bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Spinal Cord Function Assessed by Intraoperative SCEPs and Morphology of the Compressed Spinal Cord on MRI
Authors: Kanchiku Tsukasa , Imajo Yasuaki , Suzuki Hidenori , Yoshida Yuichiro , Akashi Kosuke , Taguchi Toshihiko 
Published: April 2013

Study Design:
Retrospective study.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to examine whether the morphology of the compressed spinal cord reflects spinal cord dysfunction in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Summary of Background:
Segmental levels responsible for clinical symptoms in CSM are usually diagnosed by neurological examination and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Electrophysiological examination makes it possible to assess the spinal cord function quantitatively. There are few detailed studies about correlation between intraoperative spinal cord–evoked potentials (following SCEPs) and preoperative MRI.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 25 CSM cases diagnosed with single intervertebral dysfunction based on preoperative neurological findings and intraoperative SCEPs were included. We recorded 3 different SCEPs and divided the cases into 2 groups: the transverse type (T-type) (n=18) that had abnormalities in all SCEPs; and the upper limbs sensory (abnormal only for MN-SCEPs) and posterolateral (abnormalities in the MN-SCEPs and Tc-SCEPs) type (US-PL-type) (n=7) that had abnormalities other than SCEPs following thoracic spinal cord stimulation. Morphometry was performed on MRI T1-weighed axial images. Clinical preoperative impairment was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association score.

Results:
The average Japanese Orthopedic Association score of T-type cases was 8.1 points and that of US-PL-type cases was 10.5. There were no severe cases with <7 points in the US-PL-type group, but there were 9 cases in the T-type group. By morphometric comparison, both the central and the 1/4-lateral compression ratio were significantly lower in the T-type cases.

Conclusions:
Spinal cord morphology, as observed on MRI in patients with CSM reflected spinal cord dysfunction to some extent and could become the index for functional diagnosis, but it is necessary to consider a dynamic factor.
A structural‐phenomenological typology of mind‐matter correlations
Authors: Atmanspacher Harald , Fach Wolfgang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe present a typology of mind‐matter correlations embedded in a dual‐aspect monist framework as proposed by Pauli and Jung. They conjectured a picture in which the mental and the material arise as two complementary aspects of one underlying psychophysically neutral reality to which they cannot be reduced and to which direct empirical access is impossible. This picture suggests structural, persistent, reproducible mind‐matter correlations by splitting the underlying reality into aspects. In addition, it suggests induced, occasional, evasive mind‐matter correlations above and below, respectively, those stable baseline correlations. Two significant roles for the concept of meaning in this framework are elucidated. Finally, it is shown that the obtained typology is in perfect agreement with an empirically based classification of the phenomenology of mind‐matter correlations as observed in exceptional human experiences.
Are archetypes transmitted or emergent? A response to Christian Roesler
Authors: Martin‐Vallas François 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper the author argues that Jung's concept of archetype should not be reduced to an univocal definition. Jung himself proposed many definitions of this concept, some of them being partially or totally contradictory to others. A univocal and logical way of thinking can lead us to refute and reject part of those definitions, but a complex way of thinking, as proposed by Edgar Morin or Roy Bhaskar for example, can allow us to consider that those apparent contradictions in Jung's definitions of archetype reflect the complexity of the psychic reality. The main argument of the author is that Jung was missing the epistemological concept of emergence (which appeared in science at the time of his death) and that he tried to express it with the epistemological concepts of his time.
Antioxidant Activity of Various Solvent Fractions from Edible Brown Alga, Eisenia bicyclis and Its Active Compounds
Authors: Kwon Tae‐Hyung , Kim Tae‐Wan , Kim Choong‐Gon , Park Nyun‐Ho 
Published: April 2013

Abstract In this study, we aimed to elucidate the antioxidant capacity of Eisenia bicyclis and evaluated its antioxidant activity using various assay systems such as 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, reducing power ability, and content of total polyphenol. Among all the performed experiments, the ethyl acetate fraction of E. bicyclis exhibited higher antioxidant activities. From this finding, isolation and purification were performed on the ethyl acetate fraction and identified dieckol and phlorofucofureoeckol‐A by spectroscopic analyses including FAB‐mass in the negative mode, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H‐1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC spectra. Interestingly, ABTS radical scavenging activities of dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol showed strong effects of 65.36% and 70.38% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power abilities were increased in a dose‐dependent manner at various concentrations. These results suggest that dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol‐A of E. bicyclis may play an important role in protection from oxidative stress involving reactive oxygen species and may contribute to the development of new bio products, for example, a useful preservative to improve food quality and a drug for various oxidative damage‐associated diseases.Practical Application: The results suggest that dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol‐A can be utilized as a natural source for potential application of antioxidant in food industry and drug for oxidative damage‐associated diseases.
Plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and adverse outcome in critically ill patients with ventilatory support
Authors: LINKO R. , PETTILÄ V. , KUITUNEN A. , KORHONEN A. ‐M. , NISULA S. , ALILA S. , KIVINIEMI O. , LARU‐SOMPA R. , VARPULA T. , KARLSSON S. ,   FINNALI Study Investigators
Published: April 2013

ObjectivePlasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (pNGAL) has been introduced as an early and sensitive biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI), with an increased risk for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and adverse outcome in selected critically ill patient groups. Acute respiratory failure is the most common organ dysfunction in critically ill patients with an increased risk for AKI. Accordingly, we hypothesized that pNGAL would independently predict adverse outcome in a heterogeneous group of critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure.Design and SettingProspective, multi‐centre study in 25 Finnish intensive care units.Patients and MethodspNGAL was measured from critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the predictive value of pNGAL for RRT, and hospital and 90‐day mortality first separately, second in addition to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II), and third to RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End‐Stage Renal Disease) AKI classification. Additionally, we assessed the factors associated with pNGAL by linear regression analysis.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsWe included 369 patients. Median (interquartile range) baseline pNGAL was 169 (92–370) ng/ml. The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves of baseline pNGAL were as follows: 0.733 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.656–0.810] for RRT, 0.627 (95% CI 0.561–0.693) for hospital, and 0.582 (95% CI 0.520–0.645) for 90‐day mortality. Present infection, baseline creatinine, operative status, and pancreatitis were independently associated with baseline pNGAL.ConclusionsBaseline pNGAL gives no additional value into prediction of hospital and 90‐day mortality compared with RIFLE or SAPS II, and has only moderate predictive power regarding RRT in critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure.
Temporary Right Ventricular Mechanical Support in High‐Risk Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients Versus Permanent Biventricular or Total Artificial Heart Support
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Stepanenko Alexander , Potapov Evgenij V. , Musumeci Francesco , Dranishnikov Nikolay , Schweiger Martin , Montalto Andrea , Pasic Miralem , Weng Yuguo , Dandel Michael , Siniawski Henryk , Kukucka Marian , Krabatsch Thomas , Hetzer Roland 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEarly planned institution of temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support with the CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA, USA) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients was compared with permanent biventricular assist device (BVAD) or total artificial heart (TAH) support. Between 2007 and 2011, 77 patients (age range: 25–70 years) with preoperative evidence of biventricular dysfunction (University of Pennsylvania score >50; University of Michigan score >5) were included. Forty‐six patients (38 men; median age 54.5 years, range: 25–70 years) underwent LVAD placement combined with temporary RVAD support (group A); in 31 patients (25 men; median age 56.7 years, range: 28–68 years), a permanent BVAD or TAH implantation (group B) was performed. Within 30 days, 12 patients from group A (26.08%) and 14 patients from group B (45.1%) died on mechanical support (P = 0.02). Thirty patients (65.2%) in group A were weaned from temporary RVAD support and three (6.5%) underwent permanent RVAD (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) placement. A total of 26 patients (56.5%) were discharged home in group A versus 17 (54.8%) in group B (P = 0.56). Three patients (8.5%) received heart transplantation in group A and six (19.3%) in group B (P = 0.04). In group A, 90‐day and 6‐month survival was 54.3% (n = 25) versus 51.6% (n = 16) in group B (P = 0.66). In group A, 1‐year survival was 45.6% (n = 21) versus 45.1% (n = 14) in group B (P = 0.81). The strategy of planned temporary RVAD support in LVAD recipients showed encouraging results if compared with those of a similar permanent BVAD/TAH population. Weaning from and removal of the temporary RVAD support may allow patients to be on LVAD support only despite preoperative biventricular dysfunction.
In situ dynamics of Japanese electronic subsidiaries in ASEAN countries: Reflections from a development perspective
Authors: Edgington David W. , Hayter Roger 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper contributes to the theory of subsidiary evolution in multinational corporations through utilising a value chain approach. It assesses the changing activities of the branches of Japanese electronics firms located in Southeast Asia (the ASEAN region) since the 1997–1998 financial crisis. In the paper, we argue that a modest development of Japanese subsidiaries has occurred in this region during the past 10 years or so. We connect models of subsidiary development to Michael Porter's value chain in the results of a set of interviews with 37 managers in the factories, sales offices and regional headquarters of Japanese subsidiary companies located in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. We show that decentralisation of management functions from Japan occurred in both primary and support activities of the value chain. However, corporate long‐term research and development did not disperse to Southeast Asia and is unlikely to in the near future. The article interprets these results and highlights the need for further research relating to the evolving geography of Japanese electronics multinational corporations and their subsidiaries in Southeast Asia.
Regularization in Finite Mixture of Regression Models with Diverging Number of Parameters
Authors: Khalili Abbas , Lin Shili 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSummaryFeature (variable) selection has become a fundamentally important problem in recent statistical literature. Sometimes, in applications, many variables are introduced to reduce possible modeling biases, but the number of variables a model can accommodate is often limited by the amount of data available. In other words, the number of variables considered depends on the sample size, which reflects the estimability of the parametric model. In this article, we consider the problem of feature selection in finite mixture of regression models when the number of parameters in the model can increase with the sample size. We propose a penalized likelihood approach for feature selection in these models. Under certain regularity conditions, our approach leads to consistent variable selection. We carry out extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach under controlled settings. We also applied the proposed method to two real data. The first is on telemonitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD), where the problem concerns whether dysphonic features extracted from the patients’ speech signals recorded at home can be used as surrogates to study PD severity and progression. The second is on breast cancer prognosis, in which one is interested in assessing whether cell nuclear features may offer prognostic values on long‐term survival of breast cancer patients. Our analysis in each of the application revealed a mixture structure in the study population and uncovered a unique relationship between the features and the response variable in each of the mixture component.
Trace element accumulation in anadromous sea lamprey spawners
Authors: Pedro Sílvia , Caçador Isabel , Quintella Bernardo R. , Lança Maria J. , Almeida Pedro R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, is an anadromous cyclostome that occurs in the main Western Europe river basins draining to the Atlantic Ocean and considered a gastronomic delicacy in Portugal, Spain and France. The contamination profile of this species is fairly unknown as far as trace metals are concerned, with only a few studies dedicated to the subject. Trace elements concentration was analysed in muscle and liver samples of adult specimens from eight Portuguese river basins. This study aimed: (i) to assess the profile of essential and nonessential elements accumulation in the muscle and liver of sea lamprey spawners; (ii) to investigate possible differences in the trace element accumulation in adult sea lampreys entering Portuguese river basins; and (iii) to determine the safety of sea lamprey for human consumption regarding elements content. Females accumulated higher levels of elements than males, but only differences in the liver were significant. In a general overview, the accumulation of most elements analysed was low, except for Hg in the muscle, which exceeded the statutory limits for fish concentration. The muscle accumulation profile based on nonessential elements (As, Cd and Hg) evidenced a segregation of the samples into two groups, mostly based on Hg concentration. Distinct trophic levels and contamination of preys and differential duration of the parasitic period may be in the origin of this separation.
If It's Good for the Firm, It's Good for Me: Insider Trading and Repurchases Motivated by Undervaluation
Authors: Jategaonkar Shrikant P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMy findings suggest that information inherent in insider trading can be used to identify undervalued repurchasing firms. I examine the relation between insider trading and the performance of open market repurchase (OMR) firms. I show that firms with high net insider buying prior to OMR announcements not only earn abnormal stock returns in both the short‐ and long‐run, but also exhibit better operating performance. Overall, the evidence is consistent with insiders timing their trades prior to OMR announcements.
Earnings Management and Annual General Meetings: The Role of Managerial Entrenchment
Authors: Banko John , Frye Melissa B. , Wang Weishen , Whyte Ann Marie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe examine earnings management around the annual general meeting (AGM) and assess the influence of managerial entrenchment. Consistent with prior research, we show positive and statistically significant abnormal returns surrounding AGMs regardless of the level of managerial entrenchment. We find evidence of significant earnings manipulation primarily among entrenched managers. Specifically, they manage abnormal accruals downward two quarters prior to the AGM and significantly increase abnormal accruals in the quarter immediately before the AGM. Our evidence is consistent with AGMs triggering managers to disseminate information in a manner that shapes the market's perception of the firm.
Effect of grazing severity on perennial ryegrass herbage production and sward structural characteristics throughout an entire grazing season
Authors: Tuñon G. , Kennedy E. , Horan B. , Hennessy D. , Lopez‐Villalobos N. , Kemp P. , Brennan A. , O'Donovan M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study, which was part of a larger grazing‐systems experiment, was to investigate the cumulative impact of three levels of grazing intensity on sward production, utilization and structural characteristics. Pastures were grazed by rotational stocking withHolstein–Friesian dairy cows from 10February to 18November 2009. Target post‐grazing heights were 4·5 to 5 cm (high; H), 4 to 4·5 cm (intermediate; I) and 3·5 to 4 cm (low; L). Detailed sward measurement were undertaken on 0·08 of each farmlet area. There were no significant treatment differences in herbage accumulated or in herbage harvested [mean 11·3 and 11·2 t dry matter (DM) ha−1respectively]. Above the 3·5 cm horizon, H, I and L swards had 0·56, 0·62 and 0·67 ofDMas leaf and 0·30, 0·23 and 0·21 ofDMas stem respectively. As grazing severity increased, tiller density of grass species other than perennial ryegrass (PRG) decreased (from 3,350 to 2,780 and to 1771 tillers m−2for H, I and L paddocks respectively) and the rejected area decreased (from 0·27 to 0·20 and to 0·10 for H, I and L paddocks respectively). These results indicate the importance of grazing management practice on sward structure and quality and endorse the concept of increased grazing severity as a strategy to maintain high‐quality grass throughout the grazing season. The findings are presented in the context of the need for intensive dairy production systems to provide greater quantities of high‐quality pasture over an extended grazing season, in response to policy changes with the abolition ofEUmilk quotas.
Pre to post‐dialysis plasma sodium change better predicts clinical outcomes than dialysate to plasma sodium gradient in quotidian hemodialysis
Authors: Thomson Benjamin K.A. , Huang Shih‐Han S. , Leitch Rosemary E. , Dixon Stephanie , Heidenheim Paul , Suri Rita S. , Chan Christopher T. , Lindsay Robert M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSodium balance across a hemodialysis treatment influences interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), pre‐dialysis blood pressure, and the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension, which associate with patient morbidity and mortality. In thrice weekly conventional hemodialysis patients, the dialysate sodium minus pre‐dialysis plasma sodium concentration (δDPNa+) and the post‐dialysis minus pre‐dialysis plasma sodium (δPNa+) are surrogates of sodium balance, and are associated with both cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. However, whether δDPNa+ or δPNa+ better predicts clinical outcomes in quotidian dialysis is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and demographic data from the Southwestern Ontario Regional Home Hemodialysis program, of all patients since 1985. In frequent nocturnal hemodialysis, δPNa+ was superior to δDPNa+ in predicting IDWG (R2 = 0.223 vs. 0.020, P = 0.002 vs. 0.76), intradialytic change in systolic (R2 = 0.100 vs. 0.002, P = 0.02 vs. 0.16) and diastolic (R2 = 0.066 vs. 0.019, P = 0.02 vs. 0.06) blood pressure, and ultrafiltration rate (R2 = 0.296 vs. 0.036, P = 0.001 vs. 0.52). In short hours daily hemodialysis, δDPNa+ was better than δPNa+ in predicting intradialytic change in diastolic blood pressure (R2 = 0.101 vs. 0.003, P = 0.02 vs. 0.13). However, δPNa+ was better than δDPNa+ in predicting IDWG (R2 = 0.105 vs. 0.019, P = 0.04 vs. 0.68) and pre‐dialysis systolic blood pressure (R2 = 0.103 vs. 0.007, P = 0.02 vs. 0.82). We also found that the intradialytic blood pressure fall was greater in frequent nocturnal hemodialysis patients than in short hours daily patients, when exposed to a dialysate to plasma sodium gradient. These results provide a basis for design of prospective trials in quotidian dialysis modalities, to determine the effect of sodium balance on cardiovascular outcome.
Community‐based treatment for opioid dependent offenders: A pilot study
Authors: Brown Randy , Gassman Michele , Hetzel Scott , Berger Lisa 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundPrimary care opioid substitution treatment (OST) has not been compared to program‐based OST for community‐supervised offenders.ObjectiveThe purpose of this project was to compare primary care to specialist supervised OST for opioid dependent offenders in terms of substance use and HIV risk outcomes.MethodsThis project randomly assigned 15 jail diversion participants to either: (i) primary care buprenorphine OST, (ii) specialist facility buprenorphine OST, or (iii) specialist facility methadone OST. Participation lasted 13.5 months (12‐month active treatment plus a post‐participation visit).ResultsAll subjects endorsed 0 days of opioid use in the previous 14 at follow‐up. Specialty care reduced HIV risk (Risk Assessment Battery composite score) over 6 months (−.24 ± .17) compared to primary care (.02 ± .14; p = .032).ConclusionFindings support primary care OST feasibility for a community‐supervised offender sample. Specialist care may facilitate improvements in secondary outcomes, such as HIV risk behaviors.Scientific SignificanceFurther research is needed to clarify (i) the role of primary care in addicted offender management, and (ii) the matching of offenders, based upon history and co‐morbidity, to care coordination conditions. (Am J Addict 2013;22:500–502)
Effects of Particle Size on Soft Lithography Process, the Green and Sintered Micro Alumina Parts
Authors: Hassanin Hany , Jiang Kyle 
Published: April 2013

Alumina micro parts were fabricated using powders in particle sizes of 1 μm, 2.0 μm, and 12.0 μm. The effects of particle size on soft lithography process, green bodies, and sintered characteristics were investigated, including process parameters affecting homogeneous and smooth surface. The effects of particle size were analyzed through suspensions, green, and sintered properties. It was found that the stability of suspensions, sintered density, Vickers micro hardness, surface roughness and edges resolution are significantly improved with the decrease in particle size. On the other hand, suspension viscosity, green density and shrinkage are degraded with the use of finer particles.