bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Simulation of Polymer–Nanoparticle Composites
Authors: Terao Takamichi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The structural formation of polymer–nanoparticle composites (PNC), which are also called polymer spherical brushes, is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. Based on an osmotic model, the solid–liquid transition of PNC systems due to the steric effect between PNCs is studied by employing the Lindemann criterion and the Hansen–Verlet criterion. The phase diagram of PNC systems is also clarified by the free-energy analysis of the system. These results indicate the existence of PNC crystals with sufficiently high density and the large number of polymer chains per each particle.
Formation of Nanocrystals of a Zinc Pillared-layer Porous Coordination Polymer Using Microwave-assisted Coordination Modulation
Authors: Sakata Yoko , Furukawa Shuhei , Kim Chiwon , Kitagawa Susumu 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Nanocrystals of three-dimensional pillared-layer type porous coordination polymers, [Zn2(ndc)2(dabco)]n, were fabricated by microwave-assisted coordination modulation, and its morphology was controlled by changing the modulator concentration. Adsorption measurement supported that the crystallinity and intrinsic porosity were maintained even for nanosized crystals, comparable to the corresponding micrometer-sized bulk powder crystals.
Cost and Quality Implications of Opioid-Based Postsurgical Pain Control in Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Study of Cost Outliers and Opioid-Related Adverse Events
Authors: Reitan John , Moleski Ron , Van Breda Arletta , Adamson Robert , Lew Indu 
Published: October 2012

Objective A retrospective medical record review, case-control study of patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy was conducted to determine the relationship between opioid burden, related adverse drug effects (ADEs), and extended length of stay (LOS) and acute care costs cause(s) of LOS outliers. Methods Ninety-seven case patients with extended LOS (≥ 5 days) met the study eligibility criteria and were matched with case controls (patients with a LOS <5 days). The medical records of cases and controls were reviewed to collect information describing pre-established data points: opioid doses and opioid-related ADEs. Difference between cases and controls were compared using McNemar's test for matched pairs, paired t test, and signed rank test. Results Comparisons of opioid-related ADEs revealed the following statistically significant differences compared with controls: respiratory ADEs (eg, hypoxia) in 12% of cases versus 1% of controls ( P < .01) and gastrointestinal ADEs (eg, nausea/vomiting) in 44% of cases versus 19% of controls ( P < .01). Cases received higher doses during the 72 hours following postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge ( P = .04). By hospital discharge, cases had received 2.5 times the total opioid dose of controls and, on average, remained hospitalized 132 hours (5.5 days) longer than controls. Approximately 33% of LOS difference between cases and controls occurred prior to operating room admission, whereas approximately 66% occurred between PACU admission and hospital discharge. Conclusions Case patients with unusually long length of hospital stay (LOS outliers) received higher opioid doses and experienced more opioid-related ADEs than controls. These factors appear to contribute to outlier status but cannot completely explain all LOS outliers.
Geomechanical Considerations in Hydraulic Fracturing Designs
Authors: Rafiee Mehdi , Soliman M. Y. , Pirayesh Elias , Emami Meybodi Hamid 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The role of geomechanics in design and evaluation of hydraulic fracture stimulations in unconventional reservoirs has become more important than ever. Microcosmic mapping provides a good estimation of fracture geometry and stimulated reservoir volume (SRV); however, without geomechanical considerations, the predictions may not be completely accurate. By understanding reservoir rock mechanics and those parameters that have a major impact on the performance of fracture treatments, more reliable decisions in fracturing design and optimization can be made. This paper presents the results of an analytical model that predicts the changes in stress anisotropy in the neighborhood of the fractures of different designs in an elastic-static medium. Also, a numerical model has been used to investigate the effect of different geomechanical parameters on the geometry of the fractures. Results show that the spacing between fractures has a major impact on the changes in stresses. The effect of well spacing on fracture geometry in modified zipper frac design has been investigated. The results of this study give valuable insight into optimization of fracture placement in newly developed designs of hydraulic fractures in horizontal wellbores.
Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and shunts: what are the predictors of multiple revision surgeries?
Authors: Chittiboina Prashant , Pasieka Helena , Sonig Ashish , Bollam Papireddy , Notarianni Christina , Willis Brian K. , Nanda Anil 
Published: October 2012

Object
Cerebrospinal fluid shunts in patients with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are prone to failure, with some patients at risk for multiple failures. The objective of this study was to identify factors leading to multiple failures.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of cases of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring neurosurgical intervention between 1982 and 2010.

Results
In the 109 cases analyzed, 54% of the patients were male, their mean birth weight was 1223 g, and their mean head circumference 25.75 cm. The mean duration of follow-up was 6 years, and 9 patients died. Grade III intraventricular hemorrhage was seen in 47.7% and Grade IV in 43.1%. Initial use of a ventricular access device was needed in 65 patients (59.6%), but permanent CSF shunting was needed in 104 (95.4%). A total of 454 surgical procedures were performed, including 304 shunt revisions in 78 patients (71.6%). Detailed surgical notes were available for 261 of these procedures, and of these, 51% were proximal revisions, 13% distal revisions, and 17% total shunt revisions. Revision rates were not affected by catheter type, patient sex, presence of congenital anomalies, or type of hydrocephalus. Age of less than 30 days at the initial procedure was associated with decreased survival of the first shunt. Regression analysis revealed that lower estimated gestational age (EGA) and obstructive hydrocephalus were significant predictors of multiple shunt revisions.

Conclusions
We found a high rate of need for permanent CSF shunts (95.4%) in patients with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Shunt revision was required in 71.6% of patients, with those with lower birth weight and EGA at a higher risk for revisions.
Role of resection of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Dunn Gavin P. , Spiliopoulos Konstantinos , Plotkin Scott R. , Hornicek Francis J. , Harmon David C. , Delaney Thomas F. , Williams Ziv 
Published: October 2012

Object
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that often arise from major peripheral nerves. Approximately half of MPNSTs arise in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) who, in comparison with patients without NF1, present at younger ages and with larger tumors that are commonly associated with extensive plexiform neurofibromas. These tumors therefore pose a particularly difficult treatment challenge because of the morbidity often associated with attempted gross-total resection (GTR). Here, the authors aim to examine what role the extent of resection and other covariates play in the long-term survival of patients with NF1 in the setting of MPNST.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 adult patients with NF1 who underwent surgery for MPNSTs at their institution between 1991 and 2008. The primary end points of the study were mortality, local recurrence, and metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were evaluated for all patients. Differences for each of the primary end points were evaluated based on cause-specific covariates, which included tiered tumor size, tumor location, grade, resection margin status, postoperative weakness, and use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results
Gross-total resection (p = 0.01) and surgical margin status (p = 0.034) had a statistically important role in prolonging overall survival in patients with NF1 by univariate analysis. When tumor size, location, grade, postoperative weakness, and radiation therapy were also taken into account using multivariate analysis, GTR continued to be a significant prognostic factor (p = 0.035).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that GTR offers significant long-term benefit on survival in patients with NF1. Benefit on survival occurred independently of all other covariates, suggesting that complete resection should be the principal goal of treatment in this patient population.
Hemihypoglossal nerve transfer for acute facial paralysis
Authors: Hayashi Ayato , Nishida Masanobu , Seno Hisakazu , Inoue Masahiro , Iwata Hiroshi , Shirasawa Tomohiro , Arai Hajime , Kayamori Ryoji , Komuro Yuzo , Yanai Akira 
Published: October 2012

Object
The authors have developed a technique for the treatment of facial paralysis that utilizes anastomosis of the split hypoglossal and facial nerve. Here, they document improvements in the procedure and experimental evidence supporting the approach.

Methods
They analyzed outcomes in 36 patients who underwent the procedure, all of whom had suffered from facial paralysis following the removal of large vestibular schwannomas. The average period of paralysis was 6.2 months. The authors used 5 different variations of a procedure for selecting the split nerve, including evaluation of the split nerve using recordings of evoked potentials in the tongue.

Results
Successful facial reanimation was achieved in 16 of 17 patients using the cephalad side of the split hypoglossal nerve and in 15 of 15 patients using the caudal side. The single unsuccessful case using the cephalad side of the split nerve resulted from severe infection of the cheek. Procedures using the ansa cervicalis branch yielded poor success rates (2 of 4 cases).
Some tongue atrophy was observed in all variants of the procedure, with 17 cases of minimal atrophy and 14 cases of moderate atrophy. No procedure led to severe atrophy causing functional deficits of the tongue.

Conclusions
The split hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis procedure consistently leads to good facial reanimation, and the use of either half of the split hypoglossal nerve results in facial reanimation and moderate tongue atrophy.
Comparison of a novel pedicle subtraction osteotomy model using the traditional American Society of Testing and Materials standard for spinal biomechanics fatigue testing [RETRACTED]
Authors: Tang Jessica A. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectThere is currently an internationally recognized standard (F1717) provided by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) for fatigue testing of spinal fixation constructs, assuming relatively straight posterior rods between 2 vertebral segments. However, there is currently no standard that effectively describes the changes in forces and moments for procedures that induce more drastic curvatures, such as pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs). In this study, the author proposes a modified version of the ASTM F1717 standard to compensate for changes in loading conditions for PSO constructs.MethodsTwelve specimens were divided into 2 groups: 6 modeled after the original ASTM standard and 6 after the modified version. Three specimens each from the 2 groups had rods contoured to corresponding PSO angles of 20° and 60°, respectively. Specimens were cycled at 4 Hz at a 400 N/40 N or 700 N/70 N load ratio until failure was observed or run-out (testing cycle end point) was reached at 2,000,000 cycles. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the effect of rod curvature on the fatigue strength of the 2 different models.ResultsResults indicated that contouring rods from a PSO angle of 20° to 60° significantly increased the fatigue life of the screw-rod construct (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57, p = 0.0144) for the original model, but had the opposite effect of decreasing the fatigue life for the modified model (HR 0.64, p = 0.0144).ConclusionsBecause there is extensive data showing that contouring rods to more extreme angles significantly lowers their fatigue life, the modified ASTM model may be more accurate for simulating constructs that assume insignificant rod bending.
Asymmetric Exchange Rate Pass-Through in the Euro Area: New Evidence from Smooth Transition Models
Authors: Ben Cheikh Nidhaleddine 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This paper examines the presence of asymmetric behavior in exchange rate passthrough (ERPT) to CPI inflation in 12 euro area (EA) countries. Using a class of nonlinear smooth transition models, the author tests for asymmetry with respect to the direction and the magnitude of exchange rate changes. On the one hand, the author finds only 5 out of 12 EA countries showing asymmetric pass-through related to exchange rate appreciations and depreciations. Results are somewhat mixed with no clear evidence about the direction of asymmetry. On the other hand, the author reports strong evidence that ERPT responds asymmetrically to the size of exchange rate changes as a result of presence of menu costs. The degree of ERPT is found to be higher for large exchange rate changes than for small ones in 9 out of 12 EA countries.
Health managers and health reform
Authors: Briggs David , Cruickshank Mary , Paliadelis Penny 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis qualitative study was undertaken with a diverse sample of Australian health managers to examine their perceptions regarding the health system and to understand how they learned to become health managers. The findings showed that they viewed the health system as one of constant change, mostly non-adaptive, and a system of parts controlled by bureaucrats and political interests. While the respondents enjoyed their managerial role, they see it as contested between the professions. This study concluded that greater emphasis on the education and training of health managers and their continuing professional development is required if they are to manage increasingly complex, dynamic and changing health systems. In Australia, the health debate continues with the recently announced national health reform agenda. The perceptions of health managers in health reform and change management are important given that they are said to be central to the implementation of health reform and the management of change.
Results of Phacoemulsification with Malyugin Ring in Comparison with Manual Iris Stretching with Hooks in Eyes with Narrow Pupil
Authors: Wilczynski Michal , Wierzchowski Tomasz , Synder Aleksandra , Omulecki Wojciech 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification in eyes with a narrow pupil dilated with Malyugin Ring, in comparison with manual pupillary stretching with hooks. setting. Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Materials and Methods. The examined group (group 1) consisted of 23 eyes of 23 patients whose pupil was dilated using Malyugin Ring. The reference group (group 2) consisted of 17 eyes of 17 patients whose pupil was dilated manually by stretching with hooks. All patients underwent uneventful standard phacoemulsification. Patients were examined preoperatively, 1 day, and 1 month after the surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment of the eye, and corneal endothelial cell density were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using nonparametric tests. Results. Mean preoperative BCVA in group 1 was 0.31±0.27 and in group 2 it was 0.26±0.26 (p>0.05). In both groups there was a significant improvement in BCVA after the surgery (p<0.05). Mean postoperative BCVA in group 1 was 0.75±0.30 and in group 2 it was 0.56±0.56 (p<0.05). Mean corneal endothelial cell loss measured 30 days postoperatively amounted to 9.35±11% in group 1 and 13.77±8.0% in group 2 (p<0.05). No serious complications were found. Conclusions. In eyes with narrow pupil, the use of Malyugin Ring makes the surgery easier and allows for better functional results and smaller corneal endothelial cell loss in comparison with manual pupillary stretching with 2 hooks.
Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patient with Hereditary Spherocytosis and Coexisting Angioid Streaks
Authors: Sawada Akira , Oie Shinya , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Yamamoto Tetsuya 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To describe a rare case of hereditary spherocytosis (HE) with angioid streaks that developed anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). Methods. Case report. Results. A 53-year-old woman with HE had a 3-day history of blurred vision in the lower hemifield in the left eye. At presentation, her visual acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/200 OS. Perimetric testing showed a relative scotoma in the superior parafoveal region in the right eye and an inferior altitudinal field defect in the left eye. Fundus examination demonstrated angioid streaks in both eyes with swelling of the optic disc in the left eye. Both parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G were identified in her serum. Conclusions. This is the first report of AION in HE and coexisting angioid streaks. The infection by parvovirus itself might be involved in the development of AION.
A Century of Historical Change in the Game Preferences of American Children
Authors: Van Rheenen Derek 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This paper chronicles the game preferences of American children during the twentieth century, documenting the results from four studies between 1898 and 1998. These studies are used to compare the popularity of particular activities (e.g., hopscotch, baseball) and types of activities (e.g., board games, games of individual skill) by gender over a one-hundred-year period. With this longitudinal, multistudy comparison, it is revealed that the game preferences of boys and girls have become markedly more similar. This pattern of increased play preference convergence throughout the twentieth century suggests an erosion of gender-determined institutionalized norms related to games. The dominance of electronic games and organized sport in the most recent of the four surveys not only reflects the technological advances of American society; it also indicates an increased desire for games that demand greater skill and promote role specialization.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation Effects on River Flows in the Lower Cape Fear River Watershed, North Carolina
Authors: Cahoon Lawrence B. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Well-known responses of regional precipitation in the southeastern United States to variation in the state of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can yield similar regional responses of river discharge. Effects of ENSO on gaged river flows were examined in the lower Cape Fear River basin in southeastern North Carolina. Linear regression of monthly flows against sea surface temperatures (SST) in Niño Region 1 + 2 in the eastern equatorial Pacific identified significant effects of SST on flows, in several winter and spring months in the Black, Northeast Cape Fear, and main stem Cape Fear rivers. Major warm-phase ENSO events, as in 1997–1998, yielded almost a doubling of river discharges in the watershed, while typical cold phase events drove approximately 50% reductions in flows. River discharges have important effects on water supply for human needs, delivery of water to estuaries, and fluxes of water-borne materials to coastal waters. ENSO effects on the Cape Fear River watershed therefore have implications for adjacent estuarine and coastal ocean ecosystems at certain times.
Riparian-Zone Amphibians and Reptiles Within the Broad River Basin of South Carolina
Authors: Kern Madeleine M. , Guzy Jacquelyn C. , Price Steven J. , Hunt Stephanie D. , Eskew Evan A. , Dorcas Michael E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAn inventory of the Broad River Basin in South Carolina documented distribution and species richness of amphibians and reptiles of the area, focusing primarily on riparian zones. A list of 92 potentially occurring species was assembled for the area. Multiple survey methods were used including active searches, manual anuran calling surveys, and turtle trapping to document the herpetofauna. Using these techniques, 14 anuran, 9 salamander, 7 lizard, 16 snake, and 8 turtle species were documented. Seven of these species were of conservation concern in South Carolina. The Broad River Basin supports a diverse array of amphibian and reptile species associated with both wetland and riverine habitats. As water resources, energy demand, and urbanization continue to increase in the Piedmont region, these baseline data have important implications for conservation and future land management.
Observations on Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus) Nesting and Behavior in the North Carolina Sandhills
Authors: Beane Jeffrey C. , Pusser L. Todd 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Nesting behavior in the Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus) is poorly documented outside of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Two natural nests of P. m. melanoleucus are described from the North Carolina Sandhills. One was modified from a pre-existing subterranean refugium, and was also used by at least one adult male; one adult female; and one post-emergent, post-ecdytic hatchling Pine Snake during the same season.
Stomatal Development in Aerial Axes of Psilotum nudum (Psilotaceae)
Authors: Mickle James E. , Lumaga Maria Rosaria Barone , De Luca Paolo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Apical regions of developing aerial shoots of Psilotum nudum (L.) Beauv. were studied using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) with the aim of improving our understanding of early stages in stomatal and epidermal ontogenesis. SEM samples were fixed in gluteraldehyde, critical point dried, and coated with an Au-Pd alloy. LM samples were fixed in FAA and embedded in paraffin. LM sections were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue for protein. SEM shows that P. nudum stomata develop from 20 µm-long domed meristemoid cells into guard cell mother cells (GMCs). A furrow dividing guard cells develops at 30 µm long, and wax deposition that will cover the entire cell begins at 70 µm long. LM longitudinal sections of GMCs show a cytoplasmic protein net that organizes into radial fibers, similar to reports of actin fibers in stomata of angiosperms. This study provides additional details of stomatal development in Psilotum and is the first report of an actin-like protein net in Psilotum.
An Effective Approach to Achieve a Spin Gapless Semiconductor–Half‐Metal–Metal Transition in Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons: Attaching A Floating Induced Dipole Field via π–π Interactions
Authors: Guan Jia , Chen Wei , Li Yafei , Yu Guangtao , Shi Zhiming , Huang Xuri , Sun Chiachung , Chen Zhongfang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractUnder first‐principles computations, a simple strategy is identified to modulate the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs). This strategy takes advantage of the effect of the floating dipole field attached to zGNRs via π–π interactions. This dipole field is induced by the acceptor/donor functional groups, which decorate the ladder‐structure polydiacetylene derivatives with an excellent delocalized π‐conjugated backbone. By tuning the acceptor/donor groups, –C≡C– number, and zGNR width, greatly enriched electronic and magnetic properties, e.g., spin gapless semiconducting, half‐metallic, and metallic behaviors, with the antiferromagnetic−ferromagnetic conversion can be achieved in zGNRs with perfect, 57‐reconstructed, and partially hydrogenated edge patterns.