bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Cost Estimation Tools for Total Occupational Safety and Health Activities and Occupational Health Services: Cost Estimation from a Corporate Perspective
Authors: Nagata Tomohisa , Mori Koji , Aratake Yutaka , Ide Hiroshi , Ishida Hiromi , Nobori Junichiro , Kojima Reiko , Odagami Kiminori , Kato Anna , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: April 2014

Development of Cost Estimation Tools for Total Occupational Safety and Health Activities and Occupational Health Services: Cost Estimation from a Corporate Perspective: Tomohisa NAGATA,et al. Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan—ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to develop standardized cost estimation tools that provide information to employers about occupational safety and health (OSH) activities for effective and efficient decision making in Japanese companies.MethodsWe interviewed OSH staff members including full‐time professional occupational physicians to list all OSH activities. Using activity‐based costing, cost data were obtained from retrospective analyses of occupational safety and health costs over a 1‐year period in three manufacturing workplaces and were obtained from retrospective analyses of occupational health services costs in four manufacturing workplaces. We verified the tools additionally in four workplaces including service businesses.ResultsWe created the OSH and occupational health standardized cost estimation tools. OSH costs consisted of personnel costs, expenses, outsourcing costs and investments for 15 OSH activities. The tools provided accurate, relevant information on OSH activities and occupational health services.ConclusionsThe standardized information obtained from our OSH and occupational health cost estimation tools can be used to manage OSH costs, make comparisons of OSH costs between companies and organizations and help occupational health physicians and employers to determine the best course of action.
Synthesis and Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of Fe3O4@ZnO Mesoporous Spheres
Authors: Sun Danping , Jiang Wei , Wang Yanping , Sun Chen , Zou Quan , Liu Gongzong , Liu Jie , Li Fengsheng 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTMesoporous Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with ZnO nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by a simple solution method at low temperature. The transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that the mesoporous Fe3O4 nanoparticles are monodispersed with a mean diameter of 160 nm and the thickness of ZnO layer is 15 nm approximately. The porosity of the products was further substantiated by the nitrogen (N2) sorption measurement. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm curve can be identified as type IV, which is a characteristic of mesopores. Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties of the as-prepared Fe3O4@ZnO mesoporous spheres-wax composites were investigated at a room temperature in the frequency range of 0.5∼18 GHz. Interestingly, the Fe3O4@ZnO mesoporous spheres exhibit an enhanced EM wave absorption due to the mesoporous structure. The multiple absorbing mechanisms result from the interface polarization induced by the special core/shell and mesoporous structures as well as dipole polarization of both Fe3O4 and ZnO. The results demonstrate that the Fe3O4@ZnO mesoporous spheres are attractive candidates for a new kind of EM wave absorption materials with wide absorption frequency band.
Helium Interaction with Y2Ti2O7: A First Principles Study
Authors: Danielson Thomas , Hin Celine 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTHelium embrittlement poses a great threat to materials used in both fusion and fissionreactor systems due to (n,α) transmutation reactions. Because of this, materials capable of moderating the helium content reaching grain boundaries and voids must be developed and improved to prevent catastrophic failure of reactor materials. Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) have shown great promise in preventing helium embrittlement due to the large number density of nanoscale precipitates acting as trapping sites for helium clusters and helium bubbles. In this study, we present density functional theory calculations on the interaction of helium with nanoscale precipitates found in NFAs as a preliminary study to furthering our understanding of the energetic mechanisms causing the precipitates to act as trapping sites for helium.
Dizziness and Loss of Balance in Individuals With Diabetes: Relative Contribution of Vestibular Versus Somatosensory Dysfunction
Authors: Walley Megan , Anderson Elizabeth , Pippen Mary Walch , Maitland Gerry 
Published: April 2014

IN BRIEF
The authors studied patients with diabetes and complaints of dizziness to determine whether peripheral neuropathy or inner ear dysfunction was more likely to disturb balance. Quantitative testing showed that the majority failed to maintain balance in vestibular-related conditions and had normal equilibrium scores in conditions relying on somatosensory input. Vestibular dysfunction should be an immediate consideration in patients with diabetes and complaints of dizziness regardless of the presence of peripheral neuropathy.
Prevalence of deafness and association with coat variations in client-owned ferrets
Authors: Piazza Stéphanie , Abitbol Marie , Gnirs Kirsten , Huynh Minh , Cauzinille Laurent 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the prevalence of congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) and its association with phenotypic markers in client-owned ferrets.
Design—Epidemiological study.
Animals—152 healthy European pet ferrets.
Procedures—Brainstem auditory evoked response tests were recorded in ferrets during general anesthesia. Phenotypic markers such as sex, coat color and pattern, coat length (Angora or not), and premature graying trait were assessed.
Results—Overall, 44 of the 152 (29%) ferrets were affected by CSD; 10 (7%) were unilaterally deaf, and 34 (22%) were bilaterally deaf. There was no association between CSD and sex or Angora trait, but a strong association between CSD and white patterned coat or premature graying was identified. All panda, American panda, and blaze ferrets were deaf.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The ferrets in this study had a high prevalence of CSD that was strictly associated with coat color patterns, specifically white markings and premature graying. This seemed to be an emerging congenital defect in pet ferrets because white-marked coats are a popular new coat color. Breeders should have a greater awareness and understanding of this defect to reduce its prevalence for the overall benefit of the species. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:1047–1052)
Type II error and statistical power in reports of small animal clinical trials
Authors: Giuffrida Michelle A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To describe reporting of key methodological elements associated with type II error in published reports of small animal randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to determine the statistical power in a subset of RCTs with negative results.
Design—Descriptive literature survey.
Sample—Reports of parallel-group clinical RCTs published in 11 English-language veterinary journals from 2005 to 2012.
Procedures—Predefined criteria were used to identify trial primary outcomes and classify results as negative or positive. Details of sample size determination and use of confidence intervals in results reporting were recorded. For each 2-group RCT with negative results, the statistical power to detect 25% and 50% relative differences in outcome was calculated.
Results—Of 238 RCTs, 42 (18%) stated a primary outcome, 52 (22%) reported a sample size calculation, and 18 (9%) included a confidence interval around the observed treatment effect. Reports of only 2 (0.8%) RCTs included all 3 elements. Among 103 two-group RCTs with negative results, only 14 (14%) and 40 (39%) were sufficiently powered (β < 0.20) to detect 25% and 50% relative differences in outcome between treatments, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The present survey found that small animal RCTs with negative results were often underpowered to detect moderate-to-large effect sizes between study groups. Information needed for critical appraisal was missing from most reports. The potential for clinicians to base treatment decisions on inappropriate interpretations of RCTs was worrisome. Design and reporting of small animal RCTs must be improved.
QSAR study of the DPPH· radical scavenging activity of coumarin derivatives and xanthine oxidase inhibition by molecular docking
Authors: Razo-Hernández Rodrigo , Pineda-Urbina Kayim , Velazco-Medel Marlene , Villanueva-García Manuel , Sumaya-Martínez M. , Martínez-Martínez Francisco , Gómez-Sandoval Zeferino 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) of coumarins by genetic algorithms employing physicochemical, topological, lipophilic and electronic descriptors was performed. We have used experimental antioxidant activities of specific coumarin derivatives against the DPPH· radical molecule. Molecular descriptors such as Randic Path/Walk, hydrophilic factor and chemical hardness were selected to propose a mathematical model. We obtained a linear correlation with R2 = 96.65 and Q
LOO2 = 93.14 values. The evaluation of the predictive ability of the model was performed by applying the Q
ASYM2, $\hat r^2 $ and Δr
m2 methods. Fukui functions were calculated here for coumarin derivatives in order to delve into the mechanics by which they work as primary antioxidants. We also investigated xanthine oxidase inhibition with these coumarins by molecular docking. Our results show that hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions are crucial in the inhibition of xanthine oxidase by coumarins.
Numerical simulation of thermal-hydraulic generators running in a single regime
Authors: Chioreanu Nicolae , Mitran Tudor , Rus Alexandru , Beles Horia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe paper presents the basis for the design of thermal-hydraulic generators running in a single regime. The thermal-hydraulic generators in a single regime running represent an absolute novelty worldwide (a pioneer invention). Based on the methodology concerning this subject, the design calculus for an experimental model was developed.
Pre-decommissioning complex engineering and radiation inspection of the WWR-M reactor
Authors: Lobach Yu. N. , Shevel V. N. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The Kiev's research reactor WWR-M has been in operation for more than 50 years. Decommissioning plan should to be prepared and approved before the beginning of the decommissioning activities. A key activity during reactor operation is implementing the pre-decommissioning complex engineering and radiation inspection. It should be done with objective to collect, arrange and analyze the data related to the engineering and radiation conditions of the reactor systems and equipment. Recently, such an inspection has been completed. The analysis of available documentation has consisted in the assessment of design, construction, technological, assembling, operation, maintenance and repair documentation for each system. The radiation survey was performed in two different ways, namely, by doing the experimental measurements and by performing calculations. The collected data are provided a comprehensive technical basis for the development of decommissioning documentation which is required for the planning and implementation of the reactor decommissioning.
Application of the method for uncertainty and sensitivity evaluation to results of PWR LBLOCA analysis calculated with the code ATHLET. Part 2: sensitivity analysis
Authors: Kozmenkov Y. , Rohde U. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In the previously published part 1 of the paper the uncertainty analysis of the large break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA) for German PWR Konvoi was performed using a statistical method, which is based on the Wilks' theory. The evaluated output parameter is the peak cladding temperature (PCT). The primary goal of this (second) part of the paper is a ranking of the input uncertainties, according to their contributions to the PCT uncertainty in the ATHLET simulation of PWR LBLOCA, by performing a sensitivity analysis. It was shown, that the first extended set of varied parameters used in part 1 can be considerably reduced without any statistically significant influence on the uncertainty analysis results. Thus, it can be shown that the input uncertainty vector based on the LBLOCA PIRT of AREVA GmbH was complete. To minimize the number of varied parameters the statistical t-test was used and, thus, a set of uncertainty parameters with significant impact on the uncertainty of the PCT was identified. The main contribution to the uncertainty of the first cladding temperature maximum during the blowdown phase of the accident is produced by the core parameters that affect the fuel's stored energy at the beginning of the accident. However, the major contributors to the uncertainty of the second PCT maximum are the uncertainties in the code models, and first of all the uncertainties in the heat transfer coefficients for dispersed and pure steam flows.
T
1 and U
1 approximations to neutron transport equation in one-dimensional spherical geometry
Authors: Tıraş M. , Öztürk H. , Bülbül A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The diffusion lengths for one-speed neutrons are calculated by solving transport equation in one-dimensional spherical geometry. The pseudo-slab transport equation is obtained using a reasonable approach. The neutron angular flux is expanded in a series of both the Chebyshev polynomials of first and second kinds. Then analytic and numerical results for asymptotic relaxation length are obtained by applying first order approximations to the transport equation and they are compared with each other.
Combination of MRI and dynamic FET PET for initial glioma grading
Authors: Maeder P. , Nicod-Lalonde M. , Lhermitte B. , Pollo C. , Bloch J. , Stupp R. , Meuli R. , Prior J. O. , Dunet V. 
Published: April 2014

Summary
Aim: MRI and PET with 18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyro- sine (FET) have been increasingly used to evaluate patients with gliomas. Our purpose was to assess the additive value of MR spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion imaging and dynamic FET-PET for glioma grading. Patients, methods: 38 patients (42 ± 15 aged, F/M: 0.46) with untreated histologically proven brain gliomas were included. All underwent conventional MRI, MRS, diffusion sequences, and FET-PET within 3±4 weeks. Performances of tumour FET time-activity-curve, early-to-middle SUVmax ratio, choline / creatine ratio and ADC histogram distribution pattern for gliomas grading were assessed, as compared to histology. Combination of these parameters and respective odds were also evaluated. Results: Tumour time-activity- curve reached the best accuracy (67%) when taken alone to distinguish between low and high-grade gliomas, followed by ADC histogram analysis (65%). Combination of time-activity-curve and ADC histogram analysis improved the sensitivity from 67% to 86% and the specificity from 63-67% to 100% (p < 0.008). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, negative slope of the tumour FET time-activity-curve however remains the best predictor of high-grade glioma (odds 7.6, SE 6.8, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Combination of dynamic FET-PET and diffusion MRI reached good performance for gliomas grading. The use of FET-PET/MR may be highly relevant in the initial assessment of primary brain tumours.
On-Treatment Low Serum HBV RNA Level Predicts Initial Virological Response in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving Nucleoside Analogue Therapy
Authors: Huang Yi-Wen , Takahashi Shoichi , Tsuge Masataka , Chen Chi-Ling , Wang Ting-Chuan , Abe Hiromi , Hu Jui-Ting , Chen Ding-Shinn , Yang Sien-Sing , Chayama Kazuaki , Kao Jia-Horng 
Published: April 2014

Background Serum HBV RNA is detectable during nucleoside/nucleotide analogue therapy as a result of unaffected RNA replicative intermediates or interrupted reverse transcription. We studied the predictive value of serum HBV RNA for initial virological response during nucleoside analogue therapy. Methods Serum HBV RNA was quantified before and at 12 and 24 weeks of lamivudine or entecavir therapy. Serum HBV DNA was measured every 4–12 weeks during treatment to define initial virological response. Results Serum HBV RNA was detectable in 21 of 52 (40%) consecutive patients with a mean of 5.2 log copies/ml (male/female 35/17, mean age of 60 years with a range of 31–82, 44% HBeAg-positive, and 26 with lamivudine and 26 with entecavir) before treatment. Serum HBV RNA level at week 12 in patients with an interval from detectable to undetectable serum HBV DNA level <16 weeks was significantly lower than those with an interval ≥16 weeks (3.8 +3.8 versus 6.6 +3.5 log copies/ ml, P=0.013). After adjustment for serum HBV DNA level at week 12, serum quantatitive HBsAg level at week 12 and pretreatment ALT level, low serum HBV RNA level at week 12 predicted a shorter interval to undetectable serum HBV DNA level (adjusted hazard ratio =0.908, 95% CI 0.829, 0.993, P=0.035). Conclusions Low serum HBV RNA level at week 12 of nucleoside analogue therapy independently predicts initial virological response in treated chronic hepatitis B patients. Serum HBV RNA levels may thus be useful for optimizing treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
Development of Quality Indicators for an Integrated Approach of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Grypdonck Lies , Aertgeerts Bert , Luyten Frank , Wollersheim Hub , Bellemans Johan , Peers Koen , Verschueren Sabine , Vankrunkelsven Patrik , Hermens Rosella 
Published: April 2014

Objective.Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability worldwide. Knee OA care is often suboptimal. A first necessary step in quality improvement is to gain a clear insight into usual care. We developed a set of evidence-based quality indicators for multidisciplinary high-quality knee OA care.Methods.A Rand-modified Delphi method was used to develop quality indicators for knee OA diagnosis, therapy, and followup. Recommendations were extracted from international guidelines as well as existing sets of quality indicators and scored by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Based on median score, prioritization, and agreement, recommendations were labeled as having a high, uncertain, or low potential to measure quality of care and were discussed in a consensus meeting for inclusion or exclusion. Two final validation rounds yielded a core set of recommendations, which were translated into quality indicators.Results.From a total of 86 recommendations and existing indicators, a core set of 29 recommendations was derived that allowed us to define high-quality knee OA care. From this core set, 22 recommendations were considered to be measurable in clinical practice and were transformed into a final set of 21 quality indicators regarding diagnosis, lifestyle/education/devices, therapy, and followup.Conclusion.Our study provides a robust set of 21 quality indicators for high-quality knee OA care, measurable in clinical practice. These process indicators may be used to measure usual care and evaluate quality improvement interventions across the entire spectrum of disciplines involved in knee OA care.
Folic Acid and Folinic Acid for Reducing Side Effects in Patients Receiving Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shea Beverley , Swinden Michael V. , Ghogomu Elizabeth Tanjong , Ortiz Zulma , Katchamart Wanruchada , Rader Tamara , Bombardier Claire , Wells George A. , Tugwell Peter 
Published: April 2014

Objective.To perform a systematic review of the benefits and harms of folic acid and folinic acid in reducing the mucosal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and hematologic side effects of methotrexate (MTX); and to assess whether folic or folinic acid supplementation has any effect on MTX benefit.Methods.We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and US National Institutes of Health clinical trials registry from inception to March 2012. We selected all double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in which adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with MTX (dose ≤ 25 mg/week) concurrently with folate supplementation. We included only trials using low-dose folic or folinic acid (a starting dose of ≤ 7 mg weekly) because the high dose is no longer recommended or used. Data were extracted from the trials, and the trials were independently assessed for risk of bias using a predetermined set of criteria.Results.Six trials with 624 patients were eligible for inclusion. Most studies had low or unclear risk of bias for key domains. The quality of the evidence was rated as “moderate” for each outcome as assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) working group, with the exception of hematologic side effects, which were rated as “low.” There was no significant heterogeneity between trials, including where folic acid and folinic acid studies were pooled. For patients supplemented with any form of exogenous folate (either folic or folinic acid) while receiving MTX therapy for RA, a 26% relative (9% absolute) risk reduction was seen for the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92; p = 0.008). Folic and folinic acid also appear to be protective against abnormal serum transaminase elevation caused by MTX, with a 76.9% relative (16% absolute) risk reduction (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.34; p < 0.00001), as well as reducing patient withdrawal from MTX for any reason [60.8% relative (15.2% absolute) risk reduction, RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.53; p < 0.00001].Conclusion.The results support a protective effect of supplementation with either folic or folinic acid for patients with RA during treatment with MTX. There was a clinically important significant reduction shown in the incidence of GI side effects and hepatic dysfunction (as measured by elevated serum transaminase levels), as well as a clinically important significant reduction in discontinuation of MTX treatment for any reason.
Osteoarthritis Incidence and Trends in Administrative Health Records from British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Rahman M. Mushfiqur , Cibere Jolanda , Goldsmith Charlie H. , Anis Aslam H. , Kopec Jacek A. 
Published: April 2014

Objective.To calculate the incidence rates of osteoarthritis (OA) and to describe the changes in incidence using 18 years of administrative health records.Methods.We analyzed visits to health professionals and hospital admission records in a random sample (n = 640,000) from British Columbia, Canada, from 1991/1992 through 2008/2009. OA was defined in 2 ways: (1) at least 1 physician diagnosis or 1 hospital admission; and (2) at least 2 physician diagnoses in 2 years or 1 hospital admission. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated, and the annual relative changes were estimated from the Poisson regression models.Results.In 2008/2009, the overall crude incidence rate (95% CI) of OA using definition 1 was 14.6 (14.0–14.8); [12.5 (12.0–13.0) among men and 16.3 (15.8–16.8) among women] per 1000 person-years. The rates were lower by about 44% under definition 2. For the period 2000/2001–2008/2009, crude incidence rates based on definition 1 varied from 11.8 to 14.2 per 1000 person-years for men, and from 15.7 to 18.5 for women. Annually, on average, crude rates rose by about 2.5–3.3% for both men and women. The age-adjusted rates increased by 0.6–0.8% among men and showed no trend among women.Conclusion.Our study generated updated incidence rates of administrative OA for the Province of British Columbia. Physician-diagnosed overall incidence rates of OA varied with the case definitions used; however, trends were similar in both case definitions. Age-adjusted rates among men increased slightly during the period 2000/2001–2008/2009. These findings have implications for projecting future prevalence and costs of OA.