bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical prostatectomy in obese patients: Improved surgical outcomes in recent years
Authors: Lindner Uri , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Abouassaly Robert , Fleshner Neil E , Trachtenberg John
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Obesity has been proposed as a risk factor for reduced disease‐specific survival, increased positive surgical margin (PSM) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between obesity and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing RP.

Methods:  Medical records of 491 patients who underwent RP from 2004 to 2007 were retrieved from our institutional database. Patients were divided into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): <25, 25–30 (overweight) and >30 kg/m (obese). Outcomes after RP were compared between the groups in terms of length of stay, perioperative complications, BCR, PSM and Gleason scores.

Results:  Age, stage and preoperative prostate‐specific antigen were similar between BMI categories. Operating time was prolonged in obese patients (146 vs 135 min, P = 0.01) and blood loss was greater (mean estimated blood loss 640 vs 504 mL, P = 0.02), but did not translate into higher transfusion rates. Early complication rates, PSM rates and Gleason scores were not statistically different between the groups. Significant differences in late outcomes, such as the need for adjunct procedures or BCR (hazard ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.18–1.09), were not shown.

Conclusion:  As surgical experience with high BMI patients has developed, RP appears to be a well tolerated procedure in contemporary series, irrespective of BMI. In particular, early outcome parameters, such as PSM and BCR rates, are similar.
Students' perceptions of Blackboard and Moodle in a Portuguese university
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Areal Nelson , Silva Joaquim
Published: June 2010

The use of learning management systems (LMS) has grown considerably in universities around the world. The University of Minho (UM) has pioneered in this area in Portugal, adopting Blackboard as its official LMS. Moodle is also used in UM in scattered initiatives, allowing for interesting comparisons.

Previous studies comparing Blackboard and Moodle have been confined to limited samples and focused on students' perceptions only. In this paper, we also try to relate those perceptions to the impact of the LMSs on student level of engagement.

We assess the extent and depth of use of the two LMSs, presenting the results of a study of students' perceptions and experience with both Blackboard and Moodle. Unlike previous studies, more students (46.5%) stated a preference for Blackboard over Moodle, while 34.7% preferred Moodle, and nearly 20% had no preference. Factors that might explain these results are explored in some detail.

By and large, a basic utilisation is made of both platforms, as little more than electronic document repositories, in what Francis and Raftery, in 2005, designate as a Mode 1 level of engagement. We could, however, detect some instances of a more sophisticated Mode 2 utilisation, particularly with Moodle, underlining the role of faculty in integrating a sophisticated use of LMSs when designing their courses.
A 30‐year survey of paediatric tinea capitis in southern Spain
Authors: del Boz J , Crespo V , Rivas‐Ruiz F , de Troya M
Published: June 2010

Background  Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common mycological infection in childhood. The epidemiology of TC varies depending on the geographical area and the time of study, and although it is an important public health problem in our area, only a few long‐term studies have focused on children.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to analyse the main epidemiological, clinical and microbiological features of TC in children over 30 years and compare these features with those of other tineas.

Methods  We undertook a retrospective study of 818 tineas in children at a referral hospital in southern Spain diagnosed between 1977 and 2006, concentrating on TC.

Results  Of the 444 TC diagnosed, 61.5% were in boys. Most children (66.9%) were aged 4–9 years. Twelve patients were immigrants. Inflammatory clinical forms were present in 18.2% of cases. At the time of diagnosis, 10.4% of the cases had been treated with antifungal agents. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Microsporum canis (63.5%).

Conclusions  We report the largest study of TC in Spain. Our results were very similar to those in other national studies, noting a predominance of non‐inflammatory cases of TC caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. Although the species of the causal dermatophytes have not varied substantially in this period, the increasing number of immigrants may lead to a change in the aetiology of TC in the future. The number of cases referred to the dermatology department who have already been treated shows a lack of communication between primary care and dermatology.
Developing Group‐Deliberative Virtues
Authors: AIKIN SCOTT F. , CLANTON J. CALEB
Published: June 2010

abstract

In this paper, the authors argue for two main claims: first, that the epistemic results of group deliberation can be superior to those of individual inquiry; and, second, that successful deliberative groups depend on individuals exhibiting deliberative virtues. The development of these group‐deliberative virtues, the authors argue, is important not only for epistemic purposes but political purposes, as democracies require the virtuous deliberation of their citizens. Deliberative virtues contribute to the deliberative synergy of the group, not only in terms of improving the quality of the group's present decisions, but also improving the background conditions for continued group deliberation. The authors sketch a preliminary schedule of these group‐deliberative virtues modelled on Aristotle's conception of virtue as the mean between two extreme vices. The virtues discussed in this article include deliberative wit, friendliness, empathy, charity, temperance, courage, sincerity, and humility.
Cerebral palsy and assisted reproductive technologies: a case–control study
Authors: REID SUSAN M , JAQUES ALICE M , SUSANTO CYNTHIA , BREHENY SUSAN , REDDIHOUGH DINAH S , HALLIDAY JANE
Published: June 2010

Aim  To determine whether assisted reproductive technologies (ART) were more likely to be the method of conception in singletons with cerebral palsy (CP) than in those without CP.

Method  Singletons with CP born between 1991 and 2004 were selected from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register and matched for birth year to two singletons randomly selected from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit. Data from both sources were linked to records from three ART centres. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the association between CP and aspects of conception using ART. Multivariate models were adjusted for parity, previous miscarriages, sex, gestational age, birthweight, and weight for gestational age.

Results  We identified 1241 singletons with CP (males n=721 [58%], females n=420 [42/100]; motor type: spastic [87%; unilateral 37%; bilateral 63%], ataxic n=60 [5/100], dyskinetic n=46 [4/100], hypotonic n=29 [2/100], unknown n=25 [2/100]. Gross Motor Function Classification System levels were I n=363 [29/100], II n=297 [24/100], III n=137 [11/100], IV n=160 [13/100], V n=192 [15/100], and unknown n=92 [7/100]). Sixteen (1.3/100) of the children with CP and 25 (1.0/100) of 2482 children without CP were conceived using ART. There was no significant increase in the odds of children with CP being conceived using ART (adjusted odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 2.24) nor in the odds of them being conceived by a subfertile couple without ART (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI 0.87, 8.36).

Interpretation  Singleton conception using ART is not strongly associated with an increased risk of CP.
Epicureanism and the poetics of consumption
Authors: Wood Dawn
Published: June 2010

Consumption, ‘to use up, to destroy’, is a dirty word. It conjures piles of rubbish; it suggests an extravagant attitude. We, each one of us hoping to be a unique, careful individual, can feel offended at being referred to as ‘the consumer’. Yet, ‘to consume’ is not only a human activity, it is one of the fundamental processes of nature, a natural aspect of the creative process. In this paper, I will emphasize connections between the creative research process, poetics and consumerism. I suggest that research can be envisioned as a cycle of consumption and renewal. Our tools in such a natural philosophy are the contemplation of natural events, and the insights that a poetic understanding of language can give us. To this end, I draw on the ancient Epicurean philosophy, as demonstrated in De rerum natura, written by the Roman poet, Lucretius, in the first century BCE. Lucretius gave a scientific explanation of the universe, in poetry, to demonstrate that natural laws can be derived by reason, contemplation and by the use of the senses. Further, Lucretius' use of language, as a creative medium, modelled the actions of the universe. This insight provides a link between poetry, science and research, one which is still relevant to twenty‐first‐century scientific research generally. In this paper, I will suggest that it is also specifically relevant to the design and practice of consumer research.

For instance, both research and creativity are aspects of that urge to move beyond subjectivity, towards knowledge that is whole and shared. In Epicureanism, subjective engagement provides access to that which is universal. We can conceive of consumerism, and of consumer research, in the same terms, as a striving for completion, and as a poetic, natural and reciprocal act, involving the transformation of the consumer, and that which is consumed.
Netnographic inquiry and new translocal sites of the social
Authors: Rokka Joonas
Published: June 2010

As consumers' lives are increasingly gliding into online worlds and global information networks, researchers face a range of important methodological questions particular to the digital times. In prior research, online ethnographic methods or netnography has been suggested to address some of these challenges, especially when new forms of post‐modern and sub‐cultural consumer collectives and cultures have been the focus. Extending this work further, the article investigates the transnational nature of online cultural phenomena, and suggests a theoretical–methodological approach as a netnographic variant well suited for accessing its logics. In doing so, the article argues that a better understanding of the new ‘translocal sites’, such as transnational online communities and consumer networks, can open up new avenues for research on the ever globalizing and tribalizing consumer culture.
Quest for the eco‐apparel market: a study of mothers' willingness to purchase organic cotton clothing for their children
Authors: Gam Hae Jin , Cao Huantian , Farr Cheryl , Kang Mihyun
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine what consumer characteristics are related to willingness to purchase and selection of children's organic cotton clothing (OCC). A survey was conducted on mothers of pre‐schoolers to collect data on mothers' environmental characteristics, involvement with OCC and children's clothing, children's clothing purchasing behaviour and willingness to purchase OCC. A buying scenario experiment was used to examine whether price and other product characteristics influenced the participants' selection of OCC. It was found that a mother's environmental concerns, environmental purchasing behaviour and recycling behaviour significantly affected their involvement in OCC, which further significantly determined mother's willingness to purchase OCC. However, mothers were not willing to pay a premium for purchasing children's OCC. A majority (59.5%) of the mothers who selected OCC in the buying scenario indicated fabric softness was the main reason for their selection. Preparing environmental education materials for consumers and producing OCC with high quality and good performance would help improve the acceptance of OCC in the market.
F 15845, a new blocker of the persistent sodium current prevents consequences of hypoxia in rat femoral artery
Authors: Bocquet A , Sablayrolles S , Vacher B , Le Grand B
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The persistent sodium current is involved in myocardial ischaemia and is selectively inhibited by the newly described 3‐(R)‐[3‐(2‐methoxyphenylthio‐2‐(S)‐methylpropyl]amino‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,5‐benzoxathiepine bromhydrate (F 15845). Here, we describe the pharmacological profile of F 15845 against the effects of hypoxia in femoral arteries in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Isometric tension measurement of rat isolated femoral arteries was used to characterize the protective effect of F 15845 against contraction of the vessels induced by veratrine (100 µg·mL−1) or hypoxia.

KEY RESULTS Rat femoral artery expressed the Nav1.5 channel isoform. When exposed to veratrine (100 µg·mL−1), vessels developed a rapid and strong contraction that was abolished by both absence of sodium and blockade of the Na+/Ca++ exchanger by KB‐R7943 (10 and 32 µmol·L−1) or treatment with F 15845. When used before veratrine exposure, the potency of F 15845 depended on the extracellular K+ concentration (IC50= 11 and 0.77 µmol·L−1 for 5 and 20 mmol·L−1 KCl, respectively), whereas its potency was unaffected by extracellular K+ concentration when given after veratrine. F 15845 did not affect either KCl (80 mmol·L−1) or phenylephrine‐induced femoral artery contraction. Moreover, endothelium disruption did not affect the protective effect of F 15845 against veratrine‐induced femoral artery contraction, suggesting a mechanism of action dependent on smooth muscle cells. Finally, F 15845 prevented in a concentration‐dependent manner rat femoral artery contraction induced by hypoxia.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS F 15845, a selective blocker of the persistent sodium current prevented vascular contraction induced by hypoxic conditions.
5‐Lipoxygenase inhibitors induce potent anti‐proliferative and cytotoxic effects in human tumour cells independently of suppression of 5‐lipoxygenase activity
Authors: Fischer AS , Metzner J , Steinbrink SD , Ulrich S , Angioni C , Geisslinger G , Steinhilber D , Maier TJ
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Certain 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) inhibitors exhibit anti‐carcinogenic activities against 5‐LO overexpressing tumour types and cultured tumour cells. It has been proposed therefore that 5‐LO products significantly contribute to tumour cell proliferation. To date, the relationship between the inhibitory mechanisms of 5‐LO inhibitors, which vary widely, and tumour cell viability has not been evaluated. This study addresses the anti‐proliferative and cytotoxic potency of a number of 5‐LO inhibitors with different inhibitory mechanisms in 5‐LO‐positive and 5‐LO‐negative tumour cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cell viability was measured by the WST‐1 assay; cell proliferation was assessed using the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay. Cell death was analysed by annexin V staining, Western blot analysis of PARP (poly ADP‐ribose polymerase) cleavage and a cytotoxicity assay. 5‐LO product formation was quantified by a 5‐LO activity assay.

KEY RESULTS The common 5‐LO inhibitors AA‐861, Rev‐5901 and MK‐886 induced cytotoxic and anti‐proliferative effects in 5‐LO‐positive Capan‐2 pancreatic cancer cells; BWA4C and CJ‐13,610 only caused anti‐proliferative effects, while zileuton failed to impair cell viability. Moreover, the concentrations of the 5‐LO inhibitors required to induce anti‐proliferation and cytotoxicity highly exceeded those for suppression of 5‐LO. Supplementation with mitogenic 5‐LO products failed to protect Capan‐2 cells from the effects of 5‐LO inhibitors. Finally, the cytotoxic and anti‐proliferative 5‐LO inhibitors also potently reduced the viability of 5‐LO‐deficient tumour cell lines (HeLa, Panc‐1 and U937).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Certain 5‐LO inhibitors cause cytotoxic and anti‐proliferative effects independently of suppression of 5‐LO activity. Thus, the role of 5‐LO overexpression in tumour cell viability remains unclear and requires further elucidation.
Climatic influence on peatland formation and lateral expansion in sub‐arctic Fennoscandia
Authors: WECKSTRÖM JAN , SEPPÄ HEIKKI , KORHOLA ATTE
Published: June 2010

Weckström, J., Seppä, H. & Korhola, A. 2010: Climatic influence on peatland formation and lateral expansion in sub‐arctic Fennoscandia. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 761–769. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00168.x. ISSN 0300‐9843.

The initiation and lateral expansion patterns of five small sub‐arctic peatlands in the Fennoscandian tree‐line region were studied by 21 accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C‐dated basal‐peat samples representing three to six dates per site. The radiocarbon dates were converted to calendar years and are based on the median probability. When combined with earlier basal‐peat dates from the region, four distinctive periods can be observed in the cumulative record of the dates. The early Holocene, from c. 10 000 to 8000 cal. yr BP, was characterized by the fast initiation and rapid expansion of peatlands, whereas at 8000–4000 cal. yr BP lateral expansion was modest. The most intensive period of peatland expansion occurred at the beginning of the late Holocene at c. 4000 to 3000 cal. yr BP, after which it slowed down towards the present. All these periods are in rough agreement with the main Holocene climatic periods in the area, namely the relatively warm and moist early Holocene, the warm and dry Holocene thermal maximum (HTM) at 8000–4000 cal. yr BP, and the start of the cooler and moister trend (neoglacial cooling) from c. 4000 cal. yr BP to the present, indicating a broad‐scale climatic control on the lateral growth of sub‐arctic peatlands in Fennoscandia. In order to study the lateral expansion of peatlands and to evaluate their Holocene succession patterns, more studies based on multiple dates from the same peatland are needed.
Vascular Cryografts Offer Better Biomechanical Properties in Chronically Hemodialyzed Patients: Role of Cryograft Type, Arterial Pathway, and Diabetic Nephropathy as Matching Determinants
Authors: Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel , Armentano Ricardo L. , Galli Cintia , Pérez Héctor , Saldías María , Álvarez Inés , Valtuille Rodolfo , Cabrera‐Fischer Edmundo
Published: June 2010

This study aimed to characterize the following: (i) in chronically hemodialyzed subjects (CHDSs), with and without diabetic nephropathy (DN), and in healthy subjects (non‐CHDSs) different arterial pathways stiffness to determine potential pathology‐dependent, etiology‐ and/or pathway‐dependent differences; and (ii) the biomechanical mismatch (BM) between arteries from non‐CHDSs or CHDSs (with and without DN) and arterial cryografts, venous cryografts, and synthetic prosthesis to determine arterial pathway, pathology, and/or etiology‐related differences in the substitute of election in terms of BM. Carotid–femoral and carotid–brachial pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in 30 non‐CHDSs and 71 CHDSs (11 with DN). In addition, PWV was measured in arterial (elastic and muscular) and venous cryografts and in expanded polytetrafluorethylene prosthesis. The arterial pathways regional differences and the subjects' arterial pathways‐substitutes BM were calculated. Arterial stiffness levels and regional differences were higher in CHDS than in non‐CHDS. Among CHDS, those with DN showed higher stiffness in the aorto–femoral pathway and larger regional differences. Cryografts showed always the least BM. Non‐CHDS and CHDS differed in the cryograft of election. In CHDS, the BM was related with the cryograft type, arterial pathway, and renal disease etiology. The BM could be minimized, selecting the most adequate cryograft type, taking into account the recipient specific characteristic (i.e., arterial pathway and renal disease etiology).
Evaluating Methods for Transplanting Endangered Elkhorn Corals in the Virgin Islands
Authors: Forrester Graham E. , O'Connell‐Rodwell Caitlin , Baily Patricia , Forrester Linda M. , Giovannini Sandra , Harmon Lindsay , Karis Rebecca , Krumholz Jason , Rodwell Timothy , Jarecki Lianna
Published: June 2010

Restoration of rare corals is desirable and restoration projects are fairly common, but scientific evaluation of this approach is limited. We tested several techniques for transplant and restabilization of Acropora palmata (the elkhorn coral), an ecologically important Caribbean coral whose populations have suffered severe declines. In rough weather, fragments break‐off colonies of branching corals like A. palmata as a normal form of asexual reproduction. We transplanted naturally produced coral fragments from remnant populations to nearby restoration sites. Untouched control fragments at the donor site died faster and grew slower than fragments attached to the reef, so attaching fragments to the reef is beneficial. Transplanted fragments grew and died at a rate similar to fragments left at the donor site (both groups were attached to the reef), so there were no effects of moving fragments or differences in habitat quality between donor and restoration sites. Growth and survival were similar using four methods of attaching fragments to the reef: cable ties, two types of epoxy resin, and hydrostatic cement. Corals sometimes compete with the macroalgae that dominate degraded reefs, and clearing surrounding algae improved the growth of fragments. After 4 years, transplanted fragments grew to 1,450 cm2 in area and so were potentially sexually active. Because the methods tested are simple and cheap, they could be used by volunteer recreational divers to restore locally extirpated A. palmata populations or to enhance reefs where natural recovery is slow.
Exploring the Utility of Hyperspectral Imagery and LiDAR Data for Predicting Quercus garryana Ecosystem Distribution and Aiding in Habitat Restoration
Authors: Jones Trevor G. , Coops Nicholas C. , Sharma Tara
Published: June 2010

In west‐coastal Canada Garry oak habitat has been significantly degraded and reduced to 1–5% of its pre‐European settlement range. To reverse the at‐risk status of species associated with Garry oak habitat, restoration efforts are mandatory. Effective restoration requires understanding habitat distribution in a detailed, accurate, and spatially explicit manner. This research investigates whether classified airborne hyperspectral imagery can provide distribution predictions that are more detailed and accurate than those stemming from conventional aerial photograph interpretation. Furthermore, this research assesses whether including structural information represented by light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data increases classification accuracies. Hyperspectral classification resulted in an overall accuracy of 86.4% with a 0.8 Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) and Garry oak producer's and user's accuracies of 81.7 and 92.1%, respectively. Including structural information as classification input resulted in an overall accuracy of 87.2% with a 0.8 KIA and Garry oak producer's and user's accuracies of 86.9 and 81.5%, respectively. Both rounds of classification identified the precise location and amount of Garry oak trees/tree clusters at a 2‐m spatial resolution providing significant improvement as compared with 1:5,000 scale polygons mapped with a minimum unit of 0.04 ha (i.e. 20 × 20‐m) which comprise conventional data. Despite lower user's accuracy for Garry oak, overall, Garry oak producer's and most per‐class accuracies (producer's and user's) increased with the inclusion of structural information and therefore its use is recommended. Classification results provide contemporary reference information which can inform required restoration activities and be used to judge their effectiveness.
The Role of Light and Soil Moisture in Plant Community Resistance to Invasion by Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
Authors: Young Stephen L. , Kyser Guy B. , Barney Jacob N. , Claassen Victor P. , DiTomaso Joseph M.
Published: June 2010

To resist establishment by an invasive plant, a community may require one or more species functionally similar to the invader in their resource acquisition pattern. In this study, communities consisting of native winter annual forbs, non‐native annual grasses, native perennials, or a combination of the two native communities were established with and without Centaurea solstitialis to determine the effect of soil moisture and light availability on plant community invasion resistance. The annual plant communities were unable to resist invasion by C. solstitialis. In the native winter annual forb community, senescence in late spring increased light penetration (>75%) to the soil surface, allowing seeded C. solstitialis to quickly establish and dominate the plots. In addition, native annual forbs utilized only shallow soil moisture, whereas C. solstitialis used shallow and deep soil moisture. In communities containing native perennials, only Elymus glaucus established well and eventually dominated the plots. During the first 2 years of establishment, water use pattern of perennial communities was similar to native annual forbs and resistance to invasion was associated with reduced light availability during the critical stages of C. solstitialis establishment. In later years, however, water use pattern of perennial grass communities was similar or greater than C. solstitialis‐dominated plots. These results show that Central Valley grasslands that include E. glaucus resist C. solstitialis invasion by a combination of light suppression and soil water competition. Spatiotemporal resource utilization patterns, and not just functional similarity, should be considered when developing restoration strategies to resist invasion by many non‐native species.
Domain Effects and Financial Risk Attitudes
Authors: Vlaev Ivo , Kusev Petko , Stewart Neil , Aldrovandi Silvio , Chater Nick
Published: June 2010

We investigated whether financial risk preferences are dependent on the financial domain (i.e., the context) in which the risky choice options are presented. Previous studies have demonstrated that risk attitudes change when gambles are framed as gains, losses, or as insurance. Our study explores this directly by offering choices between identical gambles, framed in terms of seven financial domains. Three factors were extracted, explaining 68.6% of the variance: Factor 1 (Positive)—opportunity to win, pension provision, and job salary change; Factor 2 (Positive‐Complex)—investments and mortgage buying; Factor 3 (Negative)—possibility of loss and insurance. Inspection of the solution revealed context effects on risk perceptions across the seven scenarios. We also found that the commonly accepted assumption that women are more risk averse cannot be confirmed with the context structure suggested in this research; however, it is acknowledged that in the students’ population the variance across genders might be considerably less. These results suggest that our financial risk attitude measures may be tapping into a stable aspect of “context dependence” of relevance to real‐world decision making.
Grading Functional Mitral Regurgitation by Tissue Doppler–Derived Isovolumic Acceleration Parameters in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Karaahmet Tansu , Tigen Kursat , Gurel Emre , Cevik Cihan , Dundar Cihan , Fotbolcu Hakan , Pala Selcuk , Basaran Yelda
Published: June 2010

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is relatively common in heart failure and it is associated with adverse prognosis. The severity of FMR is usually assessed by echocardiography. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is used to acquire signals to determine the myocardial systolic functional parameters, including systolic ejection velocity and the systolic isovolumic acceleration (IVAs) rate. We investigated the utility of isovolumic acceleration parameters to grade the severity of FMR in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DC) patients. We analyzed the left ventricular systolic IVA rate, systolic isovolumic contraction (IVCs) velocity, and IVA duration (IVAd) values in 73 patients with DC. Patients were subgrouped according to FMR grade (Group I = mitral regurgitation mild and moderate; Group II = mitral regurgitation severe). IVAs was similar between two groups; however IVCs and IVAd were significantly higher in Group II than Group I. The IVCs cutoff value to predict severe FMR was 1.2 cm/sec (sensitivity 75% and specificity 70%). The IVAd cutoff value to predict severe FMR was 33 ms (sensitivity 77% and specificity 77%). Patients with IVCs ≥ 1.2 cm/sec and IVAd ≥ 33 ms had significantly higher FMR volume than the other subgroups. IVCs and IVAd values are useful to determine FMR severity in patients with DC. (Echocardiography 2010;27:815‐822)
Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm—An Unusual Cause of Syncope
Authors: Sohal Manav , Rajani Ronak , De Belder Adam
Published: June 2010

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SOVA) are rare anomalies which often only become apparent at the time of rupture. Syncope associated with unruptured aneurysms is a recognized symptom but in most previously reported cases the mechanism has been either a brady‐ or tachyarrhythmia. We report a case of a large SOVA affecting the right coronary cusp which presented with syncope secondary to hypotension thought to be resulting from reduced left atrial filling as a consequence of transient right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction. The case demonstrates how echocardiographic and angiographic images correlate and also an unusual mechanism of syncope. SOVA are rare anomalies that often only become apparent at the time of rupture. Syncope associated with unruptured aneurysms is a recognized symptom but in most previously reported cases the mechanism has been either a brady‐ or tachyarrhythmia. We report a case of a large SOVA affecting the right coronary cusp, which presented with syncope secondary to hypotension thought to be resulting from reduced left atrial filling as a consequence of transient RVOT obstruction. The case demonstrates how echocardiographic and angiographic images correlate and also an unusual mechanism of syncope. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E60‐E61)
Echocardiographic Assessment of Juxtaposition of the Right Atrial Appendage in Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Qi , Yu Zhi‐Qing , Zhong Shu‐Wen , Wu Lan‐Ping , Chen Guo‐Zhen , Zhang Zhi‐Fang , Wang Qian
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study was to analyze the echocardiographic characteristics of juxtaposition of the atrial appendages and to determine its prevalence in children with congenital heart disease. From June 1998 to December 2008, 10,880 children underwent selective angiocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and echocardiography for evaluation of congenital heart disease. Juxtaposition of the atrial appendages was diagnosed based on the results of angiocardiography and MRI; the echocardiographic characteristics of this anomaly were analyzed retrospectively. There were 33 patients diagnosed with juxtaposition of the right atrial appendage (JRAA); no patient was diagnosed with juxtaposition of the left atrial appendage. The prevalence of JRAA in children with congenital heart disease was 0.30%. JRAA and abnormal spatial orientation of the atrial septum were visualized by Doppler echocardiography in 28 cases. In the remaining five cases, three cases with suspected JRAA could not be determined by echocardiography and the diagnosis was missed in two cases. The most common associated anomalies were conotruncal malformations (16 cases with double outlet of the right ventricle, 9 cases with pulmonary atresia, 6 cases with transposition of the great arteries, 1 case with tetralogy of Fallot) and tricuspid malformations (6 cases with tricuspid straddling, 3 cases with tricuspid atresia, 2 cases with tricuspid valve stenosis). Based on the characteristic alteration of the plane of the atrial septum and visualization of the malpositioned right atrial appendage, JRAA can be accurately diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography. (Echocardiography 2010;27:878‐884)
Effects of Chronic Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation and Percutaneous Valve Repair on Right Ventricular Geometry and Contractility Assessed by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Kjaergaard Jesper , Iversen Kasper K. , Vejlstrup Niels G. , Smith Julie , Bonhoeffer Philip , Søndergaard Lars , Hassager Christian
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) following repair of right ventricular (RV) outflow obstruction is related to slowly progressive RV dilatation and heart failure and will eventually require surgical intervention, but optimal timing of pulmonary valve replacement is challenging. Tissue Doppler based quantification of RV contractility may offer additional information in the management of these patients. Methods: In a porcine animal model free PR was induced by percutaneous stenting of the pulmonary valve orifice (N = 23). After 1, 2, or 3 months of free PR percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement (PPVR) was performed. Tissue Doppler derived measures of global and regional myocardial contractility were obtained by transthoracic echocardiography, and compared to a sham‐operated control group (N = 9). Results: Free PR is associated with RV dilatation (RV end‐diastolic area increased from 15 ± 3 to 23 ± 7 cm2/m2, P < 0.0001) and a decrease in RV fractional area change from 62 ± 10% to 57 ± 12%, P = 0.08, with no impact of duration of free PR. The isovolumic acceleration, regional strain, and strain rate were unchanged after free PR and after PPVR. No consistent relation of echocardiographic measures of contractility and response to PPVR could be identified. Conclusion: Echocardiographic measures of RV contractility remained unchanged, despite significant RV remodeling following chronic PR and PPVR persistently induced significant recovery in the majority of the animals. These results may imply that Tissue Doppler based measures of RV contractility may not be sufficiently sensitive to be a suitable adjunct to conventional echocardiography in the follow‐up of patients with free PR in order to optimize timing of valve replacement. (Echocardiography 2010;27:854‐863)
Ruptured Mitral Valve Aneurysm: An Uncommon Cause of Acute Dyspnoea
Authors: Tewari Satyendra , Moorthy Nagaraja , Sinha Nakul
Published: June 2010

The mitral valve aneurysm is a rare disease that is usually induced by infective endocarditis. While the mechanism of the development of this lesion is unclear, complications such as perforation can occur and lead to significant mitral regurgitation. We describe a patient presented with ruptured aneurysm of anterior mitral leaflet resulting in acute severe mitral regurgitation that was confirmed by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Early detection and prompt intervention are important to prevent the complications of valvular aneurysms, which include rupture, embolism, and endocarditis. This report emphasizes the role of echocardiography in evaluating the mitral valve aneurysms and its complications. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E119‐E121)
Atrial Myxomas Grow Faster Than We Think
Authors: Walpot Jeroen , Shivalkar Bharati , Rodrigus Inez , Pasteuning W. Hans , Hokken Raymond
Published: June 2010

The finding of a cardiac myxoma usually implies immediate consequent surgical excision to prevent embolic events. Reports with documented growth rate are therefore very rare, and the actual growth rate remains a controversial issue. We report the growth of a left atrial myxoma in an asymptomatic 65‐year‐old patient with several years of follow up for aortic valve disease. A MEDLINE search with the terms “cardiac myxoma and tumor growth” was performed. The calculated growth rate showed an average growth rate of 0.49 cm/month. These reports suggest that the growth rate of myxomas may be faster than is usually thought. (Echocardiography 2010,27:E128‐E131)
Mitral Valve Annular Bacterial Vegetative Mass Masquerading as a Left Atrial Myxoma
Authors: Bullock‐Palmer Renee P. , Tak Vinay , Mitchell Judith E.
Published: June 2010

A 49‐year‐old male with chronic kidney disease and history of renal transplantation in 2006 on chronic immunosuppressant therapy presented with a 1‐week history of chills and generalized myalgia. He had a temperature of 101°F. One set of blood cultures grew methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Transesophageal echo (TEE) revealed a mobile mass that was 2 cm in length attached by a thin stalk to the base of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The surgical diagnosis was a left atrial myxoma. The echocardiographic as well as the surgical findings were consistent with an atrial myxoma. However, the histopathology of the specimen showed no evidence of myxoma as the characteristic stellate mesenchymal cells were absent. Instead the milieu of inflammatory cells, fibrin and multimicrobial colonization of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative cocci suggested a super infected vegetative mass. It is interesting that the mitral valve was intact as de novo vegetation being formed on a structurally normal native valve is rare. In some instances, the echocardiographic distinction between atrial masses such as vegetation, thrombus or an atrial myxoma may be ambiguous. Not only does surgical removal allow histological determination of the diagnosis that is critical for treatment, but in cases where an infected mass is mobile and greater than 15 mm, as in this case, there is high potential for embolization. Surgical removal significantly decreases the risk of an embolic event. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E62‐E64)
An Incidentally Detected Large Papillary Fibroelastoma on Pulmonary Valve
Authors: Yao Gui Hua , Rousou John A. , Kuperman Michael , Jiang Leng
Published: June 2010

(Echocardiography 2010,27:E75‐E76)
Is Combined Atrial Volumetrics by Two‐Dimensional Echocardiography a Suitable Measure for Quantitative Assessment of the Hemodynamic Significance of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Neonates and Infants?
Authors: Jantzen David W. , Aldoss Osamah , Sanford Bethany , Fletcher Scott E. , Danford David A. , Kutty Shelby
Published: June 2010

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common cardiac problem in neonates and infants, but determination of its hemodynamic significance can be challenging. We hypothesized that combined left (LA) and right atrial (RA) volumes physiologically best reflect hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA), and utilized two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) derived atrial volumes to test this hypothesis. Methods: 2DE examinations with good‐quality images in 138 neonates <3 months corrected gestational age with PDA, and 50 normal neonates without PDA were selected. Measurements of LA, RA, and combined atrial volumes were performed, in addition to transductal diameters, left atrial to aortic dimension (LA:Ao), and left ventricular end‐diastolic to aortic dimension ratios. An experienced cardiologist, blinded to 2DE images of atria and ventricles and to the above measurements, independently assessed HSPDA based only on images and Doppler data of the ductus itself, thus identifying each PDA as of low hemodynamic significance or HSPDA. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed indexed LA volumes and LA/RA volume ratios to have moderate power to discriminate HSPDA from low hemodynamic burden PDA. Classic LA:Ao ratio, combined atrial volumes, and RA volumes yielded ROC areas that appeared less promising as discriminators for HSPDA. Conclusion: Atrial volume measurements in neonates and infants have a linear association with body surface area and show acceptable inter‐ and intraobserver agreement. Indexed LA volume and LA/RA volume ratio are potentially useful markers for HSPDA. RA dilation due to left to right shunting through the patent foramen ovale as quantified by RA volume measurements does not appear to be an important marker for HSPDA. (Echocardiography 2010;27;696‐701)
CeO2 Nanorod–TiO2 Nanotube Hybrid Nanostructure
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Xiaohui , Sun Changku , Li Longtu
Published: June 2010

CeO2 nanorods with a polycrystalline structure were prepared by galvanostatic electrodeposition using TiO2 nanotube arrays as templates. The heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent growth of CeO2 nanorods are an electric field‐assisted process, which depend upon the current density and electrolyte concentration. At low electric field intensity, amorphous nanoparticles are formed; whereas, at high electric field intensity, a layer of dense film is deposited (caused by the overgrowth of CeO2). By using an optimum electrochemical condition, namely current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 and Ce(Cl)3 solution concentration of 0.5 mmol/L, moderate electric field intensity can be obtained to grow the CeO2 nanorod–TiO2 nanotube hybrid nanostructure.
Organizational Concern, Prosocial Values, or Impression Management? How Supervisors Attribute Motives to Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R. B. , Bowler Wm. Matthew , Bolino Mark C. , Turnley William H.
Published: June 2010

Although prior studies have indicated that organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) tend to be positively related to supervisory ratings of employee performance, only a few studies have investigated how the motives attributed to OCB (e.g., impression management, prosocial motives, organizational concern) might influence such evaluations. Based on Weiner's (1995) attribution model and a study of supervisors in varied industries, we found that attributions regarding employees' motives for engaging in OCB are related to supervisors' emotional reactions to such behavior, which are, in turn, related to ratings of employee performance. Implications of the study for management research and practice are discussed.
Individual Differences in Emotion Regulation, Emotional Experiences at Work, and Work‐related Outcomes: A Two‐Study Investigation
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Prati L. Melita , Perrewé Pamela L. , Brymer Robert A.
Published: June 2010

The relationships among individual differences in emotion regulation (i.e., habitual tendencies to use reappraisal vs. suppression), employee emotions at work, and job performance and satisfaction were examined with 2 samples. Results indicated that reappraisal was positively associated with positive emotions and negatively associated with negative emotions. However, different from prior research, no emotional correlates were found for suppression. Further, it was found that job satisfaction was positively associated with positive emotions and negatively associated with negative emotions. Self‐rating of job performance was positively related to positive emotions, but was not significantly related to negative emotions.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Equating Designs for Constructed‐Response Tests in Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Walker Michael E. , McHale Frederick
Published: June 2010

Using data from a large‐scale exam, in this study we compared various designs for equating constructed‐response (CR) tests to determine which design was most effective in producing equivalent scores across the two tests to be equated. In the context of classical equating methods, four linking designs were examined: (a) an anchor set containing common CR items, (b) an anchor set incorporating common CR items rescored, (c) an external multiple‐choice (MC) anchor test, and (d) an equivalent groups design incorporating rescored CR items (no anchor test). The use of CR items without rescoring resulted in much larger bias than the other designs. The use of an external MC anchor resulted in the next largest bias. The use of a rescored CR anchor and the equivalent groups design led to similar levels of equating error.
Stratified and Maximum Information Item Selection Procedures in Computer Adaptive Testing
Authors: Deng Hui , Ansley Timothy , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: June 2010

In this study we evaluated and compared three item selection procedures: the maximum Fisher information procedure (F), the a‐stratified multistage computer adaptive testing (CAT) (STR), and a refined stratification procedure that allows more items to be selected from the high a strata and fewer items from the low a strata (USTR), along with completely random item selection (RAN). The comparisons were with respect to error variances, reliability of ability estimates and item usage through CATs simulated under nine test conditions of various practical constraints and item selection space. The results showed that F had an apparent precision advantage over STR and USTR under unconstrained item selection, but with very poor item usage. USTR reduced error variances for STR under various conditions, with small compromises in item usage. Compared to F, USTR enhanced item usage while achieving comparable precision in ability estimates; it achieved a precision level similar to F with improved item usage when items were selected under exposure control and with limited item selection space. The results provide implications for choosing an appropriate item selection procedure in applied settings.
Carbon Isotope Analysis to Evaluate Nanoscale Fe(O) Treatment at a Chlorohydrocarbon Contaminated Site
Authors: Elsner Martin , Couloume Georges Lacrampe , Mancini Silvia , Burns Leanne , Lollar Barbara Sherwood
Published: June 2010

Remediation of groundwater contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons via in situ technologies such as direct injection of nanoscale zero valent iron (ZVI, Fe(O)) particles is increasingly common. However, assessing target compound degradation by abiotic processes is difficult because (1) the injection may displace the contaminant plume so that concentration measurements alone are often inconclusive and (2) biodegradation may also occur, making it challenging to identify and evaluate the abiotic degradation component. In this study, trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (1,1,1‐TCA) were treated in a highly heterogeneous hydrogeologic setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for compound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) to monitor the effectiveness of ZVI injection by assessing TCE and 1,1,1‐TCA degradation. Prior to ZVI injection, carbon isotope measurements demonstrated biodegradation of TCE by native microorganisms. This in situ biodegradation was quantified by measuring the enrichment of 13C in TCE samples downstream of the suspected source. When ZVI was injected through only two injection wells, no changes in TCE and 1,1,1‐TCA isotope signatures were detected compared to preinjection values. In contrast, when ZVI was injected through 11 wells covering a greater portion of the contaminated area, 5 out of 10 monitoring wells showed further enrichment of 13C in either TCE or 1,1,1‐TCA, indicating additional target compound transformation. The abiotic nature of this TCE transformation was confirmed through temporal trends in carbon isotope values of the putative transformation products cis‐dichloroethylene (cis‐DCE), ethene and ethane. This demonstrates the usefulness of CSIA in distinguishing abiotic vs. biotic transformation in the field.