bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family Efficacy within Ethnically Diverse Families: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kao Tsui‐Sui A. , Caldwell Cleopatra H. 
Published: March 2015

Family efficacy, which refers to a family's belief in its ability to produce a desired outcome, has been shown to protect adolescents from risky health behaviors. Few studies have examined family efficacy within diverse populations, however, and understanding of how efficacy is framed and formed within the context of cultural and familial values is limited. This descriptive qualitative study examined sources of family efficacy within ethnically and socioeconomically diverse families, evaluating how such families develop and exercise family efficacy with the intent to protect adolescents from risky health behaviors (i.e., marijuana and alcohol use and early sexual activity). We collected qualitative data via two semi‐structured interviews, 4–6 months apart, with 31 adolescents (ages 12–14) and their parent/s, for total of 148 one‐on‐one interviews. Thematic analysis identified three distinct domains of family efficacy: relational, pragmatic, and value‐laden. Prior experiences and cultural background influenced the domain/s utilized by families. Significantly, families that consistently tapped into all three domains were able to effectively manage personal and family difficulties; these families also had family strategies in place to prevent adolescents from risky behaviors. Health professionals could utilize this concept of multidimensional family efficacy to promote health within culturally diverse families.
A Triple and Quadruple Therapy with Doxycycline and Bismuth for First‐Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ciccaglione Antonio Francesco , Cellini Luigina , Grossi Laurino , Manzoli Lamberto , Marzio Leonardo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundTetracycline‐containing triple therapy has been suggested as an alternative first‐line therapy for H. pylori infection.AimTo evaluate the effect of two dosages of doxycycline (DOX) associated with amoxicillin and esomeprazole with and without bismuth subcitrate as first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection.MethodsHelicobacter pylori‐positive patients underwent a 10‐day therapy randomized into four groups: Group A received esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX‐100 mg b.i.d. (EAD‐100), Group B a quadruple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, DOX‐100 mg b.i.d. and bismuth subcitrate (EADB‐100), Group C a triple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX‐200 mg b.i.d. (EAD‐200) and Group D a quadruple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, DOX‐200 mg b.i.d., and bismuth subcitrate (EADB‐200). Success was accessed by 13C urea breath test 2 months after the end of treatment. The number of patients to be recruited for each group had to be at least 50 subjects. Treatment success of 80% or less was considered unacceptable. Stopping rules therefore were anytime six failures had occurred.ResultsIn the EAD‐100 group and in EAD‐200 group, the recruitment was stopped at the 14th and 15th patient, respectively. Fifty‐two patients entered in the EADB‐100 group and 51 in the EADB‐200 group. Intention to treat eradication was in EADB‐100 group 46/52 (88.5%, 95% CI 76.6–95.6); in the EADB‐200 group 47/51 (92.1%, 95% CI: 81.1–97.8) (n.s.). Side effects were absent.ConclusionThe adjunction of bismuth subcitrate to a triple therapy that includes esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and DOX in patients who are treated for the first time for the H. pylori infection potentiates the therapeutic effect. This regimen, however, deserves to be optimized in terms of duration and dose of DOX.
‘Living by Example?’ The European Union and the Implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Authors: De Franco Chiara , Meyer Christoph O. , Smith Karen E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMost empirical contributions to the normative power Europe (NPE) debate concentrate on whether and when the EU promotes its core internal norms abroad. In contrast, we investigate how norms emerging from international fora come to be accepted and internalised by the EU in the first place. We examine the case of the emerging responsibility to protect norm (R2P) and argue that the EU's implementation has been more limited and slower than one would expect from the NPE procedural ethics of ‘living by example’. We examine the potential reasons for this failure to ‘live by example’: the role of persuasion by norm entrepreneurs; the role of inducements and costs; the goodness of fit between R2P and existing EU norms; and the clarity of the norm. We find that the lack of goodness of fit and clarity of the norm are important factors, but argue that low levels of bureaucratic receptivity were the greatest obstacle.
Case of anal fistula with Fournier's gangrene in an obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patient
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Kawakami Kyoko , Yoshino Gen , Sawada Katsuhiro 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA 64‐year‐old man was admitted to Shin‐suma General Hospital, Kobe, Japan, complaining of a 3‐day history of scrotal swelling and high fever. He had type 2 diabetes mellitus. On examination, his body temperature had risen to 38.5°C. Examination of the scrotum showed abnormal enlargement. Laboratory data were as follows: white cell count 35,400/μL and glycated hemoglobin 9.6%. Anal fistula was found in an endorectal ultrasound. Computed tomography scan showed a relatively high density of subcutaneous tissue and elevated air density. Thus, he was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene. On the fourth hospital day, the patient underwent debridement of gangrenous tissue. Seton surgery was carried out for anal fistula on the 34th hospital day. He responded to the treatment very well. He was discharged on the 33rd postoperative day. Once Fournier's gangrene has been diagnosed, considering the association of anal fistula and perianal abscess is important.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciensas prophylactic treatment forClostridium difficile‐associated disease in a mouse model
Authors: Geeraerts S , Ducatelle R , Haesebrouck F , Van Immerseel F 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim Probiotics might offer an attractive alternative for standard antibiotic therapy to treatClostridium difficileinfections (CDI). We specifically selected aBacillus amyloliquefaciensstrain for its highin vitroantibacterial activity againstC. difficileand tested its efficacy to preventCDIin a mouse model.MethodsB. amyloliquefacienssupernatant was tested against a large collection ofC. difficilestrains using an agar well diffusion test.B. amyloliquefacienswas orally administered toC57BL/6 mice in whichCDIwas induced usingC. difficile VPI10463, and its effect was compared with control mice receiving no treatment and mice receivingSaccharomyces boulardii. Mice were followed up daily for signs of disease including weight loss. At necropsy, the colon was collected and subjected to histopathological analysis.C. difficiletoxinA/Blevels and colon weight/length and colon/body weight ratios were calculated.Results B. amyloliquefacienssupernatant was able to inhibit the growth of allC. difficilestrains. Results of thein vivotrial indicated a significant weight loss for untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice as compared toB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice.C. difficiletoxinAandBlevels were significantly higher for untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice thanB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice. A significantly lower degree of colon damage was detected forB. amyloliquefaciens‐treated mice as compared to untreated andS. boulardii‐treated mice, based on histopathological analysis, colon weight/length and colon/body weight ratios.Conclusion Administration ofB. amyloliquefacienswas successful in preventingCDIin a mouse model.
Effects of Sildenafil, a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, on the Primary Single Afferent Activity of the Rat Bladder
Authors: AIZAWA Naoki , ITO Hiroki , SUGIYAMA Rino , FUJIMURA Tetsuya , FUKUHARA Hiroshi , KUME Haruki , HOMMA Yukio , IGAWA Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesWe investigated the direct effects of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, on the single‐unit mechanosensitive afferent activities (SAAs) primarily originated from the bladder in the rat.MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane. SAAs were recorded from the left L6 dorsal roots and classified by conduction velocity as Aδ‐ or C‐fibers. A catheter was inserted into the bladder dome, and a separate catheter was placed in the carotid artery and external iliac vein for monitoring of blood pressure and sildenafil‐administration, respectively. After measuring control SAA during constant filling cystometry with saline, the procedure was repeated with cumulative intravenous administrations of sildenafil (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg).ResultsThirteen single units were isolated (Aδ‐fibers: n = 6, C‐fibers: n = 7) from 11 rats. After sildenafil‐administrations, SAAs of Aδ‐fibers significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas SAAs of C‐fibers decreased significantly only at the highest dose used. In addition, blood pressure significantly decreased after sildenafiladministration even at the lowest dose used. Bladder compliance significantly increased after sildenafil administration at higher doses.ConclusionsThese results indicate that sildenafil can inhibit Aδ‐fibers (partly also C‐fibers) of the primary bladder mechanosensitive afferents of the rat although these effects may be partially influenced by systemic hypotension. The present results support the view that the NO/cGMP signaling pathway plays an inhibitory role in the bladder afferent transduction, and thus improves storage symptoms.
Effect on Sexual Function of Patients and Patients' Spouses After Midurethral Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Single Center Study
Authors: KO Young Hwii , SONG Chang‐Hyun , CHOI Ji Woong , JUNG Hee Chang , SONG Phil Hyun 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect on sexual function of patients and their spouses after transobturator tape (TOT) procedure, prospectively. Midurethral sling procedure has been widely performed for treatment of urinary incontinence; however, little has been reported regarding sexual function after surgery.MethodsBetween September 2012 and June 2013, 65 patients undergoing TOT and their sexual partners were enrolled. An investigation was conducted using validated, self‐administered questionnaires, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and satisfaction domain on Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) for evaluation of couple's sexual function. They completed the research on preoperative and postoperative visits at 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsOf 65 couples, 56 couples completed this study. The mean age of patients and their partners were 46.7 ± 5.7 and 49.1 ± 6.2 years, respectively. The mean follow‐up period was 16.5 ± 2.9 months. A significant loss of total FSFI score was observed at postoperative 3 months (P = 0.003), which was regained after postoperative 6 months. In comparison with baseline and postoperative 12 months, total FSFI score showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). There were significant improvements in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction on FSFI domain (P = 0.018, 0.012, 0.014, and 0.008, respectively). In male counterparts, significant improvements were observed in MSHQ satisfaction domain regarding sexual relationship, quality of sex life, partner's affection during sex, and communication about sex (P = 0.007, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively).ConclusionImprovement of incontinence by TOT can improve not only female sexual function but also sexual satisfaction of partners.
Metacognitive training for young subjects (MCT young version) in the early stages of psychosis: Is the duration of untreated psychosis a limiting factor?
Authors: Ussorio Donatella , Giusti Laura , Wittekind Charlotte E. , Bianchini Valeria , Malavolta Maurizio , Pollice Rocco , Casacchia Massimo , Roncone Rita 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesThe treatment program ‘Metacognitive training for patients with schizophrenia’ (MCT) addresses cognitive biases assumed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of delusions (e.g., jumping to conclusions, theory of mind deficits). The aim of our study was to examine the effectiveness and the feasibility of this intervention targeted to early phases of psychosis (MCT young version).DesignAn experimental design included two groups of subjects on the basis of their duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) ‘short’ (less or equal than 12 months) and ‘long’ DUP (longer than 12 months), assessed at baseline and after the 4‐month intervention.MethodsFifty‐six young subjects affected by early psychosis were assessed on psychopathology, social functioning, neurocognitive, and metacognitive measures. The primary outcome was the reduction of psychopathology. Secondary outcomes included reduction of cognitive and emotional dysfunction and improvement of social functioning.ResultsAt the end of the 4‐month MCT, both groups showed significant improvements in many variables: positive symptoms, cognitive functions, as verbal memory, attention and mental flexibility, and metacognitive functions, as cognitive insight. Significant and positive changes were found in theory of mind abilities and social perception.ConclusionsThe difference in DUP between the two groups of young subjects of our sample did not seem to influence the intervention outcomes, still taking into account that the average difference between the two groups in terms of DUP is 12.6 months.Practitioner points

Metacognition refers to the general ability ‘to think about thinking,’ that is, the ability to think about one's mental state and the mental states of others. Persons with schizophrenia experience different metacognitive impairments.

The metacognitive training for patients with schizophrenia – young version can be applied to young people affected by psychosis and seems to improve symptomatology, social functioning, cognitive, and metacognitive abilities, independently by their Duration of Untreated Psychosis over a 2‐year period.
Patency and Complications of Translumbar Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Liu Fanna , Bennett Stacy , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse , Heyka Robert , McLennan Gordon , Navaneethan Sankar D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTranslumbar tunneled dialysis catheter (TLDC) is a temporary dialysis access for patients exhausted traditional access for dialysis. While few small studies reported successes with TLDC, additional studies are warranted to understand the short‐ and long‐term patency and safety of TLDC. We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients who received TLDC for hemodialysis access from June 2006 to June 2013. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, dialysis details, catheter insertion procedures and associated complications, catheter patency, and patient survival data were collected. Catheter patency was studied using Kaplan–Meier curve; catheter functionality was assessed with catheter intervals and catheter‐related complications were used to estimate catheter safety. There were 84 TLDCs inserted in 28 patients with 28 primary insertions and 56 exchanges. All TLDC insertions were technically successful with good blood flow during dialysis (>300 ml/minute) and no immediate complications (major bleeding or clotting) were noted. The median number of days in place for initial catheter, secondary catheter, and total catheter were 65, 84, and 244 respectively. The catheter patency rate at 3, 6, and 12 months were 43%, 25%, and 7% respectively. The main complications were poor blood flow (40%) and catheter‐related infection (36%), which led to 30.8% and 35.9% catheter removal, respectively. After translumbar catheter, 42.8% of the patients were successfully converted to another vascular access or peritoneal dialysis. This study data suggest that TLDC might serve as a safe, alternate access for dialysis patients in short‐term who have exhausted conventional vascular access.
Failed MILLER Banding Complicated by Pseudoaneurysm: Report of a Case
Authors: Ladenheim Eric D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe present a case in which Minimally Invasive Limited Ligation Endoluminal‐assisted Revision (MILLER) banding was complicated by the development of a pseudoaneurysm at the site of attempted banding. A patient with a high‐flow fistula and symptoms of distal arterial hypoperfusion underwent Miller banding. Six weeks post‐Miller banding, the patient's symptoms of hand pain returned gradually and a pseudoaneurysm appeared at the banding site. The remedial surgical procedure revealed a banding suture that had passed through one wall of the vessel and was floating in the pseudoaneurysm cavity. A primary lateral repair of the pseudoaneurysm was performed and the inflow was rebanded over a 4 mm balloon. The patient is now 51 months postpseudoaneurysm repair and the fistula continues to be used for dialysis access. Perforation of the fistula should be suspected when there is more bleeding than usual during the MILLER banding procedure.
Interim Rig Test Results of an Advanced-Cooled Utility Turbine Combustor Burning a CDL Fuel
Authors: Kuznar R. J. , Ambrose M. J. , Ladlow C. C. , Cohn A. 
Published: March 2015

Under the “Advanced Cooling Full-Scale Engine Demonstration” Program, the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. is developing a combustor fabricated from Lamilloy, to be used in a Westinghouse W501 industrial combustion turbine on coal derived or residual fuel, which is aimed at using less cooling air and improving reliability.
A Full-Scale Rig Test Program of the Lamilloy combustor is being conducted at the Westinghouse Combustion Turbine Systems Division. Combustion rig tests have been performed on the full-size Lamilloy combustor on a low hydrogen coal-derived liquid and on standard #2 distillate fuel.
The Lamilloy combustor is a multiple laminate porous structure, formed from three diffusion bonded, etched Hastelloy-X sheets. Preliminary test results are given for both fuels and include wall temperatures, emissions and combustor performance for burner outlet temperatures up to 2200°F.
Acceptable wall temperature levels were obtained for both fuels, using cooling air flows below those required for the conventional film cooled design. Reduced cooling air requirements permitted larger diluent air flows and a corresponding reduction in pattern factor.
KILnGAS Commercial Module Demonstration Program
Authors: Deacon James S. 
Published: March 2015

Allis-Chalmers, in conjunction with twelve electric utilities, and the State of Illinois is completing the construction of a coal gasification demonstration plant at Illinois Power Company’s Wood River Generating Station. When it begins sustained operation later this year, the plant will gasify 600 tons (544,320 kg)/day of coal, producing clean low-Btu gas to fuel an existing 50 MW boiler at the station. The Electric Power Research Institute has joined the program and will provide a portion of the funds for the demonstration and testing activities. During its first year of operation, the plant will concentrate on the gasification of high sulfur Midwestern and Appalachian coals.
This paper seeks to review the design and construction of the plant, known as the KILnGAS Commercial Module, and to discuss the key aspects of the demonstration program.
Successful operation of the plant will permit the process developer, Allis-Chalmers Corporation, to furnish future commercial coal gasification plants with performance and equipment warranties.
Methanol as a Soot Reducer in a Turbulent Swirling Burner
Authors: Izquierdo Armando J. , Hoult David P. 
Published: March 2015

The combined effect of using methanol as a fuel additive together with a prototype multifuel injector has been evaluated with regard to soot formation in a tubular laboratory burner with a turbulent swirl stabilized diffusion flame.
Kerosene, ERBS fuel and Blending Stock with approximately 14, 12.8 and 10.3 wt% of hydrogen respectively were characterized in terms of soot loading at the axial positions Z/D = 2.5 and 4.0 and normalized radius r/R = ±0.67. Mixtures of ERBS fuel and Blending Stock with 15 and 7.5 wt% of methanol were also characterized in the same way.
Measurements with the plain fuels showed a drastic reduction in soot formation, in the order of one hundred and fifty fold decrease, due to the new injector design. Further reductions by a factor of 2 and 1.5 were accomplished with the mixtures of 15 and 7.5 wt% of methanol respectively.
Combustion and Deposition, Erosion, and Corrosion Tests of Coal Turbine Fuels
Authors: Wilkes C. , Wenglarz R. , Clark D. W. 
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the results obtained from the rich-quench-lean (RQL) combustion system running on distillate fuel and coal water slurry (CWS). Estimates of fuel bound nitrogen (FBN) yield indicate that rich lean combustion is successful in reducing the yield from coal water slurry fuel to between 8% and 12%. Some improvements in combustion efficiency are required when burning coal water slurry to reduce carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons to acceptable levels. These improvements are achievable by increasing the lean zone residence time. Further testing is planned to investigate the effects of residence time in more detail.
The planned deposition, erosion, and corrosion (DEC) testing will evaluate alternative approaches for protection from deposition, erosion, and corrosion of turbines operating with coal derived fuels.
Exergy Analysis of Combined Cycles: Part 2 — Analysis and Optimization of Two-Pressure Steam Bottoming Cycles
Authors: Chin W. W. , El-Masri M. A. 
Published: March 2015

Results of a study for selecting the optimum parameters of a dual-pressure bottoming cycle as a function of the gas turbine exhaust temperature are presented. Realistic constraints reflecting current technological practice are assumed. Exergy analysis is applied to quantify all loss sources in each cycle. Compared to a single pressure at typical exhaust gas temperatures the optimized dual-pressure configuration is found to increase steam cycle work output on the order of 3%, principally through the reduction of the heat transfer irreversibility from about 15% to 8% of the exhaust gas energy. Measures to further reduce the heat transfer irreversibility such as three-pressure systems or use of multi-component mixtures can therefore only result in modest additional gains.
The results for the efficiency of optimized dual pressure bottoming cycles are correlated against turbine exit temperature by simple polynomial fits. Sensitivity of the results to variations in the constraint envelope are presented.
Waste Energy Utilization in Regenerative Gas Turbine Cycles
Authors: Najjar Yousef S. H. , Aldoss Taha K. 
Published: March 2015

One of the ways that can be used to increase the efficiency of a shaft gas turbine engine is by installing a regenerative heat exchanger in one of the following two configurations:
1. after the low pressure turbine (usual case).
2. after the high pressure turbine (suggested).
Analysis of ideal cycles as well as real cycle for both configurations is done by using a computer program, where the following parameters were studied: heat exchanger effectiveness, turbine efficiency, compressor efficiency, ratio of turbine inlet pressure to compressor delivery pressure (P3/P2), and maximum temperature ratio (T3/T1).
From the sensitivity analysis for both configurations the usual configuration is inferior to the suggested in terms of the relative effects of compressor and turbine efficiencies on the overall efficiency and turbine inlet pressure on overall thermal efficiency and power output. However, the usual method is superior with respect to the relative effects of the compressor and turbine efficiencies on power output and flow path design and manufacture.