bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodologic evaluation of adaptive conjoint analysis to assess patient preferences: an application in oncology
Authors: Pieterse Arwen H. , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Marijnen Corrie A.M.
Published: June 2010

Background  Adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA) is an individually tailored preferences elicitation technique that mimics actual decision‐making processes by asking participants to make trade‐offs between the various dimensions that underlie decision problems. ACA is increasingly applied in patient preferences assessments but formal evaluation of its validity and reliability is lacking.

Objective  To investigate ACA’s validity and reliability in elicitation of treatment outcome preferences.

Methods  Sixty‐eight disease‐free rectal cancer patients, treated with surgery with or without preoperative radiotherapy were asked to complete exercises to assess their preferences for radiotherapy [using the treatment trade‐off method (TTM)] and for key outcomes associated with radiotherapy (using ACA). We assessed (i) rank ordering of ACA‐derived outcome‐probability utilities, (ii) compensatory decision making, (iii) ACA test–retest reliability, and (iv) concordance of ACA‐ and TTM‐based preferences.

Results  All participants completed the TTM and 66 completed the ACA questionnaire, in 15 min on average. Outcome utilities were rank ordered in agreement with probabilities from best to worst in most participants, except for sexual dysfunction. Most participants were willing to trade survival and their most important outcome. Mean importance ratings were similar at retest. ACA‐ and TTM‐based preferences differed. TTM‐based preferences were related to past treatment, ACA‐based preferences were not.

Conclusions  ACA assesses group‐level preferences reliably over time and captures individual preferences independently from treatment experience in treated cancer patients. ACA seems a valid treatment outcome preference elicitation method in a context in which trade‐offs between cure and quality of life need to be considered.
Detection of Hypoxia Inducible Factors and Angiogenic Growth Factors during Foetal Endochondral and Intramembranous Ossification
Authors: De Spiegelaere W. , Cornillie P. , Casteleyn C. , Burvenich C. , Van den Broeck W.
Published: June 2010

With 6 figures and 1 table

During skeletogenesis, the development of a new vascular network, i.e. angiogenesis, is triggered by hypoxia through the activation of the hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α. HIFs regulate the expression of several genes, including those coding for angiogenic growth factors such as VEGFA, angiopoietin‐1 (ANGPT1) and angiopoietin‐2 (ANGPT2). The expression of HIFs and angiogenic growth factors is well documented in endochondral ossification, but few data exist on their expression during intramembranous ossification. In this study, the localization of these factors was examined using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR in bones of porcine foetuses. Immunostaining for HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α was observed during endochondral ossification, whereas only HIF‐2α was present at sites of intramembranous ossification. Furthermore, immunostaining for ANGPT2 was present at sites of endochondral and intramembranous ossification. In addition, gene transcripts for ANGPT1, ANGPT2 and VEGFA were detected with RT‐PCR in laser capture microdissected isolates from both types of ossification. These results indicate that angiogenesis plays an important role during endochondral and intramembranous ossification. However, the different expression pattern of the HIF‐α subunits suggests that alternative regulatory pathways trigger angiogenesis in these distinct types of ossification.
Mechanisms of Mate Investment in the Polygamous Fowl, Gallus gallus
Authors: Wilson David R. , McDonald Paul G. , Evans Christopher S.
Published: June 2010

Male fowl (Gallus gallus) that have recently mated invest in their mates by producing antipredator alarm signals at a higher rate. It remains unclear, however, whether these males are investing judiciously in their mates, or responding more generally to recent mating success. Here, we manipulated each male’s mating experience with two different females to test whether males invest selectively in their mates. For 1 wk, males could interact with both females, but could mate with only one of them. In the second week, we removed either the mated or the unmated female and measured the male’s rate of alarm calling. Males did not invest preferentially in their mates, suggesting that increased alarm calling is a more general response to recent mating experience. This relationship could be based on a relatively simple cognitive rule of thumb or on an underlying physiological mechanism. Testosterone and corticosterone are associated with reproduction and antipredator behaviour in other species and so could provide the necessary physiological link in fowl. To test this, we measured plasma levels of testosterone and corticosterone before, during and after mating. Results show that hormone levels did not change as a function of male mating status and hence cannot provide the link between mating and calling behaviour. Instead, we suggest that a general cognitive mechanism is more likely to explain prudent mate investment in this species.
Spermatozoa Concentration, Seminal Plasma Composition and Their Physiological Relationship in the Endangered Stellate Sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii )
Authors: Li P , Rodina M , Hulak M , Li Z‐H , Linhart O
Published: June 2010

Contents

Comparative studies of ionic composition, osmolality, protein concentration and pH of seminal plasma along with spermatozoa concentrations were carried out in stellate sturgeon, Acipenser stellatus, and Russian sturgeon, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii. Analysis of A. gueldenstaedtii sperm showed significantly higher concentrations of Na+ (34.58 ± 4.61 mm), Ca2+ (0.35 ± 0.12 mm), Mg2+ (0.70 ± 0.25 mm), Cl− (13.50 ± 4.04 mm) and proteins (0.60 ± 0.29 mg/ml) in the seminal plasma than did seminal plasma of A. stellatus: Na+ (20.08 ± 10.75 mm), Ca2+ (0.28 ± 0.06 mm), Mg2+ (0.29 ± 0.05 mm), Cl− (7.50 ± 3.00 mm) and 0.30 ± 0.11 mg/ml proteins. Significantly higher concentration of K+ (5.42 ± 1.06 mm) was observed in A. stellatus compared to A. gueldenstaedtii K+ (2.29 ± 0.50 mm). Concentration of Na+ was positively correlated with osmolality (r = 0.819), levels of Cl− (r = 0.922) and Mg2+ (r = 0.727) and pH (r = 0.848). The concentration of Mg2+ was positively correlated with protein concentration (r = 0.774), Na+ (r = 0.727), Cl− (r = 0.872) and Ca2+ (r = 0.801). A positive relationship was also found between concentration of K+ and spermatozoa concentration (r = 0.709). Results revealed strong inter‐species differences in several parameters. The data should be useful for artificial fertilization and for cryopreservation of sturgeon sperm.
Association between β‐adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms and relative response to β2‐agonists and anticholinergic drugs in Japanese asthmatic patients
Authors: ASANO Koichiro , YAMADA‐YAMASAWA Wakako , KUDOH Hiroyasu , MATSUZAKI Tatsu , NAKAJIMA Takahiro , HAKUNO Haruhiko , HIRAOKA Rika , FUKUNAGA Koichi , OGUMA Tsuyoshi , SAYAMA Koichi , YAMAGUCHI Kazuhiro , NAGABUKURO Akira , HARADA Yosuke , ISHIZAKA Akitoshi
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Whether β2‐adrenoceptor gene (ADRB2) polymorphisms are associated with airway responsiveness to β2‐agonist medications remains controversial, partly due to factors that may confound pharmacogenetic associations, including age, cigarette smoking and airway remodelling. To overcome these problems, we performed an analysis using parameters that reflected the specific bronchodilator response to β2‐agonists.

Methods:  The increases in FEV1 after inhalation of procaterol hydrochloride (ΔFEV1 procaterol) or oxitropium bromide (ΔFEV1 oxitropium), and after sequential inhalation of procaterol and oxitropium (total airway reversibility), were measured in 81 Japanese patients with moderate to severe asthma. Approximately 3 kb of the DNA sequence of the coding and 5′‐flanking regions of ADRB2 were genotyped by direct sequencing and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.

Results:  The mean age of the participants was 54 years, and 38 (47%) were smokers. Although ΔFEV1 procaterol and ΔFEV1 oxitropium adjusted for predicted FEV1 were not associated with ADRB2 polymorphisms, the ratio of ΔFEV1 procaterol to total airway reversibility was significantly associated with the ADRB2 A46G genotype (P < 0.05). Patients who were homozygous for the A46 allele (arginine at amino acid 16) were more responsive than carriers of the G46 (glycine 16) allele (P = 0.008). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that ΔFEV1 procaterol was correlated with the number of A46 alleles (P = 0.014), and also with total airway reversibility (P < 0.001) and smoking index in current smokers (P = 0.009).

Conclusions:  The ADRB2 A46G polymorphism was associated with a relatively greater bronchodilator responsiveness to β2‐agonists even in elderly asthmatic patients and smokers.
Long‐term non‐invasive ventilation to manage persistent ventilatory failure after COPD exacerbation
Authors: OSCROFT Nicholas S. , QUINNELL Timothy G. , SHNEERSON John M. , SMITH Ian E.
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Patients with ventilatory failure at discharge from hospital following an exacerbation of COPD (ECOPD) have increased work of breathing and reduced inspiratory muscle strength compared with those with a normal arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). They also have a significantly worse prognosis. Long‐term non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may offer a treatment strategy but benefits have not been established.

Methods:  We examined the outcomes of 35 patients, with a PaCO2 >7.5 kPa and normal pH, following hospital admission with an ECOPD. Patients were initiated on long‐term NIPPV. Our aims were to establish if NIPPV was tolerated and to describe the effects on ventilatory parameters.

Results:  Daytime arterial blood gases and nocturnal ventilatory parameters improved significantly on NIPPV. Diurnal PaO2, self‐ventilating, rose from (mean (SD)) 7.3 (1.8) to 8.1 (0.9) kPa (P = 0.005) and PaCO2 fell from 8.8 (1.3) to 7.3 (0.8) kPa (P ≤ 0.001). Mean overnight oxygen saturations increased from 82% (7%) to 89% (2%) (P ≤ 0.001) and mean overnight transcutaneous carbon dioxide fell from 7.6 (1.3) to 5.6 (1.7) kPa (P ≤ 0.001). Similar changes were seen in a group of stable COPD patients, who initiated NIPPV without a preceding exacerbation, suggesting improvements were not solely due to recovery from exacerbation. Acceptance (89%) and compliance (8.4 (3.5) h/day) with domiciliary treatment were good. Median survival was 28.6 months (95% CI: 10.9–46.8).

Conclusions:  NIPPV was well tolerated in this group and appears to improve ventilation. Our preliminary data support further investigation of NIPPV in patients who remain hypercapnic after hospital admission with ECOPD.
Four‐year impact of a continuous quality improvement effort implemented by a network of diabetes outpatient clinics: the AMD‐Annals initiative
Authors: Nicolucci A. , Rossi M. C. , Arcangeli A. , Cimino A. , De Bigontina G. , Fava D. , Gentile S. , Giorda C. , Meloncelli I. , Pellegrini F. , Valentini U. , Vespasiani G. ,   on behalf of AMD‐Annals Study Group
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1041–1048 (2010)

Aims  We evaluated the impact of a continuous quality improvement effort implemented by a network of Italian diabetes clinics operating in the national healthcare system.

Methods  This was a controlled before‐and‐after study involving 95 centres, of which 67 joined the initiative since 2004 (group A) and 18 were first involved in 2007 (group B, control). All centres used electronic medical record systems. Information on quality indicators was extracted for the period 2004–2007. Data were centrally analysed anonymously and results were published annually. Each centre’s performance was ranked against the ‘best performers’. We compared quality indicators between the two groups of centres over 4 years.

Results  Over 100 000 Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were evaluated annually. The proportion of patients with glycated haemoglobin levels < 7% increased by 6% in group A (2007–2004 difference) and by 1.3% in group B. The proportion of patients with low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol < 100 mg/dl improved by over 10% in both groups. The rate of patients with blood pressure values ≤ 130/85 mmHg increased in group A (+6.4%), but not in group B (–1.4%). The use of insulin increased in group A only (+5.2%), while the use of statins increased by over 20% in both groups.

Conclusions  A physician‐led quality improvement effort, based on the systematic evaluation of routine data, is effective in improving the performance of a large number of diabetes clinics. The small percentage increase in the number of patients at target, if applied to large numbers of patients, would translate into a significant impact on public health.
Procedural methodology for a grounded meta‐analysis of qualitative case studies
Authors: Stall‐Meadows Celia , Hyle Adrienne
Published: June 2010

University researchers conduct large numbers of case studies in the field of consumer studies each year and many are published in the research journals. Although illuminative and rich in description, qualitative data collected in case studies are singular and often lack generalizability. There is a need for comprehensive studies that subsume individual case studies related to consumer sciences in nutrition, apparel and clothing, consumer consumption, housing, and family studies.

The purpose of this paper was to present a step‐by‐step methodological procedure for a qualitative meta‐analysis, using components of Straus and Corbin's grounded theory data coding technique. This research provides a systematic and rigorous research procedure for deriving hypothetical statements from multiple case studies in the consumer studies discipline as well as other academic disciplines. This method offers a way to overcome the limitation of individual, data‐burdensome case studies bounded by context. It extracts conceptual trends across individual case study and eliminates these contextual boundaries. It fills a void in research techniques, by combining existing qualitative case study methods, grounded theory coding techniques, and meta‐analysis to create generalizable hypotheses, grounded in the data. This methodology can provide testable hypotheses which contribute to the larger picture of an overall theory in consumer studies or another academic field.
Multitasking, Multidimensional Screening, and Moral Hazard with Risk Neutral Agents*
Authors: BASOV SUREN , DANILKINA SVETLANA
Published: June 2010

In this paper we consider a model where a risk‐neutral principal devises a contract for a risk neutral agent who can exert effort along different dimensions and possesses private information about her cost of effort. We show that when the number of effort dimensions exceeds the number of performance measures observed by the principal hidden action leads to an additional welfare loss compared with pure adverse selection even if both parties are risk neutral and the production technology is independent of the agent's type. The result implies that if effort has many dimensions it is beneficial to the principal to base employees’ compensation on many performance measures rather than on a single ‘bottom‐line’ measure (e.g. their contribution to the company's profits).
Tinea Capitis in Birmingham: Survey of Elementary School Students
Authors: CANTRELL WENDY C. , JACOBS MICHAEL K. , SOBERA JENNY O. , PARRISH CHARLES A. , WARNER JUDITH , ELEWSKI BONI E.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Trichophyton tonsurans is currently the leading cause of tinea capitis, but was only introduced into the United States less than six decades ago. In this study, we found a prevalence of 11% in Birmingham, Alabama, which is similar to earlier reports from other geographic regions. Despite previous reports concerning escalation, the prevalence appears to be stable over the past decade.
Dialysate and Blood Temperature During Hemodialysis: Comparing Isothermic Dialysis With a Single‐Pass Batch System
Authors: Dhondt Annemieke , Eloot Sunny , Verbeke Francis , Vanholder Raymond
Published: June 2010

The Genius is a convenient single‐pass batch hemodialysis system. Dialysate is heated during the preparation phase. Once the container is filled at one of the three available starting temperatures, dialysate cools spontaneously. As dialysate temperature plays an important role in hemodynamic stability, knowledge of the instantaneous dialysate temperature is important. We documented the evolution of dialysate temperature during Genius dialysis with dialysate prepared at two different temperatures (low and medium) as well as its effect on blood temperature and hemodynamic stability. Genius dialysis was compared to isothermic dialysis obtained by a module programmed to obtain a constant blood temperature. With Genius, dialysate temperature progressively decreased from 36.3 (low) and 37.6°C (medium) in the beginning to 34.4 and 35.3°C at the end of the session, both following first‐order kinetics. During isothermic dialysis, dialysate cooled from 37.3 to 35.4°C, being warmer than with Genius low. Blood temperature decreased during dialysis with Genius low, from 36.4 to 36.2°C, whereas with medium temperature, blood temperature initially rose from 36.4°C at 15 min to 36.5 and 36.6°C at 30 and 60 min, respectively, followed by a decrease from 180 min onward, to 36.4°C at the end. During isothermic dialysis, blood temperature remained stable, as expected. Blood pressure decreased during all three schedules, with the highest value at 15 min during isothermic dialysis, and at the end of the session, the lowest value with isothermic dialysis.
Minimal Extracorporeal Circulation Circuit Standby for “Off‐Pump” Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Westaby Stephen , Antonitsis Polychronis , Argiriadou Helena , Karapanagiotidis Georgios , Pigott David , Papakonstantinou Christos
Published: June 2010

We propose, as an addition to the off‐pump technique for implantation of an axial flow left ventricular assist device, the use of a minimal extracorporeal circuit for circulatory support, in the setting of hemodynamic instability during implantation. Thus, the use of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass could be avoided. This set‐up provides simplicity and effectiveness and enhanced safety of the off‐pump implantation while it may offer adequate circulatory support if required.
The Efficacy of Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 Depends on Its Mode of Delivery
Authors: La Wan‐Geun , Kang Sun‐Woong , Yang Hee Seok , Bhang Suk Ho , Lee Sun Hwa , Park Jung‐Ho , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: June 2010

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) induces bone regeneration in a dose‐dependent manner, with higher doses of BMP‐2 inducing greater bone formation. Previously, we showed that long‐term delivery of BMP‐2 provides better ectopic bone formation than short‐term delivery of an equivalent dose. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of orthotopic bone formation over a range of BMP‐2 doses, using different delivery modes. Heparin‐conjugated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanospheres suspended in fibrin gel were used as a long‐term delivery system, and fibrin gel was used as a short‐term delivery system. Different doses of BMP‐2 were delivered to mouse calvarial defects using either long‐term or short‐term delivery systems. Eight weeks after treatment, bone regeneration was evaluated by histomorphometry. For both delivery systems, bone regeneration increased as the BMP‐2 dose increased up to 1 µg and did not increase beyond this dose. Importantly, at BMP‐2 doses higher than 1 µg, long‐term delivery resulted in much greater bone formation than short‐term delivery. This study shows that long‐term delivery of BMP‐2 is more effective at enhancing orthotopic bone formation than short‐term delivery over a range of doses.
A Risk Analysis Model in Concurrent Engineering Product Development
Authors: Wu Desheng Dash , Kefan Xie , Gang Chen , Ping Gui
Published: June 2010

Concurrent engineering has been widely accepted as a viable strategy for companies to reduce time to market and achieve overall cost savings. This article analyzes various risks and challenges in product development under the concurrent engineering environment. A three‐dimensional early warning approach for product development risk management is proposed by integrating graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Simulation models are created to solve our proposed concurrent engineering product development risk management model. Solutions lead to identification of key risk controlling points. This article demonstrates the value of our approach to risk analysis as a means to monitor various risks typical in the manufacturing sector. This article has three main contributions. First, we establish a conceptual framework to classify various risks in concurrent engineering (CE) product development (PD). Second, we propose use of existing quantitative approaches for PD risk analysis purposes: GERT, FMEA, and product database management (PDM). Based on quantitative tools, we create our approach for risk management of CE PD and discuss solutions of the models. Third, we demonstrate the value of applying our approach using data from a typical Chinese motor company.
The Intellectual Influence of Entrepreneurship Journals: A Network Analysis
Authors: Dos Santos Brian L. , Holsapple Clyde W. , Ye Qian
Published: June 2010

As entrepreneurship emerges into an independent field of study, it is important for scholars and administrators to have a good understanding of the main channels for disseminating knowledge within this field. Here, we provide a new evaluation of journals devoted to entrepreneurship, plus more general journals that publish entrepreneurship articles. The evaluation uses a citation–based model to rate journals. This model overcomes some limitations inherent in the widely known “JIFs” approach. The model is used to derive ratings that shows the relative influences of established journals that publish research dealing with the entrepreneurship domain. In addition to being a way to gauge the influence that a particular journal has had on this domain, a journal's rating can serve as an early proxy for measuring the influence of individual entrepreneurship articles that have yet to have an opportunity to accumulate citations.
Reference Values of Tissue Doppler Imaging and Pulsed Doppler Echocardiography for Analysis of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Healthy Adults
Authors: Angelo Lilian C. , Vieira Marcelo L. C. , Rodrigues Sergio L. , Morelato Renato , Pereira Alexandre C. , Mill José G. , Krieger José E.
Published: June 2010

To determine reference values for tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and pulsed Doppler echocardiography for left ventricular diastolic function analysis in a healthy Brazilian adult population. Observations were based on a randomly selected healthy population from the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Healthy volunteers (n = 275, 61.7% women) without prior histories of cardiovascular disease underwent transthoracic echocardiography. We analyzed 175 individuals by TDI and evaluated mitral annulus E′‐ and A′‐waves from the septum (S) and lateral wall (L) to calculate E′/A′ ratios. Using pulsed Doppler echocardiography, we further analyzed the mitral E‐ and A‐waves, E/A ratios, isovolumetric relaxation times (IRTs), and deceleration times (DTs) of 275 individuals. Pulsed Doppler mitral inflow mean values for men were as follows: E‐wave: 71 ± 16 cm/sec, A‐wave: 68 ± 15 cm/sec, IRT: 74.8 ± 9.2 ms, DT: 206 ± 32.3 ms, E/A ratio: 1.1 ± 0.3. Pulsed Doppler mitral inflow mean values for women were as follows: E‐wave: 76 ± 17, A‐wave: 69 ± 14 cm/sec, IRT: 71.2 ± 10.5 ms, DT: 197 ± 33.3 ms, E/A ratio: 1.1 ± 0.3. IRT and DT values were higher in men than in women (P = 0.04 and P = 0.007, respectively). TDI values in men were as follows: E′S: 11± 3 cm/sec, A′S: 13 ± 2 cm/sec, E′S/A′S: 0.89 ± 0.2, E′L: 14 ± 3 cm/sec, A′L: 14 ± 2 cm/sec, E′L/A′L: 1.1± 0.4. E‐wave/ E′S ratio: 6.9 ± 2.2; E‐wave / E′L ratio: 4.9 ± 1.7. In this study, we determined pulsed Doppler and TDI derived parameters for left ventricular diastolic function in a large sample of healthy Brazilian adults. (Echocardiography 2010;27:777‐782)
An Incidental Finding of Mitral Valve Network
Authors: Chamsi‐Pasha Mohammed A.R. , Anwar Ashraf M. , Nosir Youssef F.M. , Abukhudair Walid , Ashmeg Abdullah K. , Chamsi‐Pasha Hassan
Published: June 2010

A 63‐year‐old male presented with a 6‐month history of worsening exertional dyspnea and was found to have three‐vessel coronary artery disease. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a filamentous structure attached to the anterior mitral valve leaflet, which was confirmed during surgery as filamentous network. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe such a network attached to the mitral valve. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E87‐E89)
Ventricular Asynchrony of Time‐to‐Peak Systolic Velocity in Structurally Normal Heart by Tissue Doppler Imaging
Authors: Sadeghian Hakimeh , Ahmadi Farzaneh , Lotfi‐Tokaldany Masoumeh , Kazemisaeid Ali , Fathollahi Mahmood Sheikh , Goodarzynejad Hamidreza
Published: June 2010

Background: Echocardiographic measurements of time‐to‐peak systolic velocities (Ts) are helpful for assessing the degree of cardiac asynchrony. We assessed the degree of ventricular asynchrony in structurally normal heart according to Ts by tissue Doppler imaging. Methods: We performed conventional echocardiography and tissue velocity imaging for 65 healthy adult volunteers to measure the Ts of 12 left ventricular segments in the mid and basal levels delay of Ts and standard deviation (SD) of Ts in all and basal segments. Six frequently used markers of dyssynchrony were measured and were also compared between men and women. Data are presented as median (25th and 75th percentile). Results: Septal‐lateral and anteroseptal‐posterior delays were 50 (20, 90) and 20 (0, 55) ms. The delay between the longest and the shortest Ts in basal and all segments were 100 (80, 120) and 110 (83, 128) ms, respectively. SD of Ts was 39 (24, 52) ms for basal and 41 (28, 51) ms for all segments. Overall, 76.9% of cases had at least one marker of dyssynchrony. Frequencies of dyssynchrony markers were almost significantly higher in women compared to men. The most frequently observed dyssynchrony marker was SD of Ts of all segments (70.8%) and the lowest was anteroseptal‐posterior delay (21.5%). Conclusions: Normal population almost had dyssynchrony by previously described markers and many of these markers were more frequent in women. Conducting more studies on normal population by other tissue Doppler modalities may give better description of cardiac synchronicity. (Echocardiography 2010;27:823‐830)
Left Ventricular Endocardial Definition Enhancement Using Perflutren Microsphere Contrast Echocardiography during Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation
Authors: Platts David , Fraser John F. , Mullany Daniel , Burstow Darryl
Published: June 2010

Contrast echocardiography provides incremental benefit in patients with nondiagnostic imaging, particularly in the intensive care setting. There are minimal data regarding its use in patients on mechanical cardiac support devices. This case highlights the additional diagnostic information provided with contrast‐enhanced imaging in a patient with shock, supported by a peripherally cannulated extra‐corporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) device. The signal persistence was reduced compared to the conventional setting, as anticipated but the concentration of perflutren microspheres remained sufficient to provide satisfactory endocardial definition, despite passage through a centrifugal pump. There was no adverse affect on the patient's cardiorespiratory status or ECMO function. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E112‐E114)
Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Early C3S Hydration
Authors: Lee Bo Yeon , Kurtis Kimberly E.
Published: June 2010

The effect of nanoanatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder on early‐age hydration kinetics of tricalcium silicate (C3S) was investigated. Isothermal calorimetry was performed on C3S pastes with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of TiO2 addition by weight, and two mathematical models—the Avrami (or JMAK) model and the boundary nucleation model (BN model)—were fitted to the data. For all of the mixes, the addition of TiO2 increased the peak reaction rate, and increased the degree of hydration at 12 and 24 h. The rate of hydration of 10% and 15% TiO2 pastes were accelerated, while the 5% TiO2 paste was delayed, lengthening the induction period as compared with the control paste. The model fits demonstrate that the BN model captures the kinetics of the reaction better, particularly in the deceleration period, than the Avrami model. This is related to the ratio of rate parameters (kB/kG) of the BN model, that the increasing ratio gives a more unsymmetrical shape of a rate curve. The increase in kB/kG with TiO2 addition at 5%, 10%, and 15% suggests that hydration product is formed on or near the surfaces of TiO2 particles, as well as on the C3S surface. These results demonstrate that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles accelerates the early hydration by providing additional nucleation sites, forming the foundation for future optimization of photocatalytic and other nanoparticle‐containing cements.
Who Cares? The Role of Job Involvement in Psychological Contract Violation
Authors: Stoner Jason S. , Gallagher Vickie C.
Published: June 2010

This study examined survey data from full‐time employees employed in a variety of occupations. We empirically examined how psychological involvement with one's job affects reactions to psychological contract violation. Data for control variables (i.e., age, gender, organizational tenure), the independent variable (i.e., psychological contract violation), and the moderator (i.e., job involvement) were taken at Time 1; and dependent variables (i.e., depressed mood at work, turnover intention) were taken at Time 2. Results illustrated that job involvement was an important construct in understanding individuals' negative reactions to psychological contract violations. Implications and limitations are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Role of aquaporin 5 in antigen‐induced airway inflammation and mucous hyperproduction in mice
Authors: Shen Yao , Wang Yaoli , Chen Zhihong , Wang Diane , Wang Xiangdong , Jin Meiling , Bai Chunxue
Published: June 2010

Airway inflammation and mucus hyperproduction play the central role in the development of asthma, although the mechanisms remain unclear. The aquaporin (AQP)‐5 may be involved in the process due to its contribution to the volume of liquid secreted from the airways. The present study firstly found the overexpression of AQP5 in the airway epithelium and submucosal glands of asthmatics. Furthermore, we aimed at evaluating the role of AQP5 in airway inflammation and mucous hyperproductions during chronic allergic responses to house dust mite (HDM). Bronchoalveolar lavage levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, interferon‐γ and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), and number of peribronchial and perivascular cells were measured in AQP5 wild‐type and AQP5 knockout (KO) mice. We found that HDM induced airway inflammation, lung Th2 cell accumulation and mucin hypersecretion in C57BL/6 mice rather than AQP5 KO mice. Expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B proteins and genes in the lung tissue was significantly lower in AQP5 KO mice. Thus, our results implicate involvement of AQP5 in the development of airway inflammation and mucous hyperproduction during chronic asthma.
Analysis of TSC Cortical Tubers by Deep Sequencing of TSC1, TSC2 and KRAS Demonstrates that Small Second‐Hit Mutations in these Genes are Rare Events
Authors: Qin Wei , Chan Jennifer A. , Vinters Harry V. , Mathern Gary W. , Franz David N. , Taillon Bruce E. , Bouffard Pascal , Kwiatkowski David J.
Published: June 2010

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an often severe neurocutaneous syndrome. Cortical tubers are the predominant neuropathological finding in TSC, and their number and location has been shown to correlate roughly with the severity of neurologic features in TSC. Past studies have shown that genomic deletion events in TSC1 or TSC2 are very rare in tubers, and suggested the potential involvement of the MAPK pathway in their pathogenesis. We used deep sequencing to assess all coding exons of TSC1 and TSC2, and the activating mutation hot spots within KRAS in 46 tubers from TSC patients. Germline heterozygous mutations were identified in 81% of tubers. The same secondary mutation in TSC2 was identified in six tuber samples from one individual. Further study showed that this second hit mutation was widely distributed in the cortex from one cerebral hemisphere of this individual at frequencies up to 10%. No other secondary mutations were found in the other 40 tubers analyzed. These data indicate that small second hit mutations in any of these three genes are very rare in TSC tubers. However, in one TSC individual, a second hit TSC2 point mutation occurred early during brain development, and likely contributed to tuber formation.
Sonographic evaluation of renal transplant complications
Authors: Sutherland T , Temple F , Chang S , Hennessy O , Lee W‐K
Published: June 2010

Renal transplants are the most frequent visceral transplant, and because of the absence of nephrotoxicity and radiation, ultrasound is widely used to monitor grafts and assess for complications. Complications can be categorised as vascular, parenchymal, ureteric and perinephric collections, with many occurring at predictable times post transplant. Awareness of these pathologies and their features is vital for all radiologists to enable early intervention and prolong graft survival.
‘GAP’ in radiotherapy services in Australia and New Zealand in 2009
Authors: Morgan GW , Barton M , Atkinson C , Millar J , Gogna N Kumar , Yeoh E
Published: June 2010

Aim: In this study we estimated (a) the number of linear accelerators required in Australia and New Zealand to achieve a 52.3% treatment rate; (b) the ‘GAP’ between the actual and required number of linear accelerators; c) the number of persons not treated (PNT), premature deaths (PD) and years of life lost (YLL) as a result of the ‘GAP’; and (d) to review the actions being taken by health jurisdictions in Australia and in New Zealand to address the ‘GAP’ and reach the 52.3% treatment rate.

Material and Methods: The actual number of fully staffed and operating linear accelerators (A) in Australian and New Zealand was obtained from a survey of radiotherapy facilities in December 2009. The required number of linear accelerators (R) was calculated from the projected cancer incidence figures for 2009 and was based on 1.6 linear accelerators being required per 1000 new cancer patients. The ‘GAP’ in Radiotherapy services (G) was R minus A. The maximum treatment capacity (MTC) was the ratio of A over R multiplied by 52.3%, assuming that all linear accelerators were operating at 100% capacity. As each linear accelerator can treat 331 new patients each year, the number of new cancer PNT is G × 331. The estimated 5‐year survival benefit from radiotherapy is 16%, and the average survival for all patients receiving radiotherapy (radical and palliative) is 0.76 year. Hence, the number of PD attributed to the ‘GAP’ is PNT × 16%, and the YLL to cancer is PNT × 0.76. A literature search and local knowledge of health department Radiotherapy Plans in all jurisdictions were used to determine the action being taken to achieve a 52.3% treatment rate.

Results: In 2009, the ‘GAP’ was 50 linear accelerators in Australia and the MTC was 38%, the same as it was in 1999, but there has been an increase in PNT each year from 7419 in 1999 to 16 550 in 2009, and PD each year increased from 1187 in 1999 to 2649 in 2009, and YLL each year increased from 5638 in 1999 to 12 585 in 2009. In New Zealand in 2009, the ‘GAP’ was nine linear accelerators and the MTC was 38%. An estimated 3310 persons did not receive radiotherapy in 2009 in New Zealand, and as a result, there were 523 PD and 2266 YLL. The review showed that new and replacement machines were being installed in all jurisdictions in Australia and in New Zealand. Only Victoria and Queensland have a Radiotherapy Plan beyond 2010, but both have underestimated the projected cancer incidence.

Conclusion: Urgent action is needed by health departments and governments on both sides of the Tasman to improve access and equity to this essential cancer treatment. There is merit in the Baume Report recommendation of establishing a national body to oversee radiotherapy services in all jurisdictions in Australia. A similar central body should also be considered for New Zealand.
Identification of Neotropical felid faeces using RCP‐PCR
Authors: ROQUES S. , ADRADOS B. , CHAVEZ C. , KELLER C. , MAGNUSSON W. E. , PALOMARES F. , GODOY J. A.
Published: June 2010

Faeces similarity among sympatric felid species has generally hampered their use in distributional, demographic and dietary studies. Here, we present a new and simple approach based on a set of species‐specific primers, for the unambiguous identification of faeces from sympatric neotropical felids (i.e. puma, jaguar, jaguarundi and ocelot/ margay). This method, referred to as rapid classificatory protocol‐PCR (RCP‐PCR), consists of a single‐tube multiplex PCR yielding species‐specific banding patterns on agarose gel. The method was optimized with samples of known origin (14 blood and 15 fresh faeces) and validated in faecal samples of unknown origin (n = 138), for some of which (n = 40) we also obtained species identification based on mtDNA sequencing. This approach proved reliable and provides high identification success rates from faeces. Its simplicity and cost effectiveness should facilitate its application for routine surveys of presence and abundance of these species.
Environment-specific noise suppression for improved speech intelligibility by cochlear implant users
Authors: Hu Yi , Loizou Philipos C.
Published: June 2010

Attempts to develop noise-suppression algorithms that can significantly improve speech intelligibility in noise by cochlear implant (CI) users have met with limited success. This is partly because algorithms were sought that would work equally well in all listening situations. Accomplishing this has been quite challenging given the variability in the temporal/spectral characteristics of real-world maskers. A different approach is taken in the present study focused on the development of environment-specific noise suppression algorithms. The proposed algorithm selects a subset of the envelope amplitudes for stimulation based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each channel. Binary classifiers, trained using data collected from a particular noisy environment, are first used to classify the mixture envelopes of each channel as either target-dominated (SNR≥0 dB) or masker-dominated (SNR<0 dB). Only target-dominated channels are subsequently selected for stimulation. Results with CI listeners indicated substantial improvements (by nearly 44 percentage points at 5 dB SNR) in intelligibility with the proposed algorithm when tested with sentences embedded in three real-world maskers. The present study demonstrated that the environment-specific approach to noise reduction has the potential to restore speech intelligibility in noise to a level near to that attained in quiet.
Ultrasonic elastic modes in solid bars: An application of the plane wave expansion method
Authors: Manzanares-Martinez Betsabe , Ramos-Mendieta Felipe , Baltazar Arturo
Published: June 2010

Ultrasonic elastic modes in solid bars are investigated theoretically and experimentally using the plane wave expansion method to calculate the dispersion curves k=k(ω) for longitudinal, torsional, and flexural waves. The plane wave extension method allows to consider rods of circular and square cross sections. The technique, which has received attention in the study of photonic and phononic crystals, is adapted in order to identify the various types of modes. Results are compared with predictions from semi-analytical models. The numerical approximation is validated with the experimental determination of the time-frequency dispersion curves. The technique based on the plane wave expansion method presented here could be a numerical alternative used to determine the wave propagation and modal vibration with high precision in structures like bars and cylinders. Practical applications of this study could include the inspection of long-span engineering systems with bar or cylinder like characteristics.
Wind-generated ambient noise in a shallow brackish water environment in the archipelago of the Gulf of Finland
Authors: Poikonen Ari , Madekivi Seppo
Published: June 2010

Underwater ambient noise measurements were carried out in a shallow (15–20 m) brackish water in the archipelago of the Gulf of Finland for period of 1 year. The absence of traffic noise made it possible to study wind driven effects in ambient noise at lower frequencies. The ambient noise comes mostly from local sources and the propagation effects are shown to be negligible. The ambient noise develops bubble type spectral features above 100 Hz as wind speed increases. Sharp spectral declines are observed below 500 Hz, which are most likely due to resonances from oscillating bubble clouds created by breaking waves. The low frequency range of the observed declines may partly be attributed to the larger bubble size in fresh and brackish waters. In the present study the wind speed dependence factor was ∼2.4 at 200 Hz, which is significantly higher than the typical factor of ∼1.5 for the ocean environment. The average high-frequency spectral slope was −4.9 dB/octave which is ∼1 dB/octave less than for typical deep water slopes. No significant seasonal effects were found in any parameter calculated from the ambient noise spectra.
Estimating loudness growth from tone-burst evoked responses
Authors: Silva Ikaro , Epstein Michael
Published: June 2010

Several studies have investigated the relationship between click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and loudness growth in human listeners. While some of these studies have reported promising results, showing a correlative relationship between click ABR and loudness growth as a function of level, additional studies are necessary to determine if similar results can be obtained with frequency-specific stimuli and more specific details of the loudness function can be derived from ABR recordings. The aims of this study, therefore, were to (1) develop a fully objective procedure that segments specific features of evoked, tone-burst ABR recordings, (2) investigate the feasibility of using information derived from these recordings for estimating frequency-specific loudness-growth functions, and (3) determine to what extent the loudness-growth estimation performance through ABR can be improved by controlling for residual noise levels and parametric fitting. Results from eight normal-hearing listeners using 1- and 4-kHz stimuli show that the average mean-square error of the loudness-growth estimation obtained through the procedure is comparable to that of standard psychoacoustical procedures used to estimate loudness growth. The data set has been made publicly available at www.physionet.org.
Sound-field reproduction systems using fixed-directivity loudspeakers
Authors: Poletti M. , Fazi F. M. , Nelson P. A.
Published: June 2010

Sound reproduction systems using open arrays of loudspeakers in rooms suffer from degradations due to room reflections. These reflections can be reduced using pre-compensation of the loudspeaker signals, but this requires calibration of the array in the room, and is processor-intensive. This paper examines 3D sound reproduction systems using spherical arrays of fixed-directivity loudspeakers which reduce the sound field radiated outside the array. A generalized form of the simple source formulation and a mode-matching solution are derived for the required loudspeaker weights. The exterior field is derived and expressions for the exterior power and direct to reverberant ratio are derived. The theoretical results and simulations confirm that minimum interference occurs for loudspeakers which have hyper-cardioid polar responses.
Experimental demonstration of a high-frequency forward scattering acoustic barrier in a dynamic coastal environment
Authors: Sabra Karim G. , Conti Stephane , Roux Philippe , Akal Tuncay , Kuperman William A. , Stevenson J. Mark , Tesei Alessandra , Guerrini Piero
Published: June 2010

Detecting a target by measuring its forward scattered field is of interest for harbor surveillance because target strength levels are generally higher in the forward direction than in the backward direction for simple geometries. An acoustic barrier based on forward scattering was demonstrated in a nearly range-independent shallow water environment. The experimental location was characterized by high reverberation, low temporal signal coherence, and, as a result, few stable multipath arrivals due to the fluctuating sea surface. This high-frequency experiment utilized a vertical source array, broadcasting broadside pulses, and a vertical receiver array spanning the water column. The signal of interest was the aberration (in space and time) caused by the acoustic forward scattering field of crossing targets (2-m-long aluminum cylinder, 1-m-diameter steel sphere and pair of scuba tanks). Hence, the spatial and temporal coherence of the recorded acoustic signals was first investigated to assess the stability of the early acoustic arrivals in this rapidly fluctuating coastal environment. A principal component analysis of the stable portion of the recorded acoustic signals was then used to determine the crossing time of the target and to isolate some of its scattered wavefield components.
Effect of fast-acting compression on modulation detection interference for normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners
Authors: Shen Yi , Lentz Jennifer J.
Published: June 2010

To determine the effects of hearing loss and fast-acting compression on auditory grouping based on across-frequency modulation, modulation detection interference (MDI) was measured in listeners with normal hearing and hearing loss. MDI, the increase in the amplitude-modulation detection threshold of a target presented with an interferer distant in frequency, was measured using a 500-Hz target and a 2140-Hz interferer, both modulated with narrow-band noises of the same bandwidth. The two modulated tones were presented at equal loudness levels to listeners with normal hearing and hearing loss in the absence (Exp. 1) and in the presence (Exp. 2) of fast-acting compression applied to the interferer. Modulation detection thresholds increased with increasing modulation depth of the interferer by similar amounts for the two groups of listeners, suggesting that across-frequency grouping based on amplitude modulation is not altered by hearing impairment. Compression provided an additional increase in thresholds for both groups, indicating that compression algorithms might alter across-frequency grouping cues. Partial support for an idea that compression’s effect of sharpening the onsets after each envelope valley is provided by a third experiment which found somewhat greater interference produced by square-wave modulation than sine-wave modulation at larger interferer modulation depths.