bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of the adoption of sustainability assurance statements: an international investigation
Authors: Kolk Ans , Perego Paolo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper explores the factors associated with voluntary decisions to assure social, environmental and sustainability reports. Since the market for assurance services in this area is in its formative stages, there is a limited understanding of the demand for this emergent non‐financial auditing practice, which is evolving rapidly across different countries. Drawing from extant literature in international auditing and environmental accounting, we focus on a set of country‐level institutional factors to explain the adoption of sustainability assurance statements among an international panel of 212 Fortune Global 250 companies for the years 1999, 2002 and 2005. Consistent with our expectations, our results provide evidence that companies operating in countries that are more stakeholder oriented and have a weaker governance enforcement regime are more likely to adopt a sustainability assurance statement. Further, the demand for assurance is higher in countries where sustainable corporate practices are better enabled by market and institutional mechanisms. Our exploratory findings also indicate that the likelihood of choosing a large accounting firm as assurance provider increases for companies domiciled in countries that are shareholder oriented and have a lower level of litigation. We conclude the paper by suggesting three directions of research in the area of sustainability assurance that have relevant academic and practical implications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The course and variations of the branches of the musculocutaneous nerve in human fetuses
Authors: Uysal Ismihan Ilknur , Karabulut Ahmet Kagan , Büyükmumcu Mustafa , Dogan Nadire Unver , Salbacak Ahmet 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe course and branches of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) were dissected in 140 human fetal arms. The MCN entered the superior, middle, and inferior part of coracobrachialis in 43%, 37%, and 17% of arms, respectively, and the remaining 3% did not pierce coracobrachialis. The motor branches to biceps were classified as follows: Type 1 (83.6%): a single branch that bifurcated to supply the two heads of biceps; Type 2 (14.3%): two separate branches each innervating one head of biceps; Type 3 (2.1%): a single branch that bifurcated to supply each head of biceps plus an additional branch that innervated the distal part of biceps. The motor branches to brachialis were classified as follows: Type 1 (93.6%): a single branch to brachialis; Type 2 (6.4%): a single branch that bifurcated into two branches both supplying brachialis. Communications between the MCN and the median nerve (MN) were observed in 10% of specimens, of which three types (A, B, C) could be identified depending on their origin and union. In the most frequently observed type (B, 50% of cases) the communicating branch arose from the proximal part of the MCN and joined the MN in the middle or distal part of arm. The data presented here will be of use to surgeons, especially pediatric surgeons who undertake surgical procedures in the axilla and arm. Clin. Anat. 22:337–345, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An anatomical study with clinical application of one branch of the supraclavicular artery
Authors: Ma Xianjie , Zheng Yan , Xia Wei , Fan Xing , Li Yong , Guo Shuzhong , Han Yan , Lu Kaihua 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe supraclavicular flap is an important method for the reconstruction of the neck. In this study, the authors attempted to clarify the mechanism of blood flow into the supraclavicular flap based on the thoracic branch of the supraclavicular artery. Additionally, the authors discuss the clinical application of such anatomy. Thirty fresh cadavers and 13 preserved cadavers were dissected to observe the anatomic features of the pectorally extended supraclavicular flap. Additionally, 46 clinical cases were treated with such a flap. We identified two branches of the supraclavicular artery. A deltoid branch that extended to the acromial region and a thoracic branch that traveled to the anterior thoracic region. Using these data, all such flaps operated by us have to date, survived with satisfactory results. The pectorally extended supraclavicular flap could be used to repair defects on the ipsilateral or contralateral face, neck, and anterior thorax. Clin. Anat. 22:215–220, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The tympanic segment of the facial nerve: Anatomical study
Authors: Nikolaidis Vasilios , Nalbadian Meri , Psifidis Anestis , Themelis Christos , Kouloulas Athanasios 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere is a conroversy in the literature about the length of the proximal tympanic segment of the facial nerve (PTSFN). The objective of the current study is to measure the length of the tympanic segment of the facial nerve (TSFN) and of its proximal (PTSFN) and distal (DTSFN) segments, in normal human temporal bones. Moreover, we will explore if these lengths are correlated. If a form of a functional relationship can be established, it could offer insights in partially predicting or estimating the length of the TSFN as well as of its proximal and distal portions. Direct measurements were obtained in 40 normal human temporal bones, which were examined by surgical dissection. Relationships between these measurements were established using Pearson's correlation method (two‐tailed). The length of the TSFN was on average 10.97 mm. The length of the PTSFN was on average 5.25 mm and of the DTSFN was 5.72 mm. No significant statistical differences according to gender or side (right or left) were detected. It was determined that the length of the TSFN was in linear correlation with positive direction with its proximal (PTSFN) and distal (DTSFN) segments. Also the PTSFN length was in linear correlation with positive direction with the DTSFN length. The length of the PTSFN comprises about one‐half of the TSFN length. The existence of a definite correlation between the lengths of the TSFN, PTSFN, and DTSFN implies the existence of a form of functional interrelationship. This could facilitate prediction and identification of the TSFN and PTSFN lengths from the easily identifiable DTSFN length during surgery. Clin. Anat. 22:307–310, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical considerations of the deep peroneal nerve for biopsy of the proximal fibula in Thais
Authors: Chompoopong S. , Apinhasmit W. , Sangiampong A. , Amornmettajit N. , Charoenwat B. , Rattanathamsakul N. , Supachutikul K. , Sangvichien S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe present research aims to study the anatomical relationship between the deep peroneal nerve and the neighboring structures in the proximal fibula of Thais, with special regard to define the boundaries of a “safe” area when performing a biopsy of the proximal fibula. The proximal parts of 118 legs of 59 formalin‐embalmed adult cadavers (31 males, 28 females) were investigated. The distance from the apex of the fibular head to the point of origin of the deep peroneal nerve, the distance from the most lateral prominence of the fibular head to the anterior intermuscular septum, and the angle between the deep peroneal nerve and the fibula axis were measured. The results showed that the mean distances from the apex of the fibular head to the point of origin of the deep peroneal nerve was 28.4 ± 4.8 mm and from the most lateral prominence of the fibular head to the anterior intermuscular septum was 14.9 ± 2.0 mm. The mean angle between the deep peroneal nerve and the fibular axis was 28.1° ± 7.2°. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a “safe” area for bone biopsy in the proximal fibula of Thais is palpable anterior to the fibular head and downward laterally, not lower than 28 mm or 8% of the fibular length and from the most lateral prominence transverse medially not further than 14 mm. The inferior boundary of this area is an oblique line of the deep peroneal nerve about 28° from the fibular axis. Clin. Anat. 22:256–260, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary compression caused by stenting a right pulmonary artery conduit
Authors: Gewillig Marc , Brown Stephen 
Published: December 2008

AbstractExtrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery is a rare and life‐threatening complication of endovascular stenting of pulmonary artery conduits. This case report describes fatal myocardial infarction caused by compression of the left main coronary artery due to stent placement in a stenosed right pulmonary artery conduit. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiographic and clinical outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare metal stent deployment in the Occluded Artery Trial
Authors: Dz̆avík Vladimír , Buller Christopher E. , Devlin Gerard , Carere Ronald G. , Mancini G.B. John , Cantor Warren J. , Buszman Pawel E. , Rankin James M. , Vozzi Carlos , Ross John R. , Forman Sandra , Barton Bruce A. , Lamas A. Gervasio A. , Hochman Judith S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:The majority of patients randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Occluded Artery Trial (OAT) and its angiographic substudy, the Total Occlusion Study of Canada 2 (TOSCA‐2) were treated with bare metal stents (BMS). We aimed to determine if stenting of the target occlusion in OAT with drug‐eluting stents (DES) was associated with more favorable angiographic results and clinical outcome when compared with treatment with BMS.Methods:TOSCA‐2 DES was a prospective nonrandomized substudy that provided 1‐year angiographic comparison of late loss and reocclusion in 25 patients treated with DES and in 128 treated with BMS. In addition, all PCI‐assigned patients enrolled from the time when DES were first utilized were similarly categorized (DESn= 77, and BMSn= 386) and compared using the 3‐year cumulative OAT primary combined endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or Class‐IV heart failure, as well as angina.Results:In‐segment late loss was 0.14 ± 0.45 mm for DES and 0.75 ± 0.86 mm for BMS (P< 0.001). Corresponding binary restenosis rates were 13.0% and 44.3% (P= 0.005). Occlusion at 1 year was observed in 4.0 and 12.1%, respectively (P= 0.23). The 3‐year cumulative primary event rate was 13.8% with DES and 12.5% with BMS (hazard ratio 1.08, 99% confidence intervals 0.44, 2.64;P= 0.83). Angina over time occurred less frequently in the DES group (P= 0.01).Conclusions:Although the reduction of late loss and trend to reduction in reocclusion with the use of DES for PCI of persistently occluded IRA 3–28 days post myocardial infarction did not translate into a signal for reduction in death, reinfarction, or Class IV heart failure, DES use was associated with less angina over time. Further follow‐up is warranted. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erosion by the amplatzer septal occluder: Experienced operator opinions at odds with manufacturer recommendations?
Authors: El‐Said Howaida G. , Moore John W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: Device erosion is a very rare but potentially fatal complication of ASD occlusion by the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO). After reviewing cases of device erosion, recommendations for ASD sizing and device selection were revised by a small group of “experts” and adopted by the device manufacturer in 2004. These revisions, which recommend use of smaller devices, which do not straddle the aorta, remain controversial. Objective: The aim of our study is to help define an expanded expert consensus with respect to the causes and preventive strategies for erosions. Methods: We report a case of device erosion in which the 2004 revisions were carefully followed; and a survey of the members of the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium (CCISC) soliciting experiences with and opinions about device erosion. Results: In our case, the device disk appeared to protrude into the aortic root but not straddle, and had motion independent of cardiac movement. Of 57 survey responders having a total experience of 12,006 ASO implants, 12 members reported 14 erosions among 3,010 implants. Ninety percent of erosions occurred in patients with deficit aortic rim. Of 53 patients, 38 (71.7%) responded that devices, which are undersized and do not straddle the aorta are at highest risk of erosion. Of 52 patients, 44 (84%) responded that motion of the device relative to the heart may cause erosion. Conclusion: Both the survey results and our single case experience suggest that operator opinions (and perhaps also device sizing practices) are at odds with the 2004 revisions. Further study and focus on this issue is needed. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete versus partial distal embolic protection during renal artery stenting
Authors: Kanjwal Khalil , Haller Steven , Steffes Michael , Virmani Renu , Shapiro Joseph I. , Burket Mark W. , Cooper Christopher J. , Colyer William R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether complete embolic protection is superior to partial embolic protection for preservation of kidney function during renal artery angioplasty and stenting.Background:Renal artery angioplasty and stenting (RAAS) is a common treatment for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. However, RAAS may be complicated by peri‐procedural loss of kidney function.Methods:In total, 44 patients were randomized to embolic protection devices (EPD) use; 25 complete and 19 partial embolic protection. These patients were further randomized to receive abciximab (n = 23) or placebo (n = 20). MDRD glomerular filtration rate (GFR), was used as the primary measure of renal function. Creatinine was measured by a modified Jaffe reaction using the IDMS‐traceable assay. The primary endpoint was the percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 1 month following stent placement.Results:There was no difference in percent change eGFR at 1 month between complete or partial protection (−4 ± 25 vs. +3 ± 30, P = 0.45). Abciximab was associated with a net improvement in eGFR when compared with placebo (+0.5 ± 27 vs. −11 ± 20, P = 0.04). On subgroup analysis, the use of abciximab was associated with significantly improved eGFR in the partial distal embolic protection group (+14 ± 33 vs. −17 ± 13 %, P = 0.018) but not in the complete distal embolic protection group (+2.5 ± 26 vs. −11 ± 24, P = 0.42), however, there was no interaction between completeness of protection and abciximab on eGFR (P = ns). Capture of embolic material was more likely with complete protection when compared with those receiving partial protection (51% vs. 21%, P < 0.05).Conclusion:Complete protection was superior to partial protection for the capture of athermanous debris during renal artery stenting. However, this was not associated with improved renal function. Importantly, Abciximab conferred a benefit for renal function that was independent of the degree of embolic protection. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left ventricular assist via percutaneous transhepatic transseptal cannulation in swine
Authors: Lim D. Scott , Cortese Cory J. , Loree Amber N. , Dean David A. , Svitek Robert G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:To report the in vivo testing of transhepatic, transseptal cannula insertion to support the left ventricle.Background:Percutaneous cannulation for circulatory assist poses particular challenges in pediatrics. We utilized a strategy using a transhepatic, transseptal venous cannula inserted into the left atrium, a centrifugal pump, and arterial cannula.Methods:Yorkshire swine of 5–20 kg (n = 6) were anesthetized for the procedure. After hepatic venous angiography, percutaneous puncture of the hepatic vein was performed, followed by transseptal puncture with echocardiographic guidance. A 10–14 Fr 26‐cm venous inflow cannula was placed in the left atrium via hepatic approach. The femoral artery was cannulated with a 6–10 Fr femoral cannula, and the circuit completed with the TandemHeart centrifugal pump.Results:Implantation of the system utilizing the transhepatic approach was successful in all experiments. The pump delivered flows ranging from 0.8 to 1.4 L/min, which corresponded to 40–86% of the baseline systemic outputs. Decannulation and occlusion of the hepatic tract was successful utilizing transcatheter vascular occlusion plugs.Conclusion:The transhepatic, transseptal insertion of the inflow cannula, coupled with the TandemHeart centrifugal pump and femoral arterial cannulation allows percutaneous circulatory support in 5‐ to 20‐kg models. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transapical left ventricular access for difficult to reach interventional targets in the left heart
Authors: Brown S.C. , Boshoff D.E. , Rega F. , Eyskens B. , Budts W. , Heidbüchel H. , Meyns B. , Gewillig M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective: Interventional targets may be virtually “excluded” due to vascular access problems or complex previous surgical procedures. This study reviews our experience using transapical ventricular puncture to gain direct access to the systemic ventricle. Patients: Patient 1 (74 years, 2 previous sternotomies), patient 2 (66 years, 5 previous sternotomies), and patient 5 (69 years, 3 previous sternotomies) with prosthetic valves had paravalvular mitral valve leaks. Patient 3 (6.3 years, 2 previous sternotomies) with an extracardiac Fontan conduit, had a significant residual leak after two previous surgical attempts of patch closure of a severely regurgitant right atrioventricular valve. Patient 4 (10 months) had failure of standard ablation of the posteroseptal region of the mitral valve with persistent life‐threatening episodes of ventricular tachycardia. Methods: Procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Entry site was percutaneous in three patients and in two (and one conversion) a mini‐thoracotomy was used. Sheaths were placed (6 F) using standard Seldinger technique, followed by the procedure as required. Direct surgical closure of the puncture site was done in 4 patients and in patient 3, a percutaneous vascular occlusion device was used. Results: Easy and immediate access was obtained in all patients. The paravalvular leaks were crossed within seconds and completely closed with Amplatzer occluders. In patient 3 the valve was crossed using a Brokenbrough needle and a 12‐mm Amplatzer device was placed in the patch leak. Patient 4 was successfully ablated using a 7‐F irrigated catheter endo‐ and epicardially. Complications were in the percutaneous puncture group: in one patient a coronary artery was punctured and in one a hemothorax developed. Conclusion: Direct left ventricular puncture offers a very useful alternative access site in selected patients to reach “inaccessible” targets for certain percutaneous interventions in patients where standard approaches may be impossible or difficult. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Oxygen Supply Modes on the Production of Human Growth Hormone in Different Scale Bioreactors
Authors: Shang L. , Tian P‐Y. , Kim N‐J. , Chang H. N. , Hahm M. S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRecombinant Escherichia coli has been studied as a main host for recombinant protein productions, but it is still difficult to cultivate E. coli in a large industrial‐scale process due to the oxygen supply limitation. In this study, E. coli BL(21) harboring a new constructed plasmid (pEHUb‐hGH) was used for producing recombinant human growth hormone (r‐hGH) in 5‐L and 30‐L scale fermentors by supplying air and high purity oxygen, respectively, where the high purity oxygen was produced from a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (PSA). The impact of oxygen supply modes, i.e., air and high purity oxygen, on cell growth and r‐hGH production was investigated in different scale fermentors. In the case of high purity oxygen supply, the final cell density and r‐hGH concentrations were 63.0 and 4.8 g/L in the 5‐L fermentor, 51.6 and 4.0 g/L in the 30‐L fermentor, respectively. In addition, the productivity of r‐hGH was doubled in the 5‐L fermentor, and increased 4‐fold in the 30‐L fermentor, compared to the results obtained in the case of the air supply. The supply of high purity oxygen eliminated the oxygen limitation and acetate formation effectively, and apparently, did not affect the degradation of r‐hGH. This shows that the recombinant E. coli cultivation with high purity oxygen produced from PSA may provide an effective method for large‐scale industrial production of recombinant proteins.
Ignition of Hydrogen/Air Mixtures through Electric Discharges at High Frequency AC Voltage
Authors: Lienesch F. , Spilling M. , Langer T. , Markus D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe ignition of hydrogen/air mixtures through pre or partial discharges at high‐frequency alternating voltage is still not sufficiently understood. In this contribution, the ignition process is examined with respect to voltage amplitude, gap distance, and number of cycles. It is shown that the energy of several discharges can accumulate, leading to a temperature rise which may cause ignition. It can be concluded that the requirement “transient overvoltages need not be taken into account” is not tenable for all voltage levels. Therefore, the requirements concerning the dimensioning of creepage distances and clearances within the “increased safety” type of protection “e” has to be adjusted with respect to IEC 60079‐7.
Chemical Plants in the Vicinity of Airports – Assessing the Risk
Authors: Konersmann R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe traffic infrastructure in the vicinity of large airports is often very well developed, and, therefore, supports the establishment of significant industrial development. Regional or overall worldwide air traffic accessibility is an important aspect of site choice for many companies. Since air traffic has constantly increased in recent years, this has lead to the presumption that the risk of aircraft crashes in areas near airports is also greater than before. However, the risk of accidents in the neighborhood of an airport can be minimized by implementing some limitations.
A new uniform mapping algorithm for sample selection
Authors: Magallanes Jorge F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new algorithm for sample selection in the field of experimental design is presented. This method was designed for a multivariate data set of samples where the variables' levels are pre‐determined by the system instead of being determined by the practitioner and especially appropriate for non‐symmetrical multivariable space. Symmetrical experimental designs are not applicable in either of the cases. Anyway, this method is also applicable to symmetrical designs. Several tests have been made for symmetrical and non‐symmetrical cases and also about an already treated real case, comparing the new algorithm with others previously known in literature. Its performance has been checked considering several evaluation quality criteria like D‐optimal, A‐optimal, G‐optimal and models error prediction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive‐behavioural group treatment with hypnosis: a randomized pilot trail in fibromyalgia
Authors: Castel Antoni , Salvat Marta , Sala José , Rull Maria 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study examined the contributing effects of hypnosis on a standard cognitive‐behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention for treating pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Forty‐seven patients with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) Pharmacological treatment (standard care control group); (2) CBT group therapy; or (3) CBT group therapy with hypnosis. Outcome measures assessing pain intensity, sensorial and affective quality of pain and total FIQ score were administered before and after treatment. The analyses indicated that patients who received either CBT or CBT plus hypnosis improved more than patients who received only conventional pharmacological treatment; patients who received CBT plus hypnosis showed greater improvement than those who received CBT without hypnosis. The findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating the additive benefits of hypnosis when combined with other effective treatments. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.