bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a “Search and Destroy” Strategy for the Prevention of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility
Authors: Widner Aimee , Nobles Delores L. , Faulk Clinton , Vos Paul , Ramsey Keith M. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo determine how the implementation of a methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control program in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) affects MRSA health care−associated infections (MRSA‐HAIs).DesignA retrospective chart review.SettingIRF affiliated with Vidant Medical Center, an 861‐bed, acute‐care teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.PatientsSeventy‐nine adult patients in the IRF who developed a MRSA‐HAI from February 2005 through January 2011.InterventionsBoth the acute care hospital and the affiliated inpatient rehabilitation unit began screening 100% of admissions for MRSA nasal carriage, with decolonization of positive carriers, starting in February 2007.Main Outcome MeasurementsYearly rates of MRSA‐HAI per 1000 patient‐days were compared in the IRF before and after the intervention.ResultsThe weighted mean monthly infection rate before the intervention (February 2005 through January 2007) was 1.0714 per 1000 patient days compared with 0.6557 per 1000 patient days after the intervention (February 2007 through January 2011). The decreased infection rates after the intervention were statistically significant (P = .0315).ConclusionsThe implementation of an all‐admissions MRSA screening program with decolonization of positive carriers in an IRF affiliated with an acute care hospital resulted in decreased MRSA‐HAI rates in the IRF. When developing surveillance guidelines for MRSA, IRFs should be cognizant of infection rate trends and of the affiliated hospital's scope of policies and practices for infection prevention and control.
The Effect of Lumbar Support on the Ultrasound Measurements of Trunk Muscles: A Single‐Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rostami Mohsen , Noormohammadpour Pardis , Sadeghian Amir Hossein , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Kordi Ramin 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of lumbopelvic belts on the thickness of lateral abdominal muscles and the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles.DesignA single‐blinded randomized controlled trial.SettingAn academic and tertiary care referral spine and sports medicine center.ParticipantsSixty healthy volunteers with no history of low back pain in the previous year.MethodsThe subjects were allocated into belt and control groups. Lumbar belts were given to the subjects in the belt group, and they were asked to use the belts during the study period except during sleeping hours. The subjects were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresThe thickness of lateral abdominal muscles and the CSA of the LM muscles were measured by ultrasound with the patient in the hook‐lying position on an examination table.ResultsThe thickness of lateral abdominal muscles and the CSA of LM muscles on both sides decreased significantly among healthy subjects in the belt group after 8 weeks.ConclusionThe results of this study show that lumbopelvic belts might influence the ultrasonographic measurements of lateral abdominal and LM muscles and thereby spine stability.
The average culling rate of Dutch dairy herds over the years 2007 to 2010 and its association with herd reproduction, performance and health
Authors: Nor Norhariani Mohd , Steeneveld Wilma , Hogeveen Henk 
Published: October 2013

Optimising the number of replacement heifers needed will have positive economic and environmental consequences on herds that rear their own young stock. The number of heifers needed to be kept is closely related with the number of culled dairy cows in the herd. This study therefore looked at the variation that exists in culling rate and herd level factors associated with it. A dataset from 1903 dairy herds available included information at animal level (dates of culling, slaughter/death) and herd level (characteristics of reproduction, performance, health) over the years 2007 to 2010. The average culling rate for slaughter/death was used and was defined for each year as percentage of the herd size that died within 30 d after they were culled. The analysis of the association between average culling rate for slaughter/death and the characteristics of the herd was performed using a mixed model. The results showed that the average culling rate for slaughter/death was 25·4% and varied between 23% (2007) and 28% (2010). More than 70% of the herds have an average culling rate for slaughter/death of less than 30%, showing that there is room for lowering the average culling rate for slaughter/death. A higher average culling rate for slaughter/death is associated with a longer average calving interval, a higher average 305-d protein production, a higher average somatic cell count (SCC), a higher percentage of new high SCC, a more than 5% decrease in herd size, and herds that bought more than 1% of animals per year. A lower average culling rate for slaughter/death is associated with a longer average age, herds that bought less than 1% of animals per year and a more than 5% increase in herd size. In conclusion, the average culling rate for slaughter/death is associated with fertility, udder health and openness of the herd.
Can head and neck cancer patients be discharged after three years?
Authors: Kumar R , Putnam G , Dyson P , Robson A K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground:Follow-up surveillance of head and neck cancer patients varies throughout the UK. The heterogeneity of these patients limits the applicability of a standardised protocol. Improvements in our understanding of the natural history of the disease may assist in the tailoring of resources to patients.Method:Prospective data collected at the Cumberland Infirmary over a 13-year period were analysed, primarily focusing upon recurrence rates and time to recurrence.Results:In keeping with other studies, recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was found to be maximal within the first three years of treatment, regardless of subsite.Conclusion:Hospital-based surveillance may be safely discontinued after three years for some patients. Laryngeal carcinoma may require further surveillance due to possible delayed recurrence of a second primary formation. Emphasis must be placed on patient education, accessibility to head and neck services, and the existence of a robust system to facilitate urgent referrals.
The EU budget after Lisbon: rigidity and reduced spending?
Authors: Benedetto Giacomo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article examines the changes of the Lisbon Treaty to the rules on agreeing the European Union's (EU) annual budget and multiannual financial framework. The comparative budgets literature as well as theories of agenda-setting, veto players and empowerment of the European Parliament inform the analysis of how the EU's budgetary powers changed and the likely outcomes on spending. Overall, the powers of the European Parliament are reduced, the budget becomes more inflexible and, most significantly, the rules of the Lisbon Treaty have the effect of reducing the amounts available to spend. Although the Lisbon Treaty grants the European Parliament greater influence over ordinary EU legislation, national governments seem to have used the same treaty to send the Parliament's budgetary powers in the opposite direction and to curtail EU expenditure.
Synthesis and X-ray diffraction data of dichlorodioxido (4,4-dimethoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridyl) molybdenum(VI)
Authors: Camargo H.A. , Castellanos N.J. , Rosas C.C. , Henao J.A. 
Published: October 2013

The dichlorodioxido(4,4′-dimethoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridyl)molybdenum(VI) complex was prepared from molybdenum(VI) dichloride dioxide and 4,4-dimethoxycarbonyl-2,2-bipyridyl in CH2Cl2 obtaining a clear green solution. The molybdenum complex was separated by precipitation with ethyl ether. The XRPD pattern for the new compound showed that the crystalline compound belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c (No 14) with refined unit-cell parameters a = 12.104(1) Å, b = 14.933 (2) Å, c = 11.010 (2) Å and ß = 115.409° (9). The volume of the unit cell is V = 1797.6 (3) Å3.
PCR to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory tract samples: evaluation of clinical data
Authors: ROZALES F. P. , MACHADO A. B. M. P. , DE PARIS F. , ZAVASCKI A. P. , BARTH A. L. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYTuberculosis (TB) remains as an important public health problem worldwide. Therefore, the rapid detection of M. tuberculosis is of primary importance to effectively reduce transmission in patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate two in-house molecular tests: nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (rtPCR) to detect M. tuberculosis complex directly from clinical samples. The results were compared to the culture results and to the culture results plus clinical data of patients. The rtPCR and nPCR presented high sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) (rtPCR 97·6% and 91·5%, nPCR 85·7% and 92·7%, respectively) compared to culture. When the results of the molecular tests were compared to the culture plus clinical data the Se and Sp were 90·2% and 97·3% for rtPCR and 80·4% and 98·6% for the nPCR, respectively. The results demonstrated that molecular assays of M. tuberculosis can provide a sensitive and rapid diagnostic of TB, and when used in addition to the clinical data of TB patients will help to improve the Sp of the diagnosis of pulmonary TB.
Reproducibility and validity of a quantitative FFQ designed for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from southern Brazil
Authors: Sarmento Roberta Aguiar , Antonio Juliana Peçanha , Riboldi Bárbara Pelicioli , Montenegro Karina Romeu , Friedman Rogério , de Azevedo Mirela Jobim , de Almeida Jussara Carnevale 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a previously constructed FFQ to assess the usual diet of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).DesignCross-sectional survey using two quantitative FFQ (1-month interval) supported by a food photograph portfolio, a 3 d weighed diet record (WDR) and urinary N output measurement (as a biomarker of protein intake).SettingGroup of Nutrition in Endocrinology, southern Brazil.SubjectsOut-patients with T2DM.ResultsFrom a total of 104 eligible T2DM patients, eighty-eight were included in the evaluation of FFQ reproducibility and seventy-two provided data for the validity study. The intakes estimated from the two FFQ did not differ (P> 0·05) and the correlation coefficients were significant (P< 0·01) for energy and nutrients, ranging from 0·451 (soluble fibre) to 0·936 (PUFA). Regarding the validity evaluation, data from the FFQ were higher than those from the WDR for total (28·3 %), soluble (27·4 %) and insoluble fibres (29·1 %), and SFA (13·5 %), MUFA (11·1 %) and total lipids (9·2 %; allP< 0·05). There were significant correlation coefficients between the FFQ and WDR for most nutrients, when adjusted for energy intake and de-attenuated. Also, the Bland–Altman plots between the FFQ and WDR for energy and macronutrient intakes showed that the FFQ may be used as alternative method to the WDR. The validity coefficient (using the method of triads) for the FFQ protein intake was 0·522 (95 % CI 0·414, 0·597).ConclusionsThis quantitative FFQ was valid and precise to assess the usual diet of patients with T2DM, according to its validity and reproducibility.
The calmodulin-like protein CML43 functions as a salicylic-acid-inducible root-specific Ca2+ sensor in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bender Kyle W. , Dobney Stephanie , Ogunrinde Adenike , Chiasson David , Mullen Robert T. , Teresinski Howard J. , Singh Prabhjeet , Munro Kim , Smith Steven P. , Snedden Wayne A. 
Published: October 2013

Many signalling pathways in plants are regulated by the second messenger calcium (Ca2+). In the standard model, Ca2+-sensor proteins, such as CaM (calmodulin), detect Ca2+ signals and subsequently regulate downstream targets to advance the signal transduction cascade. In addition to CaM, plants possess many CMLs (CaM-like proteins) that are predicted to function as Ca2+ sensors, but which remain largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we examined the biochemical properties, subcellular localization and tissue-specific distribution of Arabidopsis CML43. Our data indicate that CML43 displays characteristics typical of Ca2+ sensors, including high-affinity Ca2+ binding, conformational changes upon Ca2+ binding that expose hydrophobic regions and stabilization of structure in the presence of Mg2+ or Ca2+. In vivo localization analysis demonstrates that CML43 resides in cytosolic and nuclear compartments. Transgenic plants expressing a CML43:GUS (β-glucoronidase) promoter reporter gene revealed that CML43 promoter activity is restricted almost exclusively to root tips under normal growth conditions. GUS reporter activity in these transgenic plants was strongly increased when exposed to the defence compound SA (salicylic acid). Furthermore, immunoblot analysis revealed that the CML43 protein accumulates following treatment with SA. Collectively, our findings suggest that CML43 functions as a Ca2+ sensor in root tips during both normal growth and plant immune response.
Spectral multidimensional scaling
Authors: Aflalo Yonathan , Kimmel Ron 
Published: October 2013

Significance
Scientific theories describe observations by equations with a small number of parameters or dimensions. Memory and computational efficiency of dimension reduction procedures is a function of the size of the observed data. Sparse local operators that involve almost linear complexity, and faithful multiscale models with quadratic cost, make the design of dimension reduction tools a delicate balance between modeling accuracy and efficiency. Here, we propose multiscale modeling of the data at a modest computational cost. We project the classical multidimensional scaling problem into the data spectral domain. Then, embedding into a low-dimensional space is efficiently accomplished. Theoretical support and empirical evidence demonstrate that working in the natural eigenspace of the data, one could reduce the complexity while maintaining model fidelity.
Evaluating the state of enterprise training for postgraduate researchers in the UK
Authors: Williams Dina , Smith Kelly , Yasin Naveed , Pitchford Ian 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the state of enterprise education and skills training at postgraduate level at UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach
– A case-study research strategy was used to address the lack of existing research on enterprise training for postgraduate researchers (PGRs). The initial task was to identify those UK universities which provide enterprise and entrepreneurship training for their PGRs. Based on this desk exercise, five universities were selected according to the nature and structure of their training programmes and geographical spread such that one university was included from Wales, Scotland, South of England, Midlands and North of England. The next stage of the research focused on gaining in-depth understanding of the enterprise training available to PRGs at selected universities through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key personnel responsible for the design and management of PGR enterprise education programmes. The data collected were analysed using the Rugby Team Impact Framework to explore the training and development provision and structure, internal and external profile raising and awareness, staff and skills required, research-based practices, the reaction of participants, behaviour and outcomes, stakeholder engagement and on-going strategy.

Findings
– The paper highlights the current best practices in enterprise education for PGRs. It identified key factors contributing to the success of selected programmes including the development of objectives, the modes and pedagogy of delivery and the involvement of stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
– The results of the research enable universities across the UK to drive the development of a suite of learning opportunities tailored to the needs of the PGR population in order to overcome barriers to engagement and best promote entrepreneurial activity – both within employment and as new venture creation – as appropriate career options.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes to the limited literature concerning the state of enterprise training for PGRs which provides a detail analysis of current provisions useful for benchmarking and planning purposes and which can be useful to researchers and enterprise education providers.
Labour migration and informalisation: East meets West
Authors: Likic-Brboric Branka , Slavnic Zoran , Woolfson Charles 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– Against a theoretical discussion of informalisation, the purpose of this paper is to trace wider commonalities and migratory interconnections that are leading to informalised or deteriorated employment conditions both East and West in the enlarged Europe.Design/methodology/approach– The paper examines the ways in which informalisation has come increasingly to typify employment relations both East and West via contrastive case studies from Sweden and Latvia.Findings– The paper illustrates how a growing tendency towards informalisation of work and economy comes about as a consequence of dual tendencies towards informalisation both “from above” and “from below”. Migrant labour has a part in this process, especially in the post-EU enlargement period, increasingly enabling free movement of labour from the former socialist countries to the West.Research limitations/implications– The implications of the paper are that the harmonisation of labour standards in the enlarged EU is not necessarily in an upward direction and that wider EU labour markets may be increasingly segmented as processes of informalisation grow in scope.Practical implications– Policy-makers concerned with preserving labour standards and norms of decent work may consider the implications of the interconnected processes of informalisation and migration, in particular, with regard to “undeclared work”.Social implications– The paper raises issues concerning the European social model and its viability.Originality/value– The paper bridges research on informalisation of the economy and labour migration in the context of EU enlargement.
De-marginalising the public in PPP projects through multi-stakeholders management
Authors: Henjewele Christian , Fewings Peter , D. Rwelamila Pantaleo 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– The research reported in this paper takes a critical look at the process of multi-stakeholder consultation and management in a PPP project environment, to fill the gaps in the existing literature. It considers the various problems encountered on PPP initiatives around the world that have led to public opposition and failure of some PPP projects. Two interconnected aspects are tackled: definition of the principal project stakeholder and the management of the principal project stakeholder, as a multi-stakeholder. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– Existing theory and practice of project stakeholder management is analysed through case studies and other sources, and the uniqueness of a PPP project environment, which influences PPP multi-stakeholder management approaches, is established.Findings– Current tensions and public protests across Africa, North and South America, Australia and Europe around PPP projects are highlighted, and these seem to be centred on public stakeholders' marginalisation. It is found that the public outcry across continents is characterised by a marginalised public.Practical implications– Results advocate a paradigm shift by accepting multi-stakeholding as central to PPP project management. A multi-stakeholder management model is proposed, which will move the public from the margins of the PPP project space to the centre where fundamental decisions are made from conception to facility ownership and operation.Originality/value– The study takes a pragmatic approach to the problem of exclusion of the public in PPP projects. It is one of few studies to bring the public to the centre of PPP project processes.
The case for a roadmap towards financial regulatory convergence
Authors: Broby Daniel 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The trend towards substituted compliance has accelerated post the 2008 credit crisis and is now being pursued with an enthusiasm that is sidelining the prior trend towards multilateral rule convergence. This paper addressed the question of what to do about other regulatory regimes, such as those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The author argues that thought leaders, particularly the G20 and IOSCO, should ask whether financial supervisory convergence should be extended beyond its current UK-EU-US axis. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Open policy review and discussion.

Findings
– In conclusion, the current system of financial supervisory convergence has evolved by default. A process of substituted compliance has become the de facto modus operandi between the UK, Europe and the USA since the 2008 credit crisis. It has been widely accepted that competition in regulation is not as efficient as co-operation, provided the same similar risks are addressed by similar rules. The author believes that it makes sense to widen this current uncharted process of supervisory convergence to other international jurisdictions. The challenge, as illustrated, is how to do this. It requires a major gap analysis whereby a global regulatory body like IOSCO compares regulatory oversight and outcomes to expected standards as determined in Europe and the USA under the current status quo. Now that financial stability has been addressed by the regulatory bodies, it is argued that the time is now right to go one step further. That said, to make this happen in a disciplined, efficient and transparent way will require direction. It is pointed out that the G20 is this body that is best mandated to draw up such a roadmap towards financial supervisory convergence.

Research limitations/implications
– Policy debate.

Practical implications
– Regulatory reform.

Social implications
– Market efficiency.

Originality/value
– Thought piece that will provoke debate.