bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of White Blood Cell Count and Negative Appendectomy Rate
Authors: Bates Maria F. , Khander Amrin , Steigman Shaun A. , Tracy Thomas F. , Luks Francois I. 
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND:
Despite increased utilization of laboratory, radiologic imaging, and scoring systems, negative appendectomy (NA) rates in children remain above 3% nationwide. We reviewed the clinical data of patients undergoing appendectomy to further reduce our NA rate.

METHODS:
A retrospective review was conducted of all appendectomies performed for suspected appendicitis at a tertiary children’s hospital during a 42-month period. Preoperative clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were collected. Variables absent or normal in more than half of NAs were further analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for continuous variables by using appropriate cutoff points to determine sensitivity and false-positive rates. The results were validated by analyzing the 12 months immediately after the establishment of these rules.

RESULTS:
Of 847 appendectomies performed, 22 (2.6%) had a pathologically normal appendix. The only variables found to be normal in more than half of NAs were white blood cell (WBC) count (89%) and neutrophil count (79%). A receiver operating characteristic curve indicates that using WBC cutoffs of 9000 and 8000 per µL yielded sensitivities of 92% and 95%, respectively, and reduction in NA rates by 77% and 36%, respectively. Results observed in the subsequent 12 months confirmed these expected sensitivities and specificities.

CONCLUSIONS:
Absence of an elevated WBC count is a risk factor for NA. Withholding appendectomy for WBC counts &lt;9000 and 8000 per µL reduces the NA rate to 0.6% and 1.2%, respectively. Missed true appendicitis in patients with normal WBC counts can be mitigated by a trial of observation in those presenting with early symptom onset.
Design Evolution of Drilling Tools To Mitigate Vibrations
Authors: Bailey J.R.. R. , Elsborg C.C.. C. , James R.W.. W. , Pastusek P.E.. E. , Prim M.T.. T. , Watson W.W.. W. 
Published: December 2013

Summary
The development of modeling methods to characterize the relative vibration tendency of alternative bottomhole assemblies (BHAs) has enabled deliberate tool redesign to reduce vibrations. To achieve the greatest benefit, tool redesign is most effective if applied early in the tool-design cycle in which important configuration parameters are most easily adjusted. This paper outlines several design issues to resolve so that future generations of tools have inherently lower vibration levels.
The use of multiple special-purpose tools [such as logging tools, rotary-steerable assemblies, and ream-while-drilling (RWD) tools] generates significant constraints on BHA-configuration options. A redesign methodology to achieve lower vibration indices can be used to investigate modified components, dimensions, and configurations to select the best BHA configuration for specific drilling-operating conditions.
Case studies are used to investigate BHA designs with flex stabilizers above rotary-steerable tools. The flex stabilizer is composed of a stabilizer with a smaller-diameter connecting flex sub to facilitate rotary-steerable directional objectives. It is typically wired for tool signals and is frequently run by vendors. In one case study, the spacing below a reamer is evaluated, and drilling data are compared with other assemblies in the same formation. In this example, the spacer provides an increase in the distance between contact points, to allow both the stabilizer and the reamer to seek the centerline with less interference. Another case study evaluates changing contact locations in the BHA by swapping the order of logging tools, resulting in different borehole-contact positions. Finally, a theoretical modeling study illustrates how changing BHA components and dimensions affects the vibration indices.
The operator has field experience with BHA redesign that has directly led to significant improvement in drilling performance. The benefits include a higher rate of penetration (ROP), a longer time on the bottom, less wear of drilling-tool components, and a reduced frequency of trips.
Analysis of thiamine concentrations in commercial canned foods formulated for cats
Authors: Markovich Jessica E. , Freeman Lisa M. , Heinze Cailin R. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Objective—To measure thiamine concentrations in commercial canned foods formulated for cats as an initial assessment of the variation among canned foods and to determine the effects of flavor (fish vs nonfish) of the food, texture (paté vs nonpaté) of the food, country of manufacture, and size of the company on thiamine concentration.
Design—Prospective cross-sectional study.
Sample—90 canned, nontherapeutic diets formulated for cats (1 fish and 1 nonfish flavor for each of 45 brands).
Procedures—Each canned food was homogenized, and thiamine concentration was analyzed with a fluorometric method.
Results—Thiamine concentration was below the minimums of the Association of American Feed Control Officials in 12 of 90 (13.3%) foods and below the recommended allowance of the National Research Council in 14 of 90 (15.6%) foods. Paté foods had significantly lower thiamine concentrations than did nonpaté foods, and foods from smaller companies had significantly lower thiamine concentrations, compared with concentrations in foods from larger companies. Flavor of food and country of manufacture were not significantly associated with thiamine concentration.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A wide range of thiamine concentrations was found in the foods evaluated. Thiamine concentration in a substantial percentage of commercially available canned foods was below the amount recommended for adult cats. Additional research on interlot and intralot variation in thiamine concentrations of foods formulated for cats is warranted. Companies should implement strict quality control and analysis practices regarding food products. Clinicians should consider thiamine deficiency as a differential diagnosis in a cat with acute neurologic dysfunction.
Evaluation of therapeutic phenobarbital concentrations and application of a classification system for seizures in cats: 30 cases (2004–2013)
Authors: Finnerty Katherine E. , Heller Heidi L. Barnes , Mercier Miyu N. , Giovanella Carley J. , Lau Vivian W. , Rylander Helena 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Objective—To determine the percentage of cats with a phenobarbital (PB) concentration between 15 and 45 μg/mL that had a ≥ 50% reduction in the number of seizures and to investigate applicability of the 2011 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification system in cats.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—30 cats with suspected or confirmed epilepsy.
Procedures—Medical records for 2004 to 2013 at 3 veterinary hospitals were searched. Information collected included signalment, duration of observation before treatment, frequency of seizures before PB administration, seizure phenotype, dose of PB, serum PB concentration, number of seizures after PB administration, duration of follow-up monitoring, and survival time. A modified 2011 ILAE classification system was applied to all cats.
Results—Seizure control was achieved in 28 of 30 (93%) cats with a serum PB concentration of 15 to 45 μg/mL. This comprised 10 of 11 cats with structural epilepsy, 14 of 15 cats with unknown epilepsy, and 4 of 4 cats with presumptive unknown epilepsy. Thirteen cats had no additional seizures after initiation of PB treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Seizure control was achieved in most cats with a serum PB concentration between 15 and 45 μg/mL, regardless of the cause of the seizures. A modified 2011 ILAE classification was applied to cats with seizures and enabled classification of cats without specific genetic testing and without identified structural or inflammatory disease. This classification system should be incorporated into veterinary neurology nomenclature to standardize communication between veterinarians and improve comparisons among species.
The Roles of Overgrazing, Climate Change and Policy as Drivers of Degradation of China's Grasslands
Authors: Cao Jianjun , Yeh Emily T. , Holden Nicholas M. , Qin Yanyan , Ren Zhengwei 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Climate change and overgrazing are believed by policy makers to have been the drivers of grassland degradation in China over the past thirty years. However, recent work has suggested that policies that have led to privatization of use rights and household enclosures are more important drivers of degradation. An analysis of available evidence from scientific publications and national survey data relating to climate change, livestock numbers, and management policy was undertaken to evaluate the case for each of these possible drivers of degradation. The analysis suggests that, to date, policy measures imposed to avoid the 'tragedy of the commons' have been more important than either climate change or overgrazing as a driver of degradation. The resulting fragmentation of the pastoral landscape has caused localized grazing pressure and spatial and temporal mismatches between grassland production and livestock access to forage. Grazing rights negotiated and allocated at a multiple household level would allow greater productivity, better rangeland condition, possible advantages of scale and pooling of herder resources, and better potential to adapt to future climate change.
Pathological Role of Regulatory T Cells in the Initiation and Maintenance of Eczema Herpeticum Lesions
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Sato Yohei , Kurata Maiko , Yamazaki Yoshimi , Kimishima Momoko , Shiohara Tetsuo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIt remains unknown why the occurrence of eczema herpeticum (EH) caused by an extensive disseminated cutaneous infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 is associated with the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis lesions after withdrawal of treatment. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) limit the magnitude of HSV-specific T cell responses in mice, their role in the induction and resolution of EH has not been defined. We initially investigated the frequencies, phenotype, and function of Tregs in the peripheral blood of atopic dermatitis with EH (ADEH) patients at onset and after clinical resolution, atopic dermatitis patients without EH, and healthy controls. Tregs with the skin-homing phenotype and the activated/induced phenotype were expanded at onset and contracted upon resolution. Treg-suppressive capacity was retained in ADEH patients and, the expanded Tregs suppressed IFN-γ production from HSV-1–specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. The increased frequency of CD14dimCD16+ proinflammatory monocytes (pMOs) was also observed in the blood and EH skin lesions. Thus, pMOs detected in ADEH patients at onset were characterized by an increased ability to produce IL-10 and a decreased ability to produce proinflammatory cytokines, unlike their normal counterparts. Our coculture study using Tregs and pMOs showed that the pMOs can promote the expansion of inducible Tregs. Tregs were detected frequently in the vicinity of HSV-expressing and varicella zoster virus–expressing CD16+ monocytes in the EH lesions. Expansions of functional Tregs, together with pMOs, initially required for ameliorating excessive inflammation occurring after withdrawal of topical corticosteroids could, in turn, contribute to the initiation and progression of HSV reactivation, resulting in the onset of EH.
Neutrophil-Mediated IFN Activation in the Bone Marrow Alters B Cell Development in Human and Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Palanichamy Arumugam , Bauer Jason W. , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Meednu Nida , Barnard Jennifer , Owen Teresa , Cistrone Christopher , Bird Anna , Rabinovich Alfred , Nevarez Sarah , Knight Jason S. , Dedrick Russell , Rosenberg Alexander , Wei Chungwen , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Liesveld Jane , Sanz Inaki , Baechler Emily , Kaplan Mariana J. , Anolik Jennifer H. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Inappropriate activation of type I IFN plays a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we report the presence of IFN activation in SLE bone marrow (BM), as measured by an IFN gene signature, increased IFN regulated chemokines, and direct production of IFN by BM-resident cells, associated with profound changes in B cell development. The majority of SLE patients had an IFN signature in the BM that was more pronounced than the paired peripheral blood and correlated with both higher autoantibodies and disease activity. Pronounced alterations in B cell development were noted in SLE in the presence of an IFN signature with a reduction in the fraction of pro/pre-B cells, suggesting an inhibition in early B cell development and an expansion of B cells at the transitional stage. These B cell changes strongly correlated with an increase in BAFF and APRIL expression in the IFN-high BM. Furthermore, we found that BM neutrophils in SLE were prime producers of IFN-α and B cell factors. In NZM lupus-prone mice, similar changes in B cell development were observed and mediated by IFN, given abrogation in NZM mice lacking type-I IFNR. BM neutrophils were abundant, responsive to, and producers of IFN, in close proximity to B cells. These results indicate that the BM is an important but previously unrecognized target organ in SLE with neutrophil-mediated IFN activation and alterations in B cell ontogeny and selection.
The Professional Socialization of the Athletic Trainer Serving as a Preceptor
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Bowman Thomas G. , Dodge Thomas M. 
Published: December 2013

Context:The role of the preceptor requires the athletic trainer to be versed in effective instructional techniques, supervisory skills, and communication skills beyond his or her competence as an athletic trainer, but many have not received formal training in educational techniques.Objective:To gain a better understanding about the professional socialization process for the athletic trainer assuming the role of the preceptor.Design:Qualitative study.Setting:Athletic training education programs.Patients or Other Participants:Twenty-four preceptors (11 men, 13 women; age = 32 ± 7 years, clinical experience = 9 ± 6 years, preceptor experience = 5 ± 3 years) employed in the collegiate (n = 12) or secondary school (n = 12) setting.Data Collection and Analysis:We gathered data using asynchronous, in-depth interviewing via QuestionPro. We analyzed data using a general inductive approach to uncover the dominant themes. Credibility was secured by using consistency and stakeholder checks and a peer review.Results:We identified 2 main themes by which preceptors develop in their roles as clinical instructors: formal processes and informal processes. The participants used observations, previous experiences or interactions with role models, and self-reflection and evaluation as informal socialization processes. Formal socialization processes included preceptor training/workshops, professional development, and formal teacher certification.Conclusions:Athletic trainers who serve as preceptors learned their roles by a combination of informal and formal processes. Preceptor training sessions appeared to be effective in initially helping preceptors learn their responsibilities, whereby more informal processes seemed to help them refine their skills. Furthermore, one socialization strategy did not appear to dominate role learning; rather, a combination of several processes fostered an understanding.
Designing and Implementing a Regional Active Transportation Monitoring Program through a County-MPO-University Collaboration
Authors: Ryan Sherry , Sidelinger Dean E. , Saitowitz Shelley , Browner Deirdre , Vance Stephan , McDermid Lindsey 
Published: December 2013

Purpose. This article describes a unique effort underway in San Diego County to establish a regional nonmotorized data collection system in support of long-range planning for bicycle and pedestrian systems, and physical activity promotion and monitoring. Design. Case study of a novel approach to siting a regional active travel data collection program. Setting. San Diego County, California. Subjects. None. Intervention. Installation of 54 automated bicycle and pedestrian counting units at 35 sites across San Diego County. Measures. Equipment siting criteria including population density, employment density, median household income, planned bicycle network, and planned land uses. Analysis. Mapping, stakeholder input, site visits. Results. A comprehensive network of 76 sites identified and proposed for long-range implementation. Conclusion. This research establishes a siting methodology that holds promise for replication in other regions. San Diego's counting program is one of the most comprehensive automated data collection systems of any region in the United States.
The Potential for Pocket Parks to Increase Physical Activity
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Marsh Terry , Williamson Stephanie , Han Bing , Derose Kathryn Pitkin , Golinelli Daniella , McKenzie Thomas L. 
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To assess the use of new pocket parks in low-income neighborhoods. Design. The design of the study was a quasi-experimental post-test only comparison. Setting. Los Angeles, California, was the setting for the study. Subjects. Subjects were park users and residents living within .5 mile of three pocket parks and 15 neighborhood parks. Intervention. The creation of pocket parks. Measures. We used the System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to measure park use and park-based physical activity, and then surveyed park users and residents about their park use. Analysis. We surveyed 392 and 432 household members within .5 mile of the three pocket parks before and after park construction, respectively, as well as 71 pocket park users, and compared them to 992 neighborhood park users and 342 residents living within .5 mile of other neighborhood parks. We compared pocket park use to playground area use in the larger neighborhood parks. We used descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations for the analysis. Results. Overall, pocket park use compared favorably in promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with that of existing playground space in nearby parks, and they were cost-effective at $0.73/MET hour (metabolic equivalent hour) gained. Pocket park visitors walked an average of .25 miles to get to a park. Conclusions. Pocket parks, when perceived as attractive and safe destinations, may increase physical activity by encouraging families with children to walk there. Additional strategies and programs may be needed to encourage more residents to use these parks.
Support for Physical Activity Policies and Perceptions of Work and Neighborhood Environments: Variance by BMI and Activity Status at the County and Individual Levels
Authors: Gustat Jeanette , O'Malley Keelia , Hu Tian , Tabak Rachel G. , Goins Karin Valentine , Valko Cheryl , Litt Jill , Eyler Amy 
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To examine support for local policies encouraging physical activity and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics by physical activity and weight status of respondents across U.S. counties. Design. We used a random-digit-dial, computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) to conduct a cross-sectional telephone questionnaire in selected U.S. counties in 2011. Setting. Counties with high prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (HH; n = 884) and counties with low prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (LL; n = 171) were selected nationally. Subjects. Adult respondents from HH (n = 642) and LL (n = 566) counties. Measures. Questions were asked of respondents, pertaining to support for physical activity policies in various settings, neighborhood features, time spent in physical activity and sedentary behaviors, self-reported weight and height, and personal demographic information. Analysis. Means and frequencies were calculated; bivariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models, developed. Models were adjusted for individual characteristics and county HH/LL status. Results. Respondents in LL counties perceived their neighborhood and work environments to be more supportive of healthy behaviors and were more supportive of local physical activity policies than respondents in HH counties (p < .001 for all). Positive neighborhood environment perceptions were related to reduced body mass index, increased physical activity, and decreased sedentary behavior. Conclusion. Policy support and neighborhood environments are associated with behaviors. Results can inform targeting policy agendas to facilitate the improvement of environments (community, work, and school) to be more supportive of physical activity.
Evaluating the Implementation and Active Living Impacts of a State Government Planning Policy Designed to Create Walkable Neighborhoods in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Hooper Paula , Giles-Corti Billie , Knuiman Matthew 
Published: December 2013

Purpose. Evaluate the implementation of a government planning policy (Liveable Neighbourhoods Guidelines) and its impacts on residents' walking behaviors. Design. Cross-sectional study of participants from the RESIDential Environments project (RESIDE). Setting. Nineteen “liveable” and 17 “conventionally designed” housing developments across Perth, Western Australia. Subjects. Five hundred ninety-four participants from RESIDE who resided in 36 housing developments. Measures. Developed in geographic information systems to assess the on-ground implementation of 43 policy requirements. Policy compliance was defined as the degree to which construction of the developments adhered to the standards outlined. Walking behaviors were measured using the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire. K-means cluster analyses identified groups of homogeneous developments with respect to policy implementation. Analysis. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the likelihood of undertaking any and ≥ 60 minutes of transport and recreational walking associated with (1) policy compliance and (2) different clusters of developments. Results. There were few significant differences in on-ground outcomes between the two development types. Despite incomplete implementation, the odds of walking for transport increased with overall levels of policy compliance (OR= 1.53, 95% CI 1.13–2.08) and compliance with the community design (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.13–1.42), movement network (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.38–4.50), and lot layout elements (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.50). Conclusion. Consistent with the aims of the policy, residents in walkable (i.e., liveable) neighborhoods may be more physically active.