bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a clinical tool for early etiology identification in status epilepticus
Authors: Alvarez Vincent , Westover M. Brandon , Drislane Frank W. , Dworetzky Barbara A. , Curley David , Lee Jong Woo , Rossetti Andrea O. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectivesBecause early etiologic identification is critical to select appropriate specific status epilepticus (SE) management, we aim to validate a clinical tool we developed that uses history and readily available investigations to guide prompt etiologic assessment.MethodsThis prospective multicenter study included all adult patients treated for SE of all but anoxic causes from four academic centers. The proposed tool is designed as a checklist covering frequent precipitating factors for SE. The study team completed the checklist at the time the patient was identified by electroencephalography (EEG) request. Only information available in the emergency department or at the time of in‐hospital SE identification was used. Concordance between the etiology indicated by the tool and the determined etiology at hospital discharge was analyzed, together with interrater agreement.ResultsTwo hundred twelve patients were included. Concordance between the etiology hypothesis generated using the tool and the finally determined etiology was 88.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.4–89.8) (κ = 0.88). Interrater agreement was 83.3% (95% CI 80.4–96) (κ = 0.81).SignificanceThis tool is valid and reliable for identification early the etiology of an SE. Physicians managing patients in SE may benefit from using it to identify promptly the underlying etiology, thus facilitating selection of the appropriate treatment.
Sex, Age, and Population Density Affect Aggressive Behaviors in Island Lizards Promoting Cannibalism
Authors: Cooper William E. , Dimopoulos Ioannis , Pafilis Panayiotis 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIsland populations may evolve distinct behavioral repertoires as a response to the conditions of insular life. Strong intraspecific competition is typical in insular lizards and may include cannibalism. In this study, we investigated sexual and age patterns of aggression in two populations of the Skyros wall lizard (Podarcis gaigeae), one from the main island of Skyros (Aegean Sea, Greece) and another from the satellite islet Diavates. The latter is terrestrial predator‐free biotope, hosting a dense population of large‐bodied lizards that have been reported to exert cannibalism. In staged encounters, we examined the aggressive propensities of adult male and female lizards against their age‐peers and juveniles. Males from both populations were much more aggressive than females toward juveniles and other adults. Males from Diavates were more frequently aggressive to juveniles and other male lizards than males from Skyros. Diavates cannibals also captured their targets at shorter latency. We ascribe this distinct behavioral pattern to the high population density. Infanticide and intramale aggressiveness confer two great advantages to cannibals: food and elimination of future rivals.
Multiplication of alpha‐fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence‐II is a powerful predictor of prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after a hepatectomy
Authors: Kamiyama Toshiya , Yokoo Hideki , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Orimo Tatsuya , Wakayama Kenji , Kamachi Hirofumi , Tsuruga Yosuke , Yamashita Kenichiro , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Todo Satoru , Taketomi Akinobu 
Published: November 2014

AimTo evaluate the oncological implications of multiplication of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists‐II (PIVKA‐II) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsData were prospectively collected from 516 consecutive patients who underwent a curative primary hepatectomy for HCC between 1998 and 2010. The AP‐factor (AFP × PIVKA‐II) was evaluated in relation to 2‐year survival outcomes by receiver–operator curve analysis to determine the cut‐off values. Patient survival, recurrence‐free survival and risk factors were analyzed in accordance with the preoperative AP‐factor.ResultsThe AP‐factor was categorized into three groups depending on the serum concentrations of AFP and PIVKA‐II as follows: AP1 (n = 206; AFP < 200 ng/mL and PIVKA‐II < 100 mAU/mL), AP2 (n = 152; AFP × PIVKA‐II < 105) and AP3 (n = 158; AFP × PIVKA‐II ≥ 105). The AP‐factor was found to be significantly related to pathological factors such as differentiation, portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion and intrahepatic metastasis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for survival and recurrence. Albumin, AP‐factor and pathological factors including portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion and intrahepatic metastasis are independent risk factors for survival. Tumor number, AP‐factor, and a non‐cancerous liver were determinants of recurrence.ConclusionThe AP‐factor is closely related to differentiation and microscopic vascular invasion, and was selected by multivariate analysis as an independent factor for survival and recurrence, in HCC. Patients hopeful of obtaining good outcomes after a hepatectomy could be selected by the AP‐factor evaluation.
Landscape ecological networks are successful in supporting a diverse dragonfly assemblage
Authors: Kietzka Gabriella J. , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Ecological networks (ENs) are able to mitigate the negative effects of commercial forestry on terrestrial biodiversity, yet this remains untested for the aquatic fauna. Understanding the anthropogenic and natural variables that drive dragonfly diversity at the landscape and habitat scales, allows the design and implementation of ENs that minimise biodiversity loss across production landscapes.

Here, we determine the relative contribution of anthropogenic disturbances and natural environmental variables to dragonfly assemblages within ENs. Sixty sites, of various freshwater body types, were sampled for adult dragonflies across ENs in a commercial forestry landscape.

Overall, species richness was significantly influenced by river width, water turbidity, water depth and the presence of invasive plants. Nevertheless, overall species composition was influenced by water body type, flow rate and substrate type. Further differences were found when analyses were conducted separately for Anisoptera and Zygoptera.

Counter‐intuitively, anthropogenic disturbances had less effect on dragonfly species richness and composition than did natural environmental variables, emphasising the importance of conserving natural heterogeneity. Overall, dragonfly diversity can be successfully conserved in ENs provided that conservation planning incorporates appropriate local scale variables. These results also suggest that impacts on water quality and dragonfly diversity are minimised by well‐designed ENs within this production landscape.
Evaluation of three different manual techniques of sharpening curettes through a scanning electron microscope: a randomized controlled experimental study
Authors: Di Fiore A , Mazzoleni S , Fantin F , Favero L , De Francesco M , Stellini E 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different techniques for manually sharpening of periodontal curettes (PCs) by examining the blades with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM).MethodsThree groups were considered based on three sharpening methods used: group A (moving a PC over a stationary stone); group B (moving a stone over a stationary PC) and group C (moving a PC over a stone fixed, placed on a ‘sharpening horse’). After the sharpening, the blades were examined using SEM. The SEM images were assessed independently by five different independent observers. An evaluation board was used to assign a value to each image. A preliminary pilot study was conducted to establish the number of samples. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlations between measurements. anova test with Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare the three groups.ResultsSixty PCs (20 PCs per group) were used in this study. Statistically significant differences emerged between the three groups (P‐value = 0.001). Bonferroni's test showed that the difference between groups A and B was not statistically significant (P‐value = 0.80), while it was significant for the comparisons between groups A and C (P‐value = 0.005) and between groups B and C (P‐value = 0.001).ConclusionsThe sharpening technique used in group C, which involved the use of the sharpening horse, proved the most effective.
Grain Boundary Nanohardness of Coarse Grain Alumina
Authors: Dey Arjun , Bhattacharya Manjima , Mukhopadhyay Anoop K. 
Published: November 2014

Here, we present the results of nanoindentation experiments conducted at ultralow peak loads of, for example, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 μN on a dense (~99.5%), coarse grain (~10 μm) alumina ceramic. The results showed that the nanohardness values of alumina were sensitive to the applied loads as well as to the locations of measurements, for example, the center of the grain, away from the center of the grain and at the vicinity of the grain boundary. The location sensitivity of nanohardness was linked to compositional variations of the different locations and to the presence of an amorphous phase.
Rethinking international fragmentation of production processes: A communication cost‐based explanation
Authors: Hsieh Chung Hsing 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this study, we develop a model of organizational choice in which international fragmentation of production processes is impeded by communicating frictions between a headquarter firm and its foreign teams. We begin by considering a static model to offer a communication cost based explanation for the new version of the product cycle hypothesis. We then show how this approach can be extended to a dynamic setting to address questions concerning the diffusion process of organization. First, we show that a speedier technological revolution increases the rate of diffusion. Secondly, an improvement in technology of standardization expedites the adoption of a new production mode through an industry. The proposed model contributes to the understanding the diffusion of global sourcing network throughout the life cycle of a product.
Managerial delegation in monopoly and social welfare
Authors: Pal Rupayan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper develops a model of managerial delegation in the case of monopoly, without relying on agency theory based arguments, and examines its implications for social welfare. It shows that, in the presence of network externalities, (a) it is optimal for a monopolist to offer a sales‐oriented incentive scheme to her manager and (b) such managerial delegation in monopoly firm is socially desirable: both the monopolist and consumers are better off under managerial delegation than under no delegation. These results are in sharp contrast to the findings of existing studies on managerial delegation.
Effect of limited enzymatic hydrolysis on physico‐chemical properties of soybean protein isolate‐maltodextrin conjugates
Authors: Zhang Yating , Tan Chen , Eric Karangwa , Abbas Shabbar , Liu Fengru , Zhang Xiaoming , Xia Shuqin , Jia Chengsheng 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe effect of limited hydrolysis was investigated on the physico‐chemical properties of soy protein isolate–maltodextrin (SPI‐Md) conjugate. The hydrolysates at a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 1.8% showed much higher surface hydrophobicity (H0; 71.39 ± 3.60) than that of the SPI control (42.09 ± 2.17) and SPI‐Md conjugates (53.46 ± 2.74). Intrinsic fluorescence analysis demonstrated the unfolding of protein molecule and exposure of hydrophobic groups of SPI‐Md conjugate hydrolysates. As evidenced by far‐UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, the limited hydrolysis increased the unordered secondary structures of SPI‐Md conjugates. The denaturation temperature (Td) of SPI‐Md conjugate was significantly increased by subsequent limited hydrolysis from 102.53 ± 0.60 °C to 108.11 ± 0.61 °C at DH 1.8%. In particular, the emulsifying activity index (EAI) was improved notably after limited hydrolysis of DH 1.8% (147.76 ± 4.39 m2 g−1) compared with that of native SPI (88.90 ± 1.44 m2 g−1) and SPI‐Md conjugate (108.97 ± 1.45 m2 g−1).
Integrating soft systems methodology to aid simulation conceptual modeling
Authors: Pereira Tábata Fernandes , Montevechi José Arnaldo Barra , Miranda Rafael de Carvalho , Friend Jonathan Daniel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDiscrete‐event simulation is considered an increasingly common support tool for decision making, especially in manufacturing. Most simulation projects are divided into three distinct phases: conception, implementation, and analysis. Some authors believe the conception phase is the most important, as the simulation study objectives are defined and the project's foundation is laid at this point. Many researchers do not spend the necessary amount of time on this important initial phase. Thus, this article presents an integration method that makes use of soft systems methodology (SSM), a complex problem‐solving approach, during the conceptual phase of simulation studies. SSM was used throughout the conceptual modeling phase for a real manufacturing simulation case study. Through the analysis of this study, it can be concluded that the use of SSM to develop the conceptual model enabled identification of the study objectives, thus avoiding errors and reworks. The study's results are presented and the method's application is justified by presenting a valid model capable of analyzing the system's key input variables.
Integrative review: an evaluation of the methods used to explore the relationship between overtime and patient outcomes
Authors: Lobo Vanessa , Fisher Anita , Peachey Gladys , Ploeg Jenny , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsTo analyse, critically, methods employed to explore the relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes to strengthen future research.BackgroundNursing overtime hours have been increasing in the Western world since the 1980's; however, research detailing its implications for patient outcomes has not kept pace. Studies exploring the relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes have produced conflicting results and are deficient in number and rigour.DesignWhittemore and Knafl's revised framework for integrative reviews guided the analysis.Data sourcesA comprehensive multi‐step search (1980–2012) of literature related to nursing overtime and patient outcomes in the CINAHL, Medline, PubMED, EMBASE and PsychInfo databases was performed. Reference lists and Google searches were completed for additional sources. Nine research papers met the inclusion criteria.Review methodsAll nine articles were included in the review. A systematic, iterative approach was used to extract and reduce the data to draw conclusions.ResultsThere appears to be a positive relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes, however, eight of the nine studies revealed limitations in: (1) the definition and measurement of overtime; (2) data aggregation (organizationally and temporally) and (3) recognition or control of potential confounding variables.ConclusionThe quality in this research sample limits the ability of this body of work to be the basis of staffing policies. Future researchers need to be explicit in detailing their methods alongside a renewed commitment from administration to develop a tracking system of important parameters at the individual and bedside level.
A critical ethnography of communication processes involving the management of oral chemotherapeutic agents by patients with a primary diagnosis of colorectal cancer: study protocol
Authors: Mitchell Gary , Porter Sam , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo describe the protocol used to examine the processes of communication between health professionals, patients and informal carers during the management of oral chemotherapeutic medicines to identify factors that promote or inhibit medicine concordance.BackgroundIdeally communication practices about oral medicines should incorporate shared decision‐making, two‐way dialogue and an equality of role between practitioner and patient. While there is evidence that healthcare professionals are adopting these concordant elements in general practice there are still some patients who have a passive role during consultations. Considering oral chemotherapeutic medications, there is a paucity of research about communication practices which is surprising given the high risk of toxicity associated with chemotherapy.DesignA critical ethnographic design will be used, incorporating non‐participant observations, individual semi‐structured and focus‐group interviews as several collecting methods.MethodsObservations will be carried out on the interactions between healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses and pharmacists) and patients in the outpatient departments where prescriptions are explained and supplied and on follow‐up consultations where treatment regimens are monitored. Interviews will be conducted with patients and their informal carers. Focus‐groups will be carried out with healthcare professionals at the conclusion of the study. These several will be analysed using thematic analysis. This research is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (Awarded February 2012).DiscussionDissemination of these findings will contribute to the understanding of issues involved when communicating with people about oral chemotherapy. It is anticipated that findings will inform education, practice and policy.
Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Efimova Irina , Efimova Natalya , Lishmanov Yuri 
Published: November 2014

The aim of the study was to estimate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cognitive function in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) before and after antihypertensive combination therapy. The study included 24 patients with MetS (average age 52.4±1.6 years). All patients underwent brain single‐photon emission computed tomography with technetium‐99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime and comprehensive neuropsychological testing before and after 6‐month antihypertensive combination therapy. All patients with MetS showed lower rCBF values in all regions of the brain compared with the control group. Their parameters of attention, immediate visual memory, and mentation were lower by 25%, 22%, and 13% compared with the control group, respectively. Six‐month antihypertensive combination therapy increased cerebral perfusion and improved attention, mentation, and visual memory in MetS patients.
The effect of the local use of chlorhexidine in surgical treatment of experimental peri‐implantitis in dogs
Authors: Carcuac Olivier , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Charalampakis Georgios , Berglundh Tord 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of experimental peri‐implantitis at implants with different surface characteristics using different anti‐infective procedures.Material and methodsFour implants with different surface characteristics (A: TiOblast, B: OsseoSpeed, C: AT‐I, D: TiUnite) were installed in a randomized order in each side of the mandible in 6 labrador dogs 3 months after tooth extraction. Experimental peri‐implantitis was induced 3 months later. Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis was performed. The implants were cleaned with gauze soaked in either saline (control) or chlorhexidine (test). Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed and microbiological samples were taken during a 6‐month period after surgery. Biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis.ResultsClinical signs of soft tissue inflammation were reduced after surgical therapy in most test and control sites. While the analysis of bone level alterations in radiographs together with histological and microbiological assessments of resolution of peri‐implantitis lesions failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between test and control procedures, the evaluations disclosed significant differences between implant D and implants A, B and C on treatment outcome.ConclusionIt is suggested that (i) the local use of chlorhexidine has minor influence on treatment outcome, (ii) resolution of peri‐implantitis following surgical treatment without the adjunctive use of local and systemic antimicrobial agents is possible and (iii) the results are influenced by implant surface characteristics.
Key Technologies of Enzymatic Preparation for DP 6–8 Chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Dong Huizhong , Wang Yaosong , Zhao Liming , Zhou Jiachun , Xia Quanming , Qiu Yongjun 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDegree of polymerization (DP) 6–8 chitooligosaccharides are edible hydrolyzates from chitosan and possess excellent bioactivities, especially for a potential antitumor ingredient. The objective of this study was to develop a promising enzymatic attempt for DP 6–8 chitooligosaccharides preparation. Chitosan (2%, w/v) was dissolved in acetic acid. Sequentially, six types of nonspecific enzymes were used to compare chitosanolytic activities under the optimum conditions. Results indicated that cellulase was most capable of hydrolysis, whereas others were slightly acted. The phenomenon resulted from the glycosidic bonds that existed in the chitosan. Based on preliminary experiments, cellulase and chitosanase were combined employing to digest chitosan. The enzyme mixture promoted the hydrolysis degree and the yield of resulting chitooligosaccharides were measured through high‐performance liquid chromatography. Data showed that the highest yield of DP 6–8 chitooligosaccharides reached to 79.8% w/w by hybrid enzymes adding simultaneously at pH 5.3 and 45°C after 6 h.Practical ApplicationsChitooligosaccharides are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food industry and agricultural field because of its excellent and specific bioactivities, depending on the degrees of polymerization (DPs) of chitooligosaccharides. For instance, chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 have potential antitumor activity that could be used as ingredients for pharmaceutical drugs, health‐care food and formula products. Another very important potential application of chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 is as a potent plants elicitor that could be an environment‐friendly biological stress‐resistant agent to replace chemical reagents in the agricultural field. Hence, the study of preparation methods of chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 is important and valuable.