bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving voiding efficiency in the diabetic rat by a 5‐HT1A serotonin receptor agonist
Authors: Gu Baojun , Wu Gang , Si Jieming , Xu Yuemin , Andersson Karl‐Erik 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAimsSerotonin affects micturition in the normal rat through actions not only on ascending and descending spinal pathways and supraspinal centers but also on the lumbosacral spinal cord level. The selective 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, 8‐OH‐DPAT((R)‐(+)‐8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino) tetralin), reversed detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) in the spinal cord injury (SCI) rat. Rats with experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) have been shown to have both bladder and urethral dysfunction during reflex voiding. We therefore examined the effects of 8‐OH‐DPAT on micturition in DM rats.MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats were used. DM was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) and a cystometric study was performed 8 weeks post‐injection. External urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS‐EMG) was also measured. The 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY‐100635(N‐tert‐butyl‐3‐(4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐piperazin‐1‐yl)‐2‐phenylpropanamide) was administered after each 8‐OH‐DPAT dose–response.ResultsCompared to controls, DM rats had a higher bladder capacity, residual volume, and a lower voiding efficiency. In DM rats, 8‐OH‐DPAT (3–1,000 µg/kg, i.v.) induced significant dose‐dependent increases in micturition volume, and decreases in residual volume, resulting in increases in voiding efficiency. During the micturition, there was a dose‐dependent increased phasic EUS activity correlated with the improved voiding efficiency. WAY‐100635 (300 µg/kg, i.v.) reversed the 8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced changes.ConclusionsBoth the bladder voiding efficiency and the periodic EUS activity were decreased in DM rats. 5‐HT1A receptor agonism promoted periodic EUS activity, thereby improving voiding efficiency. Whether or not these results may have implications for the future treatment of voiding dysfunction in DM patients remains to be studied. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:168–173, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A prospective study to determine the costs incurred by families of children newly diagnosed with cancer in Ontario
Authors: Tsimicalis Argerie , Stevens Bonnie , Ungar Wendy J. , McKeever Patricia , Greenberg Mark , Agha Mohammad , Guerriere Denise , Barr Ronald , Naqvi Ahmed , Moineddin Rahim 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectivesA diagnosis of cancer in childhood places a considerable economic burden on families, although costs are not well described. The objectives of this study were to identify and determine independent predictors of the direct and time costs incurred by such families.MethodsA prospective, cost‐of‐illness study was conducted in families of children newly diagnosed with cancer. Parents recorded the resources consumed and costs incurred during 1 week per month for three consecutive months beginning the fourth week following diagnosis and listed any additional costs incurred since then. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were performed to describe families' costs (expressed in 2007 Canadian dollars) and to determine direct and time cost predictors.ResultsIn total, 28 fathers and 71 mothers participated. The median total direct and time costs in 3 months were $CAD3503 and $CAD23 130, respectively, per family. The largest component of direct costs was travel and of time costs was time allocated previously for unpaid activities. There were no statistically significant predictors of direct costs. Six per cent of the variance for time costs was explained by language spoken at home.ConclusionsFamilies of children with cancer are confronted with a wide range of direct and time costs, the largest being travel and time allocated previously for unpaid activities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiol‐exchange in DTSSP crosslinked peptides is proportional to cysteine content and precisely controlled in crosslink detection by two‐step LC‐MALDI MSMS
Authors: Lambert Wietske , Söderberg Christopher A. G. , Rutsdottir Gudrun , Boelens Wilbert C. , Emanuelsson Cecilia 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe lysine‐specific crosslinker 3,3′‐dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidylpropionate) (DTSSP) is commonly used in the structural characterization of proteins by chemical crosslinking and mass spectrometry and we here describe an efficient two‐step LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF procedure to detect crosslinked peptides. First MS data are acquired, and the properties of isotope‐labeled DTSSP are used in data analysis to identify candidate crosslinks. MSMS data are then acquired for a restricted number of precursor ions per spot for final crosslink identification. We show that the thiol‐catalyzed exchange between crosslinked peptides, which is due to the disulfide bond in DTSSP and known to possibly obscure data, can be precisely quantified using isotope‐labeled DTSSP. Crosslinked peptides are recognized as 8 Da doublet peaks and a new isotopic peak with twice the intensity appears in the middle of the doublet as a consequence of the thiol‐exchange. False‐positive crosslinks, formed exclusively by thiol‐exchange, yield a 1:2:1 isotope pattern, whereas true crosslinks, formed by two lysine residues within crosslinkable distance in the native protein structure, yield a 1:0:1 isotope pattern. Peaks with a 1:X:1 isotope pattern, where 0 < X < 2, can be trusted as true crosslinks, with a defined proportion of the signal [2X/(2 + X)] being noise from the thiol‐exchange. The thiol‐exchange was correlated with the protein cysteine content and was minimized by shortening the trypsin incubation time, and for two molecular chaperone proteins with known structure all crosslinks fitted well to the structure data. The thiol‐exchange can thus be controlled and isotope‐labeled DTSSP safely used to detect true crosslinks between lysine residues in proteins.
Towards animating ray‐traced volume visualization
Authors: Foley Thomas A. , Lane David A. , Nielson Gregory M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRay‐tracing volumetric data may take several minutes to compute a single image from a fixed viewpoint. We present techniques that generate approximate ray‐traced volumetric images in less than one second per image, after a lengthy initialization process is performed. These approximate images are based on methods that interpolate data sampled at locations on a sphere.
The menv modelling and animation environment
Authors: Reeves William T. , Ostby Eben F. , Leffler Samuel J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper describes Menv, an environment for the development of interactive three‐dimensional modelling and animation systems. Menv supports both interactive and procedural techniques. Systems built upon Menv are implemented as a set of independent, co‐operating tools operating upon a shared workspace. Models are defined in a high‐level procedural language with calls to graphical primitives. Animation data is bound to the model through the use of time‐varying articulated variables.
Faith healing in paediatrics: what do we know about its relevance to clinical practice?
Authors: Baverstock A. , Finlay F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThere is widespread use of complementary or alternative medicine among adults and children. Families may use faith healing alongside conventional medicine or as an alternative. In their clinical practice, professionals should be aware of this and need to consider asking patients and their families about complementary or alternative medicine use, including faith healing.
Immunoglobulin‐E‐binding epitopes of wheat allergens in patients with food allergy to wheat and in mice experimentally sensitized to wheat proteins
Authors: Denery‐Papini S. , Bodinier M. , Pineau F. , Triballeau S. , Tranquet O. , Adel‐Patient K. , Moneret‐Vautrin D.A. , Bakan B. , Marion D. , Mothes T. , Mameri H. , Kasarda D. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
Background At present, B cell epitopes involved in food allergy to wheat are known only for a few allergens and a few categories of patients.
Objective To characterize the epitopes of different wheat kernel allergens: α‐, γ, ω2, and ω5‐gliadin, a low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) glutenin subunit, and a lipid transfer protein (LTP1) recognized by allergic patients and by sensitized mice and provide further understanding of the role of structure in determining allergic response.
Methods Sera were obtained from 39 patients suffering from food allergy to wheat. BALB/c mice were sensitized to gliadins or LTP1 by intraperitoneal immunizations. Continuous epitopes bound by IgE were delineated by the Pepscan technique. The response to reduced, alkylated LTP1 was compared with that of the native form to evaluate the importance of protein folding on IgE reactivity.
Results Few continuous epitopes of LTP1 reacted with IgE from allergic patients and mice, but one of them was common to several patients and sensitized mice. The unfolded protein was not recognized by either patient or mouse IgE, emphasizing the major role of LTP1 folding and discontinuous epitopes in IgE‐binding. In contrast, many continuous epitopes were detected by patient and mouse IgE especially for an ω5‐gliadin, which is an unstructured protein, and to a lesser extent, for the other gliadins and a LMW‐glutenin subunit.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance The conformation of LTP1 appeared to have a strong impact on the type of IgE‐binding epitopes elicited by this protein in both man and mouse. The responses in mice sensitized to gliadins or LTP1 were sufficiently comparable with the human response in terms of IgE‐binding epitopes to provide support for the use of the mouse model in further investigations.
Cite this as: S. Denery‐Papini, M. Bodinier, F. Pineau, S. Triballeau, O. Tranquet, K. Adel‐Patient, D.A. Moneret‐Vautrin, B. Bakan, D. Marion, T. Mothes, H. Mameri and D. Kasarda, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1478–1492.
Transformational leadership: effect on the job satisfaction of Registered Nurses in a hospital in China
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Chontawan Ratanawadee , Nantsupawat Raymoul 
Published: July 2011

wang x., chontawan r. & nantsupawat r. (2012) Transformational leadership: effect on the job satisfaction of Registered Nurses in a hospital in China.Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 444–451.AbstractAim. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction among clinical Registered Nurses at a tertiary care hospital in China.Background. The healthcare system is changing rapidly. Research in Western countries has shown that transformational leadership affects job satisfaction. However, very little research related to this subject has been conducted in healthcare settings in China.Methods. The sample consisted of 238 nurses who work at a tertiary care hospital in China. Data were collected from April to August 2006. Research instruments included a demographic data form, a Leadership Practice Inventory and a Job Satisfaction Scale for clinical registered nurses.Findings. Both the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction among clinical Registered Nurses were at a moderate level. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction (r = 0·556,P < 0·001).Conclusion. The findings indicate that the transformational leadership of nurse managers could have an effect on the job satisfaction of clinical Registered Nurses.
Connectedness in the context of patient–provider relationships: a concept analysis
Authors: Phillips‐Salimi Celeste R. , Haase Joan E. , Kooken Wendy Carter 
Published: July 2011

PHILLIPS‐SALIMI c.r., haase j.e. & kooken w.c. (2012) Connectedness in the context of patient–provider relationships: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 230–245.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of connectedness.Background.  Previous attempts to conceptualize patient–provider relationships were limited in explaining how such relationships are fostered and maintained, and how they influence patient outcomes. Connectedness is a concept that may provide insights into the advantages of patient–provider relationships; however, the usefulness of this concept in health care is limited by its conceptual ambiguity. Although connectedness is widely used to describe other social relationships, little consistency exists among its definitions and measures.Data sources.  Sources identified through CINAHL, OVID, PubMed and PsychINFO databases and references lists of selected articles between 1983 and 2010.Review methods.  A hybrid concept analysis approach was used, involving a combination of traditional concept analysis strategies that included: describing historical conceptualizations, identifying attributes, critiquing existing definitions, examining boundaries and identifying antecedents and consequences.Results.  Using five distinct historical perspectives, seven attributes of connectedness were identified: intimacy, sense of belonging, caring, empathy, respect, trust and reciprocity. A broad definition of connectedness, which can be used in the context of patient–provider relationships, was developed. A preliminary theoretical framework of connectedness was derived from the identified antecedents, attributes and consequences.Conclusion.  Research efforts to advance the concept of connectedness in patient–provider relationships have been hampered by a lack of conceptual clarity. This concept analysis offers a clearer understanding of connectedness, provides recommendations for future research and suggests practice implications.
Feasibility of a closed‐system cell processor (ACP215) for automated preparation of washed platelet concentrates
Authors: Oikawa S. , Sasaki D. , Kikuchi M. , Sawamura Y. , Itoh T. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives  This study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility of the ACP215 closed‐system cell processor for preparing washed platelet concentrates.Material and Methods  Platelet washing was performed with either the ACP215 system or the manual technique with M‐sol. Plasma protein removal and platelet recovery were estimated, and the washed platelet concentrates were stored for 5 days. Samples were collected after washing and on days 1, 3 and 5 of storage to determine the effects of the washing methods on the in vitro platelet qualities (platelet count, platelet volume, pH, glucose and lactate concentrations, hypotonic shock response, aggregation response and CD62P expression level).Results  Platelet recovery was 86·9 ± 2·1% and 85·9 ± 1·9% (P = 0·305), and plasma protein removal was 95·8 ± 0·9% and 96·9 ± 0·7% (P = 0·016) after washing with the ACP215 system and manual technique, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the in vitro platelet qualities were observed between the washing methods.Conclusion  The ACP215 system is a feasible alternative to manual, labour‐intensive, techniques for preparing washed platelet concentrates.
The sensitivity of fluorescent‐light cystoscopy for the detection of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder: a meta‐analysis with comments on gold standard
Authors: Isfoss Björn L. 
Published: July 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Fluorescent‐light cystoscopy has a high sensitivity, relative to that of white light cystoscopy, for carcinoma in situ of the bladder. However, this systematic review reveals that the absolute sensitivity is unknown due to the absence of proper gold standard which is microscopic examination of whole bladders.
A literature search was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed study reports on the sensitivity of fluorescent‐light cystoscopy (FLC) for the detection of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder.
Data from 16 original studies comprising 1503 patients were pooled.
The claimed sensitivity of FLC for detecting patients with CIS using the most commonly reported intravesical agents 5‐aminolevulinic acid or hexaminolevulinic acid was 92.4%, while that of white‐light cystoscopy (WLC) was 60.5%. The two agents did not differ significantly for sensitivity.
It must be pointed out that a ‘gold standard’ is lacking in FLC studies.
The occurrence of CIS of the bladder can only be established by the pathological examination of whole bladders. The true sensitivities of various modes of cystoscopy for detecting CIS can be revealed if patients scheduled for cystectomy are first examined with WLC, FLC, and optionally random biopsies.
The absolute sensitivity of FLC for detecting CIS of the bladder is not yet known.
Informal Employment and the Role of Regional Governance
Authors: Jonasson Erik 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to provide an explanation to why the degree of informal employment may vary substantially between different regions within a country. In Brazil, 45% of workers in the urban labor force are employed informally. The degree of informal employment, however, varies substantially across regions, with some cities having 20% and others having 80% or more of their labor force in the informal sector. The hypothesis assessed here is that the quality of local governance—or government effectiveness—affects the decisions of workers and businesses as to whether to participate in the formal or the informal sector. The empirical analysis, based on data from 5500 Brazilian municipalities, shows that informal employment is lower in regions with better governance, higher average education, and with a relatively large manufacturing sector. Endogeneity concerns are addressed as part of a series of robustness checks of the results.
Exploring the Links Between Corruption and Growth
Authors: Hodge Andrew , Shankar Sriram , Rao D. S. Prasada , Duhs Alan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper models the transmission channels through which corruption indirectly affects growth. Results suggest that corruption hinders growth through its adverse effects on investment, human capital, and political instability, while fostering growth by reducing government consumption and, less robustly, increasing trade openness. Overall, a total negative effect of corruption on growth is estimated from these channels. These effects are found to be robust to modifications in model specification, sample coverage, and estimation techniques as well as tests for model exhaustiveness. The negative effect of corruption on growth is found to diminish in economies with low governance levels or a high degree of regulation. No one‐size‐fits‐all policy response appears supportable.
Management of the airway without the use of neuromuscular blocking agents: the use of remifentanil
Authors: Fotopoulou Georgia , Theocharis Stamatios , Vasileiou Ioanna , Kouskouni Evangelia , Xanthos Theodoros 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRemifentanil belongs to opioid drugs, and its pharmacokinetic characteristics make it unique in this class of drugs and appropriate for use during intubation without neuromuscular blockage. This up‐to‐date review aims to summarize the findings of recent studies regarding remifentanil and intubation. Remifentanil combined either with propofol or with inhaled anesthetic agents has been proved to provide acceptable intubating conditions. Regarding children patients, remifentanil can be used safely, and as far as intubating conditions are concerned, its effectiveness is as excellent as with neuromuscular blockage. Strong evidence exists that illuminates the usefulness of the drug in cases of difficult airway as well as in neuromuscular diseases. Beyond all these favorable characteristics, anesthesiologists must be conscious with the use of remifentanil.
Strategic voting and effective representation thresholds: Evidence from three Spanish general elections
Authors: VIÑUELA ENRIQUE GARCÍA , ARTÉS JOAQUÍN 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe extent of strategic voting in the Spanish general elections of 2000, 2004 and 2008 is estimated using a new measure of strategic incentives suitable for proportional representation systems that avoids some of the problems associated with lagged variables. Strategic behaviour increased from 12 to 33 per cent of the electoral base of the United Left Party, the major victim of strategic defection. This estimate is a conservative one as elite mobilisation is controlled for in the constituencies, which is unusual in the literature on strategic voting that uses regression‐based methods.
Estimation of the Elevational Distance between Image Planes by Analysis of Ultrasonic Echoes from Point Scatterers
Authors: Suzuki Atsuhiro , Hasegawa Hideyuki , Kanai Hiroshi 
Published: July 2011

There are two approaches to three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction using a 1D array ultrasonic transducer: mechanical linear scanning and free-hand scanning. Mechanical scanning employs a motorized mechanism to translate the transducer linearly. However, the large size and weight of the scanning system sometimes make it inconvenient to use. In free-hand scanning, a sensor (e.g., electromagnetic or optical) is attached to the ultrasonic transducer to measure the position and orientation of the transducer. These techniques are sensitive to the usage environment. Recently, sensorless free-hand scanning techniques have been developed. Seabra et al. reported sensorless free-hand techniques for the carotid artery by monitoring the velocity of the ultrasound probe [J. C. R. Seabra, L. M. Pedro, and J. F. Ferandes: IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. 56 (2009) 1442]. This system achieved an accuracy of 2.5 mm [root mean square (RMS) error] of the location. To develop accurate sensorless measurement, we propose a novel method using the phase shift between ultrasonic RF echoes. In this study, we measured the transmit-receive directivity of a linear-array transducer using a silicone phantom and estimated the elevational distance between two 2D US images using the phase shift. An accuracy of 49.9 µm in RMS, which is less than that of the previous sensorless free-hand method, could be achieved by the proposed method.
A Bayesian Approach to Predictor Selection for Seasonal Streamflow Forecasting
Authors: Robertson David E. , Wang Q. J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractStatistical methods commonly used for forecasting climate and streamflows require the selection of appropriate predictors. Poorly designed predictor selection procedures can result in poor forecasts for independent events. This paper introduces a predictor selection method for the Bayesian joint probability modeling approach to seasonal streamflow forecasting at multiple sites. The method compares forecasting models using a pseudo-Bayes factor (PsBF). A stepwise expansion of a base model is carried out by including the candidate predictor with the highest PsBF that exceeds a selection threshold. Predictors representing the initial catchment conditions are selected on their ability to forecast streamflows and predictors representing future climate influences are selected on their ability to forecast rainfall. The final forecasting model combines selected predictors representing both initial catchment conditions and future climate influences to jointly forecast seasonal streamflows and rainfall. Applications of the predictor selection method to two catchments in eastern Australia show that the best predictors representing initial catchment conditions and future climate influences vary with location and forecast date. Antecedent streamflows are the best indicator of the initial catchment conditions. Predictors representing future climate influences are only selected for forecasts made between July and January. Indicators of El Niño dominate the selected predictors representing future climate influences. The skill of streamflow forecasts varies considerably between locations and throughout the year. Skill scores for the perennial streams of the Goulburn River catchment exceed 40% for several seasons, while for the intermittent streams in the Burdekin River catchment, the skill scores are lower.