of patients in this study population from sevelamer carbonate to lanthanum therapy, with appreciable savings beginning at sevelamer daily doses of at least 4,800 mg. Conclusions Compared to sevelamer carbonate, lanthanum use was associated with reduced pill burden and lower absolute drug cost while maintaining similar phosphorus control.
Probable Tapentadol-Associated Serotonin Syndrome after Overdose
Authors: Walczyk Heather , Liu Cheuk H. (Michael) , Alafris Antonia , Cohen Henry 
Published: April 2016

Purpose Drug-induced serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition. An Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed search from 1950 to October 2015 revealed one published case report of suspected tapentadol-induced serotonin syndrome. We report a probable case of tapentadol-induced serotonin syndrome after overdose. Case Summary A 48-year-old male was found unresponsive after a witnessed overdose of medications including tapentadol. After administration of naloxone by emergency medical services, the patient became combative and presented with altered mental status. He was managed with physical and pharmacologic restraints in the emergency department. Other medications that could be implicated in the patient's presentation include duloxetine and amitriptyline. It was suspected that the opioid properties of tapentadol were masking the patient's signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. The patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit, remained stable, and was discharged 2 days later. Currently, there is one published case report of suspected tapentadol-induced serotonin syndrome after an overdose. The manufacturer of tapentadol reported no cases of serotonin syndrome during clinical trials, but there have been postmarketing cases reported with co-administration of other serotonergic drugs. Conclusion We report a probable case of tapentadol-induced serotonin syndrome after overdose. Further research is needed to better understand the pharmacology and incidence behind this adverse event.
The impact of the period of sowing and fertilization on morphological characteristics and seed yield of garden poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)
Authors: OGRAJŠEK Simon , KOCJAN AČKO Darja , KASTELEC Damijana 
Published: April 2016

Garden poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is a traditional crop that had already been cultivated in Slovenia in the past for the production of seed and oil. During its re-introduction in present time, numerous agro-technical dilemmas have been raised for the processes from sowing to harvesting and have to be studied in our present growing conditions. On the fields of the Ograjšek farm in Cerklje ob Krki two field experiments in complete randomized design had been sown in 2013 and 2014 to establish the influence of the sowing date and fertilization on morphological properties and crop yield of garden poppy seed of the Austrian variety 'Zeno 2002'. Results have shown that the average yield of seed in both trials (1643 kg/ha) is more than one time higher than the average crop yield recorded globally (700 kg/ha), proving how suitable growing conditions in the area of eastern Dolenjska are for the cultivation of poppy. Analysis of crop yield per plot showed there is no statistically significant interaction between the considered factors. The yield of poppy seed in the spring sowing term was 1742±77 kg/ha and in the autumn sowing was 1545±122 kg/ha. The difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.1845). Recorded yield per plant was higher for the autumn term but that was not transferred to the total crop yield due to poor overwintering and consequentially lower plant density at the time of harvest. Both sowing dates have confirmed that exposure to light and duration of growing period had an important impact on plants height – average height of plants sown in autumn was 139±1 cm, which is more than 60 cm higher than the average height of the plants sown in spring (p = 0.0000). A strong statistical dependence of the yield of seed per capsule on diameter of the capsule was proved (p = 0.0000). It can be concluded that when the capsule diameter increases by 10 mm, the seed yield increases for 2.1 g to 2.3 g with 95 % confidence. Dependence of the average seed yield on the number of lateral shoots per plant also proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.0000). Linear model was used for the comparison of the four lines showed that the lines representing poppy sown in autumn and spring are statistically different for the control and for the ENTEC; the slope was higher for the poppy sown in autumn. These trials have given the first practical advice for production of garden poppy in Slovenia and should be continued for further useful results.
Clifford’s Theorem for graphs
Authors: Coppens Marc 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Let Γ be a metric graph of genus g and let r be an integer with 2 ≤ r ≤ g − 2 such that Γ has a linear system

g

2
r

r

$g_{2r}^r$

. Then Γ has a linear system

g

2

1

$g_{2}^1$

. For algebraic curves this is part of Clifford’s well-known Theorem.
A holographic method for optimisation of laser-based production processes
Authors: Pangovski Krste , Sparkes Martin , O’Neill William 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A digital holographic system is used to image the plume dynamics of a train of picosecond laser pulses interacting with titanium, aluminium, copper and brass. The recorded process dynamics are used to propose two optimisation strategies: first, by observing the time at which the plume fully dissipates and, second, through calculation of the minimum beam displacement required to maximise energy delivery to the sample by avoiding the plume. The proposed approach could further be applied in real industrial process design, allowing laser users to formulate a processing strategy based on process dynamics rather than lengthy post-process evaluation of a sample.
Social Mechanisms of Corruption: Analytical Sociology and Its Applicability to Corruption Research
Authors: Graeff Peter 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
By applying a bribery model, this paper will deal with those constellations of conditions and activities by actors that are capable of explaining corrupt behavior in economic and sociological theory. Some of these explanations reveal the properties of ‘social mechanisms’ in the sense of analytical sociology (AS). Both disciplines suggest and test the mechanisms of corruption. By taking into consideration the link between monitoring and the frequency of corruption, for example, this paper shows that the proposed way of explaining corrupt behavior using AS offers the opportunity to test counteracting mechanisms. A monitoring mechanism which refers to deterrence may lead to less corruption but may also strengthen an already existing bond of trust between corruption partners. Thus, the trust mechanism may counteract the impact of deterrence and pave the way for new corrupt activities.
Neighbourhood Effects: Lost in Transition?
Authors: Friedrichs Jürgen 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The study of neighbourhood effects has become a major domain in urban research since the publication of Wilson’s book The Truly Disadvantaged in 1987. It is estimated that more than 1,800 articles have been published (van Ham et al. 2012). One of the problems well-known from multilevel analysis is that of specifying the context effects linking levels, e.g., conditions on the aggregate level to outcomes at the next lower level, individuals in most cases. Two problems seem insufficiently solved. First., many different context effects have been suggested, such as contagion, role models or discrimination: but it is questionable whether they are all relevant. Second, how exactly can the transition from the macro (e.g., neighbourhood) to the micro (e.g., individual) level be specified? The article addresses both problems by examining the assumptions underlying the effects. Differentiating between causes and outcomes, the diversity of effects is reduced to five types of effects. Mechanisms are defined as specifications of context effects, and for each type a mechanism is specified and the causes are related to the outcomes. Drawing on the results of the analyses, a detailed set of suggestions for future studies of neighbourhood effects that really capture the mechanisms is presented.
Social Mechanisms in Norm-relevant Situations: Explanations for Theft by Finding in High-cost, and Low-cost Situation
Authors: Eifier Stefanie 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
At the centre of this study is the theoretical and empirical analysis of action-formation mechanisms in norm-relevant, situations. Basically two mechanisms are employed, namely action according to a) moral principles and b) the principle of deterrence. Conflicting assumptions concerning the way these mechanisms work are deduced from two theoretical perspectives, the high-cost/low-cost. hypothesis and Situational Action Theory (SAT). While the high-cost/low-cost. hypothesis leads to the assumption that, criminal action is explained by the principle of deterrence in high-cost, situations and, in low-cost, situations, by moral principles, it. follows from SAT that., in high-cost, situations, the principle of deterrence has an effect, only on those persons with weak moral principles, and influences of moral principles are expected in low-cost, situations. Empirical analysis of these hypotheses is conducted with the help of data that, have been collected as part, of a mail survey (n=2383) of a disproportionately layered random sample of residents of an East. German city. Data analyses are carried out. in order to estimate the influences of the theoretically specified predictors simultaneously for high-cost, and low-cost, situations with multiple group comparisons. The study’s results partially support, both theoretical perspectives. They are finally discussed with respect, to theoretical and methodological aspects.
A Methodological Outlook on Causal Identification and Empirical Methods for the Analysis of Social Mechanism
Authors: Becker Dominik 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The debate on empirical tests of social mechanisms suffers from a fragmented view on the relative benefit of the empirical method a researcher considers to be superior, compared to the flaws of all other methods. In this outlook. I argue that disciplinary barriers might be surmounted by a common methodological perspective on the analysis of social mechanisms. First, experimental, quantitative, qualitative, and simulation methods (agent-based modeling) are all required, but also capable to deal with the issue of causal identification, respectively. Second, having established causal identification (among which I subsume strategies to deal with causal heterogeneity). each method disposes of genuine techniques to deal with the most crucial property of mechanism-based explanations: input-mechanism-output (IMO) relations.
Nonlinear laser scanning microscopy of oral multispecies-biofilms: fixative induced fluorescence as a fast and economical in vitro screening method
Authors: Andric Nadine , Ehmke Tobias , Stumpp Nico S. , Ripken Tammo , Heisterkamp Alexander , Stiesch Meike 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In this letter we report a fast and easy method which could be used for initial screening of multispecies-biofilm development on putative new dental implant materials. Most staining methods require numerous washing steps that can result in detachment of loosely bound biofilms and therefore falsify the results. Thus, we used glutaraldehyde fixation, which induces autofluorescence through bacterial membrane protein cross-linking and concurrently stabilizes the biofilm structure. We analyzed the biofilms with nonlinear laser scanning microscopy and were able to (I) evaluate the multispecies-biofilm growth and (II) distinguish between bacterial species based on different two-photon autofluorescence intensities.
The role of the solvent in PMMA gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Vondrák J. , Musil M. , Sedlaříková M. , Kořínek R. , Bartušek K. , Fedorková A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIonic mobility and solvent vapor pressure were studied on gels containing sodium perchlorate, polymethylmethacrylate and sulfolane as a solvent. The excess of solvent increases markedly the mobility of ions and is indicated by solvent evaporation at elevated temperature. The solvent is bonded similarly as in the liquid solution of sodium salt. The heat of solvent evaporation from gels is near to that of pure solvents.
Inheritance of Anthocyanin Coloration Trait in Pericarp of Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Poliakova N.A. , Vedmedeva E.V. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractArticle describes inheritance of pigmentation traits in seed pericarp of cultivated sunflower. Study took into account presence of anthocyanins in seed pericarp as well as throughout the plant. Segregation was analyzed based on anthocyanin coloration in pericarp and hypodermis seed coloration. Nature of inheritance was determined for anthocyanin synthesis in hypodermis as well as gene control for yellow shade coloration in white hypodermis. Two nonallelic genes with complementary type of interaction were confirmed for formation of anthocyanins in achene. Yellow shade of white hypodermis was confirmed to be inherited monogenically dominant in relation to white hypodermis. It was established that presence of anthocyanin pigmentation can mask main hypodermis pigmentation.
Experimental Study on Atomizing and Reaction Performance of Pressure Swirl Nozzles in Ethoxylation Reactor
Authors: Shi Zhongjing , Wang Xuesheng , Chen Qinzhu , Xiong Yuanyuan , Chen Shuo , Meng Xiangyu 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Spray Tower Loop Reactors is one of the most advanced ethoxylation reactors in the world. The special pressure swirl nozzles are the core component and important for production efficiency and product quality. A test rig was established, which was divided into four parts: spray system, laser measurement system, photographic system and flux distribution test system. An experimental study on the atomizing performances was conducted, including discharge coefficient, spray cone angle, spray flux distribution, Sauter mean droplets size and droplets size distribution. According to the measurement data, the correlation of volume flow rate, discharge coefficient, spray cone angle and Sauter mean droplets size versus pressure drop were respectively gained. The spray flow distributions of all measured nozzles are classified as a unimodal、bimodal and trimodal distribution due to the different structure. And the experimental Probability Density Function (PDF) of the droplets size was gained by a split-type spray laser droplets size analyzer and compared with five empirical distributions. The log-hyperbolic distribution has a most agreement with the measured PDF. At same time, reaction performance of the special nozzles was measured in the industrial STLR ethoxylation reactor. It is indicated that Sauter mean diameter determines the number of EO and the width of droplets size distribution determines the width of the molecular weight distributions. The present paper exhibits the measurement way and outcomes of spray characteristics of the nozzles in ethoxylation reaction and it is instructive for the optimization design of SPLT ethoxylation reaction.