bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact of Discordant Prescribing of Fluoroquinolones and Alternative Treatments in Escherichia coli Pyelonephritis
Authors: Hong Minh T. , Seifert Charles F. 
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The emergence of resistant Escherichia coli to fluoroquinolones (FQs) is of growing concern, yet the latest guidelines for the treatment of pyelonephritis still recommend FQs as first-line treatment. Our primary objective was to determine the impact of discordant prescribing of FQs in E coli pyelonephritis on hospital length of stay (LOS) and early clinical response (ECR). Methods: We retrospectively compared discordant and concordant prescribing of FQs for LOS and ECR. We also compared FQs, ceftriaxone, piperacillin/tazobactam, and carbapenems for these clinical outcomes. Results: Forty-nine patients included in the comparison between discordant (n = 9) and concordant (n = 40) prescribing of FQs. There was significantly lower ECR in patients with discordant prescribing of FQs (38 of 40, 95% vs 5 of 9, 55.6%, P = .0074) and a trend toward longer LOS (4 [2.3] days vs 3 [2.0] days, P = .0571). Illness severity, estimated using Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) score, was similar between groups ( P = .717). Conclusion: There was a significantly decreased ECR and a trend toward increased LOS when FQs were used in FQ-resistant E coli. Regarding alternative treatment for E coli pyelonephritis, ceftriaxone was as effective as concordant FQs and significantly better than discordant FQs.
Impact of Postoperative Intravenous Acetaminophen on Opioid Requirements and Pain Scores Following Gynecologic Procedures
Authors: Stoudenmire Laura G. , Norman Christy M. , Latif Erin Z. 
Published: February 2015

Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of postoperative intravenous (IV) acetaminophen on opioid requirements and pain scores in patients following gynecologic procedures. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing gynecologic procedures was conducted to assess the impact of adding scheduled IV acetaminophen to postoperative analgesic regimens. The control group consisted of patients admitted prior to formulary addition of IV acetaminophen; the study group consisted of patients admitted after formulary addition of IV acetaminophen who received scheduled IV acetaminophen for at least the first 24 hours postoperatively. Opioid requirements 0 to 24 hours postoperatively served as the primary end point. Secondary end points included average pain score, cumulative acetaminophen dose, nonopioid analgesic requirements, and rate of adverse events 0 to 24 hours postoperatively. Results: One hundred and thirty-seven patients who underwent a gynecologic procedure from January 2009 to April 2013 were included in this study. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. In the first 24 hours postoperatively, there was no difference in opioid requirements between the groups (21 mg [interquartile range, IQR, 15-39.8 mg] vs 32.6 mg [IQR, 16.75-41 mg], P = 0.150). The average pain score and incidence of adverse events did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Postoperative administration of IV acetaminophen did not provide a significant opioid-sparing effect in patients undergoing gynecologic procedures.
Pension System Reform in Emerging Countries
Authors: Zhandildin Meiram 
Published: February 2015

In 1998, Kazakhstan introduced a funded pension scheme instead of the former Soviet Union’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system. In 2013, there was another significant reform—the creation of a government-owned single accumulated pension fund (SiAF), the only legitimate fund to collect mandatory contributions. While the 1998 reform has been widely covered, there are few discussions about the 2013 reform. This article aims to fill this gap in the literature by examining the performance of the funded system prior to the reform, analyzing the reasons for the single fund creation, and assessing the impact of pension market monopolization. Results show that the Kazakhstani pension system was profoundly evolving prior to 2008, but after the crisis its performance significantly deteriorated, which raised questions about the ability of pension funds to provide adequate benefits in the future. This deterioration in performance and doubt about the future contributed to the creation of SiAF. Despite the fact that the 2013 reform aimed to improve the performance of the pension system, it also brought new risks that make the achievement of its primary goals uncertain.
The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D): a risk factor of migraine and Tension-type headache
Authors: Xie Wei , He Mianwang , Liu Ruozhuo , Dong Zhao , Xie Jingdan , Wang Dan , Yu Shengyuan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Migraine and Tension-type headache (TTH) are common and disabling primary headache disorders. They are more prevalent in females. The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic in humans and is considered to be a marker for the balance of prenatal testosterone and estrogen exposure. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that prenatal sex steroids constitute an independent risk factor for adult headaches later in life.

Methods
A total of 891 individuals (303 males, 588 females) of 18–68 years in age (a mean of 37.0 ± 10.1 years), including 279 migraine, 300 TTH, and 312 healthy subjects were enrolled. The 2D:4D ratio was measured by a single investigator using a digital Vernier caliper.

Results
The females in the migraine group had lower 2D:4D ratios than those in the control group (left hand: 0.947 ± 0.034 vs. 0.955 ± 0.038, p = 0.048; right hand: 0.952 ± 0.035 vs. 0.965 ± 0.037, p = 0.001). There was a similar relationship between the TTH group and the control group (left hand: 0.946 ± 0.034 vs. 0.955 ± 0.038, p = 0.034; right hand: 0.954 ± 0.035 vs. 0.965 ± 0.037, p = 0.005), although this was not observed in males. Males showed lower 2D:4D ratios than females for the right hand in the control group (0.954 ± 0.039 vs. 0.965 ± 0.037, p = 0.015). No significant difference was found in the left hand.

Conclusions
These results suggested that the 2D:4D ratio is a risk factor of migraine and TTH and that the balance of prenatal estrogen and testosterone in utero may impact adult primary headache disorders.
The temporal evolution of a facial pain syndrome associated with neurovascular contact: a case report
Authors: Khan Sabrina , Wibrandt Ida , Rochat Per , Ashina Messoud 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias are primary headaches characterized by unilateral pain and cranial autonomic symptoms. However, associated autonomic symptoms have also been reported in other headaches and facial pains, e.g. trigeminal neuralgia, with the clinical differentiation proving a complex task.

Case
A 54-year-old man presented with right-sided, sharp, intense facial pain in the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve. Pain duration was from seconds to a few minutes, and trigger factors included ipsilateral touching of the skin and hair. Over the next ten years, symptoms progressed and changed presentation, also displaying as right-sided, severe, orbital pain, lasting 60 to 90 minutes, with conjunctival injection and rhinorrhea. Neurological examination was normal. Numerous medications were tried with limited or no effect. In 2010, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right-sided deviation of the basilar artery at the level of pons, creating neurovascular contact with the trigeminal nerve. Microvascular decompression was performed, and symptoms resolved within days.

Conclusion
Differentiating between trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and trigeminal neuralgia with autonomic symptoms can be challenging. The distinct change and evolution over time in the clinical presentation of the patient’s head pain suggests a temporal plasticity of the pain in head and facial syndromes, irrespective of underlying pathoanatomic features.
Shading during the grain filling period increases 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content in fragrant rice
Authors: Mo Zhaowen , Li Wu , Pan Shenggang , Fitzgerald Timothy L , Xiao Feng , Tang Yongjian , Wang Yilei , Duan Meiyang , Tian Hua , Tang Xiangru 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Fragrant rice, including Thai jasmine and Indian basmati varieties, is highly valued by consumers globally. 2-acetyl-1-proline (2-AP) is the major compound responsible for the aromatic character of fragrant rice. Previously, environmental factors such as water management and salinity have been proven to influence 2-AP levels in fragrant rice; assessing the effect of additional environmental factors on 2-AP concentration is therefore eminent. The level of solar radiation (solar intensity; SI) to which a crop is exposed can affect growth, yield and grain quality, and other photosynthetic and physiological characteristics. In this study the effect of shading (i.e. the reduction of SI) on yield, quality, and 2-AP concentration in two elite Chinese fragrant rice varieties, ‘Yuxiangyouzhan’ and ‘Nongxiang 18’, has been investigated. Furthermore, accumulation of the plant stress response molecules proline and gamma-aminobutyric acid, which have also been implicated in pathways leading to 2-AP production, was assessed to study shading effects on these compounds in fragrant rice, and to further possibly determine fluxes in biochemical pathways leading to 2-AP accumulation.

Results
This study has revealed significant changes in the yield and quality characters under shading treatment. Additionally, 2-AP and GABA content in grains was significantly increased for all shading treatments in both varieties. In addition to 2-AP, ten other volatile compounds were studied; results indicated that shading treatments could have a selective effect on the metabolism of these volatile compounds.

Conclusions
In this study, we have demonstrated that shading during grain filling has significant effects on yield and quality traits in rice, and leads to the accumulation of GABA and 2-AP. We discuss the implications of these findings in terms of pathways leading to 2-AP and GABA production in fragrant rice, which have not been fully elucidated. The shading effect on ten additional volatile compounds is also discussed. Finally we discuss possible effects of variation in solar intensity resulting from anthropogenic emissions on fragrant rice production.
Patient-derived xenograft models of breast cancer and their predictive power
Authors: Whittle James R , Lewis Michael T , Lindeman Geoffrey J , Visvader Jane E 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDespite advances in the treatment of patients with early and metastatic breast cancer, mortality remains high due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapy. Increased understanding of the genomic landscape through massively parallel sequencing has revealed somatic mutations common to specific subtypes of breast cancer, provided new prognostic and predictive markers, and highlighted potential therapeutic targets. Evaluating new targets using established cell lines is limited by the inexact correlation between responsiveness observed in cell lines versus that elicited in the patient. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) generated from fresh tumor specimens recapitulate the diversity of breast cancer and reflect histopathology, tumor behavior, and the metastatic properties of the original tumor. The high degree of genomic preservation evident across primary tumors and their matching PDXs over serial passaging validate them as important preclinical tools. Indeed, there is accumulating evidence that PDXs can recapitulate treatment responses of the parental tumor. The finding that tumor engraftment is an independent and poor prognostic indicator of patient outcome represents the first step towards personalized medicine. Here we review the utility of breast cancer PDX models to study the clonal evolution of tumors and to evaluate novel therapies and drug resistance.
Partially overlapped channel assignment for multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks
Authors: Wang Jihong , Shi Wenxiao , Cui Keqiang , Jin Feng , Li Yuxin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPartially overlapped channels (POCs)-based design has been identified recently as an emerging technology to further eliminate interference and improve network capacity. However, there are only few studies of channel assignment algorithms for POCs. In this paper, we research on utilizing POCs to improve network capacity and propose a traffic-irrelevant channel assignment algorithm, which assigns channels for all links in the network while minimizing total network interference. Theoretical calculation approach is utilized to obtain the direct relationship between interference ranges and channel separations, which can be easily applied to mesh networks with various configurations without modification. As traffic between the Internet and clients is considered to be dominant, distance from the gateway, number of neighbors, and interference are used to determine the channel assignment order of links. Simulation results reveal that network throughput and end-to-end delay performance can be dramatically improved by fully exploiting POCs as well as orthogonal channels.
Common fixed point theorems for four mappings satisfying ψ-weakly contractive conditions
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Zhang Xiaoping , Ume Jeong Sheok , Kang Shin Min 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe existence and uniqueness of common fixed points for four mappings satisfying ψ- and $(\psi, \varphi)$
(
ψ
,
φ
)
-weakly contractive conditions in metric spaces are proved. Four examples are given to demonstrate that the results presented in this paper generalize indeed some well-known results in the literature.
Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas activated during pregnancy
Authors: Kosumi Keisuke , Takamori Hiroshi , Hashimoto Daisuke , Tanaka Hiroshi , Abe Shinya , Nakahara Osamu , Horino Kei , Baba Hideo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe characteristic histological feature of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) is ovarian-like stroma (OS) underlying the epithelium and existence of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in the nucleus of OS. We experienced a case of pancreatic MCN which was activated during pregnancy and confirmed the existence of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. In cases with potential factors for malignancy, surgical resection of MCN may be needed during pregnancy. On the other hand, in cases without these, as female sex hormones may have an influence on the behavior of pancreatic MCN during pregnancy, the timing of surgery should be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the status of the malignancy, the stage of the pregnancy, and the condition of the mother and fetus.
Reducing Warp and Checking in 4 by 4 Beams from Small-Diameter Tropical Species (Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, and Cordia alliodora) Obtained by Turning the Pith Inside Out
Authors: Montero Rafael Serrano , Moya Róger 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Small-diameter logs from plantation trees are prone to warp and to produce checks due to the presence of juvenile wood, growth stresses, and asymmetric shrinkage during the drying process. In the present study, we analyzed the possibility of producing sawn timber beams by using the inside-out (ISO) process. The material for the sawn timber beams was obtained from small-diameter logs of three tropical species planted in Costa Rica (Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, and Cordia alliodora). Changes in warp (crook and twist), checks (quantity, length, and depth), flexural and shear resistance, and glue line delamination were evaluated. We found that it was possible to produce beams from small-diameter logs of fast-growing plantations. This was achieved by turning the pith inside out and then gluing the green pieces. The ISO beams showed less warp and checking compared with solid wood. The modulus of rupture in the flexural test was not affected; however, the modulus of elasticity decreased. In the case of the glue line's shear resistance, the performance of G. arborea and C. alliodora were similar to that of solid wood, but T. grandis presented adherence problems, which caused low values of shear resistance.
Photo-Realistic 3D Modelling of Sculptures on Open-Air Museums
Authors: Duca Francesca , Cabrelles Miriam , Navarro Santiago , Segui Ana Elena , Lerma José Luis 
Published: February 2015

Laser scanning is a high-end technology with possibilities far ahead the well-known civil engineering and industrial applications. The actual geomatic technologies and methodologies for cultural heritage documentation allow the generation of very realistic 3D results used for many scopes like archaeological documentation, digital conservation, 3D repositories, etc. The fast acquisition times of large number of point clouds in 3D opens up the world of capabilities to document and keep alive cultural heritage, moving forward the generation of virtual animated replicas of great value and smooth multimedia dissemination. This paper presents the use of a terrestrial laser sca nning (TLS) as a valuable tool for 3D documentation of large outdoor cultural heritage sculptures such as two of the existing ones inside the “Campus de Vera” of the UPV: “Defensas I” and “Mentoring”. The processing of the TLS data is discussed in detail in order to create photo-realistic digital models. Data acquisition is conducted with a time-of-flight scanner, characterized by its high accuracy, small beam, and ultra-fine scanning. Data processing is performed using Leica Geosystems Cyclone Software for the data registration and 3DReshaper Software for modelling and texturing. High-resolution images after calibration and orientation of an off-the-shelf digital camera are draped onto the models to achieve right appearance in colour and texture. A discussion on the differences found out when modelling sculptures with different deviation errors will be presented. Processing steps such as normal smoothing and vertices recalculation are found appropriate to achieve continuous meshes around the objects.
3DMADMAC|AUTOMATED: synergistic hardware and software solution for automated 3D digitization of cultural heritage objects
Authors: Sitnik Robert , Karaszewski Maciej , Załuski Wojciech , Bunsch Eryk 
Published: February 2015

In this article a fully automated 3D shape measurement system and data processing algorithms are presented. Main purpose of this system is to automatically (without any user intervention) and rapidly (at least ten times faster than manual measurement) digitize whole object’s surface with some limitations to its properties: maximum measurement volume is described as a cylinder with 2,8m height and 0,6m radius, maximum object's weight is 2 tons. Measurement head is automatically calibrated by the system for chosen working volume (from 120mm x 80mm x 60mm and ends up to 1,2m x 0,8m x 0,6m). Positioning of measurement head in relation to measured object is realized by computer-controlled manipulator. The system is equipped with two independent collision detection modules to prevent damaging measured object with moving sensor’s head. Measurement process is divided into three steps. First step is used for locating any part of object’s surface in assumed measurement volume. Second step is related to calculation of "next best view" position of measurement head on the base of existing 3D scans. Finally small holes in measured 3D surface are detected and measured. All 3D data processing (filtering, ICP based fitting and final views integration) is performed automatically. Final 3D model is created on the base of user specified parameters like accuracy of surface representation and/or density of surface sampling. In the last section of the paper, exemplary measurement result of two objects: biscuit (from the collection of Museum Palace at Wilanów) and Roman votive altar (Lower Moesia, II-III AD) are presented.
Information Management Systems for Cultural Heritage and Conservation of World Heritage Sites. The Silk Roads Case Study
Authors: Vileikis Ona , Quintero Mario Santana , Van Balen Koen , Dumont Barbara , Tigny Vincent 
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses the application of Information Management Systems (IMS) in cultural heritage. IMS offer a set of tools for understanding, inventorying and documenting national, regional and World Heritage properties. Information Management Systems can assist State Parties, stakeholders and heritage site managers involved in cultural heritage management and conservation by easily mining, sharing and exchanging information from multiple sources based on international standards. Moreover, they aim to record, manage, visualize, analyze and disseminate heritage information. In close collaboration with five Central Asian countries, namely, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; a Belgian consortium headed by the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), K.U.Leuven is developing the Silk Roads Cultural Heritage Resource Information System (CHRIS). This Web-based Information Management System supports the preparation of the Central Asia Silk Roads serial and transnational nominations on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The project has been set up thanks to the financial support of the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and in collaboration with UNESCO World Heritage Centre in conjunction with the People’s Republic of China and the Japanese Funds-in-Trust UNESCO project. It provides a holistic approach for the recording, documenta tion, protection and monitoring tasks as part of the management of these potential World Heritage Properties. The Silk Roads CHRIS is easily accessible to the general user, presented in a bilingual English and Russian frame and interoperable, i.e. open for other applications to connect to. In this way, all information for the nomination dossiers is easily verified regarding consistency and quality and ready for managing, periodic reporting and monitoring processes in the respect to the property listed. Fina lly, this study provides a general framework to establish the effectiveness and limits of the use of information systems for serial transnational nominations of World Heritage Properties and to demonstrate the potentials of an improved heritage documentation system.
Impact and Predictors of Noncircular Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Shapes on Estimating Aortic Stenosis Severity by Means of Continuity Equations
Authors: Bhatia Nirmanmoh , Dawn Buddhadeb , Siddiqui Tariq S. , Stoddard Marcus F. 
Published: February 2015

Determining aortic stenosis (AS) severity is clinically important. Calculating aortic valve (AV) area by means of the continuity equation assumes a circular left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The full impact of this assumption in calculating AV area is unknown. Predictors of noncircular LVOT shape in patients with AS are undefined.
In 109 adult patients with AS who underwent multiplanar transesophageal echocardiography, we calculated AV area by means of the standard continuity method and by a modified method involving planimetric LVOT area.
We found 54 circular, 37 horizontal-oval, 8 vertical-oval, and 10 irregular LVOTs. Area derived by direct planimetry correlated better with the modified than the standard continuity method (r=0.89 vs r=0.85; both P=0.0001). Valve areas of patients with mild, moderate, or severe AS by planimetry were more often mischaracterized with use of the standard than modified method (29 vs 18; P <0.0001). Horizontal-oval AV area derived by planimetry (1.28 ± 0.55 cm2) was underestimated by the standard method (1.05 ± 0.47 cm2; P=0.001), but not by the modified method. Congenital AV morphology and low cardiac index were the only multivariate predictors of horizontal-oval shape. Low cardiac index was the only predictor of noncircular shape.
More than half our patients with AS had noncircular LVOTs. Using the modified method reduces mischaracterizations of AS severity. Congenital AV morphology and low cardiac index predict horizontal-oval or noncircular shape. These data suggest the value of direct LVOT measurement to calculate AS severity in patients who have congenital AV or a low cardiac index.