bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Academic achievement in school‐aged children with active epilepsy: A population‐based study
Authors: Reilly Colin , Atkinson Patricia , Das Krishna B. , Chin Richard F. C. , Aylett Sarah E. , Burch Victoria , Gillberg Christopher , Scott Rod C. , Neville Brian G. R. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo provide population‐based data on the performance of school‐aged children with epilepsy on measures of academic achievement and factors associated with this performance after controlling for IQ.MethodsEighty‐five (74%) of 115 children with “active” epilepsy (experienced a seizure in the past year and/or on antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]) underwent psychological assessment including measures of IQ, aspects of working memory and processing speed. Sixty‐five of the 85 were able to complete subtests on the Wide Range Achievement Test–Fourth Edition (WRAT‐4). Paired sample t‐tests were conducted to compare subtest scores. Factors associated with academic performance after controlling for IQ were examined using linear regression.ResultsSeventy‐two percent of the children, who could complete subtests on the WRAT‐4, displayed “low achievement” (1 standard deviation [SD] below test mean) and 42% displayed “underachievement” (1 SD below assessed IQ) on at least one of the four WRAT‐4 subtests. The mean scores on the Math Computation subtest and Sentence Comprehension subtest were significantly lower than scores on the Word Reading (p < 0.05) and Spelling (p < 0.001) subtests. Younger age at seizure onset was associated (p < 0.05) with decreased scores on three of the four WRAT‐4 subtests after controlling for IQ. Difficulties with auditory working memory were associated with difficulties on reading comprehension (p < 0.05), and parent‐reported difficulties with school attendance were associated with decreased scores on the Spelling and Word Reading subtests after controlling for IQ (p < 0.05).SignificanceDifficulties with academic achievement are common in school‐aged children with “active” epilepsy. Much of the difficulties can be attributed to lowered global cognition. However, specific cognitive deficits, younger onset of first seizure, and school attendance difficulties may contribute to difficulties independent of global cognition. There is a need to screen all children with “active” epilepsy for difficulties in school achievement, to identify contributory factors and to identify efficacious interventions for ameliorating such difficulties.
Multimodel ensembles of wheat growth: many models are better than one
Authors: Martre Pierre , Wallach Daniel , Asseng Senthold , Ewert Frank , Jones James W. , Rötter Reimund P. , Boote Kenneth J. , Ruane Alex C. , Thorburn Peter J. , Cammarano Davide , Hatfield Jerry L. , Rosenzweig Cynthia , Aggarwal Pramod K. , Angulo Carlos , Basso Bruno , Bertuzzi Patrick , Biernath Christian , Brisson Nadine , Challinor Andrew J. , Doltra Jordi , Gayler Sebastian , Goldberg Richie , Grant Robert F. , Heng Lee , Hooker Josh , Hunt Leslie A. , Ingwersen Joachim , Izaurralde Roberto C. , Kersebaum Kurt Christian , Müller Christoph , Kumar Soora Naresh , Nendel Claas , O'leary Garry , Olesen Jørgen E. , Osborne Tom M. , Palosuo Taru , Priesack Eckart , Ripoche Dominique , Semenov Mikhail A. , Shcherbak Iurii , Steduto Pasquale , Stöckle Claudio O. , Stratonovitch Pierre , Streck Thilo , Supit Iwan , Tao Fulu , Travasso Maria , Waha Katharina , White Jeffrey W. , Wolf Joost 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCrop models of crop growth are increasingly used to quantify the impact of global changes due to climate or crop management. Therefore, accuracy of simulation results is a major concern. Studies with ensembles of crop models can give valuable information about model accuracy and uncertainty, but such studies are difficult to organize and have only recently begun. We report on the largest ensemble study to date, of 27 wheat models tested in four contrasting locations for their accuracy in simulating multiple crop growth and yield variables. The relative error averaged over models was 24–38% for the different end‐of‐season variables including grain yield (GY) and grain protein concentration (GPC). There was little relation between error of a model for GY or GPC and error for in‐season variables. Thus, most models did not arrive at accurate simulations of GY and GPC by accurately simulating preceding growth dynamics. Ensemble simulations, taking either the mean (e‐mean) or median (e‐median) of simulated values, gave better estimates than any individual model when all variables were considered. Compared to individual models, e‐median ranked first in simulating measured GY and third in GPC. The error of e‐mean and e‐median declined with an increasing number of ensemble members, with little decrease beyond 10 models. We conclude that multimodel ensembles can be used to create new estimators with improved accuracy and consistency in simulating growth dynamics. We argue that these results are applicable to other crop species, and hypothesize that they apply more generally to ecological system models.
How climate, migration ability and habitat fragmentation affect the projected future distribution of European beech
Authors: Saltré Frédérik , Duputié Anne , Gaucherel Cédric , Chuine Isabelle 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent efforts to incorporate migration processes into species distribution models (SDMs) are allowing assessments of whether species are likely to be able to track their future climate optimum and the possible causes of failing to do so. Here, we projected the range shift of European beech over the 21st century using a process‐basedSDMcoupled to a phenomenological migration model accounting for population dynamics, according to two climate change scenarios and one land use change scenario. Our model predicts that the climatically suitable habitat for European beech will shift north‐eastward and upward mainly because (i) higher temperature and precipitation, at the northern range margins, will increase survival and fruit maturation success, while (ii) lower precipitations and higher winter temperature, at the southern range margins, will increase drought mortality and prevent bud dormancy breaking. Beech colonization rate of newly climatically suitable habitats in 2100 is projected to be very low (1–2% of the newly suitable habitats colonised). Unexpectedly, the projected realized contraction rate was higher than the projected potential contraction rate. As a result, the realized distribution of beech is projected to strongly contract by 2100 (by 36–61%) mainly due to a substantial increase in climate variability after 2050, which generates local extinctions, even at the core of the distribution, the frequency of which prevents beech recolonization during more favourable years. Although European beech will be able to persist in some parts of the trailing edge of its distribution, the combined effects of climate and land use changes, limited migration ability, and a slow life‐history are likely to increase its threat status in the near future.
The Price Impact of Lending Relationships
Authors: Stein Ingrid 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study analyzes the impact of bank relationships on a firm’s borrowing costs. We find that a firm’s borrowing costs decrease with relationship strength, proxied by the share of bank debt provided by the lender. Borrowing costs, however, rise with relationship length. While the increase over time is weak on average, bank-dependent borrowers face a substantial premium after several relationship years. Switching the lender initially leads to only a small price discount on average. However, the discount is considerable for borrowers that switch and had a strong relationship with their previous lender. Our results suggest that close lending relationships lead to benefits for the firm, but may also imply hold-up costs in the long term.
Reduction in catheter‐related infections after switching from povidone‐iodine to chlorhexidine for the exit‐site care of tunneled central venous catheters in children on hemodialysis
Authors: Paglialonga Fabio , Consolo Silvia , Biasuzzi Antonietta , Assomou Jolanda , Gattarello Elisabetta , Patricelli Maria Grazia , Giannini Alberto , Chidini Giovanna , Napolitano Luisa , Edefonti Alberto 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOnly a few studies have investigated the optimal exit site management of tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine solutions and a 5% povidone‐iodine solution on the incidence of CVC‐related infections in children on HD. The incidence of exit‐site infection (ESI), tunnel infection (TI), and bloodstream infection (BSI) was assessed in two groups of tunneled CVCs. The iodopovidone group consisted of 14 CVCs used between 1 January 2011 and 30 June 2012 in 10 children, whose median age at the time of CVC placement was 11.8 years (range 1.2–19.2): 5% povidone‐iodine was used for CVC exit‐site care. From 1 August 2012 to 31 January 2014, 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol was used for the exit site, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol spray for the hub in 13 CVCs was used in 10 patients (chlorhexidine group), whose median age at the time of CVC placement was 10 years (range 1.2–19.2). Ten episodes of ESI were diagnosed in the iodopovidone group (incidence 3.4/1000 CVC days), and only one in the chlorhexidine group (incidence 0.36/1000 CVC days, P = 0.008). One TI was observed in the iodopovidone group (0.34/1000 CVC days), and none in the chlorhexidine group. The incidence of BSIs decreased from 1.7/1000 CVC days (5 cases) to 0.36/1000 CVC days (1 case, P = 0.06) after switching to chlorhexidine. Two CVCs were lost due to CVC‐related infections in the iodopovidone group, whereas no CVC was lost due to infections in the chlorhexidine group. In comparison with 5% povidone‐iodine, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate was associated with a reduction in the incidence of ESI, TI, and BSI in children on HD.
Home hemodialysis and conventional in‐center hemodialysis in Japan: A comparison of health‐related quality of life
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Ohno Yoichi , Inoue Tsutomu , Takane Hiroshi , Okada Hirokazu , Suzuki Hiromichi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHealth‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important measure of how disease affects patients' daily life. Conventional in‐center hemodialysis (CHD) patients have been found to have decreased HRQOL. Recent study reported that at‐home hemodialysis (HHD) improved the long‐term HRQOL compared with CHD; however, there have been no data from Japanese HHD patients. A sample of 80 Japanese hemodialysis patients (46 HHD and 34 CHD) was matched for age, sex, and cause of end‐stage renal disease. Patient HRQOL was measured using two health surveys: Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short Form Health Survey—Version 2 and Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form. HHD patients reported better scores on seven out of eight domains (all domains except general heath) of the Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short Form Health Survey—Version 2, as well as better Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form scores with respect to symptoms and problems, effect of kidney disease, and work status. No significant differences were observed for burden of kidney disease, cognitive function, quality of social interaction, sexual function, or sleep. More than 65% of HHD patients stated that they were not bothered at all by limitations on food and water intake. Japanese HHD patients demonstrate significantly higher HRQOL scores. However, while their HRQOL and employment rate were high and they were able to enjoy fewer dietary restrictions, kidney disease remained a great burden.
Factors influencing Korean nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care
Authors: Park K.S. , Yeom H.A. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundWhile the need for hospice care is increasing in Korea, there is limited research describing the way hospice care is understood by hospital ward nurses who may have relatively limited opportunities for hospice education in their workplace.AimThis study aimed to describe Korean nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care and to examine the relationships between nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care and their demographic and work‐related characteristics.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional descriptive study. A total of 348 registered nurses recruited from six general hospitals were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Measurements included general and work‐related characteristics and the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale.ResultsThe mean score for nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care was 2.52 out of a maximum of 3.0. More positive attitudes towards hospice care were associated with older age, married status, a higher level of education, working at a hospice unit, a higher job position, more years of work experience, having previous experience caring for dying patients and having received education in hospice care. Factors predicting nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care included the number of years of work experience and working at a hospice unit in a hospital, with an explanatory power of 22%.LimitationsThe study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Seoul metropolitan area; results may therefore differ in other geographical regions.ConclusionEducation on hospice care should be targeted to less experienced, younger staff nurses who have no previous education on hospice care or have not worked in a hospice unit.Implication for Nursing and Health PolicyTertiary hospitals need to provide more opportunities for their nurses to obtain continuing education on hospice care or increase the number of courses available at the institutional level in order to enhance their nurses’ attitudes towards hospice care.
TTA Rapid: Description of the Technique and Short Term Clinical Trial Results of the First 50 Cases
Authors: Samoy Yves , Verhoeven Geert , Bosmans Tim , Van der Vekens Elke , de Bakker Evelien , Verleyen Piet , Van Ryssen Bernadette 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo (1) describe a modified technique for tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and (2) report short term outcome and complications.Study DesignProspective clinical study.AnimalsDogs with unilateral CCL rupture (n = 50).MethodsTTA was performed with a novel implant to achieve advancement of the tibial crest. The technical protocol, specific implants and instrumentation, and the short term outcome are described.ResultsVarious breeds (mean ± SD weight, 31.9 ± 13.3 kg) were included. Mean age at treatment was 64 ± 30.6 months. Minor complications occurred in 30% and major complications in 4% of the cases. Forty‐eight (96%) dogs had a good to excellent outcome 3 months after surgery.ConclusionThe modified technique is a viable alternative to other osteotomy techniques.
Surface Electromyography of the Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris, and Gluteus Medius Muscle in Sound Dogs During Walking and Specific Physiotherapeutic Exercises
Authors: Breitfuss Katharina , Franz Michaela , Peham Christian , Bockstahler Barbara 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo analyze the muscle activity patterns of the vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus medius (GM) during walking and specific physiotherapeutic exercises in clinically sound, healthy dogs without lameness.Study DesignObservational study.AnimalsClinically sound dogs (n = 10).MethodsSurface electromyography was performed during walking and exercises (11% incline and decline, walking over cavaletti) within a defined study area. The maximal, minimal, and mean muscle potentials reflecting activity during each motion cycle were compared among the exercises.ResultsDuring swing phase, maximal VL activity was higher during cavaletti walking compared with walking over ground or incline. Cavaletti walking had an earlier occurrence of the maximum VL activity than did walking over ground or decline. Compared with walking over ground, incline walking had higher minimal GM activity during the 1st half of stance phase and an earlier occurrence of maximal activity during the 2nd half of stance phase. Cavaletti walking had earlier maximal GM activity in swing phase than did walking over ground. Differences between decline and incline walking were seen in all 3 phases of the motion cycle; namely, higher minimal and mean activities occurred during incline walking, and higher maximum activity occurred in the 1st half of stance phase during incline walking. Compared with decline walking, cavaletti walking showed higher minimal and mean activities in the 2nd half of stance phase and higher maximal and mean activities in swing phase.ConclusionCavaletti and incline walking exercises increases the VL and GM muscle activity.
Permanent liminality: The impact of non‐standard forms of employment on workers' committees in Israel
Authors: NISSIM Gadi , DE VRIES David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWorkers' committees in Israel are adapting to the neoliberal economy, and the resulting changes in the labour market, by increasingly accepting various non‐standard forms of employment. At the same time, however, they are resisting this reconfiguration of the capitalist economy, in an effort to safeguard workers' rights. Torn between the two positions, workers' committees find themselves in a state of permanent “liminality”, their role reduced to merely seeking compromises and ad hoc solutions. As a result, opposition to the adverse effects of non‐standard employment remains localized and fragmented, thereby consolidating such employment arrangements.
Do labour market reforms reduce labour productivity growth? A panel data analysis of 20 OECD countries (1960–2004)
Authors: VERGEER Robert , KLEINKNECHT Alfred 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBased on comprehensive regression analysis, the authors find that weak wage growth and a smaller labour share of national income significantly reduce labour productivity growth. They conclude that supply‐side labour market reforms have contributed to reducing labour productivity growth: this cannot be explained by a deregulation‐induced inflow of low‐productivity labour as proposed by OECD researchers. They also discuss why deregulation, easier firing and higher labour turnover may damage learning and knowledge accumulation in companies, notably by weakening the functioning of the “routinized” innovation model (“Schumpeter II”). Finally, their findings raise doubts about the relevance of Baumol's law and Verdoorn's law.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Nanocrystalline NbB2 Powders by Borothermal Reduction in Molten Salt
Authors: Ran Songlin , Sun Huifeng , Wei Ya'nan , Wang Dewen , Zhou Niming , Huang Qing 
Published: October 2014

Nanocrystalline NbB2 powders were successfully prepared by borothermal reduction in molten salt at 800°C–1000°C. Due to the more homogeneous mixing and more rapid diffusion of species in the liquid state than in the solid state, the synthesis temperature of pure NbB2 phase was greatly decreased by the presence of molten NaCl/KCl salt. The NbB2 powders synthesized at 1000°C had the largest specific surface area of 27.09 m2/g and the lowest equivalent average particle size of 32 nm, respectively.
Prevalence of Masked Hypertension in African Americans
Authors: Larsen Timothy R. , Gelaye Alehegn , Waanbah Barryton , Assad Hadeel , Daloul Yara , Williams Frances , Williams Michael , Steigerwalt Susan 
Published: October 2014

Masked hypertension (MH), the presence of normal office blood pressure (BP) with elevated ambulatory pressure, has been shown to correlate with organ damage. Population‐based studies from Europe and Asia estimate a prevalence of 8.5% to 15.8%. Two small studies in African Americans estimate a prevalence >40%. Therefore, the authors utilized ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) to identify the prevalence of MH in our African American population. Pressure was recorded every 30 minutes while awake and every 60 minutes while asleep. Patients with 24‐hour average BP ≥135/85 mm Hg, awake average BP ≥140/90 mm Hg, or asleep average BP ≥125/75 mm Hg had MH. Seventy‐three participates had valid data. The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years, mean body mass index was 31.1, and 39 patients (53%) were women. Thirty‐three patients (45.2%) had MH. Patients with MH had higher clinic systolic BP and trended toward higher BMI values. The authors corroborated the high prevalence of MH in African Americans. ABPM is critical to diagnose hypertension in African Americans, particularly in those with high‐normal clinic pressure and obesity.
Effect of Canagliflozin on Blood Pressure and Adverse Events Related to Osmotic Diuresis and Reduced Intravascular Volume in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Weir Matthew R. , Januszewicz Andrzej , Gilbert Richard E. , Vijapurkar Ujjwala , Kline Irina , Fung Albert , Meininger Gary 
Published: October 2014

The effects of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, on blood pressure (BP) and osmotic diuresis– and intravascular volume reduction–related adverse events (AEs) were evaluated using pooled data from four placebo‐controlled, phase 3 studies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; N=2313). At baseline, 1332 (57.6%) patients were taking an antihypertensive medication. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg provided reductions (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline in systolic BP (SBP) compared with placebo (−4.3 mm Hg [−5.0 to −3.5], −5.0 mm Hg [−5.8 to −4.2], and −0.3 mm Hg [−1.2 to 0.5], respectively) and in diastolic BP (DBP; −2.5 mm Hg [−2.9 to −2.0], −2.4 mm Hg [−2.9 to −1.9], and −0.6 mm Hg [−1.1 to −0.02], respectively). Placebo‐subtracted reductions (95% CI) in SBP with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were −4.0 mm Hg (−5.1 to −2.8) and −4.7 mm Hg (−5.8 to −3.5) and reductions in DBP were −1.9 mm Hg (−2.6 to −1.2) and −1.9 mm Hg (−2.6 to –1.1), respectively. Compared with the overall population, patients with elevated baseline SBP (≥140 mm Hg) had numerically greater absolute SBP reductions (95% CI) with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg and placebo (−12.8 mm Hg [−15.2 to −10.5], −14.2 mm Hg [−16.4 to −12.0], and −6.8 mm Hg [−9.1 to −4.5], respectively). Numerically greater DBP reductions were seen in patients with DBP ≥90 mm Hg at baseline (−5.9 mm Hg [−8.2 to −3.6], −9.0 mm Hg [−11.1 to −6.9], and −7.4 mm Hg [−9.6 to −5.1], respectively). In patients with elevated SBP at baseline, placebo‐subtracted reductions (95% CI) in SBP with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were −6.0 mm Hg (−9.1 to −2.9) and −7.4 mm Hg (−10.4 to −4.4), respectively. Placebo‐subtracted changes in DBP were 1.5 mm Hg (−1.6 to 4.5) and −1.6 mm Hg (−4.5 to 1.2), respectively, in those with elevated DBP at baseline. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were associated with increased incidence of osmotic diuresis–related AEs (eg, pollakiuria [increased urine volume] and polyuria [increased urine frequency]) vs placebo (6.7%, 5.6%, and 0.8%). The incidence of intravascular volume reduction–related AEs (eg, orthostatic hypotension and postural dizziness) was low across groups (1.2%, 1.3%, and 1.1%). In summary, canagliflozin was associated with reduced BP in patients with T2DM across a range of baseline BPs, with increased incidence of AEs related to osmotic diuresis but not intravascular volume reduction.