bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farm management and economic analyses of leopard conservation in north‐central Namibia
Authors: Stein A. B. , Fuller T. K. , Damery D. T. , Sievert L. , Marker L. L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe investigated the livestock farms surrounding the Waterberg Plateau Park in north‐central Namibia to assess farmer attitudes, management techniques, financial impacts, as well as the potential benefits of tourism and trophy hunting, with respect to leopard Panthera pardus conservation. Farmers were asked about their use of six livestock husbandry techniques and farmers who employed at least one had 85% less reported conflict than farmers not employing any. Livestock farmers lost on average 3.8% of their calves to depredation annually (US$1370 per farm per year) but were willing to lose 3.3%, a difference of only US$180 per farm or US$3064 regionally. Where losses were higher than stated tolerance, we found that potential benefits from tourism and trophy hunting could offset losses. Surveys with tourists and professional hunters in the region strengthened this conclusion.
Psychosocial mediators and moderators of the effect of peer‐victimization upon depressive symptomatology
Authors: Hunter Simon C. , Durkin Kevin , Heim Derek , Howe Christine , Bergin Dermot 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Intervention strategies and developmental models of stress have been criticized for failing to integrate social psychological variables. This study investigates both self‐referential cognitive mediators (perceived threat and control) and a social psychological moderator (ethnic/religious identity) of the effect of peer‐victimization upon depressive symptomatology.Methods:  Self‐report questionnaires were completed by 924 students (46% female), aged 8 to 12 years. Experiences of discriminatory and non‐discriminatory peer‐victimization, threat and control appraisals, depressive symptoms, and strength of main identity were assessed.Results:  Perceived threat partially mediated the effect of peer‐victimization (regardless of whether it was discriminatory or not) on depressive symptoms. Perceived control partially mediated the effect of non‐discriminatory peer‐victimization on depressive symptoms. Strength of ethnic/religious identity buffered the effect of peer‐victimization on depressive symptoms. Victimization perceived to be discriminatory in nature was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms than non‐discriminatory victimization.Conclusions:  Findings support calls for a greater emphasis to be placed on social psychological variables in explaining depressive symptomatology. For clinical, counseling and intervention purposes, it is important to examine whether victims perceive peer‐victimization as discriminatory and whether their own strength of identity affects symptomatology.
Adaptations of skin peptide defences and possible response to the amphibian chytrid fungus in populations of Australian green‐eyed treefrogs, Litoria genimaculata
Authors: Woodhams Douglas C. , Kenyon Nicole , Bell Sara C. , Alford Ross A. , Chen Shuo , Billheimer Dean , Shyr Yu , Rollins‐Smith Louise A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAim  Rapidly evolving pathogens may exert diversifying selection on genes involved in host immune defence including those encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Amphibian skin peptides are one important defence against chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We examined the population‐level variation in this innate immune defence to understand its relationship with disease dynamics.Location  Queensland, Australia.Methods  We examined skin peptide defences in five geographically distinct populations of Australian green‐eyed treefrogs, Litoria genimaculata. Skin peptide samples were collected from 52 frogs from three upland populations that previously declined as chytridiomycosis emerged, but subsequently recovered, and from 34 frogs in two lowland populations that did not decline. Historical samples of skin peptides preceding Bd emergence were not available from any population.Results  In general, lowland populations had more effective peptide defences than upland populations. Peptide profiles were similar among populations, although relative amounts of peptides expressed differed significantly among populations and were more variable in the uplands. Infected frogs in upland populations carried a significantly higher infection burden compared to lowland populations. The presence of effective AMPs in the skin of L. genimaculata does not eliminate infection; however, more effective peptide defences may limit infection intensity and the progression of disease.Main conclusions  The population bottleneck in upland populations caused by chytridiomycosis emergence did not appear to produce responses to selection for more effective peptide defences against chytridiomycosis compared to lowland populations of L. genimaculata. This does not exclude the possibility that current peptide defences have adapted in response to disease emergence. A suggestive (P < 0.10) interaction between infection status and population indicates that in lowland populations, infected individuals tend to be those with lower relative intensities of AMPs, whereas in the upland populations, infected and uninfected individuals are similar. Thus, both the AMPs and the environment may act to mediate resistance to Bd infection.
How to Understand High Food Prices
Authors: Gilbert Christopher L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAgricultural price booms are better explained by common factors than by market‐specific factors such as supply shocks. A capital asset pricing model‐type model shows why one should expect this and Granger causality analysis establishes the role of demand growth, monetary expansion and exchange rate movements in explaining price movements over the period since 1971. The demand for grains and oilseeds as biofuel feedstocks has been cited as the main cause of the price rise, but there is little direct evidence for this contention. Instead, index‐based investment in agricultural futures markets is seen as the major channel through which macroeconomic and monetary factors generated the 2007–2008 food price rises.
Electrical Stimulation of Sphenopalatine Ganglion for Acute Treatment of Cluster Headaches
Authors: Ansarinia Mehdi , Rezai Ali , Tepper Stewart J. , Steiner Charles P. , Stump Jenna , Stanton‐Hicks Michael , Machado Andre , Narouze Samer 
Published: April 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1164‐1174)Introduction.— Cluster headaches (CH) are primary headaches marked by repeated short‐lasting attacks of severe, unilateral head pain and associated autonomic symptoms. Despite aggressive management with medications, oxygen therapy, nerve blocks, as well as various lesioning and neurostimulation therapies, a number of patients are incapacitated and suffering. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of CH and has been a target for blocks, lesioning, and other surgical approaches. For this reason, it was selected as a target for an acute neurostimulation study.Methods.— Six patients with refractory chronic CH were treated with short‐term (up to 1 hour) electrical stimulation of the SPG during an acute CH. Headaches were spontaneously present at the time of stimulation or were triggered with agents known to trigger clusters headache in each patient. A standard percutaneous infrazygomatic approach was used to place a needle at the ipsilateral SPG in the pterygopalatine fossa under fluoroscopic guidance. Electrical stimulation was performed using a temporary stimulating electrode. Stimulation was performed at various settings during maximal headache intensity.Results.— Five patients had CH during the initial evaluation. Three returned 3 months later for a second evaluation. There were 18 acute and distinct CH attacks with clinically maximal visual analog scale (VAS) intensity of 8 (out of 10) and above. SPG stimulation resulted in complete resolution of the headache in 11 attacks, partial resolution (>50% VAS reduction) in 3, and minimal to no relief in 4 attacks. Associated autonomic features of CH were resolved in each responder. Pain relief was noted within several minutes of stimulation.Conclusion.— Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation can be effective in relieving acute severe CH pain and associated autonomic features. Chronic long‐term outcome studies are needed to determine the utility of SPG stimulation for management and prevention of CH.
Effect of Aging on Coronal Microleakage in Access Cavities through Metal Ceramic Crowns Restored with Resin Composites
Authors: Al‐Maqtari Ali Abdullah Alwan , Lui Joo Loon 
Published: April 2010

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine if packable resin composite with/without flowable resin composite has the ability to prevent coronal leakage in restored endodontic access openings following aging. Materials and Methods: Eighty simulated standardized access cavities of metal‐ceramic crowns were fabricated and fixed on Vitrebond cavities filled with an epoxy resin. The specimens were randomly divided into two main groups: (1) Group A—Access cavities filled with only packable composite (Filtek P60); (2) Group B—Access cavities filled with Filtek P60 and a flowable composite (Filtek Z350) as liner. Each main group was further subdivided randomly into four subgroups according to water storage and thermocycling periods. All specimens were immersed in blue ink solution for 24 hours and then sectioned into quadrants. The extension of blue ink along the metal‐ceramic crown/composite resin interface was measured linearly using image analyzer and then analyzed by three‐way ANOVA and independent t‐test with a Mann‐Whitney test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: All tested subgroups demonstrated different levels of microleakage. There was no significant difference related to restorative technique; however, there was a significant difference related to water storage and thermocycling. Conclusions: All tested techniques and materials in this study showed microleakage. Packable composite while a flowable liner showed a marginally better result than packable composite alone. Excessive thermocycling resulted in significant differences among the test groups.
Effect of Anchorage on the Accuracy of Fit in Removable Partial Denture Framework
Authors: Gowri Veena , Patil Narendra P. , Nadiger Ramesh K. , Guttal Satyabodh S. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of anchorage on the accuracy of fit in removable partial denture framework. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four partially edentulous maxillary refractory casts were duplicated from a machine‐milled metal cast. Twelve of these were included in the test group, which had the provision for anchorage in the refractory cast, and the remaining 12 were taken as control group, which did not have provision for anchorage. Identical wax patterns for the maxillary strap major connector were invested and cast in cobalt chromium alloy. The accuracy of fit of the cast partial major connector frameworks were measured at two selected points using a profile projector. The resultant data were analyzed using student's t‐test and unpaired t‐test. Results: Student's t‐test showed statistically significant improvement in the fit of the major connectors of the test group at point A (p= 0.0003) and P (p= 0.0074). Unpaired t‐test was performed for the control and test group. The results of the unpaired t‐test for the control group exhibited a greater gap discrepancy (0.44 ± 0.20 mm) than for the test group at point A (0.16 ± 0.10 mm). Similarly, the gap was more at Point P for the specimens in the control group (0.65 ± 0.10 mm) than the test group (0.42 ± 0.24 mm). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study it is concluded that the accuracy of fit of the palatal major connector was significantly better in the test group than the control group, with 0.1% level of significance at point P. The accuracy was significantly improved in both groups at point A by 1% level of confidence.
Effects of Abutment Screw Coating on Implant Preload
Authors: Park Jae‐Kyoung , Choi Jin‐Uk , Jeon Young‐Chan , Choi Kyung‐Soo , Jeong Chang‐Mo 
Published: April 2010

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of tungsten carbide carbon (WC/CTa) screw surface coating on abutment screw preload in three implant connection systems in comparison to noncoated titanium alloy (Ta) screws. Materials and Methods: Preload of WC/CTa abutment screws was compared to noncoated Ta screws in three implant connection systems. The differences in preloads were measured in tightening rotational angle, compression force, initial screw removal torque, and postload screw removal torque after 1 million cyclic loads. Preload loss percent was calculated to determine the efficacy of maintaining the preload of two abutment screw types in relation to implant connection systems. Results: WC/CTa screws provided 10° higher tightening rotational angle than Ta screws in all three connection systems. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). External‐hex butt joint implant connections had a higher compression force than the two internal conical implant connections. WC/CTa screws provided a statistically significantly higher compression force than Ta screws in all three implant connections (p < 0.05). Ta screws required statistically higher removal torque than WC/CTa screws in all three implant connections (p < 0.05); however, Ta screws needed statistically lower postload removal torque than WC/CTa screws in all three implant connections (p < 0.05). Ta screws had a statistically higher preload loss percent than WC/CTa screws in all three implant connections (p < 0.05), indicating that WC/CTa screws were superior in maintaining the preload than Ta screws. Conclusions: Within the limits of present study, the following conclusions were made: (1) WC/CTa screws provided higher preload than noncoated Ta screws in all three implant connection systems. (2) The initial removal torque for Ta screws required higher force than WC/CTa screws, whereas postload removal torque for Ta screws was lower than WC/CTa screws. Calculated Ta screw preload loss percent was higher than for WC/CTa screws, suggesting that WC/CTa screws were more effective in maintaining the preload than Ta screws. (3) Internal conical connections were more effective in maintaining the screw preload in cyclic loads than external‐hex butt joint connections.
RHD positive among C/E+ and D− blood donors in Denmark
Authors: Christiansen Mette , Sørensen Betina S. , Grunnet Niels 
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Many different partial and weak D types have been reported, and most of these are easily detected by serology. However, 17 Del types have also been described, with a very low expression of the D antigen, only detectable by absorption‐elution techniques, and these may elicit the development of an anti‐D. A genomic test of C/E+ and D− blood donors was initiated, to be able to categorize them correctly as D+ or −.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed all C/E+ and D− donors within our donor population of 22,000 donors with an initial test for RHD Exon 10. In case of a positive reaction, the genotype was further analyzed by sequence‐specific polymerase chain reaction or nucleotide sequencing of the RHD gene.CONCLUSIONS: Of 233 donors analyzed, seven were found positive for RHD Exon 10, and four of these were Del, corresponding to 1.7%. We report here a new mutation in the RHD gene. A correct assignment of all blood donors as D+ or D− is not possible using serotyping alone; genotyping offers the only exact categorization of all cases.
Emergency Department Staff Satisfaction With Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing
Authors: Sohoni Aparajita , Gordon Danielle M. , Vahidnia Farnaz , White Douglas A. E. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  The authors sought to determine staff satisfaction with an emergency department (ED) rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing program.Methods:  A survey was conducted in an urban ED that has provided rapid HIV testing (routine screening and physician‐initiated testing) since August 2007. From May 1, 2008, to August 31, 2008, the survey was administered to all ED staff involved with HIV testing. The primary outcome was satisfaction, and secondary outcomes were the staff attitudes toward the program.Results:  Surveys were administered to 215 of the 217 staff members, and 207 surveys were returned (96% response rate); 201 surveys had complete data available for analysis. The response rate by staffing type was as follows: physicians 64/64 (100%), nurses 124/134 (93%), and registration staff 16/19 (84%). The majority of ED staff (99%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 95% to 100%) were satisfied with the HIV testing program. Physicians, however, rated the program more favorably than nurses or registration staff. Most staff members agreed that HIV testing improved overall care (93%; 95% CI = 89% to 96%) and felt that HIV testing did not interfere with their ability to provide care (82%; 95% CI = 76% to 87%). The majority of staff perceived that patients were satisfied with the procedures for obtaining consent (73%; 95% CI = 67% to 79%) and with the way HIV testing was performed (83%; 95% CI = 77% to 87%).Conclusions:  Emergency department staff satisfaction and overall attitudes with the HIV testing program is high. ED staff does not appear to be a barrier to program implementation.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:561–565 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Emergency Department Information System Implementation and Process Redesign Result in Rapid and Sustained Financial Enhancement at a Large Academic Center
Authors: Shapiro Jason S. , Baumlin Kevin M. , Chawla Neal , Genes Nicholas , Godbold James , Ye Fen , Richardson Lynne D. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  The objectives were to measure the financial impact of implementing a fully integrated emergency department information system (EDIS) and determine the length of time to “break even” on the initial investment.Methods:  A before‐and‐after study design was performed using a framework of analysis consisting of four 15‐month phases: 1) preimplementation, 2) peri‐implementation, 3) postimplementation, and 4) sustained effects. Registration and financial data were reviewed. Costs and rates of professional and facility charges and receipts were calculated for the phases in question and compared against monthly averages for covariates such as volume, collections rates, acuity, age, admission rate, and insurance status with an autoregressive time series analysis using a segmented model. The break‐even point was calculated by measuring cumulative monthly receipts for the last three study phases in excess of the average monthly receipts from the preimplementation phase, corrected for change in volume, and then plotting this against cumulative overall cost.Results:  Time to break even on the initial EDIS investment was less than 8 months. Total revenue enhancement at the end of the 5‐year study period was $16,138,953 with an increase of 69.40% in charges and 70.06% in receipts. This corresponds to an increase in receipts per patient from $50 to $90 for professional services and $131 to $183 for facilities charges. Other than volume, there were no significant changes in trends for covariates between the preimplementation and sustained‐effects periods.Conclusions:  A comprehensive EDIS implementation with process redesign resulted in sustained increases in professional and facility revenues and a rapid initial break‐even point.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:527–535 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Effect of Mandated Nurse–Patient Ratios on Patient Wait Time and Care Time in the Emergency Department
Authors: Chan Theodore C. , Killeen James P. , Vilke Gary M. , Marshall Jean B. , Castillo Edward M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to evaluate the effect of mandated nurse–patient ratios (NPRs) on emergency department (ED) patient flow.Methods:  Two institutions implemented an electronic tracking system embedded within the electronic medical record (EMR) of two EDs (an academic urban, teaching medical center—Hospital A; and a suburban community hospital—Hospital B), with a combined census of 60,000/year, to monitor real‐time NPRs and patient acuity, such that compliance with state‐mandated ratios could be prospectively monitored. Data were queried for a 1‐year period after implementation and included patient wait times (WTs), ED care time (EDCT), patient acuity, ED census, and NPR status for each nurse, patient, and the ED overall. Median WT and EDCT with interquartile ranges (IQRs) were analyzed to determine the effect of NPR status of each patient, nurse, and the ED overall. To control for factors that could affect the “within the mandated ratio” and the “outside of the mandated ratio” status, including patient volume and acuity, log‐linear regression models were used controlling for specified factors for each hospital facility and combined.Results:  There were a total of 30,404 (50.9%) patients who waited in the waiting room prior to being placed in an ED bed (53.8% at Hospital A and 46.4% at Hospital B). Patients who waited at Hospital A waited a median duration of 55 minutes (IQR = 15–128 minutes), compared with 32 minutes (IQR = 12–67 minutes) at Hospital B with a combined median WT of 44 minutes (IQR = 13–101 minutes). In the log‐linear regression analysis, WTs were 17% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10% to 25%, p < 0.001) longer at Hospital A and 13% (95% CI = 3% to 24%, p = 0.008) longer at Hospital B (combined 16% [95% CI = 10% to 22%, p < 0.001] longer at both sites) when the ED overall was out‐of‐ratio compared to in‐ratio. There were a total of 45,660 patients discharged from both EDs during the study period, from which EDCT data were collected (26,894 in Hospital A and 18,766 in Hospital B). Median EDCT was 184 minutes (IQR = 97–311 minutes) at Hospital A, compared to 120 minutes (IQR = 63–208 minutes) at Hospital B, for a combined median EDCT of 153 minutes (IQR = 81–269 minutes). In the log‐linear regression analysis, the EDCT for patients whose nurse was out‐of‐ratio were 34% (95% CI = 30% to 38%, p < 0.001) longer at Hospital A and 42% (95% CI = 37% to 48%, p < 0.001) longer at Hospital B (combined 37% [95% CI = 34% to 41%, p < 0.001] longer at both sites) when compared to patients whose nurse was in‐ratio.Conclusions:  In these two EDs, throughput measures of WT and EDCT were shorter when the ED nurse staffing were within state‐mandated levels, after controlling for ED census and patient acuity.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:545–552 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine