bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single Point Gradient Blow‐Up and Nonuniqueness for a Third‐Order Nonlinear Dispersion Equation
Authors: Galaktionov Victor A. 
Published: November 2010

A basic mechanism of a formation of shocks via gradient blow‐up from analytic solutions for the third‐order nonlinear dispersion PDE from compacton theoryimageis studied. Various self‐similar solutions exhibiting single point gradient blow‐up in finite time, as t → T−< ∞, with locally bounded final time profiles u(x, T−), are constructed. These are shown to admit infinitely many discontinuous shock‐type similarity extensions for t > T, all of them satisfying generalized Rankine–Hugoniot's condition at shocks. As a consequence, the nonuniqueness of solutions of the Cauchy problem after blow‐up is detected. This is in striking difference with general uniqueness‐entropy theory for the 1D conservation laws such as (a partial differential equation, PDE, Euler's equation from gas dynamics)imagecreated by Oleinik in the middle of the 1950s. Contrary to(1)and not surprisingly, self‐similar gradient blow‐up for(2)is shown to admit a unique continuation.Bearing in mind the classic form(2), the NDE(1)can be written asimagewith the standard linear integral operator (−D2x)−1> 0. However, because(3)is a nonlocal equation, no standard entropy and/or BV‐approaches apply (moreover, the x‐variations of solutions of(3)is increasing for BV data u0(x)).
On the Distribution of Runs Scored and Batting Strategy in Test Cricket
Authors: Scarf Philip , Shi Xin , Akhtar Sohail 
Published: November 2010

SummaryNegative binomial distributions are fitted to partnership scores and innings scores in test cricket. For partnership scores, we use a parametric model that allows us to consider run rate as a covariate in the distribution of runs scored and hence to use run rate as a surrogate for batting strategy. Then we describe the implied influence of run rate on match outcome probabilities given the state of the match at some point during the third innings; we refer to such a point in the match as the current position. Match outcome probabilities are calculated by using a model for the outcome given the end of the third-innings position, and a model for transitions from the current position to the end of the third-innings position, with transition probabilities considered as a function of run rate. Although the run rate is not wholly in the control of the batting side, our approach at least allows a captain or team analyst to consider the match outcome probability if the team can bat towards a target at a particular run rate. This will then at least indicate whether an aggressive or defensive batting strategy is desirable.
The Use of Propensity Scores to Assess the Generalizability of Results from Randomized Trials
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth A. , Cole Stephen R. , Bradshaw Catherine P. , Leaf Philip J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryRandomized trials remain the most accepted design for estimating the effects of interventions, but they do not necessarily answer a question of primary interest: will the programme be effective in a target population in which it may be implemented? In other words, are the results generalizable? There has been very little statistical research on how to assess the generalizability, or ‘external validity’, of randomized trials. We propose the use of propensity-score-based metrics to quantify the similarity of the participants in a randomized trial and a target population. In this setting the propensity score model predicts participation in the randomized trial, given a set of covariates. The resulting propensity scores are used first to quantify the difference between the trial participants and the target population, and then to match, subclassify or weight the control group outcomes to the population, assessing how well the propensity-score-adjusted outcomes track the outcomes that are actually observed in the population. These metrics can serve as a first step in assessing the generalizability of results from randomized trials to target populations. The paper lays out these ideas, discusses the assumptions underlying the approach and illustrates the metrics by using data on the evaluation of a schoolwide prevention programme called ‘Positive behavioral interventions and supports’.
Latent Class Profile Analysis: An Application to Stage Sequential Processes in Early Onset Drinking Behaviours
Authors: Chung Hwan , Anthony James C. , Schafer Joseph L. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryIn longitudinal research on early onset drinkers, much attention has been paid to the identification of subgroups of individuals who follow similar sequential patterns of drinking behaviours. However, research on the sequential development of drinking behaviour can be challenging in part because it may not be possible to observe the particular drinking behaviour stage at a given point in time directly. To address this difficulty, we can use a latent class analysis, which provides a set of principles for the systematic identification of homogeneous subgroups of individuals. In this work, we apply a latent class analysis in an investigation of stage sequential patterns of drinking behaviours among early onset drinkers, using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. A latent class analysis approach is used to sort different patterns of drinking behaviours into a small number of classes at each measurement occasion; and the class sequencing of early onset drinkers over the entire set of time points is evaluated to identify two or more homogeneous early onset drinkers who exhibit a similar sequence of class memberships over time. This approach uncovers four common drinking behaviours in early onset drinkers over three measurements from early to late adolescence. The sequences of drinking behaviours can be grouped into three sequential patterns representing the most probable progression of early onset drinking behaviours.
Communication as Commodity: Should the Media be on the Market?
Authors: CLAASSEN RUTGER 
Published: November 2010

abstractShould media communication be left to the market, or rather (partly) removed from the market? This question is discussed by reconstructing an often‐found ‘standard argument’ in the literature on the subject. This standard argument states that some form of market‐independent media provision is required since markets will fail to deliver a specific kind of high‐quality content conducive to the democratic process. This paper argues that the standard argument is defective in several respects. By doing so, it reevaluates the way we think about the contribution of the media towards democracy and the role that the market is to play in this respect. First, the paper argues that the standard argument's normative premise should not be couched in a welfarist theory but in terms of the capabilities that the media should strive to realise. Second, it sets the normative expectations of the media's contribution towards the public sphere and democracy at too high a level. Third, the standard argument's diagnosis of the market's failure incorrectly assumes that the market can never generate the demand for high‐quality content. An alternative, more circumscribed claim about the market's failure is presented, resting on two more contingent types of demand failure.
INCIDENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHEESE
Authors: ÜNLÜ TEOMAN , KOLUMAN AHMET , BURKAN ZEYNEP T. , TEZEL ATANUR , AKÇELIK E. NAZAN , ÇALIM H. DUYGU , ATA ZAFER 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTCheese is one of the major protein sources consumed in Turkey. In this study, 120 samples of white cheese, cheddar cheese, Cypriot Halloumi, braid cheese and cream cheese were evaluated for Escherichia coli contamination, and also, antibiotic resistance patterns of strains were examined. For this purpose, totally 600 cheese samples were analyzed and 67 of those (11.16%) were found to be contaminated with E. coli. On the other hand, the survey was designed for veterinarians who work in dairy cattle farms. The survey was not only questioning antibiotic administration, but it was also determining the usage of antimicrobials both in prophylaxis and in treatment of mastitis. Erythromycin and gentamycin are mostly preferred antibiotic with a ratio of 100% by veterinarians. These two antibiotics were followed by cephapirin, neomycin, cephalosporin, penicillin G, amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, pirlimycin with a ratio of 92, 87, 85, 85, 79, 78 and 68, respectively. Data acquired from this study indicate that there is a significant relation between field applications of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli in cheese. The results of this study underline the effect of a massive administration of antimicrobials for both in prophylaxis and in treatment of mastitis which may also trigger an antimicrobial resistance in E. coli strains. This is not only important for antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from cheese, but also for a possibility of plasmid resistance that can lead to conjugation with other bacteria. In case the above mentioned case occurs, this may cause a significant public health problem.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThis paper represents data about the incidence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from different cheese types in Turkey. The results of the survey underline a strong correlation between antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and reckless massive administration of antimicrobial agents. The aim of this paper is to help trigger different surveys which will be designed to determine antimicrobial administration by veterinarians working at farm level. The design of this study shows that further studies are needed to contribute and strengthen the laboratory data that we have found. The results of this study underline practical application of field surveys which will help strengthen the meaning of antimicrobial resistance data. The antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli strains that we have evaluated will provide useful information for the development of public health policy in the use of antimicrobial agents in food animal production.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CRONOBACTER SPECIES (ENTEROBACTER SAKAZAKII) ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD SOURCES
Authors: MOFOKENG LUCAS , CAWTHORN DONNA‐MAREE , WITTHUHN R. CORLI , ANELICH LUCIA E.C.M. , JOOSTE PIET J. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Cronobacter spp. are opportunistic foodborne pathogens associated with infections in neonates and infants, particularly those that are premature or immunocompromised. Outbreaks of Cronobacter infections in infants have been epidemiologically linked to the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formulae. Since the designation of Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) as a unique species in 1980, a number of methods have been proposed for its detection and identification. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare different tools used for the identification of presumptive Cronobacter isolates. The bioMérieux API 20E biochemical bacterial identification kit (Omnimed (Pty), Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa) was shown not to be a reliable identification tool for the Cronobacter strains examined in the current study, since it gave false‐positive results. The API 50CHE biochemical kit was shown to be more reliable giving similar results to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and DNA sequence data. The primer pair Esakf/Esakr proved to be the most reliable PCR identification tool. Additional differentiating traits and antibiotic patterns were demonstrated for Cronobacter species in the current study.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSince the designation of Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) as a unique species, a number of methods have been proposed for its detection and identification. In this study, different phenotypic and genetic tools used for the identification of a range of presumptive Cronobacter isolates from food sources were evaluated and compared. The API 50CHE biochemical kit gave similar results to the genetic typing results. The primer pair Esakf/Esakr proved to be the most reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification tool, while the other two primer pairs tested, namely EsAgf/EsAgr and Saka‐1/Saka‐2b, could not successfully identify all Cronobacter strains tested. The results of this study emphasize the importance of using molecular methods, such as PCR with the 16S rDNA‐targeting primers Esakf/Esakr to confirm the identity of Cronobacter isolates identified using biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility methods.
Development of Australian portion size photographs to enhance self‐administered online dietary assessments for adults
Authors: PROBST Yasmine , JONES Holley , SAMPSON Gemma , SMITH Kimberley 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  Technology is being used increasingly for dietary assessment, to streamline and improve the efficiency. These technologies allow for the inclusion of visual food portion images within the assessments rather than in addition to them as previously required. This paper describes the methodology for creating these food portion images using an online dietary assessment website (DietAdvice) as an example technology. The images include country‐specific Australian food items, not previously available.Methods:  Foods contained in the DietAdvice website were assessed to determine the number requiring food portion images. Preparation methods, recipes and portion sizes were determined for the foods, which varied from single foods through to cooked dishes and beverages. Foods were photographed by a professional photographer against a white background on a standard dinner plate or bowl with a standard of reference in each frame.Results:  Approximately 200 food items required images, with varying portion sizes ranging from two to eight images per food item. Six hundred and thirty‐one photographs were taken. Food such as ice‐cream, burritos and fruit needed to be photographed quickly to prevent deterioration and ensure a quality real‐to‐life photographs.Conclusion:  The art of photographing food portions itself is a difficult task. Inappropriate angles or lighting can make the food appear larger or smaller than it actually is. Timing is critical as the food can melt, wilt, collapse or discolour if the photo is not taken promptly. Clear labelling and a standard of reference for all photographs was necessary. The developed food portion images will allow users of the DietAdvice website to estimate portion sizes more accurately than text‐based sizes alone, although validation is required.
Going rural but not staying long: Recruitment and retention issues for the rural dietetic workforce in Australia
Authors: BROWN Leanne , WILLIAMS Lauren , CAPRA Sandra 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  To determine the recruitment and retention issues for rural based dietetic services.Methods:  A sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was used to examine six case study sites of dietetic practice, in a geographical area covering 30 000 km2 in rural New South Wales, Australia. Quantitative data were obtained from document searches of human resource records between 1991 and 2006. Data were tabulated and counts and proportions used. Qualitative data were obtained from in‐depth semistructured individual interviews conducted with 40 key informants including past and present dietitians (n = 28), dietetic managers (n = 3), health service managers (n = 6) and other key influencers (n = 3). The interviews were thematically analysed using the NVivo 7 program. Themes were coded into common categories, using a constant comparison inductive approach.Results:  Ninety individual dietitians (94% female) were employed across the six sites over 15 years. The majority were new graduates with less than 1 year of experience. Approximately one‐third remained in their position for less than 6 months while 32% remained for 2 years or longer. Key themes emerged from the qualitative data around the characteristics of a rural role, line management of dietitians in a rural site and establishing and maintaining rural staff.Conclusion:  Recruitment and retention in rural areas may be improved in the future through strategies to reduce perceived professional isolation, improve management support, access to continuing education and the development of career pathways.
Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Dose-Ranging Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, Population Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of Oral Torezolid Phosphate in Patients with Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Authors: Prokocimer P. , Bien P. , Surber J. , Mehra P. , DeAnda C. , Bulitta J. B. , Corey G. R. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Torezolid (TR-700) is the active moiety of the prodrug torezolid phosphate ([TP] TR-701), a second-generation oxazolidinone with 4- to 16-fold greater potency than linezolid against Gram-positive species including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). A double-blind phase 2 study evaluated three levels (200, 300, or 400 mg) of oral, once-daily TP over 5 to 7 days for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). Patients 18 to 75 years old with cSSSI caused by suspected or confirmed Gram-positive pathogens were randomized 1:1:1. Of 188 treated patients, 76.6% had abscesses, 17.6% had extensive cellulitis, and 5.9% had wound infections.
S. aureus
, the most common pathogen, was isolated in 90.3% of patients (139/154) with a baseline pathogen; 80.6% were MRSA. Cure rates in clinically evaluable patients were 98.2% at 200 mg, 94.4% at 300 mg, and 94.4% at 400 mg. Cure rates were consistent across diagnoses, regardless of lesion size or the presence of systemic signs of infection. Clinical cure rates in patients with
S. aureus
isolated at baseline were 96.6% overall and 96.8% for MRSA. TP was safe and well tolerated at all dose levels. No patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Three-stage hierarchical population pharmacokinetic modeling yielded a geometric mean clearance of 8.28 liters/h (between-patient variability, 32.3%), a volume of the central compartment of 71.4 liters (24.0%), and a volume of the peripheral compartment of 27.9 liters (35.7%). Results of this study show a high degree of efficacy at all three dose levels without significant differences in the safety profile and support the continued evaluation of TP for the treatment of cSSSI in phase 3 trials.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Piperacillin-Tazobactam Using Spent Dialysate Effluent in Patients Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis
Authors: Connor Michael J. , Salem Charbel , Bauer Seth R. , Hofmann Christina L. , Groszek Joseph , Butler Robert , Rehm Susan J. , Fissell William H. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Sepsis and multisystem organ failure are common diagnoses affecting nearly three-quarters of a million Americans annually. Infection is the leading cause of death in acute kidney injury, and the majority of critically ill patients who receive continuous dialysis also receive antibiotics. Dialysis equipment and prescriptions have gradually changed over time, raising concern that current drug dosing recommendations in the literature may result in underdosing of antibiotics. Our research group directed its attention toward antibiotic dosing strategies in patients with acute renal failure (ARF), and we sought data confirming that patients receiving continuous dialysis and antibiotics actually were achieving therapeutic plasma drug levels during treatment. In the course of those investigations, we explored “fast-track” strategies to estimate plasma drug concentrations. As most antimicrobial antibiotics are small molecules and should pass freely through modern high-flux hemodialyzer filters, we hypothesized that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) effluent could be used as the medium for drug concentration measurement by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Here we present the first data demonstrating this approach for piperacillin-tazobactam. Paired blood and dialysate trough-peak-trough samples were drawn from 19 patients receiving piperacillin-tazobactam and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). Total, free, and dialysate drug concentrations were measured by HPLC. Dialysate drug levels predicted plasma free drug levels well (
r
2
= 0.91 and 0.92 for piperacillin and tazobactam, respectively) in all patients. These data suggest a strategy for therapeutic drug monitoring that minimizes blood loss from phlebotomy and simplifies analytic procedures.
Use of an
In
Vitro
Pharmacodynamic Model To Derive a Moxifloxacin Regimen That Optimizes Kill of
Yersinia pestis
and Prevents Emergence of Resistance
Authors: Louie A. , Heine H. S. , VanScoy B. , Eichas A. , Files K. , Fikes S. , Brown D. L. , Liu W. , Kinzig-Schippers M. , Sörgel F. , Drusano G. L. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Yersinia pestis
, the causative agent of bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague, is classified as a CDC category A bioterrorism pathogen. Streptomycin and doxycycline are the “gold standards” for the treatment of plague. However, streptomycin is not available in many countries, and
Y. pestis
isolates resistant to streptomycin and doxycycline occur naturally and have been generated in laboratories. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that demonstrates potent activity against
Y. pestis
in
in vitro
and animal infection models. However, the dose and frequency of administration of moxifloxacin that would be predicted to optimize treatment efficacy in humans while preventing the emergence of resistance are unknown. Therefore, dose range and dose fractionation studies for moxifloxacin were conducted for
Y. pestis
in an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model in which the half-lives of moxifloxacin in human serum were simulated so as to identify the lowest drug exposure and the schedule of administration that are linked with killing of
Y. pestis
and with the suppression of resistance. In the dose range studies, simulated moxifloxacin regimens of ≥175 mg/day killed drug-susceptible bacteria without resistance amplification. Dose fractionation studies demonstrated that the AUC (area under the concentration-time curve)/MIC ratio predicted kill of drug-susceptible
Y. pestis
, while the
C
max
(maximum concentration of the drug in serum)/MIC ratio was linked to resistance prevention. Monte Carlo simulations predicted that moxifloxacin at 400 mg/day would successfully treat human infection due to
Y. pestis
in 99.8% of subjects and would prevent resistance amplification. We conclude that in an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model, the clinically prescribed moxifloxacin regimen of 400 mg/day is predicted to be highly effective for the treatment of
Y. pestis
infections in humans. Studies of moxifloxacin in animal models of plague are warranted.
Sustained Viral Response in a Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Chimpanzee via a Combination of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Olsen David B. , Davies Mary-Ellen , Handt Larry , Koeplinger Kenneth , Zhang Nanyan Rena , Ludmerer Steven W. , Graham Donald , Liverton Nigel , MacCoss Malcolm , Hazuda Daria , Carroll Steven S. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTEfforts to develop novel, interferon-sparing therapies for treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection are contingent on the ability of combination therapies consisting of direct antiviral inhibitors to achieve a sustained virologic response. This work demonstrates a proof of concept that coadministration of the nucleoside analogue MK-0608 with the protease inhibitor MK-7009, both of which produced robust viral load declines as monotherapy, to an HCV-infected chimpanzee can achieve a cure of infection.