bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for VRE colonisation in a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Karki Surendra , Houston Leanne , Land Gillian , Bass Pauline , Kehoe Rosaleen , Borrell Sue , Watson Kerrie , Spelman Denis , Kennon Jacqueline , Harrington Glenys , Cheng Allen C 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundVancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE) has been established as a significant health-care associated problem since its first isolation in Australia in 1994. In this study, we measured the point prevalence and identified risk factors associated withvanBVRE colonisation in a tertiary care hospital in Melbourne, Australia where VRE has been endemic for 15 years.MethodsA hospital-wide point prevalence survey was conducted on October 13, 2008 with colonisation detected using rectal swab culture. Patient’s demographic and medical information was collected through a review of medical records. Factors associated with VRE colonisation in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression model to adjust for confounding.ResultsThe prevalence of VRE colonisation on the day of screening was 17.5% (95% CI, 13.7 to 21.9). VRE was detected from patients in each ward with the prevalence ranging from 3% to 29%. Univariate analysis showed the use of any antibiotic, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, diarrhoea and longer length of hospital stay were associated with increased risk of VRE colonisation (p<0.05). However, age, sex, proximity to VRE positive cases, use of other antibiotics including cephalosporins, vancomycin were not associated with increased risk (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed the exposure to meropenem (p=0.004), age (≥65 years) (p=0.036) and length of stay ≥7 days (p<0.001) as independent predictors of VRE colonisation.ConclusionOur study suggests that exposure to antibiotics may have been more important than recent cross transmission for a high prevalence ofvanBVRE colonisation at our hospital.
Designing Guest Flow and Operations Logistics for the Dolphin Tales
Authors: Lee Eva K. , Chen Chien-Hung , Brown Niquelle , Handy Joseph , Desiderio Alex , Lopez Ruth , Davis Brian 
Published: October 2012

To prepare for its new Dolphin Tales exhibit, Georgia Aquarium partnered with Georgia Institute of Technology to design the exhibit's guest movement with the goal of enhancing the guest experience while limiting congestion. The result was the development and application of the RealOpt-ABM© simulation decision support system for complex modeling and optimization. This work advanced the knowledge frontier in analytical methods in three ways. First, we developed a powerful heuristic algorithm for finding good feasible solutions for intractable nonlinear mixed-integer program resource allocation instances. Second, we integrated simulation and optimization technology into a unified software framework for realistic modeling of large-scale applications with human cognitive and behavioral elements; the software assists in optimizing overall operational dynamics. Third, we developed software for automatically interpreting computer-rendered drawings of processes and tasks into system process maps for simulation and optimization; as advanced visualization becomes more common, automatic translation from mouse clicks and keystrokes to an analytic workflow model serves as an important facilitator in human-computer interfaces. The system provided recommendations that were implemented for strategic and operational planning of the exhibit. These recommendations resulted in reduced congestion, enhanced guest experience, lower operating costs, improved wellness of the dolphins, and better performance in operational logistics, efficiency, and show schedules. The total dollar value of improvements from using the decision support system in reducing the number of shows by one show per week was estimated to be at least $1.5 million per year.
Picking Apples: Can Multi-Attribute Ecolabels Compete?
Authors: Durham Catherine A. , Roheim Cathy A. , Pardoe Iain 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Global food markets in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere, are experiencing a rapid growth in the number of private party and government environmental labeling programs. Most current ecolabels are defined by standards related to multiple environmental practices. This study presents an analysis of consumers’ choice of food products, in this case apples with or without ecolabels, where the ecolabels present varying combinations of farm practices with implications for environmental quality. These practices include: whether or not standards are met specific to on-farm pest management; presence of stream or groundwater quality protection; presence of on-farm wildlife habitat provision; and which certifier provides the guarantee. Factors influencing consumer preferences for ecolabel attributes are evaluated as a choice-based conjoint analysis. To empirically test the effect of heterogeneity of consumers on preferences for ecolabel attributes, surveys were conducted in a stratified sample in three regions (Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rhode Island) with a focus on sampling across shoppers at different types of markets including conventional supermarkets, farmers markets, natural food stores and food co-ops. Results show that preferences for ecolabels are most strongly driven by type of pesticide usage, in particular for non-synthetic pesticides which were identified with organic production. With an appropriate price premium, ecolabels with an alternative pest management practice and other environmental practices were preferred to conventionally produced apples. These results varied according to age and gender of respondents, and type of store at which respondents shopped.
Polymorphic mononuclear neutrophils CD64 index for diagnosis of sepsis in postoperative surgical patients and critically ill patients
Authors: Gerrits Jeroen H. , McLaughlin Pamela M.J. , Nienhuis Bert N. , Smit Jan W. , Loef Bert 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background: Surface neutrophil CD64 expression is upregulated in patients with bacterial infection. As it was suggested that the CD64 index could be used to detect sepsis in hospitalized patients, we questioned whether the CD64 index could discriminate between septic patients and postoperative surgical patients, defined as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), both admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU). Furthermore, we wondered whether the CD64 index was an improved diagnostic compared to standard assays used at the laboratory. For this, outclinic (OC) patients were included as controls.

Methods: The Leuko64™ assay was used to determine the CD64 index in residual EDTA blood samples from selected septic patients (n=25), SIRS patients (n=19), and OC patients (n=24). Additionally, WBC count, neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured simultaneously.

Results: The CD64 index was higher in septic patients compared to both the SIRS and OC group (p<0.0001). In addition, the WBC count, neutrophil count, ESR and CRP were also higher in septic patients than the OC group (p<0.0001). However, only the WBC count, eosinopenia, and ESR were comparable between the SIRS and the sepsis group and proved to be discriminative to the OC group (p<0.05). The CD64 index demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity than CRP, WBC count, neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocyte count, and ESR.

Conclusions: A high CD64 index was found in septic intensive care patients, while a low CD64 index was observed in OC and SIRS patients, demonstrating that the CD64 index can be used for routine diagnostics in the ICU setting.
Exploratory study on fatigue behaviour of laterally loaded, nailed timber joints, based on a dissipated energy criterion
Authors: Li Ling , Gong Meng , Smith Ian , Li Dagang 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Exploration of damage accumulation and reliable prediction of the fatigue lives of laterally loaded, nailed timber joints, are important to proper engineering design of wood structural systems subjected to earthquakes, cyclones/hurricanes or other loads causing fluctuating force flows in such joints. Failure of nailed timber joints typically involves the combination of yielding at plastic hinges in nail and/or the crushing of wood under nails. Force-based criteria can predict the static strength of such joints but cannot reliably predict fatigue behaviour because that depends on loading history and the dissipation of energy within plastic nail hinges and/or crushed wood. In this study, the failure modes, damage accumulation and fatigue life of nailed timber joints subjected to reversed cyclic loads under load-control condition were studied. The results showed that there are two failure modes of nailed timber joints, i.e., ductile failure of nails when the applied load level was higher than 85% of the static maximum load to failure (P

max
) and brittle failure when the applied load level was <85% of P

max
. The damage accumulation involved three phases, i.e., damage initiation, damage propagation and failure. Fatigue life of nailed joints under reversed cyclic loads was modelled by an energy criterion that separated dissipated energy into non-damaging and damaging components demarcated by the fatigue limit. This approach replicated the behaviour of nailed joints tested at 20 load levels of fully reversed repetitive cyclic loading.
Heartwood detection for Scotch pine by fluorescence image analysis
Authors: Antikainen Jukka , Hirvonen Tapani , Kinnunen Jussi , Hauta-Kasari Markku 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Heartwood detection for Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is possible via several different methods, such as X-ray and infrared cameras. X-ray systems are often very expensive and need huge modifications of sawmill equipment for implementation. Infrared cameras are more affordable but can only be applied for fresh samples with high water content. This article describes a novel imaging method for heartwood detection for Scotch pine, which is based on the fluorescence information emitted of pinosylvin type stilbene and its monomethyl ether. Fluorescence imaging is a low-cost method for measuring heartwood content in real time on an industrial line. The method is applicable for fresh and dried samples. This paper will show the results of fluorescence matrices of Scotch pine. Measurements were made with a bispectrometer system to obtain suitable wavelengths for the excitation and detection of fluorescence. A reliable measuring system is described, which is suited for on-line measurements on an industrial line. An algorithm will also be presented, which is useful for quantification of heartwood and sapwood.
Characteristics of prehydrolysis-kraft pulp fibers from Scots pine
Authors: Saukkonen Esa , Kautto Jesse , Rauvanto Irina , Backfolk Kaj 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
To clarify the influence of prehydrolysis on fiber characteristics, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood chips were subjected to pressurized hot-water and dilute-acid prehydrolysis (0.5% H2SO4) prior to kraft pulping to partially remove hemicelluloses as hydrolyzate. After the prehydrolysis, the wood chips were submitted to kraft pulping and the pulp was fully bleached in oxygen (O), chlorine dioxide (D), alkaline extraction (E) and chlorine dioxide (D)-sequence. Measurements with an automated optical fiber analyzer showed that prehydrolysis prior to kraft pulping caused significant changes in the fiber dimensions and morphology of the final bleached pulp. Especially, a decrease in fiber width and an increase in fiber deformations were observed compared to a reference kraft pulp. The scanning electron microscopy of handsheets supported the morphology analyses and revealed alterations also in the fiber ultrastructure. The changes in both chemical and physical fiber characteristics require attention when considering the correct processing and end-use of prehydrolysis-kraft pulp fibers.
Development of soy-based adhesives for the manufacture of wood composite products
Authors: He Guangbo , Feng Martin , Dai Chunping 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Soy-based resins have recently attracted great attention as adhesives in the wood composite industry. This article is focusing on hydrolysis and modification of soy protein concentrates to formulate soy-based resins for wood composites. The soy-based resins have been evaluated in terms of bondability on wood substrates and bonding performance in plywood products. The performance of plywood was found to meet the relevant CSA standard (Canadian Standard Association) requirements under both of dry and wet conditions, if the soy-based resins were obtained from low hydrolyzed soy flour. Hydrolysis is an effective and efficient tool for reducing the viscosity of soy resins. However, hydrolysis also reduces the bond strength of soy-based resins as hydrolysis cleaves the macromolecules of soy proteins into smaller molecules. Modified soy-based resins have a certain potential for production of interior- and exterior-used plywood.
Young’s and shear moduli of glued laminated timber composed of different species obtained by a flexural vibration test
Authors: Kubojima Yoshitaka , Tonosaki Mario 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The applicability of the flexural vibration test to determine the elastic constants of glued laminated timber (GLT) composed of five wood species (ash, Fraxinus spaethiana Lingelsh.; balsa, Ochroma pyramidale Urban.; Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don; Japanese red pine, Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.; Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis Carr.) has been investigated. GLT models were prepared from four laminae with dimensions of 30 (R)×5 (T)×300 (L) mm3. The suitability of Japanese cedar for inner layers in GLTs was tested by flexural vibration test to determine the elastic constants of the laminae and the glued laminated timber. The Young’s and shear moduli were calculated by the Goens-Hearmon regression method based on the Timoshenko theory of bending (TGH method), and the results were compared with the estimated values based on the Young’s and shear moduli measured individually of each lamina. The simple lamination theory was found to be applicable for Young’s modulus but not to shear modulus. The result obtained based on the lamination theory from the shear strain energy was similar to that obtained by the TGH method.
Testosterone replacement in normal and pathologic prostate
Authors: Khera Mohit 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) market has grown rapidly over the past 5 years. Exogenous testosterone in various forms is now the fastest-growing medication prescribed in the USA. From 2005 to 2009, spending on testosterone jumped 115.5%, and the number of prescriptions filled increased 64.5%. One of the main reasons for this rapid growth in the TRT market is decreased concern that TRT can lead to prostate cancer. Other reasons are decreased concerns that testosterone can lead to worsening of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. In fact, recent studies suggest that TRT may improve BPH symptoms. Although there have been marked increases in the treatment of low testosterone, lingering concerns about prostate cancer have hindered progress. There are many theories, such as the prostate saturation theory, that may help us understand why testosterone may be safely administered in men with hypogonadism with normal and pathologic prostatic disease.
Well-posedness of the Cauchy problem to a nonlinear magnetoelastic system in 1-D periodic media
Authors: Neves Wladimir , Priimenko Viatcheslav , Vishnevskii Mikhail 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.
There is studied well-posedness of the Cauchy problem on torus to a magnetoelastic system. The mathematical model consists of three coupled partial differential equations. One of them is a hyperbolic equation describing the elastic medium and the other two equations form a parabolic system originated from diffusion Maxwell's equations. Experimental measurements suggest that the elastic medium has a periodic structure, moreover with finite number of discontinuities on the fundamental domain. Thus we have studied in this paper the problem which we have defined as periodically Cauchy diffraction problem. The basic result is to prove existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions of the formulated problem.
Studies on biosorption of Cr(VI) on a green resin: dry cow dung powder and tracer technique
Authors: Barot Nisha S. , Bagla Hemlata K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe present investigation entails the application of dry cow dung powder (DCP) as an indigenous, inexpensive and eco-friendly material for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous medium. Batch biosorption experiments were conducted employing51Cr(VI) as a tracer and the effect of various process parameters such as optimum pH, temperature, amount of resin, time of equilibration, agitation speed, concentration of metal ions and interfering effect of different saltsetc.were studied. The kinetic studies were carried out employing various models but the best fitting was given by Lagergren Pseudo-second order model with high correlation coefficientR2value of 0.997 and adsorption capacity of 10.20 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters for biosorption were evaluated as ΔGº = −2.837 kJ/mol, ΔHº = −4.757 kJ/mol and ΔSº = 16.64 J/mol K, which indicated spontaneous and exothermic process with high affinity of DCP for Cr(VI). Many naturally available materials are used for the biosorption of heavy metal pollutants, where most of them are physically or chemically modified. In this research work, DCP has been utilized without any pre or post chemical treatment. Thus it manifests the principle of green chemistry and proves to be an eco-friendly resin.
Radiochemical analysis of concrete samples from accelerator waste
Authors: Schumann Dorothea , Kiselev Daniela , Teichmann Sabine , Synal Hans-Arno , Kubik Peter 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
For the decommissioning and disposal of shielding concrete from accelerator facilities, the Swiss Authorities require information on the radionuclide inventory. Besides the easy-to-measure γ-emitters 152Eu, 60Co, 44Sc, 133Ba, 154Eu, 134Cs, 144Ce, 22Na, also long-lived radionuclides emitting α- or β-radiation like 129I, 10Be, 36Cl, 239/240Pu and 238U have to be studied in order to obtain an overview to which extent they are produced and whether they represent a safety issue. In this study, we present the chemical separation and determination of selected radionuclides in shielding concrete from two different positions in the accelerator facilities at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the BX2 station, which was shut down in 1998, and the environment of the target M station, where the samples were taken in 1985 during reconstruction. The results of the measurements show that in no case the radionuclide content represents a safety risk. The components can be decommissioned corresponding to the Swiss safety regulations.
41K(n,γ)42K thermal and resonance integral cross section measurements
Authors: Ferreira Jr. Felisberto A. , Maidana Nora L. , Vanin Vito R. , Dias Mauro S. , Koskinas Marina F. , López-Pino Neivy 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe measured the41K thermal neutron absorption and resonance integral cross sections after the irradiation of KNO3samples near the core of the IEA-R1 IPEN pool-type research reactor. Bare and cadmium-covered targets were irradiated in pairs with Au-Al alloy flux-monitors. The residual activities were measured by gamma-ray spectroscopy with a HPGe detector, with special care to avoid the42K decayβ-emission effects on the spectra. The gamma-ray self-absorption was corrected with the help of MCNP simulations. We applied the Westcott formalism in the average neutron flux determination and calculated the depression coefficients for thermal and epithermal neutrons due to the sample thickness with analytical approximations. We obtained 1.57(4) b and 1.02(4) b, for thermal and resonance integral cross sections, respectively, with correlation coefficient equal to 0.39.
Transient precursor amorphous phases in biomineralization.In the footsteps of Heinz A. Lowenstam
Authors: Addadi Lia , Vidavsky Netta , Weiner Stephen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHeinz A. Lowenstam’s discovery in 1967, together with Ken Towe that the magnetite mineral in mature chiton teeth forms from a disordered transient precursor phase, ferrihydrite, remained an isolated curiosity for 30 years. During the last 15 years, many more examples were found in both invertebrates and vertebrates, where the mature crystalline mineral phase is formed through a transient amorphous precursor phase. Here we review this widespread phenomenon, and also describe the details of the transformation process in the formation of the calcitic spicules of the sea urchin larva. We identify many open questions.
Lead Underpotential Deposition on Pt-submonolayer Modified Au(111)
Authors: Yuan Qiuyi , Tripathi Ashish , Slavkovic Milan , Brankovic Stanko R. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Lead underpotential deposition on Au(111) surface modified with submonolayer of Pt is studied using cyclic voltammetry and in situ scanning tunneling microscopy methods. The two-dimensional Pt submonolayers (nanoclusters) on Au(111) were obtained by spontaneous Pt deposition on Au(111) from × 103 M {PtCl6}2− + 0.1 M HClO4 solution. The in situ scanning tunneling microscopy data were analyzed using statistical image processing algorithm which enabled quantification of the morphology change on Pt-modified Au(111) surface as a function of applied underpotential. The results suggest that Pb underpotential deposition starts on Au steps and other surface defects, similar to Pb underpotential deposition on Au(111). The further process proceeds by Pb monolayer nucleation and growth on Au terraces into a complete layer. In parallel, the Pb monolayer starts to nucleate on top of the Pt nanoclusters. The final stage of the Pb underpotential deposition is formation of the compact Pb nanoclusters/layer on top of the pre-existing Pt nanoclusters. The scanning tunneling microscopy data suggests that morphology of underpotentially deposited Pb monolayer on Pt-modified Au(111) is similar to the starting surface in terms of the areal density of nanoclusters, their size and shape. The morphological changes of the Pt modified Au(111) surface during Pb underpotential deposition are correlated with cyclic voltammetry results.
Nitrate Reduction on Platinum (111) Surfaces Modifiedl with Bi: Single Crystalsl and Nanoparticles
Authors: Figueiredo Marta C. , Vidal-Iglesias Francisco , Solla-Gullón José , Climent Víctor , Feliu Juan M. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Nitrate reduction on well-oriented platinum surfaces modified with Bi adatoms has been studied. The quantification of the electrocatalytic enhancement of the reaction rate due to the presence of Bi at different coverages was made on Pt(111) and the vicinal surfaces Pt(554) and Pt(332). These contain 9 and 5 atoms-width (111) terraces, respectively, separated by (110) monoatomic steps. The study was then extended to preferentially {111}Pt oriented nanoparticles. In all cases, Bi catalyzes nitrate reduction at high potentials, but the catalytic current suddenly drops when Bi is reduced. The analysis of the variation of catalytic activity with Bi coverage reveals the participation of a third body effect, meaning that Bi impedes the NO formation on the surface that acts as a poison for the nitrate reduction.

The poisoning effect was also quantified by measuring the stripping of adsorbed NO spontaneously formed by contacting, with nitrate solutions, electrodes with different Bi coverage. The results of both single crystals and preferentially oriented nanoparticles agree with the supposed third body effect.

The comparison of Pt nanoparticles with the stepped surfaces, Pt(554) and Pt(332), suggests that the main differences are related to the size of the terraces and not to the existence of defects/steps that do not seem to play any significant contribution to the catalysis.