bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Utilization of Computed Tomography Imaging at Tertiary Pediatric Hospitals
Authors: Lodwick Daniel L. , Cooper Jennifer N. , Kelleher Kelly J. , Brilli Richard , Minneci Peter C. , Deans Katherine J. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND:
Recent efforts have focused on reducing computed tomography (CT) imaging in children. Although published reports show variability in CT scanning for specific indications, an assessment of the effects of institutional factors (case-mix or hospital volume) on the rate of CT scanning for any indication is necessary to better understand variability across pediatric hospitals.

METHODS:
Data from 2009 to 2013 on inpatient, observation, and emergency department (ED) encounters were extracted from the Pediatric Health Information System. Chronological trends and institutional variability in CT scan rates were examined by using negative binomial regression models. Case-mix was adjusted by using All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups and severity level.

RESULTS:
Thirty hospitals were included. There were 12 531 184 patient encounters and 701 644 CT scans resulting in a mean of 56 scans per 1000 encounters (range: 26–108). The most common scan types were head (60.1%) and abdomen/pelvis (19.9%). There was an inverse relationship between the CT scan rate and hospital volume (P = .002) and a direct relationship between the CT scan rates for inpatient/observation and ED encounters (P &lt; .001). The rate of CT imaging decreased from 69.2 to 49.6 scans per 1000 encounters during the study period (P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
The overall use of CT imaging is decreasing, and significant variability remains in CT use across tertiary pediatric hospitals. Hospital volume and institutional-level practices account for a significant portion of the variability. This finding suggests an opportunity for standardization through multi-institutional quality improvement projects to reduce CT imaging.
Public Policy to Protect Children From Tobacco, Nicotine, and Tobacco Smoke
Authors:   SECTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL, Groner Judith A. , Walley Susan C. , Etzel Ruth A. , Wilson Karen M. , Farber Harold J. , Balk Sophie J. , Groner Judith A. , Moore John E. 
Published: October 2015

This Policy Statement was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-061804.
Tobacco use and tobacco smoke exposure are among the most important health threats to children, adolescents, and adults. There is no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. The developing brains of children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the development of tobacco and nicotine dependence. Tobacco is unique among consumer products in that it causes disease and death when used exactly as intended. Tobacco continues to be heavily promoted to children and young adults. Flavored and alternative tobacco products, including little cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery systems are gaining popularity among youth. This statement describes important evidence-based public policy actions that, when implemented, will reduce tobacco product use and tobacco smoke exposure among youth and, by doing so, improve the health of children and young adults.
Global Climate Change and Children’s Health
Authors:   COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, Paulson Jerome A. , Ahdoot Samantha , Baum Carl R. , Bole Aparna , Brumberg Heather L. , Campbell Carla C. , Lanphear Bruce P. , Lowry Jennifer A. , Pacheco Susan E. , Spanier Adam J. , Trasande Leonardo 
Published: October 2015

This Policy Statement was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-065504.
Rising global temperatures are causing major physical, chemical, and ecological changes in the planet. There is wide consensus among scientific organizations and climatologists that these broad effects, known as “climate change,” are the result of contemporary human activity. Climate change poses threats to human health, safety, and security, and children are uniquely vulnerable to these threats. The effects of climate change on child health include: physical and psychological sequelae of weather disasters; increased heat stress; decreased air quality; altered disease patterns of some climate-sensitive infections; and food, water, and nutrient insecurity in vulnerable regions. The social foundations of children’s mental and physical health are threatened by the specter of far-reaching effects of unchecked climate change, including community and global instability, mass migrations, and increased conflict. Given this knowledge, failure to take prompt, substantive action would be an act of injustice to all children. A paradigm shift in production and consumption of energy is both a necessity and an opportunity for major innovation, job creation, and significant, immediate associated health benefits. Pediatricians have a uniquely valuable role to play in the societal response to this global challenge.
The Problem of Zero Cells in the Analysis of Contingency Tables
Authors: Brzezińska Justyna 
Published: October 2015

Log-linear analysis is a statistical tool used to analyse the independence of categorical data in contingency tables. With this method, any number of nominal or ordinal variables can be analysed: interactions can be included in the model, various types of association can be analysed, and the analysis provides a formal model equation. Although log-linear analysis is a versatile statistical method, there are some limitations in using it due to zero cells. Zero cells in contingency table are of two types: fixed (structural) and sampling zeros. Fixed zeros occur when it is impossible to observe values for certain combinations of the variable. Sampling zeros are due to sampling variations and the relatively small size of the sample when compared with a large number of cells. In the paper several options will be presented for how to deal with zero cells in a table. All calculations will be conducted in R.
Evaluation of Delayed Puberty in Adolescents with Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Crês Maria Cristina , Marques Ilza Lazarini , Bettiol Heloisa 
Published: October 2015

Objective To assess the frequency of delayed puberty in adolescents with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P). Design This was a cross-sectional study of 203 patients with CL/P and no associated syndromes treated at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. We evaluated boys aged 14-19 years and girls aged 13-18 years. The patients were classified according to Tanner stages of sexual development. The age of menarche was recorded. Patients were assigned to three groups according to cleft type: isolated cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CLP), and isolated cleft palate (CP). The results were expressed as frequencies and averages and compared with pubertal changes described for typically developing adolescents as reported in the literature. Results Subjects were 115 boys and 88 girls. All boys in the CL group and the CP group had already started puberty, and two boys in the CLP group (2.3%) had delayed puberty. All girls had started puberty. The average age at menarche was 12.3 years in the CL group, 12.1 years in the CLP group, and 12.5 years in the CP group. Conclusions The frequency of delayed puberty and the average age at menarche in adolescents with CL/P and no associated genetic syndromes or anomalies were within the expected range for typically developing adolescents (i.e., those without CL/P) in the same age group.
Antenatal Ultrasound Detection of Cleft in Western Australia from 2003 to 2012: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Nicholls W. , Jennings R. , Yeung Y. , Walters M. , Hewitt B. 
Published: October 2015

Aim To investigate trends in the rate of antenatal detection of cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients referred to the CLP Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, Western Australia during the period 2003-2012 and compare data with a previously published report covering the years 1996-2003. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective survey of antenatal transabdominal ultrasound screenings of mothers of infants born between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2012 that were referred to the CLP Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. Results Detection rates of oral clefts increased significantly when compared with outcomes reported in the same population between 1996 and 2003 ( P < .05). An overall detection rate of 71.7% (165/230) was achieved for clefts involving lip and palate. Detection of isolated cleft palate (1/99) and microform (0/8) remained elusive. Most detections (76.5%) were achieved at 15 to 20 weeks of gestational age, corresponding with routine anatomical screening. A further 16.8% were detected post-20 weeks of gestation. Scans were performed by specialist obstetricians, and sonography clinics reported a detection rate of 84.6% (55/65), whereas nonspecialist clinics reported a detection rate of only 67.1% (110/164). Conclusion The antenatal detection rates of oral clefts involving the lip have improved to the extent that the majority of mothers are now being referred to a cleft unit in Western Australia prior to the births of their children. As a result of this improvement, antenatal counseling is now a common facet of cleft management.
The Cost of Compliance: FIN 48 and Audit Fees
Authors: Erickson Matthew J. , Goldman Nathan C. , Stekelberg James 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, FIN 48 significantly altered uncertain tax benefit (UTB) recognition and disclosure requirements relative to its predecessor standard, FAS 5. We examine the effect of the new standard on audit pricing. We first document that UTB-related audit fees increased following the implementation of FIN 48. However, we also find that this increase is primarily driven by a spike in the audit pricing of UTBs in 2007. Indeed, we find that the audit pricing of UTBs in the 2008–2012 period is not significantly different from that of the 2002–2006 period. We interpret these results to indicate that although firms incurred significant FIN 48 implementation costs, the ongoing audit pricing of UTBs under FIN 48 is similar to that of FAS 5. Our findings suggest that any potential benefits of FIN 48 may outweigh associated costs related to a temporary increase in audit fees.
JEL Classifications: H25; M40; M41; M42; M48.
The impact of consolidation and interparticle forces on cohesive cement powder
Authors: Turki Djamel , Fatah Nouria , Saidani Messaoud 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Cement powder particles of micronic size tend to form agglomerates due to the influence of interparticle forces (Van der Waals forces). The formation of agglomerates results in an increased air-void in the solid structure (aerated powder) requiring an increase in water demand to sustain the feasibility of the structure. Consequently, if the compound formed is not stabilized, it would have low mechanical strength that may result in cracking of hardened cement. In this study, the results of cement powder consolidation and its flow properties show that its behaviour is controlled by internal forces (Van der Waals) and external forces (elastic and plastic). These forces have a direct influence on the powder structure, leading to a variable packing behaviour (void reduction). Consolidated cement powder shows a decrease in the void structure leading to a more efficient material. This study intends to determine the impact of interaction forces between cement particles during consolidation.
A new constitutive approach to large strain plastic deformation
Authors: Korbel Andrzej , Bochniak Włodzimierz , Ostachowski Pawel , Paliborek Anna , Łagoda Marek , Brzostowicz Adelajda 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper presents the results of studies regarding the effect of nonconventional plastic deformation on the mechanism of plastic flow of metals. The applied method, called KOBO extrusion, in which monotonic large deformation is accompanied by cyclic reversible plastic twisting, falls into the category of severe plastic deformation. The cyclic reversible plastic twisting, which proved to be redundant in terms of changes in the material's geometry, appears to be a particularly efficient source of point defects. The experimentally proven Newtonian viscosity of metals at low temperatures under KOBO extrusion conditions implies that it is necessary to conduct a study on the crystal plasticity from the point of view of the constitutive law in which a crystal's viscosity totally controls the kinetics of the process. The well known dependency of the viscosity parameter on the diffusion coefficient, which, in turn, is a function of point defect concentration, dictates the link between the frequency of reversible plastic twist and the crystal's viscosity and, consequently, determines the mode of plastic flow. The results of this work provide experimental verification which justifies this new approach to crystal plasticity.
Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and dielectric properties of plasma-sprayed barium titanate films
Authors: Pakseresht Amir Hossein , Rahimipour Mohammad Reza , Vaezi Mohammad Reza , Salehi Mehdi 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Thick films of barium titanate were produced by using atmospheric plasma spraying, and their microstructures and dielectric properties were analyzed. X-ray diffraction analysis of the coating was performed to study the phase and structural properties. The results showed that the crystalline structures of the initial powder and the produced film were different and the latter displayed some amorphous phase. The percentage of amorphous phase varied with the amount of melted particles. The analysis of dielectric properties of the barium titanate films showed that these films have a minimum relative permittivity of 85 at room temperature. This was increased up to 165 by heat treatment at 1050°C for 3 h, due to the crystallization of amorphous phase and reduction of some of the defects because of the thermal spraying.
Wear behavior of Ni/WC surface-infiltrated composite coating on copper substrate
Authors: Yang Gui-rong , Song Wen-ming , Li Jian , Ma Ying , Lu Jin-jun , Hao Yuan 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Ni/WC surface-infiltrated composite coating was fabricated on copper alloy substrate through vacuum infiltration casting using Ni-based alloying powder and with different WC particle contents as raw materials. The wear behavior of Ni/WC surface-infiltrated composite coating was investigated using a block-on-ring tester at different loads and sliding speeds at room temperature. Results show that the wear rate of Ni/WC surface-infiltrated composite coating decreased to approximately one-sixth of the wear rate of the Ni-based alloy infiltrated coating. This phenomenon resulted from the supporting function of WC particles under varying loads applied on the specimen surface and the antifriction effect of the transformation layer. Wear rate was reduced by the Ni/WC-infiltrated composite coating with increasing load, especially when the load exceeded 100 N. The friction coefficient decreased with increasing sliding speed for all infiltrated coatings at any load condition. The reduction in the friction coefficient at high sliding speed was larger than that at low sliding speed with increasing load. The wear mechanism was dominated by oxidation under all experimental conditions and accompanied by adhesion and abrasion mechanisms at high load and high sliding speed.
Magnetocaloric and Hopkinson effects in slowly and rapidly cooled Gd7Pd3
Authors: Talik Ewa , Guzik Adam , Oboz Monika , Zajdel Paweł , Ziółkowski Grzegorz 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Gd7Pd3 intermetallic compound was prepared as slowly cooled polycrystal and rapidly cooled (rc) casts. The slowly cooled polycrystalline samples were obtained by melting in an induction coil. The rc-cast Gd7Pd3 sample was obtained by means of a mould casting technique. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, SQUID magnetometry and scanning electron microscopy in order to elucidate the Hopkinson effect and magnetocaloric properties in relation to the technological aspects. The investigated ferromagnetic system is sensitive to grain size. The magnetocaloric and Hopkinson effect decreases with the decrease of the grain size. The results were compared to the data of single crystal obtained by the Czochralski method from a levitating melt.
Synthesis of dihydropyrazole derivatives using modified calcium oxide as a solid basic catalyst
Authors: Tang Ying , Zhang Li , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Jie , Miao Yanqing 
Published: October 2015

Abstract A highly efficient method for the synthesis of dihydropyrazole derivatives has been established by using CaO as a solid basic catalyst. It was found that a 77.1% yield of 3,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carboxamide was obtained at ratio of aminourea hydrochloride/chalcone of 1.2:1 after 3 h at a reaction temperature of 65°C. The reaction efficiency was greatly enhanced, with the 3,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carboxamide yield reaching 91.2%, when the commercial CaO was modified by benzyl bromide in a simple way. The effects of modification and reaction conditions on the yields as well as the mechanism were studied thoroughly. From the results of FTIR and thermogravity analysis characterisation, the modifier was shown to be bonded on the surface of CaO chemically, and almost no Ca(OH)2 was formed during the modification process. The type of chalcone has a strong influence on the yield of dihydropyrazole derivative.
Investigation of hydrogen reduction of cuprous sulfide through the Law of Additive Reactions using a virtual model
Authors: Abolpour Bahador , Afsahi M. Mehdi 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT A virtual structural model has been developed for predicting the behaviour of cuprous sulfide reduction by hydrogen in the presence of lime. This model treats the complex successive reactions as a simple reaction. Then the kinetic and structural parameters of this assumed simple reaction were obtained by fitting the experimental data to the additive reaction times equation. Finally, the results predicted by the virtual model have been evaluated and validated using experimental data, and compared with those of mathematical modelling. This virtual model could be useful for predicting the behaviour of complex reactions without needing time-consuming computations.
Alvimopan in an Enhanced Recovery Program Following Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Hamilton Zach , Parker Will , Griffin Josh , Isaacson Tanner , Mirza Moben , Wyre Hadley , Holzbeierlein Jeffrey , Lee Eugene K. 
Published: October 2015

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) carries a high complication rate, including post-operative ileus. Alvimopan is an FDA approved peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist that has shown favorable results for improved recovery of gastro-intestinal function resulting in decreased hospital length of stay. Many enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) have been published demonstrating improved outcomes with decreased hospital stay and morbidity. Objective: We evaluated the addition of alvimopan to an ERP in patients undergoing RC. Methods: Patients undergoing RC at our institution during the implementation phase of alvimopan to our established ERP were retrospectively reviewed. Effect of alvimopan as it related to the use of nasogastric tubes, time to initiation of regular diet, and length of hospital stay was assessed using Chi-squared and Student’s T-tests. Linear regression was performed for univariate analysis and binary logistic regression was performed as a multivariate assessment of the effect of alvimopan. Results: Between July 2011 and January 2013, 80 patients were identified who underwent RC under the ERP (34 alvimopan and 46 standard care). Age, sex, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical technique (open vs. robotic), and type of urinary diversion were not different between groups. Alvimopan was associated with a reduction in mean time to regular diet (5.3 vs 4.1 days, p <  0.01) and a reduction in mean length of hospital stay (6.9 vs 5.7 days, p = 0.01). After controlling for other variables, alvimopan usage predicted for shorter time to regular diet and total hospital stay. Conclusions: Alvimopan may help to improve time to regular diet and decrease hospital stay in patients on an enhanced recovery pathway.
Comparison of FDG and FDG-labeled leukocytes PET/CT in diagnosis of infection
Authors: Aliyev A. , Ekmekcioglu O. , Ozhan M. , Uslu L. , Vatankulu B. , Sager S. , Halaç M. , Sönmezoğlu K. , Yilmaz S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study is to compare FDG and FDG-labeled leukocyte (WBC) PET/CT in the diagnosis of infection using different SUV and visual thresholds for interpretation. Patients, material, method: 49 consecutive patients (27 men, 22 women, mean age: 55.7 years, range: 16-89 years) with suspected musculoskeletal infection (n = 34), vascular graft infection (n = 5), aortitis (n =1 ), endo - carditis (n = 1), mass lesion which is suspicious for infection or malignity (n = 6), and fever of unknown origin (n = 2) underwent both FDG and WBC-PET/CT. Images were evaluated by both visual analysis (grade 1-3) according to uptake intensity and quantitative grading (grade 1-3) based on lesion to background SUVmax values. Final diagnosis was made by histopathological, microbiological analysis or clinical-radiological work-up. Results: The diagnosis of infection was made in total 24 patients, of whom 14 were diagnosed by histopathological and the rest by clinical-radiological work-up. WBC-PET/CT imaging with the visual threshold of 1b as infection positivity (for truncal lesions uptake equivalent to liver or lumbar vertebrae uptake; for extremity lesions uptake significantly higher than neighbouring soft tissue uptake or higher than neighbouring bone marrow uptake) was found to have the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.874, CI: 0.771-0.997, p < 0.001). The optimal SUV threshold was found to be 8.8 (p = 0.006; sensitivity: 72.7%, specificity: 82.8) and 5.3 (p < 0.001; sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 79.3%) for FDG and WBC-PET/CT, respectively by ROC curve analysis. Conclusion: WBC-PET/CT is more valuable than FDG PET/CT in the imaging of infection. Visual threshold of >1b seems to be more suitable for detection of infection.
Breaking the Waves de Lars von Trier : système sacrificiel et féminin
Authors: Juranville Anne 
Published: October 2015

On postule que la fiction Breaking the Waves de Lars von Trier (1996) possède une cohérence psychologique et structurelle. L’intérêt de ce film est de se prêter à un démontage du dispositif sacrificiel à la lumière des apports logiques de Lacan concernant le féminin, selon l’extrémisme de deux dimensions de liberté par rapport à la castration. Bess, l’héroïne, est un personnage surdéterminé dont l’« amour fou » la situe à la croisée de deux destins : du côté du « pas-tout » phallique et du côté de l’érotomanie. D’une part, sa position d’exclue fait d’elle la victime désignée d’un ordre traditionnel qu’elle met en question, d’un monde qui « fait exister le rapport sexuel ». Mais d’autre part, elle participe de cet univers patriarcal traditionnel en idéalisant imaginairement le Phallus – ce qui témoigne de sa captation dans l’orbe d’un féminin tout-puissant affranchi de la loi du langage, du féminin tel qu’il est mis en jeu dans le sacrifice. Le système sacrificiel s’avère un marqueur décisif pour illustrer un aspect de la rupture introduite par la modernité dont la logique recoupe celle du féminin.