bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation of sound levels on intensive care units with reference to the WHO guidelines
Authors: Darbyshire Julie L , Young J Duncan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) suffer from sleep deprivation arising from nursing interventions and ambient noise. This may exacerbate confusion and ICU-related delirium. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that average hospital sound levels should not exceed 35 dB with a maximum of 40 dB overnight. We monitored five ICUs to check compliance with these guidelines.

Methods
Sound levels were recorded in five adult ICUs in the UK. Two sound level monitors recorded concurrently for 24 hours at the ICU central stations and adjacent to patients. Sample values to determine levels generated by equipment and external noise were also recorded in an empty ICU side room.

Results
Average sound levels always exceeded 45 dBA and for 50% of the time exceeded between 52 and 59 dBA in individual ICUs. There was diurnal variation with values decreasing after evening handovers to an overnight average minimum of 51 dBA at 4 AM. Peaks above 85 dBA occurred at all sites, up to 16 times per hour overnight and more frequently during the day. WHO guidelines on sound levels could be only achieved in a side room by switching all equipment off.

Conclusion
All ICUs had sound levels greater than WHO recommendations, but the WHO recommended levels are so low they are not achievable in an ICU. Levels adjacent to patients are higher than those recorded at central stations. Unit-wide noise reduction programmes or mechanical means of isolating patients from ambient noise, such as earplugs, should be considered.
Mesenchymal stem cells protect podocytes from apoptosis induced by high glucose via secretion of epithelial growth factor
Authors: Li Diangeng , Wang Nan , Zhang Li , Hanyu Zhu , Xueyuan Bai , Fu Bo , Shaoyuan Cui , Zhang Weiguang , Xuefeng Sun , Li Rongshan , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The apoptosis and subsequent injury of podocytes plays a pathogenic role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutic cells for preventing apoptosis and reducing cellular injury. Our previous study found that MSCs could protect kidneys from diabetes-induced injury without obvious engraftment. So we evaluated the effects of human adipose-derived MSCs (hAd-MSCs) on podocytic apoptosis and injury induced by high glucose (HG) and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
We used flow cytometry, Western blot and confocal fluorescence microscopy to study podocytic apoptosis and injury induced by HG at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours in the presence or absence of MSC-conditioned medium (CM). An antibody-based cytokine array was used to identify the mediating factor, which was verified by adding the neutralizing antibody (NtAb) to block its function or adding the recombinant cytokine to the medium to induce its function.

Results
hAd-MSC-CM reduced podocytic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the expression of podocytic cleaved caspase-3, and prevented the reduced expression and maintained the normal arrangement of podocytic synaptopodin and nephrin. However, human embryonic lung cell (Wi38)-CM failed to ameliorate podocytic apoptosis or injury. Twelve cytokines with concentration ratios (MSC-CM/Wi38-CM) >10-fold were identified. Epithelial growth factor (EGF) was singled out for its known ability to prevent apoptosis. Recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) prevented podocytic apoptosis and injury similarly to hAd-MSC-CM but, upon blockade of EGF, the beneficial effect of hAd-MSC-CM decreased dramatically.

Conclusions
hAd-MSCs prevent podocytic apoptosis and injury induced by HG, mainly through secreting soluble EG.
Response-Guided Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: von Minckwitz Gunter , Blohmer Jens Uwe , Costa Serban Dan , Denkert Carsten , Eidtmann Holger , Eiermann Wolfgang , Gerber Bernd , Hanusch Claus , Hilfrich Jörn , Huober Jens , Jackisch Christian , Kaufmann Manfred , Kümmel Sherko , Paepke Stefan , Schneeweiss Andreas , Untch Michael , Zahm Dirk Michael , Mehta Keyur , Loibl Sibylle 
Published: September 2013

Purpose We investigated disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) after response-guided neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer. Patients and Methods We treated 2,072 patients with two cycles of docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) and randomly assigned early responders to four (n = 704) or six (n = 686) additional TAC cycles, and early nonresponders to four cycles of TAC (n = 321) or vinorelbine and capecitabine (NX; n = 301) before surgery. Results DFS was longer in early responders receiving TAC × 8 than in those receiving TAC × 6 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.97; P = .026), and in early nonresponders receiving TAC-NX than in those receiving TAC × 6 (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.82; P = .001). Exploratory analysis showed that DFS after response-guided chemotherapy (TAC × 8 or TAC-NX) was significantly longer (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.85; P < .003), as was OS (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.99; P = .048), than on conventional chemotherapy (TAC × 6). DFS was longer after response-guided chemotherapy in all hormone receptor–positive tumors (luminal A HR = 0.55, luminal B [human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative] HR = 0.40, and luminal B [HER2 positive] HR = 0.56), but not in hormone receptor–negative tumors (HER2 positive [nonluminal] HR = 1.01 and triple negative HR = 0.87). Pathologic complete response did not predict these survival effects. pCR predicted an improved DFS in triple-negative (HR = 6.67), HER2-positive (nonluminal; HR 5.24), or luminal B (HER2-negative) tumors (HR = 3.74). Conclusion This exploratory analysis suggests that response-guided neoadjuvant chemotherapy might improve survival and is most effective in hormone receptor–positive tumors. If confirmed, the response-guided approach could provide a clinically meaningful advantage for the neoadjuvant over the adjuvant approach in early breast cancer.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Chemoprevention Trial of Selenium Supplementation in Patients With Resected Stage I Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ECOG 5597
Authors: Karp Daniel D. , Lee Sandra J. , Keller Steven M. , Wright Gail Shaw , Aisner Seena , Belinsky Steven Alan , Johnson David H. , Johnston Michael R. , Goodman Gary , Clamon Gerald , Okawara Gordon , Marks Randolph , Frechette Eric , McCaskill-Stevens Worta , Lippman Scott M. , Ruckdeschel John , Khuri Fadlo R. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Selenium has been reported to have chemopreventive benefits in lung cancer. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) in patients with resected non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving selenium supplementation. Patients and Methods Patients with completely resected stage I NSCLC were randomly assigned to take selenized yeast 200 μg versus placebo daily for 48 months. Participation was 6 to 36 months postoperatively and required a negative mediastinal node biopsy, no excessive vitamin intake, normal liver function, negative chest x-ray, and no other evidence of recurrence. Results The first interim analysis in October 2009, with 46% of the projected end points accumulated, showed a trend in favor of the placebo group with a low likelihood that the trial would become positive; thus, the study was stopped. One thousand seven hundred seventy-two participants were enrolled, with 1,561 patients randomly assigned. Analysis was updated in June 2011 with the maturation of 54% of the planned end points. Two hundred fifty-two SPTs (from 224 patients) developed, of which 98 (from 97 patients) were lung cancer (38.9%). Lung and overall SPT incidence were 1.62 and 3.54 per 100 person-years, respectively, for selenium versus 1.30 and 3.39 per 100 person-years, respectively, for placebo (P = .294). Five-year disease-free survival was 74.4% for selenium recipients versus 79.6% for placebo recipients. Grade 1 to 2 toxicity occurred in 31% of selenium recipients and 26% of placebo recipients, and grade ≥ 3 toxicity occurred in less than 2% of selenium recipients versus 3% of placebo recipients. Compliance was excellent. No increase in diabetes mellitus or skin cancer was detected. Conclusion Selenium was safe but conferred no benefit over placebo in the prevention of SPT in patients with resected NSCLC.
Properties of Natural Rubber Composite Incorporated with Industrial Waste/Carbon Black Hybrid Filler
Authors: Ahmed Khalil 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Industrial waste as marble sludge (MS)/carbon black (CB) hybrid composites containing natural rubber (NR) have been prepared. Results revealed that the addition of CB to MS/CB hybrid NR composite can significantly improve the overall properties of particular hybrid composite. Torques, tensile, modulus, tear, hardness, and crosslink value increased, while the scorch/cure time, cure rate index, elongation at break, compression set, resilience, abrasion loss, swelling coefficient, and the average molecular weight of the polymer between crosslinks decreased with increasing CB in hybrid composites. The aging behavior of corresponding hybrid composite was also evaluated at two different aging temperatures.
Structure-controlled Synthesis and Magnetism of CoCu Nanowires
Authors: Liu Xiaoxu , Zhao Xingtao , Gao Zhongming , Zhu Yan , Wang Jixia , Dai Zhenqing , Wu Guangheng 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
CoCu nanowire arrays have been electrodeposited into alumina templates. We demonstrate that the crystal structure and related magnetic properties can be effectively controlled only by applying different deposition potentials. By gradually decreasing the applied voltage from −1.6 to −0.9 V, the main structure dramatically changes from the single-crystal hexagonal Co phase to the cubic alloy phase. The investigation of corresponding magnetic properties indicates that the orientation of easy axis varies from perpendicular to the nanowire axis to parallel to the nanowire axis.
Control of Structure of Au@TiO2 Core–Shell Hollow Microspheres with Multiple Nanocores and Porous Shells
Authors: Zhou Ningning , Wang Xiaohong , Hu Zhiyu 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Au@TiO2 core–shell hollow microspheres with multiple nanocores and porous shells have been synthesized by a simple and effective hydrothermal method using TiF4 as TiO2 precursor. The size of microsphere can be controlled by changing synthetic conditions.
pH-Dependent Electrochemical Behaviors of Ruthenium Complex/Carbon Nanotube Composites on Platinum and Pencil-lead Electrodes
Authors: Ozawa Hiroaki , Kuroiwa Kazuki , Hasegawa Takumi , Haga Masa-aki 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We report the proton-coupled electron-transfer reaction of ruthenium complex bearing bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine and pyrene anchor on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The complex was attached through a π–π interaction between pyrene and a SWNT. Cyclic voltammetric measurements were used to characterize the pH-dependent electrochemical properties of the complex/SWNTs composites. A proton-coupled electron-transfer reaction of the composites on a pencil-lead electrode, which can be used as a pH sensor, was also demonstrated.
Optimal Design of Social Comparison Effects: Setting Reference Groups and Reference Points
Authors: Roels Guillaume , Su Xuanming 
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we study how social planners should exploit social comparisons to pursue their objectives. We consider two modes of social comparison, referred to as behind-averse and ahead-seeking behaviors, depending on whether individuals experience a utility loss from underperforming or a utility gain from overperforming relative to their peers. Modeling social comparison as a game between players, we find that ahead-seeking behavior leads to output polarization, whereas behind-averse behavior leads to output clustering. A social planner can mitigate these effects in two ways: (i) by providing the full reference distribution of outputs instead of an aggregate reference point based on the average output and (ii) by assigning players into uniform rather than diverse reference groups. Social planners may thus need to tailor the reference structure to the predominant mode of social comparison and their objective. A performance-focused social planner may set the reference structure so as to maximize the output of either the top or the bottom player depending on whether she puts greater marginal weight to larger or smaller outputs. When the social planner also cares about utility, she faces a dilemma because performance optimization may not be aligned with utility maximization. Inevitably, the social planner will have to confront equity issues because better performance may not reflect greater effort or greater ability. This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Sustainable analytical chemistry&mdash;more than just being green
Authors: Turner Charlotta 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This review article describes analytical chemistry beyond green chemistry and all efforts that contribute to a more sustainable development. A background is given on sustainable development and green chemistry. Examples of &ldquo;greening&rdquo; strategies for sample preparation, chromatography, and detection are given. Thereafter, the review discusses how and why a method or a solvent could be claimed as being &ldquo;green&rdquo;. Green metrics for analytical chemistry is discussed, including the environment, health, and safety (EHS) index and life cycle assessment (LCA). The choice of solvent and the criteria for a solvent being &ldquo;green&rdquo; is also discussed. Finally, sustainable analytical chemistry is described by considering the three important &ldquo;legs&rdquo; so as to obtain sustainable development&mdash;economic feasibility, societal relevance, and environmental soundness. Hopefully, the review article will stimulate some new perspectives on the difference between greenness and sustainability in analytical chemistry.
Social media use among UAE college students one year after the Arab Spring
Authors: Wiest Julie B. , Eltantawy Nahed 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In this study, we explore the ways in which young adults in the United Arab Emirates use communication technologies – especially social media – at a time of rapid change in the Arab world. Because young adults represent a large segment of the population within the Middle East and also lead in technology adoption in this region, this group plays an important role in how meanings are assigned to these new technologies. To better understand this group’s uses of and attitudes about new communication technologies one year after the Arab Spring, we asked undergraduates at four UAE universities to complete an online survey; results from the nearly 200 completed surveys are reported here. Findings not only aid in understanding how this group uses these technologies, but also help reveal the meaning-making process through which such technologies have been integrated into daily life in this region.
Bridging the journalism-business dichotomy: The case of Al Arabiya satellite channel
Authors: El-Nawawy Mohammed , Strong Catherine 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The job satisfaction of journalists is a crucial aspect of the media industry, which is highly reliant on the experience and qualification of its journalists, particularly the Arab media, which were increasingly under the spotlight as prime global news resources during the Arab Spring pro-democracy protests. An example of quality reporting during this time was the pan-Arabic television network, Al Arabiya. Like journalists around the globe, Al Arabiya news workers are often torn between producing quality journalism and producing journalism that attracts income. However, this study found that Al Arabiya news workers, unlike western journalists, were satisfied with their job even when they felt the management aggressively pursued business goals.
Al Jazeera invades Israel: Is satellite TV challenging the sovereignty of the nation state?
Authors: Rinnawi Khalil 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The pressures of economic, geopolitical and cultural globalization have challenged the sovereignty of nation states by weakening their ability to control and safeguard their citizens. The main focus of this study is to analyse the TV consumption habits of an ethno-national minority such as the Arab Palestinian community of Israel (the APCI) in a global media environment characterized by satellite TV from the Arab World. The main hypothesis, which was supported by this study, is that virtual satellite broadcasting from the Arab World has weakened the ties of this community to the Israeli nation state and strengthened their affiliation with external ethnic, religious and political groups and transnational or regional identities and cultures. This study attempted to explore their viewing habits and their attitude towards the minorities’ collective identity by interviewing a representative sample of Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel using a closed questionnaire. The main finding of this study is that the APCI are active media consumers (particularly TV) who are dissatisfied with the media from the State of Israel. Therefore, our research population spent less time consuming TV content from inside the state and more time consuming TV contents from the Arab World. Finally, this challenge of the sovereignty of the nation state was also reflected in a higher degree of trust and credibility assigned to TV from the Arab World as compared with TV coming from inside the State of Israel.
Corporate reputation and communication: The case of ‘Arla Foods’ and Prophet ‘Muhammad’ cartoons
Authors: Gaweesh Khaled S. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This article examines product boycotts driven by religious and political reasons, and develops insights regarding how corporations may respond to minimize the impact of such boycott calls. Conclusions show that Arla Foods was late in interpreting the signals of a crisis, so it could not identify possible dangers and deal with it in good time. Crisis prevention was not an active area of Arla’s Crisis Management Plan in the Middle East in the years before the Cartoon Crisis. Moreover, issues management did not receive adequate attention before the crisis. Arla neglected the prevention stage and only fully started their crisis communication when the crisis was well underway. The lack of preventive measures taken meant that Arla’s aggressive communication strategy was mainly used in a reactive fashion throughout the crisis. The research findings suggest that the company lacked local representatives; Arla also did not engage in a continued two-way communication with its Middle Eastern stakeholders, overlooking the fact that opinion leaders play an important role in influencing the opinion and behaviour of consumers in the Arab countries.
Media portrayals of Muslims and Islam and their influence on adolescent attitude: An empirical study from India
Authors: Ahmed Saifuddin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that media influences attitudes towards Muslims and Islam. However, the majority of the research in this area focuses on adult population. This study, being the first to focus on adolescents, reviewed media influence on their attitude towards Muslims and Islam in India. Survey results from a sample of 343 non-Muslim Indian adolescents revealed a significant association between media as the primary source of information and negative attitude towards Muslims and Islam. Users with preference to BBC, Fox News and Aaj Tak showed a greater mean negative attitude. However, there is a relative change in the overall attitude of those adolescents who have close associations with Muslim friends. Adolescents with media inclination believe media portrayals of Muslim and Islam to be positive, but users with Muslim friends feel the portrayals to be negative. Also when the level of knowledge was measured, media had no role to play. Finally, sentiment analysis of media content concerning Muslims revealed a dominant presence of negative sentiments as compared to positive sentiments. Western media showed greater negative sentiments than the Indian media, with Fox News, BBC and New York Times being the most negative in their coverage.
A state-of-the-art review on the durability of silica fume-blended concrete – a boon to the construction industry
Authors: Saraswathy Velu , Karthick Subbiah P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe development and use of blended cement is growing rapidly in the construction industry mainly due to the consideration of energy, environment, and conservation of resources. Blended cements are produced using any of the supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume (SF), fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag. The use of SF in concrete may improve the strength and durability of concrete by creating a denser cement matrix compared with conventional concrete, thereby enhancing the service life of concrete structures. In this article, the effect of SF in concrete is reviewed from the point of view of durability. It includes carbonation, resistivity, chloride permeability/diffusivity, sulfate resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Short and medium-term outcomes of live-born twins after fetoscopic laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndromea
Authors: Tosello Barthélémy , Blanc Julie , Haumonté Jean-Baptiste , D’Ercole Claude , Gire Catherine 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate short and medium term outcomes of children born of monochorionic pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by fetoscopic laser surgery.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study performed between May 2007 and 2012. Neonatal data was from 45 patients under 5 years of age. The prospective observational study was of the neurologic outcome of these children using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), 2nd edition, French version, at up to 5 years of age.

Results: Neurologic assessment at discharge from maternity unit was normal for 41 infants (93.2%). Logistic regression suggested that the risk of neurosensory sequelae was significantly related to the status of donor [odds ratio=4.62 (1.18; 18.0)] and significantly preterm birth <32 weeks of gestation [odds ratio=5.50 (1.38; 21.9)]. Eleven questionnaires were considered abnormal (31.1%). Two children presented a severe neurologic abnormality (5.7%). There was no significant correlation between any area of the questionnaire and status at birth (donor or recipient).

Conclusions: The data from our cohort, particularly as regards neurologic outcome, were satisfactory and concordant with previously published results. The use of the ASQ as a screening tool for neurologic outcome in children is original, which allowed in our cohort to highlight early neurological disorders.