bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gray matter volume correlates of global positive alcohol expectancy in non‐dependent adult drinkers
Authors: Ide Jaime S. , Zhang Sheng , Hu Sien , Matuskey David , Bednarski Sarah R. , Erdman Emily , Farr Olivia M. , Li Chiang‐Shan R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAlcohol use and misuse is known to involve structural brain changes. Numerous imaging studies have examined changes in gray matter (GM) volumes in dependent drinkers, but there is little information on whether non‐dependent drinking is associated with structural changes and whether these changes are related to psychological factors—such as alcohol expectancy—that influence drinking behavior. We used voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to examine whether the global positive scale of alcohol expectancy, as measured by the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire‐3, is associated with specific structural markers and whether such markers are associated with drinking behavior in 113 adult non‐dependent drinkers (66 women). Alcohol expectancy is positively correlated with GM volume of left precentral gyrus (PCG) in men and women combined and bilateral superior frontal gyri (SFG) in women, and negatively correlated with GM volume of the right ventral putamen in men. Furthermore, mediation analyses showed that the GM volume of PCG mediate the correlation of alcohol expectancy and the average number of drinks consumed per occasion and monthly total number of drinks in the past year. When recent drinking was directly accounted for in multiple regressions, GM volume of bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices correlated positively with alcohol expectancy in the combined sample. To our knowledge, these results are the first to identify the structural brain correlates of alcohol expectancy and its mediation of drinking behaviors. These findings suggest that more studies are needed to investigate increased GM volume in the frontal cortices as a neural correlate of alcohol expectancy.
Psychological determinants of pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bakker Esther C. , van Nimwegen‐Matzinger Carola W. , Ekkel‐van der Voorden Winneke , Nijkamp Marjan D. , Völlink Trijntje 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo study whether pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain outcomes at 36 weeks of gestation can be predicted by psychological determinants earlier in pregnancy.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingNine midwifery practices in different regions of the Netherlands.PopulationA cohort of 223 low‐risk pregnant women in the Netherlands was followed from week 12 of gestation until 36 weeks of gestation.MethodsBoth psychological determinants and lumbopelvic pain symptoms were investigated with a set of questionnaires at 12, 24 and 36 weeks of gestation. Psychological determinants were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90), the Pregnancy‐related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), and the Utrecht Coping List (UCL). Lumbopelvic pain outcomes were measured with the Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI) and the Overall Complaints Index (OCI).Main outcome measuresLumbopelvic pain symptoms and their impact at 36 weeks of gestation.ResultsThere was a significant increase in scores on both the PMI and OCI across the three sampling occasions in pregnancy. Lumbopelvic pain outcomes showed significant associations with the psychological determinants perceived stress and recently perceived psychological and physical distress at all three times during pregnancy. Pregnancy‐related anxiety was not a significant predictor of lumbopelvic pain outcomes, neither was coping.ConclusionsLumbopelvic pain symptoms and their impact on daily activities at 36 weeks of gestation can be predicted by psychological determinants earlier in pregnancy; the combination of perceived stress and physical disability at 24 weeks of pregnancy seems to be the best predictor of disability in later pregnancy.
A Comparative Reliability and Performance Study of Different Stent Designs in Terms of Mechanical Properties: Foreshortening, Recoil, Radial Force, and Flexibility
Authors: Kim Dong Bin , Choi Hyuk , Joo Sang Min , Kim Han Ki , Shin Jae Hee , Hwang Min Ho , Choi Jaesoon , Kim Dong‐Gon , Lee Kwang Ho , Lim Chun Hak , Yoo Sun Kook , Lee Heung‐Man , Sun Kyung 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study seeks to improve the mechanical performance of stents by conducting reliability performance testing and finite element method (FEM)‐based simulations for coronary stents. Three commercially available stent designs and our own new design were tested to measure the factors affecting performance, specifically foreshortening, recoil, radial force, and flexibility. The stents used in the present experiments were 3 mm in working diameter and 18 mm of working length. The results of the experiments indicate that the foreshortening of stents A, B, C, and our new design, D, was equivalent to 2.25, 0.67, 0.46, and 0.41%, respectively. The recoil of stents A, B, C, and D was 6.00, 4.35, 3.50, and 4.36%, respectively. Parallel plate radial force measurements were A, 3.72 ± 0.28 N; B, 3.81 ± 0.32 N; C, 4.35 ± 0.18 N; and D, 4.02 ± 0.24 N. Radial forces determined by applying uniform pressure in the circumferential direction were A, 28.749 ± 0.81 N; B, 32.231 ± 1.80 N; C, 34.522 ± 3.06 N; and D, 42.183 ± 2.84 N. The maximum force of crimped stent at 2.2‐mm deflection was 1.01 ± 0.08 N, 0.82 ± 0.08 N, 0.92 ± 0.12 N, and 0.68 ± 0.07 N for each of stents A, B, C and D. The results of this study enabled us to identify several factors to enhance the performance of stents. In comparing these stents, we found that our design, stent D, which was designed by a collaborative team from seven universities, performed better than the commercial stents across all parameter of foreshortening, recoil, radial force, and flexibility.
Complication Profile of the Berlin Heart EXCOR Biventricular Support in Children
Authors: Schweiger Martin , Schrempf Julia , Sereinigg Michael , Prenner Günther , Tscheliessnigg Karlheinz H. , Wasler Andre , Krumnikel Jacub , Gamillschegg Andreas , Knez Igor 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn chronic cardiomyopathy, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) plays an increasingly important role for children as the shortage of suitable donor hearts increases waiting time on the transplant list. We report our experience with the paracorporal Berlin Heart EXCOR System (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin, Germany) used as a biventricuclar assist device (BVAD). Nine patients with a BVAD EXCOR system were treated between 2006 and 2012; out of these patients, four were less than 18 years old (6, 14, 14, and 17 years old). Their diagnoses were postcardotomy failure (n = 1), dilatative cardiomyopathy (n = 2), and terminal heart failure (n = 1). Overall survival, waiting time for heart transplantation (HTx) and complication profile for the BVAD were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty days' mortality was 25% (n = 1). One child died after 84 days on support due to cerebral bleeding. Mean support time was 218.75 days (4, 84, 262, and 525 days). Pump chamber exchange was necessary three times due to pump chamber thrombosis (n = 2) and partial pump chamber membrane rupture (n = 1). Complications included: sepsis (n = 1), drive line infection requiring intravenous antibiotics (n = 2), and recurrent epistaxis (n = 3). Two children were successfully transplanted after 262/525 days on BVAD; they are currently at home (follow‐up: 1.9 and 2.3 years). The EXCOR is a life‐saving MCS system suitable for long‐term paracorporeal biventricular assistance.
Building Transnational Union Networks across Global Production Networks: Conceptualising a New Arena of Labour–Management Relations
Authors: Helfen Markus , Fichter Michael 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAcademic interest in Global Framework Agreements (GFAs) has grown considerably over the past several years, but the focus has largely been limited to comparing their various clauses and provisions. More recent research has centred on case studies of their implementation. In this article, we move beyond an exclusive analysis of GFAs to a broader conceptualization of steps towards globalizing labour relations, in which GFAs are fundamental. In our heuristic model, a GFA is the negotiated result of interest representation. A GFA creates an arena for the pursuit of global labour relations by defining the content, selecting the actors, delineating the processes and setting the boundaries of labour–management interaction. As a political space undergoing institutionalization, all of these dimensions of arenas are still contested. Although the structural boundaries are fuzzy at the periphery, such arenas reach beyond the organizational entities of the signatory transnational corporation (TNC) to encompass the global production network (GPN). Furthermore, we show how Global Union Federations (GUFs) and their member unions operating in regard to particular GPNs have begun building Transnational Union Networks (TUNs). Using two very different case studies, we argue that structural contingencies and strategic choices intertwine to bring about divergent TUN trajectories: one favouring a limited company‐specific internal approach, the other a broader, GUF‐led union‐building approach. As exemplified by these findings, TUNs in our construction of an arena linking key elements of transnational labour relations are still ‘work in progress’. Our concluding hypotheses reflect this contingency and the need for further research.
Exploring risk for abuse of children with chronic conditions or disabilities – parent's perceptions of stressors and the role of professionals
Authors: Svensson B. , Eriksson U.‐B. , Janson S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildren with chronic conditions or disabilities are at an increased risk for abuse. High level of parental stress has been identified as possible trigger for abuse, were a combination of several factors are of importance, as lack of social support and limited resources in the neighbourhood. Suggestions for preventive measures have merely focused on parenting strategies and targeted intervention programmes. So far, little attention has been paid on how the risk for abuse might relate to parent's perceptions of stressors and the role of professionals. The purpose of the current study was therefore to explore risk factors for abuse with focus on both parent–child and parent–professional relationships.MethodSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 15 parents of children with chronic conditions or disability were collected and analysed according to qualitative content analysis.FindingsThree major themes were found that could be seen as risk factors for child abuse: (1) Emotional demands in precarious situations between parent and child. (2) Gradual shift in responsibility from professionals to parents concerning access to and co‐ordination of service and support. (3) Emotionally closed environment between professionals and parents and taboo on talking about abuse. The gradual shift in responsibility had emotional implications, which could reinforce parental stress and thereby also indirect increase the risk of child abuse. The gradual shift in responsibility also seemed to generate an emotionally closed environment and reinforce the taboo on talking about abuse, which in turn hindered preventive measures.ConclusionsIn the light of parent's perceptions of stressors and the role of professionals the findings indicate that abuse against children with chronic conditions or disability is not only a family matter, but also depending on qualities in service, professional support and social norms. The result pinpoints three challenges for preventive measures, all with emotional implications, parental strategies, organizational efforts and cultural awareness.
C1-inhibitor efficiently inhibitsEscherichia coli-induced tissue factor mRNA up-regulation, monocyte tissue factor expression and coagulation activation in human whole blood
Authors: Landsem A , Nielsen E W , Fure H , Christiansen D , Ludviksen J K , Lambris J D , Østerud B , Mollnes T E , Brekke O-L 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBoth the complement system and tissue factor (TF), a key initiating component of coagulation, are activated in sepsis, and cross-talk occurs between the complement and coagulation systems. C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) can act as a regulator in both systems. Our aim in this study was to examine this cross-talk by investigating the effects of C1-INH on Escherichia coli-induced haemostasis and inflammation. Fresh human whole blood collected in lepirudin was incubated with E. coli or ultrapurified E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of C1-INH or protease-inactivated C1-INH. C3 activation was blocked by compstatin, a specific C3 convertase inhibitor. TF mRNA was measured using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR), and TF surface expression was measured by flow cytometry. In plasma, the terminal complement complex, prothrombin F1·2 (PTF1·2) and long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokines were analysed using a multiplex kit. C1-INH (1·25–5 mg/ml) reduced both LPS- and E. coli-induced coagulation, measured as a reduction of PTF1·2 in plasma, efficiently and dose-dependently (P &lt; 0·05). Both LPS and E. coli induced marked up-regulation of TF mRNA levels and surface expression on whole blood monocytes. This up-regulation was reduced efficiently by treatment with C1-INH (P &lt; 0·05). C1-INH reduced the release of PTX3 (P &lt; 0·05) and virtually all cytokines measured (P &lt; 0·05). Complement activation was inhibited more efficiently with compstatin than with C1-INH. C1-INH inhibited most of the other readouts more efficiently, consistent with additional non-complement-dependent effects. These results indicate that complement plays a role in activating coagulation during sepsis and that C1-INH is a broad-spectrum attenuator of the inflammatory and haemostatic responses.
Effective services for improving education and employment outcomes for children and alumni of foster care service: correlates and educational and employment outcomes
Authors: Barnow Burt S. , Buck Amy , O'Brien Kirk , Pecora Peter , Ellis Mei Ling , Steiner Eric 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOutcomes for youth from foster care have been found to be poor. The education and employment outcomes of youth and alumni of foster care served by transition programmes located in five major US cities were examined. Data were collected by case managers and reported to evaluators quarterly on 1058 youth from foster care for over 2 years. Job preparation, transportation, child care, education support services and life skills were the most common services provided to youth. During the 2‐year study period, 35% of participants obtained employment, 23% obtained a General Education Development or diploma, and 17% enrolled in post‐secondary education. It was found that the longer the youth were enrolled, the more education and employment outcomes they achieved. Further, job preparation and income support services were associated significantly with achieving any positive education or employment outcome. Results indicated that certain services provided over an extended period of time can improve outcomes for youth placed in foster care. For youth to achieve positive outcomes as they transition to adulthood, additional services are necessary. Other implications are discussed.
Vestibular Schwannoma Surgical Treatment
Authors: You Yong‐Ping , Zhang Jun‐Xia , Lu Ai‐Lin , Liu Ning 
Published: March 2013

SummaryNeurosurgical intervention remains the main step in the effective management of vestibular schwannomas. Extensive studies on vestibular schwannoma treatment have placed emphasis on preserving quality of life and neurological functions, particularly of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. Facial nerve preservation and hearing preservation have been achieved by significant advances in skull base microsurgical techniques and intraoperative neuromonitoring. Diffusion tensor imaging is a powerful and accurate method for preoperatively identifying the facial nerve in relation to vestibular schwannomas. Endoscopy offers excellent illumination of the anatomical structures and provides panoramic vision inside the surgical area. In this report, we focused on facial nerve and vestibulocochlear nerve preservation and analyzed the major techniques used for identifying the nerve–tumor relationship.
CEOPay from a Social Norm Perspective: The Infringement and Reestablishment of Fairness Norms
Authors: Rost Katja , Weibel Antoinette 
Published: March 2013

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueSocial norm theory goes beyond economic efficiency arguments and provides a framework that allows for the subjective, judgmental, and socially interactive processes involved in the determination ofCEOremuneration. Building on this theory, we argue that currentCEOpay practices infringe a social norm. This norm states that a firm's wages ought to be fair. Thus, according to the social norm theory view, large inequalities betweenCEOpay and low‐level incomes, as well as inequity concerns ofCEOpay decoupled from performance, become a matter of public distress. If such publicly shared fairness norms become infringed, some amount of norm enforcement becomes likely, particularly when the punishment is of low cost. Norm enforcement also becomes likely if selective incentives and/or intrinsic norm enforcement are present to support punishing actions.Research Findings/InsightsWe test our model using a vignette‐survey study and a representative sample of 800 Swiss citizens. We are able to show that individual differences – more precisely status attributes and moral development – drive perceptions of norm infringement. We demonstrate that the willingness to punish firms with norm‐infringingCEOpay is high if low‐cost punishment opportunities are provided, such as public votes onCEOpay regulation. In addition, the willingness to punish is also driven by feelings of deprivation which fuel intrinsic interest to punish norm infringers even at high individual costs.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe adapt and contextualize social norm theory for theCEOpay debate. A model that explains how individual differences drive norm infringement perceptions, and how these differences lead to behavioral punishment intentions, is developed and tested empirically.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe war for talent and the urge to offer incentives toCEOsimpose costs on society, and firms are confronted with those costs. As a consequence, more and more people demandCEOpay regulation, which narrows firms' latitude. For firms, the evidence implies that they would be well advised to consider the climate of public opinion when determining executive pay. They may either reduceCEOpay or should communicate to the public why certain compensation designs may be favorable and in the interests of the enterprise and stakeholders. For politicians, the findings of our study show that there is a demand forCEOpay regulations and that this demand has to be acknowledged in some way in policy‐making.
Improved patient‐centered care with effective use of Integra® in dermatologic reconstructive surgery
Authors: Müller Cornelia Sigrid Lissi , Schiekofer Claudia , Körner Rebecca , Pföhler Claudia , Vogt Thomas 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of skin tumors is increasing among elderly patients, and the multi‐morbidities which occur in the elderly are a great challenge for dermatologic surgeons. The currently required safety margins for different types of melanomas and non‐melanoma skin cancers lead to extensive and profound wounds.ObjectiveTo investigate the usefulness of a dermal substitute (Integra®) for routine use in surgery for dermatologic tumors.Patients and MethodsIn this retrospective study 20 patients underwent sequential surgeries for skin cancer. Wound closures were performed using Integra® (single layer) and immediate split‐thickness skin graft.ResultsTwenty‐two tumors (6 malignant melanomas, 10 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 pleomorphic sarcomas, 1 basal cell carcinoma, 2 Merkel cell carcinomas, and 1 trichoblastic carcinoma) were resected. The mean defect size was 41.4 cm2. All transplants were (65–100 %) vital; however, defects in the midface (cheek and infra‐orbital area) often healed with esthetically disturbing, dense, pillow‐like scars.ConclusionsWith the use of Integra®, the duration of hospitalization was decreased, patients with multi‐morbidities were effectively treated, and functionally‐ and esthetically‐satisfactory outcomes were achieved. On the basis of these observations, we discuss points of handling those patients who require rapid and effective surgery and undergo dermatologic surgery using dermal substitutes.
Establishment of a simple predictive scoring system for pancreatic fistula after laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy
Authors: Miyai Hirotaka , Hara Masayasu , Hayakawa Tetsushi , Takeyama Hiromitsu 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe potential severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy (LAG) necessitates efforts to identify predictive factors for POPF. The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors for POPF and to establish a predictive scoring system for POPF after LAG.Patients and MethodsBetween June 2004 and March 2011, 277 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection with LAG were enrolled. POPF was defined according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula grading system. Risk factors for POPF were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and a scoring system for POPF was established.ResultsIn the derivation cohort, multivariate analysis revealed the risk factors for POPF as patient age ≤70 years (5 points), amylase level of postoperative day 1 drainage fluid >454 IU/L(5 points), total number of retrieved lymph nodes >21 (5 points), body mass index >21.45 kg/m2 (4 points), and operating time >337 min (2 points). In the validation cohort, at the cut‐off point for high risk (score ≥15), the model had a negative predictive value of 94.5%, a positive predictive value of 57.4%, a sensitivity of 88.6%, and a specificity of 75.0% (C statistic = 0.857).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that POPF after LAG is associated with specific preoperative and postoperative factors. With a simple predictive scoring system, patients at high risk for POPF can be accurately identified. This simple predictive scoring system will be useful for many clinicians to assess the risk of POPF after LAG and start treating at‐risk patients earlier.