bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involving Patients in Research: the Challenge of Patient-Centredness
Authors: Tischler Victoria , D'Silva Karen , Cheetham Anna , Goring Mervin , Calton Tim
Published: September 2009

Background: The concept of patient-centredness is increasingly being incorporated into modern healthcare practice, yet little attention has been given to the development of patient-centred principles in research.

Aims: This study aimed to establish convergent validity for a definition of patient-centredness using abstracts from schizophrenia research and to explore the experiences of psychiatrists and service users taking part in research that was designed to be patient-centred.

Methods: Mixed methods were used in this community study.

Results: Thirteen service users and three psychiatrists took part. Service users rated eight of 60 research abstracts as patient-centred, even though 30 of these had been previously rated as such by psychiatrists. There was some accord between psychiatrist and service user ratings as seven out of eight abstracts were identified by both groups as patient-centred. Process aspects of research were valued by service users, for example, being respected as collaborators. Both groups reported benefits to participation in patient-centred research, such as feeling valued and breaking down barriers between doctor and patient.

Conclusions: While there is some agreement between professionals and service users as to what constitutes patient-centred research, other process-related factors are important. Patient-centred research is valued by both service users and doctors and should be incorporated into future studies.
The Economic Burden of Psychiatric Disorders in Sweden
Authors: Tiainen Anne , Rehnberg Clas
Published: September 2009

Background and aim: The incidence of mental ill health in Sweden has increased over the past few years. Thus, the aim of this study is to estimate the burden of psychiatric disorders for both the direct and indirect costs in Sweden for 2001 by making comparisons with data from 1998.

Method: The cost-of-illness approach, which is based on human-capital theory, was applied. We have chosen a prevalence approach and a top-down method based on aggregate healthcare expenditures from national databases.

Results: The total annual economic burden of psychiatric disorders in Sweden is estimated to be 9.4 billion (1 = SEK9.1). The direct costs are estimated to be 1.9 billion comprising 20% of the total costs. The indirect costs are estimated to be 7.5 billion and account for the remaining 80%. A comparison with previous studies indicates that the indirect costs were 60% and 53% in 1975 and 1991, respectively.

Conclusion: The number of beds in specialized psychiatric care decreased by 11% between 1998 and 2001 but the indirect costs increased dramatically (e.g. the number of days of sick leave almost doubled during the same period).
Access to Social Capital and Social Support Among South East Asian Women With Severe Mental Health Problems: a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Dutt Krishnakshi , Webber Martin
Published: September 2009

Background: Migrant groups in the UK are at an increased risk of experiencing psychosis. In particular, South East Asian women are substantially more at risk of mental illness than men. Perceived social support and access to social capital are two important psychosocial factors, which may explain this differential risk.

Aims: This study aimed to explore if migrant status was associated with the perception of social support and access to social capital of Punjabi women suffering from enduring mental illness.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a homogeneous group of Punjabi women ( n = 54). Outcome measures included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Resource Generator-UK (RG-UK).

Results: No significant differences were found between the two generations on our outcome measures. However, univariate analysis revealed an association of socio-economic and demographic variables with the MSPSS and RG-UK. Linear regression confirmed that being employed, living with others and human capital predicted increased access to social capital.

Conclusions: Intervening to help this vulnerable group to enhance their social skills and to develop their social networks may improve their access to social capital and promote their recovery from mental illness.
The Outcome of Family Interventions for the Mothers of Schizophrenia Patients in Iran
Authors: Koolaee Anahita Khodabakhshi , Etemadi Ahmad
Published: September 2009

Family intervention in schizophrenia is known to reduce high expressed emotion (EE) burden in relatives, reduce patients’ relapse and improve patient functioning; but these issues have not been studied in Iran.

Aims: To examine the effects of behavioural family management (based on Falloon’s model) for Iranian mothers of patients with schizophrenia, compared with psychoeducation and standard care.

Method: Randomized controlled trial in Iran with 55 mothers of outpatients with schizophrenia, of whom 18 received behavioural family management, 19 psychoeducation and 18 standard care. All groups included mothers in all sessions and excluded the patients. Intervention was provided for three months and outcomes were compared at the end of intervention (T1) and over a follow-up period: after three months (T2) and after six months (T3).

Results: Psychoeducation consistently produced greater reduced burden in mothers and reduced positive symptoms in patients over the intervention and follow-up periods, compared with the other two treatments. On the other hand, behavioural family management significantly reduced EE in mothers compared to the other groups. However, the results indicated that family interventions have benefits for mothers and patients.

Conclusions: Family interventions for Iranian mothers of schizophrenia patients can substantially benefit from family functioning.
Community Beliefs About Causes and Risks for Mental Disorders: a Mental Health Literacy Survey in a Rural Area of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kermode Michelle , Bowen Kathryn , Arole Shoba , Joag Kaustubh , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: September 2009

Background: Explanations for mental disorders in India can be influenced by biomedicine, systems of traditional medicine and supernatural beliefs. Community beliefs about causes of mental distress influence help-seeking behaviours. This study aimed to assess local knowledge and understanding of causes and risks for mental disorders in a rural area of Maharashtra, and to assess the prevalence of possible common mental disorders.

Methods: A cross-sectional mental health literacy survey was undertaken in late 2007. A questionnaire was administered to 240 systematically sampled community members and 60 village health workers (VHWs). Participants were presented with two vignettes describing people experiencing symptoms of mental disorders (depression, psychosis); they were asked about the causes of the problems and the vulnerabilities of community sub-groups. Additionally, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) was administered to assess prevalence of possible common mental disorders.

Results: The most commonly acknowledged causes of the problems were a range of socioeconomic factors. Supernatural and biological explanations were not widely endorsed. Women, the unemployed and the poor were judged as more likely to develop mental disorders, while both young and older people were perceived to be less vulnerable. Results of the GHQ12 indicated that 27% had a possible common mental disorder and that the elderly were at increased risk, contrary to community perceptions.

Conclusion: Enhancing mental health literacy of both VHWs and community members using approaches that are sensitive to local conceptualizations of mental health and illness will contribute to improved treatment and care for people with mental disorders. Further investigation of mental health among the elderly in this community is indicated.
Genetic Programming Based Data Mining Approach to Dispatching Rule Selection in a Simulated Job Shop
Authors: Baykasoğlu Adil , Göçken Mustafa , Özbakir Lale
Published: September 2009

In this paper, a genetic programming based data mining approach is proposed to select dispatching rules which will result in competitive shop performance under a given set of shop parameters (e.g. interarrival times, pre-shop pool length). The main purpose is to select the most appropriate conventional dispatching rule set according to the current shop parameters. In order to achieve this, full factorial experiments are carried out to determine the effect of input parameters on predetermined performance measures. Afterwards, a genetic programming based data mining tool that is known as MEPAR-miner (multi-expression programming for classification rule mining) is employed to extract knowledge on the selection of best possible conventional dispatching rule set according to the current shop status. The obtained results have shown that the selected dispatching rules are appropriate ones according to the current shop parameters. All of the results are illustrated via numerical examples and experiments on simulated data.
An Integrated Modeling Framework for Exploring Network Reconfiguration of Distributed Controlled Homogenous Power Inverter Network using Composite Lyapunov Function Based Reachability Bound
Authors: Mazumder Sudip K. , Tahir Muhammad , Acharya Kaustuva
Published: September 2009

We describe an integrated modeling framework for an interactive power network (IPN) consisting of a power network (PN) and a wireless communication network (WCN). The PN is modeled using a set of piecewise linear (PWL) equations. The WCN is modeled using a Markov chain-based model that can capture the randomness of the communication channel. The impacts of the WCN are incorporated into the PN models using variable time delays. By formulating a convex optimization problem based on a composite Lyapunov function and solving this problem using linear matrix inequality solvers, we predict the reaching criteria for orbital existence. We investigate the impacts of time delays due to the wireless network and communication channel disruptions on the reachability bound, mean square stability, and performance of the IPN. Subsequently, using the integrated modeling framework, we demonstrate the efficacy of a scheme to jointly optimize control performance and network resource utilization. We demonstrate how communication fault tolerant protocols can be implemented to ensure that the IPNs operate within their reachability and performance bounds, despite one or more disruptions in the communication channels. We further demonstrate that when the WCN is clustered due to communication disruptions, each cluster can optimize its control communication network.
Implementation of a Flight Control Tower Simulator using Commercial Off-the-shelf Hardware
Authors: Mo Shifeng  , Wang Danxia
Published: September 2009

Simulation is an effective training method for air traffic control to ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry, which is growing quickly. In this paper, the key techniques are explored in the implementation of a cost-effective approach to constructing a flight control tower simulator using commodities. A client/server styled architecture is proposed to divide the system into subsystems, and a process model is abstracted to describe the high-level process of the system. Finite state machines (FSMs) and a primitive—command interaction mechanism are proposed for efficient behavior representation and flexible control of the simulated entities (which are encapsulated into a computing kernel component to handle the real-time computation and interaction), respectively, resulting in higher maintainability and extensibility. Parallel rendering based on a PC cluster and image warping and edge blending algorithms are explored to generate virtual tower out-the-window scenes of ultra-high resolutions and seamless tiled displays on a cylindrical screen, respectively; thus the special hardware is replaced with commercial off-the-shelf hardware to achieve much lower cost and higher maintainability. With these techniques, a flight control tower simulator based on COTS hardware has been implemented and employed to train some tower controllers in China.
The Fine Structure of the Kapok Fiber
Authors: Meiwu Shi , Hong Xiao , Weidong Yu
Published: September 2009

The fine structure of kapok fiber was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The walls of the fibers contained five layers, observable both in lateral and in longitudinal cross-sections: the cuticle, S; primary wall, W1; secondary wall, W2; tertiary wall, W3; and inner skin, IS. W1, with a thickness of about 200 nm, was characterized by an interlaced fibril-like network. The fine structure of kapok fiber showed that there was an obvious fibril structure. The fibrils of W2 were arranged at a certain angle to the fiber axis; and those of W3 were closely packed and aligned parallel to the fiber axis. The thicknesses of W2 and W3 were the same, about 500 nm. The highest packing density lay in the cuticle, which is the protective layer of the fiber, while the structures of W1 and W3 were more compact than that of W2. Fibrils were easily separated from the relatively loose IS, and dispersed in the lumen. Moreover, there was a transition layer of low-packing density between adjacent layers. The interactions between the fibrils in the transitional layers were weaker than those in the individual layers. The sizes of the smallest visible structural units were not the same for the different walls and the geometric scales were in the range between that of protofibrils and fibrils. The smallest fibril size was 3.2-5.0 nm, which is near the dimensions of the protofibrils of the cotton fiber. Some larger fibrils of different sizes were also observed in the different walls.
Deodorizing and Antibacterial Abilities of Knitted Cotton Fabrics Mordant Dyed with Reactive Dyes and Copper (II) Sulfate
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuko , Kosaka Kimie , Nakanishi Tadashi
Published: September 2009

Non-mercerized and mercerized knitted cotton fabrics were dyed with the copper-containing reactive dyes, C.I. Reactive Blue 237 and C.I. Reactive Blue 71, and pre- and post-mordanted with copper (II) sulfate. We investigated the effects of the type and concentration of dye, the type of cotton fabric, and the difference in mordanting methods on ethanethiol deodorizing ability. The deodorizing abilities conferred by pre-mordanting with copper sulfate (pre), dyeing (D), dyeing after pre-mordanting (pre-D) or post-mordanting with copper sulfate after dyeing (D-post) were in the order D < pre-D < D-post < pre. The deodorizing abilities of the sample fabrics with higher copper ion uptakes were not necessarily higher. The abilities of the mordant-dyed non-mercerized cotton samples were higher than those of the mordant-dyed mercerized cotton samples. The mordant-dyed non-mercerized knitted cotton samples adsorb larger amounts of copper ions directly bound to cotton during pre-mordanting. The ability of the copper ions bound to cotton and to the dye during pre- or post-mordanting is higher than that of the copper ions contained in the dye molecule. In addition, mordant-dyed cotton fabrics exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, and thus had potential as deodorizing/antibacterial fabrics.
Sorption Characteristics of Indigo Carmine as a Blue Colorant for Use in One-bath Natural Dyeing
Authors: Komboonchoo Sunsanee , Bechtold Thomas
Published: September 2009

Indigo carmine can be used as model for a blue natural colorant for wool and hair dyeing in a one-bath procedure. The sorption and dyeing properties of indigo carmine on wool are studied as a prerequisite for the successful application in combination with natural dye. To evaluate the suitable conditions for the dyeing process, different pH, dye concentrations and temperatures were studied. The dyeing and sorption characteristics on wool were determined on the basis of spectrophotometry and color measurement. Both high dye sorption and color strength were obtained when dyeing at elevated temperature, e.g. 80°C, and lower pH, e.g. pH 3. However, there is significant potential to apply the dyestuff also at temperatures in the range of 40—60°C and pH values of 4—5. Depending on the dyebath pH the sorption isotherms follow the Langmuir- or Freundlich-type isotherm. At pH 3 and 4 Langmuir isotherms are observed, while at pH 5, 6 and 7 sorption on wool follows the Freundlich isotherm behavior. From the dyeing isotherms the standard affinity (Δµ) of the dyeing step was determined. At pH 3 the heat of dyeing (ΔH) and entropy of dyeing (ΔS) were calculated as 40.22 kJ mol -1 and 0.19 kJ mol-1 K -1, respectively.
A New Method for Measuring Luster Index Based on Image Processing
Authors: Hadjianfar Mehdi , Semnani Dariush , Sheikhzadeh Mohammad
Published: September 2009

Appearance is an important property of textiles, and in specifying textile appearance luster should be taken into account. There are many problems involved in defining and measuring the luster of textile surfaces, so luster and its measurement have been the subject of extensive investigation, in both theoretical and practical aspects. Many types of surface have been studied and many methods of assessing luster have been devised. There are several devices which are designed to measure luster and gloss, some designed specifically for textiles. However, there is still a lack of information regarding measurement and evaluation of luster of textile surfaces. Current methods investigate fabric via one or more directions and are not capable of providing a general view of fabric luster with regard to appearance, in particular for uneven fabrics. This study reports on a new methodology to obtain an index for the luster of fabric, which compares the luster of fabrics via image analysis. The method produces results consistent with human evaluation of luster, whereas in previous methods the lighting and procedures used in luster calculation have differed from the real-world situations of fabric usage. The method presented in this research, for all samples, takes photographs of fabrics in various directions under constant conditions, and derives the luminance of images. An index is obtained for the luster of fabrics by analyzing the luminance of fabrics.
A Numerical Approach to Simulate Fiber Motion Trajectory in an Airflow Field in Compact Spinning with a Perforated Drum
Authors: Zhuan Yong Zou  , Long Di Cheng  , Zhi Hong Hua
Published: September 2009

Based on conventional ring spinning, the aim of compact spinning as an innovative spinning technology is to produce superior yarns. In this paper, according to the airflow rule in the condensing zone of compact spinning with a perforated drum, the dynamic model for simulating the fiber motion trajectory in the condensing zone is constructed and is solved by a specially designed MATLAB program. The motion trajectories of fibers placed at different initial positions have indicated the pneumatic condensing mechanism and condensing effect of compact spinning with a perforated drum.
Modeling the Creep Behavior of Plain Woven Fabrics Constructed from Textured Polyester Yarn
Authors: Asayesh Azita , Jeddi Ali A. A.
Published: September 2009

This study focuses on the theoretical and experimental creep behavior of plain woven fabrics using the yarn creep property and the structural—mechanical parameters of the fabric. For this purpose, two viscoelastic models, i.e. the Kelvin model in series with a spring and the Eyring model, were developed as a theoretical analysis to predict the fabric elongation while subjected to a constant load. Then, the theoretical results from these models were compared with experimental results for fabrics of different weft densities. It was obtained that the later model shows closer results to the experimental creep than earlier model. It was also found that an increase in weft density leads to a decrease in fabric creep.
A New Analytical Solution of the Twist Wave Propagation Equation with its Application in a Modified Ring Spinning System
Authors: Hong Bo Tang  , Bin Gang Xu  , Xiao Ming Tao
Published: September 2009

This paper is devoted to the formulation of new analytical solutions and exploration of physical interpretation for yarn twist propagation in staple yarn spinning. The wave equation governing the twist propagation is solved by using the complex exponential representation of the rotating angle of a yarn cross-section. Provided that the influence of twist blockage is allowed to be ignorable, the solution of the wave equation can be formulated by the superposition of two counterpropagating waves: one twist wave propagating in the positive s direction with a velocity of v0 + v and the other one traveling along with the negative s direction with a velocity of v0 — v. The Doppler effect could be found in the twist propagation process. Further, the proposed method is applied in a false twisting process and a modified low-torque ring spinning frame. Finally, the corresponding twist distribution and the torques of twisting devices are derived.
Urban Hierarchies and City Growth in the Balkans
Authors: Dimou Michel , Schaffar Alexandra
Published: September 2009

This paper uses empirical evidence from the Balkan peninsula during the 1981—2001 period, in order to study the dynamic patterns of a conflict-affected city-size distribution. By examining the time variations of the Pareto exponent on the one hand and by exploring cities’ relative growth patterns and intradistribution mobility on the other, the paper shows that city growth dynamics follow a ‘hybrid’ pattern, where city size filters the effects of external shocks. City-size dynamics thus seem more complex than that predicted by random growth or endogenous growth theories. In the Balkan peninsula, during the 1981—2001 period, medium-sized city demographics have resisted external shocks due to conflicts, redrawing of national frontiers and institutional upheaval better than large conglomerations. However, this does not lead to convergence towards a steady city size.
From Elevated Freeway to Urban Greenway: Land Value Impacts of the CGC Project in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Kang Chang Deok , Cervero Robert
Published: September 2009

In 2003—04, the Cheong Gye Cheon elevated freeway in Seoul, Korea, was torn down and replaced by an urban stream and linear park. This bold initiative aimed to enhance the quality of central-city living by replacing a mobility asset that was also a nuisance with an attractive urban amenity. This research analyses the impacts of the freeway-to-greenway conversion on commercial and residential property values using multilevel hedonic price models. Specifically, for non-residential uses, it was found that there were land value premiums for parcels within 500 metres of the corridor for both the former freeway and the present-day urban greenway. However, premiums were notably higher for parcels within the 500-metre walkshed of the urban greenway entrance points than the freeway on-ramps. It is concluded that Seoul’s unique freeway disinvestment/greenway investment conferred net benefits to both residential and non-residential land markets.
Is a Thorough QTc Study Necessary? The Role of Modeling and Simulation in Evaluating the QTc Prolongation Potential of Drugs
Authors: Rohatagi Shashank , Carrothers Timothy J. , Kuwabara‐Wagg Jon , Khariton Tatiana
Published: September 2009

Concentration‐QT (C‐QT) modeling has been conducted for multiple compounds at various stages of development in different therapeutic areas. Data from available single and multiple ascending‐dose (SAD/MAD) studies were pooled to construct population C‐QT models, with post hoc predictions of concentration from a pharmacokinetic model. All SAD and MAD studies employed a customized robust QTc assessment with time‐matched triplicate electrocardiograms and centralized manual QTc reading. Sources of variability were characterized, and the relationship between covariates and model parameters was explored, with a particular emphasis on correction for heart rate and diurnal variation. The results of population prediction of QTc prolongation were compared to available thorough QTc (TQT) study results, and the C‐QT model was evaluated to determine whether it could establish the QTc prolongation relationship without the TQT results. Negative TQT study results confirmed negative simulation results from phase I/II C‐QT models. Simulations were undertaken to characterize the ability of pooled C‐QT modeling to obviate the need for a TQT. C‐QT modeling should be implemented as a standard part of modeling and simulation at different phases of drug development and used in conjunction with other data that influence the need and/or the timing of a TQT study.
Does One Size Fit All? Investigating Heterogeneity in Men’s Preferences for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment Using Mixed Logit Analysis
Authors: Eberth Barbara , Watson Verity , Ryan Mandy , Hughes Jenny , Barnett Gillian
Published: September 2009

In this study, the authors demonstrate how mixed logit analysis of discrete choice experiment (DCE) data can provide information about unobserved preference heterogeneity. Their application investigates unobserved heterogeneity in men’s preferences for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. They use a DCE to elicit preferences for seven characteristics of BPH treatment: time to symptom improvement, sexual and nonsexual treatment side effects, risks of acute urinary retention and surgery, cost of treatment, and reduction in prostate size. They investigate the importance of these characteristics and the trade-offs men are willing to make between them. Preferences are elicited from a sample of 100 men attending an outpatient clinic in Ireland. The authors find all treatment characteristics are significant determinants of treatment choice. There is significant preference heterogeneity in the population for four treatment characteristics: time to symptom improvement, treatment reducing prostate size, risk of surgery, and sexual side effects. The importance of preference heterogeneity at the policy level within the context of shared decision making is discussed.
Decision-Analytic Modeling to Evaluate Benefits and Harms of Medical Tests: Uses and Limitations
Authors: Trikalinos Thomas A. , Siebert Uwe , Lau Joseph
Published: September 2009

The clinical utility of medical tests is measured by whether the information they provide affects patient-relevant outcomes. To a large extent, effects of medical tests are indirect in nature. In principle, a test result affects patient outcomes mainly by influencing treatment choices. This indirectness in the link between testing and its downstream effects poses practical challenges to comparing alternate test-and-treat strategies in clinical trials. Keeping in mind the broader audience of researchers who perform comparative effectiveness reviews and technology assessments, the authors summarize the rationale for and pitfalls of decision modeling in the comparative evaluation of medical tests by virtue of specific examples. Modeling facilitates the interpretation of test performance measures by connecting the link between testing and patient outcomes, accounting for uncertainties and explicating assumptions, and allowing the systematic study of tradeoffs and uncertainty. The authors discuss challenges encountered when modeling test-and-treat strategies, including but not limited to scarcity of data on important parameters, transferring estimates of test performance across studies, choosing modeling outcomes, and obtaining summary estimates for test performance data.
The geographies of cultural geography I: identities, bodies and race
Authors: Tolia-Kelly Divya P.
Published: September 2009

This report proposes that if cultural geography seeks to continue to be ‘world-class’ and ‘international’ in its outlook and in praxis it then needs to shift the interface between the academy and the ‘other’ both within it and without. There is, in particular, a need to make academic aspirations more international and to make practice within the academy more inclusive and politically orientated towards valuing scholarship and scholars at the edges and margins of, and ‘other’ to, the usual moral geographies of the discipline.
The Association of Sibling Relationship and Abuse With Later Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Mackey Amber L. , Fromuth Mary Ellen , Kelly David B.
Published: September 2009

This study of 59 undergraduate men and 85 undergraduate women explored how defining emotional and physical sibling abuse affected the frequency of reported sibling abuse. In addition, the current study examined how the emotional context of the sibling relationship (i.e., rivalry and conflict) moderated the relationship between sibling abuse and later psychological adjustment (i.e., depression and anxiety). Respondents completed self-report questionnaires of sibling abuse (CTS2-SP), self-labeling of sibling abuse, quality of sibling relationships (SRQ), depression (CES-D), and anxiety (ZAS). Results indicated differences in frequency of reported abuse depending on how sibling abuse was defined. Also, there were no statistically significant correlations between the CTS2-SP and measures of psychological adjustment. Although self-labeling as emotionally abused correlated with later anxiety, the emotional context of the sibling relationship did not moderate this relationship.
MMP-2 and MMP-9 Alteration in Response to Collaring in Rabbits: The Effects of Endothelin Receptor Antagonism
Authors: Reel Buket , Oktay Gulgun , Ozkal Sermin , Islekel Huray , Ozer Erdener , Ozsarlak-Sozer Gonen , Cavdar Zahide , Akhisaroglu Serpil Tanriverdi , Kerry Zeliha
Published: September 2009

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and, in particular, gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), have been implicated in vascular cell proliferation and/or migration, contributing to intimal thickening, an essential stage in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis following balloon angioplasty. Endothelin, a strong chemoatractant and mitogen, has been shown to promote smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by activating MMPs via endothelin-A (ETA) receptors. The positioning of a soft silicon collar around the left carotid artery in rabbits results in intimal thickening. In this study, we investigate the possible role of gelatinases and the effect of a nonselective ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, TAK-044 (5 mg/kg body weight/day, subcutaneously [sc]), on these enzymes. Our results demonstrated that both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities increased in response to collaring in placebo group, while treatment with TAK-044 significantly suppressed both gelatinase activities and proMMP-2 levels, and inhibited intimal thickening in collared arteries. These results suggest that either enhanced MMP expression or endothelin receptor antagonism may be involved in the formation of intimal thickening in this model.
Clinical Review: Is the Perioperative Use of β-Blockers Still Recommended? A Critical Review of Recent Controversies
Authors: Domanski Damian , Schwarz Ernst R.
Published: September 2009

The optimal role of β-adrenergic receptor blockade in the perioperative period remains unclear in patients at risk for cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular complications continue to be the most common cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality, and cardioprotective properties of β-blockers are widely recognized, yet the results of the clinical trials investigating the use of different β-blockers in the perioperative period are controversial. The discrepancy might be related to differences in the design of studies, use of different agents, administration by different routes, and continuation for different time intervals. Evidently, perioperative mortality and morbidity seem to be related to heart rate, and the majority of complications are related to β-blockers’ side effects. Based on the observations from different studies, we propose an algorithm for perioperative β blockade.
On Building Bridges, Facilitating Dialogue, and Delineating Priorities: A Tribute to Mark Easterby-Smith and his Contribution to Organizational Learning
Authors: Vera Dusya
Published: September 2009

We honor Mark Easterby-Smith for three fundamental contributions to the organizational learning (OL) discipline. First, Mark Easterby-Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit and intellectual curiosity have led him to evolve dynamically as the field has evolved. From his roots in management education and development, Mark’s work has connected the four areas of organizational learning, the learning organization, knowledge management, and dynamic capabilities. Second, consistent with his criticism that the OL field has been dominated by quantitative methods and positivist approaches, Mark has pursued qualitative work and generated rich case data and novel theories. Finally, in a discipline in which diverse terms and definitions abound and interconnections among these terms are frequently absent, Mark Easterby-Smith has taken the role of an organizer, an integrator, and a builder. He has facilitated dialogue in a very inclusive fashion. Indeed, the way in which Mark Easterby-Smith has evolved and supported the community may be his greatest contribution.
Mapping conversations about new media: the theoretical field of digital communication
Authors: Scolari Carlos Alberto
Published: September 2009

This article reflects on the current state of digital communication studies in the context of mass communication research. The objectives of the article are: 1) to characterize the enunciators and the contents of scientific conversations about digital communication; and 2) to sketch a map of possible interlocutors who might enrich this new research field. After quickly exploring the paradigms of mass communication studies, the article deals with the main theoretical conversations about digital communication. The second part of the article describes the transformations that the appearance of digital technology has generated in communication processes. The article concludes with an agenda of the main issues and partners that theoretical conversations about digital communication should include. The article analyzes the constitution of a new scientific field and describes the process that may, in the future, lead to the creation of a theory of digital communication.
The political blogosphere in China: A content analysis of the blogs regarding the dismissal of Shanghai leader Chen Liangyu
Authors: Zhou Xiang
Published: September 2009

Despite the rapid growth of blogging in China, little is known about the communicative processes of blogs and their implications for China. This current study aims to bridge that gap by specifically looking at the political blogs posted on the NetEase, one of the largest portal websites in China, regarding the dismissal of Shanghai leader Chen Liangyu. Results from a content analysis indicate that bloggers, giving quick responses to the event, were actively engaged in discussions on politically sensitive topics, and expressed different opinions of the event and even criticism of the government.
Governance of Data Initialization for Service Oriented Architecture-based Military Simulation and Command and Control Federations
Authors: Lanman Jeremy T. , Proctor Michael D.
Published: September 2009

Military simulation and command and control federations have become large, complex distributed systems that integrate with a variety of legacy and current simulations, and real command and control systems locally as well as globally. As these systems continue to become increasingly more complex so does the data that initializes them.This increased complexity has introduced a major problem in data initialization coordination, which has been handled by many organizations in various ways. Service-oriented architecture (SOA) solutions have been introduced to promote easier data interoperability through the use of standards-based reusable services and common infrastructure. However, current SOA-based solutions do not incorporate formal governance techniques to drive the architecture in providing reliable, consistent, and timely information exchange. This article identifies the need to establish governance for data service development oversight, presents current research and applicable solutions that address some aspects of SOA-based federation data service governance, and proposes a conceptual governance reference model for initialization of data in SOA-based simulation, and command and control federations.
Effect on lung function and morning activities of budesonide/formoterol versus salmeterol/fluticasone in patients with COPD
Authors: Partridge Martyn R. , Schuermann Wolfgang , Beckman Ola , Persson Tore , Polanowski Tomasz
Published: September 2009

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often experience symptoms and problems with activities early in the morning. This is the first study to compare the effect of budesonide/formoterol and salmeterol/fluticasone on lung function, symptoms and activities early in the morning.

Methods: Lung function (peak expiratory flow [PEF] and forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1]) and symptoms were measured at bedside and activities were measured during the morning using a six-item questionnaire concerning basic morning routines. In a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, cross-over study, 442 patients with COPD aged ≥40 years (pre-bronchodilator FEV1 ≤50%; FEV1/vital capacity <70%) received budesonide/formoterol (320/9 µg, one inhalation twice daily) dry powder inhaler (DPI) or salmeterol/fluticasone (50/500 µg, one inhalation twice daily) DPI daily, for 1 week each, separated by a 1- to 2-week washout. Lung function (PEF and FEV1) shortly after rising from bed in the morning, symptoms and basic morning activities were assessed by electronic diary (e-Diary) recordings.

Results: Budesonide/formoterol and salmeterol/fluticasone treatment increased morning PEF 5 minutes post-dose, measured as a mean improvement from baseline over the full study period (primary endpoint; adjusted mean change: 15.1 l/min and 14.2 l/min, respectively [difference 1.0 l/min; p = 0.603]). Mean morning FEV1 improved more following budesonide/ formoterol treatment versus salmeterol/fluticasone at 5 minutes (0.12 l versus 0.09 l; p = 0.090) and 15 minutes (0.14 l versus 0.10 l; p < 0.05) post-dose. Budesonide/formoterol demonstrated a more rapid onset of effect as reflected by increases in e-Diary-recorded PEF and FEV 1 from pre-dose to 5 and 15 minutes post-dose (all p < 0.001) and spirometry at the clinic measured after the first dose (FEV1 p < 0.001; 5 minutes post-dose). Improvements in symptom scores within 15 minutes after drug administration were similar for both drugs, but budesonide/formoterol treatment resulted in significantly greater improvements in total morning activities score (getting washed, dried, dressed, eating breakfast and walking around the home; 0.22 versus 0.12 respectively, p < 0.05). Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions: Short-term treatment with budesonide/formoterol DPI or salmeterol/fluticasone DPI was effective in patients with COPD. Budesonide/formoterol had a more rapid onset of effect compared with salmeterol/fluticasone and resulted in greater improvements in ability to perform morning activities despite the lower inhaled corticosteroid dose.
Regional functions of the left ventricle in patients with coronary slow flow and the effects of nebivolol
Authors: Gunes Yilmaz , Tuncer Mustafa , Guntekin Unal , Ceylan Yemlihan , Sahin Musa , Simsek Hakki
Published: September 2009

Background: Microvascular and endothelial dysfunction have been implicated for coronary slow flow (CSF). Nebivolol, besides its beta-receptor blocking activity, causes an endothelium-dependent vasodilatation through increased nitric oxide release.

Methods: This study included 27 patients with CSF and 27 subjects with normal coronary arteries. Segmental functions of the left ventricle (LV) were assessed using myocardial tissue Doppler velocities before and 3 months after treatment with nebivolol 5 mg/day.

Results: Compared with the control group, mitral deceleration time (DT) was significantly longer, and E/A ratio, systolic velocity of lateral mitral annulus (Sm) and regional myocardial peak systolic and early diastolic velocities (V s, Vd) were significantly lower in patients with CSF. The reason for coronary angiography was typical angina in 21 (77.8%) and positive treadmill test in six (22.2%) CSF patients. There were significant correlations between presence of CSF in left anterior descending artery (LAD) with S m ( r =-0.404, p =0.002) and Vs in anterior ( r =-0.531, p < 0.001 ) and lateral ( r =-0.495, p < 0.001 ) segments and between presence of CSF in RCA and Vs in posterior segments ( r =-0.501, p < 0.001). Treatment with nebivolol significantly decreased blood pressures (128.5±12.5/82.5±8.8 to 119.8± 12.6/76.4± 7.4 mmHg, p < 0.001), DT (252.3±53.6 to 222.0±41.0 ms, p < 0.001 ) and IVRT (115.7±19.9 to 103.3±17.0 ms, p <0.001), and increased exercise capacity (8.7±1.3 to 10.4±0.9 METs, p < 0.001), E/A ratio (0.87±0.26 to 1.08±0.23, p <0.001) and myocardial velocities ( p < 0.001). All the patients were free of angina after treatment. Patients with CSF had impaired diastolic and regional LV functions.

Conclusions: Nebivolol may therefore be useful in improving angina, exercise capacity and LV functions in patients with CSF.
Positional Effects of the Knee and Ankle on the Ends of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Wray Walter H. , Regan Conor , Patel Sagar , May Ryan , Parekh Selene G.
Published: September 2009

Conservative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures in a plantarflexed short leg cast or functional brace is a viable alternative to surgery. The ideal plantarflexion angle to allow the free ends of the tendon to oppose one another has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to define a plantarflexion angle where the free Achilles tendon ends reliably oppose one another. Ten cadaveric legs amputated at the distal femur were obtained. A laceration of the Achilles tendon was made 4 cm above the calcaneal insertion. A joint-spanning external fixator was placed across the knee. With differing degrees of knee flexion (0, 45, and 90 degrees), the diastasis between the free ends of the Achilles tendon was measured as the ankle was moved from 20 degrees of dorsiflexion to 30 degrees of plantarflexion (—20, —10, neutral, 10, 20, and 30 degrees). Regardless of knee flexion angle, the ankle plantarflexion angle where the free ends of the Achilles tendon opposed one another was 28.0 (95% confidence interval: 25.0-33.6) degrees. The ideal ankle angle in which to immobilize patients appears tightly clustered around 28 degrees of plantarflexion.
Recovery of Calf Muscle Strength Following Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment
Authors: Metz Roderik , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G. , Verleisdonk Egbert-Jan M. M. , Tamminga Rob , van der Werken Christiaan
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures on calf muscle strength recovery. Eighty-three patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomly allocated to either minimally invasive surgery with functional after-treatment or conservative treatment by functional bracing. Calf muscle strength using isokinetic testing was evaluated at 3 months and after 6 or more months posttreatment. To exclusively investigate the effect of treatment on outcome, the authors excluded patients with major complications from the analysis. In 31 of 39 patients in the surgical treatment group and 25 of 34 patients in the conservative treatment group, isokinetic strength tests were performed. In the analysis of differences in mean peak torque, no statistically significant differences were found between surgery and conservative treatment, except for plantar flexion strength at 90 degrees per second at the second measurement, favoring conservative treatment. After 8 to 10 months follow- up, loss of plantar flexion strength was still present in the injured leg in both treatment groups. In conclusion, isokinetic muscle strength testing did not detect a statistically significant difference between minimally invasive surgical treatment with functional after-treatment and conservative treatment by functional bracing of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
Characterisation of detonation sprayed Mo–Co–Cr–B alloy coatings
Authors: Lv H. P. , Wang J. , Yan Y. G. , An Q. Z. , Nie P. L. , Sun B. D.
Published: September 2009

A novel thermal spray material of Mo–Co–Cr–B with high durability in molten alloys has been developed to utilise for die casting parts and for galvanising bath parts. In the present paper, detonation gun (D gun) spray technique was used to deposit a Mo–Co–Cr–B alloy coating onto 316L stainless steel substrate, and the microstructures and mechanical properties of the coating system were studied using XRD, SEM, tensile test and Vickers microhardness. The results show that the microstructures of the coating consisted of ternary transition metal borides matrix CoMo2B2, CoMoB, as well as a little amount of binary borides, MoB and CrB. The ternary borides matrix contained both amorphous phase and nanocrystalline grains with a size of 60±35 nm. The bond strength of the coating decreases with increasing thickness of the as sprayed coatings. The anisotropy in the mechanical properties between the cross-section and plan section of the coatings is examined. Comparing the microhardness and bond strength of detonation sprayed Mo–Co–Cr–B coating with those of HVOF sprayed Mo–Co–Cr–B coating, it can be concluded that the detonation spray process has a better performance than HVOF spray process.
Friction and wear characteristics of Mg–11Y–2·5Zn magnesium alloy treated by laser surface melting
Authors: Li R. G. , An J. , Lu Y.
Published: September 2009

An attempt has been made to enhance the tribological properties of Mg–11Y–2·5Zn alloy by laser surface melting with a 6 kW continuous wave CO2 laser processing system. The microstructure and microhardness of the surface layer on Mg–11Y–2·5Zn alloy were characterised using X-ray diffractometer, laser microscopy and Vickers hardness indentation. The laser surface melted zone consisted of fine dendrites and coarse dendrites growing epitaxially from the liquid/solid interface. Microhardness was improved from 69–70 HV for the substrate to 77–83 HV for the fine dendritic microstructure. The friction and wear characteristics were investigated using a pin on disc apparatus. The coefficient of friction curve of the laser surface melted specimen was similar to that of the untreated specimen. Laser surface melted Mg–11Y–2·5Zn alloy exhibited good wear resistance, which has been explained by refinement of microstructure in the melted zone. Four wear mechanisms including abrasion, delamination, thermal softening and melting, have been observed.
Nanostructured composite coatings for oil sand's applications
Authors: Khan T. I. , Saha G. , Glenesk L. B.
Published: September 2009

Machinery used in mining and mineral processing industry suffers from severe degradation through abrasive wear. The current techniques used to extend the wear life of components exposed to these environments include the heat treatment of steels and the hardfacing of surfaces using fusion welding techniques. However, thermal spraying techniques such as the use of high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) composite coatings based on WC–Co system offer better wear resistance and greater flexibility in application. The ability to deposit microstructured coatings by the HVOF process is well established, but the ability to deposit nanostructured coatings is relatively new and posses a challenge. This paper reviews the application of the HVOF coating technique, and compares the wear resistant behaviour of a C–Mn steel substrate coated using micro- and nanostructured WC–Co based coatings.