bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five Years Later: Are Accelerated, Second-Degree Program Graduates Still in the Workforce?
Authors: Raines Deborah A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis retrospective study explores the work activities of graduates from an accelerated, second-degree BSN program. There is documented growth in the number of accelerated, second-degree programs and the number of graduates from these programs. However, there are no published studies of whether or not these graduates are members of the workforce 5 years following graduation. This retrospective study found that the majority of the graduates are employed in nursing, and a large percentage have earned or are pursuing advanced degrees in nursing.
Effectiveness of the Corrective Babbling Speech Treatment Program for Children with a History of Cleft Palate or Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Dobbelsteyn Cindy , Kay-Raining Bird Elizabeth , Parker Jennifer , Griffiths Charlotte , Budden Ashlee , Flood Kristina , Stilson Amie 
Published: September 2013

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a phonetic-based, parent-administered treatment to reduce cleft-related speech errors. Design Immediate treatment (IT) versus delayed treatment (DT) comparison followed by analysis of gains over approximately 4 months and again after a longer period of treatment for participants in both groups. Participants Thirteen participants with a history of cleft palate or velopharyngeal dysfunction and speech disorder. Intervention After training, parents were instructed to conduct daily 10-minute sessions of phonetic drills with their children. Main Outcome Measures Group differences in percent consonants correct (PCC) were compared between those who did and those who did not receive the treatment. Pre- and posttreatment PCC comparisons were made after approximately 4 months of treatment and after termination of treatment. Results Participants receiving Corrective Babbling therapy showed significant gains in PCC in limited contexts after 4 months of therapy. However, gains were not significantly greater for the IT versus DT group. Participants who continued with the treatment for longer than 4 months showed the greatest gains in PCC and had significant improvements in all speech contexts assessed. Parents reported satisfaction with the program. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that this treatment shows promise for at least some children with a history of cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction.
Effective Propagation of HPAM Solutions Through the Tambaredjo Reservoir During a Polymer Flood
Authors: Manichand R.N.. N. , Moe Soe Let K.P.. P. , Gil L.. , Quillien B.. , Seright R.S.. S. 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Two new methods were developed for anaerobically sampling polymer solutions from production wells in the Sarah Maria polymer-flood-pilot project in Suriname. Whereas previous methods indicated severe polymer degradation, the improved methods revealed that the polymer propagated intact more than 300 ft through the Tambaredjo formation. Our results may help explain the inconsistency between good production responses and highly degraded polymer observed in many past field projects. Analysis of produced salinity, polymer concentration, and viscosity indicated that the polymer banks retained low salinity and, therefore, high viscosity for much of the way through the Sarah Maria polymer-flood-pilot pattern. A strong shear-thickening rheology was observed for 1,000 ppm and 1,350 ppm hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) solutions in porous media, even though the salinity was only 500 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS). Examination of injectivities revealed that these solutions were injected above the formation parting pressure in the Sarah Maria polymer-injection wells. Injectivity was insufficient until fractures were initiated hydraulically; however, the fractures propagated a distance of only approximately 20 ft and did not jeopardize sweep efficiency. In contrast, the short fractures greatly improved polymer injectivity and reduced concern about polymer mechanical degradation.
Pre-ESRD Changes in Body Weight and Survival in Nursing Home Residents Starting Dialysis
Authors: Stack Shobha , Chertow Glenn M. , Johansen Kirsten L. , Si Yan , Tamura Manjula Kurella 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Among patients receiving maintenance dialysis, weight loss at any body mass index is associated with mortality. However, it is not known whether weight changes before dialysis initiation are associated with mortality and if so, what risks are associated with weight gain or loss.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements
Linking data from the US Renal Data System to a national registry of nursing home residents, this study identified 11,090 patients who started dialysis between January of 2000 and December of 2006. Patients were categorized according to weight measured between 3 and 6 months before dialysis initiation and the percentage change in body weight before dialysis initiation (divided into quintiles). The outcome was mortality within 1 year of starting dialysis.

Results
There were 361 patients (3.3%) who were underweight (Quételet’s [body mass] index<18.5 kg/m2) and 4046 patients (36.5%) who were obese (body mass index≥30 kg/m2) before dialysis initiation. The median percentage change in body weight before dialysis initiation was −6% (interquartile range=−13% to 1%). There were 6063 deaths (54.7%) over 1 year of follow-up. Compared with patients with minimal weight changes (−3% to 3%, quintile 4), patients with weight loss ≥15% (quintile 1) had 35% higher risk for mortality (95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 1.47), whereas those patients with weight gain≥4% (quintile 5) had a 24% higher risk for mortality (95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.35) adjusted for baseline body mass index and other confounders.

Conclusions
Among nursing home residents, changes in body weight in advance of dialysis initiation are associated with significantly higher 1-year mortality.
Treatment of Idiopathic FSGS with Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Gel
Authors: Hogan Jonathan , Bomback Andrew S. , Mehta Kshama , Canetta Pietro A. , Rao Maya K. , Appel Gerald B. , Radhakrishnan Jai , Lafayette Richard A. 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has shown efficacy as primary and secondary therapy for nephrotic syndrome due to membranous nephropathy. The data on using ACTH to treat idiopathic FSGS are limited. This report describes our experience using ACTH for nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic FSGS in the United States.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Twenty-four patients with nephrotic syndrome from idiopathic FSGS were treated with ACTH gel at two academic medical centers between 2009 and 2012, either as part of investigator-initiated pilot studies (n=16) or by prescription for treatment-resistant FSGS (n=8). The primary outcome was remission of proteinuria. The median dose of ACTH was 80 units injected subcutaneously twice weekly. Treatment durations were not uniform.

Results
Twenty-two patients had received immunosuppression (mean, 2.2 medications) before ACTH therapy. Six patients had steroid-dependent and 15 had steroid-resistant FSGS. At the time of ACTH initiation, the median serum creatinine (interquartile range) was 2.0 (1.1–2.7) mg/dl, estimated GFR was 36 (28–78) ml/min per 1.73 m2, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio was 4595 (2200–8020) mg/g. At the end of ACTH therapy, 7 of 24 patients (29%) experienced remission (n=2 complete remissions, n=5 partial remissions). All remitters had steroid-resistant (n=5) or steroid-dependent (n=2) FSGS. Two responders relapsed during the follow-up period (mean ± SD, 70±31 weeks). Adverse events occurred in 21 of 24 patients, including one episode of new-onset diabetes that resolved after stopping ACTH and two episodes of AKI.

Conclusions
Response to ACTH treatment among steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent patients with FSGS is low, but ACTH gel may be a viable treatment option for some patients with resistant nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic FSGS. Further research is necessary to determine which patients will respond to therapy.
Recovery from AKI Following Multiple Wasp Stings
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yang Yingying , Tang Yi , Zhao Yuliang , Cao Yu , Su Baihai , Fu Ping 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Background and objective
To observe the outcomes of AKI following multiple wasp stings.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Eighty-one patients (mean age ± SD, 45.5±14.7 years; 55 men and 26 women; mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 16.85±2.78) with AKI following multiple wasp stings between 1997 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on their demographic characteristics, initial modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT), urine output, serum creatinine, bilirubin, myoglobin, and other variables were collected. Renal outcomes included complete recovery of kidney function, CKD, and death. Subgroup analysis was performed according to initial modality of RRT in the first 48 hours, including continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), and CVVH plus plasma exchange (PE).

Results
Of the 75 patients available for follow-up, 7 (9.3%) died, and 8 (10.7%, all in the IHD group) developed CKD. The average RRT time was 18.2±8.4 days, and the average kidney function recovery time was 36.0 (29.0, 41.0) days. Subgroup analysis showed no difference in the mortality rates between the CVVH, CVVH + PE, and IHD groups (8.0%, 7.1%, and 11.1%, respectively; P>0.99). The recovery time for kidney function was significantly shorter in the CVVH and CVVH + PE groups than in the IHD group (31.9±8.5 days, 28.6±9.4 days, and 41.6±8.1 days, respectively; P<0.001).

Conclusions
This is a large case series report on the outcomes of patients with AKI following multiple wasp stings. Most patients survived with complete recovery of their kidney function. Despite the lack of difference in mortality rates, the patients who began RRT with CVVH and CVVH + PE experienced a better and more rapid recovery of kidney function than those initiated with IHD.
Association of Subclinical Inflammation With Polyneuropathy in the Older Population
Authors: Herder Christian , Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Heier Margit , Kowall Bernd , Koenig Wolfgang , Thorand Barbara , Roden Michael , Meisinger Christa , Ziegler Dan 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Inflammatory processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN), but their possible relationship has not been assessed at the population level.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We determined serum concentrations of mediators of subclinical inflammation among 1,047 participants 61–82 years of age from the population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4 study (Germany). Logistic and linear regression models were fitted to assess associations between immune mediators (log-transformed) and the presence of clinical DSPN (dichotomous variable) or Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) examination score (continuous variable), respectively.

RESULTS
Serum concentrations of the anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were positively associated with the presence of DSPN and higher MNSI scores in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted analyses, whereas IL-6, IL-18, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were positively associated with only MNSI scores. No associations were observed for adiponectin, C-reactive protein, or tumor necrosis factor-α. Associations for IL-1RA and IL-6 with the MNSI score remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for waist circumference, height, hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, history of myocardial infarction or stroke, presence of neurological conditions, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that DSPN is linked to proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory, possibly compensatory, processes in the older general population. Future studies should clarify the temporal sequence and causality of these associations.
Association of Glomerular Filtration Rate With Outcomes of Acute Stroke in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Results From the China National Stroke Registry
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Xianwei , Wang Yilong , Wang Chunxue , Wang Haichen , Wang David , Liu Liping , Jia Qian , Liu Gaifen , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun ,   on behalf of the CNSR Investigators
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
We aim to explore whether a link exists between different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and poor outcomes of acute stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Between 2007 and 2009, 6,261 patients with cerebrovascular events and diabetes were included in the final analysis from the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR) and substudy of CNSR (Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke Across China [ACROSS]).The period of follow-up was 1 year after stroke onset. eGFR was calculated with the Chinese modification of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The association between eGFR and poor stroke outcomes, including all-cause death, recurrent stroke, combined end point (stroke or death), and stroke disability, was evaluated by multivariate analysis with the adjustment for demographic and clinical features.

RESULTS
Of 4,836 patients with stroke, low eGFR (&lt;45 mL/min/1.73 m2) occurred in 268 (5.5%) and high eGFR (≥120 mL/min/1.73 m2) in 387 (8.0%). The median value for eGFR in all patients was 92.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. Low eGFR was independently associated with risks of all clinical outcomes in stroke/transient ischemic attack patients or patients with ischemic events, but not in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Additionally, high eGFR was positively associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in all stroke subtypes, including hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS
Low and high eGFRs (&lt;45 or ≥120 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively) are independent predictors of all-cause mortality and other poor outcomes after acute stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Impact of Baseline Terms on the Course of Critical Paths and Time Buffers in the Modified Goldratt’s Method
Authors: Połoński M. , Pruszyński K. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract The introduction of a baseline term to the dependency network most often results in a change, break and/or generation of a new sequence of critical path, depending on the type of such a baseline term and the exact date selected. Each of those situations has an impact on the location or need to include new time buffers in the modified Goldratt’s method. The purpose of this article was to identify possible effects brought by declaration of each type of baseline term and to point out actions to be taken in each case. It must be noted that guidelines provided should in each individual case be adapted to the specific character of schedule changes caused by implementation of the relevant baseline term. The example presented herein exemplifies one of such solutions to be implemented as a result of break of the critical path and need to introduce new time buffers.
Synergistic Interaction of Polypropylene Fibres in Latex Modified High Strength Concrete
Authors: Thirumurugan S. , Sivakumar A. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract Synthetic polymer latexes, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex addition in Portland cement has gained wider acceptance in many applications in the construction industry. Polymer-modified cementitious systems seals the pores and micro cracks developed during hardening of the cement matrix, by dispersing a film of polymer phase throughout the concrete. A comprehensive set of experimental test were conducted for studying the compressive properties of SBR latex polymer with crimped polypropylene fibres at relative volume fractions of 0.1 and 0.3%. The results indicated that the addition of polypropylene fibre has little effect on the reduction in the workability of concrete composite containing fly ash and SBR Latex. Increase in polypropylene fibres upto 0.3% Vf showed increase in compressive strength upto 57.5MPa. The SBR concrete without fibre showed an increase in strength upto 20 % compared to plain concrete. Test results also indicated that the compressive strength was increased in SBR fibre concrete by means of an ordinary dry curing process than wet curing because of their excellent water retention due to polymer film formation around the cement grains. On the contrary the compressive strength reduces for SBR fibre concretes under wet curing compared to dry curing
Application of Prefabricated Panels for the Energy Retrofit of Portuguese Residential Buildings Facades: A Case Study
Authors: Sousa J. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the potential application of prefabricated panels in energy retrofit of facades in the Portuguese building stock. The fundamentals of this study were part of Annex 50, which was an international ECBCS IEA project, with the purpose of developing an innovative concept of building renovation for the most representative buildings based on prefabricated systems. To analyze the potential application of energy retrofit using prefabricated panels, was important to know the reality of the existing building stock and its morphology. To know the reality of the building stock, an analysis was done based on the existing statistical data and to find the most representative residential buildings, target of the study, three criteria were defined: buildings built before 1990, with 2 to 6 floors and with renovation needs in the exterior envelope.In the absence of statistical information about buildings morphology, a research work was done in the field. During the collection of data a methodology was developed in which each opening was classified according to a code with three parameters. In the end of the classification, 29 final codes were achieved and was verified that three types of panels have a higher probability of being applied.
Laboratory Experimental Analysis on Encapsulated Stone Column
Authors: Tandel Y.K. , Solanki C.H. , Desai A.K. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract The application of stone column technique for improvement of soft soils has attracted a considerable attention during the last decade. However, in a very soft soil, the stone columns undergo excessive bulging, because of very low lateral confinement pressure provided by the surrounding soil. The performance of stone column can be improved by the encapsulation of stone column by geosynthetic, which acts to provide additional confinement to columns, preventing excessive bulging and column failure. In the present study, a detailed experimental study on behavior of single column is carried out by varying parameters like diameter of the stone column, length of stone column, length of geosynthetic encapsulation and stiffness of encapsulation material. In addition, finite-element analyses have been performed to access the radial deformation of stone column. The results indicate a remarkable increase in load carrying capacity due to encapsulation. The load carrying capacity of column depends very much upon the diameter of the stone column and stiffness of encapsulation material. The results show that partial encapsulation over top half of the column and fully encapsulated floating column of half the length of clay bed thickness give lower load carrying capacity than fully encapsulated end bearing column. In addition, radial deformation of stone column decreases with increasing stiffness of encapsulation material.
Repairing and Strengthening of Elliptical Paraboloid Reinforced Concrete Shells with Openings
Authors: Meleka N.N. , Safan M.A. , Bashandy A.A. , Abd-Elrazek A.S. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract This investigation is carried out to evaluate the repair and strengthening the techniques of elliptical paraboloid reinforced concrete shells with openings. An experimental program of several different techniques in repair and strengthening is executed. The materials, which are considered for strengthening, are; Glass fiber reinforced polymers GFRP at different position of the shell bottom surface, steel strip and external tie. They loaded by four concentrated loads affected on the corners of the opening. The initial and failure loads as well as the crack propagation for the tested shells at different loading stages, deflections and failure load for repaired and shells are recorded. A non-linear computer program based on finite element techniques is used to study the behavior of these types of shells. Geometric and materials nonlinearities are considered in the analysis. The efficiency and accuracy of computer program are verified by comparing the program results with those obtained experimentally for the control shell with opening and strengthened shells.
Rule of the Fluoride Stymulators in to the Carbo-N-Ox Method During Aluminium Bronze Melting Process
Authors: Bydałek A.W. , Schlafka P. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
During the slag refining process, in the real systems, the complex processes of mass exchange appear. Some relations between the stimulators in the environment - slag - metal system allow to initiate mass exchange reactions in the process of slag refining. Due to this kind of influences there is a possibility of direction and control of melting copper and it’s alloys.
Effect of the Carbides and Matrix on the Wear Resistance of Nodular Cast Iron
Authors: Gumienny G. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This paper presents the results of the abrasive wear resistance of selected types of nodular cast iron, including ADI, cooperating with quartz sand and 100 grit abrasive paper. It has been shown that carbides in nodular cast iron cause an increase in wear resistance of 6 to 12% depending on the surface fraction of the carbides and type of the matrix. For the same unit pressure the mass loss of the cast iron cooperating with quartz sand is many times larger than the cast iron cooperating with abrasive paper. For both abrasives the highest wear resistance showed nodular cast iron with upper and lower bainite and carbides.
Synergy of Practical Knowledge of Molding Sands Reclamation in Heavy Casting Foundry of Iron Alloys
Authors: Ignaszak Z. , Prunier J-B. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The paper summarizes research realized by the author in laboratory and industrial conditions (foundries of cast steel and cast iron, castings up to 50 tons) on the effects of the chemically hardened molding sands regeneration using hard/soft rubbing in the dry reclamation. A reference was simultaneously made to advisability of application of the thermal regeneration in conditions, where chromite amount in the circulating (reclaimed) molding sand goes as high as above ten percent. An advisability of connecting standard and specialized methods of examination of the reclaimed sands and molding sands made using it was pointed out. A way of application of studies with the Hot Distortion Plus® method modified by the author for validation of modeling of the thermo-dynamic phenomena in the mold was shown.