bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological and Behavioral Outcomes after Exposure of Young Children to Procedures Requiring General Anesthesia
Authors: Warner David O. , Zaccariello Michael J. , Katusic Slavica K. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Hanson Andrew C. , Schulte Phillip J. , Buenvenida Shonie L. , Gleich Stephen J. , Wilder Robert T. , Sprung Juraj , Hu Danqing , Voigt Robert G. , Paule Merle G. , Chelonis John J. , Flick Randall P. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Few studies of how exposure of children to anesthesia may affect neurodevelopment employ comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. This study tested the hypothesis that exposure to multiple, but not single, procedures requiring anesthesia before age 3 yr is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods
Unexposed, singly exposed, and multiply exposed children born in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2007 were sampled using a propensity-guided approach and underwent neuropsychological testing at ages 8 to 12 or 15 to 20 yr. The primary outcome was the Full-Scale intelligence quotient standard score of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Secondary outcomes included individual domains from a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and parent reports.

Results
In total, 997 children completed testing (411, 380, and 206 unexposed, singly exposed, and multiply exposed, respectively). The primary outcome of intelligence quotient did not differ significantly according to exposure status; multiply exposed and singly exposed children scoring 1.3 points (95% CI, −3.8 to 1.2; P = 0.32) and 0.5 points (95% CI, −2.8 to 1.9; P = 0.70) lower than unexposed children, respectively. For secondary outcomes, processing speed and fine motor abilities were decreased in multiply but not singly exposed children; other domains did not differ. The parents of multiply exposed children reported increased problems related to executive function, behavior, and reading.

Conclusions
Anesthesia exposure before age 3 yr was not associated with deficits in the primary outcome of general intelligence. Although secondary outcomes must be interpreted cautiously, they suggest the hypothesis that multiple, but not single, exposures are associated with a pattern of changes in specific neuropsychological domains that is associated with behavioral and learning difficulties.
Incidence, Indications, and Outcomes of Eyes Needing Early Flap Lifting After LASIK
Authors: Mimouni Michael , Vainer Igor , Assad Negme , Nemet Achia , Sela Tzahi , Munzer Gur , Kaiserman Igor 
Published: April 2018

Purpose:
To analyze the incidence, indications, and outcomes associated with early flap relifting after uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods:
All LASIK cases from a single surgical center between 2007 and 2015 were reviewed. Early postoperative flap lift cases (<15 d after surgery) were identified.

Results:
Overall, 25,712 eyes were included, of which 366 (1.42%) underwent early postoperative flap lifting. There was a significant reduction in early postoperative flap lifting rates from 2006 (2.46%) to 2015 (0.92%) (P = 0.001). Reasons for early flap lifting included striae (n = 301, 1.17%), diffuse lamellar keratitis (n = 62, 0.24%), flap dislocation (n = 20, 0.08%), epithelial ingrowth (n = 18, 0.07%), and interface debris (n = 15, 0.06%). There was a significant difference in rates and outcomes of flap relifting among high-volume surgeons (P < 0.001). The flap lift group had a significantly lower final safety index (0.95 ± 0.16 vs. 1.01 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), efficacy index (0.85 ± 0.26 vs. 0.94 ± 0.26, P < 0.001), and a higher distance from target refraction (0.39 ± 0.61 vs. 0.21 ± 0.46 D). In unilateral cases, the study eye had a lower safety index (P < 0.001), efficacy index (P < 0.001), and greater distance from target refraction (P = 0.003) compared with the fellow eye. After intervention, 81.1% of cases achieved full resolution, 10.1% achieved partial resolution, 4.1% required additional flap relifting, and 4.7% were nonresolved by the end of follow-up.

Conclusions:
The main indication for early flap relifting after LASIK was striae, and most cases achieved full resolution. Although refractive and visual outcomes are lower in this group, they are, nevertheless, satisfactory.
Association of Activities of Daily Living With Load During Step Ascent Motion in Nursing Home–Residing Elderly Individuals
Authors: Masaki Mitsuhiro , Ikezoe Tome , Kamiya Midori , Araki Kojiro , Isono Ryo , Kato Takehiro , Kusano Ken , Tanaka Masayo , Sato Syunsuke , Hirono Tetsuya , Kita Kiyoshi , Tsuboyama Tadao , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: April 2018

Objective
This study aimed to examine the association of independence in activities of daily living with the loads during step ascent motion and other motor functions in 32 nursing home–residing elderly individuals.

Design
Independence in activities of daily living was assessed by using the Functional Independence Measure. The loads at the upper (i.e., pulling up) and lower (i.e., pushing up) levels during the step ascent task was measured on a step ascent platform. Hip extensor, knee extensor, plantar flexor muscle, and quadriceps setting strengths; lower extremity agility using the stepping test; and hip and knee joint pain severities were measured. One-legged stance and functional reach distance for balance and maximal walking speed, timed up-and-go time, five-chair-stand time, and step ascent time were also measured to assess mobility.

Results
Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the load at pushing up during step ascent motion and timed up-and-go time were significant and independent determinants of Functional Independence Measure score. Functional Independence Measure score decreased with decreased load at pushing up and increased timed up-and-go time.

Conclusions
The study results suggest that depending on task specificity, both one step up task's push-up peak load during step ascent motion and timed up-and-go can partially explain activities of daily living's Functional Independence Measure score in nursing home–residing elderly individuals. Lower extremity muscle strength, agility, pain, or balance measures did not add to the prediction.
The epidemiology of emergency department thoracotomy in a statewide trauma system: Does center volume matter?
Authors: Dumas Ryan P. , Seamon Mark J. , Smith Brian P. , Yang Wei , Cannon Jeremy W. , Schwab C. William , Reilly Patrick M. , Holena Daniel N. 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND
The relationship between high volume and improved outcomes has been described for a host of elective high-impact, low-frequency procedures, but there are little data to support such a relationship in high-impact low-frequency procedures in trauma. Using emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) as a model, we hypothesized that patients presenting to centers with higher institutional volumes of EDT would have improved survival referent to those presenting to lower volume institutions.

METHODS
We queried the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study registry from 2007 to 2015 for all EDTs performed at Level I and II centers identified by ICD-9 procedure codes and a location stamp indicating the emergency department. We examined patient-level risk factors for survival in univariate regression and multivariable regression models. Centers were divided into tertiles of mean annual EDT volume, and the association between mean annual EDT volume and patient survival was examined using logistic regression after controlling for patient factors.

RESULTS
1,399 EDTs were performed at 28 centers. Overall survival was 6.8%. After controlling for patient age, mechanism of injury, signs of life, and injury severity, patients presenting to centers in the highest tertile of volume had significantly higher odds of survival compared with patients presenting to centers in the lowest tertile of volume (OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.43–14.50).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients presenting to centers with higher mean annual volume of EDTs have improved survival compared with those presenting to institutions with lower mean annual EDT volume. Efforts to understand the etiology of this finding may lead to interventions to improve outcomes at lower-volume centers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Prognostic/Epidemiological, level III; Therapeutic, level IV.
More Than Just Wait Time? Regional Differences in Liver Transplant Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hogen Rachel , Lo Mary , DiNorcia Joseph , Ji Lingyun , Genyk Yuri , Sher Linda , Dhanireddy Kiran 
Published: April 2018

Background.
Regional allocation of deceased donor livers has led to variable wait times for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients on the liver transplant list. The purpose of our study was to evaluate how regional differences in wait time affect outcomes for HCC patients.

Methods.
A retrospective, observational study was performed using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from February 27, 2002, to September 25, 2015. The cumulative incidences of transplant and waitlist death as well as intention-to-treat and posttransplant survival were evaluated for patients 18 years or older listed for deceased donor liver transplantation with stage II HCC exception points in each United Network for Organ Sharing region. A multivariable analysis of predictive factors for posttransplant survival was performed.

Results.
Cumulative incidence of transplant decreased and cumulative incidence of waitlist death increased as regional wait time increased. Intention-to-treat survival decreased with increased regional wait time with long wait time regions 1, 5, and 9 having significantly lower intention-to-treat survival compared with many of the shorter wait time regions (P < 0.05). Wait time did not predict posttransplant survival. Significant predictive factors of posttransplant survival included alpha-fetoprotein, size of the largest tumor, number of tumors, age of the recipient, laboratory model for end-stage liver disease, donor risk index, period of transplantation, and region (P < 0.05).

Conclusions.
Wait time inequality affects waitlist mortality and intention-to-treat survival but does not affect posttransplant survival. Posttransplant survival is predicted by tumor biology, graft quality, recipient age, underlying liver function, and region. Regional environments of HCC care seem to drive posttransplant survival.
The alkyl side chain of PACA nanoparticles dictates the impact on cellular stress responses and the mode of particle-induced cell death
Authors: Szwed Marzena , Sønstevold Tonje , Øverbye Anders , Engedal Nikolai , Grallert Beata , Mørch Ýrr A , Iversen Tore-Geir , Skotland Tore , Sandvig Kirsten , Torgersen Maria L 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFor optimal exploitation of nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedicine, and to predict nanotoxicity, detailed knowledge on the cellular responses to cell-bound or internalized NPs is imperative. The outcome of NP-cell interaction is dictated by the type and magnitude of the NP insult and the cellular response. Here, we have systematically studied the impact of minor differences in NP composition on cellular stress responses and viability by using highly similar poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) (PACA) particles. Surprisingly, PACA particles differing only in their alkyl side chains; butyl (PBCA), ethylbutyl (PEBCA), or octyl (POCA), respectively, induced different stress responses and modes of cell death in human cell lines. POCA particles induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. In contrast, PBCA and PEBCA particles induced lipid peroxidation by depletion of the main cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH), in a manner depending on the levels of the GSH precursor cystine, and transcription of the cystine transporter SLC7A11 regulated by ATF4 and Nrf2. Intriguingly, these particles activated the recently discovered cell death mechanism ferroptosis, which constitutes a promising alternative for targeting multidrug-resistant cancer stem-like cells. Of the two, PBCA was the strongest inducer. In summary, our findings highlight the cellular sensitivity to nanoparticle composition and have important implications for the choice of PACA monomer in therapeutical settings.
Real Time de novo Deposition of Centromeric Histone-associated Proteins Using the Auxin Inducible Degradation system
Authors: Hoffmann Sebastian , Fachinetti Daniele 
Published: April 2018

i.Summary/AbstractMeasuring protein dynamics is essential to uncover protein function and to understand the formation of large protein complexes such as centromeres. Recently, genome engineering in human cells has improved our ability to study the function of endogenous proteins. By combining genome editing techniques with the Auxin Inducible Degradation (AID) system, we created a versatile tool to study protein dynamics. This system allows us to analyze both protein function and dynamics by enabling rapid protein depletion and re-expression in the same experimental set-up. Here, we focus on the dynamics of the centromeric histone-associated protein CENP-C, responsible for the formation of the kinetochore complex. Following rapid removal and re-activation of a fluorescent version of CENP-C by auxin treatment and removal, we could follow CENP-C de novo deposition at centromeric regions during different stages of the cell cycle. In conclusion, the auxin degradation system is a powerful tool to assess and quantify protein dynamics in real time.
Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions: an international cross-border study
Authors: Fernandes Cristina , Ferreira João J. , Raposo Mário , Sanchez José , Hernandez–Sanchez Brizeida 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to study the effects of cross-border psychological determinants among students of two Iberian universities (Portugal and Spain) on entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approachBased on previous literature, the studies do not include any model that simultaneously uses self-efficacy, risk-taking propensity and proactive personality as psychological determinants of entrepreneurial intentions. Here, the authors try to fill this gap by developing an integrative psychological model about the formation of entrepreneurial intentions, including all these variables as the main preceding factors to entrepreneurial initiative and their influence on intentions for self-employment. Taking a sample of 293 university students from both countries, the authors empirically test regression models to analyse hold influence over the preference expressed in terms of becoming an entrepreneur.FindingsThe results show differences between two countries regarding to entrepreneurial intentions. In terms of the motivations present for launching a business, the higher they are the greater the preference over the option to work for third parties.Originality/valueIn addition, and in terms of the variable perceived ease of launching a company, the higher this rises, the lower the level of preference for working for third party entities. Furthermore, the greater the level of perception in terms of the social value of entrepreneurship, the greater the preference for becoming an entrepreneur.
Disentangling supply chain management competencies and their impact on performance
Authors: Flöthmann Christoph , Hoberg Kai , Gammelgaard Britta 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of supply chain management (SCM) competencies by splitting them into individual and organizational components and measuring their impact on SCM performance.Design/methodology/approachHypothesized relationships are tested using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping mediation analysis based on a multi-national survey with 273 managers while drawing on the theory of knowledge management and literature streams of individual competencies in the fields of SCM and human resource management (HRM), respectively.FindingsThe analysis reveals that individual SCM competencies and organizational SCM knowledge positively influence SCM performance to a similar magnitude. Moreover, organizational learning enhances individual competencies and organizational knowledge significantly and equally while corporate training programs fall surprisingly short of expectations. The disentanglement of SCM competencies renders HRM’s contribution to SCM visible by revealing the impact of HRM and learning practices on competencies, knowledge, and performance.Research limitations/implicationsTo validate the findings, future research could apply different research methods such as case studies and focus on more countries to reduce potential methodological and regional biases.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that corporate training programs need further development. Organizational learning’s strong direct and indirect effects have two main implications: first, it should serve as motivation for organizations to constantly improve their learning capabilities. Second, these only tap its true potential for enhancing SCM performance if they first elevate individual competencies and organizational knowledge.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to distinguish between individual competencies and organizational knowledge on finely nuanced levels. While the organizational knowledge level effect on performance has been studied before, this paper extends this effect to also hold true for the individual level.
Evolution of market concentration and competition in the microfinance industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Mia Md Aslam 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure and track the evolution of market concentration and competition in the microfinance industry in Bangladesh by employing both the structural and non-structural measurement techniques.Design/methodology/approachBy using a unique panel data set generated from the microcredit regulatory authority (MRA) annual reports, the sample includes 169 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and covers the period 2009-2014. The authors employed the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) and concentration ratio (CR) (largest 3, 8 and 20 MFIs) as structural measurement techniques and the Lerner index as a non-structural measurement technique. In addition, four different market indicators are used as representatives of deposit and credit markets to better explain the evolution of market concentration.FindingsThe results of HHI indicate that the sector is moderately concentrated and currently transitioning to an unconcentrated market. However, based on CR, the industry is still dominated by a few large MFIs. The Lerner index (non-structural approach) also confirmed that the level of competition is relatively high and likely to follow an inverted U-shape during the study period.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study will enhance our understanding of the market structure in the Bangladesh’s microfinance industry so as to inform important policy prescriptions. The results also provide impetus to the relatively young MRA to nurture competition in the market; simultaneously, the findings prompt management of the MFIs to cope with a competitive market environment.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first of its kind that includes a large data sample of microfinance market for a single country by employing both structural and non-structural measurement approaches.
Determinants of response of street food entrepreneurs in Ghana to business management training
Authors: Osei Mensah James , Ohene-Yankyera Kwasi , Aidoo Robert 
Published: April 2018

PurposeConsidering the fact that business management training has the potential to improve performance of micro and small enterprises, it is surprising why participation rates in most freely offered management training courses remain low. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that determine an invitee’s decision to participate in a capacity building management training for street food entrepreneurs in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a baseline survey, the study invited 314 street food entrepreneurs, selected through a stratified random technique from a list of 516 eligible food entrepreneurs. Training participants were invited to the programme through official invitation letters which were hand-delivered. Data on reasons for non-participation were collected either through phone interviews or on-site visit when a vendor could not be reached on phone. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise characteristics of vendors and businesses as well as reasons for non-participation while probit model was used to estimate determinants of participation.FindingsThe study found that whereas vendors with higher formal education better appreciate the benefits of education and training, their counterparts with fewer years of schooling do not. The latter’s perceived knowledge deficiencies appear to explain the difference in participation rates. Also, total workforce does not necessarily increase the probability of participation, especially when there are no trusted workers in the business who will take over critical activities such as handling of finances in the absence of the owner. The study also found that distance between vending premises and training centres had significant negative effects on vendors’ participation in the training programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe external validity of the study findings and conclusions may not be limited to all informal sectors of the developing economies due to high degree of heterogeneity of the informal economy.Originality/valueThe study focusses on an informal sector in developing country dominated by women. The study focusses on understanding informal entrepreneurs’ response to formal training.
Analysis of pearl millet market structure and value chain in India
Authors: Reddy A. Amarender , Raju S.S. , Suresh A. , Kumar Pramod 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the market structure and value chain of pearl millet grain and fodder in India. There is a decline in demand for human consumption, with an increase in demand for non-food uses like cattle and poultry feed, raw material for starch and breweries industry. This paper explores alternative channels, uses and value chains of pearl millet grain and fodder. The paper examines in what ways small farmers can benefit from the evolving alternative uses for pearl millet grain in cattle and poultry feed industry, breweries and starch industry. The paper also analyses the impact of aggregators in increasing the efficiency of the value chain.

Design/methodology/approach
The study collected primary data from farmers, traders, commission agents and exporters and importers with innovative marketing channels with aggregators (Self-Help Groups) and without aggregators to analyze the prospects for improvements in marketing channels and value chain.

Findings
Given that the production of pearl millet is scattered and thin, there is a lot of scope for market aggregators to increase scale economies to reduce market costs to supply in bulk to food and industrial uses. Although there was some demand for human consumption high-quality grain, most of the future demand will come from cattle and poultry feed industry, breweries and starch industry. To tap these larger potentials, farmers need to aggregate their produce and ensure regular supply in bulk quantity at least to compete the cost with alternative grains like maize and broken rice.

Research limitations/implications
The research is based on the field-level data collection and observations obtained from Western India. This paper provides insights how the value chain of pearl millet is working and what improvements are needed to make value chain more efficient and inclusive. Although the results are applicable to similar neglected crops and area, more caution is needed.

Social implications
Through the formation of farmer aggregators, farmers can enhance their bargaining power vis-a-vis industry.

Originality/value
Till now, there is no study that explored the pearl millet value chain in detail in India, and the paper tries to fill this literature gap.