bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The common good as an invisible hand: Machiavelli's legacy to public management
Authors: Rochet Claude 
Published: September 2008

Public management has been dominated by the quest for efficiency and has left us with fundamental ethical questions that remain unresolved. It is argued that Machiavellian thought may provide us with concepts and tools applicable to ruling societies confronted with uncertainties and change that are (1) in line with the most recent insights into institutional evolution and (2) appropriate to solve complex decision-making problems. The common good — a central concept of Machiavelli's thought — appears to be an invisible hand that lowers the transaction costs and acts as the keystone of complex public affairs thinking. This analysis is illustrated by a comparative case study of the two management projects of infrastructure crossing the Alps, the AlpTransit in Switzerland, and the Lyon Torino Link. It concludes with a proposal to upgrade the research program in public management that allows effectiveness (legitimacy of the ends) and effectiveness in its implementation. Points for practitioners The mainstream of public management theories and reform has been dominated by the quest of efficiency as a Holy Grail. I argue that theses reforms didn't deliver with their promises and left us with fundamental ethical questions unresolved: doing things right do not answer to the question of doing the right things. The main reason is a profound misunderstanding of the very nature of the ongoing change process that makes any kind one size fits all recipes inappropriate. Such a sea change occurred in the Renaissance era and Machiavelli bequeathed us a comprehensive understanding of how to rule a public body in a changing and uncertain world. I explain Machiavelli's misunderstood legacy and apply his teaching to analyzing two huge management projects of public infrastructures. I conclude on what has to be upgrade in the research programmes in public management to confront with the challenges of our era that call for a back to basics of classical political philosophy
Availability and Use of Palliative Care and End-of-Life Services for Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Johnston Donna L. , Nagel Kim , Friedman Debra L. , Meza Jane L. , Hurwitz Craig A. , Friebert Sarah 
Published: September 2008

Purpose Palliative care prevents or relieves the symptoms caused by life-threatening medical conditions. Previous surveys have shown both underuse and lack of availability of these services for children with cancer throughout North America. We sought to investigate the current practices and resources surrounding palliative and end-of-life care among participating institutions of the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Methods A survey regarding practices and resources was developed by the COG palliative care subcommittee and was sent to all 232 institutions to complete for the calendar year 2005. Results The survey was completed by 81% of the institutions. Per institution, there were a mean of 64.6 newly diagnosed patients and 17.7 patients experiencing relapse. A palliative care team was available in 58% of institutions, a pain service in 90%, a hospice in 60%, a psychosocial support team in 80%, and a bereavement program in 59%. Complementary and alternative medicine was available in 39% of institutions and in 95% of the COG institution's community. Most services, even when available, were not well used by patients. Conclusion Despite the well-established benefit of pediatric palliative care, it is only offered in 58% of COG institutions caring for children with cancer. In an era where the benefit of palliative care has been clearly established, this number should approach 100%. Efforts should be directed toward understanding barriers to provision of such services, so that they are available and well used at all childhood cancer centers.
Longitudinal Changes in Obesity and Body Mass Index Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Garmey Edward G. , Liu Qi , Sklar Charles A. , Meacham Lillian R. , Mertens Ann C. , Stovall Marilyn A. , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Oeffinger Kevin C. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose We examined the rate of increase in the body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) after final height attainment in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and a noncancer comparison group. Methods Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is a retrospectively ascertained cohort study that prospectively tracks the health status of adults who were diagnosed with childhood cancer between 1970 and 1986 and a comparison group of siblings. Changes in BMI from baseline enrollment to time of completion of follow-up (mean interval, 7.8 years) were calculated for 1,451 ALL survivors (mean age, 32.3 years at follow-up) and 2,167 siblings of childhood cancer survivors (mean age, 35.9 years). Results The mean BMI of the CCSS sibling comparison group increased with age (women, 0.25 units/yr, 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.28 units; men, 0.23 units/yr, 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.25 units). Compared with CCSS siblings, ALL survivors who were treated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) had a significantly greater increase in BMI (women, 0.41 units/yr, 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.45 units; men, 0.29 units/yr; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.32 units). The rate of BMI increase was not significantly increased for ALL survivors who were treated with chemotherapy alone. Younger age at CRT exposure significantly modified risk. Conclusion CRT used in the treatment of childhood ALL is associated with a greater rate of increasing BMI, particularly among women treated with CRT during the first decade of life. Health care professionals should be aware of this risk and interventions to reduce or manage weight gain are essential in this high-risk population.
Computed Tomography Response, But Not Positron Emission Tomography Scan Response, Predicts Survival After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tanvetyanon Tawee , Eikman Edward A. , Sommers Eric , Robinson Lary , Boulware David , Bepler Gerold 
Published: September 2008

Purpose Tumor response is considered a surrogate marker of survival. We investigated whether tumor response based on computed tomography (CT) scan or whole-body [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) scan after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is prognostic of survival. Patients and Methods Two consecutive phase II clinical trials were jointly analyzed. Patients underwent CT and PET scans before and after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surgery. Results Eighty-nine patients were included. Patients with a partial or complete response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors categories (n = 33) had a better overall survival than those with stable or progressive disease (n = 56; median survival time, not reached v 36 months, respectively; P = .04). Of all patients, those with response in the highest quartile had 1- and 2-year survival rates of 100% and 81%, respectively, compared with 77% and 61%, respectively, among patients in the lowest quartile. However, on the basis of visual analysis of PET scan, patients with a metabolic response (n = 28) had no significant difference in survival compared with patients without response (n = 61; median survival time, 35.6 months v not reached, respectively; P = .94). In addition, on the basis of a semiquantitative analysis of PET scan, using at least 30% reduction in tumor metabolism as a response (n = 59), we also found no significant difference in survival among those with or without response. Conclusion Among patients with resectable NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we found no evidence that tumor response by PET scan after chemotherapy is prognostic of survival; however, response by CT scan was associated with better survival.
Oxaliplatin Plus Irinotecan Compared With Irinotecan Alone as Second-Line Treatment After Single-Agent Fluoropyrimidine Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Haller Daniel G. , Rothenberg Mace L. , Wong Alfred O. , Koralewski Piotr M. , Miller Wilson H. , Bodoky Gyorgy , Habboubi Nassir , Garay Carlos , Olivatto Luis O. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose To determine whether irinotecan plus oxaliplatin (IROX) is superior to irinotecan alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) previously treated with single-agent fluoropyrimidines. Patients and Methods A phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of patients with metastatic or recurrent CRC that had progressed or recurred during or after adjuvant or first-line fluoropyrimidines (fluorouracil/leucovorin or capecitabine, the latter only for metastatic CRC). Patients received IROX (irinotecan 200 mg/m2 plus oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2) or irinotecan alone (350 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. Results At the data cutoff (when 447 of 628 randomly assigned patients had died), median overall survival was 13.4 months (95% CI, 12.4 to 14.7 months) and 11.1 month (95% CI, 10.0 to 12.7 months) in the IROX and irinotecan groups, respectively (hazard ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.94; P = .0072). Overall response rate (22% v 7%, respectively; P < .0001), median time to progression (5.3 v 2.8 months, respectively; P < .0001), and improvement in tumor-related symptoms (32% v 19%, respectively; P = .0072) were also improved with IROX as compared with irinotecan. With the exception of granulocytopenia (25% v 13%), diarrhea (28% v 23%), and sensory disturbances (5% v 0%), grade 3 to 4 toxicities were comparable between the IROX and irinotecan groups, respectively. Conclusion IROX is an effective treatment for metastatic CRC that has progressed after first-line fluoropyrimidine therapy. IROX improves efficacy compared with irinotecan alone, providing an additional option in the postadjuvant or second-line treatment setting for patients who experience treatment failure with single-agent fluoropyrimidine therapy.
Formation of C–C Bonds via Ruthenium-catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation: Carbonyl Addition from the Alcohol or Aldehyde Oxidation Level
Authors: Shibahara Fumitoshi , Krische Michael J 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Under the conditions of ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation employing isopropyl alcohol as terminal reductant, π-unsaturated compounds (1,3-dienes, allenes, 1,3-enynes, and alkynes) reductively couple to aldehydes to furnish products of carbonyl addition. In the absence of isopropyl alcohol, π-unsaturated compounds couple directly from the alcohol oxidation level to form identical products of carbonyl addition. Such “alcohol-unsaturate C–C couplings” enable carbonyl allylation, propargylation and vinylation from the alcohol oxidation level in the absence of stoichiometric organometallic reagents or metallic reductants. Thus, direct catalytic C–H functionalization of alcohols at the carbinol carbon is achieved.
A Convenient Procedure for the Acidic Activation of Mineral Bentonite: An Environmentally Friendly Method for the Preparation of Bleaching Earths
Authors: Kótai László , Sajó István E , Jakab Emma , Keresztury Gábor , Pfeifer Éva , Kocsis László , Papp Katalin , Gács István , Valyon József , Lippart József 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Refluxing montmorillonite-containing raw bentonite ((Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2Si4O10(OH)2) in aq HNO3, then neutralizing it with NH3 produces NH4NO3-containing NH4–bentonite. The NH4NO3 intercalated can be eliminated as a gaseous product (N2O and H2O) by heating at 400 °C, and the deammoniation and dehydroxylation process of the preactivated bentonite leads to formation of bleaching earth (Hx(Al,Mg)2−ySi4O10(OH)2).
Laser-enhanced Dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Acetonitrile
Authors: Tanaka Nobuaki , Nishikiori Hiromasa , Kubota Satoshi , Iinuma Atsushi , Endo Morinobu , Fujii Tsuneo 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Laser irradiation effect on the dispersibility of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy. Absorbance growth indicated increased dispersion in acetonitrile. Dispersibility depended on the irradiation time and power density. Even under high fluence irradiation the morphology scarcely changed under SEM observation, while the Raman spectrum measurement was indicative of the surface change.
Latitudinal Variation in Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Nest‐Guarding Smallmouth Bass to Common Recreational Angling Practices
Authors: Hanson Kyle C. , Gravel Marie‐Ange , Redpath Tara , Cooke Steven J. , Siepker Michael J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractManagement policies related to catch‐and‐release (CR) angling of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu vary widely across the geographic distribution of the species. Some jurisdictions, principally in the northern latitudes, prohibit or limit angling efforts that target nesting male smallmouth bass, whereas angling during the nesting period is generally unregulated in southern jurisdictions. Existing studies of individual‐level angling impacts on nesting smallmouth bass have primarily been conducted in the north; thus, the extent to which these findings are relevant to other regions is unknown. In the current study, we sought to systematically evaluate the rates of nest abandonment by nesting smallmouth bass subjected to common angling practices (CR treatment: Brief angling and no exposure to air; air exposure [AE] treatment: Exhaustive angling and 3 min of AE) and tournament practices (simulated tournament [ST] treatment: Exhaustive angling, 2 h of live‐well retention, and 3 min of AE prior to release) across a latitudinal gradient encompassing virtually the entire south‐north range of smallmouth bass (i.e., southern Missouri [MO], southern Ontario [SON], and northern Ontario [NON]) and compared these treatment groups with nonangled controls. We also quantified the extent to which physiological disturbance associated with angling varied across latitudes (peripheral populations [MO and NON] versus the intermediate‐latitude population [SON]). Whole‐blood lactate and glucose levels were highest in fish subjected to ST conditions, indicating increased stress; this pattern was conserved across all latitudes (although there was some evidence of intraspecific variation in stress response). Additionally, the pattern of brood abandonment was similar among fish at all three latitudes; ST fish exhibited the highest rates of nest abandonment (MO: Control = 9.1%, CR = 0%, AE = 9.1%, ST = 100%; SON: control = 10%, CR = 10%, AE = 10%, ST = 50%; NON: control = 7.7%, CR = 0%, AE = 9.1%, ST = 50%). Interestingly, fish from the most southerly latitude, where regulations are the most liberal, abandoned nests at higher rates than did fish from the other latitudes. Collectively, these data reveal that the reproductive success of individual smallmouth bass can suffer from interaction with anglers, particularly in a tournament context, regardless of the region. Further study is needed to determine the extent to which individual nest success is relevant to recruitment and how this relationship varies across latitudes.
Effect of Intravenous Propacetamol on Blood Pressure in Febrile Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hersch Moshe , Raveh David , Izbicki Gabriel 
Published: September 2008

Study Objectives. To investigate the effect of intravenous propacetamol, a parenteral bioprecursor of acetaminophen, on systemic blood pressure in critically ill patients with fever, and to establish the prevalence and clinical significance of this effect.Design. Prospective, observational study.Setting. A six‐bed medical‐surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university‐affiliated tertiary care hospital in Israel.Patients. Fourteen critically ill patients (aged 17–83 yrs) with sepsis and fever (body temperature ≥ 38°C) who received an intravenous infusion of propacetamol 2 g over 15–20 minutes every 6 hours as needed to reduce fever.Measurements and Results. Demographic data, including degree of sepsis, were collected at baseline (before propacetamol infusion). Blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and need for fluid or vasopressor therapy were recorded at baseline, at end of infusion, and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after propacetamol administration. The drug was administered on 72 occasions in the 14 patients. Mean ± SE systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures recorded 15 minutes after propacetamol administration were significantly lower than baseline measurements: 123 ± 29 versus 148 ± 33, 62 ± 12 versus 70 ± 15, and 83 ± 16 versus 97 ± 19 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.05). In 24 (33%) of the 72 infusions, systolic blood pressure decreased to below 90 mm Hg and required intervention with fluid bolus administration on six occasions; a fluid bolus was accompanied by a dosage increase or initiation of a norepinephrine infusion on 18 occasions. No correlation, however, was noted between the degree of decrease in mean arterial pressure and decrease in temperature (r2=0.01), or the degree of decrease in mean arterial pressure and decrease in heart rate (r2=0.23), at each data collection time point, as measured by linear regression.Conclusion. Intravenous propacetamol, given in antipyretic doses, caused a significant decrease in blood pressure 15 minutes after administration in febrile critically ill patients. This drug‐induced hypotension was clinically relevant in that interventions to control blood pressure were required. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this potential deleterious effect, particularly in specific populations such as critically ill patients.
Ventricular Free Wall Rupture: Ten Year Survival After Surgical Repair
Authors: Leff Richard A , Hoffman Irwin 
Published: September 2008

Ventricular free wall rupture is a devastating complication of acute myocardial infarction. It occurs in 15-25% of fatal cases. However, the overall incidence in acute MI cases is about 2%. [1] Clinical markers suggesting free wall rupture include pulseless electrical activity in a first MI, and pericardial tamponade. Subacute rupture takes hours or days to develop, and is suggested clinically by pericardial pain, transient hypotension, nausea, restlessness and agitation. [2, 3] When the diagnosis is established by pericardiocentesis or echocardiography, surgical patch repairs are possible, using standard or even sutureless technique. [4] The long term course of survivors of free wall rupture repair has not been extensively reported. There are scattered reports in the literature of survival up to eight years. [5, 3] We report herein a case of a status freewall rupture from an inferior-posterior wall myocardial infarction with survival of ten years after surgical repair. We believe this to be the longest survival thus far reported in the literature.
Optimization of a synthetic siRNA delivery for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Lesko Ewa , Miekus Katarzyna , Grabowska Agnieszka , Gładys Aleksandra , Majka Marcin 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Silencing of a target-genes by small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful new tool not only for basic research but also with potential therapeutic benefits. This paper demonstrates that optimal delivery strategy is crucial for effective target-gene silencing. Using lipofection, under defined conditions, we were able to markedly down-regulate expression of the selected genes involved in rhabdomyosarcoma metastasis: MET, CXCR4, LIFR and PAX3-FKHR.
Mark-recapture estimates of the survival and recapture rates of Cerambyx welensii Küster (Coleoptera cerambycidae) in a cork oak dehesa in Huelva (Spain)
Authors: López-Pantoja Gloria , Nevado Luis , Sánchez-Osorio Israel 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The oak decline is probably the most severe plant health problem faced in the Mediterranean region which is one of the habitats of community interest under the EU’s environmental legal regime. More information on the role of Cerambycids species in this decay is still needed. This paper reports the apparent survival rate (Phi) and recapture rate (P) for a population of Cerambyx welensii Küster (Coleoptera cerambycidae) in a highly degraded cork oak grove near the Doñana National Park (Huelva, Spain) as calculated using the mark-capture-recapture method. High and constants in the time values of apparent survival rates for males and females are detected. The male overall recapture rate (P) exceeded that of the female group with relatively low, but significant, values. The presence of transient individuals suggests a nucleus of population with many immigrants and emigrants in the study plot. The results are used to discuss various aspects of the insect biology, and the potential effect of the gradual deterioration of the studied ecosystem on theinsect population it supports.
Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells on Glass Ceramic Substrates
Authors: Muecke Ulrich P. , Beckel Daniel , Bernard André , Bieberle‐Hütter Anja , Graf Silvio , Infortuna Anna , Müller Patrik , Rupp Jennifer L. M. , Schneider Julian , Gauckler Ludwig J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMiniaturized solid oxide fuel cells are fabricated on a photostructurable glass ceramic substrate (Foturan) by thin film and micromachining techniques. The anode is a sputtered platinum film and the cathode is made of a spray pyrolysis (SP)‐deposited lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF), a sputtered platinum film and platinum paste. A single‐layer of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) made by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and a bilayer of PLD–YSZ and SP–YSZ are used as electrolytes. The total thickness of all layers is less than 1 µm and the cell is a free‐standing membrane with a diameter up to 200 µm. The electrolyte resistance and the sum of polarization resistances of the anode and cathode are measured between 400 and 600 °C by impedance spectroscopy and direct current (DC) techniques. The contribution of the electrolyte resistance to the total cell resistance is negligible for all cells. The area‐specific polarization resistance of the electrodes decreases for different cathode materials in the order of Pt paste > sputtered Pt > LSCF. The open circuit voltages (OCVs) of the single‐layer electrolyte cells ranges from 0.91 to 0.56 V at 550 °C. No electronic leakage in the PLD–YSZ electrolyte is found by in‐plane and cross‐plane electrical conductivity measurements and the low OCV is attributed to gas leakage through pinholes in the columnar microstructure of the electrolyte. By using a bilayer electrolyte of PLD–YSZ and SP–YSZ, an OCV of 1.06 V is obtained and the maximum power density reaches 152 mW cm−2 at 550 °C.
Hemoglobin‐CdTe‐CaCO3@Polyelectrolytes 3D Architecture: Fabrication, Characterization, and Application in Biosensing
Authors: Cai Wen‐Yi , Feng Liang‐Dong , Liu Shan‐Hu , Zhu Jun‐Jie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA Hemoglobin‐CdTe‐CaCO3@polyelectrolyte 3D architecture is synthesized by a stepwise layer‐by‐layer method and is further used to fabricate an electrochemistry biosensor. While the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microsphere acts as an effective host for the loading of cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots due to its channel‐like structure, the polyelectrolyte layers further increase the loading amount and help in the formation of a thick and uniform quantum‐dot “shell”, which not only improves the stability of the spheres in water, but also contributes to the fast and effective direct electron transfer between the protein redox center and the macroscopic electrode. The materials are characterized and compared, and the possible mechanism for the direct electrochemistry phenomenon is hypothesized. Our work not only provides a facile and effective route for the preparation of quantum‐dot‐loaded spheres, but also sets an example of how the structure of functional materials can be tuned and related to their applications. In addition, it is one of the few examples of using CaCO3 microspheres in quantum‐dot loading and biosensing.