bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECG Quantification of Myocardial Scar and Risk Stratification in MADIT‐II
Authors: Loring Zak , Zareba Wojciech , McNitt Scott , Strauss David G. , Wagner Galen S. , Daubert James P. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundLow left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increases risk for both sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for heart failure (HF) death; however, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) reduce the incidence of SCD, not HF death. Distinguishing individuals at risk for HF death (non‐SCD) versus SCD could improve ICD patient selection.ObjectiveThis study evaluated whether electrocardiogram (ECG) quantification of myocardial infarction (MI) could discriminate risk for SCD versus non‐SCD.MethodsSelvester QRS scoring was performed on 995 MADIT‐II trial subjects’ ECGs to quantify MI size. MIs were categorized as small (0–3 QRS points), medium (4–7) or large (≥8). Mortality, SCD and non‐SCD rates in the conventional medical therapy (CMT) arm and mortality and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) rates in the ICD arm were analyzed by QRS score group. Both arms were analyzed to determine ICD efficacy by QRS score group.ResultsIn the CMT arm, mortality, SCD and non‐SCD rates were similar across QRS score groups (P = 0.73, P = 0.92, and P = 0.77). The ICD arm showed similar rates of mortality (P = 0.17) and VT/VF (P = 0.24) across QRS score groups. ICD arm mortality was lower than CMT arm mortality across QRS score groups with greatest benefit in the large scar group.ConclusionRecently, QRS score was shown to be predictive of VT/VF in the SCD‐HeFT population consisting of both ischemic and nonischemic HF and having a maximum LVEF of 35% versus 30% for MADIT‐II. Our study found that QRS score did not add prognostic value in the MADIT‐II population exhibiting relatively more severe cardiac dysfunction.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: New Findings for an Old Pathology
Authors: Bottai Daniele , Adami Raffaella 
Published: June 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the events that are responsible for a disease is mandatory for setting up a therapeutic strategy. Although spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is considered a rare neurodegenerative pathology, its impact in our society is really devastating as it strikes young people from birth onward, and it affects their families either emotionally or financially. Moreover, it requires intensive care for the children, and this diverts both parents and relatives from their occupations. Each neuron is very different from one another; therefore, in a neurodegenerative disease, the population of axons, synapses and cell bodies degenerate asynchronously, and subpopulations of neurons have different vulnerabilities. The knowledge of the sequence of events along the lengths of individual neurons is crucial to understand if each synapse degenerates before the corresponding axon, or if each axon degenerates before the corresponding cell body. Early degeneration of one neuronal compartment in disease often reflects molecular defects somewhere else. Up until now, SMA is considered mostly a lower motor neuron disease caused by the loss‐of‐function mutations in the SMN1 gene; here, we inspect other features that can be altered by this defect, such as the cross talk between muscle and motor neuron and the role of physical inactivity.
Phantom rectum following abdominoperineal excision for rectal neoplasm: appearance and disappearance
Authors: Reategui C. , Chiang F. F. , Rosen L. , Sands D. , Weiss E. G. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe sensation that the rectum remains or is functioning after abdominoperineal excision (APE) is called phantom rectum (PR). Its postoperative and long‐term morbidity are not well documented. Informed consent may not include the risk and consequences of this condition. We assessed the incidence and morbidity of PR after APE and compared those with vs those without vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps.MethodPatients who underwent APE between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2008 were identified. Preoperative radiation and operative reconstruction by vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps were noted. Patients were interviewed by telephone to assess the presence and timing of PR symptoms and their effect on quality of life.ResultsThirty‐six of 80 patients who underwent APE were available for follow‐up. Twenty‐three (64%) described PR symptoms including urgency to evacuate [22 (61%)], sensation of faeces in the rectum [19 (52%)] and sensation of passing flatus [17 (48%)]. Eleven (47%) who had VRAM vs 25 who did not, reported having symptoms of PR at < 3 months after APE. Patients described their symptoms as ‘unchanged over time’ [20 (56%)], ‘gradually decreasing and ultimately disappearing’ [13 (35%)] or ‘worsening’ [3 (9%)]. Preoperative radiation and laparoscopic approach were not associated with PR symptoms. Significantly more patients having a VRAM flap reported early PR symptoms [7/11 (64%) vs 4/25 (16%)] (P = 0.008).ConclusionPR sensations were experienced by 23 (64%) patients who underwent APE for rectal cancer. VRAM reconstruction was associated with early PR presentation. The possibility of PR should be discussed preoperatively in patients undergoing APE for anorectal neoplasm.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Earnings Quality: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Choi Bo Bae , Lee Doowon , Park Youngkyu 
Published: June 2013

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueHow does corporate governance affect a manager's intention to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Is the relationship between financial transparency and CSR activities affected by the business group affiliation and ownership structure of firms?Research Findings/InsightsCSR ratings are negatively correlated with the level of earnings management when all firms are considered. However, the relationship is weaker for chaebol firms and firms with highly concentrated ownership, which suggests that CSR practices can be abusively used by those firms to conceal their poor earnings quality. The adverse use of CSR is discouraged if the fraction of shares owned by institutional investors is high. However, no evidence is found for a similar moderating effect for foreign investors.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study suggests that the business group affiliation and the ownership structure of a firm are important factors in determining the managerial incentives to engage in CSR, which can explain the mixed results reported in previous research. In addition, the possibility of a simultaneous relationship between CSR and other key firm characteristics, such as earnings quality, should be considered when conducting research on CSR.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study provides the insight to investors and other stakeholders that the managerial incentives behind CSR activities can differ depending on a firm's characteristics. Care must be taken when assessing the CSR activities, in particular, of firms with weak corporate governance. For policy makers, it is important to ensure that CSR‐related disclosures by firms are based on actual plans and are not intended to deceive stakeholders, especially when the firms are not actively monitored by external shareholders.
The Swedish six‐community alcohol and drug prevention trial: Effects on youth drinking
Authors: Hallgren Mats , Andréasson Sven 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsLocal communities are increasingly targeted for alcohol and drug prevention campaigns. This study describes some of the key findings from the Swedish six‐community alcohol and drug prevention trial (2003–2007) and lessons learned following an evaluation of the trial's effectiveness. The paper focuses mainly on changes in youth drinking and related harms.Design and MethodsThis was a pre‐ to post‐intervention effect study comparing six trial communities that received added training and technical support with six control communities where regular prevention efforts were supported by national alcohol and drug action plans. A repeated, cross‐sectional survey of 8092 youths aged 15–19 years assessed changes in alcohol consumption, binge drinking, perceived alcohol availability, access to alcohol via parents and adult attitudes towards the supply of alcohol to youths. National registry data were used to assess changes in hospital admissions due to alcohol intoxication.ResultsOverall, there were few significant improvements in the six trial communities compared with the control communities.Discussion and ConclusionsThe absence of program effects was largely attributable to the selection of strategies (in particular, school and parental programs) lacking evidence of effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption at the aggregate level. Prevention programs based on efficacy studies need to be tested in community‐based effectiveness trials before being disseminated. [Hallgren M & Andréasson S. The Swedish six‐community alcohol and drug prevention trial: Effects on youth drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:504–511]
Scalloping is a reliable endoscopic marker for celiac disease
Authors: Kasirer Yair , Turner Dan , Lerman Leora , Schechter Abraham , Waxman Jacob , Dayan Bosmat , Bergwerk Ari , Rachman Yelena , Freier Zerem , Silbermintz Ari 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundScalloping of duodenal folds noted on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has been associated with various illnesses including celiac disease (CD). The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of scalloping in pediatric patients undergoing EGD and to assess its significance in the diagnosis of CD. We also evaluated the association of scalloping with the histopathology and celiac serology in the subgroup of celiac patients.Patients and MethodsAll children (0–18 years) who underwent EGD at Shaare Zedek Medical Center for any reason during a 2.5‐year period were retrospectively included, yielding a consecutive cohort without selection bias. Relevant data were obtained from the patient files.ResultsDuring the study period, 623 children underwent EGD of whom 149 (24%) were eventually diagnosed with CD. In 74/623children (12%), scalloping was seen and had a sensitivity of 48% (95% CI 0.40–0.57), specificity of 99% (0.98–0.99) and positive predictive value of 97% (0.9–0.99) to diagnose CD. The prevalence of scalloping increased with advancing stage of the Marsh classification from 33% (7/21) in Marsh 1 to 63% (34/54) in Marsh 3c (P < 0.001). Scalloping was associated with a significantly higher median tissue transglutaminase level (153 [IQR 98–168] versus 49 [IQR 11–143]; P = 0.011).ConclusionThe results suggest that the diagnosis of CD is almost certain if isolated scalloping is observed during EGD done to rule out CD. Thus, attention to this finding may serve as an additional tool in the diagnosis of CD.
Intramural Atrial Hematoma: A Rare Complication of a Common Procedure
Authors: Galiuto Leonarda , Fedele Elisa , Locorotondo Gabriella , Pisanello Chiara , Favoccia Carla , Danza Maria Ludovica , De Vito Elena , Rebuzzi Antonio Giuseppe , Massetti Massimo , Crea Filippo 
Published: June 2013

Mini‐AbstractIntramural hematoma is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and it is mostly related to a poor prognosis. Moreover, although the best clinical treatment is unclear, the choice of appropriate imaging techniques can be helpful to manage these patients. We describe a case of a 79‐year‐old woman with an intramural atrial hematoma, likely caused by dissection of a distal coronary artery side branch during PCI. Imaging features at standard echocardiography did not provide enough information about consistency, blood supply, and relationship of the mass with the nearest structures. Only by performing myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE), we obtained a clear characterization of extent and blood supply status of the hematoma over time. Indeed, MCE is a simple, rapid, cheap, bedside, and safe imaging tool able to not invasively perform a better visualization of endocardial borders and evaluate the distribution of the intravascular ultrasound contrast agent within myocardial wall. Moreover, thanks to the absence of radiation risk and the extremely good patient tolerance, MCE represents a repeatable imaging tool useful to assess evolution of hematoma over time.
Dietary selection and nutritional regulation in a common mixed‐feeding insect herbivore
Authors: Jonas Jayne L. , Joern Anthony 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe geometric framework provides a way for understanding the multi‐dimensional nutritional relationships between consumers and their food. We use this approach to further our understanding of the feeding and nutritional ecology of a ubiquitous mixed‐feeding insect herbivore that consumes a variety of host plants spanning a wide range of nutritional composition. Our overall objective was to examine feeding decisions, resulting performance, and post‐ingestive consequences in a common mixed‐feeding insect herbivore, Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), when presented with paired diets differing in protein:carbohydrate (p:c) ratio. Intake p:c of M. bivittatus differed among all but two treatments and in many cases was farther than expected from the previously identified p:c intake target for this species. Despite this variability in intake of protein and carbohydrate, we found few effects of the diet treatments on performance or post‐ingestive processing. However, our results suggest that when feeding on high‐quality diets, nutrients consumed in excess may be stored rather than excreted.
Extracting grey relational systems from incomplete road traffic accidents data: the case of Gauteng Province in South Africa
Authors: Twala Bhekisipho 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMotivationRoad traffic accidents are among the top leading causes of deaths and injuries of various levels in South Africa. With the wealth and huge amount of data generated from road traffic accidents, the issue of traffic accident prediction has become a central challenge in the field of transportation data analysis. Such accident prediction is designed to detect patterns involved in dangerous crashes and thus help decision making and planning before casualty and loss occur. Recently, numerous researchers have presented a wide range of prediction techniques. Most of these methods are based on statistical studies but usually fail to explain the insights of prediction results. This has led to the development and application of supervised learning algorithms (classifiers) in an attempt to provide more accurate accident prediction in terms of injury severity (fatal/serious/slight/property damage with no injury). Even then, the task of learning an accurate classifier from instances raises a number of new issues some of which have not been properly addressed by transportation research. Thus, an effective prediction method is required for improving predictive accuracy.ResultsThe essence of the paper is the proposal that prediction of accidents given poor data quality (in terms of incomplete data) can be improved by using a classifier based on grey relational analysis, a similarity‐based method. We evaluate the grey relational classifier with other state‐of‐the‐art classifiers including artificial neural networks, classification and regression trees, k‐nearest neighbour, linear discriminant analysis, naïve Bayes classifier, algorithm quasi‐optimal and support vector machines. Real‐world road traffic accident dataset is utilized for this task. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the efficiency and the robustness of the grey relational classifier algorithm in terms of road traffic accident predictive accuracy.
Laypersons' views of material incentives for enhancing colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Hagoel Lea , Rennert Gad , Feder‐Bubis Paula 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) early detection improves health outcomes; screening programmes invest efforts in initiating invitations to target populations to be tested. Enhanced adherence is essential for reduction of morbidity and mortality. Participation rates in Israel are still relatively low.ObjectiveTo explore lay views regarding the concept of receiving material incentives in exchange for enhanced adherence to CRC screening.Research designQualitative study. Between November 2009 and February 2010 six focus group discussions were carried out in two urban, middle and low socio‐economic status primary care clinics in a Northern city in Israel. Participants were eligible individuals for CRC screening, aged 50–68 (N = 24). Data analysis followed the principles of grounded theory, supported by qualitative software.ResultsParticipants found administering incentives in exchange for CRC screening inappropriate on rational and moral grounds. They valued their relations with the medical team and the health system more than the potential gain expected. Individuals eligible for CRC screening perceived themselves as responsible for their health, admitting difficulties in realizing this responsibility. Incentives were reported unsuitable for solving reported screening difficulties and a potential harm to the doctor–patient relationship.ConclusionsFocus group participants expressed an unconventional voice towards the use of material incentives. They pointed to the need for focused support of health behaviour change and valued their autonomy. While a proportion of the invitees in the target population see the importance of screening and appreciate the HMO's initiative to invite them for testing, they also expressed their need for support from the HMO in realizing the recommended health behaviour.
The Late Medieval Countryside: England's Rural Economy and Society, 1275–1500
Authors: Routt David 
Published: June 2013

AbstractLate medieval England's rural economy and society remain the focus of energetic and creative study by historians. Punctuated by demographic catastrophes such as the Great Famine and the Black Death, England's late Middle Ages serves as a virtual laboratory for analysis of historical change as scholars trace the unraveling of the manorial socioeconomic arrangements and the emergence of a brand of agrarian capitalism. To make sense of a wealth of royal and local sources, scholars employ a range of theoretical approaches drawn from economics, namely a population‐and‐resources model, a neo‐Marxist thesis, and a commercialization hypothesis, among others. Sociological approaches are also found in the late medievalist's analytical toolbox. Current research particularly focuses on the excavation of lord–peasant relations, the nature of the peasantry's agriculture, and the relative affluence and poverty of the late medieval peasant.
Confrontation and Unification: Approaches to the Political History of Normandy, 911–1035
Authors: Hagger Mark 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThere has been a lot of work on the political history of Normandy in recent years, and this is changing understanding of the duchy's origins and development. Some of this work has examined the actions, relationships and settlement of the Vikings in the years prior to the ‘treaty of Saint‐Clair‐sur‐Epte’ and the inception of Normandy (traditionally dated to 911). The conditions that allowed the Vikings under Rollo to embed themselves in local society have been explored, and it has become clear that the Northmen were well‐established in the region long before their settlement was officially recognized by Charles the Simple. The narrative sources which provide the foundation for any political history of Normandy, particularly Dudo of Saint‐Quentin'sHistoria NormannorumorDe moribus et actis primorum Normanniae ducum, have also been the focus of a great deal of work. Dudo's intentions have been discussed at length, and while the provision of a historically accurate account was not among them, his work can now be used to suggest something of the ambitions of Duke Richard II and the concerns of those Franks who came into contact with him and his warriors. Until the 1970s, historians thought that Normandy was created swiftly and that it was unified from the outset. Now, a much more nuanced view is forming, which sees the establishment of Normandy as a slow process of confrontation and unification. Chance gave the dukes dominion over the Bretons and allowed them to take and hold the Avranchin. Elsewhere, the going was harder. Confrontation with the lords of Bellême and counts of Chartres led to stalemate. Within the frontiers thus established, the dukes had to fight to make their authority a reality and to weld Normandy into the unified family observed by Ralph Glaber in the later 1030s – although what Glaber did not know was that the duchy had still not taken its final form by that date.
The New Zealand Home Front during World War One and World War Two
Authors: Parsons Gwen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDuring both the First World War and the Second World War, New Zealand despatched large Expeditionary Forces to assist in Britain's war effort. The home front experience was markedly different during each war. The defining characteristics of the home front during the Great War were the voluntary nature of patriotic participation and the remoteness of the war. In contrast, during the Second World War, the front was much closer to New Zealand, and the pressures of this much larger‐scale conflict meant that the government was forced to exert much more control over the civilian community. The historiography of the New Zealand home front reflects these characteristics. The historiography of the Great War home front, where day‐to‐day life continued with a large degree of continuity, is very limited. In contrast, much attention has been paid to life on the home front during the Second World War, as the civilian population was directed into war work as well as military service.
Consumer morality and moral norms
Authors: Nielsen Lisbeth , McGregor Sue L.T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWith a focus on consumer morality, this paper first reviewed the literature on moral norms, identifying six approaches: (a) descriptive/injunctive; (b) personal; (c) altruistic; (d) material, formal and synthetic; (e) autonomy, beneficence and justice; and (f) universal norms. The paper then explored three moral norm‐related concepts – what constitutes a moral situation, morally irresponsible behaviour and morally risky behaviour – with a focus on the insights that they can shed on consumer morality, in concert with the notion of moral norms. The discussion then turned to an overview of how these moral norm concepts have been (can be) applied to understand the moral dimension of consumer behaviour. An iterative analysis of this discussion revealed 10 insights that serve as the genesis for an emergent conceptual framework that can scaffold discussions of the role moral norms play in explaining consumer moral behaviour. The paper concluded with a call for a theory on consumer morality and moral norms.