bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating alternate strategic options for agricultural value chains
Authors: Ainsley Archer A. , Thorburn Peter J. , Hobson Phil A. , Higgins Andrew J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Making strategic innovations to agricultural value chains can be difficult. Complex biophysical and logistical interactions make a priori estimates of chain-wide impacts difficult. This paper gives the results of applying an agent-based, value chain modelling framework, developed and applied in participation with stakeholders in three sugar mill case studies, which evaluated the viability of maximising the co-generation of electricity by harvesting the whole crop (i.e. cane leaves as well as stalk). The existing practice of harvesting predominantly cane stalk (as in the 2003 production year) was the base case for comparing a scenario where electricity co-generation (from crop residues) was an added revenue stream. Increased revenues were compared to costs within sectors as per changes in biophysical flows for the grower, harvesting, transport and milling segments in the chain. In general, predicted impacts on the farming and milling sectors were greater than anticipated by stakeholders, while the impacts on the harvesting and transport sectors were less than anticipated because of increased logistical efficiency possible in the sectors. A virtual experience of their supply chain facilitated more complete knowledge transfer about possible impacts of whole-crop harvesting to managers across the chain and thus increased their capacity to evaluate innovative business models involving the co-generation of electricity.
Measurement of the importance of trust elements in agrifood chains: an application of the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Ameseder Christoph , Meixner Oliver , Haas Rainer , Fritz Melanie , Schiefer Gerhard 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper focuses on the level of inter-organizational trust-building elements in food chains of different countries. It is based on a theoretical typology of trust elements, developed and tested for an early stage of business to business (B2B) relationships. In a planned study, required data will be collected via qualitative expert interviews. The importance of trust elements will be measured by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The study will contribute to understanding the influence of cultural background and single key informants on inter-organizational trust. Results will be useful for the implementation of trust elements in B2B e-business applications.
Reading information graphics: The role of spatial contiguity and dual attentional guidance
Authors: Holsanova Jana , Holmberg Nils , Holmqvist Kenneth 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn a naturalistic newspaper reading study, two pairs of information graphics have been designed to study the effects of (a) the spatial contiguity principle and (b) the dual scripting principle by means of eye tracking measurements. Our data clearly show that different spatial layouts have a significant effect on readers' eye movement behaviour. An integrated format with spatial contiguity between text and illustrations facilitates integration. Reading of information graphics is moreover significantly enhanced by a serial format, resulting from dual attentional guidance. The dual scripting principle is associated with a bottom‐up guidance through the spatial layout of the presentation, suggesting a specific reading path, and with a top‐down guidance through the conceptual pre‐processing of the contents, facilitating information processing and semantic integration of the material. The integrated and serial formats not only attract readers' initial attention but also sustain the readers' interest, thereby promoting a longer and deeper processing of the complex material. The results are an important contribution to the study of the cognitive processes involved in text‐picture integration and offer relevant insights about attentional guidance in printed media, computer‐based instructional materials and textbook design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do i do? Investigating effects of expertise and performance‐process records on self‐assessment
Authors: Kostons Danny , van Gog Tamara , Paas Fred 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of expertise and cues of the performance‐process on self‐assessment, using a 2 × 2 factorial design with factors ‘Expertise’ (Lower vs. Higher) and ‘Performance‐Process Cue’ (Cued vs. Non‐cued). The cues, consisting of replays of integrated records of participants' eye movements and actions on the computer screen, were hypothesised to help the lower expertise group to remember and the higher expertise group to evaluate their task performance, by allowing them to review both physical actions (reflected in mouse/keyboard operations) and cognitive actions (reflected in eye movements) made during task performance. The results were in line with this hypothesis. Implications of these findings for self‐assessment theory and the use of eye tracking recordings as a performance‐process cue are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Organized Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Conducting Thin Films with Honeycomb Structures on Flexible Plastic Films
Authors: Wakamatsu Nobuo , Takamori Hisayoshi , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractComplex 1, synthesized from anionic shortened single‐walled carbon nanotubes and cationic ammonium lipid dissolved in organic solvents, is cast on pretreated transparent flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films under a higher relative humidity to form thin films with self‐organized honeycomb structures. The cell sizes are controllable by changing the experimental conditions. The lipid, which is the cationic part of complex 1, is easily removed by a simple ion‐exchange method, while maintaining the basic honeycomb structures. After the ion exchange, the nanotube honeycomb films on PET with thinner skeletons exhibit a dramatic decrease in the surface resistivity from insulating to conducting. Carbon nanotubes with honeycomb structures formed by the self‐organization on flexible polymer films are useful in many areas of nanoscience and technology including nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, nanodevices, catalysts, sensors, and so on.
The design and use of an agent‐based model to simulate the 1918 influenza epidemic at Norway House, Manitoba
Authors: Carpenter Connie , Sattenspiel Lisa 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAgent‐based modeling provides a new approach to the study of virgin soil epidemics like the 1918 flu. In this bottom‐up simulation approach, a landscape can be created and populated with a heterogeneous group of agents who move and interact in ways that more closely resemble human behavior than is usually seen in other modeling techniques. In this project, an agent‐based model was constructed to simulate the spread of the 1918 influenza pandemic through the Norway House community in Manitoba, Canada. Archival, ethnographic, epidemiological, and biological information were used to aid in designing the structure of the model and to estimate values for model parameters. During the epidemic, Norway House was a Hudson's Bay Company post and a Swampy Cree‐Métis settlement with an economy based on hunting, fishing, and the fur trade. The community followed a traditional, seasonal travel pattern of summer aggregation and winter dispersal. The model was used to examine how seasonal community structures and associated population movement patterns may have influenced disease transmission and epidemic spread. Simulations of the model clearly demonstrate that human behavior can significantly influence epidemic outcomes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal height and child mortality in 42 developing countries
Authors: Monden Christiaan W. S. , Smits Jeroen 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPrevious research reports mixed results about the association between maternal height and child mortality. Some studies suggest that the negative association might be stronger in contexts with fewer resources. This hypothesis has yet not been tested in a cross‐nationally comparative design. We use data on 307,223 children born to 194,835 women in 444 districts of 42 developing countries to estimate the association between maternal height and child mortality and test whether this association is modified by indicators at the level of the household (like sex, age and twin status of the child and socio‐economic characteristics of the mother and her partner), district (regional level of development, public health facilities and female occupational attainment) and country (GDP per capita). We find a robust negative effect of logged maternal height on child mortality. The effect of maternal health is strongest for women with least education and is more important in the first year after birth and for twin births. The indicators of development at the district and country level do not modify the effect of maternal height. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seizures and reproductive function: Insights from female rats with epilepsy
Authors: Scharfman Helen E. , Kim Michelle , Hintz Tana M. , MacLusky Neil J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveChronic seizures in women can have adverse effects on reproductive function, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, but it has been difficult to dissociate the effects of epilepsy from the role of antiepileptic drugs. To distinguish the effects of chronic seizures from medication, we used the laboratory rat, because an epileptic condition can be induced without concomitant anticonvulsant drug treatment.MethodsAdult female rats were administered the chemoconvulsant pilocarpine to initiate status epilepticus, which was decreased in severity by the anticonvulsant diazepam. These rats developed spontaneous seizures in the ensuing weeks, and are therefore termed epileptic. Controls were saline‐treated rats, or animals that were injected with pilocarpine but did not develop status epilepticus. Ovarian cyclicity and weight gain were evaluated for 2 to 3 months. Serum hormone levels were assayed from trunk blood, which was collected at the time of death. Paraformaldehyde‐fixed ovaries were evaluated quantitatively.ResultsRats that had pilocarpine‐induced seizures had an increased incidence of acyclicity by the end of the study, even if status epilepticus did not occur. Ovarian cysts and weight gain were significantly greater in epileptic than control rats, whether rats maintained cyclicity or not. Serum testosterone was increased in epileptic rats, but estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were not.InterpretationsThe results suggest that an epileptic condition in the rat leads to increased body weight, cystic ovaries, and increased testosterone levels. Although caution is required when comparing female rats with women, the data suggest that recurrent seizures have adverse effects, independent of antiepileptic drugs. Ann Neurol 2008;64:687–697
The brain in the age of old: The hippocampal formation is targeted differentially by diseases of late life
Authors: Wu William , Brickman Adam M. , Luchsinger Jose , Ferrazzano Peter , Pichiule Paola , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Brown Truman , DeCarli Charles , Barnes Carol A. , Mayeux Richard , Vannucci Susan J. , Small Scott A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo rely on the anatomical organization of the hippocampal formation in understanding whether and how late‐life diseases such as diabetes and stroke contribute to age‐related cognitive decline.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to document brain infarcts and to generate high‐resolution functional maps of the hippocampal formation in 240 community‐based nondemented elders (mean age, 79.7 years) who received a comprehensive medical evaluation. Sixty participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas 74 had MRI‐documented brain infarcts, and the first analysis was designed to pinpoint hippocampal subregions differentially linked to each disorder. Then, guided by the results, additional functional MRI studies in aging rhesus monkeys and mice were used to test proposed mechanisms of dysfunction.ResultsAlthough both diabetes and brain infarcts were associated with hippocampal dysfunction, each was linked to separate hippocampal subregions, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms. The hippocampal subregion linked to diabetes implicated blood glucose as a pathogenic mechanism, a hypothesis confirmed by imaging aging rhesus monkeys and a mouse model of diabetes. The hippocampal subregion linked to infarcts suggested transient hypoperfusion as a pathogenic mechanism, a hypothesis provisionally confirmed by comparing anatomical patterns across subjects with infarcts in different vascular territories.InterpretationTaken together with previous findings, these results clarify how diseases of late life differentially target the hippocampal formation, identify elevations in blood glucose as a contributing cause of age‐related memory decline, and suggest specific interventions that can preserve cognitive health. Ann Neurol 2008;64:698–706
Metal–Organic Spheres as Functional Systems for Guest Encapsulation
Authors: Imaz Inhar , Hernando Jordi , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Maspoch Daniel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSphärenmusik: Eine unendliche Koordinationspolymerisation von Zn2+‐Ionen und einem multitopen Liganden liefert metall‐organische Mikro‐ und Nanokugeln, die als funktionelle Matrices genutzt werden können. Sie können Kombinationen aktiver Substanzen, z. B. organische Farbstoffe, magnetische Nanopartikel oder lumineszierende Quantenpunkte (siehe Bild), einschließen, was zu Kugeln führt, die im blauen, grünen und roten Spektralbereich lumineszieren.magnified image
Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new lanthanide‐transition metal carbonyl cluster
Authors: Ye Jiehui , Su Haiquan , Bai Fenghua , Du Yong , Zhang Yulong 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new type heterobimetallic complex containing lanthanide and transition metal carbonyl cluster (LnM carbonyl cluster), Sm2{OOCCCo3(CO)9}2{OOCCF3}4{(CO)9Co3CCOOH}4, has been synthesized by reaction of (CO)9Co3CCOOH with Sm(OOCCF3)3(H2O)2, and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Application of the complex as a catalyst precursor for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (Fischer–Tropsch reaction) was explored, and the thermogravimetric behavior and magnetic properties of the compound were examined as well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregnancy exposure registries: Academic opportunities and industry responsibility
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPregnancy exposure registries systematically evaluate pregnancies and outcomes exposed to a medicinal compound or device during the gestational period. Historically, such programs partner an academic institution with one or more pharmaceutical companies or are run solely by a pharmaceutical company. However, other examples abound. This article describes what a pregnancy exposure registry is, as well as selected methodological challenges they face, using real examples and applications. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Better data needed from pregnancy registries
Authors: Briggs Gerald G. , Polifka Janine ,   and OTIS Research Committee
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article is a consensus position statement from the Research Committee of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). The Committee believes that more specific information on the timing and dose of drug exposures from pregnancy birth defect registries sponsored by pharmaceutical companies (herein called pregnancy registries) would improve the estimation of risk for developmental toxicity (i.e., growth alteration, structural anomalies, functional/neurobehavioral deficits, or death). Specifically, the Committee believes that the exposure timing should be stated in gestational weeks and days rather than simply weeks. In addition, the Committee believes that the exposure dose should be stated in patient‐specific terms, such as body weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (mg/m2) rather than simply dose strength. Although the focus of this position is pregnancy registries, it also is applicable to any source of medication‐induced embryo‐fetal toxicity. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non-invasive ventilation for treatment of postoperative respiratory failure after oesophagectomy
Authors: Michelet P , D'Journo X B , Seinaye F , Forel J M , Papazian L , Thomas P 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
The aim of this case–control study was to compare the efficacy of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) with that of conventional treatment in patients who develop postoperative acute respiratory failure (ARF) after oesophagectomy.

Methods
Thirty-six consecutive patients with ARF treated by NPPV were matched for diagnosis, age within 5 years, sex, preoperative radiochemotherapy and Charlson co-morbidity index with 36 patients who received conventional treatment (control group).

Results
NPPV was associated with a lower reintubation rate (nine versus 23 patients; P = 0·008), lower frequency of acute respiratory distress syndrome (eight versus 19 patients; P = 0·015), and a reduction in intensive care stay (mean(s.d.) 14(13) versus 22(18) days; P = 0·034). Anastomotic leakage was less common in patients receiving NPPV (two versus ten; P = 0·027). These patients also showed a greater improvement in gas exchange in the first 3 days after onset of ARF (P = 0·013).

Conclusion
The use of NPPV for the treatment of postoperative ARF may decrease the incidence of endotracheal intubation and related complications, without increasing the risk of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy.
Acute pancreatitis and the influence of socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Ellis M P , French J J , Charnley R M 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive epidemiological study of acute pancreatitis (AP) using reliable objective methods of patient identification with the inclusion of socioeconomic factors has not been reported previously.

Methods
The study included all patients with AP identified by raised serum amylase or lipase levels admitted to 18 hospitals over 6 months. Clinical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, aetiology and outcome. Patients were stratified into quintiles of socioeconomic deprivation. Age-standardized incidence (ASI) and mortality were calculated.

Results
Clinical data were reviewed for all 963 identified patients. The ASI was 56·5 per 105 per annum, double the highest figure reported previously in the UK. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed a high ASI among older age groups (odds ratio (OR) 1·06 per year; P &lt; 0·001) and in areas of high deprivation (OR 2·40 between least and most deprived; P &lt; 0·001); the latter was predominantly related to alcoholic aetiology (OR 6·50 (95 per cent confidence interval 3·90 to 10·84)).

Conclusion
The incidence of AP based on a highly sensitive method of case identification was higher than previously reported. A clear relationship was found between socioeconomic deprivation and incidence of AP, which was largely explained by a higher incidence of alcoholic aetiology.
Liver dysfunction and sepsis determine operative mortality after liver resection
Authors: Capussotti L , Viganò L , Giuliante F , Ferrero A , Giovannini I , Nuzzo G 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Liver failure is the principal cause of death after hepatectomy. Its progression towards death and its relationship with sepsis are unclear. This study analysed predictors of mortality in patients with liver dysfunction and the role of sepsis in the death of these patients.

Methods
The study focused on patients with liver dysfunction, excluding those with vascular thrombosis, after liver resection at one of two centres between 1998 and 2006.

Results
Liver dysfunction occurred after 57 (4·5 per cent) of 1271 hepatectomies. Fifty-three patients without vascular thrombosis were included in the analysis, with a mortality rate of 23 per cent. Independent predictors of death were age (odds ratio (OR) 1·18 per year increase; P = 0·017), cirrhosis (OR 54·09; P = 0·004) and postoperative sepsis (OR 37·58; P = 0·005). Sepsis occurred in 15 patients (28 per cent), seven of whom died. Intestinal pathogens were isolated in 12 patients with sepsis. The risk of sepsis was significantly increased in those with surgical complications (11 of 16 versus four of 37; P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
Sepsis plays a key role in the death of patients with liver dysfunction after hepatectomy. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of sepsis may reduce mortality.
Concomitant injuries are an important determinant of outcome of high-grade blunt hepatic trauma
Authors: Schnüriger B , Inderbitzin D , Schafer M , Kickuth R , Exadaktylos A , Candinas D 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the clinical importance of concomitant injuries in polytraumatized patients with high-grade blunt liver injury. A retrospective single-centre study was performed to investigate the safety of non-operative management of liver injury and the impact of concomitant intra- and extra-abdominal injuries on clinical outcome.

Methods
Some 183 patients with blunt liver injury were admitted to Berne University Hospital, Switzerland, between January 2000 and December 2006. Grade 3–5 injuries were considered to be high grade.

Results
Immediate laparotomy was required by 35 patients (19·1 per cent), owing to extrahepatic intra-abdominal injury (splenic and vascular injuries, perforations) in 21 cases. The mortality rate was 16·9 per cent; 22 of the 31 deaths were due to concomitant lesions. Of 81 patients with high-grade liver injury, 63 (78 per cent) were managed without surgery; liver-related and extra-abdominal complication rates in these patients were 11 and 17 per cent respectively. Grades 4 and 5 liver injury were associated with hepatic-related and extra-abdominal complications.

Conclusion
Concomitant injuries are a major determinant of outcome in patients with blunt hepatic injury and should be given high priority by trauma surgeons. An algorithm for the management of blunt liver injury is proposed.
Perceived cultural distance and acculturation among exchange students in Russia
Authors: Suanet Irina , Van de Vijver Fons J. R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe relations of perceived cultural distance, personality, acculturation orientations and outcomes were studied among exchange students (N = 187) in Russia who came from various countries in Asia, sub‐Saharan Africa, Latin America and the former Soviet Union. The hypothesis was supported that a larger perceived cultural distance between mainstream and immigrant culture is associated with less psychological (homesickness and stress) and sociocultural (behaviour with Russian students and behaviour with co‐nationals) adjustment. The statistical relations between perceived cultural distance, personality and sociocultural adjustment were much stronger for host domain behaviour than for home domain behaviour. Adjustment was higher for participants with more cultural empathy, openmindedness and flexibility. Adjustment showed statistically stronger associations with cultural distance than with acculturation orientations. It is concluded that cultural distance may be more salient than acculturation orientations in studies of heterogeneous groups of immigrants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.