bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural Orientations of Non‐Profit Boards as a Factor in Entrepreneurial Performance: Does Governance Matter?
Authors: Coombes Susan M. T. , Morris Michael H. , Allen Jeffrey A. , Webb Justin W.
Published: June 2010

abstract

Relatively little is understood about factors triggering entrepreneurial behaviour within organizations not driven by profit motives. Governance plays an important role in non‐profits, particularly boards of directors. Integrating resource‐based theory and entrepreneurial orientation research, we examine the influence of non‐profit boards as strategic resources shaping the organization's entrepreneurial orientation and performance. In particular, we focus on the non‐profit board's underlying behavioural orientations, or the extent to which the board is strategic, activist, conservative, and cohesive. Findings from a cross‐sectional survey on arts and culture organizations demonstrate that three of these behavioural orientations impact levels of entrepreneurship occurring within non‐profits. Higher levels of entrepreneurship affect social performance, but not financial performance.
THE TATA WAY
Authors: CRAINER STUART
Published: June 2010

Tata Motors is one of the world's most talked‐about companies. Its new ultra‐low‐cost Nano car is being heralded as ‘the people's car’. Vice‐Chairman, Ravi Kant, talks with Stuart Crainer about India, emerging markets and how to lead in turbulent times.
THINKING ALOUD: YIORGOS MYLONADIS
Authors: MYLONADIS YIORGOS
Published: June 2010

In each issue we ask an academic to explain the big question their research hopes to shed light on. Yiorgos Mylonadis looks at how people define and solve problems.
MISMANAGING PAY AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: MERSON RUPERT
Published: June 2010

Understanding the relationship between performance measurement and desired behaviours is an important element of a company's talent management. Rupert Merson believes it is equally important to know what doesn't work.
THE PLAY'S THE THING
Authors: JACOBIDES MICHAEL G.
Published: June 2010

Those who study and plan strategies risk falling into the traps that maps, graphs, charts and matrices present. Michael G. Jacobides feels that strategy might best be cast as a dramatic playscript that can reveal the unfolding plots of business far better than traditional strategic tools, as the landscape shifts around us.
THINK AGAIN: MANAGEMENT IS THE ART OF DOING AND GETTING DONE
Authors: BRUCH HEIKE , GHOSHAL SUMANTRA
Published: June 2010

In the Autumn 2004 issue of Business Strategy Review we published one of the final articles by Sumantra Ghoshal. With characteristic intellectual brio, Ghoshal and his co‐author Heike Bruch argue that effective execution lies at the heart of achieving superior business performance and that purposeful action‐taking by managers — both individually and collectively — lies at the heart of effective execution. The trouble is that five years of research by Ghoshal and Bruch showed that only a relatively small proportion of managers actually engage in such purposeful action‐taking. What are the causes of this pervasive lack of purposeful action‐taking by managers? What is different about those who do take purposeful action? What can managers do to enhance their personal actiontaking ability? And what can corporate leaders do to create an organisational context in which others can take purposeful action?
VOICES: CLIMATEGATE LEADS NOWHERE
Authors: BLOWFIELD MICK
Published: June 2010

Mick Blowfield examines the recent Climategate scandal and explores the damage it can cause managers who are too easily mystified or misled.
Research: Mind the Gap
Authors: PETERS GEORGINA
Published: June 2010

Isabel Fernandez‐Mateo‘Cumulative gender disadvantage in contract employment’, American Journal of Sociology 114, no.4, 2009.
PROFILE: CHARLES HANDY
Authors: CRAINER STUART
Published: June 2010

In a new series, Business Strategy Review profiles a major thinker who has made a significant difference in how organisations are managed and how business careers are shaped.
Reliability and validity of the Norwegian translation of the Child Eating Disorder Examination (ChEDE)
Authors: FRAMPTON IAN , WISTING LINE , ØVERÅS MARIA , MIDTSUND MARIE , LASK BRYAN
Published: June 2010

Frampton, I., Wisting, L., Øverås, M., Midtsund, M. & Lask, B. (2011). Reliability and validity of the Norwegian translation of the Child Eating Disorder Examination (ChEDE). Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 196–199.

The Child Eating Disorder Examination (ChEDE) is a valid and reliable semi‐structured interview, which measures eating‐disorder specific psychopathology in children and young adolescents. The instrument is an adaptation of version 12.0D of the original Eating Disorder Examination (EDE 12.0) for adults. The Norwegian translation of the ChEDE is currently the only instrument for assessing eating disorder psychopathology in Norwegian children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian translation of the ChEDE 12.0. The Norwegian version of ChEDE 12.0 was administered to 15 Norwegian children with anorexia nervosa (AN), 15 children with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM) and two groups of 15 age‐matched controls. The groups were compared using a matched pairs design. The results showed that the subscale scores of the AN group were significantly higher than those of the other groups, and the DM comparison group did not differ from its control group. The current AN group scored significantly higher on the Shape Concern subscale than the previous UK sample, with implications for construct validity or cross‐cultural effects worthy of further study. Inter‐rater reliability was generally high (r = 0.91 to 1.00), although there were significant differences between raters on specific items for individual participants. Alpha coefficients for each of the ChEDE subscales indicated a high degree of internal consistency. It was concluded that the Norwegian version of the ChEDE 12 has adequate psychometric properties and can be recommended for clinical and research use with young people with eating disorders in Norway.
Napoleon and the Universal Monarchy
Authors: DWYER PHILIP
Published: June 2010

Although the idea of ‘Universal Monarchy’ has existed since the early middle ages, the term started to be used pejoratively from the sixteenth century onwards. This article looks at the manner in which contemporaries perceived Napoleon's actions on the international scene, and how they used the term in relation to his foreign policy. Most of Europe's political elite believed that Napoleon was bent on some sort of ‘universal domination’, and that it was not limited to Europe. That perception was a direct result of an aggressive, expansionist French foreign policy. Napoleon's intentions, on the other hand, are more ambiguous. While at times he adopted a rhetoric which informed contemporary fears, the practical limits to his foreign policy were such that ‘Universal Monarchy’ could never be anything more than an ephemeral dream.
Exclusionary Policies are Not Just about the ‘Neoliberal City’: A Critique of Theories of Urban Revanchism and the Case of Rotterdam
Authors: VAN EIJK GWEN
Published: June 2010

Exclusionary urban policies have repeatedly been interpreted as ‘urban revanchism’— strategies aimed at attracting gentrifiers and tourists at the expense of marginal and minority groups. This article scrutinizes the claim that exclusionary policies are driven by economic insecurities and motives to attract capital. Rotterdam serves as an extreme case through which I examine who supports exclusionary policies, and for what reasons. The case study shows that urban policies are intertwined with ideas about multiculturalism and integration. This suggests that concerns about national unity also play a role, and that de‐concentration (and creating mixed neighbourhoods) is, like citizenship, a strategy for inclusion, which, in effect, logically excludes people. I argue that insecurities that stem from concerns about national unity and demands for social order should be acknowledged as additional drivers of exclusionary policies and the latter cannot be reduced to economic motives. I conclude that current theories of urban revanchism need to incorporate a more complex notion of ‘safety’ and of ways in which insecurities produce strategies of exclusion and inclusion.

On interprète souvent les politiques urbaines d’exclusion comme l’expression d’un ‘revanchisme urbain’, autrement dit des stratégies visant à séduire touristes et acteurs de la gentrification, aux dépens de groupes marginaux ou minoritaires. L’article examine l’affirmation selon laquelle les politiques d’exclusion sont motivées par les insécurités économiques et la volonté d’attirer le capital. En considérant le cas extrême de Rotterdam, il s’intéresse aux personnes qui soutiennent les politiques d’exclusion, et à leurs motivations. L’étude de cas montre que les politiques urbaines sont étroitement liées aux idées sur le multiculturalisme et l’intégration. On peut donc penser que les préoccupations d’unité nationale jouent également un rôle, et que la dé‐concentration (avec la création de quartiers mixtes) constitue, comme la citoyenneté, une stratégie d’inclusion qui, dans les faits, exclut logiquement des individus. Les insécurités qui naissent de préoccupations d’unité nationale et de demandes d’ordre social devraient être reconnues comme des facteurs supplémentaires des politiques d’exclusion, les secondes pouvant être ramenées à des mobiles économiques. En conclusion, les théories actuelles du revanchisme urbain doivent incorporer une notion plus complexe de la ‘sécurité’ et de la façon dont les insécurités produisent des stratégies d’exclusion et d’inclusion.
Acupuncture for the induction of labour: a double‐blind randomised controlled study
Authors: Modlock J , Nielsen BB , Uldbjerg N
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Modlock J, Nielsen B, Uldbjerg N. Acupuncture for the induction of labour: a double‐blind randomised controlled study. BJOG 2010;117:1255–1261.

Objective  To investigate whether acupuncture is effective for the induction of labour in post‐term pregnancies.

Design  A double‐blind multicentre randomised controlled study.

Settings  Aarhus University Hospital and Herning Regional Hospital, Denmark.

Population  One hundred and twenty‐five healthy women with uneventful pregnancies at gestational week 41+6 were randomised into two groups.

Methods  The intervention group was given acupuncture twice on the same day at acupuncture point GV20 and bilaterally at points BL67, LI4 and SP6. The control group received sham acupuncture at the same points.

Main outcome measures  At effect evaluation, which was carried out 24 hours after randomisation, the primary endpoint was labour or delivery.

Results  The primary endpoint was achieved in seven women (12%) in the acupuncture group and eight women (14%) in the control group (P = 0.79). Stratification for parity and fetal gender did not alter the results.

Conclusion  Under the treatment regimen investigated in this study, acupuncture for the induction of labour in post‐term women at gestational age 41+6 weeks may not be effective.
Multifaceted intervention to decrease the rate of severe postpartum haemorrhage: the PITHAGORE6 cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Deneux‐Tharaux C , Dupont C , Colin C , Rabilloud M , Touzet S , Lansac J , Harvey T , Tessier V , Chauleur C , Pennehouat G , Morin X , Bouvier‐Colle MH , Rudigoz R
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Deneux‐Tharaux C, Dupont C, Colin C, Rabilloud M, Touzet S, Lansac J, Harvey T, Tessier V, Chauleur C, Pennehouat G, Morin X, Bouvier‐Colle M, Rudigoz R. Multifaceted intervention to decrease the rate of severe postpartum haemorrhage: the PITHAGORE6 cluster‐randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2010;117:1278–1287.

Objective  Decreasing the prevalence of severe postpartum haemorrhages (PPH) is a major obstetrical challenge. These are often considered to be associated with substandard initial care. Strategies to increase the appropriateness of early management of PPH must be assessed. We tested the hypothesis that a multifaceted intervention aimed at increasing the translation into practice of a protocol for early management of PPH, would reduce the incidence of severe PPH.

Design  Cluster‐randomised trial.

Population  106 maternity units in six French regions.

Methods  Maternity units were randomly assigned to receive the intervention, or to have the protocol passively disseminated. The intervention combined outreach visits to discuss the protocol in each local context, reminders, and peer reviews of severe incidents, and was implemented in each maternity hospital by a team pairing an obstetrician and a midwife.

Main outcome measures  The primary outcome was the incidence of severe PPH, defined as a composite of one or more of: transfusion, embolisation, surgical procedure, transfer to intensive care, peripartum haemoglobin decrease of 4 g/dl or more, death. The main secondary outcomes were PPH management practices.

Results  The mean rate of severe PPH was 1.64% (SD 0.80) in the intervention units and 1.65% (SD 0.96) in control units; difference not significant. Some elements of PPH management were applied more frequently in intervention units—help from senior staff (P = 0.005), or tended to ‐ second‐line pharmacological treatment (P = 0.06), timely blood test (P = 0.09).

Conclusion  This educational intervention did not affect the rate of severe PPH as compared with control units, although it improved some practices.
In vitro modeling of perineuronal nets: hyaluronan synthase and link protein are necessary for their formation and integrity
Authors: Kwok Jessica C. F. , Carulli Daniela , Fawcett James W.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1447–1459.

We have previously shown that all perineuronal nets (PNNs) bearing neurons express a hyaluronan synthase (HAS), a link protein (usually cartilage link protein‐1; Crtl1) and a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (usually aggrecan). Animal lacking Crtl1 in the CNS lacks normal PNNs. PNNs are implicated in the control of neuronal plasticity, and interventions to modulate PNN formation will be useful for manipulating plasticity. We have developed an in vitro model which demonstrates how the structural components of PNNs trigger their formation, using human embryonic kidney cells, which do not normally produce a pericellular matrix. Expression of HAS3 leads to the production of a diffuse matrix. It was converted into a compact PNN‐like structure when the cells also expressed Crtl1 and aggrecan. This matrix was stained by Wisteria floribunda, contained Crtl1 and aggrecan, and like PNNs, could only be solubilized in 6 M urea. In the absence of hyaluronan produced by HAS3, aggrecan and Crtl1 dissipated into the medium, but when the cells were transfected to produce a hyaluronan matrix, Crtl1 and aggrecan were incorporated into it. Cells lacking any one of these molecules showed impaired integrity of the PNNs. Cells expressing HAS3 and Crtl1 were able to incorporate exogenous aggrecan into their pericellular matrix.
Hot topics in stem cells and self‐renewal: 2010
Authors: Sharpless Norman E.
Published: June 2010

In many tissues, mammalian aging is associated with a decline in the replicative and functional capacity of somatic stem cells and other self‐renewing compartments. Understanding the basis of this decline is a major goal of aging research. In particular, therapeutic approaches to ameliorate or reverse the age‐associated loss of stem function could be of use in clinical geriatrics. Such approaches include attempts to protect stem cells from age‐promoting damage, to ‘rejuvenate’ stem cells through the use of pharmacologic agents that mitigate aging‐induced alterations in signaling, and to replace lost stem cells through regenerative medicine approaches. Some headway has been made in each of these arenas over the last 18 months including advances in the production of donor‐specific totipotent stem cells through induced pluripotency (iPS), gains in our understanding of how tumor suppressor signaling is controlled in self‐renewing compartments to regulate aging, and further demonstration of extracellular ‘milieu’ factors that perturb stem cell function with age. This period has also been marked by the recent award of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for elucidation of telomeres and telomerase, a topic of critical importance to stem cell aging.
Reliability of the Respiratory Movement Measuring Instrument, RMMI
Authors: Olsén Monika Fagevik , Romberg Karin
Published: June 2010

Introduction:  A new instrument to measure breathing movements, Respiratory Movement Measuring Instrument (RMMI), has been developed. There is still a lack of knowledge about the reliability of the instrument.

Objectives:  The aim was to investigate reliability of the RMMI.

Methods:  In this trial, RMMI (ReMo Inc. Keldnaholt, Reykjavik, Iceland) was used. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability was performed on 30 volunteers who were tested three times in the supine position. Two of the tests were performed by one of the authors and the third test by the other. Intrasubject reliability was tested on 10 volunteers 12 times randomly during 1 h. Intra‐instrument reliability was performed by measuring 12 solid surfaces where the instrument was placed horizontally against a couch or vertically against a chair.

Results:  Intra‐rater reliability: The correlations were moderate to strong (r = 0·54–0·94) except for the left lower thoracic position r = 0·35. Inter‐rater reliability: The correlations were strong (r = 0·71–0·99) except for the left lower thoracic position r = 0·35. The strongest correlations were seen on the tests on abdominal breathing movements. Intra subject reliability: The over‐all difference within and between the participants and test was non‐significant (P = 0·98). The average difference between the tests was 1·4 mm. Intra instrument: The differences between the measurements were small (mean 0·15 mm). The over‐all difference was non‐significant (P = 0·79).

Conclusion:  The RMMI is a reliable instrument and usable in both clinical practice and research.
Strategies to improve efficacy and safety of a novel class of antiviral hyper‐activation‐limiting therapeutic agents: the VS411 model HIV/AIDS
Authors: De Forni D , Stevens MR , Lori F
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAntiviral hyper‐activation‐limiting therapeutic agents (AV‐HALTs) are a novel experimental drug class designed to both decrease viral replication and down‐regulate excessive immune system activation for the treatment of chronic infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. VS411, a first‐in‐class AV‐HALT, is a single‐dosage form combining didanosine (ddI, 400 mg), an antiviral (AV), and hydroxyurea (HU, 600 mg), a cytostatic agent, designed to provide a slow release of ddI to reduce its maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) to potentially reduce toxicity while maintaining total daily exposure (AUC) and the AV activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThis was a pilot phase I, open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, four‐way crossover trial to investigate the fasted and non‐fasted residual variance of AUC,Cmaxand the oral bioavailability of ddI and HU, co‐formulated as VS411, and administered as two different fixed‐dose combination formulations compared to commercially available ddI (Videx EC) and HU (Hydrea) when given simultaneously.

KEY RESULTSFormulation VS411‐2 had a favourable safety profile, displayed a clear trend for lower ddICmax(P= 0.0603) compared to Videx EC, and the 90% confidence intervals around the least square means ratio ofCmaxdid not include 100%. ddI AUC∞was not significantly decreased compared to Videx EC. HU pharmacokinetic parameters were essentially identical to Hydrea, although there was a decrease in HU exposure under fed versus fasted conditions.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSA phase IIa trial utilizing VS411‐2 formulation has been fielded to identify the optimal doses of HU plus ddI as an AV‐HALT for the treatment of HIV disease.
Mitochondrial monoamine oxidase‐A‐mediated hydrogen peroxide generation enhances 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐induced contraction of rat basilar artery
Authors: Poon Christina Chui Wa , Seto Sai Wang , Au Alice Lai Shan , Zhang Qian , Li Rachel Wai Sum , Lee Wayne Yuk Wai , Leung George Pak Heng , Kong Siu Kai , Yeung John Hok Keung , Ngai Sai Ming , Ho Ho Pui , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Chan Shun Wan , Kwan Yiu Wa
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe evaluated the role(s) of monoamine oxidase (MAO)‐mediated H2O2generation on 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐induced tension development of isolated basilar artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHBasilar artery (endothelium‐denuded) was isolated for tension measurement and Western blots. Enzymically dissociated single myocytes from basilar arteries were used for patch‐clamp electrophysiological and confocal microscopic studies.

KEY RESULTSUnder resting tension, 5‐HT elicited a concentration‐dependent tension development with a greater sensitivity (with unchanged maximum tension development) in SHR compared with WKY (EC50: 28.4 ± 4.1 nM vs. 98.2 ± 9.4 nM). The exaggerated component of 5‐HT‐induced tension development in SHR was eradicated by polyethylene glycol‐catalase, clorgyline and citalopram whereas exogenously applied H2O2enhanced the 5‐HT‐elicited tension development in WKY. A greater protein expression of MAO‐A was detected in basilar arteries from SHR than in those from WKY. In single myocytes and the entire basilar artery, 5‐HT generated (clorgyline‐sensitive) a greater amount of H2O2in SHR compared with WKY. Whole‐cell iberiotoxin‐sensitive Ca2+‐activated K+(BKCa) amplitude measured in myocytes of SHR was approximately threefold greater than that in WKY (at +60 mV: 7.61 ± 0.89 pA·pF−1vs. 2.61 ± 0.66 pA·pF−1). In SHR myocytes, 5‐HT caused a greater inhibition (clorgyline‐, polyethylene glycol‐catalase‐ and reduced glutathione‐sensitive) of BKCaamplitude than in those from WKY.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS5‐HT caused an increased generation of mitochondrial H2O2via MAO‐A‐mediated 5‐HT metabolism, which caused a greater inhibition of BKCagating in basilar artery myocytes, leading to exaggerated basilar artery tension development in SHR.
In Memory of the Father: Laurence S. Moss
Authors: Moss Joshua Louis
Published: June 2010

Abstract

A personal reflection on the life and philosophy of the late Laurence S. Moss (former editor of the AJES) by his son, Joshua Louis Moss. Mixing personal anecdote with a general academic analysis, Moss informally examines his father's intellectual beginnings in the 1960s drawn from the lectures of Ludwig Von Mises, and traces this through his father's development of innovative teaching techniques like the incorporation of stage magic. Moss examines his father's intellectual contrarianism and canonical skepticism as key developmental foundations used to build his father's academic and pedagogical approach. Moss examines his father's interest in expanding economics through a cross‐disciplinary approach utilizing philosophy, history, sociology, and performance studies through his father's innovative examination of points of contact between the principles of stage magic and the principles of economic theory.
Franz Oppenheimer's (1864–1943) Social Economic Approach to Health
Authors: Backhaus Ursula
Published: June 2010

Abstract

The idea of scholarly synthesis was central to the founders of the American Journal of Economics and Sociology. Franz Oppenheimer (1864–1943) in fact impersonated the idea of scholarly synthesis. Being the son of a Reformist rabbi—these religious roots provided the impulse for his work—he started out as a physician in the industrial suburbs of Berlin; his diagnosis was that he faced social and not medical disease, which consequently brought him to the study of economics. But unlike many mainstream economists today, he insisted on the necessary cooperation between economists and sociologists, ideally in one person. His chair in Frankfurt, showing his own handwriting, was denominated for economic theory and sociology. In this article, I show his contributions with respect to economic aspects of health. These are not well known. Part of the reason is that the field of health economics as it is taught now is very narrow. Therefore, Oppenheimer's health economic contributions tend to be overlooked.
Arthur Farquhar on Economic Delusions: An Examination of the Case for Protection
Authors: Martin Thomas L.
Published: June 2010

Arthur Farquhar (1838–1929) was a successful manufacturer and exporter of mechanical steel farming implements who also took the time to participate in the day's free trade versus protectionism debate. His main contribution to the national tariff debate was the 1891 book Economic and Industrial Delusions: A Discussion of the Case for Protection. The book was written as a direct response to the McKinley Tariff of 1890 and is very much a polemic against the tariff by a disappointed former Republican. This article summarizes his economic analysis of the incidence of the tariff, the relationship between trade competitiveness and relative wages, and the tariff's effect on overall economic development.
The Utility of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in the HIV Population
Authors: Lytwyn Matthew , Fallah‐Rad Nazanin , Walker Jonathan , Bohonis Sheena , Hussain Farrukh , Barac Ivan , Jassal Davinder S.
Published: June 2010

Background: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient longevity by 10–15 years. This increased longevity has habituated new cardiovascular complications, in particular, accelerated coronary artery disease (CAD). Although dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a highly sensitive and specific test for the noninvasive detection of underlying CAD in the general population, its utility in the HIV population remains unknown. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the validity of DSE for the noninvasive detection of underlying symptomatic CAD in the HIV population using cardiac catheterization as the gold standard. Methods and results: A total of 40 HIV positive patients (mean 49 ± 8 years; 31 males) between 2006 and 2009 inclusively underwent routine DSE and coronary angiography. A positive stress echo with new wall motion abnormalities was detected in 9 (23%) individuals. Coronary angiography, following DSE, detected obstructive CAD in 12 (30%) individuals. For the diagnosis of obstructive CAD, DSE has a sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 89%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87%. Conclusion: In this select HIV population, DSE was highly specific for the noninvasive detection of obstructive CAD. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1228‐1232)
Recovery of Long‐Axis Left Ventricular Function after Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Galema Tjebbe W. , Yap Sing‐Chien , Soliman Osama I.I. , Van Thiel Robert J. , Cate Folkert J. ten , Brandenburg Hans J. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Simoons Maarten L. , Geleijnse Marcel L.
Published: June 2010

Background: Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) should undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR) before irreversible LV dysfunction has developed. Assessment of long‐axis left ventricular (LV) function may assist in proper timing of AVR. Objectives: To assess serial changes in long‐axis LV function before and after AVR in patients with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction. Methods: The study comprised 27 consecutive patients (mean age 64.9 ± 11.7 years, 15 males) with symptomatic severe AS, scheduled for AVR. Seventeen subjects without known cardiac disease, matched for age, gender, LV ejection fraction and cardiovascular risk factors, served as a control group. Long‐axis LV function assessment was done with tissue Doppler imaging at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after AVR. Results: Mean aortic valve area in the AS group was 0.70 ± 0.24 cm2. Pre‐AVR peak systolic mitral annular velocities were significantly lower compared to controls (6.7 ± 1.5 vs. 8.9 ± 2.0 cm/s, P < 0.05). Post‐AVR peak systolic mitral annular velocities improved to 9.1 ± 2.9 at 3 weeks, 8.6 ± 2.7 at 6 months, and 8.1 ± 1.7 cm/s at 12 months (P < 0.05). Improvements were seen over the whole range of pre‐AVR peak systolic mitral annular velocities. Patients with improved Sm after AVR (defined as ≥10% compared to baseline values) did not differ in baseline characteristics as compared to those who did not improve. Conclusions: In patients with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction, abnormal systolic mitral annular velocities improve after AVR, independent of the pre‐AVR value. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1177‐1181)
Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Identification of Aorto‐Right Atrial Fistula and Aorto‐Right Ventricular Fistulas
Authors: Patel Vinod , Fountain Anna , Guglin Maya , Nanda Navin C.
Published: June 2010

We report the case of a 72‐year‐old woman who developed new onset right ventricular failure after redo aortic valve replacement. The diagnosis of left to right shunt was initially made using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) and 2D transesophageal echo with color Doppler (TEE). Definite diagnosis of aorto‐right atrial and aorto‐right ventricular fistula was made using thee‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) with color flow Doppler imaging. Early recognition and diagnosis of this rare surgical complication is imperative for prompt surgical repair of this lethal defect. 3DTTE should be utilized in cases of new onset heart failure with unclear etiology to diagnose unusual causes of this potentially fatal condition. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E105‐E108)
Differences in Left Ventricular Twist Related to Age: Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Data for Healthy Volunteers from Neonate to Age 70 Years
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Qi‐chang , Pu Da‐rong , Zou Lin , Tan Yi
Published: June 2010

Objective: To determine normal left ventricular (LV) twist characteristics in different age groups and assess changes between neonates and the elderly. Methods: Short‐axis left ventricle images at basal and apical levels were acquired in 274 healthy volunteers (aged 15 days to 72 years) by two‐dimensional echocardiography, and were analyzed off‐line using Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) software to obtain LV twist measurements. The peak apical rotation (PAr), peak basal rotation (PBr), peak LV twist (Ptw), peak LV twist normalized by LV length (PtwN), peak untwisting velocity (PutwV), and isovolumic untwisting% (Iutw%) were measured. Results: LV twist values vary with age. Ptw was higher in older volunteers. PtwN varied inconsistently with age. PutwV and Iutw% were lower in the young and old with a peak in mid–age ranges. Conclusions: STE is an effective noninvasive method to assess LV twist. Age‐related differences in LV twist may reflect maturation and adaptive modulation of LV torsional biomechanics from neonate to the elderly. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1205‐1210)
Performance of Echocardiographic Parameters in Sequential Monitoring of Left Ventricular Function in an Animal Model of Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Li Chen , Li Tao , Zhang Juqian , Wu Wei , Zhu Da , Dian Ke , Rao Li
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Numerous newer parameters have been established for sensitive and reproducible evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We assessed the performance of these parameters in sequential monitoring of LV function in an animal model of controllable drug‐induced LV dysfunction. Methods: To establish predictable aggravating LV dysfunction, seven male beagle dogs were anesthetized and received intermittent injection of esmolol and propofol of gradually increasing dosage. Parameters reflecting LV function were measured after each drug infusion. These included LV ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by both two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography, Tei index, ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e′) and 2D strain‐derived parameters. Changes in these parameters over time were compared with the baseline value. Results: Changes in 2D and 3D LVEF were observed after infusion with propofol (5 mg/kg) and esmolol (3.5 mg/kg). Doppler‐derived parameters including E/e′ and the Tei index failed to detect LV dysfunction prior to 2D LVEF. Significant changes in 2D strains and strain rates (SRs) could be induced by relatively small anesthetic dosages (∼4 mg propofol/kg and 2.5 mg esmolol/kg). Strain‐derived parameters were generally highly reproducible and longitudinal strain had the best intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility. Conclusions: The 2D strain parameters provide accurate identification of subclinical impairment of LV function earlier than all other echocardiographic indices. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1274‐1281)
Single‐Beat Determination of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chou Shing‐Hsien , Kuo Chi‐Tai , Hsu Lung‐An , Ho Wan‐Jing , Wang Chun‐Li
Published: June 2010

Background: In atrial fibrillation (AF), left ventricular (LV) systolic function positively correlates with the ratio of the preceding to prepreceding RR intervals (RRp/RRpp) and single‐beat determination of LV function at a beat with equal RRp and RRpp closely estimates the average value over all cardiac cycles. The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of single‐beat determination that was based on the ratio of RRp/RRpp to accurately assess RV function in AF. Methods: In 60 patients with AF, RV fractional area change (RVFAC), RRp and RRpp were measured during 20 beats for each patient. The relationship between RVFAC and RRp/RRpp was evaluated by linear regression analysis. The measured values of RVFAC at the beats with equal RRp and RRpp were compared with the average values over 20 beats. The influence of RRp cycle lengths on the values of RVFAC at the beats with equal RRp and RRpp was examined from the plot of normalized value against RR intervals. Results: There were a positive linear relationship between RVFAC and RRp/RRpp in all patients (P < 0.001 in all). The RVFAC measured by single‐beat method and cycle lengths <500 ms were usually far below the average values. After excluding beats with cycle lengths <500 ms, RVFAC determined by single‐beat method was very close to the average values (y = 0.96x + 1.91%, r = 0.961; P < 0.001; bias 0.26%). Conclusions: RV FAC correlates positively with RRp/RRpp and single‐beat determination of RV function is feasible and accurate in patients with chronic AF. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1188‐1193)
Impact of Myocardial Acceleration during Isovolumic Contraction in Evaluating Subclinical Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Tayyareci Yelda , Yurdakul Selen , Tayyareci Gulsah , Nisanci Yilmaz , Umman Berrin , Buğra Zehra
Published: June 2010

Aim: In diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, left ventricular dysfunction is widely evaluated and established by conventional diagnostic methods, whereas right ventricular (RV) function is not as sufficiently evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the preclinical effects of DM on RV function by using novel Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI)‐derived indices. Methods: The study included 96 patients with type II DM [60 with DM only and 36 patients with coexisting DM and hypertension (DMHT)] and 40 healthy controls. Conventional parameters and TDI‐derived systolic velocities of tricuspid annulus [isovolumic myocardial acceleration (IVA), peak myocardial velocity during isovolumic contraction (IVV), peak systolic velocity during ejection period (Sa), RV Tei index] were measured. Results: TDI‐derived RV IVA was significantly lower in both DM and DMHT patients compared to controls indicating subclinical impairment in RV systolic function in the study patients (P = 0,0001). However RV IVA was similar in DM and DMHT subgroup supporting RV systolic impairment in DM was independent from HT. In correlation analysis, RV IVA was significantly correlated with the existence of diabetic nephropathy (r =−0,38; P = 0,003), retinopathy (r =−0,35; P = 0,006), insulin resistance (r =−0,52; P = 0,0001). Conclusions: Diabetes is associated with subclinical RV systolic dysfunction, regardless of coexisting hypertension. Tissue Doppler‐derived IVA; is a novel, non‐invasive parameter which may be used in early detection of RV systolic dysfunction in patients with DM. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1211‐1218)
CD8‐positive granulomatous mycosis fungoides: a case report with review of the literature
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Hotta Machiko , Takikita‐Suzuki Mikiko , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Okabe Hidetoshi
Published: June 2010

Granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF) represents an uncommon variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) characterized by the presence of an associated granulomatous reaction. Most cases of GMF are CD4 positive, and CD8 positive cases are extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of CD8‐positive GMF. A 75‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with brownish maculae on the trunk and upper and lower extremities. She had been diagnosed with MF, and most of the eruption improved by psoralen ultraviolet A therapy. However, the eruption relapsed and gradually expanded 5 months prior to her visit to our hospital. Histopathology showed an atypical lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis accompanied by granulomatous reaction with multinucleated giant cells. Epidermotropism was evident and elastophagocytosis was also found. Immunohistochemically, the atypical lymphocytes expressed βF1, CD3 and CD8, and some of the atypical lymphocytes were also T cell intracellular antigen‐1 positive. These findings were consistent with CD8‐positive GMF. The dermatopathological diagnosis of GMF is challenging in some cases because of the prominent secondary granulomatous reaction. Therefore, when dermatopathologists diagnose granulomatous skin lesions, GMF should also be considered. In addition, the prognosis of GMF, especially CD8‐positive GMF, is still controversial. Additional studies are required to clarify the clinicopathological features of CD8‐positive GMF.

Ishida M, Hotta M, Takikita‐Suzuki M, Kojima F, Okabe H. CD8‐positive granulomatous mycosis fungoides: a case report with review of the literature.
Solution properties of full‐length integrin αIIbβ3 refined models suggest environment‐dependent induction of alternative bent /extended resting states
Authors: Rosano Camillo , Rocco Mattia
Published: June 2010

The recently published novel integrin αIIbβ3 ectodomain crystallographic structure and NMR structures of its transmembrane/cytoplasmic segments were employed to refine previously developed molecular models. Alternative complete αIIbβ3 models were built and evaluated, and their shape was compared with EM maps and their computed hydrodynamic/conformational properties were compared with the available experimental data. A partially extended/closed model, or a mixture of bent/closed and extended/closed conformations, are both compatible with the results of a recent small‐angle neutron scattering study of Triton X‐100‐solubilized resting αIIbβ3, while new electron microscopy evidence of nanodiscs‐embedded αIIbβ3 supports the bent/closed resting form. However, only an extended/closed model matches well the hydrodynamics of either octyl‐glucoside‐solubilized or nanodiscs‐embedded resting αIIbβ3, suggesting that different solubilization strategies and substrate interactions might operate a conformational selection between alternative, stable states. Furthermore, extended/open models are required to match the electron tomography map and the hydrodynamics following the priming‐induced β3 hybrid domain swing‐out, but without immediate full tail separation. Importantly, both extension and opening transitions can occur by pivoting at the recently identified β3 hinge point, which does not appear to be freely flexible. The structure and mechanism of action of integrins thus seem to depend on discrete transitions and to be more tightly coupled to the local environment than previously thought.
Using Hertzian Indentation to Understand the Strength and Ballistic Resistance of Silicon Carbide
Authors: Holmquist Timothy J. , Wereszczak Andrew A.
Published: June 2010

This article presents an initial evaluation of the usefulness of spherical or Hertzian indentation for the determination and/or validation of constitutive models and for a potential link to ballistic resistance (interface defeat). Recent advancements in producing more confident elevated stress levels in Hertzian indentation make the usefulness of this test much more feasible. There are very few experimental techniques that can produce the high stresses, strains, and pressures produced in Hertzian indentation tests. Additionally, they are also relatively simple, repeatable, timely, and inexpensive. There is still the disadvantage that the stresses, strains, and pressures are not explicit outputs of the experiments requiring the constitutive response to be inferred by performing computations and comparing the computed force–deflection results to the experiment. Preliminary results indicate that Hertzian indentation can be used to help define the constitutive response but it is still uncertain if it can be used to rank a ceramic's ability to produce interface defeat.
Is documentation and quality assessment associated with patient satisfaction in benign prostate hypertrophy?
Authors: Jensen Bente Thoft
Published: June 2010

Generally, in Europe quality assurance is demanded increasingly in health care settings. European Health Act specifies new demands concerning quality assurance through documentation, monitoring of health services and follow‐up considering patient flow and optimal use of resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between European guidelines and clinical practice and the association between patient satisfaction and level of documentation, recommendations and improvements of voiding function in patients with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). The study population encompassed men between 60 and 80 years referred to specialist treatment due to lower urinary tract symptoms. Random samples of 250 medical records were extracted from national registers. Indicators were reported as proportions. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were reported as odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 178 patient pathways were included, and the overall documentation rate was 77%. Agreement between national recommendations and clinical practice was found in 38%. No significant associations were found regarding patient satisfaction and level of documentation, adherence to national guidelines and improvements of the voiding function. There is a need for stringency in quality assessment and reporting indicators to national databases and increased application of European evidence‐based guidelines. More complete are necessary for decision‐makers in the future to qualify management of BPH rehabilitation ensuring the quality of the individual patient pathways.
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Graded Coatings on Aluminum Alloy Deposited by the Fluidized Bed (FB) Technique: Film Formation and Mechanical Performance
Authors: Barletta M.
Published: June 2010

Al 2 O 3 coatings have been deposited onto an Al alloy by the fluidized bed (FB) technique using alumina powder. Film formation through a cold deposition process and its growth kinetics have been investigated by varying the deposition time. This allowed us to establish how the morphology, microstructure, hardness, scratch resistance, and adhesion strength of the Al2O3 films were progressively imprinted. The FB process led to the deposition of a good-looking and well-adhered graded Al2O3 coating, which was found to be progressively richer in Al2O3 on moving from the interface with the Al alloy toward the outermost layers. The resulting Al2O3 coatings have been shown to produce a consistent improvement of the overall mechanical and tribological performance of the Al alloy, thus leading to the build-up of an overlying hard and tough protective layer.
A Disturbance Attenuation Approach for a Class of Continuous Piecewise Affine Systems: Control Design and Experiments
Authors: Doris A. , van de Wouw N. , Heemels W. P. M. H. , Nijmeijer H.
Published: June 2010

We consider the disturbance attenuation problem for a class of continuous piecewise affine systems. Hereto, observer-based output-feedback controllers are proposed that render the closed-loop system uniformly convergent. The convergence property ensures, first, stability and, second, the existence of a unique, bounded, globally asymptotically stable steady-state solution for each bounded disturbance. The latter property is key in uniquely specifying closed-loop performance in terms of disturbance attenuation. Because of its importance in engineering practice, the class of harmonic disturbances is studied in particular and performance measures for this class of disturbances are proposed based on so-called generalized frequency response functions for convergent systems. Additionally, the derived control strategy is extended by including conditions that guarantee the satisfaction of a bound on the control input. The effectiveness of the proposed control design strategy is illustrated by the application of the results to an experimental benchmark system being a piecewise affine beam system.
Optimal Sliding Mode Dual-Stage Actuator Control in Computer Disk Drives
Authors: Lee Seung-Hi
Published: June 2010

This paper presents a discrete-time design of a dual-stage actuator control system with sliding mode for computer disk drives. A state estimator based discrete-time boundary layer sliding mode control scheme is developed for a dual-stage actuator, which consists of a voice coil motor and a microactuator. Considering dominant microactuator flexible mode dynamics and the interaction between the two actuators, an optimal sliding hyperplane is designed to maximize their cooperation so as to attain desired responses. An application example demonstrates the utility of the proposed sliding mode dual-stage actuator control scheme for track-seek in the microactuator range, settle, and track-follow.
UAS Mission Path Planning System (MPPS) Using Hybrid-Game Coupled to Multi-Objective Optimizer
Authors: Lee DongSeop , Periaux Jacques , Gonzalez Luis Felipe
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the application of advanced optimization techniques to unmanned aerial system mission path planning system (MPPS) using multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). Two types of multi-objective optimizers are compared; the MOEA nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II and a hybrid-game strategy are implemented to produce a set of optimal collision-free trajectories in a three-dimensional environment. The resulting trajectories on a three-dimensional terrain are collision-free and are represented by using Bézier spline curves from start position to target and then target to start position or different positions with altitude constraints. The efficiency of the two optimization methods is compared in terms of computational cost and design quality. Numerical results show the benefits of adding a hybrid-game strategy to a MOEA and for a MPPS.