bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The welfare implications of Brazil's coffee export price subsidies during the ICA
Authors: Jarvis Lovell S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo increase coffee export revenues during the International Coffee Agreement, Brazil provided selected purchasers with export rebates that could be used to pay for future coffee purchases. This subsidy mutated and grew over time, encouraged by rent seeking. The subsidy had huge cost to the Brazilian Treasury, $9.8 billion in constant 1982 US dollars, or about 13% of coffee export revenues. As exports were usually quota‐constrained, the subsidy increased Brazil's international coffee price, particularly during 1980–1986, absolutely and relative to its competitors’ prices. The unexpected variation in Brazil's price also caused the New York Coffee, Sugar, and Cocoa Exchange to terminate trading in Brazilian coffee futures, making it more costly to hedge Brazilian coffee until today. The econometric evidence is mixed, but it seems likely the subsidy reduced Brazil's net economic welfare and redistributed income from the Treasury to foreign roasters, domestic exporters, and government bureaucrats.
Studying composite demand using scanner data: the case of ground beef in the US
Authors: Schulz Lee L. , Schroeder Ted C. , Xia Tian 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article reports tests of aggregation over elementary ground beef products and estimates composite demand elasticities. Results suggest that we obtain reliable information on consumers’ actual ground beef purchases by grouping data according to either lean percentage or brand type. The results also suggest that we obtain reliable information by using the data to form a single ground beef composite. By testing for valid aggregates and providing estimates of composite demand elasticities the analysis provides economists and policymakers with information regarding the effects of food and agricultural policies on consumers and producers that buy and produce ground beef.
Reoccurrence of retained placenta at vaginal delivery: an observational study
Authors: NIKOLAJSEN SYS , LØKKEGAARD ELLEN CHRISTINE LETH , BERGHOLT THOMAS 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective. To estimate the prevalence and validate the diagnosis of retained placenta in nulliparous women and the risk of reoccurrence at subsequent vaginal delivery. Design. Nested cohort study. Setting. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, university‐affiliated teaching hospital. Population. 10 334 nulliparous singleton pregnancies who delivered vaginally at the hospital during 2000–2009. Methods. Data from a computerized database information system were used to identify 287 women who had an ICD‐10 diagnosis of retained placenta and 572 randomly selected controls matched by the date of first delivery. At chart review the diagnosis was confirmed by: (1) excessive bleeding <30 minutes after delivery without placental separation, (2) placenta not separated 30 minutes after delivery or (3) confirmation of retained placental tissue >2 hours postpartum. Main outcome measures. Confirmation of the diagnosis and prevalence of retained placenta. Risk of reoccurrence in a subsequent vaginal delivery. Results. The prevalence of retained placenta increased from 2.8 to 7.0% after confirmation according to the set criteria. Of the selected women, 48.4% had a subsequent vaginal delivery. Of these women, 25.3% (23/91) with a previous retained placenta and 5.3% (11/206) without previously retained placenta, experienced retained placenta in subsequent delivery. This corresponds to an adjusted odds ratio of 5.5 (95% confidence interval 2.6–12.7) in the multivariate analysis for recurrence of retained placenta in a subsequent vaginal delivery. Conclusions. The use of the ICD‐10 diagnosis of retained placenta underestimated the prevalence. The risk of reoccurrence of retained placenta is significantly increased in a subsequent vaginal delivery.
Follow‐up of gynecological cancer patients after treatment – the views of European experts in gynecologic oncology
Authors: VISTAD INGVILD , CVANCAROVA MILADA , SALVESEN HELGA B. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective. Follow‐up after treatment for gynecological cancer demands large resources. There is a lack of evidence of efficacy. The aim of this survey was to explore follow‐up routines and views on follow‐up care among European experts in gynecological oncology. Design. Web‐based structured survey. Setting. Survey distributed to members of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) and the Nordic Society of Gynecologic Oncology (NSGO). Population. The study population comprised members of NSGO and ESGO. Methods. An anonymous e‐survey was sent with two additional reminders by e‐mail through an electronic web‐link to all members of both societies. Main outcome measures. Surveillance routines. The clinical experts’ evaluation of evidence and view of follow‐up in hospitals vs. at general practitioners (GPs). Results. The number of visits recommended by a majority of the responders was in line with current guidelines. The use of surveillance tests varied considerably. Significantly more responders from low economy countries preferred conventional hospital follow‐up for all patients compared with responders from high economy countries, who considered follow‐up by GPs adequate in low‐risk groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Follow‐up routines after gynecological cancer vary in Europe. According to the majority of the responders of this survey targeting European experts in gynecological oncology, follow‐up by GPs may be an option for low‐risk patients. New follow‐up routines should preferentially be based on prospective trials comparing conventional follow‐up of gynecological cancer patients with alternative methods of care, assessing survival, detection of recurrence, and quality of life.
Long‐term results of implant‐supported over‐dentures retained by double crowns: a practice‐based retrospective study after minimally 10 years follow‐up
Authors: Frisch Eberhard , Ziebolz Dirk , Rinke Sven 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundDifferent concepts regarding the number of implants and attachment systems for the preparation of implant‐supported over‐dentures (IODs) have been discussed. Nonetheless, long‐term results for double‐crown‐retainedIODs with an observational period of more than 10 years are still rare in the literature.ObjectiveThe aim of this practice‐based study was to retrospectively evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome (success/survival rates, technical/biological complications) ofIODs retained by double crowns.Material and methodsIn a private practice, 36 non‐smoking edentulous patients were restored between 1991 and 2002 with double‐crown‐retainedIODs supported by 2–6 implants. For the retrospective evaluation of implant and prosthetic survival (in‐situcriterion) and success (event‐free observational period), only those patients were included who regularly (at least once a year) participated in a professional maintenance programme and who had a functional period for the restoration of more than 10 years.ResultsTwenty‐two patients (12 Women/10 men, mean age 60.1 ± 9.8 years) with 89 implants supporting nine maxillary and 13 mandibulary dentures (mean number of implants/prosthesis = 4) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow‐up period was 14.1 ± 2.8 years. One implant failed after 4.9 years (cumulative‐survival rate: 98.9%). Seven implants in two patients showed peri‐implantitis (prevalence: patient‐based = 9.1%/implant‐based = 8%). Five dentures were renewed (prosthetic‐survival rate 77.3% Maintenance procedures (i.e. screw loosening or acrylic fractures) were required at a rate of 0.31/year and patient.ConclusionThis study indicates thatIODs retained with double crowns offer predictable long‐term performance with a limited incidence of biological and technical complications.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of cow’s milk protein allergy and gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Gottrand Frederic , Veereman‐Wauters Gigi , De Greef Elisabeth , Devreker Thierry , Hauser Bruno , Benninga Marc , Heymans Hugo SA. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) may cause gastrointestinal motility disorders. Symptoms of both conditions overlap and diagnostic tests do not reliably differentiate between both. A decrease of symptoms with an extensive hydrolysate and relapse during challenge is not a proof of allergy, because hydrolysates enhance gastric emptying, a pathophysiologic mechanism of gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER). Thickened formula reduces regurgitation, and failure to do so suggests CMPA. A thickened extensive hydrolysate may induce more rapid improvement, but does not always differentiate between CMPA and GER. Different hypotheses are discussed: is the overlap between CMPA and functional disorders coincidence, or do both entities present with identical symptoms, or does the fact that symptoms are identical indicates that there is only one entity involved? Studies on the prevention of CMPA focused on ‘at‐risk families’, and resulted in a decrease of CMPA and atopic dermatitis, but did not provide data on the incidence of GER.Conclusion:  As long as there are no objective diagnostic tools to separate GER from CMPA, the physician has two options: first treat the most likely diagnosis, and switch if after 2–4 weeks there is no improvement, or treat both conditions with one intervention, what will not result in a diagnosis.
Temporal changes in forest plant communities at different site types
Authors: Verstraeten Gorik , Baeten Lander , Van den Broeck Tine , De Frenne Pieter , Demey Andreas , Tack Wesley , Muys Bart , Verheyen Kris 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsGiven the significance of the herbaceous understorey layer for temperate forest ecosystem biodiversity and functioning, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its dynamics in response to environmental change. However, site‐specific factors such as soil type may cause differential temporal herb layer changes within a single study area under comparable external pressure. Surprisingly, relatively few studies have examined herb layer changes on different site types within the same forest complex. The aim of this study is to determine the temporal differences in herb vegetation and to compare these for two differing site types in the same forest complex.LocationAncient broad‐leaved woodlands traditionally managed as coppice with standards in South Belgium, an area with secondary deposits and a mild temperate climate.MethodsIn 2008 we re‐inventoried 43 vegetation recordings from 1953 to 1954 in forests on two site types (acid and neutral forests). First, we described differences in soil pH, litter and overstorey characteristics between the sites. Next, multivariate analysis, Ellenberg indicator value and CSR signature were used to determine differences in herb layer diversity and composition between both the two survey times and the two site types. Finally, we analysed temporal differences in individual species abundances and frequencies.ResultsThe two site types clearly differed with respect to soil, litter and overstorey characteristics. Temporal changes between the surveys were mostly highly significant on the neutral sites and mostly not significant on the acid sites. On both site types, the species pool size declined. On the neutral site, the mean plot species richness also declined. Based on the plant‐derived characteristics (Ellenberg indicator values) of the plots, light availability decreased and nitrogen availability significantly increased on the neutral sites.ConclusionInput of eutrophying deposits and management changes are seen as key drivers of herb layer changes in the study area over the last half‐century. However, our study suggests that site characteristics such as parent material and soil pH should also be considered. Together with the key drivers, incorporating differences in site characteristics may improve our understanding of temporal shifts in herb layer vegetation in response to environmental change.
Colonization of limestone grasslands by woody plants: the role of seed limitation and herbivory by vertebrates
Authors: Laborde J. , Thompson K. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhy are some woody species able to colonize open grassland while others are not? How important are seed limitation and grazing by vertebrates for the colonization of grasslands by woody species? What are the effects of the grassland turf on seedling emergence, growth and survival? How frequently are seedlings killed by grazers, and how different are woody species in their resistance to herbivory?LocationLimestone grassland of Cressbrook Dale, Derbyshire, in the Peak District National Park, UKMethodsThe emergence, growth and survival of the seedlings of eight scrub species were evaluated using sheep exclosures and paired open plots in the grassland. The grassland turf was clipped in half the area of each plot, to determine the effect on seedling establishment. Seeds of the selected species were sown in the field during autumn 2001 and followed through spring 2004.ResultsDense grassland turf reduces the germination of some woody species and also slows growth of all seedlings. Seeds germinate better in short turf and, having germinated, the most important factor for seedling survival is resistance to browsing, which varies widely among species. The two most successful colonizers – Corylus avellana and Crataegus monogyna – have different routes to establishment. Corylus has very successful seed dispersal and is moderately resistant to herbivory. Crataegus is less successful in dispersal but its seedlings are very resistant to browsing. Other species, such as Prunus spinosa, are as resistant to browsing as Crataegus, but are limited by seed availability.ConclusionsGrazing by vertebrates exerts a dual control on scrub invasion. Livestock maintains a dense, compact turf that interferes with the seed germination and seedling growth of woody plants. Grazing also gives rise to differential survival of woody species as a function of their ability to resist browsing. The density and composition of the heterogeneous patchwork of developing scrub vary continually in accordance with the differential success of species in seed dispersal into the open grassland and the mortality of woody seedlings caused by the temporal and spatial variability of grazing.
Concept analysis of reflection in nursing professional development
Authors: Tashiro Junko , Shimpuku Yoko , Naruse Kazuko , Maftuhah  , Matsutani Miwako 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this concept analysis was to describe attributes, antecedents, and consequences of reflection in nursing professional development, as well as surrogate terms and a model case to inform nursing educators, students, and nurses about developing reflective skills.Methods:  Rodgers' evolutionary cycle for concept analysis was used. The published work search was conducted using five databases: Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Ichushi, and British Nursing Index. The inclusion criteria were: (i) academic articles; (ii) written in English or Japanese; and (iii) including descriptions about reflection. From the pool of extant published work, 50 articles were selected for the thematic analysis.Results:  For the concept of reflection in nursing professional development, four antecedents were identified: (i) theory and practice gap; (ii) expansion of the role and competency in nursing; (iii) educational and learning needs; and (iv) educational responsibility. The major attribute was the process of learning from experience, and the circular process included emotional reaction, description, internal examination, critical analysis, evaluation, and planning new action. The consequences were transforming new perspective, enhanced communication, professional development, and quality of care.Conclusion:  Reflection is used as a method or tool that connects knowledge and experiences. Through the process of reflection, students/nurses become aware of themselves, which helps them review and improve clinical skills. They also become more able to communicate with patients and colleagues. Reflection enhances self‐directed learning and professional maturity. Nurses who use reflection can be better positioned to provide excellent patient care.
Identification of mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium spp. isolated from corn and the changes in concentration of fumonisin during the cultivation period
Authors: Uegaki Ryuichi , Kobayashi Hisami , Tohno Masanori , Tsukiboshi Takao 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe estimated the prevalence of mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium fungi and the levels of fumonisin in corn (maize; Zea mays L.) grown and harvested in Tochigi, Japan, in 2009. Fusarium fujikuroi was the species most frequently isolated from ear samples collected after the yellow‐ripe stage, and these isolates produced fumonisin in incubation tests on corn grain medium. Other Fusarium species were also isolated. The concentration of fumonisin in corn grown in the field increased abruptly after the dough‐ripe stage and kept increasing until the full‐ripe stage. The mean concentrations of fumonisin B1 and B2 each exceeded 2000 μg kg–1 fresh matter at the full‐ripe stage, and almost all of the fumonisin was found in ears. Fungi capable of producing fumonisin were consistently isolated from ears sampled after the dough‐ripe stage; we conclude that these fungi produced fumonisin in ears. Although fumonisin‐producing fungi were isolated also from stems and leaves after the dough‐ripe stage, concentrations of fumonisin in these tissues were very low and did not increase over time. It appears that fumonisin‐producing fungi such as F. fujikuroi, F. incarnatum and F. verticillioides were present in the plants from the dough‐ripe stage to full‐ripe stage and the conditions for fumonisin production became more favorable in ears as the plants matured.
Establishment of a Blood Purification System for Renal Failure Rats Using Small‐Size Dialyzer Membranes
Authors: Yorimitsu Daisuke , Satoh Minoru , Koremoto Masahide , Haruna Yoshisuke , Nagasu Hajime , Kuwabara Atsunori , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHemodialysis techniques for small animals have not been established because no small dialysis apparatus has been available. We recently developed a small‐size dialyzer and established an appropriate blood purification system for small animals. To confirm the appropriate dialysate flow rate, bovine blood was dialyzed for 60 min at a fixed blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and variable dialysate flow rates. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels decreased significantly at a dialysate flow rate of 5 mL/min (from 13.7 ± 0.2 to 10.3 ± 1.2 mg/dL and 1.07 ± 0.15 to 0.61 ± 0.12 mg/dL, respectively, P < 0.05). To determine the appropriate in vivo conditions, extracorporeal circulation was performed in anesthetized male Sprague‐Dawley rats at a dialysate flow rate of 0.0 mL/min, for 240 min, and at variable blood flow rates. Extracorporeal circulation was successful at a blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, but not 1.5 mL/min. To establish in vivo hemodialysis conditions, we used the animal model of end stage renal failure. Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a 0.75% adenine‐containing diet for 3 weeks, after which they received hemodialysis for 120 min at a dialysate and blood flow rate of 5.0 and 1.0 mL/min, respectively. There were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure or heart rate during dialysis. Thus, this blood purification system can be safely used for small animals at a dialysate flow rate of 5.0 mL/min and a blood flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. This system provides a basis for further research on hemodialysis therapy.
Survey of Depression by Beck Depression Inventory in Uremic Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Su Shu‐Fen , Ng Hwee‐Yeong , Huang Tiao‐Lai , Chi Po‐Jui , Lee Yueh‐Ting , Lai Chun‐Ren , Lin Yau‐Hsing , Huang Pei‐Chen , Lee Chien‐Te 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHigh prevalence of depression has been reported in patients with end stage kidney disease and depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression in patients receiving standard hemodialysis (SHD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF) and compare the associated factors between these treatment modalities. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to survey for major depressive symptoms. Demographic and biochemical data were reviewed and collected. Point prevalence of depression in HDF patients was significantly lower than SHD patients (23.9% vs. 43.1%, P < 0.05). The BDI score was also higher in SHD than HDF group (13.2 ± 11.6 vs. 8.7 ± 11.2, P < 0.05). SHD patients with major depressive symptoms had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, sodium and hand grip strength but had higher prevalence of diabetes and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels. In HDF patients, phosphorus level was significantly lower in patients with major depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that hs‐CRP, serum sodium and hand grip strength were significantly associated with major depressive symptoms in patients treated with SHD; while serum phosphorus was identified in HDF groups. We concluded that prevalence of depression was high in dialysis patients. Patients receiving HDF had a lower mean BDI score and a nearly 50% lower prevalence rate of major depressive symptoms than that of SHD. Factors associated with depression were different between two modalities
GUIDING THE SWITCH FROM TRIANGLE TESTING TO TETRAD TESTING
Authors: ENNIS JOHN M. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTTetrad testing is theoretically more powerful than Triangle testing, yet the addition of a fourth stimulus raises questions – it is possible that the addition of a fourth stimulus places such an additional demand on subjects that the theoretical advantage of the Tetrad test is lost. In this paper, we provide a guideline to compare results of Tetrad and Triangle. Specifically, it is roughly correct to say that as long as the effect sizes do not drop by more than one third for the same stimuli, then the Tetrad test remains more powerful than the Triangle test. We explain this guideline in terms of perceptual noise, illustrate its use in several examples and discuss the statistical considerations that accompany its use. To assist with statistical evaluation, we provide a table for finding the variance in the Tetrad‐based measurement of the effect size. Finally, we show how the Thurstonian framework helps us to improve discrimination testing efficiency even when we do not seek additional power.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDiscrimination testing programs based on Triangle testing might be made more sensitive or more efficient by the use of Tetrad testing. This paper develops a guideline to assist sensory scientists who are considering a switch from the Triangle test to the Tetrad test. The paper displays the use of this guideline in several examples, discusses the relevant statistical considerations, provides a helpful table and demonstrates how Thurstonian theory can be used to improve efficiency even in an already successful discrimination testing program.