bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical feasibility trial on 1940 nm Tm: fiber laser intervention of hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates
Authors: Sroka Ronald , Havel Miriam , Betz Christian , Kremser Thomas , Leunig Andreas 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA number of different laser systems have been used for volume reduction of hyperplastic nasal turbinates. In case of endonasal application, fiber-controlled diode lasers are preferred due to reasons of cost and practicability. The aim of this clinical feasibility study was to show the coagulative and tissue reducing effects using a novel Tm: fiber laser system emitting at λ=1940 nm.This clinical feasibility trial included 11 patients suffering from hyperplastic inferior nasal turbinates, who were therapy-refractory to conservative medical treatment. The obstructive nasal cavity was treated using the 1940 nm Tm: fiber laser at <5 W output power. The treatment was performed in non-contact mode under endoscopic control. Patients’ symptoms were documented both preoperatively and on days 1–3 and 28 postoperatively using a non-validated questionnaire. Additionally, an endoscopic examination was performed.None of the patients showed infections, and no hemorrhages or other complications occurred intra- or postoperatively. The mean laser activation time during the surgical procedure was extremely short being 28.0±8.5 s. In conjunction with a low power setting (median, 3 W; mean±standard deviation, 3.3±1.1 W), a low energy of 90.2±37.8 J was applied. A significant reduction in nasal obstruction could be documented in all patients on day 28 postoperatively. Evaluation, as assessed preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively, showed significant subjective improvements.The treatment of hyperplastic inferior turbinates using a 1940 nm Tm: fiber laser provides sufficient tissue reduction in a short operation time using low total energy. Patients described a significant improvement in nasal breathing postoperatively.
Effect of aggregate type on linear thermal expansion of self-consolidating concrete at elevated temperatures
Authors: Uygunoğlu Tayfun , Topçu İlker Bekir 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, the effects of aggregate type on the coefficient of thermal expansion of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) produced with normal and lightweight (porous) aggregate (SCLC) were investigated. In experiments, three aggregate types, gravel, volcanic tuff, and diatomite, were used. Different combinations of water/cement ratio and superplasticizer dosage levels were prepared for the SCC and SCLC mixtures. Thermal tests were performed to accurately characterize the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of SCC and SCLC aged 28 days using the dilatometer. The CTEs of SCC and SCLC were defined by measuring the linear change in length of concrete specimens subjected to a range of temperatures from 20°C to 1000°C. The results, in general, showed that SCLC has a lower CTE than that of SCC above 100°C. Moreover, CTE values of SCC and SCLC were decreased with increase in porous structure. The aggregate type has significant influence on the thermal properties of SCC.
Stress analysis of functionally graded discs under mechanical and thermal loads: analytical and numerical solutions
Authors: Bektaş Numan Behlül , Akça Mehmet 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study deals with stress analysis of functionally graded discs subjected to internal pressure and various temperature distributions, such as uniform T, linearly increasing To, and decreasing Ti temperatures in radial directions. For analytical study, the closed-form solutions for stresses and displacements are obtained by using the infinitesimal deformation theory of elasticity. For graded parameters, power law functions are used in analytical and numerical solutions. For numerical study, discs are modeled and analyzed by using a commercial finite element program, ANSYS®. Metal matrix composite, AlSiC, is selected as disc material. Results obtained both analytical and numerical solutions are found very well consistent with each other. The tangential stresses are found higher than the radial stresses at the inner surface for all thermal loads, and they vary from compressive to tensile and from tensile to compressive depending on the functionally graded material (FGM) properties and temperature loads. The radial stresses are found zero at the inner and outer surface and higher at one third of the disc section near the inner surface. They are also found as compressive and tensile stresses depending on the material properties and temperature loads.
Die Religionssoziologie von Marcel Mauss
Authors: Moebius Stephan 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die bislang vernachlässigte Bedeutung von Marcel Maussfür die Ursprünge und den weiteren Verlauf der Durkheim’schen Religionssoziologiestellt eine Rezeptionslücke auf dem Gebiet der Religionswissenschaft und-soziologie dar. Dabei sind die entsprechenden Texte von Mauss – wie etwa eineseiner ersten Rezensionen, in der er das Konzept des Sakralen entwickelt – nichtnur Vorarbeiten von Durkheims Die elementaren Formen des religiösen Lebens.Mit den Analysen des Sakralen, der Magie, der Analyse des jahreszeitlichenWandels von Religiosität, der Opferriten, des Gebets und der Ausarbeitung desBegriffs des mana eröffnet Mauss auch neue Zugangsweisen und Erkenntnissefür gegenwärtige religionssoziologische und -wissenschaftliche Forschungen,die nicht in der Religionssoziologie Durkheims aufgehen. Der Beitrag diskutiertMauss’ Vorreiterrolle für die Religionssoziologie der Durkheim-Schule und stelltseine zentralen religionssoziologischen Konzepte vor.
Rekursivität, Invention und Ritualdesign in den Sacred Dramas der Goddess People of Avalon (England)
Authors: Laack Isabel 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Im Zentrum des Artikels stehen Formen der Ritualdynamik unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Aspekts der Rekursivität. Anhand des Fallbeispiels der Ritualpraxis der Goddess People of Avalon, einer jungen religiösen Gemeinschaft in Südengland, werden die analytischen Kategorien Ritualtransfer, -rezeption, -invention und -design geschärft und weiterentwickelt.
Definierten sich die Goddess People zunächst als Reaktualisierung prähistorischer und „ursprünglicher“ Formen der Verehrung der Großen Göttin, so ist inden letzten Jahren eine Veränderung in ihrem Selbstverständnis und ihren Legitimierungsstrategien zu beobachten: Heute verstehen sie sich als eine neue religiöse Tradition und erfinden (selbst)bewusst und auf kreative Weiseihre eigenen Rituale. Im Artikel wird dafür plädiert, diesen und ähnliche Fälle als Ritualdesign zu bezeichnen. In Abgrenzung zu bisherigen Bestimmungen des Analyserahmens soll damit die Perspektive von einer wissenschaftlichenBeurteilung des Originalitätsgrades von Ritualen zu einer Untersuchung der Legitimierungsstrategien der Akteure verschoben werden.
The Utility of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibition for Cancer
Authors: Sahebjam Solmaz , Siu Lillian L. , Razak Albiruni A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor initiation and metastasis across different malignancies. Major mechanisms by which the Hh pathway is aberrantly activated can be attributed to mutations of members of Hh pathway or excessive/inappropriate expression of Hh pathway ligands. The Hh signaling pathway also affects the regulation of cancer stem cells, leading to their capabilities in tumor formation, disease progression, and metastasis. Preliminary results of early phase clinical trials of Hh inhibitors administered as monotherapy demonstrated promising results in patients with basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, but clinically meaningful anticancer efficacy across other tumor types seems to be lacking. Additionally, cases of resistance have been already observed. Mutations of SMO, activation of Hh pathway components downstream to SMO, and upregulation of alternative signaling pathways are possible mechanisms of resistance development. Determination of effective Hh inhibitor-based combination regimens and development of correlative biomarkers relevant to this pathway should remain as clear priorities for future research.
An Examination of the Credence Attributes of an Audit
Authors: Causholli Monika , Knechel W. Robert 
Published: August 2012

SYNOPSIS:
An audit consists of two main components: (1) the assessment of risk, and (2) the planning and execution of audit procedures. Both activities require a great deal of professional judgment. In this sense, the auditor is an expert who is best positioned to assess the risk and to conduct the audit in accordance with professional auditing standards. We use a simple decision-making framework to illustrate an auditor's possible strategies when an auditee cannot directly determine the effort level required to conduct an audit appropriately. We discuss and compare three economic perspectives for the audit: search goods, experience goods, and credence goods. Based on the economic theory of credence goods, we predict that a seller has incentives to act strategically when buyers are faced with considerable uncertainties relating to a service they purchase. Specifically, we argue that an auditor might have incentives to (1) under-audit, (2) over-audit, or (3) overcharge. These strategic actions have important implications for audit quality, efficiency, and regulation. We also discuss the professional and institutional arrangements that serve to limit the strategic behavior of auditors. Finally, we discuss previous empirical and behavioral audit evidence in the context of the credence aspects of an audit.
Enhancing Perceived and Actual Audit Committee Effectiveness through Financial Expert Certification
Authors: Grenier Jonathan , Ballou Brian , Philip Seth 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY:
The purpose of this paper is to generate and inform academic, practitioner, and regulatory discussion on means to promote perceived and actual audit committee effectiveness. As one potential method, we propose that the SEC initiate a CPE-driven certification program for audit committee members designated as financial experts. Our proposal addresses many of the challenges that post-SOX audit committees face (cf. Beasley et al. 2009; Cohen et al. 2010) by emphasizing their oversight role, sharing audit committee best practices, enhancing the accountabilities of external auditors, and sending a strong signal to stakeholders that the audit committee owns the audit process.
Effects of two training curricula on basic laparoscopic skills and surgical performance among veterinarians
Authors: Fransson Boel A. , Ragle Claude A. , Bryan Margaret E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To compare laparoscopic skills among veterinarians before and after undertaking 1 of 2 programs of simulation training.
Design—Evaluation study.
Sample Population—17 veterinarians at 1 institution.
Procedures—Basic skills were tested by use of the McGill inanimate system for training and evaluation of laparoscopic skills (MISTELS). Surgical performance was assessed through an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS). Both tests were performed prior to and after a 12-session training program, consisting of MISTELS exercises (curriculum A) or a variety of exercises (curriculum B).
Results—Curriculum B led to improvement of scores obtained with both the MISTELS and the OSATS. Curriculum A did not result in higher scores obtained with the MISTELS, compared with curriculum B. Curriculum A did not lead to an improvement of scores obtained with the OSATS. Participant-perceived value of the training program was correlated positively with the improvement of scores for MISTELS suturing tasks and scores obtained with the OSATS. Time spent in clinical laparoscopic surgery and curriculum B training were both positively correlated with the post-training OSATS scores but not with post-training MISTELS scores. Conversely, simulation training time correlated with an increase in MISTELS scores but not OSATS scores.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MISTELS training resulted in significant improvement of basic laparoscopic skills but not in the assessment used for surgical performance. This may have been due to the small number of study participants, the assessment tool, or the method of training. A varied curriculum may be advantageous when training veterinarians for clinical laparoscopic practice.
Protective effects against abortion and fetal infection following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 during pregnancy in beef heifers that received two doses of a multivalent modified-live virus vaccine prior to breeding
Authors: Givens M. Daniel , Marley M. Shonda D. , Jones Craig A. , Ensley Douglas T. , Galik Patricia K. , Zhang Yijing , Riddell Kay P. , Joiner Kellye S. , Brodersen Bruce W. , Rodning Soren P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether administration of 2 doses of a multivalent, modified-live virus vaccine prior to breeding of heifers would provide protection against abortion and fetal infection following exposure of pregnant heifers to cattle persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and cattle with acute bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) infection.
Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.
Animals—33 crossbred beef heifers, 3 steers, 6 bulls, and 25 calves.
Procedures—20 of 22 vaccinated and 10 of 11 unvaccinated heifers became pregnant and were commingled with 3 steers PI with BVDV type 1a, 1b, or 2 for 56 days beginning 102 days after the second vaccination (administered 30 days after the first vaccination). Eighty days following removal of BVDV-PI steers, heifers were commingled with 3 bulls with acute BHV1 infection for 14 days.
Results—After BVDV exposure, 1 fetus (not evaluated) was aborted by a vaccinated heifer; BVDV was detected in 0 of 19 calves from vaccinated heifers and in all 4 fetuses (aborted after BHV1 exposure) and 6 calves from unvaccinated heifers. Bovine herpesvirus 1 was not detected in any fetus or calf and associated fetal membranes in either treatment group. Vaccinated heifers had longer gestation periods and calves with greater birth weights, weaning weights, average daily gains, and market value at weaning, compared with those for calves born to unvaccinated heifers.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prebreeding administration of a modified-live virus vaccine to heifers resulted in fewer abortions and BVDV-PI offspring and improved growth and increased market value of weaned calves.
Fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpaca crias and their dams
Authors: Burton Alexandra J. , Nydam Daryl V. , Mitchell Katharyn J. , Bowman Dwight D. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the apparent prevalence of shedding of Cryptosporidium spp in healthy alpaca crias and their dams on 14 farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania.
Design—Cross-sectional study.
Animals—110 alpaca crias and their 110 dams.
Procedures—Fecal samples were obtained from 220 alpacas at 14 alpaca farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania. For each animal, age, sex, and health condition were recorded. A fecal score (1 = normally formed; 2 = soft or loose; 3 = diarrhetic) was recorded for each cria. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in fecal samples by a direct immunofluorescence assay.
Results—Apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 8% (95% confidence interval, 4% to 15%) in dams and was 7% (95% confidence interval, 3% to 13%) in crias. There was no significant difference in age between dams with positive fecal test results for Cryptosporidium oocysts (median age, 4 years; range, 3 to 8 years) and dams with negative results (median age, 4 years; range, 2.5 to 19 years). No significant difference was found in age between crias with positive fecal test results (median age, 20 days; range, 7 to 53 days) and those with negative results (median, 36 days; range, 2 to 111 days). No significant difference in fecal scores was found between crias with positive versus negative fecal test results.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A higher than previously reported apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpacas was found. A zoonotic risk should be considered, especially for Cryptosporidium parvum.
Use of a 1-Piece Chlorhexidine Gluconate Transparent Dressing on Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Pfaff Barbara , Heithaus Teresa , Emanuelsen Madeline 
Published: August 2012

Background
New transparent dressings with chlorhexidine gluconate in the dressing are available.

Objectives
To compare the effectiveness of a new 1-piece occlusive dressing that incorporates chlorhexidine gluconate with that of a dressing plus a chlorhexidine gluconate patch in maintaining the low rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit and to evaluate nurses’ satisfaction with and cost of the new dressing.

Methods
A quality improvement observational study was done in an adult medical-surgical intensive care unit. All patients with a central venous catheter had initial and/or subsequent dressing changes done with the new dressing. The central catheter bundle elements of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement were followed. Patients were monitored for catheter-related bloodstream infections, and the rate of infection was calculated.

Results
During the study period of 1881 device days, the infection rate was 0.051 per 1000 device days, compared with a rate of 0.052 in 2008. Nurses preferred the new dressing. Cost savings were $3807.

Conclusion
A low rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections can be maintained, nurses’ satisfaction achieved, and cost savings realized with the new dressing.
Using Evidence-Based Practice to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Sedwick Mary Beth , Lance-Smith Mary , Reeder Sara J. , Nardi Jessica 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundStrategies are needed to help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.ObjectiveTo develop a ventilator bundle and care practices for nurses in critical care units to reduce the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia.MethodThe ventilator bundle developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement was expanded to include protocols for mouth care and hand washing, head-of-bed alarms, subglottic suctioning, and use of an electronic compliance feedback tool. Compliance audits were used to provide immediate electronic feedback.ResultsAdherence to practices included in the bundle increased. Compliance rates were greater than 98% for prophylaxis for peptic ulcer disease and deep-vein thrombosis, interruption of sedation, and elevation of the head of the bed. The compliance rate for the oral care protocol increased from 76% to 96.8%. Readiness for extubation reached at least 92.4%. Rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia decreased from 9.47 to 1.9 cases per 1000 ventilator days. The decrease in rates produced an estimated savings of approximately $1.5 million.ConclusionStrict adherence to bundled practices for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, enhanced accountability for initiating protocols, use of a feedback system, and interdisciplinary collaboration improved patients’ outcomes and produced marked savings in costs.
Effects of Stone Dust Exposure on Some Liver and Kidney Related Serum Parameters of Stone Crush Plant Workers
Authors: Ilahi Ikram , Khan Asghar , Ali Mehboob , Ullah Ubaid , Ali Jawad , Khan Murad 
Published: August 2012

In the present study the effects of stone dust exposure on liver and kidney related serum parameters were assessed in workers of stone crush plants in various localities of Swat and Dir (L) districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The liver and kidney related serum parameters included Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and creatinine. Blood samples were collected from 66 exposed workers and 66 unexposed persons (control). The mean values of liver related parameters i.e. serum GPT, ALP and bilirubin of workers were significantly higher than control persons (P<0.05). The mean value of kidney related parameter i.e. creatinine of workers was significantly higher as compared to control persons (P<0.05). From the present survey it was concluded that continuous exposure to stone dust can cause abnormal alterations in the normal levels of serum GPT, ALP, bilirubin and creatinine.
Magnetic Resonance Arthrography for Labral Tears and Chondral Wear in Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Banks Daniel B.A. , Boden Richard A. , Mehan Rakesh , Fehily Max J. 
Published: August 2012

Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is a useful pre-operative investigation for patients with clinical signs and symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRA in detecting labral tears and chondral wear in this context. Sixty nine hips were included in the study after exclusions. All patients underwent pre-operative MRA and then subsequent hip arthroscopy. The findings at MRA were compared to those found intraoperatively. For labral tears, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 81%, 51% and 58% respectively. For chondral wear these figures were 17%, 100%, and 55% respectively. In our institution, MRA was therefore not as accurate as previously published work suggests.
Do We Medialise the Hip Centre of Rotation in Total Hip Arthroplasty? Influence of Acetabular Offset and Surgical Technique
Authors: Bonnin Michel P. , Archbold Pooler H.A. , Basiglini Lucas , Fessy Michel H. , Beverland David E. 
Published: August 2012

Acetabular offset (AO) is the distance between the centre of the femoral head and the true floor of the acetabulum. We quantified the AO in normal hips and compared the displacement of the centre of rotation of the hip (CRH) after conventional and anatomical cup implantation during THA. 100 CT-scans of normal hips were analysed before and after simulating implantation of the acetabular component. Mean AO was 30.8 mm ± 3. The medial shift of the CRH was 1.6 mm ± 1.2 with the anatomical and 4.8 mm ± 1.9 with the conventional technique (p<0.0001). Medialisation was greater than 5 mm in 44% of the cases when the conventional technique was used, but occurred in no case when using the anatomical technique. Differences between men and women were significant: 5.6 mm ± 1.6 and 3.5 mm ± 1.7 with the conventional technique; 2.0 mm ± 1.1 and 0.9 mm ± 0.9 with the anatomical technique (p<0.0001 for both measurements). The concept of hip offset cannot be limited to that of the femoral offset. AO widely varies and cannot be neglected. In patients with significant AO, surgeons should pay close attention to the preparation of the acetabulum. This should be done conservatively so that the acetabular cup can be placed anatomically in order to restore the native hip biomechanics.