bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of seasonal snow on the growing season of temperate vegetation in China
Authors: Yu Zhen , Liu Shirong , Wang Jingxin , Sun Pengsen , Liu Weiguo , Hartley Damon S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVariations in seasonal snowfall regulate regional and global climatic systems and vegetation growth by changing energy budgets of the lower atmosphere and land surface. We investigated the effects of snow on the start of growing season (SGS) of temperate vegetation in China. Across the entire temperate region in China, the winter snow depth increased at a rate of 0.15 cm yr−1 (P = 0.07) during the period 1982–1998, and decreased at a rate of 0.36 cm yr−1 (P = 0.09) during the period 1998–2005. Correspondingly, the SGS advanced at a rate of 0.68 day yr−1 (P < 0.01) during 1982–1998, and delayed at a rate of 2.13 day yr−1 (P = 0.07) during 1998–2005, against a warming trend throughout the entire study period of 1982–2005. Spring air temperature strongly regulated the SGS of both deciduous broad‐leaf and coniferous forests, whereas the winter snow had a greater impact on the SGS of grassland and shrubs. Snow depth variation combined with air temperature contributed to the variability in the SGS of grassland and shrubs, as snow acted as an insulator and modulated the underground thermal conditions. In addition, differences were seen between the impacts of winter snow depth and spring snow depth on the SGS; as snow depths increased, the effect associated went from delaying SGS to advancing SGS. The observed thresholds for these effects were snow depths of 6.8 cm (winter) and 4.0 cm (spring). The results of this study suggest that the response of the vegetation's SGS to seasonal snow change may be attributed to the coupling effects of air temperature and snow depth associated with the underground thermal conditions.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese
Authors: Osuga Yoko , Okamura Kikuo , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi 
Published: March 2013

AimsTo estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Japanese people, and the relationships to aging and sex, we carried out the present population‐based study.MethodsThe present study included 1198 men aged 60.7 ± 12.5 years and 1218 women aged 60.8 ± 12.7 years who participated in a study of aging carried out at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology between 2006 and 2008, using linguistically validated versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short‐form (ICIQ‐SF).ResultsThe prevalence of I‐PSS ≥8 was 25.2% in men and 11.8% in women, that of two or more a week urinary incontinence was 3.3% and 6.6%, respectively, and that of I‐PSS ≥8 and/or two or more a week urinary incontinence was 25.8% and 16.0%, respectively. The prevalence of the seven symptoms in I‐PSS increased with aging. Just 9.1% of men and 4.6% of women who reported LUTS were medicated for LUTS.ConclusionsThe results showed that the severity of LUTS in Japan was related to aging. The prevalence of LUTS with I‐PSS ≥8 in Japan is similar to that in other countries. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1010–1017.
Preferences for a third‐trimester ultrasound scan in a low‐risk obstetric population: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Lynn Fiona A. , Crealey Grainne E. , Alderdice Fiona A. , McElnay James C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveEstablish maternal preferences for a third‐trimester ultrasound scan in a healthy, low‐risk pregnant population.DesignCross‐sectional study incorporating a discrete choice experiment.SettingA large, urban maternity hospital in Northern Ireland.ParticipantsOne hundred and forty‐six women in their second trimester of pregnancy.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was designed to elicit preferences for four attributes of a third‐trimester ultrasound scan: health‐care professional conducting the scan, detection rate for abnormal foetal growth, provision of non‐medical information, cost. Additional data collected included age, marital status, socio‐economic status, obstetric history, pregnancy‐specific stress levels, perceived health and whether pregnancy was planned. Analysis was undertaken using a mixed logit model with interaction effects.Main outcome measuresWomen's preferences for, and trade‐offs between, the attributes of a hypothetical scan and indirect willingness‐to‐pay estimates.ResultsWomen had significant positive preference for higher rate of detection, lower cost and provision of non‐medical information, with no significant value placed on scan operator. Interaction effects revealed subgroups that valued the scan most: women experiencing their first pregnancy, women reporting higher levels of stress, an adverse obstetric history and older women.ConclusionsWomen were able to trade on aspects of care and place relative importance on clinical, non‐clinical outcomes and processes of service delivery, thus highlighting the potential of using health utilities in the development of services from a clinical, economic and social perspective. Specifically, maternal preferences exhibited provide valuable information for designing a randomized trial of effectiveness and insight for clinical and policy decision makers to inform woman‐centred care.
A new approach for measuring the work and quality of histopathology reporting
Authors: Sharma Vijay , Davey Jonathan G N , Humphreys Catherine , Johnston Peter W 
Published: March 2013

AimsCancer datasets drive report quality, but require more work to inform compliant reports. The aim of this study was to correlate the number of words with measures of quality, to examine the impact of the drive for improved quality on the workload of histopathology reporting over time.Methods and resultsWe examined the first 10 reports of colon, breast, renal, lung and ovarian carcinoma, melanoma resection, nodal lymphoma appendicitis and seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) issued in 1991, 2001 and 2011. Correlations were analysed using Pearson's partial correlation coefficients. Word count increased significantly over time for most specimen types examined. Word count almost always correlated with units of information, indicating that the word count was a good measure of the amount of information contained within the reports; this correlation was preserved following correction for the effect of time. A good correlation with compliance with cancer datasets was also observed, but was weakened or lost following correction for the increase in word count and units of information that occurred between time points.ConclusionsThese data indicate that word count could potentially be used as a measure of information content if its integrity and usefulness are continuously validated. Further prospective studies are required to assess and validate this approach.
The clinical relevance of micropapillary carcinoma of the breast: a case–control study
Authors: Vingiani Andrea , Maisonneuve Patrick , Dell'Orto Patrizia , Farante Gabriel , Rotmensz Nicole , Lissidini Germana , Del Castillo Andres , Renne Giuseppe , Luini Alberto , Colleoni Marco , Viale Giuseppe , Pruneri Giancarlo 
Published: March 2013

AimsTo ascertain the prognostic relevance of micropapillary carcinoma, a specific type of breast tumour.Methods and resultsWe interrogated the clinical records of a series of 49 pure micropapillary carcinoma patients and 13 487 invasive ductal carcinoma patients, diagnosed and treated consecutively in our institution over a 9‐year time‐frame. Compared with invasive ductal carcinoma, patients with micropapillary carcinoma more frequently had moderately differentiated tumours (P = 0.02) with extensive peritumoral vascular invasion (P < 0.0001), associated with a significantly higher rate of axillary lymph node involvement (P < 0.0001). Survival data obtained by comparing 49 micropapillary carcinoma patients with a set of 98 invasive ductal carcinoma patients matched for age, tumour size and grade, peritumoral vascular invasion, immunohistochemically defined molecular subtype, number of positive lymph nodes and year of surgery showed that the micropapillary histotype did not add any independent information to the risk of locoregional (P = 0.48) or distant (P = 0.79) relapse, or overall survival (P = 0.60).ConclusionsOur data reinforce the notion that micropapillary carcinoma usually arises as a locally advanced disease, and provide evidence that micropapillary histology does not add any additional information on clinical outcome independent of clinicopathological characteristics such as lymph node status and immunohistochemically defined molecular subtype.
Freedom as Going Off Script
Authors: Benson Jennifer 
Published: March 2013

In this manuscript I explore an example of an over‐privileged white woman who encounters two young Black men in a parking garage stairwell. Two related axioms are central to the oppressive script that lies before these subjects: the hetero‐patriarchal axiom that women are not safe alone at night and the racist axiom that Black men, especially young ones, are dangerous. These axioms are intended to ensure a practical conclusion—white women and Black men are supposed to avoid each other—thereby conferring legitimacy on the white male, hetero‐patriarchal order. If this is a performance of oppression, we must ask, what is the performance of freedom?Freedom, I argue, is the practice of allowing and encouraging a subject's multiple selves to interact so that one may devise and pursue courses of action that have been strategically hidden by systems of domination designed to cultivate pliant agency. My project augments accounts of multiplicitous subjectivity wherein our multiple social worlds socially constitute persons as both oppressor and oppressed, empowered and pliant. The practice of freedom conceived here acknowledges multiplicity while positioning us to seek feminist and antiracist futures that are not configured by oppression.
Mental health nurses in primary care: Qualitative outcomes of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program
Authors: Lakeman Richard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) is a government‐funded programme, which, since 2007, has enabled mental health nurses to work in primary care settings in Australia in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs) or private psychiatrists. To date, small‐scale qualitative studies have explored outcomes of the programme from the point of view of nurses, consumers, and the perceptions of GPs. This study reports on an on‐line survey of credentialed mental health nurses perceptions of outcomes of the MHNIP. Two hundred and twenty five nurses who worked in MHNIP provided detailed narrative responses that were examined using thematic content analysis. The most commonly‐cited outcomes were reductions in symptoms or improved coping, improved relationships, and enhanced community participation. Other reported outcomes included reduced hospitalization or use of state‐funded mental health services, better use of health services, the continuation or establishment of meaningful occupation, improved physical health and medication management, less use of coercive interventions, and greater independence.
Allergic contact dermatitis to indium in jewellery: diagnosis made possible through the use of the Contact Allergen Bank Australia
Authors: Gamboni Sarah E , Simmons Ivan , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary L 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report a case of a 39‐year‐old woman from Adelaide who developed allergic contact dermatitis to the rare allergen indium in her ring. The allergen was sourced for patch testing using the Contact Allergen Bank Australia (CABA), based at the Skin and Cancer Foundation in Melbourne, and posted to Adelaide. This case illustrates the usefulness of CABA in facilitating patch testing throughout Australia, especially when rare allergens are involved.
Maternal–foetal attachment during early pregnancy in Taiwanese women pregnant by in vitro fertilization
Authors: Kuo Pi‐Chao , Bowers Beverly , Chen Yueh‐Chih , Chen Chung‐Hey , Tzeng Ya‐Ling , Lee Maw‐Sheng 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate maternal–foetal attachment at 9, 12 and 20 weeks gestation and to identify factors that influenced maternal–foetal attachment in Taiwanese women who conceived by in vitro fertilization.BackgroundDevelopment of maternal–foetal attachment is an important part of taking on the maternal role. However, evidence about maternal–foetal attachment after assisted conception is inconclusive.DesignA longitudinal design with repeated measures.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal design with repeated measures was used. Over an 18‐month period in 2006–2008, a convenience sample of 160 women who conceived after undergoing successful in vitro fertilization were recruited from a major infertility care centre in Taiwan. Data were collected by self‐reported measures, including: (1) Maternal–Foetal Attachment Scale; (2) Symptoms Checklist; (3) Pregnancy‐related Anxiety Scale; (4) Social Support Apgar; (5) Chinese childbearing attitude Questionnaire; and (6) Awareness of Foetus Scale. The selected instruments to measure each variable were administered to participants at 9, 12 and 20 weeks gestation.ResultsMaternal–foetal attachment increased as pregnancy progressed from 9 to 20 weeks gestation. General linear mixed model showed predictors of maternal–foetal attachment included Chinese childbearing attitude, awareness of the foetus, and social support.ConclusionHealth provider awareness of cultural influences on the development of early maternal–foetal attachment of women pregnant by in vitro fertilization is needed. Prenatal education in early pregnancy might incorporate more information about foetal development to allow the mother to visualize her unborn child. Providing social support for women who were conceived by in vitro fertilization is beneficial to the development of maternal–foetal attachment.
Developing a diagnosis system of work‐related capabilities for students: A computer‐assisted assessment
Authors: Liao C.H. , Yang M.H. , Yang B.C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA gap exists between students' employment needs and higher education offerings. Thus, developing the capability to meet the learning needs of students in supporting their future aspirations should be facilitated. To bridge this gap in practice, this study uses multiple methods (i.e., nominal group technique and instructional systems development) and robust tests (e.g., reliability and validity) to develop a diagnosis system of work‐related capabilities. The research participants are twofold. At the early stage, this study invites three professors and three senior Human Resources managers to join the panel and help this study develop required capabilities. At the design and implementation stages, the research participants are freshman students at a famous university in Taiwan. This system enables college students to evaluate their capability scores by comparing themselves with the performances of prior students. The diagnosis results not only help students make learning plans during their university education, but also assist educators in adjusting the structure of the curriculum. Future studies are invited to use or adapt the assessment of work‐related capabilities, as well as proposed system procedure and architecture this study developed.
Immunopathological characteristics of patients with bullous pemphigoid and neurological disease
Authors: Taghipour K. , Chi C.‐C. , Bhogal B. , Groves R.W. , Venning V. , Wojnarowska F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between bullous pemphigoid (BP) and neurological disease has been the subject of numerous recent studies and BP antigens and their isoforms have been identified in the central nervous system (CNS). Whilst epidemiological data support this association, little is known about the pathomechanism behind this link and the immunological characteristics of patients with BP and neurological disease, other than multiple sclerosis (MS), has not been studied.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the cutaneous immune response in BP patients with and without neurological disease, to investigate whether or not there is a distinctive immunopathological profile in patients with concomitant BP and neurological disease.MethodsSeventy‐two patients with BP were included and divided into two groups; those with neurological disease (BP+N, n = 43) and those without (BP−N, n = 29). Patients in BP+N group had a confirmed neurological disease by a hospital physician, neurologist or psychiatrist with positive neurological imaging where appropriate, or a Karnofsky score of 50 or less due to mental impairment. All sera were analysed with indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using serial dilutions up to 1:120000, immunoblotting (IB) and Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for BP180 and BP230.ResultsMedian antibody titres by IIF were 1:1600 vs. 1:800 for BP−N and BP+N, respectively, although the difference did not reach statistic significance (P = 0.93, Mann–Whitney U‐test). ELISA values for both BP180 and BP230 did not differ significantly between the two groups. Similarly, autoantibodies to specific antigens as identified by ELISA and IB were not related to the presence of neurological disease.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that patients with BP and neurological disease exhibit an immune response to both BP180 and BP230, thus the link between the CNS and the skin is not dependent on a specific antigen, but possibly both antigens or their isoforms may be exposed following a neurological insult, and play a role in generation of an immune response.
Effects of a 12 week self‐managed stretching program among Korean–Chinese female migrant workers in Korea: A randomized trial
Authors: Lee Hyeonkyeong , Chae Duckhee , Wilbur JoEllen , Miller Arlene , Lee Kyongeun , Jin Hwaeun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12 week, self‐managed, community‐based stretching program on musculoskeletal fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress, in Korean–Chinese female migrant workers in Korea.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with random assignment of eligible full‐time Korean–Chinese female migrant workers to a stretching exercise intervention (n = 40) or an enhanced stretching exercise intervention (n = 40) condition. Both conditions received a 6 min stretching exercise program that included an orientation and three work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) educational classes. Between educational classes, the enhanced stretching exercise condition also received mobile phone text messaging and telephone counseling to increase self‐efficacy (confidence in overcoming barriers) and provide social support. Flexibility, muscle strength, musculoskeletal symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.ResultsSignificant increase in flexibility was noted for both conditions, but acculturative stress was significantly reduced only in the standard intervention condition. Muscle strength and WMSD symptoms had no significant changes at the 12 week follow up in both conditions.ConclusionThe 12 week, self‐managed, community‐based, stretching exercise program was effective to increase flexibility. The standard stretching intervention without any enhancements may be a more cost‐effective way to increase flexibility. Longitudinal studies, however, are needed to see if the long‐term effects are greater in the enhanced intervention for the migrant worker population.
Knowledge, health‐promoting behaviors, and biological risks of recurrent stroke among stroke patients in Korea
Authors: Lee Hei Ryun , Ham Ok Kyung , Lee Young Whee , Cho Insook , Oh Hyun Soo , Rha Joung‐Ho 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe study was undertaken to explore stroke knowledge, health‐promoting behaviors, and predictors for biological risk profiles of stroke recurrence among stroke patients in Korea.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional descriptive study. Seventy‐five stroke patients were recruited from a university medical center. Stroke knowledge, physical functioning, health‐promoting life profile (HPLP), and five biological risk factors for stroke recurrence (i.e. systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and body mass index) were measured.ResultsThe results indicated that 70.0% of the patients selected correct answers in most of the knowledge questions. The mean score for HPLP was 3.08 ± 0.45 (range, 1–4). Twenty‐seven percent of patients had their five biological risk factors under control. Education level of 9 years or less and duration of stroke diagnosis within a year were predictors for biological risk profiles of stroke recurrence (F = 6.94, P < 0.01).ConclusionStroke patients exhibited appropriate stroke knowledge and performed moderate to high levels of health‐promoting behaviors. However, 73.2% of patients had uncontrolled risk factor(s) in one or more of the five biological risk factors for stroke recurrence. Nurses should be aware that stroke patients seeking treatments from clinics and hospitals are still at risk of stroke recurrence.
A QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE UNCERTAINTY IN INTERPRETING FORMATION PRESSURES FOR RESERVOIR AND BASIN PRESSURE SYSTEM ANALYSIS
Authors: Hortle A. , Otto C. , Underschultz J. 
Published: March 2013

Downhole formation pressure data can be difficult to obtain and the quality of the data produced varies significantly with age, tool type and geology. Furthermore, even if a new well is characterised effectively and high quality data obtained, the radius of investigation is small compared to the size of the area typically being assessed. Nevertheless, understanding the subsurface formation pressure system is a prerequisite for any basin or reservoir evaluation during exploration, appraisal and production. It requires integrating pressure and subsurface data from spatially disparate wells, and requires direct, quantitative comparison of historical and contemporary data‐sets. This comparison needs to be objective, repeatable and robust.This paper describes a qualitative system for systematically and objectively comparing all types of formation pressure measurements to provide a basis for a qualitative interpretation of the subsurface formation pressure system. The application of the system consists of a set of questions designed to assess the quality and quantity of formation pressure data available from information in the well completion report. Each question defines quantitative limits for key pressure test parameters that determine the quality class of the formation pressure of that test. The questions require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, and the cumulative set of answers results in a code that reflects the overall quality of the data. The resulting set of codes can be used directly or can be further subdivided into a set of five reliability classes.The system does not assess the accuracy of an individual pressure test, but provides a context for meaningful comparisons to be made of formation pressure data acquired under spatially and temporally disparate conditions. This allows for an interpretation of the data to be made that accounts for the variable reliability of individual data points. The system is generic and can be applied to any basin, onshore or offshore. It is suitable for field‐scale studies up to basin‐scale studies and can be applied to producing or non‐producing data. This paper outlines the underlying principles and the methodology required to apply the quality code system. It includes examples of how application of both the quality codes and the reliability classes can simplify the interpretation of a scattered data‐set and provide tools to effectively communicate the results.