bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors for the Development of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection Due to Gram-Negative Bacteria in Intensive Care Unit Patients After Surgery
Authors: Sreeramoju Pranavi V. , Tolentino Jocelyn , Garcia-Houchins Sylvia , Weber Stephen G. 
Published: December 2007

Objectives.To examine the relative proportions of central line-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) due to gram-negative bacteria and due to gram-positive bacteria among patients who had undergone surgery and patients who had not. The study also evaluated clinical predictive factors and unadjusted outcomes associated with central line-associated BSI caused by gram-negative bacteria in the postoperative period.Design.Observational, case-control study based on a retrospective review of medical records.Setting.University of Chicago Medical Center, a 500-bed tertiary care center located on Chicago's south side.Patients.Adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who developed central line-associated BSI.Results.There were a total of 142 adult patients who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System definition for central line-associated BSI. Of those, 66 patients (46.5%) had infections due to gram-positive bacteria, 49 patients (34.5%) had infections due to gram-negative bacteria, 23 patients (16.2%) had infections due to yeast, and 4 patients (2.8%) had mixed infections. Patients who underwent surgery were more likely to develop central line-associated BSI due to gram-negative bacteria within 28 days of the surgery, compared with patients who had not had surgery recently (57.6% vs 27.3%; P = .002). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.6 [95% CI, 1.2-18.1]; P = .03) and the presence of hypotension at the time of the first blood culture positive for a pathogen (adjusted OR, 9.8 [95% CI, 2.5-39.1]; P = .001 ) were found to be independently predictive of central line-associated BSI caused by gram-negative bacteria. Unadjusted outcomes were not different in the group with BSI due to gram-negative pathogens, compared to the group with BSI due to gram-positive pathogens.Conclusions.Clinicians caring for critically ill patients after surgery should be especially concerned about the possibility of central line-associated BSI caused by gram-negative pathogens. The presence of diabetes and hypotension appear to be significant associated factors.
International Trade and Growth Miracles: the Implications of Nonhomothetic Preferences
Authors: Mountford Andrew 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIf the rate of saving increases with income then a low per capita level of the capital stock may be self‐sustaining. In these circumstances international trade may allow an economy to quickly increase its per capita capital stock in a self‐reinforcing “growth miracle” process. A labor‐abundant economy trading with a capital‐abundant economy will see its wage rate rise relative to autarky. This rise in the wage rate also increases the savings rate and so raises the following period’s per capita capital stock. In this way a low‐income economy may exhibit large and permanent increases in its level of GDP per capita after opening its markets to international trade.
Imperfect Labor Mobility and Unemployment in a Dual Economy*
Authors: Wei Gu , Yabuuchi Shigemi 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the implications of imperfect labor mobility and unemployment in developing countries. We analyze the effects of wage subsidy policies, factor growth, and the change in labor mobility on unemployment and national income in an economy that is characterized by the existence of both imperfect labor mobility and urban unemployment.
Non-invasive treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Jones J B , Docherty A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
There is good evidence that timely restoration of coronary blood flow in obstructed infarct related arteries is a significant determinant of both short and long term mortality and morbidity. This is irrespective of whether it is achieved using fibrinolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite the clear advantages of primary PCI, it is thrombolysis that remains the main reperfusion strategy in the UK. Recent data have highlighted mortality benefits when antiplatelet treatment and anticoagulation are used as adjuncts to thrombolysis. Moreover, of those who receive thrombolysis, 60% proceed to coronary arteriography within 6 months of their index event. Recent studies have been published clarifying the timing of coronary arteriography in patients who receive thrombolysis as reperfusion therapy.
The risk of antimalarials in patients with renal failure
Authors: Thorogood N , Atwal S , Mills W , Jenner M , Lewis D A , Cavenagh J D , Agrawal S G 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We present here a patient with end stage renal failure who received two weeks antimalarial prophylaxis at full dose leading to life threatening toxicity with severe acute megaloblastic anaemia, symptomatic pancytopenia and exfoliative dermatitis. Prompt recognition and treatment can rapidly reverse these fatal effects but more importantly, education of patients before travel is imperative in preventing such events.
Early structured core training of junior trainees in ophthalmology
Authors: Patel N , Zia R , Dewitd D , Morris S , Ionides A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The implementation of modernising medical careers (MMC) has resulted in some specialties being allocated very inexperienced trainees such as ophthalmology. We aim to describe the process of implementation of MMC and how it may affect the service provision in smaller specialities such as ophthalmology. A methodical approach in a district hospital setting was used to provide early core training to such trainees involving managerial support. The quality of service provided by newer trainees can be enhanced by providing early structured training during induction to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and continued learning. This example can be used in other units and specialties.
Processes Controlling the Mean Tropical Pacific Precipitation Pattern. Part II: The SPCZ and the Southeast Pacific Dry Zone
Authors: Takahashi Ken , Battisti David S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The nature of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) is addressed by focusing on the dry (and cool) zone bounded by it and the coast of South America through numerical experiments. As shown in a companion paper, this dry zone is due, to a large extent, to orographically forced subsidence. Here it is shown that the northwestward expansion of this dry zone can be explained by advection of low moist static energy by the trade winds. These results provide an explanation of the geometry of the western edge of the dry zone and, therefore, of the eastern edge of the adjacent SPCZ. Sea surface temperature underneath the SPCZ is enhanced by relatively high near-surface humidity through evaporative processes, which feeds back into its organization. However, in this model, this feedback is not critical for the existence of the SPCZ. The subsidence associated with the ITCZ in the North Hemisphere negatively affects the precipitation rate in the SPCZ. It was also found that the sensitivity of the forced response is largest for peak orographic heights below 3000 m, which indicates that the exact representation of the Andes in numerical models might not be as critical as that of lower orography such as that in southern Africa.
Hematopoiesis and immunity of HOXB4-transduced embryonic stem cell–derived hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Chan Kun-Ming , Bonde Sabrina , Klump Hannes , Zavazava Nicholas 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe ability of embryonic stem (ES) cells to form cells and tissues from all 3 germ layers can be exploited to generate cells that can be used to treat diseases. In particular, successful generation of hematopoietic cells from ES cells could provide safer and less immunogenic cells than bone marrow cells, which require severe host preconditioning when transplanted across major histocompatibility complex barriers. Here, we exploited the self-renewal properties of ectopically expressed HOXB4, a homeobox transcription factor, to generate hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) that successfully induce high-level mixed chimerism and long-term engraftment in recipient mice. The HPCs partially restored splenic architecture in Rag2−/−γc−/−–immunodeficient mice. In addition, HPC-derived newly generated T cells were able to mount a peptide-specific response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and specifically secreted interleukin-2 and interferon-γ upon CD3 stimulation. In addition, HPC-derived antigen presenting cells in chimeric mice efficiently presented viral antigen to wild-type T cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that leukocytes derived from ES cells ectopically expressing HOXB4 are immunologically functional, opening up new opportunities for the use of ES cell–derived HPCs in the treatment of hematologic and immunologic diseases.
An Immortalized Human Cell Line Bearing a PRKAR1A-Inactivating Mutation: Effects of Overexpression of the Wild-Type Allele and Other Protein Kinase A Subunits
Authors: Nesterova Maria , Bossis Ioannis , Wen Feng , Horvath Anelia , Matyakhina Ludmila , Stratakis Constantine A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Context: Inactivating mutations of PRKAR1A, the regulatory subunit type 1A (RIα) of protein kinase A (PKA), are associated with tumor formation.
Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the role of PKA isozymes on proliferation and cell cycle.
Methods: A cell line with RIα haploinsufficiency due to an inactivating PRKAR1A mutation (IVS2+1 G→A) was transfected with constructs encoding PKA subunits. Genetics, PKA subunit mRNA and protein expression and proliferation, aneuploidy, and cell cycle status were assessed. To identify factors that mediate PKA-associated cell cycle changes, we studied E2F and cyclins expression in transfected cells and E2F’s role by small interfering RNA; we also assessed cAMP levels and baseline and stimulated cAMP signaling in transfected cells.
Results: Introduction of PKA subunits led to changes in proliferation and cell cycle: a decrease in aneuploidy and G2/M for the PRKAR1A-transfected cells and an increase in S phase and aneuploidy for cells transfected with PRKAR2B, a known PRKAR1A mutant (RIαP), and the PKA catalytic subunit. There were alterations in cAMP levels, PKA subunit expression, cyclins, and E2F factors; E2F1 was shown to possibly mediate PKA effects on cell cycle by small interfering RNA studies. cAMP levels and constitutive and stimulated cAMP signaling were altered in transfected cells.
Conclusion: This is the first immortalized cell line with a naturally occurring PRKAR1A-inactivating mutation that is associated in vivo with tumor formation. PKA isozyme balance is critical for the control of cAMP signaling and related cell cycle and proliferation changes. Finally, E2F1 may be a factor that mediates dysregulated PKA’s effects on the cell cycle.
Hydrothermal Production of SrTiO3 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Jitputti Jaturong , Charoensirithavorn Patcharee , Yoshikawa Susumu 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanotube arrays were produced through a simple hydrothermal process from amorphous TiO2 nanotubes arrays. The resulting samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). During the hydrothermal treatment, the TiO2 nanotube arrays retained their shape to produce SrTiO3 nanotube arrays. The formation mechanism can be explained by the nanoscale Kirkendall effect.
Rates of fracture in participants and non-participants in the Osteoporosis Prospective Risk Assessment Study
Authors: Gerdhem P. , åkesson K. 
Published: December 2007

We invited 1604 randomly selected women, all 75 years of age, to participate in a study on the risk factors for fracture. The women were divided into three groups consisting of 1044 (65%) who attended the complete study, 308 (19%) respondents to the study questionnaire only and 252 (16%) who did not respond. The occurrence of the life-time fracture was ascertained from radiological records in all groups and by questionnaires from the attendees and respondents. According to the radiological records, fewer of the questionnaire respondents (88 of 308, 28.6%) and non-respondents (68 of 252, 27%) had sustained at least one fracture when compared with the attendees (435 of 1044, 41.7%; chi-squared test, p < 0.001). According to the questionnaire, fewer of the respondents (96 of 308, 31.1%) had sustained at least one previous fracture when compared with the attendees (457 of 1044, 43.7%; chi-squared test, p < 0.001). Any study concerning the risk of fracture may attract those with experience of a fracture which explains the higher previous life-time incidence among the attendees. This factor may cause bias in epidemiological studies.
The influence of the presence and severity of pre-existing patellofemoral degenerative changes on the outcome of the Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement
Authors: Beard D. J. , Pandit H. , Gill H. S. , Hollinghurst D. , Dodd C. A. F. , Murray D. W. 
Published: December 2007

Patellofemoral joint degeneration is often considered a contraindication to medial unicompartmental knee replacement. We examined the validity of this preconception using information gathered prospectively on the intra-operative status of the patellofemoral joint in 824 knees in 793 consecutive patients who underwent Oxford unicondylar knee replacement for anteromedial osteoarthritis. All operations were performed between January 1998 and September 2005. A five-point grading system classified degeneration of the patellofemoral joint from none to full-thickness cartilage loss. A subclassification of the presence or absence of any full-thickness cartilage loss was subsequently performed to test selected hypotheses. Outcome was evaluated independently by physiotherapists using the Oxford and the American Knee Society Scores with a minimum follow-up of one year. Full-thickness cartilage loss on the trochlear surface was observed in 100 of 785 knees (13%), on the medial facet of the patella in 69 of 782 knees (9%) and on the lateral facet in 29 of 784 knees (4%). Full-thickness cartilage loss at any location was seen in 128 knees (16%) and did not produce a significantly worse outcome than those with a normal or near-normal joint surface. The severity of the degeneration at any of the intra-articular locations also had no influence on outcome. We concluded that, provided there is not bone loss and grooving of the lateral facet, damage to the articular cartilage of the patellofemoral joint to the extent of full-thickness cartilage loss is not a contraindication to the Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee replacement.
Ankle joint pressure in pes cavovarus
Authors: Krause F. , Windolf M. , Schwieger K. , Weber M. 
Published: December 2007

A cavovarus foot deformity was simulated in cadaver specimens by inserting metallic wedges of 15° and 30° dorsally into the first tarsometatarsal joint. Sensors in the ankle joint recorded static tibiotalar pressure distribution at physiological load.The peak pressure increased significantly from neutral alignment to the 30° cavus deformity, and the centre of force migrated medially. The anterior migration of the centre of force was significant for both the 15° (repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), p = 0.021) and the 30° (repeated measures ANOVA, p = 0.007) cavus deformity. Differences in ligament laxity did not influence the peak pressure.These findings support the hypothesis that the cavovarus foot deformity causes an increase in anteromedial ankle joint pressure leading to anteromedial arthrosis in the long term, even in the absence of lateral hindfoot instability.
Accuracy of Oral Liquid Measuring Devices: Comparison of Dosing Cup and Oral Dosing Syringe
Authors: Sobhani Parisa , Christopherson Jaydi , Ambrose Peter J , Corelli Robin L 
Published: December 2007

Background: Previous studies have found that teaspoons are commonly used to administer liquid medications to children. The capacity of household teaspoons ranges from 1.5 mL to 9 mL, potentially leading to errors in dosing. There are few studies evaluating alternative measuring devices. Objective: To assess adult consumers’ previous experience with measuring devices for oral liquids, compare the accuracy of an oral syringe with that of a dosing cup, and determine consumer perceptions of accuracy and ease of use of an oral syringe and a dosing cup. Methods: Individuals at least 18 years of age were shown a picture of 5 commonly used measurement devices and asked their perceptions of and experience with the devices. They were then asked to measure a 5 mL (1 teaspoon) dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen) suspension, using the EZY Dose oral syringe and the dosing cup provided by the manufacturer. An acceptable dose was defined as 5.0 ± 0.5 mL. Following the measurement, participants completed a 5 item survey that assessed their perceptions of the accuracy and ease of use of the syringe and dosing cup. Results: A total of 96 subjects completed the study. Participants more commonly reported use of droppers (68%), dosing cups (67%), and teaspoons (62%) versus cylindrical spoons (49%) or oral syringes (49%) for measuring oral liquids. Sixty-four (66.7%) subjects measured an acceptable dose using the syringe versus 14 subjects (14.6%) using the cup (p < 0.001). The mean volumes ± SD measured with the syringe and cup were 4.5 ± 0.7 mL and 6.3 ± 0.7 mL, respectively (p < 0.001). After using both devices, the majority of subjects believed that the syringe (80%) and cup (71%) would measure an accurate dose. Most (87%) participants perceived that the cup was easy to use; 63% believed that the syringe was easy to use. Conclusions: Droppers and dosing cups were the most commonly used devices in the home for measuring liquid medications. Subjects were more likely to measure an acceptable dose with an oral syringe when compared with a dosing cup. However, a large proportion of study participants were unable to measure an accurate dose with either device. Community pharmacists should educate caregivers on the selection and proper use of measuring devices to improve the accuracy of medication administration in the home.
Paper dry strength improvement by xyloglucan addition: Wet-end application, spray coating and synergism with borate
Authors: Ahrenstedt Lage , Oksanen Antti , Salminen Kristian , Brumer Harry 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe polysaccharide xyloglucan as a wet-end additive improves paper properties. In the present study, paper strength improvement was analysed for dry handsheets made from chemical, mechanical and recycled pulps coated with xyloglucan in a spray application. Results are compared with sheets made from the same pulps treated with xyloglucan in the wet-end. Kraft pulp handsheets of bleached hardwood and softwood showed significant improvements of tensile, tear and Z-strength by xyloglucan spray treatment versus wet-end application, whereas handsheets of de-inked and thermomechanical pulp were improved only slightly. In both wet-end and spray applications, the effect of xyloglucan addition was intimately related to the presence of non-cellulosic components on the fibre surface. Further strength improvements were obtained for chemical pulps by addition of borax to the spray solution, which were likely to be due to the formation of borate-mediated xyloglucan cross-links. Spray coating of xyloglucan, with or without borax, thus represents a potential new application of this polysaccharide to increase paper dry strength.
The effect of (induced) dislocations on the tensile properties of individual Norway spruce fibres
Authors: Eder Michaela , Terziev Nasko , Daniel Geoffrey , Burgert Ingo 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Axial compressive stresses can cause distortion of the cellulose fibril alignment in the wood cell wall. These deformations are thought to occur in the living tree and/or to develop during wood processing and seem to adversely affect the mechanical properties of pulp and paper and other fibre-based products. To characterise the influence of dislocations on the mechanical properties of the unmodified cell wall, dislocations were artificially created by applying high compression loads to wood blocks parallel to the fibre axis. Mechanically isolated fibres containing different levels of dislocations were then subjected to tensile tests. Comparison between micromechanical properties of reference fibres and fibres that were artificially loaded in compression revealed the importance of dislocations for the mechanics of both earlywood and latewood. However, the tensile strength (decrease ∼19% for earlywood and ∼26% for latewood) was less affected than expected from structural observations of the pre-compressed zones.
Laboratory screening of tropical hardwoods for natural resistance to the marine borer Limnoria quadripunctata: The role of leachable and non-leachable factors
Authors: Borges Luisa M.S. , Cragg Simon M. , Bergot Julien , Williams John R. , Shayler Ben , Sawyer Gervais S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The marine borer Limnoria ingests essential wood components including the extractives the wood contains. Some extractives may confer borer resistance on certain timbers. Feeding by Limnoria correlates with the rate of production of faecal pellets. The faecal pellet production rate and mortality on over 40 test timbers and non-resistant Pinus sylvestris sapwood was measured over 15 days. By placing animals in leachate from wood and with wood in flowing seawater, the effects of leaching-resistant and water-soluble compounds were measured. Some previously untested timbers affected Limnoria as strongly as timbers reputed for durability in marine construction. Wood of Minquartia guianensis, Nectandra rubra and Bruguiera gymnorhiza caused high mortality, and pellet production on them was less than 10% of production on P. sylvestris. Suppressed feeding rates, but with no heavy mortality, were observed on known durable species such as Chlorocardium rodiei, Dicorynia guianensis, Lophira alata and Nauclea trillesii, but also on Cynometra ananta, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Enterolobium schomburgkii, Goupia glabra, Hymenaea courabil, Mammea africana, Shorea sp. and Sacoglottis guianensis. Leachate from B. gymnorhiza, G. glabra, H. coubaril, N. rubra and Shorea sp. caused high mortality. These short-term bioassays thus detected clear differences between wood species in their resistance to Limnoria that matched findings from long-term marine trials, while indicating new species worthy of detailed testing.