bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
China's ten years in the WTO: review and perspectives
Authors: Wang Huijiong , Li Shantong , Wang Qi 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
– This paper aims to review four studies which are selected purposefully to outline as objectively as possible the many aspects of lessons, experiences, achievements, and areas in need of further reform in China's ten years' accession into WTO.

Design/methodology/approach
– Different views from leading academic and official publications are presented. In addition, the authors contribute their own perspectives on some issues not fully discussed in the literature.

Findings
– It is hoped that the successful lessons and experiences from China's remarkable WTO track record can benefit other developing countries and transitional economies seeking economic growth and prosperity by engaging in open trade and operating by rules.

Originality/value
– This paper will contribute to the current understanding about China's WTO experience by reviewing relevant literature and adding new perspectives on some issues not fully discussed in the literature.
Performance and resistance of paint used as exterior finish in salt laden environment
Authors: Oluwole Folorunso Clement , Hamdan Ahmad Mohd 
Published: June 2013

PurposePainting of buildings predates civilization. The primary purpose was to add beauty or aesthetics to the built environment. It was also to showcase the level of civilization, taste and fashion drive of the people. However, modern findings have proved that paint (when applied as a finishing coat on buildings) can elongate the service life of such buildings due to some characteristic properties it contains and modern additives that are included at production stage. This paper aims to examine some of the properties inherent in paint through which resistance to failure and better performance is enhanced, aesthetics is maintained and maintenance is reduced. It also examines whether these qualities subsist in all environments. Particular attention is given to its resistance to the impact of saline air when used around the Atlantic Ocean.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach with empirical analysis in examining the performance of paint used in salt laden environment.FindingsIt shows that paint used in an environment where saline air and salt is prevalent begins to deteriorate after two years and requires repainting as against the established norm of five to seven years (5‐7) in areas that are not exposed to saline air. The impact of saline air is significant at p<0.01.Practical ImplicationMaximum life span of current paint products in the area is determined to provide adequate information for the preparation of maintenance schedule for painted exterior. Paint with higher resistance to salt attack is required to enhance the longevity of painted exterior in areas at close proximity to sources of salt. Specifying current available paint for exterior finish will be uneconomical and non‐compatible with the principle of sustainability.Originality/valueThe authors made a fresh attempt at investigating the life's span of paint used as exterior finish in salt laden area around the Atlantic Ocean due to the peculiarity of the stresses of the tropical region on external finishes. It also compared the result with existing researches. Differences in paint performance are established.
REVIEW: An overview of the environmental risks posed by neonicotinoid insecticides
Authors: Goulson Dave 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Neonicotinoids are now the most widely used insecticides in the world. They act systemically, travelling through plant tissues and protecting all parts of the crop, and are widely applied as seed dressings. As neurotoxins with high toxicity to most arthropods, they provide effective pest control and have numerous uses in arable farming and horticulture.

However, the prophylactic use of broad‐spectrum pesticides goes against the long‐established principles of integrated pest management (IPM), leading to environmental concerns.

It has recently emerged that neonicotinoids can persist and accumulate in soils. They are water soluble and prone to leaching into waterways. Being systemic, they are found in nectar and pollen of treated crops. Reported levels in soils, waterways, field margin plants and floral resources overlap substantially with concentrations that are sufficient to control pests in crops, and commonly exceed the LC50 (the concentration which kills 50% of individuals) for beneficial organisms. Concentrations in nectar and pollen in crops are sufficient to impact substantially on colony reproduction in bumblebees.

Although vertebrates are less susceptible than arthropods, consumption of small numbers of dressed seeds offers a route to direct mortality in birds and mammals.

Synthesis and applications. Major knowledge gaps remain, but current use of neonicotinoids is likely to be impacting on a broad range of non‐target taxa including pollinators and soil and aquatic invertebrates and hence threatens a range of ecosystem services.
Viasystems Group, inc.
Authors: Schiehll Eduardo , Jacques Réal 
Published: June 2013

AbstractViasystems Group, Inc. (Viasystems) is an international supplier of electromechanical assemblies and components. It specializes in manufacturing printed circuits and assembling electric cables and industrial metal cabinets. The case concerns the Printed Circuit Division at Viasystems and its need to adapt its costing system to the relocation of its manufacturing activities to China under its strategic planning, begun in 2001. Planning and controlling operating costs and the presentation of the financial statements have therefore become major issues. The case is set in 2006, six years after the start of progressive offshoring of manufacturing to China. It describes: 1) how external environmental pressures and the need for profitability have led to a critical strategic decision; and 2) how this new business model has changed upper management's informational needs, leading them to rethink their costing system, particularly at the Chinese plants. Setting the case in 2006, when all the plants have been relocated to China, enables discussions of the challenges that management will have to cope with in the future, after the operations transfer has been completed and the consequences on the management control system.
Reaction time‐monitored patient‐maintained propofol sedation: a pilot study in oral surgery patients
Authors: O'Brien C. , Urquhart C. S. , Allam S , Anderson K. J. , Leitch J. A. , Macpherson A. , Kenny G. N. C. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPrevious volunteer studies of an effect‐site controlled patient‐maintained sedation system using propofol have demonstrated a risk of oversedation. We have incorporated a reaction time monitor into the handset to add an individualised patient‐feedback mechanism. This pilot study assessed if the reaction time‐feedback modification would prove safe and effective in 20 healthy patients receiving sedation while undergoing oral surgery. All patients successfully sedated themselves without reaching any unsafe endpoints. All 20 maintained verbal contact throughout. The mean (SD) lowest peripheral blood oxygen saturation was 98.0 (2.1)% breathing room air. No patient required supplementary oxygen. The mean (SD) maximum effect‐site propofol concentration reached was 1.6 (0.5) μg.ml−1. The present system was found to be safe and effective, allowing oral surgery treatment under conscious sedation, but preventing oversedation.
Emergency contraception in a country with restricted access to contraceptives and termination of pregnancy, a prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Lech Medard M. , Ostrowska Lucyna , Świątek Ewa 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivePoland has a restrictive abortion law. Emergency contraception (EC) is expensive and available only on prescription, which is not easily obtainable in public health care. We aimed to identify the main reasons for EC requests, observed failure rates and the type and incidence of adverse effects.DesignProspective single‐center observational study.PopulationA cohort of women living in Warsaw, who requested EC.MethodsData were collected via a questionnaire completed by healthcare providers prescribing EC, and included age, date of the request, previous EC use, time from intercourse to clinic visit and day of menstrual cycle on which intercourse took place.Main outcome measuresReason for EC request, time lapse between unprotected intercourse and EC use, age of women requesting EC, reported cases of pregnancy.ResultsA total of 4655 women requested EC. Of these 62.9% (n = 2928) were ≤25 years old. During follow up, 0.75% (31 individuals) became pregnant. Adverse effects of hormonal EC were rare and mild. The main reason for requesting EC was problems associated with condoms (63.2%, n = 2609). The mean interval between unprotected intercourse and EC use was 21.2 h, but 26.7 h when EC failed (n.s.). Considering intake within and after 24 h, the difference was significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWomen living in Warsaw seeking EC used the EC product very soon after unprotected intercourse, and this was probably one of the most important reasons for the low pregnancy rates in the studied population.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in Coats’ disease
Authors: Zhao Qi , Peng Xiao‐Yan , Chen Feng‐Hua , Zhang Yong‐Peng , Wang Lian , You Qi‐Sheng , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as one of the most important intraocular cytokines for angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability is associated with Coats’ disease.Methods:  The clinical interventional study included 28 patients with Coats’ disease and seven control patients with congenital cataract. During intraocular surgery, we obtained aqueous humour samples in which the VEGF concentration was measured by double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Coats’ disease was graded into four stages.Results:  The mean aqueous VEGF level was significantly higher in the Coats’ study group than in the control group (158 ± 88 versus 97 ± 21 pg/ml; p = 0.002). The VEGF concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 91 ± 32 pg/ml in Coats’ disease stage 2 to 100 ± 37 pg/ml in stage 3A1, 185 ± 56 pg/ml in stage 3A2 to 256 ± 93 pg/ml in patients with stage 3B. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in Coats’ stage 2 and 3A1 did not differ significantly from the values in the control group. Parallel to the association with the stage of the diseases, the VEGF concentrations were significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with extent of exudative retinal detachment.Conclusions:  Increasing severity of Coats’ disease is significantly associated with intraocular VEGF concentrations. These results favour the intravitreal application of anti‐VEGF drugs as medical therapy of Coats’ diseases.
Impact of a National system for waitlist prioritization: the experience with NIKE and cataract surgery in Sweden
Authors: Ng Jonathon Q. , Lundström Mats 
Published: June 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate waiting times for first‐eye cataract surgery in Sweden following widespread adoption of the Nationell Indikationsmodell for Kataraktextraktion (NIKE) tool for prioritizing patients for cataract surgery.Methods:  Waiting times for all first‐eye cataract surgeries in Sweden in 2009–2011 were identified from the Swedish National Cataract Register. Waiting times were compared according to demographic, clinical and NIKE indication group for surgery. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to determine factors associated with waiting times less than the 3‐month Government guarantee period.Results:  There were 141 070 first‐eye cataract surgeries in 2009 to 2011; an annual increase of around 6%. Over the study period, mean waiting times decreased across all NIKE groups. The proportion waiting <3 months for surgery also increased across all NIKE groups. Surgery within 3 months of waitlisting was more likely for patients with a NIKE 1 indication classification (most need for surgery), in later years, male patients, younger patients and patients with a preoperative visual acuity in the better eye worse than 6/24.Conclusions:  Prioritizing patients for cataract surgery using NIKE reduces waiting times for those with the greatest need.
Paucity of evidence for urinary tract outcomes in closed spinal dysraphism: a systematic review
Authors: Veenboer Paul W. , Bosch J.L.H. Ruud , van Asbeck Floris W.A. , de Kort Laetitia M.O. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives
To describe the long‐term upper (UUT) and lower urinary tract (LUT) outcomes in patients with closed spinal dysraphism (CSD).
CSD differs from open spinal dysraphism (OSD) by its long asymptomatic course and consequent later diagnosis. The outcome of UUT and LUT function in adults with CSD is relatively unknown.
Patients and Methods
A systematic review was performed following the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An extensive search was made of PubMed and EMBASE.
Included were papers on adults with any form of primary CSD that described bladder and/or kidney function. Only English and Dutch language papers were included. Excluded were papers on patients aged <18 years and patients with secondary tethered cord following childhood OSD repair. International Continence Society terminology was used to describe LUT outcomes.
Results
Eventually, only seven studies (90 patients) were included and none of these described renal outcomes. Five of the seven papers were on outcomes after untethering surgery during adulthood.
Urological complaints were present in 54/79 (68.4%) patients.
Urodynamic studies (48 patients available) revealed detrusor underactivity in 46.5% of the evaluated cases, detrusor overactivity in 32.6% and normal findings in 16.3% of the studied patients.
Symptomatic improvement after surgery for tethered cord occurred in 33.3–90.0%, depending on the subgroup studied. Urodynamic improvement rates ranged from 11.1% to 54.5% (but based on three studies with only 24 patients). Success of surgery depended on the time between onset of symptoms and operation, and (sometimes) type of lesion.
Conclusions
Few data are available on long‐term urological outcomes in adult patients with CSD.
More extensive research on follow‐up, including the functional status of the UUT, is recommended.
Based upon the little evidence available, we think life‐long follow‐up (from birth into adulthood) of those with CSD and neurogenic bladder is advisable.
Dermatitis artefacta in a vulnerable adult with a dissociative state
Authors: Ahmed A. , Bewley A. , Taylor R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDermatitis artefacta (DA), a factitious skin disorder, often occurs as a response to traumatic life events or as a factitious behaviour, which may result in secondary gain. It can be difficult to get patients to engage with health services, and they seldom admit to causing the lesions themselves. The possibility of DA lesions occurring in dissociative states is less well known. We present a case of DA diagnosed in a vulnerable adult, who we believe caused the lesions during periods of dissociation. We discuss the way in which the concept of dissociation can provide an acceptable way of discussing the behaviour with patients and initiating psychological therapy.
The role of diet and physical activity in post‐transplant weight gain after renal transplantation
Authors: Zelle Dorien M. , Kok Trijntje , Dontje Manon L. , Danchell Eva I. , Navis Gerjan , van Son Willem J. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Corpeleijn Eva 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term survival of renal transplant recipients (RTR) has not improved over the past 20 yr. The question rises to what extent lifestyle factors play a role in post‐transplant weight gain and its associated risks after transplantation.MethodsTwenty‐six RTR were measured for body weight, body composition, blood lipids, renal function, dietary intake, and physical activity at six wk, and three, six, and 12 months after transplantation.ResultsWeight gain ranged between −2.4 kg and 19.5 kg and was largely due to increase in body fat. RTR who remained body fat stable, showed more daily physical activity (p = 0.014), tended to consume less energy from drinks and dairy (p = 0.054), consumed less mono‐ and disaccharides (sugars) (p = 0.021) and ate more vegetables (p = 0.043) compared with those who gained body fat. Gain in body fat was strongly related to total cholesterol (r = 0.46, p = 0.017) and triglyceride (r = 0.511, p = 0.011) at one yr after transplantation.ConclusionsGain in adiposity after renal transplantation is related to lifestyle factors such as high consumption of energy‐rich drinks, high intake of mono‐ and disaccharides and low daily physical activity. RCTs are needed to investigate potential benefits of lifestyle intervention on long‐term morbidity and mortality.
Safety and efficacy of sorafenib for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Waghray Abhijeet , Balci Bengi , El‐Gazzaz Galal , Kim Richard , Pelley Robert , Narayanan Menon KV , Estfan Bassam , Romero‐Marrero Carlos , Aucejo Federico 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver transplantation (LT) carries a poor prognosis. The aim of our study was to assess the safety and efficacy of sorafenib in patients with recurrent HCC following LT.MethodsA prospectively maintained LT database was retrospectively analyzed for patients with recurrent HCC following LT between 2001 and 2011–34 patients. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were prescribed sorafenib (n = 17) or not prescribed sorafenib (n = 17). The primary endpoint was overall survival.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups analyzed. Seventeen patients were on sorafenib for recurrent HCC, with a mean daily dose of ~444 mg. Mean duration of treatment was ~10 months. Side effects included: thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, rising transaminases, fatigue, hand–foot skin reaction, and nausea. Survival in the sorafenib vs. non‐sorafenib group was greater at three‐, six‐, nine‐, and 12‐month intervals and overall survival.ConclusionSorafenib can be well tolerated and safe in patients with recurrent HCC following LT and may be associated with a modest survival benefit. To our knowledge, this is the largest single‐center retrospective analysis of patients prescribed sorafenib for recurrent HCC after LT.
Apamin modulates electrophysiological characteristics of the pulmonary vein and the Sinoatrial Node
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ta , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lu Yen‐Yu , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Huang Jen‐Hung , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSmall‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channels play an important role in atrial electrophysiology. Blocking SK channels prolongs action potential (AP) duration and attenuate electrical remodelling. The effects of SK blocking on the pulmonary vein (PV) and the sinoatrial node (SAN) remain unclear.Materials and methodsConventional microelectrodes were used to record the AP in SANs and in isolated rabbit PVs with and without denudation before and after treatment with apamin (1, 10 nM). Using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, the SK current was investigated in isolated single PV and SAN myocytes.ResultsIn nondenudated PVs (n = 6), apamin (1 and 10 nM) increased PV spontaneous activity (from 1·8 ± 0·2 Hz to 2·4 ± 0·2 Hz and 2·3 ± 0·2 Hz, P < 0·05) and increased the PV tension by 42 ± 14% and 37 ± 11%. Conversely, in denudated PVs (n = 6), apamin (1 and 10 nM) decreased spontaneous activity (from 2·2 ± 0·3 Hz to 1·9 ± 0·2 Hz and 1·8 ± 0·2 Hz, P < 0·05) and prolonged AP duration without changing PV tensions. Additionally, apamin (1 and 10 nM) decreased spontaneous activity (from 2·8 ± 0·1 Hz to 2·4 ± 0·1 Hz, and 2·4 ± 0·1 Hz, P < 0·05) and prolonged AP duration in SAN (n = 6). SAN myocytes had larger SK currents than did PV cardiomyocytes. Treatment with apamin (10 nM) resulted in a greater decrease (25 ± 8 vs. 20 ± 13%, P < 0·05) in spontaneous activity in isolated single SAN (n = 17) vs. PV cardiomyocytes (n = 16).ConclusionSmall‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels play a key role in SAN and PV spontaneous activity and AP morphology. Apamin may modulate PV electrical activity with and without endothelium dependence.
Efficacy of tooth whitening with different calcium phosphate‐based formulations
Authors: Jin Jian , Xu Xiaohui , Lai Guangyun , Kunzelmann Karl‐Heinz 
Published: June 2013

The aim of this in‐vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of tooth whitening using different calcium phosphate‐based formulations. Teeth were treated with three different hydroxyapatite preparations at different concentrations and with two control preparations; each tooth was treated a total of three times. After application of the last material, hydrodynamic shear force was applied to mimic mechanical loading. After each treatment, tooth color was measured using a dental spectrophotometer, and the mean changes in L*a*b* values between different measurements were expressed as ∆E. The results indicated significant differences between the materials, but neither dose‐ nor time‐dependent associations were found. The suspension containing tricalcium phosphate (10 wt%) showed the most obvious color change (∆E = 2.20 ± 0.90), while the suspension containing zinc‐carbonate‐apatite (20 wt%) showed the least obvious color change (∆E = 0.91 ± 0.50). Calcium phosphate‐based formulations that can adhere to the enamel surface and contribute to tooth whitening have promising tooth‐whitening potential.
The Safety and Soundness Effects of Bank M&A in the EU: Does Prudential Regulation Have any Impact?
Authors: Hagendorff Jens , J. Nieto Maria 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper studies the impact of European bank mergers on changes in key safety and soundness measures of both acquirers and targets. We find that acquirers in cross‐border deals tend to perform better when their home country prudential supervisors and deposit insurance funding systems are stricter than that of the target. For target banks, we find that stronger supervision and tougher deposit insurance funding regimes result in positive post merger changes in liquidity and performance. Overall, while bank mergers have undermined bank safety and soundness in some cases, our evidence indicates that strong regulation and supervision can partly ameliorate this.