bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Intensities and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in a Social Accounting Matrix Model of the Andalusian Economy
Authors: Cardenete M. Alejandro , Fuentes‐Saguar Patricia D. , Polo Clemente 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe aim of this article is to calculate energy intensity and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Andalusia, the largest and most populated region of Spain. Energy intensities for five energy commodities used in production activities are calculated using a social accounting matrix (SAM) model with three alternative scenarios, each utilizing differing closure rules. More interestingly, by using 2005 data and updating the values of exogenous accounts, the article also provides estimates of CO2 emissions ten years out from the 1995 base year. Finally, counterfactual experiments are performed to quantify the overall reduction in direct energy coefficients that would have made it possible to maintain constant production‐sector emissions from 1995 to 2005. The results indicate that there is a strong interdependence among energy sectors and the most intensive energy users; they also indicate the importance of induced effects when factor accounts and private consumption are endogenous. The estimates obtained concerning CO2 emissions are close to official estimates, both from 1995 and 2005. The counterfactual experiments indicate that a 26.5% cut in the size of direct energy requirements would have made it possible to maintain constant emissions. They also indicate that efforts to curtail emissions should be focused on improving efficiency in coal extraction and combustion and oil refining.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Nuclear Electricity Generation
Authors: Warner Ethan S. , Heath Garvin A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryA systematic review and harmonization of life cycle assessment (LCA) literature of nuclear electricity generation technologies was performed to determine causes of and, where possible, reduce variability in estimates of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to clarify the state of knowledge and inform decision making. LCA literature indicates that life cycle GHG emissions from nuclear power are a fraction of traditional fossil sources, but the conditions and assumptions under which nuclear power are deployed can have a significant impact on the magnitude of life cycle GHG emissions relative to renewable technologies.Screening 274 references yielded 27 that reported 99 independent estimates of life cycle GHG emissions from light water reactors (LWRs). The published median, interquartile range (IQR), and range for the pool of LWR life cycle GHG emission estimates were 13, 23, and 220 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh), respectively. After harmonizing methods to use consistent gross system boundaries and values for several important system parameters, the same statistics were 12, 17, and 110 g CO2‐eq/kWh, respectively. Harmonization (especially of performance characteristics) clarifies the estimation of central tendency and variability.To explain the remaining variability, several additional, highly influential consequential factors were examined using other methods. These factors included the primary source energy mix, uranium ore grade, and the selected LCA method. For example, a scenario analysis of future global nuclear development examined the effects of a decreasing global uranium market‐average ore grade on life cycle GHG emissions. Depending on conditions, median life cycle GHG emissions could be 9 to 110 g CO2‐eq/kWh by 2050.
Anchoring Effects and Participant Numbers: Evidence from a Public Good Game
Authors: Luccasen R. Andrew 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveIrrelevant information, such as one's Social Security number, has been shown to influence decisions in experiments. The objective of this article is to investigate this anchoring effect with respect to the randomly assigned participant number in an economic experiment.MethodsThe game is a public good contribution game. In one session, participants write their participant number on their decision sheet while this number is printed on the decision sheet in the remaining sessions. Anchoring with respect to participant number suggests that those with higher participant numbers contribute more than those with low participant numbers.ResultsI find no evidence of anchoring. In each session, the mean contribution is not significantly different across different partitioning of the subjects according to participant numbers.ConclusionsSocial scientists using experimental methods in research are unlikely to bias results by assigning participant numbers when these numbers coincide with the decision space of the games played.
Catheter Ablation Utilizing Remote Magnetic Navigation: A Review of Applications and Outcomes
Authors: BRADFIELD JASON , TUNG RODERICK , MANDAPATI RAVI , BOYLE NOEL G. , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM 
Published: April 2012

The utilization of the NIOBE™ magnetic navigation system (MNS, Stereotaxis, St. Louis, MO, USA) has increased significantly since the first published report in 2002. There has been much enthusiasm for this technology as a means to reduce radiation exposure to the patient and physician alike, and potentially decrease risks associated with catheter manipulation by less experienced operators. However, there are limited data regarding the acute, intermediate, and long‐term results and procedural characteristics from ablation procedures utilizing this system. We present a review of the outcomes and procedural data available to date.(PACE 2012; 35:1021–1034)
Worldwide Experience with the Robotic Navigation System in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Methodology, Efficacy and Safety
Authors: BAI RONG , DI BIASE LUIGI , VALDERRABANO MIGUEL , LORGAT FAIZEL , MLCOCHOVA HANKA , TILZ ROLAND , MEYERFELDT UDO , HRANITZKY PATRICK M. , WAZNI OUSSAMA , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA , DOSHI RAHUL N. , GIBSON DOUGLAS , PISAPIA ANDRÉ , MOHANTY PRASANT , SALIBA WALID , OUYANG FEIFAN , KAUTZNER JOSEF , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: April 2012

Worldwide Survey on Robotic AF Ablation. Introduction: The Hansen Robotic system has been utilized in ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, because of the lack of tactile feedback and the rigidity of the robotic sheath, this approach could result in higher risk of complications. This worldwide survey reports a multicenter experience on the methodology, efficacy, and safety of the Hansen system in AF ablations.Methods and Results: A questionnaire addressing questions on patient's demographics, procedural parameters, ablation success rate and safety information was sent to all centers where more than 50 robotic AF ablation cases have been performed. From June 2007 to December 2009, 1,728 procedures were performed at 12 centers utilizing the Hansen robotic navigation technology. The overall complication rate was 4.7% and the success rate was 67.1% after 18 ± 4 months of follow‐up. In 5 low volume centers there appeared to be a learning curve of about 50 cases (complication rate 11.2% for the first 50 cases vs 3.7% for the 51–100 cases; P = 0.044) and a trend showing a decrease of complication rate with increasing case volume. However, in the remaining 7 centers no learning curve was present and the complication rate was stable over time (3.7% for the first 50 cases vs 3.6% for the 51st case thereafter; P = 0.942).Conclusion: The Hansen robotic system can be used for AF ablation safely. In low volume centers, there appeared to be a learning curve of the first 50 cases after which the complication rate decreased. With a higher case volume, the success rate increased. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 820‐826, August 2012)
Nurses’ Practice Environments, Error Interception Practices, and Inpatient Medication Errors
Authors: Flynn Linda , Liang Yulan , Dickson Geri L. , Xie Minge , Suh Dong‐Churl 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurpose: Medication errors remain a threat to patient safety. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among characteristics of the nursing practice environment, nurse staffing levels, nurses’ error interception practices, and rates of nonintercepted medication errors in acute care hospitals.Design: This study, using a nonexperimental design, was conducted in a sample of 82 medical‐surgical units recruited from 14 U.S. acute care hospitals. Registered nurses (RNs) on the 82 units were surveyed, producing a sample of 686 staff nurses.Methods: Data collected for the 8‐month study period included the number of medication errors per 1,000 patient days and the number of RN hours per patient day. Nurse survey data included the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index as a measure of environmental characteristics; a metric of nurses’ interception practices was developed for the study. All survey measures were aggregated to the unit level prior to analysis with hierarchical linear modeling.Findings: A supportive practice environment was positively associated with error interception practices among nurses in the sample of medical‐surgical units. Importantly, nurses’ interception practices were inversely associated with medication error rates.Conclusions: A supportive practice environment enhances nurses’ error interception practices. These interception practices play a role in reducing medication errors.Clinical Relevance: When supported by their practice environments, nurses employ practices that can assist in interrupting medication errors before they reach the patients.
The Interaction of Leukocytes and Adhesion Molecules in Mesenteric Microvessel Endothelial Cells after Internal Capsule Hemorrhage
Authors: JIN XUE‐LONG , LI XIAO‐HUI , ZHANG LI‐MIN , ZHAO JIE 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Jin X‐L, Li X‐H, Zhang L‐M, Zhao J. The interaction of leukocytes and adhesion molecules in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells after internal capsule hemorrhage. Microcirculation 19: 539–546, 2012.AbstractObjective:  To explore the correlation between hemorheological variations and the expression of cell adhesion molecules in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells after internal capsule hemorrhage.Methods:  We established an internal capsule hemorrhage model. Then leukocyte–endothelium interaction was observed and hemorheological variations in mesenteric microvessels were evaluated in the following aspects: blood flow volume, diameter of microvessels, blood flow rate, and shear rate. We also measured the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐l and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells with immunohistochemistry stain.Results:  Leukocyte–endothelium interaction intensified after internal capsule hemorrhage. Besides, blood flow volume and velocity decreased, diameter narrowed, and shear rate reduced. Immunohistochemical staining of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐l and ICAM‐1in mesenteric microvessel endothelial cells was stronger.Conclusions:  VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 expression in mesenteric microvessels increased as a result of decreased wall shear stress in stress state following internal capsule hemorrhage, and then further shear stress change from interaction of enhanced production of CAMs and leukocytes created a vicious cycle of leukocytes margination, adhesion, and transmigration that could ultimately result in stress gastrointestinal ulcer.
Raspberry viruses manipulate the behaviour of their insect vectors
Authors: McMenemy Lindsay S. , Hartley Sue E. , MacFarlane Stuart A. , Karley Alison J. , Shepherd Tom , Johnson Scott N. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMany insect herbivores and plant pathogens influence each other via plant‐mediated mechanisms. Although there is speculation that these interactions may be important in structuring terrestrial food webs, few studies have empirically demonstrated the mechanisms by which pathogens manipulate the behaviour of their insect vectors. We investigated how infection of red raspberry, Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae), with two viral pathogens, black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV) and raspberry leaf mottle virus (RLMV), affected the behaviour of their vector, the large raspberry aphid, Amphorophora idaei Börner (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini). As semi‐persistently transmitted viruses, comparatively little is known about how such viruses affect vector biology. We also examined the effect of infection on plant volatile emissions and amino acid content, which could drive changes in aphid behaviour and performance. Virus‐infected plants were initially more attractive to the aphid and the insects remained on infected plants for 30 min, but were found equally on uninfected plants 12 h after inoculation. Twenty‐seven volatile compounds were identified. Two green leaf volatiles were emitted at higher concentrations by infected plants: (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and 2‐hexenal. In dose‐response assays, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate was attractive to the aphid at concentrations of 50 ng ml−1. When reared on infected plants, aphids took more than 3 days longer to reach adulthood compared with those on uninfected plants, although the number of offspring remained the same. Soluble amino acid (essential and non‐essential) concentrations in raspberry leaves increased more than two‐fold with virus infection. Amino acid composition was dominated by glutamate, accounting for 64 and 77% of the total in uninfected and infected leaves, respectively. Excessive glutamate may have underpinned the negative effects of viral infection on aphid performance. These results demonstrate the capacity of viruses to alter their host plant to manipulate vector behaviour, which may have evolved to be consistent with the transmission requirements of the virus.
Linguistic production and syntactic comprehension in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Perlini C. , Marini A. , Garzitto M. , Isola M. , Cerruti S. , Marinelli V. , Rambaldelli G. , Ferro A. , Tomelleri L. , Dusi N. , Bellani M. , Tansella M. , Fabbro F. , Brambilla P. 
Published: April 2012

Perlini C, Marini A, Garzitto M, Isola M, Cerruti S, Marinelli V, Rambaldelli G, Ferro A, Tomelleri L, Dusi N, Bellani M, Tansella M, Fabbro F, Brambilla P. Linguistic production and syntactic comprehension in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Objective:  To explore linguistic abilities in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Specifically, the aims of this study were to: i) investigate microlinguistic (lexicon, morphology, syntax) and macrolinguistic (discourse coherence, pragmatics) dimensions of speech production and ii) evaluate syntactic comprehension skills in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Method:  Linguistic performance of 30 Italian‐speaking patients with schizophrenia, 30 participants with bipolar disorder and 30 healthy controls comparable for age and educational level has been assessed using a story‐telling task and a computer‐based test of syntactic comprehension.Results:  In narrative production, compared with healthy participants, those with schizophrenia had slight problems in speech rate and deficits at both local and global discourse coherence, whereas patients with bipolar disorder showed reduced mean length of utterance. As regards syntactic comprehension, both groups of patients collected more grammatical errors than controls, but they differed with regard to the number and kind of grammatical construction they missed.Conclusion:  Linguistic deficits have been detected in both groups of patients, being, however, more severe and generalized in schizophrenia than in bipolar disorder. Such results help us in improving our understanding of the potential psychopathological overlapping between these disorders.
Double‐hit BCL2/MYC translocations in a consecutive cohort of patients with large B‐cell lymphoma – a single centre's experience
Authors: Pedersen Mette Ø. , Gang Anne O. , Poulsen Tim S. , Knudsen Helle , Lauritzen Anne F. , Nielsen Signe L. , Gang Uffe O. , Nørgaard Peter 
Published: April 2012

AbstractConcurrent BCL2 and MYC translocations, so called double hit (DH), are a rare finding in large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL). Based on data from retrospective series, DH has been correlated with aggressive clinical behaviour and poor outcome. We conducted a consecutive study of DH incidence and correlation with pathologic and clinical characteristics, including response to Rituximab‐containing chemotherapy and survival, in an unselected cohort of patients with LBCL. Translocations involving BCL2 and MYC loci were examined with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in 157 patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or B‐cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma (BCLU). The incidence of DH was 11% in the total cohort, 7% of primary LBCL and 21% of transformed LBCL. DH lymphomas were all GCB immunophenotype and were more often BCLU. No clinical characteristics were correlated with the presence of DH, which also had no impact on overall response rate (ORR), relapse rate or overall survival (OS). However, sub‐stratification of DH lymphomas by FISH indicated a possible inferior survival related to immunoglobulin MYC translocation partner gene. Screening of patients with BCLU and DLBCL of GCB type for DH BCL2/MYC translocation including MYC translocation partner gene may provide important prognostic information.
Randomized clinical trials: is periodontal research good for patients?
Authors: Williams Karen B. , Glaros Alan , Walker Mary P. , Cobb Charles M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractRandomized controlled trials, in which randomization is used to allocate patients to a treatment arm, are a relatively new concept. Randomized controlled trials are increasingly high‐stakes endeavors requiring a high level of planning and considerable financial support. Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard by which effectiveness of various treatments or interventions are determined. However, the methods involved in randomized controlled trials raise the question: is clinical research good for the participants? This paper discusses patient‐centered issues relating to randomized controlled trials, for example, whether the informed‐consent process results in subjects who are knowledgeable and informed about their participation, which, in turn, involves patient autonomy, health literacy and treatment preferences. Other issues discussed are those of statistical vs. clinical significance, professional ethics and ethical justification for randomized controlled trials, and differences in perceptions between patients and clinicians regarding the level of care being provided by the randomized controlled trials. Because our goal, as clinicians, is to provide treatment that improves the quality of life for the patient, it would seem logical that randomized controlled trials should include variables rated as important by patients as valid outcome measures. As clinicians and researchers, we can no longer afford to view randomized controlled trials from an ivory tower. Research participants, although autonomous agents, are inherently different from the patient seeking clinical care. Researchers have an ethical responsibility to consider the informed consent process as it relates to the subject’s health literacy and potential for therapeutic and procedural misperceptions.
Key statistical and analytical issues for evaluating treatment effects in periodontal research
Authors: Tu Yu‐Kang , Gilthorpe Mark S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractStatistics is an indispensible tool for evaluating treatment effects in clinical research. Due to the complexities of periodontal disease progression and data collection, statistical analyses for periodontal research have been a great challenge for both clinicians and statisticians. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of several basic, but important, statistical issues related to the evaluation of treatment effects and to clarify some common statistical misconceptions. Some of these issues are general, concerning many disciplines, and some are unique to periodontal research. We first discuss several statistical concepts that have sometimes been overlooked or misunderstood by periodontal researchers. For instance, decisions about whether to use the t‐test or analysis of covariance, or whether to use parametric tests such as the t‐test or its non‐parametric counterpart, the Mann‐Whitney U‐test, have perplexed many periodontal researchers. We also describe more advanced methodological issues that have sometimes been overlooked by researchers. For instance, the phenomenon of regression to the mean is a fundamental issue to be considered when evaluating treatment effects, and collinearity amongst covariates is a conundrum that must be resolved when explaining and predicting treatment effects. Quick and easy solutions to these methodological and analytical issues are not always available in the literature, and careful statistical thinking is paramount when conducting useful and meaningful research.
Coronally advanced flap and combination therapy for root coverage. Clinical strategies based on scientific evidence and clinical experience
Authors: Cortellini Pierpaolo , Pini Prato Giovanpaolo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDuring the past three decades, several surgical techniques have been proposed to treat single and multiple gingival recessions. Evidence indicates that coronally advanced flap‐based approaches result in the best clinical results. Among all the different techniques, the use of a graft under a coronally advanced flap results in the best short‐ and long‐term outcomes in terms of root coverage and gain in keratinized tissue. The use of a coronally advanced flap + connective tissue graft would appear to be the best choice for root coverage. However, harvesting a graft from the palate adds morbidity, surgical chair‐time and requires increased surgical skills. A potential alternative could be the use of enamel matrix derivatives under a coronally advanced flap, and this achieves similar clinical outcomes and is less invasive, but adds economic costs to the treatment. Evidence shows that a coronally advanced flap alone in many instances results in complete root coverage and is stable over time. A coronally advanced flap is less invasive for the patient, requires less chair‐time and probably less surgical skill. It would therefore be desirable to use a coronally advanced flap approach when indicated. It has been hypothesized that a coronally advanced flap approach alone could be successfully applied when the residual gingiva is thick and wide, although existing evidence does not support this hypothesis in full. Accordingly, the adjunctive use of a graft or enamel matrix derivatives could be restricted to sites at which there is thin and narrow residual gingiva.
Application of evidence‐based dentistry: from research to clinical periodontal practice
Authors: Kwok Vivien , Caton Jack G. , Polson Alan M. , Hunter Paul G. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDentists need to make daily decisions regarding patient care, and these decisions should essentially be scientifically sound. Evidence‐based dentistry is meant to empower clinicians to provide the most contemporary treatment. The benefits of applying the evidence‐based method in clinical practice include application of the most updated treatment and stronger reasoning to justify the treatment. A vast amount of information is readily accessible with today’s digital technology, and a standardized search protocol can be developed to ensure that a literature search is valid, specific and repeatable. It involves developing a preset question (population, intervention, comparison and outcome; PICO) and search protocol. It is usually used academically to perform commissioned reviews, but it can also be applied to answer simple clinical queries. The scientific evidence thus obtained can then be considered along with patient preferences and values, clinical patient circumstances and the practitioner’s experience and judgment in order to make the treatment decision. This paper describes how clinicians can incorporate evidence‐based methods into patient care and presents a clinical example to illustrate the process.