bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and molecular characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from a prosthetic mitral heart valve-bearing patient´s blood cultures
Authors: Leal Nilma Cintra , Costa Ana Paula Rocha da , Vilela Marinalda Anselmo , Mendes-Marques Carina Lucena , Almeida Alzira Maria Paiva de 
Published: October 2013

Background: In Brazil, listeriosis is not a notifiable disease; thus, the incidence of Brazilian cases remains unknown. Listeria monocytogenes is not always included in automated systems, and its detection depends on the high skill level of microbiology laboratory professionals. This paper describes the characteristics of L. monocytogenes isolates fortuitously obtained from an endocarditis case in Recife, PE, Brazil. Methods: Six bacterial isolates obtained from six blood cultures from a 28-year-old male bearing a prosthetic mitral heart valve were analyzed by PCR using primers specific of L. monocytogenes to confirm a presumptive identification, determine the serotype and presence of the virulence genes (inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, hly, plcA, actA, prfA) in an attempt to determine the Listeria genotype by PCR-ribotyping. Results: The samples were identified as L. monocytogenes 4b. All investigated virulence genes were amplified by PCR, and the identity of the amplified segments was confirmed by sequencing. A deletion of 105 base pairs was detected in the actA gene. All of the samples generated the same PCR-ribotype pattern, clustered into a single ribotype, and were considered a single strain. Conclusion: L. monocytogenes infection should be considered in endocarditis differential diagnoses, especially among high-risk groups, due to its high pathogenicity and the environmental ubiquity.
Evaluation of hysteroscopy as a complementary exam in the investigation of chronic pelvic pain.
Authors: Meneses Dias Bruno Hállan , Rodrigues de Andrade Ana Carolina , Holanda Pascoal da Silva Angélica Maria , De Vasconcelos Filho Francisco Eugênio , Parente Paiva Jordana , Das Chagas Medeiros Francisco 
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a difficult condition to identify and many disorders are correlated. This study investigates the role of hysteroscopy as a complementary exam in the diagnosis of CPP. Methods: One hundred ninety-one medical records of women with indication to perform a hysteroscopy and presented CPP were reviewed. Results: The analysis showed abnormalities in 99 patients. Of these, more than 70% presented conditions that could cause CPP. Cervical stenosis and findings suggestive of adenomyosis were the most frequent ocurrences. Conclusions: Hysteroscopy is useful to detect pathological conditions of the cervix and uterine cavity that may coexist with chronic pelvic pain.
Atividades de controle de Aedes aegypti em municípios da Região Sul do Estado de São Paulo.
Authors: Domingos Maria de Fátima , Oliveira Cleide Dantas de , Barbosa Gerson Laurindo , Wanderley Dalva Marli Valério 
Published: October 2013

Introdução: Neste estudo, são analisadas as atividades de vigilância e controle do Aedes aegypti, vetor da dengue, executadas por municípios selecionados da região do Litoral Sul do Estado de São Paulo. Método: Análise de dados secundários extraídos do programa informatizado referente às atividades de vigilância e controle do Aedes aegypti. Resultados: Índice de Infestação Predial: foram realizadas 31 medidas, com valores médios inferiores a 2,0; Casa-a-casa: as maiores coberturas foram observadas nos segundos quadrimestres de cada ano, devido ao comprometimento das equipes com a transmissão no primeiro semestre; Pontos Estratégicos: houve redução do número de imóveis trabalhados nos últimos quatro anos, positividade média foi de 33,8% com tendência de aumento; Imóveis Especiais: registrou-se diminuição no número de imóveis trabalhados nos últimos dois anos, e a positividade média foi de 24,7%. Conclusão: Verificaram-se baixas coberturas das atividades previstas na norma técnica, o que pode favorecer a manutenção da infestação. Não foi possível constatar a implantação das orientações técnicas a partir dos resultados dos índices de infestação para subsidiar o emprego de medidas de controle entomológico.
Polymeric sorbents for removal of Cr(VI) from environmental samples
Authors: Pakade Vusumzi , Chimuka Luke 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Chromium (Cr) is an important raw material in some chemical industries including paint, pigments, textiles, leather tanning, steel fabrication, electroplating, cement preservation, and canning industries. Once in the environment, Cr exists in various oxidation states depending on pH and concentration. Trivalent [Cr(III)] and hexavalent [Cr(VI)] forms are the most common with Cr(VI) being the most toxic to biota. The review discusses various types of polymeric sorbents that have been prepared for the extraction of Cr(VI) from environmental samples, mostly aqueous samples. Sorbents are categorized into biosorbents, hybrid sorbents, synthetic polymeric, and modified natural polymeric sorbents. Most of the emphasis will be on the advantages and disadvantages of different synthetic polymeric sorbents. Important parameters that define the performance of the sorbents, that is, binding capacity, equilibration time, optimum sample pH, and selectivity, are compared.
What goes around comes around? Craft revival, the 1970s and today
Authors: Peach Andrea 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This article critically reviews the concept of ‘revival’ in relation to making in contemporary culture. The 1970s are a period, which craft historians and theorists generally acknowledge as one of revival and reinvention of craft practice across Britain. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of what has also been described as a ‘craft renaissance’. This article will explore some of the causal factors that led to the craft revival of the 1970s to examine whether parallels can be drawn with today’s developments. The purpose of the article is to determine whether craft revivals share any common identifying characteristics, or whether each is unique to its particular period in time. Three key factors which contributed to the revival of the craft in the 1970s will be examined: the role of the state, the ideological relationship of craft to contemporary fine art, and the socio-economic climate of the time. The comparison demonstrates that although today’s craft revival shares many points of commonality with the 1970s, revivals are not simply a repetition of the past. Because craft is in a constant process of reinvention and reinvigoration, so-called ‘revivals’ are instead uniquely complex and historically changing, reflecting more about the present and the future than the past.
Inlaid fantasies: The textiles of Andreea Mandrescu
Authors: Rissanen Timo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This portrait focuses on Andreea Mandrescu’s textile collection Inlaid Fantasies, partly drawing from an interview with the designer in December 2012. The textile collection is grounded in the designer’s research into marquetry and inlay crafts. Experimentation with unexpected materials and combining these is essential to Mandrescu’s research. Cutting as a mode of enquiry is key in Mandrescu’s work; mutilation and removal are tools to reveal new ideas, surfaces and forms. Mandrescu transforms marquetry and inlay by adopting the crafts from traditional hard surfaces to pliable textiles. The textiles are not only a collage of materials; they are also a collage of handwork and machine-made cuts. The collection is versatile in regards to end-use. The textiles stand alone for interiors and furnishing, while they also lend themselves to garment forms and accessories. With Inlaid Fantasies Mandrescu points to broader conversations about crossing disciplinary boundaries through a form of collage of research and practices.
Finance as a ‘forgotten technological capability’ for promoting African local pharmaceutical manufacture
Authors: Banda Geoffrey 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Finance capability as a firm-level technological capability has been neglected in debates on financing of increased sub-Saharan Africa local pharmaceutical drug manufacture, as it has in industrial development more generally. Finance capability has to date not been explicitly included in firm-level technological capabilities. Access to finance for African local pharmaceutical manufacture is not just about getting money. There are technological capabilities and complexities surrounding access to finance. Specifically for African pharmaceutical manufacture, there is little theorization and engagement with the specialist and knowledge-intensive capabilities needed by pharmaceutical firms and financial institutions. Based on fieldwork on the financing of antiretroviral drug manufacture in Zimbabwe in 2011, and interviews with pharmaceutical and financial institutions’ executives up to 2013, this article sets out to better understand financial capability development, especially skills, knowledge and learning by doing. This research generates empirical data on finance capability and uses it to extend theory on technological capability, and suggests how such inclusion can improve the firm-level technological capability framework.
Entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial commitment of young researchers
Authors: Parente Roberto , Feola Rosangela 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The creation of an academic spin-off represents one of the ways to implement the technology transfer process from university to firms. Although in Italy the preference for this form of valorization of scientific research has increased in recent years, the gap compared with the main EU countries remains wide. In our view, the main problem related to the development of academic spin-offs, concerns the concept of entrepreneurial commitment, here understood as the complex of decisions and actions which bind the would-be entrepreneur to the fate of his venture. Entrepreneurial commitment should be seen as a different concept from entrepreneurial intention which could be considered as the will of a person to start a new business. In our opinion, entrepreneurial intention has a role in the make-up of entrepreneurial commitment but other elements also have to be considered. Eventually, such elements may impede the formation of the entrepreneurial commitment of the would-be entrepreneur or at least weaken it. The article investigates the elements that qualify entrepreneurial intention and those which play a predominant role in developing the same into entrepreneurial commitment.
The canonical contact structure on the space of oriented null geodesics of pseudospheres and products
Authors: Godoy Yamile , Salvai Marcos 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Let Sk,m be the pseudosphere of signature (k,m). We show that the space ℒ0(Sk,m) of all oriented null geodesics in Sk,m is a manifold, and we describe geometrically its canonical contact distribution in terms of the space of oriented geodesics of certain totally geodesic degenerate hypersurfaces in Sk;m. Further, we find a contactomorphism with some standard contact manifold, namely, the unit tangent bundle of some pseudo-Riemannian manifold. Also, we express the null billiard operator on ℒ0(Sk,m) associated with some simple regions in Sk;m in terms of the geodesic flows of spheres. For the pseudo-Riemannian product N of two complete Riemannian manifolds, we give geometrical conditions on the factors for ℒ0(N) to be manifolds and exhibit a contactomorphism with some standard contact manifold.
Laser gated viewing at ISL for vision through smoke, active polarimetry, and 3D imaging in NIR and SWIR wavelength bands
Authors: Laurenzis Martin , Christnacher Frank 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this article, we want to give a review on the application of laser gated viewing for the improvement of vision cross-diffusing obstacles (smoke, turbid medium, …), the capturing of 3D scene information, or the study of material properties by polarimetric analysis at near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) wavelengths. Laser gated viewing has been studied since the 1960s as an active night vision method. Owing to enormous improvements in the development of compact and highly efficient laser sources and in the development of modern sensor technologies, the maturity of demonstrator systems rose during the past decades. Further, it was demonstrated that laser gated viewing has versatile sensing capabilities with application for long-range observation under certain degraded weather conditions, vision through obstacles and fog, active polarimetry, and 3D imaging.
A Cross-Cultural Real-Effort Experiment on Wage-Inequality Information and Performance
Authors: Liu-Kiel Hong , Cadsby C. Bram , Schenk-Mathes Heike Y. , Song Fei , Yang Xiaolan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
We conduct a real-effort laboratory experiment to examine how disclosure of information about the pay received by co-workers affects work performance in Germany and China. We employ an individual piece-rate setting in which a piece rate is received for each unit of output successfully produced. We find that receiving information that one’s co-workers are all receiving the same piece rate as oneself has no significant effect on performance compared to non-disclosure. In contrast, learning that one co-worker is receiving a higher piece rate than oneself does significantly affect performance. In particular, receiving such information initially results in a larger performance increase than receiving information that others are all receiving the same piece rate as oneself. However, this performance gap decreases toward the end of the experiment.
Development of a computer-based automated pure tone hearing screening device: a preliminary clinical trial
Authors: Gan Kok Beng , Azeez Dhifaf , Umat Cila , Ali Mohd Alauddin Mohd , Wahab Noor Alaudin Abdul , Mukari Siti Zamratol Mai-Sarah 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHearing screening is important for the early detection of hearing loss. The requirements of specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and quiet environments for valid screening results limit its application in schools and health clinics. This study aimed to develop an automated hearing screening kit (auto-kit) with the capability of realtime noise level monitoring to ensure that the screening is performed in an environment that conforms to the standard. The auto-kit consists of a laptop, a 24-bit resolution sound card, headphones, a microphone, and a graphical user interface, which is calibrated according to the American National Standards Institute S3.6-2004 standard. The auto-kit can present four test tones (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) at 25 or 40 dB HL screening cut-off level. The clinical results at 40 dB HL screening cut-off level showed that the auto-kit has a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 75.0%. Because the 500 Hz test tone is not included in the standard hearing screening procedure, it can be excluded from the auto-kit test procedure. The exclusion of 500 Hz test tone improved the specificity of the auto-kit from 75.0% to 92.3%, which suggests that the auto-kit could be a valid hearing screening device. In conclusion, the auto-kit may be a valuable hearing screening tool, especially in countries where resources are limited.
Mechanical testing of an absorbable hybrid fusion cage for the cervical spine
Authors: Kauth Theresa , Hopmann Christian , Kujat Bernd , Bach Friedrich W. , Welke Bastian , Hurschler Christof , Kalla Katharina , Daentzer Dorothea 
Published: October 2013

AbstractConventional fusion devices (“cages”) are often used to join two vertebrae of the human spine and generally remain in the body for a lifetime and can theoretically lead to any complications. Therefore, an absorbable hybrid fusion cage consisting of a magnesium skeleton infiltrated with an absorbable polymer [poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)] has been developed. The primary objective of the cage is to ensure an adequate stiffness of the disc space directly after the operation and to encourage the ingrowth of the new bone tissue to secure long life stability. Once a sufficiently rigid bone connection is formed, the implant should be absorbed. The purpose of this first study on the new absorbable fusion cage was to investigate the mechanical properties
Heterocyclic synthesis via catalysis of N-heterocyclic carbenes: very classical and very modern chemical species
Authors: Okano Takashi 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
After a long history of medical and biochemical investigations of vitamin B1, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have recently been used as organocatalysts for a variety of synthetic reactions. This review article highlights the application of NHC-catalyzed reactions including enantioselective reactions to the heterocyclic synthesis. NHC-catalyzed benzoin condensation and Stetter reaction of ether- and amine-linked aldehydes give four- to six-membered oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles. NHC-catalyzed conjugate additions of enals to ketones and imines afford γ-lactones and γ-lactams. When the NHC-catalyzed reaction intermediates of enals are protonated, the reaction of the resulting enols with enones and ene-imines furnish formal hetero-Diels-Alder products. Acyl fluoride and esters can be activated by NHCs, and subsequent aldol and Michael reactions give β-lactones. Oxidation of intermediates derived from enals or the intermediates from ynals provide unsaturated acyl azolium which are transformed into cyclic products via subsequent nucleophilic reactions. NHCs also catalyze [2+2] cycloadditions of ketenes and other heterocumulenes and ring expansion of cyclic aldehydes.
Methods for the synthesis of xanthine-derived polycyclic fused systems
Authors: Szymańska Ewa , Mazurkiewicz Jakub , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Xanthines are a widely known group of alkaloids, commonly used as bronchodilators and psycho and cardiac stimulants. Most of their actions are principally connected with either antagonism of adenosine receptors or phosphodiesterase inhibition; nevertheless, other profiles of their biological activity – antiviral, antitumor or anticancer – are also known. Here, we present a review of the main synthetic methods to obtain xanthine-derived heterocyclic fused systems. The five-, six- or seven-membered heterocyclic ring is attached to the purine-2,6-dione core with one or two bridgehead (ring junction) nitrogen atoms. The biological activity profile of the individual heterocyclic systems is mentioned.
Synthesis of 9-(Cn-1F2n-1)-substituted acridine by the reaction of 2-(CnF2n+1)-substituted aniline with ortho-methyl-substituted aromatic Grignard reagent
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Sączewski Jarosław , Strekowski Lucjan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Treatment of 2-(perfluoroalkyl)aniline with 2-tolylmagnesium bromide or chloride or their substituted analogs yields an acridine containing a shorter perfluoroalkyl group at the 9 position and devoid of the methyl group of the Grignard substrate. Interestingly, no acridine is produced in an attempted reaction with aryl magnesium bromide without the ortho methyl group. With 2-fluoro-6-methylphenylmagnesium bromide the methyl group is eliminated and the fluorine is retained in the acridine product. Results of the mechanistic studies strongly suggest that loss of the methyl group occurs as methanol during air oxidation and hydrolysis of the intermediate products during aqueous workup.
Neonatal Circumcision: Is Feeding Behavior Altered?
Authors: Gattari Theresa B. , Bedway Andrea R. , Drongowski Robert , Wright Kristin , Keefer Patricia , Mychaliska Kerry P. 
Published: October 2013

Background:The effect of circumcision on feeding behavior in the newborn period is unknown. We hypothesized that circumcision would not have a significant effect on newborn feeding.Methods:This prospective study analyzed the effect of circumcision on neonatal feeding behavior. Inclusion criteria were healthy male infants WHO were exclusively bottle-fed and underwent a circumcision before discharge from the newborn nursery. We collected data (N = 42) on gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, maternal age, gravid status, anesthesia used during delivery, analgesia used after circumcision, time of circumcision, and volume and frequency of feeding before and after circumcision. Data were analyzed by using paired t tests, multivariable regression analysis, and analysis of variance (with SPSS version 18). Significance was P &lt; .05 (2-tailed α).Results:Descriptive statistics for the entire group (N = 42) are as follows: mean ± SD gestational age: 38.7 ± 1.2 weeks; mean birth weight: 3.3 ± 0.4 kg; maternal age: 26.7 ± 6.3 years; baseline feeding (mean of first 2 feedings before circumcision): 24.5 ± 9.9 mL; mean first feeding after circumcision: 21.7 ± 11.9 mL; and mean second feeding: 26.7 ± 13.5 mL. Forty-eight percent of patients increased their feeding volume after circumcision compared with baseline, and 52% of patients decreased their feeding volume, which persisted with the second feeding. There was no statistical difference between the baseline and first feeding (P = .11) or second feeding (P = .22).Conclusions:Our data suggest that circumcision does not alter feeding after circumcision. This information will be useful in counseling families regarding circumcision in the newborn period.
Association of NPO Status and Type of Nutritional Support on Weight and Length of Stay in Infants Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis
Authors: Halvorson Elizabeth Eby , Chandler Nicole , Neiberg Rebecca , Ervin Sean E. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives:
We investigated the association of nil per os (NPO) status and subsequent nutritional support with patient weight and length of stay (LOS) during admission for bronchiolitis in patients &lt;2 years old.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients &lt;2 years old admitted to an academic pediatric hospital between November 2009 and June 2011 with a Current Procedural Terminology code of bronchiolitis. Data extracted from the medical record included respiratory rate, per os/NPO status, use of intravenous fluids, use of enteral tube feedings, weight, and LOS. Patients who did not have 2 weights recorded were excluded. The major outcome measures were weight change during admission and LOS.

Results:
The study included 149 patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 3.7 ± 3.8 months, with a median age of 2 months. The median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range: 3–6). Overall, 16% of patients were made NPO, 75% received intravenous fluids, and 9% received enteral tube feedings. The mean weight loss for all patients was 38 (289) g during the hospitalization, which was not statistically significant. No significant association was found between weight loss and LOS, per os/NPO status, or use of intravenous fluids. However, NPO status was associated with a significant increase in LOS.

Conclusions:
The infants admitted for bronchiolitis did not demonstrate weight loss in this study; however, an association was seen between NPO status and prolonged LOS.