bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmers' experiments in Cuba
Authors: Leitgeb Friedrich , Kummer Susanne , Funes-Monzote Fernando R. , Vogl Christian R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDue to the collapse of the socialist systems in 1989, Cuba's government promoted a series of structural changes to deal with resource scarcity and to enhance agricultural productivity. The upcoming crisis triggered adaptation strategies and led to a large-scale transition process towards a more sustainable model of agriculture. Farmers' experiments have been an implicit part of this process. Nowadays, farmers' capacity to experiment is widely accepted among the scientific community. However, detailed descriptions of farmers' approaches to experimentation are scarce. In this study, we examine the topics, resources, sources, motives, methods and outcomes of farmers' experiments in Cuba. The research methods comprised semi-structured interviews with 72 Cuban farmers, field notes, participant observation and a research diary. Key informants and 34 expert interviews added important insights into analysis. The results reveal that farmers' experiments are an integral part of farming in Cuba. Most farmers reported realizing their own experiments on their farms. The use of locally available resources was a crucial element for farmers' experiments. The topics were related to the introduction of new plant species or varieties, plant production, mechanization, fertilization, plant protection and the introduction of new animal species. The farmers' own idea was the most important source for experimenting, followed by ideas offered by colleagues and family members. Increasing production, independence from external resources and improving farm management were the main motives for experimenting. More than half of the farmers started to experiment without detailed written or mental planning, but made some considerations about the experiment before starting. Some planned more in detail and a few farmers devised a written plan, draft or model. Starting on a small scale was a way to minimize risks. The experiments were mainly evaluated by observation and comparison. Only a few farmers took records of their experiments. The most important outcomes were higher production, food self-sufficiency, work easement, improved plant health, increased knowledge, higher working efficiency and better taste of products. Farmers' experiments are a means of learning and they enhance farmers' capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
Sprachrhythmus und Schriftspracherwerb
Authors: Sauter Katharina , Heller Jürgen , Landerl Karin 
Published: December 2012

Zusammenfassung: Diese Studie geht der Frage nach, in welchem Zusammenhang sprachrhythmische Fähigkeiten mit der Rechtschreib- und der Leseleistung stehen. Vierzig Dritt- und Viertklässler absolvierten eine sprachrhythmische Aufgabe, bei der ein Satz ausgewählt werden sollte, dessen Betonungsmuster zu einem vorgegebenen Rhythmus passte. Die Leistungen in dieser Aufgabe korrelierten mit Lese- sowie mit Rechtschreibleistungen und insbesondere mit dem Erwerb der Vokallängenmarker. Eine Teilgruppe von 24 Kindern nahm an einer zweiten Aufgabe teil, bei welcher kurze Sätze explizit rhythmisch gesprochen und die dabei entstehenden Rhythmen synchron auf einem Graphiktablett geklopft wurden. Die Leistungen in dieser Aufgabe korrelierten mit Rechtschreib- jedoch nicht mit Leseleistungen. Diese Ergebnisse werden diskutiert im Hinblick auf die verschiedenen sprachrhythmischen Fähigkeiten, die in Rhythmusübungen zur Geltung kommen können und die offenbar von unterschiedlicher Relevanz für die Entwicklung der beiden schriftlichen Modalitäten sein mögen.
Temporal evolution of a surface dielectric barrier discharge for different groups of plasma microdischarges
Authors: Biganzoli I , Barni R , Riccardi C 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We have experimentally investigated the properties of microdischarges originating in asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharges fed by a high-voltage sinusoidal low-frequency drive. Devices exploiting such a configuration are currently proposed as plasma actuators, because they induce a directed airflow in the gas surrounding the surface. Light emission and electric current associated with individual microdischarges have been recorded with high temporal resolution. A statistical analysis of the dataset was performed to correlate microdischarge properties with the voltage phase and to spot peculiarities arising from the actual breakdown mechanism in such a configuration. In particular, we demonstrated the asymmetry between the two different semi-cycles of the discharge, which could affect plasma actuator efficiency. Differences arising in the multiplicity, amplitude, temporal duration as well as in the spatial pattern of the discharge emitting region also permitted identifying several different groups of microdischarges, presumably playing different roles in both the discharge dynamics and airflow induction.
Reactive fluxes delivered by dielectric barrier discharge filaments to slightly wounded skin
Authors: Babaeva Natalia Yu , Kushner Mark J 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The application of atmospheric-pressure plasmas to human tissue has been shown to have therapeutic effects for wound healing and in treatment of skin diseases. In this paper, we report on a computational study of the intersection of plasma filaments in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with a small wound in human skin in the context of plasma medicine. The wound is represented as a small cut in the epidermal layer of cells. Intracellular structures and their electrical properties were incorporated into the two-dimensional computational mesh in order to self-consistently couple gas phase plasma transport with the charging of the surface of the wound. We quantify the fluxes of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, ions and photons produced in or diffusing into the wound as might occur during the first few discharge pulses of treatment. Comparison is made to fluxes predicted by global modelling. We show that the relative location of the plasma filament with respect to the wound is important on plasma time scales (ns) for ions and photons, and for radicals directly produced by electron impact processes. On the longer-term diffusion time scales (ms) the position of the plasma filament relative to the wound is not so critical. For typical DBD conditions, the magnitude of these fluxes to the cellular surfaces corresponds to fluences of radicals nearly equal to the surface site density. These results imply that the biological reactivity is limited by reaction probabilities and not the availability of radical fluxes.
Transfusion practices in postpartum hemorrhage: a population‐based study
Authors: Bonnet Marie‐Pierre , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Dupont Corinne , Rudigoz Rene‐Charles , Bouvier‐Colle Marie‐Helene 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo describe transfusion practices and anemia in women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), according to the clinical context.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study.SettingA total of 106 French maternity units (146 781 deliveries, December 2004 to November 2006).PopulationAll women with PPH (n = 9365).MethodsDescription of the rate of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in PPH overall and compared with transfusion guidelines.Main outcome measuresTransfusion practices and postpartum anemia by mode of delivery and cause of PPH in women given RBCs within 12 h after PPH.ResultsA total of 701 women received RBCs (0.48 ± 0.04% of all women and 7.5 ± 0.5% of women with PPH). Half the women with clinical PPH and hemoglobin lower than 7.0 g/dL received no RBCs. In the group with clinical PPH and transfusion within 12 h (n = 426), operative vaginal delivery was associated with a larger maximal hemoglobin drop, more frequent administration of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) and pro‐hemostatic agents [odds ratio (OR) 3.54, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.12–11.18], transfusion of larger volumes of RBCs and FFP, a higher rate of massive RBCs transfusion (OR 5.22, 95% CI 2.12–12.82), and more frequent use of conservative surgery (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.34–7.76), compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery.ConclusionsThe RBC transfusion for PPH was not given in a large proportion of women with very low hemoglobin levels despite guidelines to the contrary. Operative vaginal delivery is characterized by higher blood loss and more transfusions than spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Discrepancies in parental and self‐appraisals of prosocial characteristics predict emotional problems in adolescents
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , Wood Alex M. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesParental appraisals of an adolescent may have an effect upon the adolescent's well‐being and likelihood of emotional problems. However, the impact of these parental appraisals is likely to be partly determined by the young person's self‐appraisal. It was predicted that a discrepancy in self‐ and parent appraisals of positive, prosocial qualities would be associated with an increased risk of emotional problems.DesignThe study employed a cross‐sectional design within a large sample of adolescent and caregiver dyads (N = 3,976, aged 11–17 years), drawn from the ‘Mental health of children and young people in Great Britain, 2004’ survey.MethodTwo separate measures of prosociality were used to ensure that effects were not specific to one measure. The analysis explored the discrepancy in parent and self‐ratings on these measures via interactions within a logistic regression framework. Potential confounds, including gender, parental mental health, conduct and hyperkinetic problems were controlled for in the analysis.ResultsThe logistic regression analyses demonstrated significant interactions between self‐ and parent ratings of prosocial qualities in predicting the odds of emotional disorder (i.e., depression and anxiety). This effect occurred across both measures of prosocial qualities whilst controlling for confounds. The pattern of the interactions suggested that low parental appraisals had a more detrimental effect on well‐being when self‐appraisals were highly positive.ConclusionsThe results suggest that moderately high self‐appraised positive traits may carry a cost of leaving young people more vulnerable to discrepant, negative parental appraisals. This has important implications for the meaning attributed to self‐appraised positive traits in clinical contexts.Practitioner points

Clinicians should be aware that the association between parental perceptions of a child's prosociality and emotional disorder may be influenced by the adolescents' self‐perceptions.

Clinicians should therefore endeavour to assess both parental and adolescent appraisals.

Discrepancies may be clinically meaningful, in terms of the risk of emotional problems, rather than simply being a nuisance.

This study is cross‐sectional, so although discrepancies may be linked to risk of emotional problems, the direction of this effect requires elucidation.

The current study only focusses on the parent–adolescent dynamic and so may not extend to discrepancy effects in other areas of positive functioning or in other relational contexts.
Diagnostic shortfalls in early childhood chronic stress: a review of the issues
Authors: Klein B. , Gorter J. W. , Rosenbaum P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractClinical effects of early childhood chronic stress should be regarded as causing a developmental brain injury. However, current diagnostic constructs fail to capture the associated disabilities in emotional‐behavioural regulation of stress and attachment functions adequately. We first focus on neglect as a prototypical early childhood chronic stressor; next we explore clinical associations of neglect; and finally we cite research pertaining to possible underlying pathophysiology of the effects of early childhood chronic stress. In addition, we discuss diagnostic labels that children with histories of early childhood neglect commonly acquire, and implications for treatment.
One‐year outcome of haemorrhoidectomy: a prospective multicentre French study
Authors: Bouchard D. , Abramowitz L. , Castinel A. , Suduca J. M. , Staumont G. , Soudan D. , Devulder F. , Pigot F. , Varastet M. , Ganansia R. ,   for the Groupe de Recherche En Proctologie de la Société Nationale Française de Colo‐Proctologie (GREP) and the Club de Réflexion des cabinets et Groupe d'Hépato‐Gastroentérologie (CREGG)
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimAn evaluation was performed of the 1‐year outcome of open haemorrhoidectomy (Milligan and Morgan alone or with posterior mucosal anoplasty [the Leopold Bellan procedure]).MethodA prospective, multicentre, observational study included all patients having a planned haemorrhoidectomy from January 2007 to June 2008. Data were collected before surgery, and at 3 months and 1 year after surgery. Patients assessed their anal symptoms and quality of life (SF‐36).ResultsSix‐hundred and thirty‐three patients (median age = 48 years, 56.5% women) underwent haemorrhoidectomy either by the Milligan and Morgan procedure alone (n = 231, 36.5%) or together with the Leopold Bellan procedure (posterior mucosal anoplasty) for resection of a fourth haemorrhoid (n = 345, 54.5%), anal fissure (n = 56, 8.9%) or low anal fistula (n = 1, 0.16%). The median healing time was 6 weeks. Early complications included urinary retention (n = 3), bleeding (n = 11), local infection (n = 7) and faecal impaction (n = 9). At 1 year, the main complications included skin tags (n = 2) and anal stenosis (n = 23). There were three recurrences requiring a second haemorrhoidectomy. On a visual analogue scale, anal pain at 1 year had fallen from a median of 5.5/10 before treatment to 0.1/10 (p < 0.001), anal discomfort from 5.5/10 to 0.1/10 (P < 0.001) and the Knowles–Eckersley–Scott Symptom (KESS) constipation score from 9/45 to 6/45 (P < 0.001). The median Wexner score for anal incontinence was unchanged (2/20). De‐novo anal incontinence (a Wexner score of >5) affected 8.5% of patients at 1 year, but preoperative incontinence disappeared in 16.7% of patients with this symptom. All physical and mental domains of quality of life significantly improved, and 88% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied.ConclusionComplications of open haemorrhoidectomy were infrequent. Anal continence was not altered. Comfort and well‐being were significantly improved at 1 year after surgery. Patient satisfaction was high despite residual anal symptoms.
Role of long‐term biliary stenting in choledocholithiasis
Authors: Slattery Eoin , Kale Vikrant , Anwar Waqas , Courtney Garry , Aftab Abdur R 
Published: December 2012

Background and AimEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the treatment of choice for the management of choledocholithiasis. Biliary stenting facilitates repeated attempts at stone extraction. The aim of the present paper was to assess long‐term outcomes of patients where biliary stenting was used as the primary treatment for the management of choledocholithiasis.MethodsWe undertook a review of a prospectively maintained database of all ERCP carried out at a single institution. All patients had stones not amenable to endoscopic retrieval.ResultsBetween January 1998 and December 2008, 3655 ERCP were carried out in our unit. Of these, 201 (120 female) patients met our inclusion criteria. All patients underwent ERCP and sphincterotomy, followed by insertion of a double pigtail 7‐Fr plastic stent. Repeat ERCP was not scheduled routinely. Stent change was only carried out in patients when clinical suspicion of stent blockage occurred. Median stent patency was 59.6 months (interquartile range 47.7–71.2). At 6 months, stent patency was 93.5%, and at 24 months, it was 81.9%. Serious adverse outcomes with blocked stents were uncommon, and tended to occur early. Cholangitis was seen in only 7.4% (6) of patients (median stent patency 11.8 months) and jaundice was seen in 18.5% (15 patients, median stent patency 7.2 months).ConclusionOur data demonstrate median stent patency of almost 5 years. The low incidence of significant complications with blocked stents and excellent stent patency rates suggest that long‐term biliary stenting is an acceptable alternative in elderly, frail patients with stones that are not endoscopically retrievable.
What is the accuracy of autofluorescence imaging in identifying non‐polypoid colorectal neoplastic lesions when reviewed by trainees? A pilot study
Authors: Odagaki Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Taku , Sekiguchi Masau , Sato Chiko , Tamai Naoto , Otake Yosuke , Nakajima Takeshi , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka 
Published: December 2012

Background and AimNon‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms are difficult to identify using conventional white light (WL) colonoscopy. The aim of the present pilot study was to compare an autofluorescence imaging (AFI) system with conventional WL colonoscopy for the identification of non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees in a colonoscopic observational situation.MethodsWe selected clear images with both AFI and WL in the same field taken by experts at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, from December 2009 to November 2010. One hundred and eighty sets of images (137 non‐polypoid neoplasms and 43 without neoplasm) were selected. The images were reviewed by two trainees without AFI experience. After attending a short educational lecture on the AFI system, the reviewers determined the presence of lesions in the randomly arranged images. The accuracy of AFI and WL for identifying non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees was assessed.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity for identifying non‐polypoid neoplasms by trainees was not significantly different between AFI and WL. However, the specificity tended to be lower in AFI images than in WL images.ConclusionsFalse‐positive results tended to be more frequent for the AFI images than for the WL images. Further improvements in the technology and resolution are necessary for the AFI system to be useful for the detection of colorectal neoplasms. At present, clinical application of the AFI system may require more extensive structured training to improve its accuracy in the identification of non‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms.
Performance profiles of German university dermatology departments
Authors: Beikert Florian C. , Stadler Rudolf , Kaufmann Roland , Augustin Matthias 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackground: German university medical centers are important institutions for scientific research, academic teaching and patient care representing crucial components of academic education, medical specialist training and health services research. The aim was to analyze the structure and performance of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers.Patients and methods: Nationwide survey of the heads of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers (n = 35) using a standardized questionnaire on the departmentís performance profiles in inpatient and outpatient care, financial remuneration, research output and the anticipated development of the department.Results: Data from 2010 on 33 of 35 (94.3%) dermatology departments at German university medical centers were analyzed. The mean number of inpatient beds of the departments was 57 (range 24–133) with a utilization of bed capacity of 86% on average. The mean case mix of the 2,494 inpatient cases per year was 1,748, the reported mean case mix index was 0.83. On average, 21,973 cases (range 5,284–92,547) were treated at university outpatient clinics. Of the 33 participating departments of dermatology 22 were placed within the top third of their faculty regarding research funding. The most important components of patient care included surgical dermatology (31.4%), dermato‐oncology (16.9%) and general dermatology (32.1%).Conclusions: Covering the whole spectrum of dermatology, the dermatology departments of German university medical centers show extraordinary performances in both patient care and scientific research. They considerably contribute to the overall performance and the economic outcome of the German university medical centers and are an integral part of these institutions.
Comparative study between dental caries prevalence of Down syndrome children and their siblings
Authors: Macho Viviana , Palha Miguel , Macedo Ana Paula , Ribeiro Orquídea , Andrade Casimiro 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this epidemiological study was to determine the differences in the prevalence of caries between individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and their siblings. A sibling‐matched, population‐based and cross‐sectional survey was performed. This study involved 138 (62%) children with DS and 86 (38%) siblings, aged 2–26. The children were compared in different subgroups: [2, 6], [6, 12], and [13, 26]. Data was gathered through the use of a complete questionnaire and clinical observation. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS® v.18.0 software with any p value <.05 considered as significant. The DS group presented a significantly higher percentage of children within the caries‐free group: 72% versus 46% of the siblings group (p < .001). In the age gap [2, 6[the median value of DMFT was the same in both groups (p = .918). In the age gap [6, 12] the median value of DMFT in the DS group was 0 and in the siblings group was 1 (p = .004). In the age gap [13, 26] the median value of DMFT in the DS group was 0, whereas in the siblings group the median value was 3, which constitutes a significantly high difference (p = .003). The results of this study suggest that Portuguese children with DS have lower caries prevalence than their siblings.
Changes following Premarital Education for Couples with Differing Degrees of Future Marital Risk
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Futris Ted G. , Bradley Renay C. 
Published: December 2012

The present study explored changes in individuals' relationship cognitions and behaviors following premarital education for couples with different risk profiles. The sample consisted of 63 couples who completed the PREPARE program and were classified for future marital risk based on dyadic information. A significant interaction effect was found between risk and time, with individuals in relationships classified as high risk exhibiting greater change at 4 weeks postprogram compared to low‐risk individuals. Perceived helpfulness of topics also varied by couple type. Findings provide support for adapting premarital education programs for high‐risk couples and offer clinicians and educators specific insights for areas of emphasis when working with different types of couples.
Barriers to nurses providing psychosocial care in the Australian rural context
Authors: Kenny Amanda , Allenby Ann 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study in Victoria, Australia examined issues that rural nurses face in the provision of psychosocial care. Researchers, across a diversity of fields, have argued that psychosocial care is inadequate. Current knowledge of psychosocial care in rural areas is limited, despite the centrality of nurses in the provision of this care. Using an interpretive descriptive design, four focus groups were conducted with 22 nurses from five rural hospitals. Thematic analysis resulted in the emergence of five organising themes that impact on the provision of psychosocial care: constructive relationships, professional isolation, multiskilling expectations, client interaction, and competing demands. The global theme, “Managing multiple roles, demands and relationships” reflected the notion that the provision of psychosocial care is impacted on by the multiple roles and tasks that rural nurses undertake and the impact of contextual and interpersonal relationships. Strategies are needed to support nurses in their role and while clinical supervision has been identified as potentially useful, attention must be given to strong leadership, the development of a positive culture, recognition of the centrality of client care, and evidence‐based education.