bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Experience Conducting School-located Vaccination Programs for Seasonal Influenza
Authors: Schieber Richard A. , Kennedy Allison , Kahn Emily B. 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVES
We determined program effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptance of school-located vaccination (SLV) clinics for seasonal influenza that took place before the 2008 universal influenza vaccination recommendations.

METHODS
We surveyed program directors of 23 programs in the United States who conducted SLV clinics during the 2005 to 2006 and 2006 to 2007 influenza seasons.

RESULTS
Of 391 423 children enrolled in schools with SLV clinics, 61 463 (15.7%) were vaccinated at 499 sites (schools) in 23 programs. Of these, 22 were small- and medium-sized programs that vaccinated 32 875 (24.1%) of the 136 151 children enrolled there, averaging 31.9% of students per site. One populous county vaccinated an additional 28 588 (11.2%) of its 255 272 enrolled children, averaging 13.9% per school. Children in grades K to 6 had consistently higher mean vaccination rates (21.5%) compared with middle school children (10.3%) or high school youth (5.8%). Program acceptability was high, and no program had to forego any key public health activities; 5 hired temporary help or paid overtime. The outlook for continuing such clinics was good in 7 programs, but depended on help with vaccine purchasing (9), funding (8), or additional personnel (4), with multiple responses allowed.

CONCLUSIONS
These vaccination coverage rates provide a baseline for future performance of school-located mass vaccination clinics. Although the existence and conduct of these programs in our study was considered acceptable by leaders of public health departments and anecdotally by parents and school administrators, sustainability may require additional means to pay for vaccines or personnel beyond the usual available health department resources.
Successful Use of Volunteers to Conduct School-located Mass Influenza Vaccination Clinics
Authors: Cummings Ginny E. , Ruff Elizabeth , Guthrie Stephen H. , Hoffmaster Margaret A. , Leitch Larry L. , King James C. 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of using volunteers to assist in school-located mass vaccination clinics for influenza.

METHODS
A set of elementary school-based mass vaccination clinics was implemented in Carroll County, Maryland by the local health department in the 2005–2006 school year. In addition to using health department personnel, fiscal restraints necessitated using medical volunteers and lay volunteers to assist health professionals. The medical volunteers included physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, and were responsible for administering intranasal vaccine (live, attenuated influenza vaccine [LAIV]). We assessed the performance, as measured by the number of vaccinations administered, and effort expended by these volunteers.

RESULTS
A total of 5319 (44%) of the 12 090 elementary school children in the county received LAIV. Of the estimated 3547 (66%) children eligible and consenting to receive a second dose, 3124 (88%) received it. In total, 8806 doses of LAIV were administered. Health department nurses worked 42 person-days and were assisted by medical and allied health professionals volunteering 87 person-days without compensation, totaling 581 person-hours spent in this effort.

CONCLUSIONS
A mass school-located influenza vaccination program using medical and lay volunteers guided by health department nurses is feasible. Several issues were identified to improve future clinics and help make the program sustainable.
Novel Electrospun Bicomponent Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Fabrication, Characterization and Sustained Release of Growth Factor
Authors: Wang Chong , Wang Min , Yuan Xiao-Yan 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTElectrospinning is a versatile technique for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous scaffolds and the scaffolds have been found to elicit desirable cellular behavior for tissue regeneration because the nanofibrous structures mimic the nanofibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) of biological tissues. From the material point of view, the ECM of bone is a nanofibrous nanocomposite consisting of an organic matrix (mainly collagen) and inorganic bone apatite nanoparticles. Therefore, for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, it is natural to construct nanofibrous nanocomposites having a biodegradable polymer matrix and nanosized bioactive bioceramics. Our previous studies demonstrated: (1) electrospun nanocomposite fiber loaded with calcium phosphate (Ca-P) were osteoconductive and could promote osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation better than pure polymer fibers; (2) The controlled release of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) from scaffolds provided the scaffolds with desired osteoinductivity. In the current investigation, novel bicomponent scaffolds for bone tissue engineering were produced using our established dual-source dual-power electrospinning technique to achieve both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity. In the bicomponent scaffolds, one fibrous component was electrospun Ca-P/PLGA nanocomposite fibers and the other component was emulsion electrospun PDLLA nanofibers incorporated with rhBMP-2. Through electrospinning optimization, both fibers were evenly distributed in bicomponent scaffolds. The mass ratio of rhBMP-2/PDLLA fibers to Ca-P/PLGA fibers in bicomponent scaffolds could be controlled using multiple syringes. The structure and morphology of mono- and bicomponent scaffolds were examined. The in vitro release of rhBMP-2 from mono- and bicomponent scaffolds showed different release amount but similar release profile, exhibiting an initial burst release. Blending PDLLA with polyethylene glycol (PEG) could reduce the initial burst release of rhBMP-2.
Prospective Comparison of Prognostic Scores in Palliative Care Cancer Populations
Authors: Maltoni Marco , Scarpi Emanuela , Pittureri Cristina , Martini Francesca , Montanari Luigi , Amaducci Elena , Derni Stefania , Fabbri Laura , Rosati Marta , Amadori Dino , Nanni Oriana 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPurpose.Predicting prognosis in advanced cancer aids physicians in clinical decision making and can help patients and their families to prepare for the time ahead.Materials and Methods.This multicenter, observational, prospective, nonrandomized population-based study evaluated life span prediction of four prognostic scores used in palliative care: the original Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP Score), a variant of PaP Score including delirium (D-PaP Score), the Palliative Performance Scale, and the Palliative Prognostic Index.Results.A total of 549 patients were enrolled onto the study. Median survival of the entire group was 22 days (95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 19–24). All four prognostic models discriminated well between groups of patients with different survival probabilities. Log-rank tests were all highly significant (p &lt; .0001). The PaP and D-PaP scores were the most accurate, with a C index of 0.72 (95% CI = 0.70–0.73) and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.71–0.74), respectively.Conclusion.It can be confirmed that all four prognostic scores used in palliative care studies accurately identify classes of patients with different survival probabilities. The PaP Score has been extensively validated and shows high accuracy and reproducibility in different settings.
Clinical evaluation of a single dose of immune plasma for treatment of canine parvovirus infection
Authors: Bragg Ryan F. , Duffy Amanda L. , DeCecco Frank A. , Chung Donald K. , Green Maura T. , Veir Julia K. , Dow Steven W. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of administration of a single 12-mL dose of canine parvovirus (CPV)-immune plasma for treatment of CPV enteritis.
Design—Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Animals—14 dogs with naturally occurring CPV enteritis.
Procedures—Dogs were assigned to treatment groups on the basis of randomization tables and were administered a single IV dose of CPV-immune plasma (treatment group) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (placebo group) within 18 hours after admission to the hospital. Treatment and outcome variables evaluated included neutrophil, monocyte, and CPV counts; number of days of hospitalization; changes in body weight; and cost of treatment.
Results—When dogs treated with CPV-immune plasma were compared with dogs treated with saline solution, there were no significant differences detected among neutrophil or monocyte counts, magnitude of viremia, weight change, number of days of hospitalization, or cost of treatment.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of a single 12-mL dose of immune plasma soon after the onset of CPV enteritis in dogs was not effective in ameliorating clinical signs, reducing viremia, or hastening hematologic recovery.
A systematic review of the safety of potassium bromide in dogs
Authors: Baird-Heinz Hope E. , Van Schoick A'ndrea L. , Pelsor Francis R. , Ranivand Lauren , Hungerford Laura L. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To critically evaluate and summarize available information on the safety of potassium bromide in dogs.
Design—Systematic review.
Sample—111 references reporting safety information relevant to potassium bromide published between 1938 and 2011.
Procedures—PubMed searches without date limitations were conducted with the terms “potassium bromide” and “sodium bromide” in December 2009 and October 2011. Additional articles were identified through examination of article reference lists and book chapters on seizures in dogs and pharmacology.
Results—Reversible neurologic signs were the most consistently reported toxicoses and were generally associated with adjunctive potassium bromide treatment or high serum bromide concentrations. Dermatologic and respiratory abnormalities were rare in dogs. Insufficient information was available to assess the effects of potassium bromide on behavior or to determine the incidence of vomiting, weight gain, polyphagia, pancreatitis, polyuria, polydipsia, or reproductive abnormalities associated with potassium bromide administration. Evidence suggested that administration of potassium bromide with food may alleviate gastrointestinal irritation and that monitoring for polyphagia, thyroid hormone abnormalities, and high serum bromide concentrations may be beneficial.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that potassium bromide is not an appropriate choice for treatment of every dog with seizures and that practitioners should tailor therapeutic regimens and clinical monitoring to each dog. Abrupt dietary changes or fluid therapy may compromise seizure control or increase the likelihood of adverse events. Availability of an appropriately labeled, approved potassium bromide product could provide better assurance for veterinarians and their clients of the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the product for veterinary use.
Teacher-Carried Research as a Tool for Teachers' Professional Growth
Authors: Iliško Dzintra , Ignatjeva Svetlana , Mičule Ilona 
Published: March 2012

Teacher-Carried Research as a Tool for Teachers' Professional GrowthInquiry among the schoolteachers' needs to be embedded, cultivated, sustained and nurtured as a tool for a better understanding of the processes in the education and for fostering teachers' ongoing professional growth. This study explores teachers' self-evaluation of their competency to conduct research and to incorporate it in the classroom. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to seek answers about teachers' engagement with research and to explore the factors of resistance for carrying out research in the classroom setting. This study also dwells upon some mechanisms that lead teachers to carry out research. The focus group interviews which were conducted reflect on the factors that encourage teachers to become more involved in the research and point to the advantages they perceive as emanating from the research. The qualitative part of inquiry reflects teachers' narrative ways of construction and reconstruction of their personal and professional knowledge. The authors discuss the processes that foster teachers to move from the fragmentary use of research strategies to the ability to live in the inquiry, practice new behaviours in the classroom, unlearn the old ones, reflect in action and stay open to a range of new initiatives.
The required characteristics of ensiled crops used as a feedstock for biogas production: a review
Authors: Kalač Pavel 
Published: March 2012

The required characteristics of ensiled crops used as a feedstock for biogas production: a reviewMaize and grass silages are the main feedstock for anaerobic digestion in agricultural biogas plants. High-quality silage is necessary for high methane yields. Grasses should be cut and ensiled at leafy stages, until full heading, prior to an extensive lignification. Late ripening maize varieties should be harvested towards full ripening due to the increasing starch content in grains, and early to medium ripening varieties at the end of waxy ripeness. The substrate availability for methanogens is improved by fine chopping. Pretreatment processes of a thermal, chemical or biological nature attempting to disrupt lignocellulosic matter are economically demanding, including the application of enzyme hydrolysing structural polysaccharides. Application of lactic acid bacteria inoculants at ensiling seems to have an insignificant effect on methane yields. Some micronutrients necessary for methanogens growth are often deficient in the silages and particularly cobalt, nickel and iron should be supplemented. Maize silage has too low nitrogen content for methanogens growth. The high acidity of silage needs to be partially neutralised prior to anaerobic digestion.
A review of ascorbic acid potentialities against oxidative stress induced in plants
Authors: Khan Taqi , Mazid Mohd , Mohammad Firoz 
Published: March 2012

A review of ascorbic acid potentialities against oxidative stress induced in plantsAscorbic acid (AA) currently holds a significant position in plant physiology, mainly due to its possession of antioxidant and cellular reductant etc.properties and its diverse roles in plant growth and development and the regulation of a broad spectrum of plant cellular mechanisms against environmental stresses. Some researchers suggest that endogenous AA has been implicated in the promotion of plant growth and development by involvement in a complex and enigmatic array of phytohormone-regulated signalling networks that ties together different environmental stresses. As it is evident from the present review, recent progress on AA potentiality in the tolerance of plants to environmental stresses has been impressive. Indeed, AA plays an important role in resistance to oxidative stresses such as heavy metal, saline, ultra-violet etc. Rapidly increasing evidence indicates that AA is centrally involved in several physiological processes but there has been much disagreement regarding the mechanism(s) by which AA reduces the damaging effects of such stresses in plants. Perhaps the role of AA in mediating tolerance to abiotic stress (e.g. UV, salinity and temperature, etc.) will lead to a greater research focus in the near future. In addition, AA might provide a suitably attractive target for the enhancement of crop production.
Milk quality of the Original Valachian in a submontane region
Authors: Pešinová Petra , Vejčík Antonín , Maršálek Miroslav 
Published: March 2012

Milk quality of the Original Valachian in a submontane regionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the milk efficiency of Original Valachian (OV) Sheep. The flock under scrutiny is kept at pasture at an altitude of 600 m in the Novohradske Mountains, and samples were taken from morning milking roughly in four to five weekly intervals during the period from April to August. The milking was begun on average on the 50th day of lactation, and was carried out mechanically. A total of 862 samples were analysed from an average of 54 ewes over the the years 2006-09. After an evaluation of the essential components of ewe's milk from the flock of OV lambing ewes during lactation these average values were found: fat 4.90 g 100 g-1, crude protein 5.94 g 100 g-1, casein 4.40 g 100 g-1, serum protein 1.18 g 100 g-1, lactose 5.07 g 100 g-1, dry matter 16.45 g 100 g-1, solid not fat 11.63 g 100 g-1 and utilizable dry matter 10.85 g 100 g-1. OV had an average daily milk yield of 0.70 l. Fat, protein, casein, serum protein and dry matter showed rising trends during lactation. During the total period of measurement the average protein content of OVmilk did not drop below 5 g 100 g-1, in contrast to fat, which was under 3 g 100 g-1. The lactose content rose at the beginning of lactation, after it showed a degressive trend. The amounts of utilizable dry matter during our experiment showed a fluctuating trend.
2.1 μm emission of Tm3+/Ho3+ - doped antimony-silicate glasses for active optical fibre
Authors: Żmojda J. , Dorosz D. , Dorosz J. 
Published: March 2012

2.1 μm emission of Tm3+/Ho3+ - doped antimony-silicate glasses for active optical fibre
Tm3+/Ho3+ - doped antimony-silicate optical fibre with 2.1 μm emission has been presented. Luminescence corresponding to 5I7 → 5I8 transition in holmium was obtained by energy transfer between Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions. The analysis of the luminescence mechanism showed a significant influence of the glass composition (low phonon content) on the emission intensity. Optimization of the active elements content, presented in the paper, allowed to indicate that a strong emission intensity at 2 μm in the fabricated glasses was obtained for the molar composition of 1% Tm2O3 : 0.75% Ho2O3. According to the Förster-Dexter theory, the efficiency of energy transfer of the 3F4 (Tm3+) → 5I7 (Ho3+) transition was calculated. Moreover, it was found that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of luminescence in the range of 1.6 - 2.2 μm strongly depends on the Tm3+/Ho3+ ratio. The optimization of Tm3+/Ho3+ transfer in antimony-silicate glasses allowed to fabricate optical fibre with narrowing and red-shifting of emission at 2.1 μm.
THz spectroscopy of explosive-related simulants and oxidizers
Authors: Trzcinski T. , Palka N. , Szustakowski M. 
Published: March 2012

THz spectroscopy of explosive-related simulants and oxidizersIn this paper we report on measurement of spectra of commonly applied explosives, some materials which can be used for manufacture of explosive and THz simulants of explosives in transmission mode. Substances were prepared as pellets, and the measurements were performed using the Time Domain Spectroscopy system in the range 0.1-3.0 THz
Power electronic systems as a crucial part of Smart Grid infrastructure - a survey
Authors: Benysek G. , Kazmierkowski M. , Popczyk J. , Strzelecki R. 
Published: March 2012

Power electronic systems as a crucial part of Smart Grid infrastructure - a surveyThis article gives a tutorial overview of the most important issues related to the use of power electronic systems in power engineering, with respect to the urgent need for modernization of existing grids in the direction of intelligent networks. The main problems and conditions bound up with the construction of Smart Grids and the location, as well as functioning in them of the most important power electronic systems are presented here. Special attention is directed therein to the potential possibilities of so-called ‘smart’ transformers and V2G and V2H technologies.
Contactless power interface for plug-in electric vehicles in V2G systems
Authors: Miskiewicz R. , Moradewicz A. 
Published: March 2012

Contactless power interface for plug-in electric vehicles in V2G systems
In the paper a bi-directional power electronic interface based on an inductive coupled contactless energy transfer system for plug-in vehicles with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability is presented. To minimize the total losses of the system, a series resonant compensation circuit is applied assuring Near to Zero-Current Switching (N2ZCS) condition for insulated-gate bipolar transistors. The analytical expression of the dc voltage and current gains as well as energy transfer efficiency is given and discussed. The system uses modified FPGA based integral control method adjusting resonant frequency and guarantees very fast and stable operation. Simulation and experimental results illustrating properties of the developed 40-60kHz switching frequency operated 15kW laboratory prototype are presented.
Positive fractional 2D continuous-discrete linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek T. 
Published: March 2012

Positive fractional 2D continuous-discrete linear systemsA new class of positive fractional 2D continuous-discrete linear systems is introduced. The solution to the equations describing by the new class of systems is derived. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of the fractional 2D continuous-discrete linear systems are established.
Current Concepts for Rehabilitation and Return to Sport After Knee Articular Cartilage Repair in the Athlete
Authors: Mithoefer Kai , Hambly Karen , Logerstedt David , Ricci Margherita , Silvers Holly , Villa Stefano Della 
Published: March 2012

Synopsis Articular cartilage injury is observed with increasing frequency in both elite and amateur athletes and results from the significant acute and chronic joint stress associated with impact sports. Left untreated, articular cartilage defects can lead to chronic joint degeneration and athletic and functional disability. Treatment of articular cartilage defects in the athletic population presents a therapeutic challenge due to the high mechanical demands of athletic activity. Several articular cartilage repair techniques have been shown to successfully restore articular cartilage surfaces and allow athletes to return to high-impact sports. Postoperative rehabilitation is a critical component of the treatment process for athletic articular cartilage injury and should take into consideration the biology of the cartilage repair technique, cartilage defect characteristics, and each athlete's sport-specific demands to optimize functional outcome. Systematic, stepwise rehabilitation with criteria-based progression is recommended for an individualized rehabilitation of each athlete not only to achieve initial return to sport at the preinjury level but also to continue sports participation and reduce risk for reinjury or joint degeneration under the high mechanical demands of athletic activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(3):254–273. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3665