bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current concepts in the management of leakages after esophagectomy
Authors: Mardin Wolf Arif , Palmes Daniel , Bruewer Matthias 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEsophagectomy is a high‐risk procedure that, despite advances over past years, is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Anastomotic insufficiency is a devastating surgical complication as it is linked to postoperative morbidity and is the main cause for postoperative mortality. It can lead to sepsis and necessitate re‐operation, further increasing morbidity and mortality through additional complications brought on by the repeated invasive procedures. However, not all anastomotic leakages entail such a critical course of events and can be sufficiently dealt with by less invasive measures. As a consequence, the approach to anastomotic leakage must be carefully selected in order to minimize additional procedure‐related risks while ensuring adequate therapy. In this setting, less invasive treatments such as esophageal stents and clips, application of vicryl plugs in combination with fibrin glue, and endoscopic insertion of vacuum sponges, have emerged in recent years and become a viable alternative in the management of certain leakages. This review presents current algorithms for detection, classification and treatment of leakages after esophagectomy.
Education and Conflict Recovery: The Case of Timor Leste
Authors: Justino Patricia , Leone Marinella , Salardi Paola 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Timor Leste secession conflict lasted for 25 years. Its last wave of violence in 1999, following the withdrawal of Indonesian troops, generated massive displacement and destruction with widespread consequences for the economic and social development of the country. This paper analyses the impact of the conflict on the level and access to education of boys and girls in Timor Leste. We examine the short‐term impact of the 1999 violence on school attendance and grade deficit rates in 2001, and the longer‐term impact of the conflict on primary school completion of cohorts of children observed in 2007. We compare also the educational impact of the 1999 wave of violence with the impact of other periods of high‐intensity violence during the 25 years of Indonesian occupation. The short‐term effects of the conflict are mixed. In the longer term, we find a strong negative impact of the conflict on primary school completion among boys of school age exposed to peaks of violence during the 25‐year long conflict. The effect is stronger for boys attending the last three grades of primary school. This result shows a substantial loss of human capital among young males in Timor Leste since the early 1970s, resulting from household investment trade‐offs between education and economic survival.
Carrot or Stick? Redistributive Transfers versus Policing in Contexts of Civil Unrest
Authors: Justino Patricia 
Published: January 2012

SummaryRecurrent episodes of civil unrest significantly reduce the potential for economic growth and poverty reduction. Yet the economics literature offers little understanding of what triggers civil unrest in society and how to prevent it. This paper provides a theoretical analysis in a dynamic setting of the merits of redistributive transfers in preventing the onset of (and reducing) civil unrest and compare it with policies of more direct intervention such as the use of police. We present empirical evidence for a panel of Indian states, where conflict, transfers and policing are treated as endogenous variables. Our empirical results show, in the medium‐term, redistributive transfers are both a more successful and cost‐effective means to reduce civil unrest. Policing is at best a short‐term strategy. In the longer term, it may trigger further social discontent.
‘A Different World’ Individuals’ experience of an integrated family intervention for psychosis and its contribution to recovery
Authors: Allen Jo , Burbach Frank , Reibstein Janet 
Published: January 2012

Objectives.  The aim of this study is to explore the meaning and significance of family interventions (FI) for the individual who experiences psychosis, and its significance for recovery.Design.  A qualitative in‐depth interview design was used to explore individuals’ experience of FI and its meaning to them.Methods.  Seven individuals recovering from psychosis attending integrated FI sessions were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule developed with service user input. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Results.  Three central themes highlighted the participants’ experience: (1) They welcomed the shared experience with their families and felt contained and valued by the therapists; (2) They felt the sessions contributed to changed patterns of relating within the family and the creation of new meaning through the validation of multiple perspectives; and (3) They described how the family sessions supported a new positioning in the world, a sense of their own empowerment and personal responsibility, greater self‐acceptance, an increased ability to manage emotions, and hope for the future.Conclusions.  Conditions in the family sessions provided an environment for changes in patterns of relating, personal meaning, and emotions to take place. Recovery, for these individuals, appeared to be about repositioning themselves in the world. The shared experience of sessions and the recognition of multiple perspectives within a containing environment may be related to recovery via the development of new perspectives and a more robust sense of self. This has clinical implications for the focus of FI sessions.Practitioner Points

This study supports the use of various elements of integrated family interventions.

Understanding service‐users’ experience of family interventions and recovery processes can support the development of responsive clinicians and produce therapies that best support recovery processes.
Coiling of a carotid cavernous sinus fistula via microsurgical venotomy: recommendation of a combined neurosurgical and endovascular approach
Authors: Heiroth Hi-Jae , Turowski Bernd , Etminan Nima , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Hänggi Daniel 
Published: January 2012

IntroductionEndovascular treatment of a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) via a transvenous approach is standard but, in rare cases, the standard approach is not feasible due to vessel occlusion or anomalies. In such cases it remains a challenge to find an alternative route for complete treatment.Clinical presentationA 42-year-old patient presented with a symptomatic CCF (Barrow type C). An endovascular approach to the CCF was not possible due to abnormal venous vessel architecture, so a combined surgical and interventional approach was undertaken. A custom-tailored craniotomy was first performed to access the major sylvian vein. After venotomy and insertion of a microcatheter, the CCF was completely occluded by coiling and embolization conventionally. The symptoms regressed and had almost completely disappeared at follow-up.ConclusionsAn individually tailored strategy with a combined surgical and endovascular approach enabled full treatment with minimal risk for the patient.
Doxycycline treatment of otosyphilis with hearing loss: Table 1
Authors: Chotmongkol Verajit , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Yimtae Kwanchanok , Chantarojanasiri Thanyaporn , Chotmongkol Ratchanee 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesThe recommended treatment of otosyphilis is intravenous penicillin therapy. The response rate varied between 23% and 31%. This treatment needs hospitalisation and is costly, inconvenient and time consuming. Oral doxycycline was tested for its efficacy in otosyphilis.MethodThe authors reviewed 19 patients diagnosed as having otosyphilis with hearing loss at the outpatient unit between 2004 and 2008 by oral doxycycline 400 mg/day for 21 days.ResultsOf those enrolled patients, 12 patients were male and the mean age is 69.4 years. The hearing was improved in nine patients (47.3%) and the audiogram of seven patients (36.8%) showed improvement. There was no serious side effect of doxycycline.ConclusionThe data suggest that doxycycline may be an effective alternate regimen for otosyphilis.
Macrophage-Induced Tumor Angiogenesis Is Regulated by the TSC2–mTOR Pathway
Authors: Chen Wei , Ma Tao , Shen Xu-ning , Xia Xue-feng , Xu Guo-dong , Bai Xue-li , Liang Ting-bo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have multifaceted roles in tumor development but they have been associated particularly closely with tumor angiogenesis. However, although the accumulation of TAM (M2 phenotype) promotes tumor angiogenesis, the mechanism through which monocytes differentiate to generate TAM is unclear. Here, we report that the mTOR pathway is a critical element in the regulation of monocyte differentiation to TAM. In human peripheral monocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, mTOR was inhibited by rapamycin or activated by RNA interference–mediated knockdown of the mTOR repressor tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2). Rapamycin caused the monocytes to differentiate into M1 macrophages releasing more interleukin (IL)-12 and less IL-10, whereas TSC2 knockdown caused the monocytes to differentiate into M2 macrophages releasing less IL-12 and more IL-10. In parallel fashion, angiogenic properties were promoted or reduced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells cocultured with TSC2-deficient monocytes or rapamycin-treated monocytes, respectively. Furthermore, tumor angiogenesis and growth in murine xenografts were promoted or reduced by infusion of hosts with TSC2-deficient or TSC2-overexpressing monocytes, respectively. Finally, in vivo depletion of macrophages was sufficient to block the antiangiogenic effects of rapamycin on tumors. Our results define the TSC2–mTOR pathway as a key determinant in the differentiation of monocytes into M2 phenotype TAM that promote angiogenesis. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1363–72. ©2012 AACR.
Regulation of Cancer Progression by β-Endorphin Neuron
Authors: Sarkar Dipak K. , Murugan Sengottuvelan , Zhang Changqing , Boyadjieva Nadka 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that stressful life events can affect cancer growth and metastasis by modulating nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The purpose of this review is to briefly describe the process by which stress may potentiate carcinogenesis and how reducing body stress may prevent cancer growth and progression. The opioid peptide β-endorphin plays a critical role in bringing the stress axis to a state of homeostasis. We have recently shown that enhancement of endogenous levels of β-endorphin in the hypothalamus via β-endorphin neuron transplantation suppresses stress response, promotes immune function, and reduces the incidence of cancer in rat models of prostate and breast cancers. The cancer-preventive effect of β-endorphin is mediated through the suppression of sympathetic neuronal function, which results in increased peripheral natural killer cell and macrophage activities, elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines. β-endorphin inhibition of tumor progression also involves alteration in the tumor microenvironment, possibly because of suppression of catecholamine and inflammatory cytokine production, which are known to alter DNA repair, cell-matrix attachments, angiogenic process, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Thus, β-endorphin cell therapy may offer some therapeutic value in cancer prevention. Cancer Res; 72(4); 836–40. ©2012 AACR.
Resampling Phase III Data to Assess Phase II Trial Designs and Endpoints
Authors: Sharma Manish R. , Karrison Theodore G. , Jin Yuyan , Bies Robert R. , Maitland Michael L. , Stadler Walter M. , Ratain Mark J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Purpose: The best phase II design and endpoint for growth inhibitory agents is controversial. We simulated phase II trials by resampling patients from a positive (sorafenib vs. placebo; TARGET) and a negative (AE941 vs. placebo) phase III trial in metastatic renal cancer to compare the ability of various designs and endpoints to predict the known results.
Experimental Design: A total of 770 and 259 patients from TARGET and the AE 941 trial, respectively, were resampled (5,000 replicates) to simulate phase II trials with α = 0.10 (one-sided). Designs/endpoints: single arm, two-stage with response rate (RR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; 37 patients); and randomized, two arm (20–35 patients per arm) with RR by RECIST, mean log ratio of tumor sizes (log ratio), progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 90 days (PFS-90), and overall PFS.
Results: Single-arm trials were positive with RR by RECIST in 55% and 1% of replications for sorafenib and AE 941, respectively. Randomized trials versus placebo with 20 patients per arm were positive with RR by RECIST in 55% and 7%, log ratio in 88% and 25%, PFS-90 in 64% and 15%, and overall PFS in 69% and 9% of replications for sorafenib and AE 941, respectively.
Conclusions: Compared with the single-arm design and the randomized design comparing PFS, the randomized phase II design with the log ratio endpoint has greater power to predict the positive phase III result of sorafenib in renal cancer, but a higher false positive rate for the negative phase III result of AE 941. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2309–15. ©2012 AACR.
Distinct EEG Amplitude Suppression to Facial Gestures as Evidence for a Mirror Mechanism in Newborn Monkeys
Authors: Ferrari Pier Francesco , Vanderwert Ross E. , Paukner Annika , Bower Seth , Suomi Stephen J. , Fox Nathan A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
At birth, human infants and newborns of other primate species demonstrate the capacity to attend and to respond to facial stimuli provided by a caregiver. Newborn infants are also capable of exhibiting a range of facial expressions. Identification of the neural underpinnings of these capacities represents a formidable challenge in understanding social development. One possible neuronal substrate is the mirror-neuron system assumed to activate shared motor cortical representations for both observation and production of actions. We tested this hypothesis by recording scalp EEG from 1- to 7-day-old newborn rhesus macaques who were observing and producing facial gestures. We found that 5–6 Hz EEG activity was suppressed both when the infants produced facial gestures and while they were observing facial gestures of a human experimenter, but not when they were observing nonbiological stimuli. These findings demonstrate the presence of neural reactivity for biological, communicatively relevant stimuli, which may be a likely signature of neuronal mirroring. The basic elements of the mirror-neuron system appear to operate from the very first days of life and contribute to the encoding of socially relevant stimuli.
Controlling Conflict from Interfering Long-term Memory Representations
Authors: Jost Kerstin , Khader Patrick H. , Düsel Peter , Richter Franziska R. , Rohde Kristina B. , Bien Siegfried , Rösler Frank 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Remembering is more than an activation of a memory trace. As retrieval cues are often not uniquely related to one specific memory, cognitive control should come into play to guide selective memory retrieval by focusing on relevant while ignoring irrelevant information. Here, we investigated, by means of EEG and fMRI, how the memory system deals with retrieval interference arising when retrieval cues are associated with two material types (faces and spatial positions), but only one is task-relevant. The topography of slow EEG potentials and the fMRI BOLD signal in posterior storage areas indicated that in such situations not only the relevant but also the irrelevant material becomes activated. This results in retrieval interference that triggers control processes mediated by the medial and lateral PFC, which are presumably involved in biasing target representations by boosting the task-relevant material. Moreover, memory-based conflict was found to be dissociable from response conflict that arises when the relevant and irrelevant materials imply different responses. The two types of conflict show different activations in the medial frontal cortex, supporting the claim of domain-specific prefrontal control systems.
The Human Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Is Critical for Transitive Inference
Authors: Koscik Timothy R. , Tranel Daniel 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe hypothesized that the ventromedial pFC (vmPFC) is critical for making transitive inferences (e.g., the logical operation that if A &gt; B and B &gt; C, then A &gt; C). To test this, participants with focal vmPFC damage, brain-damaged comparison participants, and neurologically normal participants completed a transitive inference task consisting an ordered set of arbitrary patterns. Participants first learned through trial-and-error the relationships of the patterns (e.g., Pattern A &gt; Pattern B, Pattern B &gt; Pattern C). After initial learning, participants were presented with novel pairings, some of which required transitive inference (e.g., Pattern A &gt; Pattern C from the relationship above). We observed that vmPFC damage led to a specific deficit in transitive inference, suggesting that an intact vmPFC is necessary for making normal transitive inferences. Given the usefulness of transitivity in inferring social relationships, this deficit may be one of the basic features of social conduct problems associated with vmPFC damage.
Hierarchies in Action and Motor Control
Authors: Uithol Sebo , van Rooij Iris , Bekkering Harold , Haselager Pim 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In analyses of the motor system, two hierarchies are often posited: The first—the action hierarchy—is a decomposition of an action into subactions and sub-subactions. The second—the control hierarchy—is a postulated hierarchy in the neural control processes that are supposed to bring about the action. A general assumption in cognitive neuroscience is that these two hierarchies are internally consistent and provide complementary descriptions of neuronal control processes. In this article, we suggest that neither offers a complete explanation and that they cannot be reconciled in a logical or conceptually coherent way. Furthermore, neither pays proper attention to the dynamics and temporal aspects of neural control processes. We will explore an alternative hierarchical organization in which causality is inherent in the dynamics over time. Specifically, high levels of the hierarchy encode more stable (goal-related) representations, whereas lower levels represent more transient (actions and motor acts) kinematics. If employed properly, a hierarchy based on this latter principle of temporal extension is not subject to the problems that plague the traditional accounts.
Quantitative Assessment of Diurnal Variation of Tropical Convection Simulated by a Global Nonhydrostatic Model without Cumulus Parameterization
Authors: Noda Akira T. , Oouchi Kazuyoshi , Satoh Masaki , Tomita Hirofumi 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This study investigated the resolution dependence of diurnal variation in tropical convective systems represented by a global nonhydrostatic model without cumulus parameterization. This paper describes the detailed characteristics of diurnal variation in surface precipitation based on three-dimensional data, with the aim of explicitly clarifying the mechanism that underlies the variation. The study particularly focused on the evolution in the size of the precipitation area for deep convective systems with an analysis of the vertical structure of thermodynamic fields. This analysis compares the results of simulations with horizontal grid sizes of 14 and 7 km (R14 and R7, respectively). Over land, the phase delay of diurnal variations in R7 is about 3 h less than that in R14. R7 produces a pronounced diurnal variation in the size distributions of precipitating area(s), especially for areas with a radius of 0–100 km; this characteristic is not found for R14. Such areas actively evolve between noon and evening, leading to the smooth development of larger-scale precipitating areas having a radius of 100–150 km. The maximum surface precipitation in R7 over land occurs at around 2000 local time throughout the tropics, approximately 2 h prior to the development of nighttime deep convection. Deep convective regimes are important as agents of vertical heat transport in the tropics. The present results suggest that precipitating areas with a radius &lt;100 km make a strong contribution to the total amount of precipitation and to mass transport.
Stability of a Double-Diffusive Interface in the Diffusive Convection Regime
Authors: Carpenter J. R. , Sommer T. , Wüest A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this paper, the authors explore the conditions under which a double-diffusive interface may become unstable. Focus is placed on the case of a cold, freshwater layer above a warm, salty layer [i.e., the diffusive convection (DC) regime]. The “diffusive interface” between these layers will develop gravitationally unstable boundary layers due to the more rapid diffusion of heat (the destabilizing component) relative to salt. Previous studies have assumed that a purely convective-type instability of these boundary layers is what drives convection in this system and that this may be parameterized by a boundary layer Rayleigh number. The authors test this theory by conducting both a linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations of a diffusive interface. Their linear stability analysis reveals that the transition to instability always occurs as an oscillating diffusive convection mode and at boundary layer Rayleigh numbers much smaller than previously thought. However, these findings are based on making a quasi-steady assumption for the growth of the interfaces by molecular diffusion. When diffusing interfaces are modeled (using direct numerical simulations), the authors observe that the time dependence is significant in determining the instability of the boundary layers and that the breakdown is due to a purely convective-type instability. Their findings therefore demonstrate that the relevant instability in a DC staircase is purely convective.
Relating Lagrangian, Residual, and Isopycnal Means
Authors: Eden Carsten 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Three alternative methods of averaging the general conservation equation of a fluid property in a turbulent flow in the Boussinesq approximation are compared: Lagrangian, residual, and isopycnal (or semi-Lagrangian) mean. All methods differentiate consistently but in different ways between effects of advection and irreversible changes of the average property. Because the three average properties differ, the mean transport velocities and the mean irreversible changes in the mean conservation equation differ in general.
The Lagrangian and the semi-Lagrangian (or isopycnal) mean frameworks are shown to be approximately equivalent only for weak irreversible changes, small amplitudes of the turbulent fluctuations, and particle excursion predominantly along the mean property gradient. In that case, the divergent Stokes velocity of the Lagrangian mean framework can be replaced in the Lagrangian mean conservation equation by a nondivergent, three-dimensional version of the quasi-Stokes velocity of T. J. McDougall and P. C. McIntosh, for which a closed analytical form for the streamfunction in terms of Eulerian mean quantities is given.