bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of culture-negative versus culture-positive severe sepsis
Authors: Phua Jason , Ngerng Wang Jee , See Kay Choong , Tay Chee Kiang , Kiong Timothy , Lim Hui Fang , Chew Mei Ying , Yip Hwee Seng , Tan Adeline , Khalizah Haji Jamil , Capistrano Rolando , Lee Kang Hoe , Mukhopadhyay Amartya 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Culture-negative sepsis is a common but relatively understudied condition. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of culture-negative versus culture-positive severe sepsis.

Methods
This was a prospective observational cohort study of 1001 patients who were admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital from 2004 to 2009 with severe sepsis. Patients with documented fungal, viral, and parasitic infections were excluded.

Results
There were 415 culture-negative patients (41.5%) and 586 culture-positive patients (58.5%). Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 257 patients, and gram-negative bacteria in 390 patients. Culture-negative patients were more often women and had fewer comorbidities, less tachycardia, higher blood pressure, lower procalcitonin levels, lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (median 25.0 (interquartile range 19.0 to 32.0) versus 27.0 (21.0 to 33.0), P = 0.001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, less cardiovascular, central nervous system, and coagulation failures, and less need for vasoactive agents than culture-positive patients. The lungs were a more common site of infection, while urinary tract, soft tissue and skin infections, infective endocarditis and primary bacteremia were less common in culture-negative than in culture-positive patients. Culture-negative patients had a shorter duration of hospital stay (12 days (7.0 to 21.0) versus 15.0 (7.0 to27.0), P = 0.02) and lower ICU mortality than culture-positive patients. Hospital mortality was lower in the culture-negative group (35.9%) than in the culture-positive group (44.0%, P = 0.01), the culture-positive subgroup, which received early appropriate antibiotics (41.9%, P = 0.11), and the culture-positive subgroup, which did not (55.5%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, culture positivity was not independently associated with mortality on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions
Significant differences between culture-negative and culture-positive sepsis are identified, with the former group having fewer comorbidities, milder severity of illness, shorter hospitalizations, and lower mortality.
Weak Magnetic Field Effects on Silver Dendrite Formation
Authors: Tanimoto Yoshifumi , Udagawa Chikako , Katsuki Akio , Maki Syou , Morimoto Shotaro 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Effects of a weak magnetic field (&lt;0.1 T) on silver dendrite formation were studied using a ferrite magnet. By application of a 87 mT field, the silver dendrite pattern changed considerably, although chemical yields of formed silver dendrite, formed copper ion, and consumed copper metal decreased very slightly.
Synthesis of Heptaoxazole Macrocyclic Analogues of Telomestatin and Evaluation of Their Telomerase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Shibata Kazuaki , Yoshida Masahito , Takahashi Takashi , Takagi Motoki , Shin-ya Kazuo , Doi Takayuki 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We have demonstrated various synthetic routes to heptaoxazole macrocyclic analogues of telomestatin and evaluated their inhibitory activities against telomerase. We synthesized three heptaoxazole macrocycles consisting of different numbers of methyloxazole moieties and another heptaoxazole analogue with a bromooxazole moiety instead of one of the two methyloxazole moieties found in the structure of telomestatin. The bromooxazole analogue underwent Suzuki–Miyaura coupling leading to six analogues having aromatic substituents on the oxazole moiety. The substituents on the oxazole moiety in the heptaoxazole macrocycles, which include a methyl group, a bromine atom, and aromatic substituents, did not affect the inhibitory activity of the overall molecule. In addition, three amine-linked analogues were synthesized by modification of the S-tert-butyl group in the bromooxazole analogue with amine-linked α-bromoacetamides. Notably, one of the amine-linked heptaoxazole analogues exhibited almost the same inhibitory activity as telomestatin.
Shear-related fibrillogenesis of fibronectin
Authors: Nguyen Huong T.T. , Huynh Khon C. , Scharf Rüdiger E. , Stoldt Volker R. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Biomechanical forces can induce the transformation of fibronectin (Fn) from its compact structure to an extended fibrillar state. Adsorption of plasma proteins onto metallic surfaces may also influence their conformation. We used a cone-plate rheometer to investigate the effect of shear and stainless steel on conformational changes of Fn. In control experiments, cones grafted once or twice with polyethylene glycol were used. Plasma Fn was added at concentrations of 50 or 100 μg/ml to bovine serum albumin (BSA)- or Fn-coated plates and subsequently exposed to dynamic shear rates stepwise increasing from 50 to 5000 s-1 within 5 min and subsequently decreasing from 5000 to 50 s-1 within 5 min. The viscosity (mPa s) of Fn solutions was recorded over 10 min. Upon exposure to shear, the viscosity in the sample increased, suggesting conformational changes in Fn. Western blotting and densitometric analyses demonstrated that conformational changes of plasma Fn depended both on shear and protein concentration. However, there was no significant difference in fibril formation between BSA- or Fn-coated plates, suggesting that physical properties of stainless steel and biomechanical forces such as shear can affect the molecular structure of Fn. Our model may provide useful information of surface- and flow-induced alterations of plasma proteins.
Concurrent and simultaneous polydrug use among young Swiss males: use patterns and associations of number of substances used with health issues
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Studer Joseph , Mohler-Kuo Meichun , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Gmel Gerhard 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Background: Simultaneous polydrug use (SPU) may represent a greater incremental risk factor for human health than concurrent polydrug use (CPU). However, few studies have examined these patterns of use in relation to health issues, particularly with regard to the number of drugs used.
Methods: In the present study, we have analyzed data from a representative sample of 5734 young Swiss males from the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Exposure to drugs (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and 15 other illicit drugs), as well as mental, social and physical factors, were studied through regression analysis.
Results: We found that individuals engaging in CPU and SPU followed the known stages of drug use, involving initial experiences with licit drugs (e.g., alcohol and tobacco), followed by use of cannabis and then other illicit drugs. In this regard, two classes of illicit drugs were identified, including first uppers, hallucinogens and sniffed drugs; and then “harder” drugs (ketamine, heroin, and crystal meth), which were only consumed by polydrug users who were already taking numerous drugs. Moreover, we observed an association between the number of drugs used simultaneously and social issues (i.e., social consequences and aggressiveness). In fact, the more often the participants simultaneously used substances, the more likely they were to experience social problems. In contrast, we did not find any relationship between SPU and depression, anxiety, health consequences, or health.
Conclusions: We identified some associations with SPU that were independent of CPU. Moreover, we found that the number of concurrently used drugs can be a strong factor associated with mental and physical health, although their simultaneous use may not significantly contribute to this association. Finally, the negative effects related to the use of one substance might be counteracted by the use of an additional substance.
Quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs in young adults with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Vezzù Elena , Soresi Salvatore , Ferrari Lea , Nota Laura 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background: The present study aims to determine quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs among young adults with cleft lip and palate (CLP), as compared with a control group of young adults without CLP. The study involves two groups of young adults: 48 with CLP and 48 presenting no disability.

Methods: Two questionnaires (Quality of Life Questionnaire and How Much Confidence do I Have in Myself?) were used to assess life satisfaction and self-efficacy beliefs, respectively.

Results: Participants with CLP reported greater quality of life than the participants in the control group, in terms of personal financial situation and self-determination opportunities. Moreover, men with CLP showed higher levels of confidence than women with CLP, and more than all the participants in the control group as a whole in terms of the ability to complete tasks and activities.

Conclusions: Results suggest that people with CLP do not form a homogeneous category but are characterized by a high degree of variability. Further research is necessary to identify the dimensions and factors characterizing people with CLP as well as the health and social services needed to start using assessment instruments that can shed light on these individuals’ experiences.
The “social” in English Language Teaching: abstracted norms versus situated enactments
Authors: Leung Constant 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The worldwide enterprise of English Language Teaching (ELT) has consciously attended to social rules and conventions in its modelling of language use. In this article I will first examine the theoretical basis of the “social” as it has been understood in influential curriculum discussions and internationally marketed textbooks. It will be shown that there is a tendency to portray social conventions of language use in terms of abstracted and decontextualised native speaker norms. Drawing on data collected in ethnolinguistically diverse school and university classrooms in London, I will illustrate that socially agreeable ways of language use are fluidly and sensitively negotiated in situ by participants. Some of the observations and arguments in this article will resonate with the analytic sensibilities shown in recent research in the fields of English as a Lingua Franca and sociolinguistics. The discussion will conclude with a call for a more empirically oriented approach to conceptualizing the “social” in ELT that takes account of situated language and social practices.
Modellierung und Regelung eines hydraulischen HIL-Simulators zum Test von Herzunterstützungssystemen / Modeling and Control of a Hydraulic Simulator for Ventricular Assist Device Testing
Authors: Heinke Stefanie , Schwandtner Sebastian , Costante Christian , Heyn Hans-Martin , Brendle Christian , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag werden ein Modell und ein Regelkonzept für einen Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)- Prüfstand zum Testen von Herzunterstützungssystemen vorgestellt. Dieser HIL-Prüfstand simuliert die ein -und auslassseitigen Zustandsgrößen, denen ein Herzunterstützungssystem im Körper ausgesetzt ist, so dass damit schnell und kostengünstig Regelungen von Herzunterstützungssystemen unter hochdynamischen Bedingungen getestet werden können. Die Modellierung des HIL-Prüfstands erfolgt mit den Lagrangeschen Gleichungen 2. Art. Als Regelungsverfahren werden ein LQRRegler und ein PI-Regler in dem Mehrgrößensystem eingesetzt. Zur Evaluation der Regelung werden ventrikuläre und arterielle Drücke aus einer Softwaresimulation des Herzkreislaufsystems auf den HIL-Prüfstand übertragen und erfolgreich nachgebildet.
Künstliches Feedback für Oberschenkelamputierte – Theoretische Analyse / Artificial Feedback for Transfemoral Amputees – Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Pagel Anna , Oes Julian , Pfeifer Serge , Riener Robert , Vallery Heike 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag untersucht auf Basis von Modellen der menschlichen Wahrnehmung den Einfluss künstlichen sensorischen Feedbacks auf posturale Kontrolle und Gangsymmetrie von Oberschenkelamputierten. In der Standphase wird ein vereinfachtes, statisches neuromechanisches Modell verwendet, in der Schwungphase ein Erweitertes Kalman- Filter, das dynamische Effekte berücksichtigt. Die Simulation lässt den Schluss zu, dass Rückmeldung des Fußdruckpunktes während der Standphase die Wahrnehmung verbessern könnte, künstliches Feedback während der Schwungphase jedoch nicht von Vorteil ist. Eine klinische Fallstudie wäre nötig, um die in der Simulation beobachteten Effekte sensorischen Feedbacks in der praktischen Anwendung mit Amputierten zu überprüfen.
The Price of Ritual
Authors: Ackermann Peter 
Published: September 2013

Abstract Regularly and irregularly occurring events at which surprisingly high degrees of physical and mental energy as well as large quantities of goods and money are required, and need to be procured in forms hardly open to individual choice and deliberation, abound in Japan. The corresponding complex rules are especially conspicuous on the level of direct interpersonal exchange, where the uninterrupted balance between outgoing investment and incoming return on investment is considered essential to maintain the close-knit social order that constitutes not just tradition but quite specifically the normative basis for Japan’s self-image as a leading post-war economic power. In many ways this close-knit order contrasts with concepts we might hold about a modern, pluralistic society. Today we face a situation where the continued propagation of correct rules for supplying goods, money and personal energy stands in increasing conflict with the economic and structural means to do so, and with any calculated interest in specific social contexts thus to be maintained
Can Happiness be Created in Rituals?
Authors: Kellermann Ingrid 
Published: September 2013

Abstract This article refers to an ethnographical study within the framework of a cross-cultural research project in Germany and Japan. It focuses on the ritual staging and performing of family happiness within two countries: Christmas in Germany and oshogatsu, the turn of the year, in Japan. Happiness is hereby conceived as a particular form of well-being that is (intended) to be evoked during the yearly reunion of the family. Through ritual practice, the family members (re)confirm their family bonds and create their specific idea of family happiness. In the German family outlined below, Christmas Day in Germany happens to be the first Christmas Celebration in the new family constellation for everyone, and the family members are about to perform their future life plan. In Japan, oshogatsu relies on experiences and memories within the particular family constellation which allow an emotional proximity between four generations. The analytical approach reveals the social cultural impact on emotions and their performative and amplifying potential in rituals
Die Organisation von Wohlbefinden in japanischen Kindergärten
Authors: Schubert Volker 
Published: September 2013

Abstract Is it possible to organize well-being in an educational setting? The paper examines some possible conditions and forms by using the example of Japanese preschools and tries to track down the logic of the organization of well-being. Playful, but systematically learned selective rituals and routines, the specific handling of conflicts and the restraint of the educators create an environment, in which the children are able not only to play enthusiastically, but also to adjust their common activities to a large extent on their own. Well-being in a relaxed and happy social coexistence in the group - on the one hand an indispensable condition for all further educational processes, on the other hand also end in itself - is staged as joint task, for which everybody should try for together.
Wisdom on the Pursuit of Happiness in Daily Life.
Authors: Suzuki Shoko 
Published: September 2013

Abstract The aim of this paper is to provide perspectives on conducting an international comparative study of happiness. This comparative survey, which the Free University of Berlin, Germany, and Kyoto University began jointly in 2008, is a truly international, interdisciplinary research project that designated Japan and Germany as sites for anthropological fieldwork where experts in philosophy, sociology, and pedagogy would jointly tackle the same field. Employing a historical and cultural anthropology perspective, this research project starts with the assumption not to seek to identify a model of happiness or well-being that goes beyond history and culture. Rather, the main focus of the research has been on how happiness and well-being are constructed in interactions among family members in the course of their various daily practices as well as in the ritual practices involved in families celebrating a festive occasion. First, in addressing family happiness, we examined the Christmas period for German households as typical seasonal festivity celebrated by families.
From Fighting to Joy in Kendo
Authors: Potrafki Jörg 
Published: September 2013

Abstract To trace joyful emotions in the practice of the Japanese art of fencing is quiet complicate and uncommon. As a former martial art Kendo is straightly connected with the mortal sword fighting of the Middle Ages. Today the fight with sharp swords has been replaced by a competition trough using the sportive protection armor and bamboo sword. The serious contest between the opponents with the reference to the life-or-death constellation of ancient times marks the activity in Kendo. The primary aim is the verification of the individual development, arising from the combination of an adult character and sportive skills. At the highest level of Kendo the development of a positive personal relation to the partner is being created via the hard and battlesome competition. Under specified conditions the fight yells harmony and empathy in a social interaction through the body activity of two individuals.
Hot Regions of Noninterfering Crossovers Coexist with a Nonuniformly Interfering Pathway inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Basu-Roy Sayantani , Gauthier Franck , Giraut Laurène , Mézard Christine , Falque Matthieu , Martin Olivier C 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn most organisms that have been studied, crossovers formed during meiosis exhibit interference: nearby crossovers are rare. Here we provide an in-depth study of crossover interference in Arabidopsis thaliana, examining crossovers genome-wide in &gt;1500 backcrosses for both male and female meiosis. This unique data set allows us to take a two-pathway modeling approach based on superposing a fraction p of noninterfering crossovers and a fraction (1 − p) of interfering crossovers generated using the gamma model characterized by its interference strength nu. Within this framework, we fit the two-pathway model to the data and compare crossover interference strength between chromosomes and then along chromosomes. We find that the interfering pathway has markedly higher interference strength nu in female than in male meiosis and also that male meiosis has a higher proportion p of noninterfering crossovers. Furthermore, we test for possible intrachromosomal variations of nu and p. Our conclusion is that there are clear differences between left and right arms as well as between central and peripheral regions. Finally, statistical tests unveil a genome-wide picture of small-scale heterogeneities, pointing to the existence of hot regions in the genome where crossovers form preferentially without interference.
Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Infant Mortality Rates in the United States, 1989–2006
Authors: Rossen Lauren M. , Schoendorf Kenneth C. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We sought to measure overall disparities in pregnancy outcome, incorporating data from the many race and ethnic groups that compose the US population, to improve understanding of how disparities may have changed over time. Methods. We used Birth Cohort Linked Birth–Infant Death Data Files from US Vital Statistics from 1989–1990 and 2005–2006 to examine multigroup indices of racial and ethnic disparities in the overall infant mortality rate (IMR), preterm birth rate, and gestational age–specific IMRs. We calculated selected absolute and relative multigroup disparity metrics weighting subgroups equally and by population size. Results. Overall IMR decreased on the absolute scale, but increased on the population-weighted relative scale. Disparities in the preterm birth rate decreased on both the absolute and relative scales, and across equally weighted and population-weighted indices. Disparities in preterm IMR increased on both the absolute and relative scales. Conclusions. Infant mortality is a common bellwether of general and maternal and child health. Despite significant decreases in disparities in the preterm birth rate, relative disparities in overall and preterm IMRs increased significantly over the past 20 years.
Exploring Risk Factors in Latino Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Education, Nativity, and Gender
Authors: Dinwiddie Gniesha Y. , Zambrana Ruth E. , Garza Mary A. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives. We examined 3 cardiovascular disease risk factors by nativity and gender, evaluating evidence for education and health behaviors in explaining the “Hispanic Health Paradox.” Methods. We analyzed 2001–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for adults (n = 6032) to compare hypertension, high waist circumference, and diabetes for US- and foreign-born Mexican men and women. We controlled for age, depression, and health insurance. Results. Cardiovascular disease risk factors differed by education, nativity, and gender. Higher education was associated with higher odds of hypertension and high waist circumference for men and women regardless of nativity. As education increased, the odds of diabetes increased for US-born women, showing a gradient for this population. Finally, foreign-born Mexican women with 5 to 19 years in the United States conferred the highest odds of having diabetes, whereas foreign-born men with less than 5 years in the United States had the lowest odds for high waist circumference and presence of diabetes. Conclusions. Results contest assumptions of the Hispanic Health Paradox and suggest new approaches. New research can yield accurate information to ensure the development of appropriate interventions, decreasing health disparities endemic to a subgroup of Latinos.