bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Troponin T Percentiles from a Random Population Sample, Emergency Room Patients and Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hammarsten Ola , Fu Michael L X , Sigurjonsdottir Runa , Petzold Max , Said Lina , Landin-Wilhelmsen Kerstin , Widgren Bengt , Larsson Mårten , Johanson Per 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assays detect small clinically important myocardial infarctions (MI) but also yield higher rates of false-positive results owing to increased concentrations sometimes present in patients without MI. Better understanding is needed of factors influencing the 99th percentile of cTnT concentrations across populations and the frequency of changes in cTnT concentrations &gt;20% often used in combination with increased cTnT concentrations for diagnosis of MI.

METHODS
cTnT percentiles were determined by use of the Elecsys® hscTnT immunoassay (Modular® Analytics E170) in a random population sample, in emergency room (ER) patients, and in patients with non–ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). Changes in cTnT concentrations were determined in hospitalized patients without MI.

RESULTS
The 99th cTnT percentile in a random population sample (median age, 65 years) was 24 ng/L. In ER patients &lt;65 years old without obvious conditions that increase cTnT, the 99th cTnT percentile was 12 ng/L with little age dependence, whereas in those &gt;65 years old it was 82 ng/L and highly age dependent. In hospitalized patients without MI the 97.5th percentile for change in the cTnT concentration was 51%–67%. cTnT remained below the 99th percentile (12 ng/L) in 1% of patients with NSTEMI until 8.5 h after symptom onset and 6 h after ER arrival.

CONCLUSIONS
Age &gt;65 years was the dominant factor associated with increased cTnT in ER patients. This age association was more prominent in ER patients than in a random population sample. Changes in serial cTnT concentrations &gt;20% were common in hospitalized patients without MI.
Use of Circulating MicroRNAs to Diagnose Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Devaux Yvan , Vausort Mélanie , Goretti Emeline , Nazarov Petr V , Azuaje Francisco , Gilson Georges , Corsten Maarten F , Schroen Blanche , Lair Marie-Lise , Heymans Stephane , Wagner Daniel R 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Rapid and correct diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI) has an important impact on patient treatment and prognosis. We compared the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and cardiac enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with MI.

METHODS
Circulating concentrations of cardiac-enriched miR-208b and miR-499 were measured by quantitative PCR in a case-control study of 510 MI patients referred for primary mechanical reperfusion and 87 healthy controls.

RESULTS
miRNA-208b and miR-499 were highly increased in MI patients (&gt;105-fold, P &lt; 0.001) and nearly undetectable in healthy controls. Patients with ST-elevation MI (n= 397) had higher miRNA concentrations than patients with non–ST-elevation MI (n = 113) (P &lt; 0.001). Both miRNAs correlated with peak concentrations of creatine kinase and cTnT (P &lt; 10−9). miRNAs and hs-cTnT were already detectable in the plasma 1 h after onset of chest pain. In patients who presented &lt;3 h after onset of pain, miR-499 was positive in 93% of patients and hs-cTnT in 88% of patients (P= 0.78). Overall, miR-499 and hs-cTnT provided comparable diagnostic value with areas under the ROC curves of 0.97. The reclassification index of miR-499 to a clinical model including several risk factors and hs-cTnT was not significant (P = 0.15).

CONCLUSION
Circulating miRNAs are powerful markers of acute MI. Their usefulness in the establishment of a rapid and accurate diagnosis of acute MI remains to be determined in unselected populations of patients with acute chest pain.
Imagining relational violence: On taking a visual turn
Authors: Kosmala Katarzyna 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to problematize a notion of relational violence, also referred to as violence in domestic realms or relationship-based violence, drawing on its representation in the visual arts. The discussed examples illustrating the dynamics of violence include two American artists: Barbara Kruger's project organized in Glasgow in the Gallery of Modern Art in association with Amnesty International in 2005, and Bruce Nauman's video installations Anthro-Socio (1992) exhibited as part of his solo exhibition at Musee d'Art Contemporain in Montreal in 2007, and Violent Incident (1986) from the Tate Collection. Drawing on visual representation, I reflect on how different ways of narrating can either encourage or discourage our understandings of violence and the promotion of equality more generally. Framing the ways institutional power operates, here in relation to an organization of my academic role and other roles, involves a production and negotiation of meanings as well as embodiment. In such a context, reflections emerge with regard to my own positioning, concerning ambivalence about the politics of representation and the representation of the politics in the processes that are observed, analysed and showcased.
Fully Integrated Micro Coriolis Mass Flow Sensor Operating at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Lötters Joost C. , Lammerink Theo S. , Haneveld Jeroen , Hagemann Tijmen A. G. , Wiegerink Remco J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This paper discusses the design and realization of a micromachined micro Coriolis flow sensor with integrated electrodes for both electrostatic actuation and capacitive readout. The sensor was realized using semicircular channels just beneath the surface of the silicon wafer. The channels have thin silicon nitride walls to minimize the channel mass with respect to the mass of the moving fluid. A comb-shaped electrode design is used to prevent squeezed film damping so that the sensor can operate at atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the need for vacuum packaging. The new sensor chip no longer requires large external magnets and the size of the chip itself has been reduced to 7.5×7.5 mm2.
Nichtinvasive Schallgeschwindigkeitsmessung in Fluiden auf Basis von Streupartikelechos
Authors: Lenz Michael , Kühnicke Elfgard 
Published: January 2012

Zusammenfassung
Bei konventionellen Messmethoden wird die Schallgeschwindigkeit unter Zuhilfenahme des Rückwandechos oder des Echos eines Reflektors an bekannter Position ermittelt. Diese Veröffentlichung stellt ein neues Verfahren vor, mit dessen Hilfe eine kombinierte Messung von Schallgeschwindigkeit und Entfernungen in Fluiden mit Streupartikeln möglich ist. Das Verfahren nutzt aus, dass das von einem Streupartikel stammende Echosignal maximal ist, wenn sich das Streupartikel an der Position des Schallfeldmaximums befindet. Über die Messung der Schalllaufzeit zwischen Ultraschallwandler und Schallfeldmaximum ist es möglich, die Position des Schalldruckmaximums und die Schallgeschwindigkeit zu bestimmen. Die Veröffentlichung veranschaulicht das Konzept anhand von Messungen in Fluiden mit Schallgeschwindigkeiten zwischen 1116 m/s und 2740 m/s, wobei ein fokussierender Ultraschallwandler mit Linse verwendet wurde. Dabei konnte eine statistische Unsicherheit bei der Bestimmung der Schallgeschwindigkeit von weniger als 0,1% erreicht werden. Zusätzliche Experimente und Simulationen mit einem Annulararray zeigen, dass die Fokusposition ohne Bewegung des Wandlers variiert werden kann, und somit die Messung von Schallgeschwindigkeitsprofilen möglich ist.
Optischer Biosensor auf Basis abhängiger Expression fluoreszierender Proteine
Authors: Kothe Janette , Schröter Anna , Zarschler Kristof , Wersing Dagmar , Mkandawire Martin , Ostermann Kai , Pompe Wolfgang , Rödel Gerhard , Gerlach Gerald 
Published: January 2012

Zusammenfassung
Eine Vielzahl von Prozessen in der Medizin, Biotechnologie, Verfahrenstechnik und Analytik erfordern die spezifische Detektion und Quantifizierung bestimmter Stoffe, wie zum Bespiel Schwermetalle, Antibiotika oder Stoffwechselintermediate. Zahlreiche Studien der letzten Jahre haben bewiesen, dass biologische Wandler grundsätzlich in der Lage sind, solche vielfältigen Messaufgaben zu bewältigen. In dieser Arbeit wird eine Entwicklung vorgestellt, bei der ein solcher Wandler als Chip-basierter Ganzzellsensor aufgebaut wurde, bei dem die abhängige Fluoreszenz optisch ausgelesen wird. Dabei wird das Potential robuster, optischer Biosensoren untersucht.
Confirmatory testing in primary aldosteronism: extensive medication switching is not needed in all patients
Authors: Solar Miroslav , Malirova Eva , Ballon Marek , Pelouch Radek , Ceral Jiri 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveConfirmatory testing of suspected primary aldosteronism (PA) requires an extensive medication switch that can be difficult for patients with severe complicated hypertension and/or refractory hypokalemia. For this reason, we investigated the effect of chronic antihypertensive medication on confirmatory testing results. To allow the results to be interpreted, the reproducibility of confirmatory testing was also evaluated.Design and methodsThe study enrolled 114 individuals with suspected PA who underwent two confirmatory tests. The patients were divided into two groups. In Group A, both tests were performed on the guidelines-recommended therapy, i.e. not interfering with the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. In Group B, the first test was performed on chronic therapy with the exclusion of thiazides, loop diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists; and the second test was performed on guidelines-recommended therapy. Saline infusion, preceded by oral sodium loading, was used to suppress aldosterone secretion.ResultsAgreement in the interpretation of the two confirmatory tests was observed in 84 and 66% of patients in Groups A and B respectively. For all 20 individuals in Group A who ever had end-test serum aldosterone levels ≥240 pmol/l, aldosterone was concordantly nonsuppressible during the other test. Similarly, for all 16 individuals in Group B who had end-test serum aldosterone levels ≥240 pmol/l on modified chronic therapy, aldosterone remained nonsuppressible with guidelines-recommended therapy.ConclusionConfirmatory testing performed while the patient is on chronic therapy without diuretics and aldosterone antagonists can confirm the diagnosis of PA, provided serum aldosterone remains markedly elevated at the end of saline infusion.
INFLUENCE OF THE INDEX METALLIC SALTS - COMPLEXING AGENT IN A SOL-GEL PROCESS TO OBTAIN NANOSCALED ZIRCONIUM SUBSTITUTED YTTRIUM (YSZ) TO ELECTROLYTE APPLICATION IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL (SOFC)
Authors: Cienfuegos-Pelaes Rene Fabian , Correa Alejandro Ehécatl , Salazar Ramona Alicia , Chávez-Guerrero L. , Hinojosa M. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study is to obtain the electrolyte material YSZ at low cost via sol gel, through exploration of the index rate between the complexing agents and the metallic salts (HMTA / metallic salts) from 1 to 5, prepared by a polymeric way in a sol gel process. We show an easy method that could be used in the industrial scale in order to obtain solid electrolyte material for its application in SOFC to operate at temperatures in the range of 700 800°C. This study has as reference the papers from Lenormand and Rieu about their synthesis of zirconium substituted to 8% of yttrium (CYSZ= 0.2 mol*L-1 metallic salts concentration-). The presence of the phase in the materials has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction assisted by thermal analysis tests, for indexes from 2 to 5 at a temperature of 1000°C for 5 hours at a calcination rate (from amorphous dust obtained at 400°C) of 1000°C per hour. The grain size mean for crystalline powder has an average near 50 nm and standard deviation close to 9 nm, it was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Palliative Care in Advanced Cancer Patients: How and When?
Authors: Bruera Eduardo , Yennurajalingam Sriram 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the impact of early access to palliative care service on symptom control, quality of life, and cost of care.Formulate strategies to improve early palliative care access through education and research.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Cancer patients develop severe physical and psychological symptoms as a result of their disease and treatment. Their families commonly suffer great emotional distress as a result of caregiving. Early palliative care access can improve symptom control and quality of life and reduce the cost of care. Preliminary results show that early palliative care access can also extend survival. Unfortunately, only a minority of cancer centers in the U.S. have the two most important resources for palliative care delivery: outpatient palliative care centers and inpatient palliative care units. In this article, we use a case presentation to discuss the impact of early palliative care access in light of the currently available evidence, and we recommend ways to improve early access to palliative care through education and research.
The Differential Improvement Effects of the Strategy Map and Scorecard Perspectives on Managers' Strategic Judgments
Authors: Cheng Mandy M. , Humphreys Kerry A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect that two key balanced scorecard (BSC) framework elements—causal linkages between strategic objectives in the strategy map and performance measures categorized by scorecard perspective—have on managers' ability to interpret the strategic relevance of external information and use this information to evaluate the appropriateness of an organization's strategy. We conduct two experiments, finding that presenting a set of strategic objectives as a strategy map enhances both managers' information relevance and strategy appropriateness judgments. We attribute this improvement to the explication of causal linkages between objectives in a strategy map. In contrast, presenting performance measures categorized by scorecard perspective only improves managers' strategy appropriateness judgments when the managers are provided with a set of strategic objectives that are not presented in a strategy map structure. Our study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that these two elements of the BSC framework have differential decision-facilitating impacts on managers' strategic judgments.
Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request.
ABC Information, Fairness Perceptions, and Interfirm Negotiations
Authors: Masschelein Stijn , Cardinaels Eddy , Van den Abbeele Alexandra 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
We examine the effect of more precise cost information on contract renegotiations between supply-chain parties. Specifically, we experimentally investigate the benefits of activity-based costing (ABC) information to address common supply-chain inefficiencies that are caused by the buyer or the seller, but have the same underlying costs. Results suggest that the impact of more precise cost information depends crucially on the cause of the inefficiency that parties need to address during the negotiation. ABC information increases the total joint profit in the supply chain. However, ABC information increases the seller's perceptions of the fairness of the buyer's arguments for contract changes only when the buyer causes the inefficiency but not when the seller causes the inefficiency. The combined effect of ABC information on joint profit and fairness perceptions thus increases the buyer's profit only when buyer causes the inefficiency but not when the seller causes the inefficiency.
Data Availability: Data are available from the first author upon request.
Nonfinancial Disclosure and Analyst Forecast Accuracy: International Evidence on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure
Authors: Dhaliwal Dan S. , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Tsang Albert , Yang Yong George 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
We examine the relationship between disclosure of nonfinancial information and analyst forecast accuracy using firm-level data from 31 countries. We use the issuance of stand-alone corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports to proxy for disclosure of nonfinancial information. We find that the issuance of stand-alone CSR reports is associated with lower analyst forecast error. This relationship is stronger in countries that are more stakeholder-oriented—i.e., in countries where CSR performance is more likely to affect firm financial performance. The relationship is also stronger for firms and countries with more opaque financial disclosure, suggesting that issuance of stand-alone CSR reports plays a role complementary to financial disclosure. These results hold after we control for various factors related to firm financial transparency and other potentially confounding institutional factors. Collectively, our findings have important implications for academics and practitioners in understanding the function of CSR disclosure in financial markets.
Data Availability: The data are publicly available from the sources identified in the paper.
The Effect of Accounting Information on Taxpayers' Acceptance of Tax Reform
Authors: Maroney James J. , Jackson Cynthia M. , Rupert Timothy J. , Zhang Yue (May) 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
The United States faces exceptionally large budget deficits over the foreseeable future that threaten the nation's financial stability (Bernanke 2010). A large portion of these deficits is due to the Social Security and Medicare programs. Thus, given the likely need to reform these programs, we use a model of rational choice proposed by Margolis (1981, 1984) and conduct an experiment to determine if the accounting information provided about the Social Security system affects taxpayers' acceptance of reform. We find that participants who receive accrual basis financial information are more concerned about the sustainability of the system and, most important, are willing to accept a greater share of the burden of reforming the Social Security system than participants receiving cash basis financial information and participants in the control condition. However, through supplemental analyses we also find that if the survival of the Social Security system is placed into question, the willingness to sacrifice begins to decline.
Data Availability: Data are available from the authors on request.
Dominant Owners and Performance of Continental European Firms
Authors: Krivogorsky Victoria , Burton F. Greg 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
We examine dominant ownership in Continental European firms to further refine the distinction between the ability to control and actual control and whether a particular distinct shareholder ownership type is associated with company performance. In addition, we empirically test whether the economic performance of the firms from different countries is consistently affected by the nature of the company's dominant owner. After disaggregating the overall sample by specific ownership type and by country, we find a positive relationship between dominant ownership and performance for firms in which banks and families/individuals are the dominant owners and a negative relationship when corporations are the dominant owners. Additional analysis discloses an even more complicated picture, suggesting that countries are not homogenous in terms of their ownership landscapes and, hence, their effects on performance.
Effects of intravenous, low-dose ketamine-diazepam sedation on the results of hematologic, plasma biochemical, and coagulation analyses in cats
Authors: Reynolds Brice S. , Geffré Anne , Bourgès-Abella Nathalie H. , Vaucoret Sophie , Mourot Maité , Braun Jean-Pierre D. , Trumel Catherine 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the effects of an IV, low-dose ketamine-diazepam combination used for short-duration chemical restraint on the results of clinicopathologic testing in cats and to assess its practicality and tolerance.
Design—Prospective case series.
Animals—42 client-owned cats of various breeds, ages, and health status.
Procedures—Blood samples were obtained just prior to and just after IV injection of ketamine chlorhydrate (10 mg) and diazepam (0.5 mg). A CBC, plasma biochemistry panel, and coagulation profile were performed on each sample (ie, before and after chemical restraint). Practicality of the procedure was assessed, and cats were monitored for immediate and delayed effects.
Results—Significant changes were observed for most of the analytes tested. However, the magnitude of the observed changes was notably low and likely not of clinical relevance. The chemical-restraint procedure appeared effective, safe, and well tolerated.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The IV, low-dose ketamine-diazepam combination used for short-duration chemical restraint in the present study may be suitable to assist physical restraint for blood sampling for assessment of hematologic, serum biochemical, and coagulation parameters in cats.
Dexrazoxane treatment of doxorubicin extravasation injury in four dogs
Authors: Venable Rachel O. , Saba Corey F. , Endicott Melissa M. , Northrup Nicole C. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Case Description—4 dogs were treated with dexrazoxane for known or suspected doxorubicin extravasation. Records were retrospectively reviewed. Doses and number of doses of dexrazoxane were variable. Dexrazoxane was administered within 2 hours after known extravasation in 3 dogs and 48 hours after suspected extravasation in 1 dog. Additional medical treatments included tissue cooling in all dogs, topically administered dimethyl sulfoxide ointment in 3, and orally administered piroxicam in 1.
Clinical Findings—Mild erythema and edema at the extravasation site developed within 1 to 6 days after extravasation in the 3 dogs that received dexrazoxane within 2 hours after extravasation. Extensive tissue necrosis occurred in the dog treated 48 hours after suspected extravasation.
Treatment and Outcome—Only the dog with severe tissue necrosis required surgical intervention. Lesions in the other 3 dogs resolved with medical management alone. All dogs survived the event.
Clinical Relevance—To date, use of dexrazoxane in the management of doxorubicin extravasation has not been reported in dogs. Treatment was successful in 3 of 4 patients. The most effective dosage and timing of administration are unknown; however, there is evidence to suggest that administration within 6 hours after the event is warranted. Further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and to optimize use of this drug in the prevention and treatment of anthracycline extravasation injury in veterinary patients.