bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Azygos Defibrillator Lead for Elevated Defibrillation Thresholds: Implant Technique, Lead Stability, and Patient Series
Authors: COOPER JONAS A. , LATACHA MATTHEW P. , SOTO GABRIEL E. , GARMANY RICHARD G. , GLEVA MARYE J. , CHEN JANE , FADDIS MITCHELL N. , SMITH TIMOTHY W.
Published: October 2008

Background:

Conventional insertion of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) includes an evaluation of the defibrillation threshold (DFT). Implanting an ancillary defibrillation lead in the azygos vein has been introduced as a therapeutic option in patients with “high” DFT. This study reports the efficacy and stability of azygos defibrillation coils implanted for elevated DFTs.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of seven consecutive patients with right and left pectoral, single‐ and dual‐chamber, and biventricular ICDs and elevated DFTs, in whom an azygos defibrillation coil was introduced.

Results:

Addition of an azygos defibrillator lead achieved a satisfactory safety margin during single energy defibrillation efficacy testing in four out of seven patients, with success at maximum device output in two patients. No satisfactory safety margin was achieved in the remaining patient, despite the further addition of a subcutaneous defibrillation coil. No change in lead position was observed over a mean radiographic follow‐up of 8 months. No complications were noted during a mean follow‐up of 14 months, including no deaths, and no ICD shocks.

Conclusion:

Implanting a defibrillation coil into the azygos vein is feasible and safe. In a majority of patients with failed defibrillation efficacy testing, adding an azygos coil achieves success on repeat testing. Therefore, this technique is one option for lowering the defibrillation threshold in patients who fail DFT testing of their ICD.
Impact of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Recalls on Patients' Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life
Authors: UNDAVIA MANISH , GOLDSTEIN NATHAN E. , COHEN PILAR , SINTHAWANARONG KAMOLTIP , SINGSON MAGDALENA , BHUTANI DIVAYA , MUNSON TRACEY , GOMES JOSEPH ANTHONY , FISCHER AVI , MEHTA DAVENDRA
Published: October 2008

Background:

In the past 2 years, multiple implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) manufacturers have issued recalls on ICD models due to the potential for serious malfunction and even patient death. Previous studies examining the relationship between these recalls and patients' psychological well‐being have been limited by small sample size and conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between ICD recalls and patients' anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Methods:

Patients were drawn from an outpatient electrophysiology clinic at a tertiary care hospital in New York City. Patients who had devices subject to a recall (cases) were identified from lists provided by device manufacturer and controls (patients with ICDs not subjected to a recall) were drawn from a convenience sample of outpatients. The survey instrument consisted of two validated questionnaires–‐Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) and MacNew heart disease health‐related quality of life (QOL) instrument. In addition, a series of Likert‐type scales were designed to elucidate patients' concerns related to the following domains: anger, trust, hope, concerns regarding ICD shock, fear of death (FOD), and physicians' ability to reduce their concern about the ICD recall. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses (χ2 and t‐test) as appropriate.

Result:

Sixty‐one cases and 43 control patients were enrolled. Thirty‐two patients (52%) with devices subject to a recall opted for a generator replacement. There were no significant differences in the mean scores on the HADS scale, or the MacNew QOL scale between these two groups of patients (cases and controls). Subgroup analysis within the group of patients whose ICDs were recalled (cases) revealed a reduced QOL among patients with a class I recall (reasonable probability that the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death) as compared to those with a class II recall (product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences) (P = 0.01). Both cases and control patients reported having reduced trust in the health‐care system. On the whole, however, patients were satisfied with the way their physicians dealt with the recall. There was no significant change in the overall concern of ICD shocks or FOD between the two groups.

Conclusion:

In this study of ICD recall, we found no difference in the levels of anxiety, depression, or QOL expressed by patients with an ICD subject to a recall as compared to those without. These findings may be a reflection of good physician‐patient communication, which might have reduced any anxiety associated with recalls.
Overdrive Versus Conventional or Closed‐Loop Rate Modulation Pacing in the Prevention of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Brady‐Tachy Syndrome: On Behalf of the Burden II Study Group
Authors: PUGLISI ANDREA , FAVALE STEFANO , SCIPIONE PIETRO , MELISSANO DONATO , PAVIA LETTERIO , ASCANI FRANCESCO , ELIA MASSIMO , SCACCIA ALBERTO , SAGONE ANTONIO , CASTALDI BRUNO , MUSACCHIO EMILIO , BOTTO GIOVANNI LUCA
Published: October 2008

Background:

Optimizing dual‐chamber pacing to prevent recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) in sinus node dysfunction is still debated. Despite the large number of studies, efficacy of sophisticated preventive algorithms has never been proven. It is not clear whether this is due to imperfect study designs or to a substantial inefficacy of pacing therapies.

Aim:

To intraindividually compare AT burden between an atrial overdrive and two heart rate modulation approaches: a conventional accelerometric‐sensor‐based DDDR mode and a contractility‐driven rate responsive closed loop (CLS) algorithm.

Methods and Results:

Four hundred fifty‐one patients with Brady‐Tachy syndrome (BTS), severe bradycardia, and a documented episode of atrial fibrillation were enrolled. One month after implant, each pacing therapy was activated for 3 months in random order. A simple log transformation was used to handle large and skew AT burden distributions. Estimates were adjusted for false‐positive AT episodes and reported as geometric means (95% confidence interval). A significantly higher AT burden was observed during overdrive, 0.14% (0.09%, 0.23%) (adjusted, 0.12%[0.07%, 0.20%]). Both DDDR and CLS performed better: respectively, 0.11% (0.07%, 0.17%) (adjusted, 0.08%[0.05%, 0.14%]), 0.06% (0.03%, 0.09%) (adjusted, 0.04%[0.03%, 0.07%]). All the comparisons were statistically significant. During overdrive significantly more patients had AT episodes of duration between 1 minute and 1 hour. No significant differences were observed for longer episodes.

Conclusions:

Atrial overdrive showed the worst performance in terms of AT burden reduction and should not be preferred to heart rate modulation approaches that still have to be considered as a first‐choice pacing mode in BTS.
Last Ditch CRT: Right Is Not Always Wrong!
Authors: SHINDE RITUPARNA S. , LOKHANDWALA YASH , SATHE SUNIL V. , MAKHALE CHANDRASHEKAR N. , GRANT PURVEZ K. , DURAIRAJ MANUEL
Published: October 2008

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become the mainstay of refractory heart failure treatment. Usually the patients having right bundle branch block (RBBB) on electrocardiogram are considered as relative contraindication as there is no or minimal dyssynchrony in them. We present a case where CRT was put in as last resort in a patient with RBBB and was successful. Short literature review is done on the CRT implantation in patients with RBBB.
Clear Cell Hidradenocarcinoma Developing in Pacemaker Pocket
Authors: REYES CESAR V.
Published: October 2008

An octagenerian woman developed clear cell hidradenocarcinoma, a rare neoplasm of eccrine sweat gland origin, 4 years following pacemaker implantation in her right lateral chest. The tumor immunohistochemically mimicked a metastatic lobular breast carcinoma, for example, strongly positive estrogen, weakly positive progesterone, and weakly reactive mammoglobin. A complete surgical excision of the tumor was complemented with ipsilateral dissection of involved adjacent axillary lymph nodes. Recommended irradiation was refused by the patient. Retrospective 3‐year mammogram review, 2‐year postsurgery follow‐up, and complete postmortem evaluation failed to prove a primary breast malignancy or other metastatic lesion elsewhere.
Biventricular Noncompaction: A Case Report
Authors: Tigen Kursat , Karaahmet Tansu , Gurel Emre , Cevik Cihan , Basaran Yelda
Published: October 2008

Myocardial noncompaction is an extremely uncommon cardiomyopathy. It can present as an isolated cardiac malformation or in association with other congenital anomalies. The left ventricle is usually affected, but a biventricular involvement rarely occurs. A predominant right ventricular involvement has not been reported. Here, we report an 18‐year‐old woman with biventricular noncompaction that predominantly involves the right ventricle.
Echo Determinants of Dyssynchrony (Atrioventricular and Inter‐ and Intraventricular) and Predictors of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Kapetanakis Stamatis , Bhan Amit , Monaghan Mark J.
Published: October 2008

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has revolutionized not only the treatment of chronic heart failure but also how we assess left ventricular (LV) dysfunction on echo. Increasingly, it has become clear that identifying and quantifying delays in events during the cardiac cycle is an important assessment in LV dysfunction as it has prognostic implications for patients undergoing CRT. The delays in atrioventricular, right‐to‐left ventricular, and LV segmental contraction have been shown to be important components in cardiac performance, and this review provides an overview of the commonest methods used for these assessments and their implications for selecting patients for biventricular pacing.
Doppler Echocardiographic Methods for Optimization of the Atrioventricular Delay during Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Waggoner Alan D. , De Las Fuentes Lisa , Davila‐Roman Victor G.
Published: October 2008

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is beneficial for a majority of patients with medically refractory heart failure due to severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and prolonged interventricular conduction to improve symptoms and LV performance. An optimally programmed atrioventricular delay (AVD) during CRT can be also important to maximize the response in left ventricular function. Several Doppler echocardiographic methods have been reported to be useful for determination of the optimal AVD. This review will discuss the various Doppler‐based approaches to program the AVD in patients that receive CRT.
Lattice Parameter and Stoichiometry of TiCx Produced in Alloyed Ti–C Systems by Self‐Propagating High‐Temperature Synthesis
Authors: Yang Ya‐Feng , Wang Hui‐Yuan , Wang Jin‐Guo , Jiang Qi‐Chuan
Published: October 2008

Compared with the Ti–C system, the additions of metals (Fe, Al, and Cu) can increase the lattice parameter and stoichiometry of TiCx by forming metal–Ti intermediate phases (for C/Ti≤0.8). But for C/Ti>0.8, the Fe addition can decrease the lattice parameter and stoichiometry of TiCx by the formation of Fe–C solid solutions due to the hindrance of atom diffusion and the decrease of combustion temperature, while the additions of Al and Cu can increase them by the formation of Al–Ti and Cu–Ti solid solutions due to the dilution of Al and Cu.
Mediators of the association between depression and role functioning
Authors: Buist‐Bouwman M. A. , Ormel J. , De Graaf R. , De Jonge P. , Van Sonderen E. , Alonso J. , Bruffaerts R. , Vollebergh W. A. M. ,   the ESEMeD/MHEDEA 2000 investigators
Published: October 2008

Objective:  While the adverse effect of Major Depressive Episode on role functioning is well established, the exact pathways remain unclear.

Method:  Data from The European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders, a cross‐sectional survey including 21 425 adults from six European countries, were used to assess 12‐month depression (Composite International Diagnostic Interview), activity limitations and role functioning in the past 30 days (Disability Assessment Schedule). An a priori model based on the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was designed and a structural equation model for categorical and ordinal data was used (MPlus) to estimate the extent to which six limitations mediated the association between depression and role functioning.

Results:  The unadjusted association between depression and role functioning was strong (0.43; SE = 0.04). In the best‐fitting model, only concentration and attention problems and embarrassment mediated a significant amount of association (direct effect dropped to 0.17; SE = 0.10, which was no longer significant).

Conclusions:  Targeting cognition and embarrassment in treatment could help reduce depression‐associated role disfunctioning.
Negative Regulation of the Actin‐Regulating Kinase Prk1p by Patch Localization‐Induced Autophosphorylation
Authors: Huang Bo , Chua Ling Ling , Bose Neeyor , Cai Mingjie
Published: October 2008

The Prk1 family of protein kinases are important regulators of endocytosis and actin cytoskeleton in some eukaryotic cells. In budding yeast, Prk1p phosphorylates numerous endocytic proteins including Pan1p and Sla1p. Prk1p has been observed to undergo autophosphorylation in vivo. In this study, we determined the sites and underlying role of the autophosphorylation. Two sites located in the noncatalytic region were identified to be the autophosphorylation sites. When the sites were mutated, the non‐autophosphorylatable Prk1p phosphorylated Pan1p and Sla1p more efficiently than the wild‐type kinase, suggesting a negative effect of the autophosphorylation. In addition, the dynamic properties of actin and the coat complex were also altered in the autophosphorylation mutant cells. Interestingly, the autophosphorylation of Prk1p was dependent on cortical localization of the kinase and could be induced by phosphorylated Sla1p. These results suggest that the autophosphorylation of Prk1p may represent a feedback mechanism possibly involved in fine‐tuning the pace of progression during actin‐coupled endocytosis.
Use of Kaede Fusions to Visualize Recycling of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors
Authors: Schmidt Antje , Wiesner Burkhard , Weißhart Klaus , Schulz Katharina , Furkert Jens , Lamprecht Björn , Rosenthal Walter , Schülein Ralf
Published: October 2008

The heptahelical G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are internalized following agonist treatment and either recycle rapidly to the plasma membrane or enter the lysosomal degradation pathway. Many conventional GPCR recycling assays suffer from the fact that receptors arriving from the secretory pathway may interfere with recycling receptors. In this study, we introduce a new methodology to study post‐endocytotic GPCR trafficking using fusions with the recently cloned Kaede protein. In contrast to the widely used green fluorescent protein, the fluorescence of Kaede can be converted from green to red using ultraviolet irradiation. Our methodology allows to study recycling of GPCRs microscopically in real‐time bypassing problems with secretory pathway receptors. Initially, receptors are internalized using an agonist. Fluorescence signals in endosomes are switched, and trafficking of the receptors to the plasma membrane can be easily visualized by monitoring their new fluorescence. Using this methodology, we show that the corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor type 1 belongs to the family of recycling GPCRs. Moreover, we demonstrate by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy that Kaede does not oligomerize when fused to membrane proteins, representing an additional advantage of this technique. The Kaede technology may be a powerful tool to study membrane protein trafficking in general.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Immune Status, Psychosocial Distress and Reduced Quality of Life in Infertile Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Siedentopf Friederike , Tariverdian Nadja , Rücke Mirjam , Kentenich Heribert , Arck Petra C.
Published: October 2008

Problem  The aim of the study was to identify if (i) psychosocial factors differ in endometriosis; (ii) related psychosocial aspects alter immune markers of depression/sickness behaviour; and (iii) serum immune marker may be indicative for endometriosis.

Method of study  We enrolled 103 women in a case–control study. Psychosocial data were obtained, serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, interferon (IFN)‐γ, TNF‐α, IFN‐α and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) were analysed.

Results Among 69 eligible patients, endometriosis was diagnosed in 38 women. Patients with endometriosis reported reduced quality of life, increased stress perception/depressive symptoms; the Th1/Th2 ratio was in favour of Th1, accompanied by the increased levels of IFN‐α. sICAM‐1 levels were unaffected. No correlation could be confirmed between psychosocial and immune markers.

Conclusion  Women with endometriosis may benefit from strategies contributing to reduction of stress and development of coping mechanisms, thus helping to break the vicious circle of inflammation, sickness behaviour and depression.
The Mixed Legacies of Ronald Reagan
Authors: HECLO HUGH
Published: October 2008

As with all important leaders, Ronald Reagan's legacy is a complex thing. It is a mixture of intended accomplishments and unintended by‐products, of actions taken and things left undone. Although partisans push for simple verdicts, the best way of honoring Reagan's memory is to try to offer an honest, well‐rounded assessment of his lasting impact on our national political life. I assess the bequest of Reagan's presidency to the future under eight headings of broad public concern: the welfare state, taxation, national security, the presidency, personnel, party politics, political leadership, and the person himself.
Who's the Fairest of them All? An Empirical Test for Partisan Bias on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News
Authors: GROELING TIM
Published: October 2008

While accusations of media bias have long been a staple of partisan discourse, a number of issues have generally undermined their scholarly validity. While some have unearthed specific instances of biased story construction or patterns of bias in news content, these examples tend to be undermined by the inherent subjectivity of defining “bad” news. Moreover, these studies are generally unable to test for selection bias because they cannot observe the characteristics of stories that were not selected for broadcast. This study is designed to overcome these problems and allow for a more comprehensive test for detecting bias in television news. In particular, this study examines coverage of presidential approval polls on Fox News's flagship news program,Special Report, as well as on ABC's, CBS's, and NBC's evening newscasts over the last decade. The results provide substantial evidence for bias in the news choices across the four news outlets, although somewhat surprisingly, the results are stronger for some of the networks than for Fox.
Presidential Communication in the Internet Era
Authors: OWEN DIANA , DAVIS RICHARD
Published: October 2008

The new media environment and the rise of the Internet have had important implications for presidential communication. As the first chief executives of the new media era, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have established an online presence through the White House Web site,http://www.whitehouse.gov. As the site has evolved, these administrations have had to balance the communication potential of technological innovations against the requirements of politics and governing. Future presidential administrations will embrace new opportunities and confront additional challenges as they seek to integrate new media options of the Web 2.0 era and beyond into their communications strategies.
Conveying Presidential News: The White House Press Corps Covers the President
Authors: KUMAR MARTHA JOYNT
Published: October 2008

On a daily basis, presidential news coverage comes from the work of a relatively small group of Washington reporters assigned to cover the White House. Although often treated interchangeably with the Washington press corps, the reporters at the White House focus solely on that beat. I identify which news organizations form the White House press corps and then focus on the practices of those organizations in assigning reporters to the White House. I also look at what current and recent White House correspondents view as the basic elements of a White House story. Although news organizations have long been committed to full coverage of the White House, the future is less certain for some of them as the growing financial pressures in the news industry have had an impact on their ability to cover the president in the same manner as they have in the past.
Memorandum to the President‐Elect
Authors: MCCURRY MIKE
Published: October 2008

The next U.S. president will face enormous challenges as communicator‐in‐chief, managing an increasingly complex and adversarial relationship with the press corps and responding to the bewildering needs of fragmented audiences that no longer rely solely on mainstream media for information. Perhaps it is time for a major revamp of White House communications functions which have remained largely unchanged since first introduced in the Nixon era. Traditional roles of actors like the White House press secretary need redefinition.
The Contemporary Presidency: “An Excess of Refinement”: Lame Duck Presidents in Constitutional and Historical Context
Authors: CROCKETT DAVID A.
Published: October 2008

Well into President George W. Bush's second term, history appears to be repeating itself—second terms are far more problematic than first terms. Are problematic second terms inevitable, and if so are they caused by the Twenty‐second Amendment? In this article I explore the constitutional and historical dynamics of presidential term limits, focusing on the leadership and clerkship roles the president performs in the constitutional system, constrained by the dynamics of political time. The article examines the classic arguments for and against term limits, comparing Hamilton's focus on stability to Jefferson's concern for tyranny. It then surveys the scholarship on second term problems to tease out the effects of term limits from the more general problem of second terms. I conclude with an analysis of second term and term limit problems from a political time perspective, suggesting that presidents are more constrained in the pursuit of their constitutional functions by the dynamics of regime cycles than they are by term limits. It appears that term limits add little to the functions of the presidency in the constitutional order.
The Law: Presidential Misuse of the Pardon Power
Authors: CROUCH JEFFREY
Published: October 2008

Before Watergate, presidents were generally reluctant to pardon executive branch officials after their administrations had been investigated by an outside prosecutor. Since Watergate, however, presidents are less reluctant to use clemency for their own personal interest, as demonstrated by controversial clemency decisions involving executive branch officials or cronies made by our most recent three presidents. This practice is contrary to President George Washington's use of the clemency power and later legal precedents, both of which follow the framers' intent that the pardon power be used as an “act of mercy” or for “the public welfare.” When and how presidents began misusing the pardon power, and the resulting consequences, are discussed here.
Influence of CYP3A5 Genetic Polymorphism on Tacrolimus Daily Dose Requirements and Acute Rejection in Renal Graft Recipients
Authors: Quteineh Lina , Verstuyft Céline , Furlan Valerie , Durrbach Antoine , Letierce Alexia , Ferlicot Sophie , Taburet Anne‐Marie , Charpentier Bernard , Becquemont Laurent
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressive drug in organ transplantation. Its oral bioavailability varies greatly between individuals, and it is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P‐glycoprotein. Our objective was to determine the influence of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on tacrolimus daily requirements and on transplantation outcome. One hundred and thirty‐six renal graft recipients treated with tacrolimus were genotyped for CYP3A5 (6986A>G), ABCB1 exon26 (3435C>T) and exon21 (2677G>T/A) single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotypes were correlated to tacrolimus daily dose at 1‐week, 1‐, 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation and with transplantation outcome. At 1‐month post‐transplantation, tacrolimus daily dose was higher for patients with CYP3A5*1/*1 genotype compared to CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (0.26 ± 0.03 versus 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day, respectively, P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation. Furthermore, CYP3A5*1 homozygotes were associated with increased risk of acute rejection episodes compared to patients with CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP3A5*3/*3 genotypes (38% versus 10% and 9%, respectively, P = 0.01). CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism was not associated with tacrolimus‐related nephrotoxicity. ABCB1 polymorphisms were not related with transplantation outcome. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism appeared in our study to affect tacrolimus daily dose requirements and transplantation outcome. Screening for this single nucleotide polymorphism before the transplantation might be helpful for the selection of adequate initial daily dose and to achieve the desired immunosuppression.
Gender Impact on the Correlation between Sexuality and Marital Relation Quality in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kazemi-Saleh Davoud , Pishgou Bahram , Farrokhi Farhat , Assari Shervin , Fotros Aryandokht , Naseri Hassan
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Although the negative impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on sexual and marital relation of the patients is known, data are lacking regarding possible gender difference.

Aim

We designed a study on patients with CAD to investigate sexual relation and marital adjustment and their association with regard to gender differences.

Main Outcome Measures

Questionnaires including the Dyadic Adjustment Scale for evaluating the couple's agreement on decisions and appropriate behavior, marital satisfaction, and marital cohesion, and the Relation and Sexuality Scale (RSS) for sexual function, frequency, and fear.

Methods

We surveyed 650 patients with documented CAD without any other major comorbidities.

Results

The patients were 464 men (73.1%) and 171 women (26.9%) with CAD. The mean age of the men and the women were 57.1 ± 11.6 years and 56.3 ± 9.7 years, respectively. The women had a significantly poorer dyadic adjustment and sexual relation than men, except for sexual fear, which was more prominent in men with CAD and their spouses. The sexual frequency and the total RSS scores correlated with all aspects of the patients' marital relation in both genders. However, only men suffered from a poorer dyadic satisfaction, dyadic consensus, affectional expression, and overall marital adjustment if they were more afraid of sexual relation. In women, but not men, sexual function was significantly associated with their dyadic satisfaction and their overall marital relation.

Conclusions

Poorer sexual relation and marital adjustment was detected in our women with CAD. To manage all the problems of the patients that may impact their cardiac status, we should consider factors such as fear of sexual activity in men sexual dysfunction in women, and their correlation with marital adjustment.
SUPPLIER INNOVATIVENESS AND THE ROLE OF INTERORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING IN ENHANCING MANUFACTURER CAPABILITIES
Authors: AZADEGAN ARASH , DOOLEY KEVIN J. , CARTER PHILLIP L. , CARTER JOSEPH R.
Published: October 2008

Manufacturers increasingly rely on innovation from their suppliers to improve the cost, quality, and timeliness of their products. Manufacturing capabilities are enhanced by supplier innovativeness directly, because of the embedded nature of the supplied component, and indirectly, as the manufacturer learns from its suppliers. We use organizational learning theory to develop a conceptual model of learning factors that act as contingencies and magnify the effect of supplier innovativeness. First, we argue that a manufacturer's absorptive capacity, its ability to learn and use external knowledge, positively moderates the impact of supplier innovativeness on the manufacturer's performance. Second, we examine how different combinations of manufacturer–supplier learning styles lead to relatively more or less interorganizational learning, contingent upon whether the outsourcing is design versus manufacturing oriented. Our model can help managers consider knowledge transfer as part of their supplier selection criteria.
A DECADE OF SCM LITERATURE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
Authors: GIUNIPERO LARRY C. , HOOKER ROBERT E. , JOSEPH‐MATTHEWS SACHA , YOON TOM E. , BRUDVIG SUSAN
Published: October 2008

This study covers a decade of academic research in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) field, offering an in‐depth analytical review focused on the existing trends and gaps in the supply chain literature. Nine academic journals were investigated and a subject categorization is developed for SCM research. A content analysis was then conducted on 405 articles, focusing on the categories covered within the SCM literature, various levels of the chain examined and sample populations and industries studied, as well as the research methods employed. Finally, a conceptual framework of the most highly researched categories in SCM indicates that there is a need for more research that seeks to understand the nature of multiple links in SCM chains and networks, as opposed to focusing on dyadic and inter‐firm relationships.
Preference for salts in cooking as perceived by culinary arts students and professional chefs
Authors:   Undergraduate Creative Inquiry Team
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the salt (sea, table or kosher) preference of culinary students and professional chefs. The study was conducted using instant mashed potatoes as the salt carrier. An unsalted sample served as a reference, and treated samples (sea, table and kosher salts) were compared in a sensory panel (n = 98) using a ranking test for best overall flavor. The objective of this research was to discover if culinary students and professional chefs have a preference for salt type. In a previous study on the preference for salt, it was discovered that everyday consumers did not have a distinct preference for salt type. However, the panel of culinary students and professional chefs indicated that sea salt was preferred over table and kosher salts, but there was no significant statistical difference between the table and kosher salts.
The role of ENT surgeons in snoring assessment: some prospective preliminary evidence
Authors: Robertson S. , Young D. , McGarry G.W. , MacKenzie K.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  To determine (i) the prevalence of unsuspected upper aerodigestive tract disease in snorers, (ii) the diagnostic yield of routine flexible endoscopy and (iii) the relationship between symptoms of upper aerodigestive tract disease and examination findings in snorers.

Design:  Prospective analytical cohort study.

Setting:  Snoring clinic in Secondary Care Otolaryngology centre.

Participants:  Ninety‐three patients referred with disruptive snoring.

Main outcome measures:  A structured history of upper aerodigestive tract symptoms was obtained by clinic interview. All patients underwent detailed ENT examination. Univariate analysis was undertaken on data collected.

Results:  The prevalence of oropharyngeal and laryngeal pathology in the cohort was 3%. No unsuspected upper aerodigestive tract pathology was found on routine flexible endoscopy. A history of Hard Nasal Symptoms was an accurate predictor of underlying nasal pathology.

Conclusion:  The authors propose that the detailed examination of snorers by ENT specialists is unnecessary in the absence of Hard Nasal Symptoms, hoarseness or pain. We propose that a system of triage based on patient history could help identify the minority of snorers who require specialist assessment.
The relationship between changes in self‐rated quality of life after cochlear implantation and changes in individual complaints
Authors: Zhao F. , Bai Z. , Stephens D.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the changes in self‐rated quality of life (QoL) obtained following cochlear implantation in relation to changes in the individual’s complaints.

Design:  We have used repeated responses over a period of at least 4 years following implantation so as to examine within‐subject relationships.

Participants:  Twenty‐four consecutive post‐lingually deafened patients who had been fitted with cochlear implants between 1991 and December 2000 at the University Hospital of Wales were investigated.

Main outcome measures:  The open‐ended problems questionnaire was used to assess what hearing impaired people themselves considered to be the main problems arising from their hearing loss. The participants were asked to rate the severity of each one of these problems as well as QoL on ‘0’ to ‘100’ visual analogue scales. Both the individual problem ratings and the ratings of QoL were re‐administered to the subjects at each follow‐up session.

Results:  Changes in the rated QoL of all patients were significantly associated with changes in specific complaints, for example, the ability to communicate, feeling of isolation, telephone use, self‐confidence, enjoyment of music and watching the TV. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that, after implantation, improvements in communication abilities, reduced psychological problems and improvements in abilities of daily life were the key determinants of QoL improvement for individual cochlear implant patients. These key predictors reached a plateau at about 1.5–3 years after cochlear implantation.

Conclusions:  The relationships between changes in specific complaints and the QoL in individual implantees were highlighted. We suggest that cochlear implant outcome measures should continue for at least 3 years after implantation.
Selective neck dissection for N0 and N1 oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: are skip metastases a real danger?
Authors: Lodder W.L. , Sewnaik A. , Den Bakker M.A. , Meeuwis C.A. , Kerrebijn J.D.F.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  To contribute to insight in therapeutic safety of selective neck dissections for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer with a special focus on the risk of skip metastases.

Design:  Retrospective data analysis.

Setting:  Tertiary referral centre.

Participants:  A total of 291 patients operated for oral cavity or oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer between 1999 and 2004.

Main outcome measures:  Incidence of skip metastases in both pathologically N0 and N+ necks for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.

Results:  Of all neck dissections (n = 226) performed for oral cavity cancer, skip metastases to level III or level IV occurred in 14 cases (6%). Ten skip metastases occurred in level III only (10/226 = 4%). Thus, four necks had metastases in level IV, which would not have been removed in case of a Selective neck dissection level I–III (supraomohyoid neck dissection). In case of oropharyngeal cancer, skip metastases to level III or level IV occurred in six of 92 cases (7%). Five skip metastases occurred in level III only (5/92 = 5%). This means that of the necks containing skip metastases, only one neck (1%): had metastases in level IV, which would not have been removed in case of a Selective neck dissection level I–III (Supraomohyoid neck dissection).

Conclusions: The question whether level IV should be included in the treatment of N0 and even N1 necks of patients with cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx cannot be answered by all data available to us now. The fear of skip metastases including level IV does not seem to be justified.
A preliminary randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of saline douching following endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Freeman S.R.M. , Sivayoham E.S.G. , Jepson K. , De Carpentier J.
Published: October 2008

Objective:  To assess whether saline reduces postoperative signs following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Design:  Within subject, single blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting:  Single secondary referral centre.

Participants:  Adults undergoing bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyposis.

Intervention:  Saline douching of one side of the nasal cavity, three times per day for 6 weeks.

Main outcome measures:  Presence of adhesions, polyps, crusting, discharge or oedema under endoscopic examination at 3 weeks and 3 months postoperative.

Results:  Twenty‐three patients were recruited. Attendance was 22 patients at 3 weeks and 17 patients at 3 months. At 3 weeks saline douching significantly improved the presence of discharge (P = 0.046) and non‐significantly improved the presence of oedema (P = 0.059) with minimal difference with regard to polyps (P = 0.32) and no difference with adhesions or crusting. At 3 months there was minimal difference with regard to crusting (P = 0.18) and oedema (P = 0.32) and no difference with adhesions, discharge and polyps.

Conclusions:  Saline douching reduces nasal discharge and may improve oedema during the healing phase following ESS which may represent a possible anti‐inflammatory role. No long‐term effect was found.
Local anaesthetic for post‐tonsillectomy pain: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grainger J. , Saravanappa N.
Published: October 2008

Background:  Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. Pain is a significant aspect of post‐operative patient morbidity. The use of local anaesthetic, by infiltration or topical application, has been advocated as a way of reducing post‐operative pain.

Objectives:  To review the current evidence for the use of local anaesthetic as a means of reducing post‐tonsillectomy pain and reducing supplemental analgesic requirements.

Type of review:  A systematic review of the literature pertaining to the use of local anaesthetic agents for post‐tonsillectomy pain and meta‐analysis of randomised control trials assessing pain scores.

Search strategy:  Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE (1952–2008), EMBASE (1974–2008) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Evaluation method:  Review of all randomised controlled trials by two authors and grading of articles for quality.

Results:  Thirteen studies were included. Overall, local anaesthetic, applied topically or infiltrated, significantly reduces pain scores compared with controls at 4–6 h, −0.66 (95% CI: −0.82, −0.50); 20–24 h, −0.34 (95% CI: −0.51, −0.18) and on day 5, −0.97 (95% CI: −1.30, −0.63) (standardised mean differences). These changes approximate to a reduction in pain of between 7 and 19 mm on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale. Most studies did not report a difference in supplemental analgesia or in adverse events.

Conclusion:  Local anaesthetic does seem to provide a modest reduction in post‐tonsillectomy pain. Topical local anaesthetic on swabs appears to provide a similar level of analgesia to that of infiltration without the potential adverse effects and should be the method of choice for providing additional post‐operative analgesia.
The Ties That Bind: Towards Geographies of Intimacy
Authors: Valentine Gill
Published: October 2008

The last decade in human geography has been marked by the emergence and development of significant bodies of work on: geographies of sexuality; children; and youth/young people's geographies. Taken together, this work might be characterised as being about intimate relations. In this article, I briefly review the differential contributions to, and place in, the discipline of these sub‐disciplinary areas as well as identifying ‘family’ studies as an absent presence within geography. I then go on to explore what might bind these disparate areas of research together, and to argue that by developing their connections, through the concept of intimacy, the contributions of these sub‐disciplinary areas might be scaled up to have a more fundamental impact on the discipline of geography.
Animals and Sociology
Authors: Irvine Leslie
Published: October 2008

This paper outlines some of the major theoretical contributions of the specialty field known as ‘animals and society’. It examines three areas of focus within the field. One of these areas finds connections between our exploitation of animals and other forms of domination and oppression. Consequently, this body of research provides insight into how we might challenge and overcome inequality, more generally. A second area examines animal abuse and questions entrenched assumptions about the link between cruelty to animals and violence directed toward humans. This research also reveals that animals are often victims and pawns in domestic violence. A third area uses human–animal interaction to challenge dominant sociological views of the self. By doing so, this work expands our knowledge of what it means to live in a social world. Overall, the scholarly work within the field of animals and society suggests that the inclusion of animals in sociological research can expand and clarify existing theories and concepts.
Technology, Relationships, and Problems: A Research Synthesis
Authors: Hertlein Katherine M. , Webster Megan
Published: October 2008

The advances in technology alter the ways we interact with each other. For some, the use of technology can facilitate a relationship; for others, technology can complicate aspects of a relationship. The purpose of this research synthesis is to summarize current research exploring the ways in which technology impacts relationships negatively. Eight studies were reviewed across the following areas: preoperational definitions, sample, methodology, control of extraneous variables, causal influence, generalizability, validity of statistical findings, and conclusions. Implications for authors, researchers, and therapists working with couples and families struggling with technology issues are discussed.
Therapists’ Assessment and Treatment of Internet Infidelity Cases
Authors: Hertlein Katherine M. , Piercy Fred P.
Published: October 2008

In this study, we investigated through an Internet survey of 508 practicing marriage and family therapists which treatment decisions varied by gender of the client and background variables of therapists. The subjects responded to several typical Internet infidelity scenarios. We varied the gender of the person initiating the infidelity for half of one sample. We also asked the family therapy participants to respond to how they might assess and treat each presenting problem. They also evaluated problem severity, prognosis of the case, number of sessions necessary for treatment, and the extent to which a therapist would focus individually or relationally. Results indicate that there were differences in how therapists assessed and treated clients based on client gender, therapists’ age, therapists’ gender, how religious therapists reported they were, and the extent of therapists’ personal experience with infidelity.
Isolation, characterization and cross‐amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the threatened endemic Mammillaria crucigera (Cactaceae)
Authors: SOLÓRZANO SOFIA , CORTÉS‐PALOMEC AUREA C. , IBARRA ARTURO , DÁVILA PATRICIA , OYAMA KEN
Published: October 2008

The cactus Mammillaria crucigera is a threatened species endemic to central Mexico. As a means of assessing population genetic status of these species, eight microsatellite markers were developed. These primers were tested in 40 individual from two wild populations. The results showed that these primers will be useful to describe population structure and aid to the conservation of species. The eight primers were tested in other Mammillaria species and most of them showed successful amplification.
Time course of change in vasodilator function and capacity in response to exercise training in humans
Authors: Tinken Toni M. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Black Mark A. , Cable N. Timothy , Green Daniel J.
Published: October 2008

Studies of the impact of exercise training on arterial adaptation in healthy subjects have produced disparate results. It is possible that some studies failed to detect changes because functional and structural adaptations follow a different time course and may therefore not be detected at discrete time points. To gain insight into the time course of training‐induced changes in artery function and structure, we examined conduit artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD), an index of nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated artery function, and conduit dilator capacity (DC), a surrogate marker for arterial remodelling, in the brachial and popliteal arteries of 13 healthy male subjects (21.6 ± 0.6 years) and seven non‐active controls (22.8 ± 0.2 years) studied at 2‐week intervals across an 8‐week cycle and treadmill exercise training programme. Brachial and popliteal artery FMD and DC did not change in control subjects at any time point. FMD increased from baseline (5.9 ± 0.5%) at weeks 2 and 4 (9.1 ± 0.6, 8.5 ± 0.6%, respectively, P < 0.01), but returned towards baseline levels again by week 8 (6.9 ± 0.7%). In contrast, brachial artery DC progressively increased from baseline (8.1 ± 0.4%) at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 (9.2 ± 0.6, 9.9 ± 0.6, 10.0 ± 0.5, 10.5 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05). Similarly, popliteal artery FMD increased from baseline (6.2 ± 0.7%) at weeks 2, 4 and 6 (9.1 ± 0.6, 9.5 ± 0.6, 7.8 ± 0.5%, respectively, P < 0.05), but decreased again by week 8 (6.5 ± 0.6%), whereas popliteal DC progressively increased from baseline (8.9 ± 0.4%) at week 4 and 8 (10.5 ± 0.7, 12.2 ± 0.6%, respectively, P < 0.05). These data suggest that functional changes in conduit arteries occur rapidly and precede arterial remodelling in vivo. These data suggest that complimentary adaptations occur in arterial function and structure and future studies should adopt multiple time point assessments to comprehensively assess arterial adaptations to interventions such as exercise training in humans.