bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Long-Term Unemployed Workers Benefit from Targeted Wage Subsidies?
Authors: Schünemann Benjamin , Lechner Michael , Wunsch Conny 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe evaluate a wage subsidy program that is targeted at long-term unemployed workers in Germany. We use an alternative identification procedure compared to empirical studies conducted so far. Exploiting the particular program regulations and large administrative data we estimate the impact of program availability using a regression discontinuity framework. Our results suggest no significant impact of the availability of the subsidy on labor market outcomes of the target group. Even though our analysis lacks some statistical power, our findings do not support the substantial positive effects obtained from matching studies. As our approach does not require observability of all drivers of selection, previous empirical studies justifying government expenditures on wage subsidies based on matching methods should be reconsidered.
French connections: the networking strategies of French highly skilled migrants in London
Authors: RYAN LOUISE , MULHOLLAND JON 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAlthough the migration studies literature often takes social networks for granted, these social ties are not spontaneous but require effort and nurturing. There has been insufficient research on the actual process of networking, especially among highly skilled migrants. Our understanding of why and how migrants form networks with particular characteristics is still poor. In this article, we argue that it is necessary to consider both the structure and content of networks – the nature of the relationships as well as the flow of resources within various social ties. Drawing on qualitative data from a study of highly skilled French migrants in London's business and financial sector, we use a microanalysis of network‐making processes. In the context of London as a dynamic and highly competitive financial centre, we examine the importance of opportunities, skills and shared interests in building new social relationships from scratch. In addition, we also assess how mobility and proximity, virtual communication and co‐presence impact on geographically dispersed networks and why some long distance relationships endure while others fade over time. By bringing together classic literature on professional networking and wider discussions on how relationships are managed across time and space, our work contributes to a fuller understanding of why and how highly skilled migrants form networks with particular characteristics.
Exploring the joint dynamics of intercity internet and corporate networks: a stochastic actor‐based modelling approach
Authors: LIU XINGJIAN 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this article, I show one possible solution to synthesis dynamics in multiple intercity networks. I adopt a stochastic actor‐based modelling approach to explore the co‐evolution of an intercity corporate network of 57 globalized advanced producer service firms across 93 cities, and another intercity internet network between these 93 cities, for the period 2004–2010. Stochastic actor‐based models (SABMs) help to connect interactions among cities and firms on the local scale with empirically observed networks on the global scale. My analysis accounts for the co‐evolution/interdependence among multiple world city networks (WCNs) and associated network changes in individual WCNs with exogenous city‐related covariates and endogenous local network structures.
Groundwater Flow Cycling Between a Submarine Spring and an Inland Fresh Water Spring
Authors: Davis J. Hal , Verdi Richard 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSpring Creek Springs and Wakulla Springs are large first magnitude springs that derive water from the Upper Floridan Aquifer. The submarine Spring Creek Springs are located in a marine estuary and Wakulla Springs are located 18 km inland. Wakulla Springs has had a consistent increase in flow from the 1930s to the present. This increase is probably due to the rising sea level, which puts additional pressure head on the submarine Spring Creek Springs, reducing its fresh water flow and increasing flows in Wakulla Springs. To improve understanding of the complex relations between these springs, flow and salinity data were collected from June 25, 2007 to June 30, 2010. The flow in Spring Creek Springs was most sensitive to rainfall and salt water intrusion, and the flow in Wakulla Springs was most sensitive to rainfall and the flow in Spring Creek Springs. Flows from the springs were found to be connected, and composed of three repeating phases in a karst spring flow cycle: Phase 1 occurred during low rainfall periods and was characterized by salt water backflow into the Spring Creek Springs caves. The higher density salt water blocked fresh water flow and resulted in a higher equivalent fresh water head in Spring Creek Springs than in Wakulla Springs. The blocked fresh water was diverted to Wakulla Springs, approximately doubling its flow. Phase 2 occurred when heavy rainfall resulted in temporarily high creek flows to nearby sinkholes that purged the salt water from the Spring Creek Springs caves. Phase 3 occurred after streams returned to base flow. The Spring Creek Springs caves retained a lower equivalent fresh water head than Wakulla Springs, causing them to flow large amounts of fresh water while Wakulla Springs flow was reduced by about half.
Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann
Authors: Oanţă Alexandru , Irimie Marius 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundSyphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF) is a rare condition that is considered as manifestation of primary syphilis.Materials and methodsA 28‐year‐old heterosexual male patient was consulted for a diffuse indurated dark red erythema of the glans penis accompanied by bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Serological tests for syphilis were found positive. Treatment consisting of a single intramuscular administration of 2.4 million units of benzathine‐penicillin was followed by complete disappearance of erythema and induration of the glans within two weeks.ResultsSyphilitic balanitis of Follmann presents with variable clinical appearances, and primary chancre may be absent, associated with, or occur after the balanitis. Usually the inguinal lymphadenopathy is present, and syphilitic serology is positive or is going to become positive. Treatment is identical to that of primary syphilis.ConclusionThe recrudescence of syphilitic infection requires exclusion of SBF from the diagnosis of balanitis.
In vitro activities of antifungal drugs against dermatophytes isolated in Tokat, Turkey
Authors: Yenişehirli Gülgün , Tunçoğlu Ebru , Yenişehirli Aydan , Bulut Yunus 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, we aimed to establish the in vitro antifungal susceptibilities of terbinafine, miconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, and amphotericin B against dermatophyte isolates.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐seven clinical isolates were tested: Trichophyton rubrum (n = 78), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 49), Epidermophyton floccosum (n = 30), Trichophyton verrucosum (n = 16), and Trichophyton tonsurans (n = 4). The broth microdilution assay for antifungal susceptibility testing of dermatophytes was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines in the M38‐A2 document.ResultsOur minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results showed that the values for terbinafine for all dermatophyte isolates were significantly lower than the values for amphotericin B, miconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin. For T. rubrum isolates, amphotericin B was more active than miconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. Among the antifungal drugs tested, griseofulvin had the highest minimum inhibitory concentration values for T. mentagrophytes isolates.ConclusionTerbinafine was found to be the most effective antifungal drug against all tested dermatophyte isolates. Griseofulvin was the less active antifungal drug against T. mentagrophytes isolates. Performing antifungal susceptibility testing is especially important for screening the development of antifungal resistance.
AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma in Brazil: trends and geopolitical distribution
Authors: Saraceni Valéria , Talhari Carolina C. , Pereira Gerson. F. , Golub Jonathan E. , Talhari Sinésio , Miranda Angélica E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundAIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a unique model of the relationship between viral infection, immunity, environmental, and genetic factors in viral cancers. The goal was to determine the distribution of KS cases among Brazilian geopolitical regions, looking at the ecological relationship with median CD4 cell count.MethodsEcological study using Brazilian National Diseases Reporting Databases: 1982–2009. Subjects ≥13 years of age who have KS cited in their AIDS reporting form were selected, and demographic and HIV exposure data were collected.ResultsWe found 11,731 KS cases in the period, with a prevalence of 2.4% among AIDS cases; 88% were male, and 68% lived in the Southeast region, which accounted for 59% of AIDS cases. The regional and national prevalence trends were similar, although the highest proportion among women was found in the North region, which has the lowest number of both AIDS and KS cases. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 87% of HIV among women compared to 18% among men. Fifty‐seven percent of all KS cases were diagnosed before antiretroviral therapy (ART). Injection drug use accounted for 11% of KS cases. Median survival was 472 days before the ART era and 1482 after it (P < 0.001). Median CD4 counts increased in all regions in the period as ART coverage expanded, and a resulting correlating decline in KS cases was observed.ConclusionsPrevalence of KS declined after the introduction of ART in all regions of Brazil, suggesting individual protection conveyed by ART.
Live bee acupuncture (Bong‐Chim) dermatitis: dermatitis due to live bee acupuncture therapy in Korea
Authors: Park Joon Soo , Lee Min Jung , Chung Ki Hun , Ko Dong Kyun , Chung Hyun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLive bee acupuncture (Bong‐Chim) dermatitis is an iatrogenic disease induced by so‐called live bee acupuncture therapy, which applies the honeybee (Apis cerana) stinger directly into the lesion to treat various diseases in Korea. We present two cases of live bee acupuncture dermatitis and review previously published articles about this disease. We classify this entity into three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic. The acute stage is an inflammatory reaction, such as anaphylaxis or urticaria. In the chronic stage, a foreign body granuloma may develop from the remaining stingers, similar to that of a bee sting reaction. However, in the subacute stage, unlike bee stings, we see the characteristic histological “flame” figures resulting from eosinophilic stimulation induced by excessive bee venom exposure. We consider this stage to be different from the adverse skin reaction of accidental bee sting.
How to attract them and keep them: the pharmacy attributes that matter to Australian residents with chronic conditions
Authors: McMillan Sara S , Sav Adem , Kelly Fiona , King Michelle A , Whitty Jennifer A , Wheeler Amanda J 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the attributes of pharmacy choice for people with chronic conditions.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted between May and October 2012, across four regions in three Australian states. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with chronic conditions and unpaid carers. Interviews were analysed via the constant comparison method.Key findingsNinety-seven interviews were conducted. The majority of participants were regular patrons of one pharmacy and five attributes influenced this choice: patient-centred care, convenience, price, personal trait or preference and service/medication need. Patient-centred care, such as providing individualised medication counselling, continuity of care, development of relationships and respectful advice, emerged as an important attribute. There was minimal discussion as to choosing a pharmacy based on the provision of professional services, underscoring the limited consumer knowledge of such services and related standards of care.ConclusionPatient-centred care is an important attribute of quality care as perceived by people who are regular community pharmacy users. These findings highlight the need for pharmacy staff to implement a patient-centred approach to care, thus meeting the perceived needs of their customers. A greater effort is also necessary to raise the profile of pharmacy as a healthcare destination.
Computed tomography in patients with abdominal pain and diarrhoea: does the benefit outweigh the drawbacks?
Authors: Aisenberg G. M. , Grimes R. M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of abdominal pain is well established. However, concern exists in regard to procedure‐related radiation levels, contrast‐medium toxicity and costs. We sought to determine whether the use of abdominal CT caused major changes in the management of patients who had abdominal pain and diarrhoea. We reviewed all abdominal CT examinations that were performed at our hospital from October through December 2010. We selected 574 scans that had been performed in patients who presented with or without diarrhoea. We examined the selected medical records to determine whether the CT scan changed patients' management. A scan was considered to be management changing if a decisive intervention occurred on the basis of the scan results. Among 124 scans in patients with diarrhoea and 450 scans in patients without diarrhoea, the scan results changed management in 13 of the patients with diarrhoea (11%) and in 233 of those without diarrhoea (52%) (P < 0.001). When management changed, the changes resulted from findings unrelated to diarrhoea. Despite its defined role in the assessment of abdominal pain, CT of patients that also had diarrhoea seldom caused a major change in management. The probability of CT causing such a change does not outweigh the cost, radiation risk or potential for contrast‐induced nephropathy.
Practical aspects of telehealth: set‐up and preparation for video consultations
Authors: Allen D. T. , Caldwell P. , Komesaroff P. A. , Loh P. K. , Mozer R. , Sabesan S. , Shaheen N. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Grabinski O. ,   Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe third in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper gives guidance on suitable setup for video consultations, including layout of rooms, managing sound and image quality, scheduling, testing and best practice in telehealth videoconferencing.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome: recognition prevents morbidity and mortality
Authors: Rabbolini D. J. , Ange N. , Walters G. D. , Pidcock M. , Randall K. L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIdiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is extremely rare but carries a high morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is made clinically by a classic triad of hypotension, hypoalbuminaemia and haemoconcentration. There have been recent advances in understanding the pathophysiological basis for SCLS and in effective prophylaxis. We report a case of SCLS to increase awareness of the condition and to highlight the benefits of prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin in this condition.
An evolutionary‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system for intelligent short‐term load forecasting
Authors: Kazemi S.M.R. , Seied Hoseini Mir Meisam , Abbasian‐Naghneh S. , Rahmati Seyed Habib A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe continuing growth in size and complexity of electric power systems requires the development of applicable load forecasting models to estimate the future electrical energy demands accurately. This paper presents a novel load forecasting approach called genetic‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (GBANFIS) to construct short‐term load forecasting expert systems and controllers. At the first stage, all records of data are searched by a novel genetic algorithm (GA) to find the most suitable feature of inputs to construct the model. Then, determined inputs are fed into the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system to evolve the initial knowledge‐base of the expert system. Finally, the initial knowledge‐base is searched by another robust GA to induce a better cooperation among the rules by rule weight derivation and rule selection mechanisms. We show the superiority and applicability of our approach by applying it to the Iranian monthly electrical energy demand problem and comparing it with the most frequently adopted approaches in this field. Results indicate that GBANFIS outperforms its rival approaches and is a promising tool for dealing with short‐term load forecasting problems.
A Forming Technique to Produce Spherical Ceramic Beads Using Sodium Alginate as a Precursor Binder Phase
Authors: Santos Christian J. Espinoza , Wei Teng‐Sing , Cho Bumrae , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to improve the forming techniques and parameters for producing spherical ceramic beads using sodium alginate as a sacrificial template. This process has the potential of producing beads for applications such as stress‐wave propagation of granular media, beads for milling, catalyst support, and encapsulation of drugs, as well as water filtration. This simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly approach to producing spherical ceramic beads using bead‐forming equipment occurs when a flat‐tipped needle produces droplets that cross‐link, forming green bodies upon contact with CaCl2 solution. An exchange of ions takes place where sodium alginates substitute their Na+ for Ca2+ to form semirigid bodies. Spherical ceramic beads using 50 wt% alumina suspension with 0.04 wt% polyacrylate dispersant are produced when: the viscosity of the slurry is below 0.3 Pa·s, the surface tension of the gelling solution is below 50 mN·m, and the distance of the nozzle tip to the reacting solution is ~3 cm. This approach for producing ceramic beads using alginates will allow its use for any type of ceramic material, changing its chemical composition, and controlling the microstructure and shape of the beads.
Low‐Fire Processing of MicrowaveBNBT‐Based High‐k Dielectric withLi2O–ZnO–B2O3Glass
Authors: Shih Yi‐Ting , Jean Jau‐Ho 
Published: October 2013

The effects ofLi2O–ZnO–B2O3(LZB) glass addition on densification and dielectric properties ofBa4(Nd0.85Bi0.15)9.33Ti18O54(BNBT) have been investigated. At a given ratio ofZnO/B2O3, the glass softening point decreases, but the thermal expansion coefficient and dielectric constant increase with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. With 10 vol%LZBglass, the densification temperature reduces greatly from 1300°C for pureBNBTto 875°C–900°C forBNBT + LZBdielectric, and the densification enhancement becomes more significant with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. The above result is attributed to a chemical reaction taking place at the interface ofLZB/BNBTduring firing, which becomes less extensive with increasingLi2Ocontent in theLZBglass. Therefore, more residualLZBglass, which acts as a densification promoter toBNBT, is left with increasingLi2Ocontent. For theLZBglass with aLi2Ocontent in the range 10–30 mol%, the resulting 90 vol%BNBT + 10 vol%LZBmicrowave dielectric has a dielectric constant of 55–70, product (Q × fr) of quality factor (Q) and resonant frequency (fr) of 1000–3000 GHz at 5–5.79 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of 10–60 ppm/°C in the temperature range between 25°C and 80°C.
Sol–Gel‐Derived Amorphous‐MgNb2O6 Thin Films for Transparent Microelectronics
Authors: Ho Yi‐Da , Chen Kung‐Rong , Huang Cheng‐Liang 
Published: October 2013

In this work, transparent amorphous‐MgNb2O6 thin films were fabricated on ITO/glass substrates using the sol–gel method. The change in the chemical states, as well as the optical and dielectric properties of MgNb2O6 films at various annealing temperatures is investigated. In this study, MgNb2O6 films exhibited the amorphous phase when the annealing temperature was below 600°C. From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the major parts of the films' chemical states can be indexed as Mg2+, Nb5+, Nb4+, and O2−. Furthermore, the Nb4+ element can be reduced at higher annealing temperatures. The average transmission percentage in the visible range (λ = 400–800 nm) is over 80% for all MgNb2O6/ITO/glass samples, whereas the optical band gap (Eg) for all samples is estimated at ~4 eV. In addition, the dielectric constant was calculated to be higher than 20 under a 1 MHz AC electric field, with a leakage current density below 2 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 1 V. In this study, the fabrication procedure and experiment results of MgNb2O6 films are introduced for transparent microelectronics.
Enhancing In Vitro Bioactivity of Melt‐Derived 45S5 Bioglass® by Comminution in a Stirred Media Mill
Authors: Romeis Stefan , Hoppe Alexander , Eisermann Claudia , Schneider Nadine , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Schmidt Jochen , Peukert Wolfgang 
Published: October 2013

45S5 Bioglass® (45S5 BG) is a frequently applied Type A bioactive material, capable of forming an inherent bond to bone and soft tissue. Currently, applied melt‐derived bioactive glass powders (BG) exhibit particle sizes between a few to several hundred micrometers. Recent studies on nanometer‐sized bioactive glasses (nBGs), produced by bottom‐up methods like sol–gel processing or flame spray pyrolysis, have indicated their great potential for several biomedical applications. In this study, the feasibility of top‐down processing starting from bulk 45S5 BG by wet comminution in a stirred media mill was investigated. The products were assessed by in vitro hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCAp) formation in simulated body fluid, which is a marker for bioactive behavior. The study reveals the paramount influence of the used solvent for a successful top‐down processing: In comparison with the as‐received material bioactivity is lost for powders processed in water, preserved for comminution in ethanol and increased for powders processed using the alcohols n‐butanol, n‐pentanol, and n‐hexanol. It was also found that only for the latter solvents, the chemical composition of the glass is maintained during comminution. Flake‐like, slightly porous particles with specific surface areas of ~25–30 m2/g are obtained. Thus, the presented comminution approach offers a convenient technique to process 45S5 BG with enhanced bioactivity.
Dilatometric Study of U1−xAmxO2±δ Sintering: Determination of Activation Energy
Authors: Horlait Denis , Lebreton Florent , Delahaye Thibaud , Blanchart Philippe 
Published: October 2013

In the framework of minor actinide bearing blanket fuel fabrication, the sintering of uranium/americium (U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ) homogeneous mixed‐oxide pellets was studied. After the characterization of the U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ starting powder (granulometry, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy), its densification under a reducing atmosphere was monitored through dilatometric measurements and compared to a similar experiment with UO2+δ. During the heating phase, up to 2173 K, the U0.85Am0.15O2 ± δ pellet shrinks from 70 to 95%TD (theoretical density). Neck formation and growth initiate the densification of this pellet at 1200 K. Two subsequent mechanisms were also evidenced, and a maximum shrinkage rate was observed between 2000 and 2100 K, suggesting an optimal sintering temperature within this range. The associated activation energy (Q) of sintering process was also determined using three different models which yield values noticeably higher than those reported or measured for UO2.