bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ureteroscope‐assisted double‐J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy
Authors: Chen I‐Hsuan , Tsai Jeng‐Yu , Yu Chia‐Cheng , Wu Tony , Huang Jong‐Khing , Lin Jen‐Tai 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of ureteroscope‐assisted double‐J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and to evaluate the effects of retrograde ureteroscopic access exerted on the sutured ureterotomy site. From January 2002 to December 2011, 30 patients with proximal ureteral stone underwent ureteroscopic double‐J stenting of the ureter following retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patient demographics and perioperative parameters, including the degree of hydronephrosis, urine leakage, and drainage time, were retrospectively reviewed. These data were compared with those of 30 consecutive patients who received open ureterolithotomy and intracorporeal ureteral double‐J stenting. In addition, a PubMed search was conducted and the related literature on the placement of a ureteral stent was reviewed. Twenty‐eight patients successfully underwent ureteral double‐J stenting with ureteroscopic access. No malposition of the ureteral stent was identified in the ureteroscopic group, but two patients in the intracorporeal group required postoperative adjustment of the stent. Residual stone fragments were found during stent placement in three patients in the ureteroscopic group and holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser lithotripsy was immediately performed. There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or complication rates between the two groups. Ureteroscope‐assisted ureteral double‐J stenting is a simple and safe alternative allowing intraluminal navigation along the entire ureter, correct stent placement, and prompt treatment of residual stone fragments, without radiation exposure. In addition, ureteral disruption and urinary extravasation may not be concerns for ureteroscopic access with continuous normal saline irrigation.
Preemption, leverage, and financing constraints
Authors: Nishihara Michi , Shibata Takashi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the interactions between preemptive competition and leverage in a duopoly market. We investigate both a case in which the firms have optimal financial structures, and a case in which financing constraints require firms to finance their investments by debt. Our findings are that the second mover always leaves the duopoly market before the leader, although the leader may exit before the follower's entry. The leverage effects of debt financing can increase the value of a firm and accelerate investment, even in the presence of preemptive competition. Notably, financing constraints can delay preemptive investment and improve firm values in preemptive equilibrium. Indeed, the leader's high leverage due to financing constraints can lower the first‐mover advantage and weaken preemptive competition. Especially with strong first‐mover advantage, the financing constraint effects can dominate the leverage effects. These findings are almost consistent with the empirical evidence, which shows that high leverage leads to competitive disadvantage and mitigates product market competition.
Impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction: A comparison of multilevel models and multiple regression models using different data arrangements
Authors: Hsieh Jun Yi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTypically most studies of individual employees perceptions of the work place adopt multiple regression models (ordinary least squares [OLS]) which ignore inherent clustering in their data. However, such an approach does not supply unbiased and accurate answers to research questions. This study intends to simulate three data alternatives – weighted, disaggregated (individual level), and aggregated (organizational level) using the OLS and multilevel models to compare the results of different research designs. To answer the research questions, the current study investigates the impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction, using a 2000 USA National Partnership for Reinventing Government survey. This study presents the methodological misuse and measurement errors of the previous research and presents guidelines for future research.
Clonal selection in a globe artichoke landrace: characterization of superior germplasm to improve cultivation in Mediterranean environments
Authors: MAURO R. P. , PORTIS E. , LANTERI S. , LO MONACO A. , MAUROMICALE G. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYThe morphological (using International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptors) and field performance of five clones selected from the globe artichoke landrace Spinoso di Palermo were determined over two seasons, and their amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles detected using seven primer combinations (PCs). The number of heads produced averaged 13·8 per plant (equivalent to a fresh weight yield of 2·1 kg/plant), but two of the clones produced 15·6 heads per plant (2·4 kg/plant). Three clones produced noticeably larger second-order heads (mean of 156 g), and so were considered to be suitable for the production of desirable heads over a prolonged harvesting period. Head yield and the number of heads per plant were associated with a moderate level of broad sense heritability (0·29–0·46), implying that these traits could be viewed as primary selection criteria. From the list of 51 UPOV descriptors, 18 varied among the five clones, but variation at just six, simply scored, descriptors was sufficient to discriminate completely between the examined clones. Full discrimination was also achieved by applying only three of the seven selected AFLP PCs. According to the AFLP profiles, two of the clones were highly similar. The similarity matrices calculated from the UPOV descriptors and the AFLP profiles were highly correlated with one another. The data are optimistic and indicate that the performance of Spinoso di Palermo could be much improved via clonal selection.
Morphological and molecular analyses of larval taeniid species in small mammals from contrasting habitats in Denmark
Authors: Al-Sabi M.N.S. , Jensen P.M. , Christensen M.U. , Kapel C.M.O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTaeniid infections in intermediate hosts manifest themselves as extraintestinal larval stages which, in early development, lack species-specific characteristics. The inability to distinguish infections of zoonotic importance such as Echinococcus multilocularis from other taeniid infections that have mainly veterinary significance stimulated the development of species-specific molecular diagnostics. In this study, the prevalence of taeniid infections in potential intermediate hosts was evaluated using both morphological diagnosis and a newly described multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for species determination. Small mammals (N= 719) were trapped in three different types of habitats in north-east Zealand, Denmark. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR (90.5%) exceeded that of morphological examination (57.9%) for identifying 95 taeniid infections. The use of the multiplex PCR resulted in higher prevalence rates due to improved detection of immature liver infections with Hydatigera taeniaeformis and Versteria mustelae, but did not affect the observed prevalence rates of peritoneal metacestodes of Taenia polyacantha. The prevalence of taeniid infections showed a significant difference according to habitat type, potentially identifying a ‘sylvatic’ transmission and an ‘urban’ transmission, with marked variation among different taeniid species. Versteria mustelae and T. polyacantha were more prevalent in rural forests, while infections with H. taeniaeformis were dominant in urban parks/forests and in residential and farm gardens. The multiplex PCR facilitated a better utilization of wildlife samples by yielding a higher number of definitive diagnoses of ambiguous taeniid infections in liver lesions, allowing for more accurate epidemiological data and, hence, a more accurate risk assessment.
Unequal power and the institutional design of global governance: the case of arms control
Authors: FEHL CAROLINE 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIR scholars have recently paid increasing attention to unequal institutional orders in world politics, arguing that global governance institutions are deeply shaped by power inequalities among states. Yet, the literature still suffers from conceptual limitations and from a shortage of empirical work. The article addresses these shortcomings through a study of the historical evolution of global arms control institutions since 1945. It shows that in this important policy area, the global institutional order has not been marked by a recent trend toward deeper inequality, as many writings on unequal institutions suggest. Instead, the analysis reveals a pattern of institutional mutation whereby specific forms of institutional inequality are recurrently replaced and supplemented by new forms. This process, the article argues, is driven by states' efforts to adapt the regime to a changing material and normative environment within the constraints of past institutional legacies.
Crystal Data for Pb7Bi3, a Superconducting ε-Phase in the Pb-Bi System
Authors: Rasmussen Svend Erik , Lundtoft Britta 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe ε-phase is hexagonal, space group P63/mmc. For the composition Pb7Bi3the following data were determined, a = 3.5058(1) Å c = 5.7959(5) Å, Vol. = 61.687 Å3(5), Dc= 11.17 Mg m−3. Filings from single crystal material were used to obtain powder data by the Guinier method and the X-ray results were in accordance with single crystal neutron diffraction data. Transition to the superconducting state took place in the interval 8.3 K–8.55 K.
Powder Diffraction Data for the αH Intermetallic Phases with Slight Variation in Composition in the System Al-Fe-Si
Authors: Griger Á. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBased on high purity constituents ternary AlFeSi intermetallic phases were prepared and annealed at 600°C for a month with compositions close to that of αH-AlFeSi (Al8Fe2Si) phase (∼8 wt.% Si, ∼32 wt.% Fe). The powder diffraction patterns and the chemical compositions of the different αH-AlFeSi intermetallic compounds formed as major components in the samples were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and electron microprobe analysis, respectively.A complete powder diffraction pattern is presented for the αH-AlFeSi intermetallic phase with 8 wt.% silicon and 33.5 wt.% iron content formed almost congruently. The refined cell parameters are given asa = 12.4056 (7) Åc = 26.236 (2) ÅComparing the observed intensities with intensities calculated from single crystal data, gave very good agreement.The lattice parameters of αH-AlFeSi phases with different silicon content were refined by the least-squares method. A contraction of the unit cell caused by the increase of the silicon content in the phase can be observed. Relative changes of the cell dimensions for 1 wt. % increase in silicon are −0.06%, −0.09 % and −0.21 % for the parameters a and c and for the unit cell volume, V, respectively.
Decision-making in older people with dementia
Authors: Viloria Jiménez M. Aurora , Chung Jaén Mónica , Vigara García Marta , Barahona‐Alvarez Helena 
Published: October 2013

SummaryDementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in cognition, function and behaviour, with a considerable burden in terms of health and social care, and economic costs. As Alzheimer's disease and other dementias advance, the patient's capacity, competence and possibility of participation in decision-making decrease. Key points in managing people with dementia include screening of cognitive impairment, neuropsychological assessment, laboratory tests and neuroimaging, genetic tests, informed consent, inclusion in clinical trials and discussion of advance directives, driving, managing finances and testamentary capacity, pharmolocogical and non-pharmacological treatment and also palliative and end-of-life care. In this article we review these crucial points in decision-making for people with dementia and their families and caregivers.
Importance of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in monitoring acute rheumatic carditis
Authors: Esen Feyza , Argun Mustafa , Pamukçu Özge , Ozyurt Abdullah , Baykan Ali , Sezer Sadettin , Baykan Zeynep , Uzum Kazım , Narin Nazmi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeTo detect the relationship of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels with clinical and laboratory findings by measuring them at diagnosis, during, and after treatment in children with acute rheumatic carditis.MethodA total of 40 children including 20 acute rheumatic carditis patients aged between 5 and 16 years 20 healthy children as controls were included in the study. Blood was drawn from patients at diagnosis and in the first week, first month and third month after treatment in order to detect pro-brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. All patients underwent echocardiography.ResultsThe N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels of children with acute rheumatic carditis were significantly higher than those of the control group at diagnosis and during treatment (p<0.05). Echocardiographic evaluation of acute rheumatic carditis patients revealed that the left atrium diameter continued to decrease during the study and that the mean left atrium diameters measured at diagnosis and in the first week were statistically higher than the mean left atrium diameters measured in the third month. There was significant correlation between left atrium diameters at diagnosis and in the first month and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels during the same periods in the patient group.ConclusionPrevious studies have used N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels as a marker of enlargement of the left atrium, whereas in this study we want to emphasise its role as a marker of inflammation. This increase was significantly correlated with enlargement in the left atrium. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were found to be a valuable determinant in indicating cardiac inflammation and haemodynamics.
Recurrent Medical Response Problems during Five Recent Disasters in the Netherlands
Authors: Juffermans Jorine , Bierens Joost J.L.M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectives::The aim of this qualitative, retrospective review is to identify and analyze the occurrence of recurrent problems in 20 processes that cover all relevant aspects of disaster health during the response phase. Consequently, an attempt is made to determine if there are generic themes of coherences in these problems.Methods::Eight after-action reports of five consecutive disasters in the Netherlands, between 1996 and 2005, were integrally analyzed in a structured manner. The analysis was confined to processes from the start of the event up to and including the initial stages of hospital admission.Results::Problems during all five disasters arose with eight processes: (1) submission of information to the ambulance dispatch center (ADC); (2) provision of information by the ADC to disaster response personnel; (3) scaling-up of prehospital response; (4) communication; (5) logistics; (6) registration; (7) multidisciplinary cooperation; and (8) preparation. Three generic themes of coherence were identified: (1) processes in which exchange of information among medical personal plays a major role are more likely to be affected by problems than processes in which this is less relevant; (2) processes in which disaster circumstances differ from day-to-day health care, or do not figure in day-to-day health care, are more likely to give rise to problems than processes that remain essentially similar; and (3) the existence of a protocol or disaster plan governing a process does not prevent problems.Conclusions::The method used enables a systematic analysis of the problems in health-related processes following five consecutive disasters. The analysis confirms that the majority of problems are repeated. The identified themes of coherences are in agreement with case reports and expert opinions. They are now supported with a higher level of evidence.
Associations between the purchase of healthy and fast foods and restrictions to food access: a cross-sectional study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Burns Cate , Bentley Rebecca , Thornton Lukar , Kavanagh Anne 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the associations between financial, physical and transport conditions that may restrict food access (which we define as food security indicators) and the purchase of fast foods and nutritious staples such as bread and milk.DesignMultilevel logistic and multinomial regression analysis of cross-sectional survey data to assess associations between the three indicators of food insecurity and household food shopping adjusted for sociodemographic and socio-economic variables.SettingRandom selection of households (n3995) from fifty Census Collector Districts in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003.SubjectsThe main food shoppers in each household (n2564).ResultsAfter adjustment for confounders, analysis showed that a greater likelihood of purchasing chain-brand fast food on a weekly basis compared with never was associated with running out of money to buy food (OR = 1·59; 95 % CI 1·08, 2·34) and reporting difficulties lifting groceries (OR = 1·77; 95 % CI 1·23, 2·54). Respondents without regular access to a car to do food shopping were less likely to purchase bread types considered more nutritious than white bread (OR = 0·75; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·95) and milk types considered more nutritious than full-cream milk (OR = 0·62; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·81). The food insecurity indicators were not associated with the purchasing of fruits, vegetables or non-chain fast food.ConclusionsHouseholders experiencing financial and physical barriers were more likely to frequently purchase chain fast foods while limited access to a car resulted in a lower likelihood that the nutritious options were purchased for two core food items (bread and milk). Policies and interventions that improve financial access to food and lessen the effect of physical limitations to carrying groceries may reduce the purchasing of fast foods. Further research is required on food sourcing and dietary quality among those with food access restrictions.
Inadequate calcium intake is highly prevalent in Korean children and adolescents: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2007–2010
Authors: Im Jong Geun , Kim Shin Hye , Lee Gyeong-yoon , Joung Hyojee , Park Mi-Jung 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess the adequacy of Ca intake and major food sources of Ca in Korean children and adolescents.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2007–2010. We analysed the daily Ca intake, major food sources of Ca and the prevalence of inadequate Ca intake in the study population. Ca intake was categorized as inadequate when the participant's daily Ca intake was less than the Estimated Average Requirement.SubjectThe study population consisted of 7233 children and adolescents (3973 boys, 3260 girls; aged 1–18 years).ResultsMean Ca intake was 510·2 mg/d in boys and 431·7 mg/d in girls. Overall, 75·0 % of adolescents (boys 71·6 %, girls 79·1 %) had inadequate Ca intake. The prevalence of inadequate Ca intake increased significantly from toddlers (45–55 %) to adolescents (78–86 %) in both genders. The highest ranked food sources for Ca were dairy products (35·0 %), followed by vegetables (17·3 %), grains (11·3 %) and seafood (9·9 %). Ca intake from dairy products decreased significantly from 57 % in toddlers to 30 % in adolescents, while Ca intakes from other foods increased with age.ConclusionsInadequate Ca intake is highly prevalent and increased with age in Korean children and adolescents. It should be emphasized to encourage children and adolescents to eat more Ca-rich products to meet their Ca needs.
Work Function Maps and Surface Topography Characterization of Nitroaromatic-Ended Dendron Films on Graphite
Authors: Farías Eliana D. , Brunetti Verónica , Paez Julieta I. , Strumia Miriam C. , Passeggi Mario C.G. , Ferrón Julio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSurface topography and work function maps were simultaneously obtained for carbon surfaces modified by a dendritic molecule: 3,5-Bis (3,5-dinitrobenzoylamino) benzoic acid. The dendrons were spontaneously assembled onto highly ordered pyrolytic graphite samples, exhibiting an increase in the surface potential. This fact is consistent with the incorporation of an electron-acceptor functional group that remains electroactive on the surface.
Children who develop type 1 diabetes early in life show low levels of carnitine and amino acids at birth: does this finding shed light on the etiopathogenesis of the disease?
Authors: la Marca G , Malvagia S , Toni S , Piccini B , Di Ciommo V , Bottazzo G F 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground:Children and adolescents with overt type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been found to show an altered carnitine profile. This pattern has not previously been analyzed in neonates before onset of the disease.Materials and methods:Fifty children who developed T1D during the first 6 years of life, born and living in the Tuscany and Umbria Regions of Italy, were identified and 200 controls were recruited into the study. All newborns were subjected to extended neonatal screening by mass spectrometry at 48–72 h of life. Four controls for each of the 50 index cases were taken randomly and blinded in the same analytical batch. The panel used for neonatal screening consists of 13 amino acids, free carnitine, 33 acyl-carnitines and 21 ratios. All Guthrie cards are analyzed within 2 days of collection.Results:Total and free carnitine were found to be significantly lower in neonates who later developed T1D compared with controls. Moreover, the concentrations of the acyl-carnitines – acetyl-L-carnitine (C2), proprionylcarnitine (C3), 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5OH), miristoylcarnitine (C4), palmitoylcarnitine (C16) and stearoylcarnitine (C18) – were also significantly low in the cases vs controls. Furthermore, total amino-acid concentrations, expressed as the algebraic sum of all amino acids tested, showed a trend toward lower levels in cases vs controls.Conclusions:We found that carnitine and amino-acid deficit may be evident before the clinical appearance of T1D, possibly from birth. The evaluation of these metabolites in the neonatal period of children human leukocyte antigen genetically at ‘risk’ to develop T1D, could represent an additional tool for the prediction of T1D and could also offer the possibility to design new strategies for the primary prevention of the disease from birth.