bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney-disease screening service quality: questionnaire survey research evidence from Taichung city
Authors: Lin Deng-Juin , Li Ya-Hsin , Pai Jar-Yuan , Sheu Ing-Cheau , Glen Robert , Chou Ming-Jen , Lee Ching-Yi 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem in Taiwan and the world. The most effective, affordable treatments involve early prevention/detection/intervention, requiring screening. Successfully implementing CKD programs requires good patient participation, affected by patient perceptions of screening service quality. Service quality improvements can help make such programs more successful. Thus, good tools for assessing service quality perceptions are important. Aim: to investigate using a modified SERVQUAL questionnaire in assessing patient expectations, perceptions, and loyalty towards kidney disease screening service quality.

Method
1595 kidney disease screening program patients in Taichung City were requested to complete and return a modified kidney disease screening SERVQUAL questionnaire. 1187 returned them. Incomplete ones (102) were culled and 1085 were chosen as effective for use. Paired t-tests, correlation tests, ANOVA, LSD test, and factor analysis identified the characteristics and factors of service quality. The paired t-test tested expectation score and perception score gaps. A structural equation modeling system examined satisfaction-based components' relationships.

Results
The effective response rate was 91.4%. Several methods verified validity. Cronbach's alpha on internal reliability was above 0.902. On patient satisfaction, expectation scores are high: 6.50 (0.82), but perception scores are significantly lower 6.14 (1.02). Older patients' perception scores are lower than younger patients'. Expectation and perception scores for patients with different types of jobs are significantly different. Patients higher on education have lower scores for expectation (r = -0.09) and perception (r = -0.26). Factor analysis identified three factors in the 22 item SERVQUAL form, which account for 80.8% of the total variance for the expectation scores and 86.9% of the total variance for the satisfaction scores. Expectation and perception score gaps in all 22 items are significant. The goodness-of-fit summary of the SEM results indicates that expectations and perceptions are positively correlated, perceptions and loyalty are positively correlated, but expectations and loyalty are not positively correlated.

Conclusions
The results of this research suggest that the SERVQUAL instrument is a useful measurement tool in assessing and monitoring service quality in kidney disease screening services, enabling the staff to identify where service improvements are needed from the patients' perspectives.
Gene cloning and characterization of a novel esterase from activated sludge metagenome
Authors: Zhang Tao , Han Wen-Jun , Liu Zhi-Pei 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A metagenomic library was prepared using pCC2FOS vector containing about 3.0 Gbp of community DNA from the microbial assemblage of activated sludge. Screening of a part of the un-amplified library resulted in the finding of 1 unique lipolytic clone capable of hydrolyzing tributyrin, in which an esterase gene was identified. This esterase/lipase gene consists of 834 bp and encodes a polypeptide (designated EstAS) of 277 amino acid residuals with a molecular mass of 31 kDa. Sequence analysis indicated that it showed 33% and 31% amino acid identity to esterase/lipase from Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM 2246 (ZP_02733109) and Yarrowia lipolytica CLIB122 (XP_504639), respectively; and several conserved regions were identified, including the putative active site, HSMGG, a catalytic triad (Ser92, His125 and Asp216) and a LHYFRG conserved motif. The EstAS was overexpressed, purified and shown to hydrolyse p-nitrophenyl (NP) esters of fatty acids with short chain lengths (≤ C8). This EstAS had optimal temperature and pH at 35°C and 9.0, respectively, by hydrolysis of p-NP hexanoate. It also exhibited the same level of stability over wide temperature and pH ranges and in the presence of metal ions or detergents. The high level of stability of esterase EstAS with its unique substrate specificities make itself highly useful for biotechnological applications.
Characterisation of carbon nanotubes in the context of toxicity studies
Authors: Berhanu Deborah , Dybowska Agnieszka , Misra Superb K , Stanley Chris J , Ruenraroengsak Pakatip , Boccaccini Aldo R , Tetley Teresa D , Luoma Samuel N , Plant Jane A , Valsami-Jones Eugenia 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionise our futures, but has also prompted concerns about the possibility that nanomaterials may harm humans or the biosphere. The unique properties of nanoparticles, that give them novel size dependent functionalities, may also have the potential to cause harm. Discrepancies in existing human health and environmental studies have shown the importance of good quality, well-characterized reference nanomaterials for toxicological studies.
Here we make a case for the importance of the detailed characterization of nanoparticles, using several methods, particularly to allow the recognition of impurities and the presence of chemically identical but structurally distinct phases. Methods to characterise fully, commercially available multi-wall carbon nanotubes at different scales, are presented.
Cellular adaptive immune response against porcine circovirus type 2 in subclinically infected pigs
Authors: Steiner Esther , Balmelli Carole , Gerber Heidi , Summerfield Artur , McCullough Kenneth 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a dominant causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), a multifactorial disease complex with putative immunosuppressive characteristics. Little is known about adaptive PCV2-specific immune responses in infected pigs. Therefore, the T and B cell responses following PCV2 infection in 3-week old SPF piglets infected with PCV2 or PCV2 plus porcine parvovirus (PPV) were studied.

Results
All animals were asymptomatically infected. At 7 days post infection (d p.i.), B lymphocyte and T lymphocyte numbers decreased in the dual infected, but not in the single infected piglets. At this time point a transient PCV2 viraemia was noted in the PCV2 infected groups. Antibodies against the infecting virus were detectable at day 24-28 p.i. for anti-PCV2 antibodies and at day 10 p.i. for anti-PPV antibodies, with no apparent influence of PCV2 on the early PPV antibody development. In the animals infected with PPV alone, IFN-γ secreting cells (SC) that were not specific for PCV2 were detected by ELISPOT assay at day 7 p.i. Interestingly, this response was absent in the PCV2/PPV dual infected animals. PCV2-specific IFN-γ SC were observed in the PCV2/PPV infected group at 7 d p.i. and in the PCV2 single infected group at 21 d p.i. A reduction in the numbers of IFN-γ SC was observed following anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibody treatment, suggesting roles for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the response against PCV2 infection. This was supported by an observed increase in the percentage of IFN-γ positive CD8hi cytotoxic T cells as well as IFN-γ positive CD8-/low helper T cells after PCV2 in vitro re-stimulation.

Conclusions
Infection of weaned SPF piglets with PCV2 alone or combined with PPV does not induce disease and in both cases a relatively slow anti-PCV2 antibody response and weak T lymphocyte responses were found. Knowledge on such immunological characteristics is important for both PCV2 pathogenesis and vaccination.
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by enoxaparin-induced spontaneous lumbar artery bleeding and treated by transcatheter arterial embolization: a case report
Authors: Sun Po-Lin , Lee Yu-Chang , Chiu Kuan-Chi 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Lumbar artery bleeding with retroperitoneal hematoma is an uncommon life-threatening complication secondary to enoxaparin use. We present a case of 73-year-old Chinese woman with acute retroperitoneal hemorrhage one month following hip surgery, due to enoxaparine. Enoxaparin induced hemorrhage caused by spontaneous rupture of lumbar artery was suspected and treated successfully by transcatheter arterial embolization.
Azacitidine Prolongs Overall Survival Compared With Conventional Care Regimens in Elderly Patients With Low Bone Marrow Blast Count Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Fenaux Pierre , Mufti Ghulam J. , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Santini Valeria , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich , Sanz Guillermo , List Alan F. , Gore Steven , Seymour John F. , Dombret Hervé , Backstrom Jay , Zimmerman Linda , McKenzie David , Beach C.L. , Silverman Lewis R. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose In a phase III randomized trial, azacitidine significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with conventional care regimens (CCRs) in patients with intermediate-2– and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Approximately one third of these patients were classified as having acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under current WHO criteria. This analysis compared the effects of azacitidine versus CCR on OS in this subgroup. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous azacitidine 75 mg/m2/d or CCR (best supportive care [BSC] only, low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), or intensive chemotherapy [IC]). Results Of the 113 elderly patients (median age, 70 years) randomly assigned to receive azacitidine (n = 55) or CCR (n = 58; 47% BSC, 34% LDAC, 19% IC), 86% were considered unfit for IC. At a median follow-up of 20.1 months, median OS for azacitidine-treated patients was 24.5 months compared with 16.0 months for CCR-treated patients (hazard ratio = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.79; P = .005), and 2-year OS rates were 50% and 16%, respectively (P = .001). Two-year OS rates were higher with azacitidine versus CCR in patients considered unfit for IC (P = .0003). Azacitidine was associated with fewer total days in hospital (P < .0001) than CCR. Conclusion In older adult patients with low marrow blast count (20% to 30%) WHO-defined AML, azacitidine significantly prolongs OS and significantly improves several patient morbidity measures compared with CCR.
Gag Proteins of Drosophila Telomeric Retrotransposons: Collaborative Targeting to Chromosome Ends
Authors: Fuller Adelaide M , Cook Elizabeth G , Kelley Kerry J , Pardue Mary-Lou 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
TAHRE, the least abundant of the three retrotransposons forming telomeres in Drosophila melanogaster, has high sequence similarity to the gag gene and untranslated regions of HeT-A, the most abundant telomere-specific retrotransposon. Despite TAHRE's apparent evolutionary relationship to HeT-A, we find TAHRE Gag cannot locate to telomere-associated “Het dots” unless collaborating with HeT-A Gag. TAHRE Gag is carried into nuclei by HeT-A or TART Gag, but both TART and TAHRE Gags need HeT-A Gag to localize to Het dots. When coexpressed with the appropriate fragment of HeT-A and/or TART Gags, TAHRE Gag multimerizes with either protein. HeT-A and TART Gags form homo- and heteromultimers using a region containing major homology region (MHR) and zinc knuckle (CCHC) motifs, separated by a pre_C2HC motif (motifs common to other retroelements). This region's sequence is strongly conserved among the three telomeric Gags, with precise spacing of conserved residues. Nontelomeric Gags neither interact with the telomeric Gags nor have this conserved spacing. TAHRE Gag is much less able to enter the nucleus by itself than HeT-A or TART Gags. The overall telomeric localization efficiency for each of the three telomeric Gag proteins correlates with the relative abundance of that element in telomere arrays, suggesting an explanation for the relative rarity of TAHRE elements in telomere arrays and supporting the hypothesis that Gag targeting to telomeres is important for the telomere-specific transposition of these elements.
Immediate Treatment Versus Sonographic Surveillance for Mild Hip Dysplasia in Newborns
Authors: Rosendahl Karen , Dezateux Carol , Fosse Kari Røine , Aase Hildegunn , Aukland Stein Magnus , Reigstad Hallvard , Alsaker Terje , Moster Dag , Lie Rolv Terje , Markestad Trond 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a blinded, randomized, controlled trial to examine whether mildly dysplastic but stable or instable hips would benefit from early treatment, as compared with watchful waiting.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128 newborns with mild hip dysplasia (sonographic inclination angle [α angle] of 43°–49°) and stable or instable but not dislocatable hips were randomly assigned to receive either 6 weeks of abduction treatment (immediate-treatment group) or follow-up alone (active-sonographic-surveillance group). The main outcome measurement was the acetabular inclination angle, measured by radiograph, at 1 year of age.RESULTS: Both groups included 64 newborns, and there was no loss to follow-up. With the exception of a small but statistically significant excess of girls in the active-sonographic-surveillance group, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The mean inclination angle at 12 months was 24.2° for both groups (difference: 0.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.8 to 0.9]), and all children had improved and were without treatment. The mean α angle was 59.7° in the treatment group and 57.1° in the active-surveillance group for a difference of 2.6° evaluated after 1.5 and 3 months (95% CI: 1.8 to 3.4; P &lt; .001). At 1.5 months of age, the hips had improved in all treated children but not in 5 children under active surveillance (P = .06). Among the sonographic-surveillance group, 47% received treatment after the initial surveillance period of 1.5 months.CONCLUSIONS: Active-sonographic-surveillance halved the number of children requiring treatment, did not increase the duration of treatment, and yielded similar results at 1-year follow-up. Given a reported prevalence of 1.3% for mildly dysplastic but stable hips, a strategy of active surveillance would reduce the overall treatment rate by 0.6%. Our results may have important implications for families as well as for health care costs.
Effects of Decentration of Photorefractive Keratectomy on the Induction of Higher Order Wavefront Aberrations
Authors: Lee Sang-Bumm , Hwang Bo-Sung , Lee Junyeop 
Published: December 2009

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of ablation decentration on the induction of higher order wavefront aberrations (HOAs) in active eye-tracker–assisted myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using the VISX STAR S4 laser with ActiveTrak (Abbott Medical Optics [AMO]).Methods:Ninety-four myopic eyes (53 patients) were divided into three groups according to ablation decentration (group 1, ≤0.15 mm, 20 eyes; group 2, >0.15 to ≤0.30 mm, 54 eyes; and group 3, >0.30 mm, 20 eyes). The distances of ablation centers from the centers of the entrance pupils were analyzed using corneal topography. Wavefront errors were measured preoperatively and at 6 months after PRK using a VISX WaveScan aberrometer (AMO). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of ablation decentration on PRK-induced HOAs.Results:The mean decentration was 0.23±0.10 mm (range: 0.04 to 0.52 7mm). The magnitude of all HOAs was significantly increased at 6 months postoperatively (P<.05). Increases in PRK-induced HOAs including total HOA, coma, and spherical aberration were significantly different among the three groups (P<.05). Statistically significant differences were noted between pairs of data in group 1 versus group 3 for total HOA (P=.015), coma (P=.038), and spherical aberration (P=.038), and group 2 versus group 3 for coma (P=.049).Conclusions:Ablation decentration >0.30 mm from the center of the entrance pupil was associated with greater induction of total HOA, coma, and spherical aberration after PRK, as compared with ablation decentration <0.15 mm. In addition, ablation decentration has a more significant influence on coma-inducing effects.
Branching Rules for Ramified Principal Series Representations of GL(3) over a p-adic Field
Authors: Campbell Peter S. , Nevins Monica 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe decompose the restriction of ramified principal series representations of the p-adic group GL(3, k) to its maximal compact subgroup K = GL(3, ℛ). Its decomposition is dependent on the degree of ramification of the inducing characters and can be characterized in terms of filtrations of the Iwahori subgroup in K. We establish several irreducibility results and illustrate the decomposition with some examples.
Some Applications of the Perturbation Determinant in Finite von Neumann Algebras
Authors: Makarov Konstantin A. , Skripka Anna 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn the finite von Neumann algebra setting, we introduce the concept of a perturbation determinant associated with a pair of self-adjoint elements H0 and H in the algebra and relate it to the concept of the de la Harpe-Skandalis homotopy invariant determinant associated with piecewise C1-paths of operators joining H0 and H. We obtain an analog of Krein's formula that relates the perturbation determinant and the spectral shift function and, based on this relation, we derive subsequently (i) the Birman-Solomyak formula for a general non-linear perturbation, (ii) a universality of a spectral averaging, and (iii) a generalization of the Dixmier-Fuglede-Kadison differentiation formula.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation by left subclavian access in the presence of a patent LIMA to LAD graft
Authors: De Marco Federico , Bruschi Giuseppe , Klugmann Silvio 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe present a case of successful implantation of the Corevalve aortic bioprosthesis via the left subclavian artery in a patient with a patent internal mammary graft to the left anterior descending artery. This unusual choice of access, in the presence of adequate caliber femoral arteries, was justified by the presence of mobile thrombi in the abdominal aorta. The risk of thrombus dislodgement and subsequent major cholesterol embolization was deemed higher than the risk of coronary ischemia due to the large caliber sheath required for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This case shows that presence of a LIMA to LAD graft is not an absolute contraindication for homolateral subclavian access and that the procedure is feasible and relatively safe provided that certain rules are followed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The characteristic‐based split (CBS) meshfree method for free surface flow problems in ALE formulation
Authors: Zhang Xiao Hua , Ouyang Jie , Zhang Lin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA semi‐implicit characteristic‐based split (CBS) meshfree algorithm in the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) framework is proposed for the numerical solution of incompressible free surface flow problem in the paper. The algorithm is the extension of general CBS method which was initially introduced in finite element framework, this is due to the fact that CBS method not only can enhance the stability, but also avoid LBB condition when equal order basis function is used to approximate velocity and pressure variables. Meanwhile, a simple way for node update and node speed calculation is developed which is used to capture the free surface exactly. The numerical solutions are compared with available analytical and numerical solutions, which shows that the proposed method has better ability to simulate the free surface incompressible flow problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing regulations for cross‐border M&As
Authors: Tokic Stijepko , Beyea Genevieve 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRegulators worldwide are eager to “harmonize” regulations in the wake of the current financial crisis. They want to reduce the differences between different countries' regulations. But what important changes will this trend produce? And how will that affect cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As)? © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is the M&A market back?
Authors: Sherman Andrew J. , Badillo Alejandro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMuch has been written about the slower pace of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the last few years. But in the third quarter of 2009, many potential deals were announced. Does this signal an end to the M&A slowdown? © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A financial thermometer for lean operations
Authors: Pryor Tom 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSynergy is a frequently used word that's not so easy to define. It's more than two or more people or ideas getting along; it's when some particular combination equals more than the sum of the parts—for example, when 1 + 1 = 3 ( or even more). This article describes how the principles of lean manufacturing on the one hand and time‐driven activity‐based costing on the other can combine to create synergy in organizations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total synthesis of (–)‐MY 336a from L‐tyrosine
Authors: Liao Xiang Wei , Dong Wen Fang , Liu Wei , Guan Bao He , Liu Zhan Zhu 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
magnified imageUsing L‐tyrosine as a chiral starting material, we developed an efficient synthetic route to (–)‐MY 336a. A key step in the sequence is a highly regio‐ and diastereoselective intermolecular Pictet‐Spengler cyclization reaction between amino alcohol and benzyloxyacetaldehyde. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A case–control study of risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection in North Jordan
Authors: Hayajneh Wail A. , Masaadeh Hani A. , Hayajneh Yaseen A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractJordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk factors for viral transmission and their relative contributions are not well known. A case–control study of 100 hepatitis B virus seropositive patients and another 100 seronegative controls was conducted. Univariate analysis and logistic regression model were performed to examine probable risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infections. Logistic‐regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infection were sharing toothbrushes (odds ratio = 10.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.181–87.509), unhygienic dental care (odds ratio = 2.455; 95% confidence interval, 1.294–4.658), and living abroad for at least 1 year (odds ratio = 20.018; 95% confidence interval, 2.268–176.685). The presence of these risk factors emphasizes the need for both increasing the use of hepatitis B vaccines and risk‐targeted public health education. Development and enforcement of appropriate infection control guidelines for dental care services are also necessary to curtail HBV transmission. Further research that controls for confounding factors is needed to assess the relative contribution of the identified risk factors in the Jordanian community. J. Med. Virol. 82:220–223, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.