bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Taranaki women choose to have a mastectomy when suitable for breast conservation treatment
Authors: Gollop Susan J. , Kyle Stephen M. , Fancourt Michael W. , Gilkison William T. C. , Mosquera Damien A.
Published: August 2009

Background:  Breast conservation treatment (BCT) rate is recognized as a marker of surgical practice. An historically low BCT rate may reflect the requirement for Taranaki women to travel for adjuvant radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons Taranaki women with breast cancer choose mastectomy or BCT.

Methods:  Prospective information, on all women presenting with breast cancer between May 2004 and December 2006, was collected on a standardized questionnaire.

Results:  BCT was offered to 68% (140 of 206), but chosen by only 46% (n = 64) of suitable patients. If radiotherapy had been available locally, 23% (17 of 73) of patients who chose mastectomy would have instead opted for BCT. A quarter of each group of women thought they knew their surgeon's treatment preference and most chose this option. Fear of local recurrence and need for further surgery were significantly more important to those choosing mastectomy over BCT whereas what the surgeon was perceived to prefer was more important to those choosing BCT.

Conclusion:  The rate of BCT in Taranaki is low, despite it being offered by surgeons to the majority of patients. Local availability of radiotherapy may increase the BCT rate to a level more consistent with larger centres in New Zealand. Care must be taken to provide neutral patient guidance.
Vascular reconstruction in lower limb musculoskeletal tumours
Authors: Spark J. Ian , Charalabidis Peter , Laws Peter , Seben Ruben , Clayer Mark
Published: August 2009

Background:  Individual experience in the investigative, planning and operative aspects of lower limb musculoskeletal tumours is often small, making comparison between results difficult. The aim of the study was to describe the recent experience of a single tertiary referral unit performing limb salvage surgery, to identify areas of concern that are amenable to intervention and to provide clinicians an understanding of the surgical options.

Methods:  Nine patients with peripheral limb musculoskeletal tumours are described. Four patients had a leiomyosarcoma, and one each of osteosarcoma, synovial chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma and recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour.

Results:  Thirty‐day mortality was nil. Two patients (one with a leiomyosarcoma and one with an osteosarcoma) died at 6 months follow‐up because of pulmonary metastases. One patient with synovial chondrosarcoma developed a local recurrence and underwent an above‐knee amputation. Six patients at 18 months follow‐up are alive with no evidence of local recurrence and a functional lower limb.

Conclusion:  These cases are a challenge to the clinicians, radiologists and pathologists. Review by a multidisciplinary team can produce successful results with low post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Longer follow‐up is required to determine the long‐term implications.
Liver resection using heat coagulative necrosis: indications and limits of a new method
Authors: Stavrou Gregor A. , Donati Marcello , Fruehauf Nils R. , Flemming Peer , Oldhafer Karl‐Juergen
Published: August 2009

Background:  A new approach towards achieving bloodless liver resection is the use of heat coagulative necrosis. The latest stage of this technique is a four‐probe device (Habib Sealer), which we used for a variety of resections to find the best indications for the method.

Methods:  Between 2005 and 2006 we performed 28 liver resections in 20 consecutive patients. The most common indication was metastatic colorectal cancer (75%). We treated a heterogeneous patient collective in terms of tumour localization and extent of resection. Resection was performed after creating a necrotic zone. The device achieved an area of coagulation of 1‐cm width in which even larger vessels and bile ducts were safely sealed.

Results:  Operative spectrum covered atypical resections (8), one‐ or bisegmentectomies at different locations (15), hemihepatectomies (4) and one extended right hepatectomy. With one exception intra‐operative blood loss was lower than 100 mL. Four patients (20%) developed operation‐related complications comprising abscess formation at the resection site. Follow‐up shows tumour‐free survival for 13 of 18 patients 12 months after resection.

Conclusion:  Liver resection using the sealer device seems safe. In proximity of hilar structures or large vessels the method is not favourable for the fear of thermal damage. Extended resections are possible but not parenchyma saving. Good indications are atypical (deep) resections – especially in Segment IVb.
Comparison of public and private care management agencies under public long‐term care insurance in Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yoshioka Yoji , Tamiya Nanako , Kashiwagi Masayo , Sato Mikiya , Okubo Ichiro
Published: September 2009

Aim:  Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI), which started in April 2000, allowed private business corporations to provide long‐term care services which had been provided by social welfare corporations or public agencies in the previous long‐term care scheme. This study compared differences in care management plans for community‐dwelling frail elderly people between public care management agencies and private care management agencies.

Methods:  The subjects were 309 community‐dwelling frail elderly people living in a suburban city with a population of approximately 55 000 and who had been using community‐based long‐term care services of the LTCI for 6 months from April 2000. The characteristics of the care management agencies (public/private) were identified using a claims database. After comparing profiles of users and their care mix between those managed by public agencies and by private agencies, the effect of the characteristics of care management agencies on LTCI service use was examined.

Results:  Public care management agencies favored younger subjects (P = 0.003), male subjects (P = 0.006) and people with a higher need for care (P = 0.02) than private agencies. The number of service items used was significantly larger in public agencies than in their private counterparts. In multivariate regression analysis, the utilization of community‐based long‐term care service was significantly greater among beneficiaries managed by private agencies than those managed by public agencies (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  Private care management agencies play an important role in promoting the use of care services, but their quality of care plans might be questionable.
Posterior parietal cortex areas MIP and LIPv receive eye position and velocity inputs via ascending preposito‐thalamo‐cortical pathways
Authors: Prevosto Vincent , Graf Werner , Ugolini Gabriella
Published: September 2009

Neuronal activity encoding eye position and gaze signals participates in updating the spatial representations found in the posterior parietal cortex and is necessary for spatial accuracy in goal‐directed movements. Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus in combination with a conventional tracer, we studied direct and polysynaptic inputs to the ventral lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) and medial intraparietal area (MIP) in non‐human primates, to identify possible sources of eye position and gaze signals. We found that these areas receive disynaptic inputs from the brainstem horizontal eye position integrator network (nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, PH) via the central lateral and ventral lateral thalamic nuclei. Our findings provide the first demonstration that inputs from the horizontal eye position integrator reach cortical areas. We found important topographical differences between PH populations targeting MIP and LIPv that likely reflect transmission of different types of eye movement signals. LIPv receives projections from the ipsilateral rostral PH, which may transmit ipsilateral eye position signals. In addition to inputs from the rostral PH, MIP receives strong projections from the contralateral caudal PH, which may contribute to both eye position and velocity signals. Unlike the horizontal integrator, we found that the vertical eye position integrator network, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, does not project to these posterior parietal areas, in keeping with findings that the thalamic nuclei targeting LIPv and MIP receive almost exclusively horizontal oculomotor signals.
Lack of kainic acid‐induced gamma oscillations predicts subsequent CA1 excitotoxic cell death
Authors: Jinde Seiichiro , Belforte Juan E. , Yamamoto Jun , Wilson Matthew A. , Tonegawa Susumu , Nakazawa Kazu
Published: September 2009

Gamma oscillations are a prominent feature of hippocampal network activity, but their functional role remains debated, ranging from mere epiphenomena to being crucial for information processing. Similarly, persistent gamma oscillations sometimes appear prior to epileptic discharges in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis. However, the significance of this activity in hippocampal excitotoxicity is unclear. We assessed the relationship between kainic acid (KA)‐induced gamma oscillations and excitotoxicity in genetically engineered mice in which N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor deletion was confined to CA3 pyramidal cells. Mutants showed reduced CA3 pyramidal cell firing and augmented sharp wave–ripple activity, resulting in higher susceptibility to KA‐induced seizures, and leading to strikingly selective neurodegeneration in the CA1 subfield. Interestingly, the increase in KA‐induced γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, and the persistent 30–50‐Hz gamma oscillations, both of which were observed in control mice prior to the first seizure discharge, were abolished in the mutants. Consequently, on subsequent days, mutants manifested prolonged epileptiform activity and massive neurodegeneration of CA1 cells, including local GABAergic neurons. Remarkably, pretreatment with the potassium channel blocker α‐dendrotoxin increased GABA levels, restored gamma oscillations, and prevented CA1 degeneration in the mutants. These results demonstrate that the emergence of low‐frequency gamma oscillations predicts increased resistance to KA‐induced excitotoxicity, raising the possibility that gamma oscillations may have potential prognostic value in the treatment of epilepsy.
NF‐κB‐dependent regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampal neurons by X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
Authors: Kairisalo Minna , Korhonen Laura , Sepp Mari , Pruunsild Priit , Kukkonen Jyrki P. , Kivinen Jenny , Timmusk Tõnis , Blomgren Klas , Lindholm Dan
Published: September 2009

X chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an anti‐apoptotic protein enhancing cell survival. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also promotes neuronal viability but the links between XIAP and BDNF have remained unclear. We show here that the overexpression of XIAP increases BDNF in transgenic mice and cultured rat hippocampal neurons, whereas downregulation of XIAP by silencing RNA decreased BDNF. XIAP also stimulated BDNF signaling, as shown by increased phosphorylation of the TrkB receptor and the downstream molecule, cAMP response element‐binding protein. The mechanism involved nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and blocking of NF‐κB signaling inhibited the increased activities of BDNF promoters I and IV by XIAP. In neuronal cultures XIAP also upregulated interleukin (IL)‐6, which is an NF‐κB‐responsive gene. The addition of IL‐6 elevated whereas incubation with IL‐6‐blocking antibodies reduced BDNF in the neurons. BDNF itself activated NF‐κB in the neurons at higher concentrations. The data show that XIAP has trophic effects on hippocampal neurons by increasing BDNF and TrkB activity. The results reveal a cytokine network in the brain involving BDNF, IL‐6 and XIAP interconnected via the NF‐κB system.
Single‐particle tracking methods for the study of membrane receptors dynamics
Authors: Alcor Damien , Gouzer Géraldine , Triller Antoine
Published: September 2009

Single‐particle tracking (SPT) applications have been growing rapidly in the field of cell biology, and in particular in neurobiology, as a means of unravelling the involvement of diffusion dynamics of neurotransmitter receptors and other synaptic proteins in the regulation of neuronal activity. Suitable probes and technological improvements make SPT more accessible than it used to be and open up broad applications in cellular biology. In this technical highlight, we give an overview of the experimental approach in SPT. The concepts and results in neurobiology have already been the object of detailed reviews. Here, we focus on a qualitative description of the implementation of SPT, from molecule labelling to acquisition, data treatment and analysis of protein diffusion properties. Constraints, limitations and future developments are discussed.
Biology of the solitary waspTrypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnonRichards 1934 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in trap‐nests
Authors: Buschini Maria Luisa Tunes , Fajardo Saul
Published: August 2009

Buschini, M.L.T. and Fajardo, S. 2009. Biology of the solitary waspTrypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnonRichards 1934 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in trap‐nests. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)91: 426–432.

SomeTrypoxylonspecies build their nests in preexisting tubular cavities like hollow stems and beetle borings in branches. Study of the biology of these insects is relatively easy because the females of these wasps nest with enormous success in trap‐nests. The aim of this study was to investigate the abundance, seasonality and life‐history ofTrypoxylon agamemnon. For capture of these insects, trap‐nests were installed in the Parque Municipal das Araucárias in araucaria forest, grassland and swamp, from December, 2001 to December, 2005. Two hundred and ninety seven nests were obtained. They were constructed more often during the summer (from December to April). The nests were built only in araucaria forest and consisted of a linear series of cells, divided by mud partitions, whose number varied from 1 to 7. Normally they have only one vestibular cell. The inner cells had been provisioned, usually with spiders of Anyphaenidae family. Sex‐ratio was strongly female biased. Its main natural enemies included Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae.
Executive functions in adolescence: inferences from brain and behavior
Authors: Crone Eveline A.
Published: August 2009

Despite the advances in understanding cognitive improvements in executive function in adolescence, much less is known about the influence of affective and social modulators on executive function and the biological underpinnings of these functions and sensitivities. Here, recent behavioral and neuroscientific studies are summarized that have used different approaches (cognition, emotion, individual differences and training) in the study of adolescent executive functions. The combination of these different approaches gives new insight into this complex transitional phase in life, and marks adolescence as not only a period of vulnerabilities, but also great opportunities in terms of training possibilities and interventions.
Energy‐Based Image Deformation
Authors: Karni Z. , Freedman D. , Gotsman C.
Published: August 2009

We present a general approach to shape deformation based on energy minimization, and applications of this approach to the problems of image resizing and 2D shape deformation. Our deformation energy generalizes that found in the prior art, while still admitting an efficient algorithm for its optimization. The key advantage of our energy function is the flexibility with which the set of “legal transformations” may be expressed; these transformations are the ones which are not considered to be distorting. This flexibility allows us to pose the problems of image resizing and 2D shape deformation in a natural way and generate minimally distorted results. It also allows us to strongly reduce undesirable foldovers or self‐intersections. Results of both algorithms demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Rotating Scans for Systematic Error Removal
Authors: Abbasinejad Fatemeh , Kil Yong Joo , Sharf Andrei , Amenta Nina
Published: August 2009

Optical triangulation laser scanners produce errors at surface discontinuities and sharp features. These systematic errors are anisotropic. We examine the causes of these errors theoretically, and we study the correlation of systematic error with edge size and orientation experimentally. We then present a novel processing method for removing systematic errors, by combining scans taken at several different orientations. We apply an anisotropic filter to the separate scans, and use it to weight the data in a final combination step. Unlike previous approaches, our method does not require access to the scanner's internal data or firmware. We demonstrate the technique on data from laser range scanners by two different manufacturers.
Smoothing of Partition of Unity Implicit Surfaces for Noise Robust Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Nagai Yukie , Ohtake Yutaka , Suzuki Hiromasa
Published: August 2009

We propose a novel method for smoothing partition of unity (PU) implicit surfaces consisting of sets of non‐conforming linear functions with spherical supports. We derive new discrete differential operators and Laplacian smoothing using a spherical covering of PU as a grid‐like data structure. These new differential operators are applied to the smoothing of PU implicit surfaces. First, Laplacian smoothing is performed for the vector field defined by the gradient of the PU implicit surface, which is then updated to reflect the smoothing of the gradient field. This process achieves a method for noise robust surface reconstruction from scattered points.
A Concise and Provably Informative Multi‐Scale Signature Based on Heat Diffusion
Authors: Sun Jian , Ovsjanikov Maks , Guibas Leonidas
Published: August 2009

We propose a novel point signature based on the properties of the heat diffusion process on a shape. Our signature, called the Heat Kernel Signature (or HKS), is obtained by restricting the well‐known heat kernel to the temporal domain. Remarkably we show that under certain mild assumptions, HKS captures all of the information contained in the heat kernel, and characterizes the shape up to isometry. This means that the restriction to the temporal domain, on the one hand, makes HKS much more concise and easily commensurable, while on the other hand, it preserves all of the information about the intrinsic geometry of the shape. In addition, HKS inherits many useful properties from the heat kernel, which means, in particular, that it is stable under perturbations of the shape. Our signature also provides a natural and efficiently computable multi‐scale way to capture information about neighborhoods of a given point, which can be extremely useful in many applications. To demonstrate the practical relevance of our signature, we present several methods for non‐rigid multi‐scale matching based on the HKS and use it to detect repeated structure within the same shape and across a collection of shapes.
Localized Quadrilateral Coarsening
Authors: Daniels Joel , Silva Claudio T. , Cohen Elaine
Published: August 2009

In this paper we introduce a coarsening algorithm for quadrilateral meshes that generates quality, quad‐only connectivity during level‐of‐coarseningcreation. A novel aspect of this work is development and implementation of a localized adaptation of thepolychordcollapse operator to better control and preserve important surface components. We describe a novel weighting scheme for automatic deletion selection that considers surface attributes, as well as localized queue updates that allow for improved data structures and computational performance opportunities over previous techniques. Additionally, this work supports optional and intuitive user controls for tailored simplification results.
Approximating Gradients for Meshes and Point Clouds via Diffusion Metric
Authors: Luo Chuanjiang , Safa Issam , Wang Yusu
Published: August 2009

The gradient of a function defined on a manifold is perhaps one of the most important differential objects in data analysis. Most often in practice, the input function is available only at discrete points sampled from the underlying manifold, and the manifold is approximated by either a mesh or simply a point cloud. While many methods exist for computing gradients of a function defined over a mesh, computing and simplifying gradients and related quantities such as critical points, of a function from a point cloud is non‐trivial.

In this paper, we initiate the investigation of computing gradients under a different metric on the manifold from the original natural metric induced from the ambient space. Specifically, we map the input manifold to the eigenspace spanned by its Laplacian eigenfunctions, and consider the so‐called diffusion distance metric associated with it. We show the relation of gradient under this metric with that under the original metric. It turns out that once the Laplace operator is constructed, it is easier to approximate gradients in the eigenspace for discrete inputs (especially point clouds) and it is robust to noises in the input function and in the underlying manifold. More importantly, we can easily smooth the gradient field at different scales within this eigenspace framework. We demonstrate the use of our new eigen‐gradients with two applications: approximating / simplifying the critical points of a function, and the Jacobi sets of two input functions (which describe the correlation between these two functions), from point clouds data.
‘Habitation vs. Improvement’ and a Polanyian Perspective on Bank Bail-Outs
Authors: Watson Matthew
Published: September 2009

The bank bail-outs enacted by the Brown government in the wake of the 2007 credit crunch have had a distinctive political character. Despite the government's pronouncements on the merits of swift and decisive interventions, I argue that this does not amount to a return to the interventionist regulatory form associated with post-war British welfare capitalism. The Polanyian distinction between ‘habitation’ and ‘improvement’ is used to show that the bail-outs were designed by contrast to defend the underlying deregulatory logic of the existing financial regime. The only real change of note was to uncover forcibly the often hidden influence of the state in the making and regulation of an ostensibly market-led neoliberalism and the creation instead of a much more overt state-led neoliberalism. Habitation strategies were incorporated into a structure of financial deregulation, making it more rather than less difficult to rejuvenate state capacities consistent with enhancing societal welfare. The bank bail-outs offered short-term salvation for distressed firms within the financial sector without providing the state with socialised control over the conduct of banking business in order to promote forms of social policy consistent with post-war British welfare capitalism.
‘I'm Making a TV Programme Here!’: Reality TV'SBanged Upand Public Criminology
Authors: WILSON DAVID , GROOMBRIDGE NIC
Published: September 2009

Abstract:This article examines the TV seriesBanged Upand media reactions to it. In doing so it seeks to argue that it served a wider public service purpose, or public criminology, than simply entertainment. A number of other ‘experiments’ and the crossover between those and reality TV are also explored. The series was not universally admired and no attempt is made to hide this. In addition to engaging with theoretical matters the experience of one of the authors of being part of the programme is set out.
The Roots of “Radical Interactionism”
Authors: ATHENS LONNIE
Published: August 2009

A plea has been made for replacing the perspective of “symbolic interactionism” with a new interactionist's perspective—“radical interactionism.” Unlike in symbolic interactionism, where Mead's and Blumer's ideas play the most prominent roles, in radical interactionism's, Park's ideas play a more prominent role than either Mead's or Blumer's ideas. On the one hand, according to Mead, the general principle behind the organization of human group life was once dominance, but it is now “sociality.” On the other hand, according to Park, this general principle is now and has always been dominance. Blumer takes a position much closer to Mead's than Park's arguing that the general principle underlying the organization of human group life is sociality. Under certain special conditions, however, it can become dominance. Although like radical interactionism, symbolic interactionism is rooted in pragmatism, unlike in radical interactionism, symbolic interactionism is still plagued with strains of utopian thought, among which the notion of sociality is the most virulent. Sociality may be the principle on which human group life is organized in heaven, but, down here on earth, it remains organized on the basis of domination. Thus, radical interactionism provides a much‐needed antidote to the idealistic overtones still found in symbolic interactionism.
Effects of homogenisation conditions on the physical properties of high‐fat ice cream
Authors: TOSAKI MAYU , KITAMURA YUTAKA , SATAKE TAKAAKI , TSURUTANI TAIJI
Published: August 2009

The effect of homogenisation pressure on the physical properties of high‐fat ice cream was investigated. Nonhomogenised ice cream was hard, with low resistance to meltdown, and ice crystals grew rapidly therein. Fat globule networks were not formed in the nonhomogenised ice cream. The ice cream homogenised at 5 MPa or more was harder and showed a higher resistance to meltdown. Ice crystals in the ice cream homogenised at 5 MPa or more grew slowly. The physical properties of each ice cream varied with homogenisations from 5 to 25 MPa and could be controlled by homogenisation pressure.
Mechanism of the persistent sodium current activator veratridine‐evoked Ca2+elevation: implication for epilepsy
Authors: Fekete Ádám , Franklin Laura , Ikemoto Takeshi , Rózsa Balázs , Lendvai Balázs , Sylvester Vizi E. , Zelles Tibor
Published: August 2009

Although the role of Na+in several aspects of Ca2+regulation has already been shown, the exact mechanism of intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase resulting from an enhancement in the persistent, non‐inactivating Na+current (INa,P), a decisive factor in certain forms of epilepsy, has yet to be resolved. Persistent Na+current, evoked by veratridine, induced bursts of action potentials and sustained membrane depolarization with monophasic intracellular Na+concentration ([Na+]i) and biphasic [Ca2+]iincrease in CA1 pyramidal cells in acute hippocampal slices. The Ca2+response was tetrodotoxin‐ and extracellular Ca2+‐dependent and ionotropic glutamate receptor‐independent. The first phase of [Ca2+]irise was the net result of Ca2+influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+channels and mitochondrial Ca2+sequestration. The robust second phase in addition involved reverse operation of the Na+–Ca2+exchanger and mitochondrial Ca2+release. We excluded contribution of the endoplasmic reticulum. These results demonstrate a complex interaction between persistent, non‐inactivating Na+current and [Ca2+]iregulation in CA1 pyramidal cells. The described cellular mechanisms are most likely part of the pathomechanism of certain forms of epilepsy that are associated withINa,P. Describing the magnitude, temporal pattern and sources of Ca2+increase induced byINa,Pmay provide novel targets for antiepileptic drug therapy.
The effect of nitroglycerin tolerance on oxidative stress and anaerobic sulfur metabolism in rat tissues
Authors: Dudek Magdalena , Bilska Anna , Bednarski Marek , Iciek Małgorzata , Kwiecień Inga , Sokołowska‐Jeżewicz Maria , Filipek Barbara , Włodek Lidia
Published: September 2009

The present results indicated that tolerance to nitroglycerin (glycerin trinitrate, GTN) increased the hepatic and renal level of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase (POx) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity, whereas non‐protein thiols remained unchanged in both organs. In the liver (but not in the kidney) glutathioneS‐transferase (GST), catalase and rhodanese activities decreased and the sulfane sulfur level also dropped. Unlike in the liver, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) activity in the kidney declined. On the other hand, hepatic S‐nitrosothiols (SNT) rose while renal SNT declined. As no concomitant changes in the nitric oxide (NO) level were observed in either organ, the results suggested that under nitroglycerin tolerance NO was stored in the liver in the form of SNT. In conclusion, the results obtained in the liver and kidney confirm the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathomechanism of GTN tolerance, and reveal the diverse effects of this phenomenon on the γGT and GST activity and SNT level in both organs. We observed for the first time that GTN tolerance could be accompanied by the disruption of hepatic anaerobic cysteine metabolism, associated with sulfane sulfur and rhodanese activity.
Acetaldehyde and the Hypothermic Effects of Ethanol in Mice
Authors: Closon Catherine , Didone Vincent , Tirelli Ezio , Quertemont Etienne
Published: August 2009

Background: Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, has been suggested to be involved in many behavioral effects of ethanol. However, few studies have investigated the hypothermic effects of acetaldehyde or the contribution of acetaldehyde to ethanol‐induced hypothermia. The aim of the present study is to better understand the hypothermic effects of acetaldehyde and the possible contribution of acetaldehyde in ethanol‐induced hypothermia, especially under conditions leading to acetaldehyde accumulation.

Methods: Female Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally with ethanol and acetaldehyde and their rectal temperatures were measured with a digital thermometer at various time points after the injections. Experiment 1 compared the hypothermic effects of various acetaldehyde doses (0 to 300 mg/kg) with a reference dose of ethanol (3 g/kg). Experiment 2 tested the effects of a pretreatment with the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor cyanamide (25 mg/kg) on ethanol‐ and acetaldehyde‐induced hypothermia. In experiments 3 and 4, mice received a combined pretreatment with cyanamide and the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) inhibitor 4‐Methylpyrazole (10 mg/kg) before the injection of ethanol or acetaldehyde.

Results: Acetaldehyde at doses between 100 and 300 mg/kg induced significant hypothermic effects, but of shorter duration than ethanol‐induced hypothermia. The inhibition of ALDH enzymes by cyanamide induced a strong potentiation of both ethanol‐ and acetaldehyde‐induced hypothermia. The pretreatment with 4‐MP prevented the potentiation of ethanol‐induced hypothermia by cyanamide, but slightly increased the potentiation of acetaldehyde‐induced hypothermia by cyanamide.

Conclusions: The results of the present study clearly show that acetaldehyde has hypothermic properties in mice at least at relatively high concentrations. Furthermore, the accumulation of acetaldehyde following ALDH inhibition strongly enhanced the hypothermic effects of ethanol. These latter results confirm the hypothermic properties of acetaldehyde and show that acetate, the next step in ethanol metabolism, is not involved in these hypothermic effects. Finally, the experiment with 4‐MP indicates that the potentiating effects of cyanamide are mediated by the peripheral accumulation of acetaldehyde, which then reaches the brain to induce a severe hypothermia.
Comparison of Adaptive Behavior in Children With Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure or Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Crocker Nicole , Vaurio Linnea , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N.
Published: August 2009

Background:  Adaptive behavior, the ability to respond successfully to everyday demands, may be especially sensitive to the effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Similar adaptive dysfunction is common in other developmental disorders including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is frequently present in alcohol‐exposed children and this overlap in clinical presentation makes identification of alcohol‐exposed children difficult. Direct comparison of children with prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD may yield distinct patterns of cognitive and behavioral performance and add to growing knowledge of the neuropsychological and behavioral profile of prenatal alcohol exposure. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to compare adaptive behavior in children with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (ALC), nonexposed children with ADHD (ADHD), and typically developing controls (CON).

Methods:  Sixty‐five children (ALC = 22, ADHD = 23, CON = 20) were selected from a larger ongoing study of the behavioral teratogenicity of alcohol. Alcohol‐exposed and control participants were selected to match the ADHD subjects on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. Caregivers were administered the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, a semi‐structured interview, and were asked to rate their child’s behavior on 3 domains of adaptive function. Data were analyzed using regression techniques.

Results:  Relative to controls, children in both the ALC and ADHD groups showed adaptive behavior deficits on all 3 domains and children in the ALC group were significantly more impaired than the ADHD group on the daily living skills domain. Within the ALC group, socialization standard scores were lower at older ages. This negative relationship between age and standard scores in the ALC group was also observed on the communication domain, a finding not previously reported.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that both children with prenatal alcohol exposure and children with ADHD show impairments in adaptive function relative to controls, but that the pattern of impairment differs between these clinical groups. Adaptive ability in children with prenatal alcohol exposure is characterized by an arrest in development, as evidenced by a lack of improvement with age in socialization and communication scores. In contrast, children with ADHD exhibit a developmental delay in adaptive ability as their scores continued to improve with age, albeit not to the level of control children. Continued research focused on elucidating the patterns of deficits that exist in alcohol‐exposed children ultimately will lead to improved differential diagnosis and effective interventions.
Financial Champions and Masters of Innovation: Analyzing the Effects of Balancing Strategic Orientations*
Authors: Paladino Angela
Published: August 2009

Theory predicts that market and resource orientations can each lead to innovation and financial success. Despite this, no research has examined whether the pursuit of both resource and market orientations is feasible and, if so, the impact of this combined effect on innovative and financial outcomes. This paper aims to address these gaps. Thus, it is the first to examine the interdependent relationship between market orientation (MO) and resource orientation (RO). Additionally, this study responds to calls for (1) cross‐disciplinary research, particularly in the areas of marketing and strategic management, and (2) comparative studies of diverse strategic orientations on performance. In doing so, this paper investigates the difference in innovation performance and financial performance between firms adopting a high or low degree of market orientation or a high or low degree of resource orientation. This allows us to observe independent and interdependent effects of these orientations on the firm's performance. Data were collected from 250 senior executives in Australia. Confirmatory factor analysis and related techniques were applied to assess the robustness of the measures used. A two‐way between‐groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the relationships. Results show the emergence of four organizational types: unfocused imitators or followers; market‐driven innovators; masters of innovation; and financial champions. From these, financial champions emerge as having the greatest impact on the financial performance of the firm, while masters of innovation are best for maximizing innovation outcomes. In fact, organizations with a high RO in the matrix (masters of innovation and financial champions) achieved a higher impact on innovation relative to the quadrants reflecting a lower MO. Results also demonstrate that pursuing a low degree of resource and market orientations leads to inferior financial performance. Therefore, a balance of resource and market orientations is important. A potential extension of this research is to assess these relationships on an industry‐by‐industry basis. This would contribute to our knowledge by allowing us to determine if and how these results differ between industries. Managerial and theoretical implications are also discussed.
Where Do Good Innovation Ideas Come From? Exploring the Influence of Network Connectivity on Innovation Idea Quality
Authors: Björk Jennie , Magnusson Mats
Published: August 2009

This paper aims to add to innovation management theory and practice by exploring the interrelationship between innovation idea quality and idea providers' network connectivity, using social network analysis. The study uses a database from a company that has worked systematically with idea management over a long period of time and today has a well‐established information technology system that collects ideas from a large number of employees. In addition to the idea database, a number of interviews with key individuals within innovation were conducted to create rich contextual knowledge and understand more in detail how ideas are handled in the company. The analysis indicated that there is a clear interrelationship between the network connectivity and the quality of the innovation ideas created. The analysis was done for all the innovation ideas and then for ideas created by single individuals and by groups, respectively. In all three analyses the proportion of high‐quality innovation ideas increased, as a step function, between the least connected group and the group thereafter. There is apparently a need for a certain amount of relations to increase the proportion of high‐quality innovation ideas generated. Regarding only ideas provided by single individuals, more connections within the network resulted in a higher proportion of high‐quality ideas. A different pattern was seen for ideas provided by groups as the proportion of high‐quality innovation ideas grew with some increase in the connectivity of groups but declined with a further increase in connectivity. The findings suggest a number of implications for ideation management. To increase the number of high‐quality innovation ideas created by individuals, the possibility to interact with other people should be supported and facilitated. However, in these settings, where individuals work with others in different groups, the most connected groups perform worst in terms of the proportion of high‐quality ideas generated, which points to the necessity to consider a multitude of factors when managing ideation.
Successful Cervical MR Scan in a Patient Several Hours after Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: GOLDSHER DORITH , JAHSHAN SHADY , ROGUIN ARIEL
Published: August 2009

Recent data showed that patients with electrical implanted devices may under certain conditions be scanned safely by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The device must have been in place preferably for at least 4–8 weeks [Correction added after online publication 31‐Aug‐2009: number of weeks has been updated.] prior to MR imaging to allow healing and pacemaker pocket formation. We report on a patient with quadriplegia and suspected epidural hematoma referred for MR scan a day after he had a pacemaker implantation. The patient was also pacemaker‐dependent. After considering the risk/benefit ratio in this patient, it was decided to perform the scan. The pacemaker was reprogrammed. MRI was performed under strict monitoring. A spinal cord contusion at the level of C1–3 was diagnosed. Based on the imaging findings no invasive procedure was done. Device interrogation found no change in sensing or pacing parameters or in the pacemaker's battery. At the end of the scan, the device was reprogrammed back to the initial settings. In this population, each scan should be discussed thoroughly and the risks to benefit ratio should be considered. Given appropriate precautions, in well‐experienced imaging centers, MRI may be safely performed in patients with permanent cardiac electronic implantable devices.
Achieving Permanent Left Ventricular Pacing—Options and Choice
Authors: LAU ERNEST W.
Published: August 2009

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) requires permanent left ventricular (LV) pacing. Coronary sinus (CS) lead placement is the first line clinical approach but can be difficult or impossible; may suffer from a high LV pacing threshold, phrenic nerve stimulation, and dislodgement; and produces epicardial LV pacing, which is less physiological and hemodynamically effective and potentially more proarrhythmic than endocardial LV pacing. CS leads can usually be extracted with direct traction but may require use of extraction sheaths. Half of CS side branches previously used for lead placement may be unusable for the same purpose after successful lead extraction, and 30% of CS lead reimplantation attempts may fail due to exhaustion of side branches. Surgical epicardial LV lead placement is the more invasive second line approach, produces epicardial LV pacing, and has a lead failure rate of ≈15% in 5 years. Transseptal endocardial LV lead placement is the third line approach, can be difficult to achieve, but produces endocardial LV pacing. The major concern with transseptal endocardial LV leads is systemic thromboembolism, but the risk is unknown and oral anticoagulation is advised. Among the new CRT recipients in the United States and Western Europe between 2003 and 2007, 22,798 patients may require CS lead revisions, 9,119 patients may have no usable side branches for CS lead replacement, and 1,800 patients may require surgical epicardial LV lead revision in the next 5 years. The CRT community should actively explore and develop alternative approaches to LV pacing to meet this anticipated clinical demand.
Are the Extent, Location, and Score of Segmental Wall Motion Abnormalities Related to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response?
Authors: Shen Xuedong , Aronow Wilbert S. , Nair Chandra K. , Holmberg Mark J. , Hee Tom , Maciejewski Stephanie , Esterbrooks Dennis J.
Published: August 2009

Background: We hypothesized that segmental wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) are related to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. Methods: We studied 108 patients who received CRT, 69 with ischemic and 39 with nonischemic heart disease. A wall motion score index (WMSI) was analyzed using a 17‐segment model and calculated by the total score/number of segments analyzed. A decrease of left ventricular end systolic volume ≥15% after CRT was defined as a positive response to CRT. Results: Of 108 patients, 1,054/1,836 segments (57%) had WMAs. The mean WMSI was 2.06 in patients with ischemic heart disease and 1.04 in patients with nonischemic heart disease (P < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for a WMSI predicting a positive response to CRT was 0.70 (P = 0.0001). The cutoff point was a WMSI ≤2 for prediction of a positive response to CRT. After adjustment for age, gender, and clinical features, the WMSI persistently related to CRT responders (P = 0.01). During 15‐month follow‐up, the percentage of CRT nonresponders in patients with a WMSI >2 was significantly higher (82%) compared to patients with a WMSI ≤2 (47%, P = 0.005) and nonischemic heart disease (36%, P < 0.001). In 59 patients with left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony, the percentage of negative responders to CRT in patients with a WMSI >2, ≤2, and nonischemic heart disease were 53% (8 of 15), 16% (3 of 19) and 0% (0 of 25), respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: A large extent of WMAs and a WMSI >2 predicted a poorer CRT response. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Usefulness and Limitation of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Acute Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Sénéchal Mario , Lancellotti Patrizio , Garceau Patrick , Champagne Jean , Dubois Michelle , Magne Julien , Blier Louis , Molin Frank , Philippon François , Dumesnil Jean G. , Pierard Luc , O’Hara Gilles
Published: August 2009

Background: It has been hypothesized that a long‐term response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) could correlate with myocardial viability in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Contractile reserve and viability in the region of the pacing lead have not been investigated in regard to acute response after CRT. Methods: Fifty‐one consecutive patients with advanced heart failure, LV ejection fraction ≤ 35%, QRS duration > 120 ms, and intraventricular asynchronism ≥ 50 ms were prospectively included. The week before CRT implantation, the presence of viability was evaluated using dobutamine stress echocardiography. Acute responders were defined as a ≥15% increase in LV stroke volume. Results: The average of viable segments was 5.8 ± 1.9 in responders and 3.9 ± 3 in nonresponders (P = 0.03). Viability in the region of the pacing lead had an excellent sensitivity (96%), but a low specificity (56%) to predict acute response to CRT. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was reduced in 21 patients (84%) with acute response. The presence of MR was a poor predictor of response (sensibility 93% and specificity 17%). However, combining the presence of MR and viability in the region of the pacing lead yields a sensibility (89%) and a specificity (70%) to predict acute response to CRT. Conclusion: Myocardial viability is an important factor influencing acute hemodynamic response to CRT. In acute responders, significant MR reduction is frequent. The combined presence of MR and viability in the region of the pacing lead predicts acute response to CRT with the best accuracy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:50‐57)
Evaluation of the Severity of Mitral Regurgitation by the Use of Signal Void in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ozdogan Oner , Yuksel Alper , Gurgun Cemil , Kayikcioglu Meral , Yavuzgil Oguz , Cinar Cahide Soydas
Published: August 2009

Background: The study was designed to evaluate the severity of mitral regurgitation by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We proposed a new measurement of signal void by MRI and tried to define threshold values for the severity of regurgitation with different sequences. Methods: Twenty‐one patients with mitral regurgitation were evaluated by echocardiography and MRI. We measured the length, width, and the area of jet flow void from long‐axis and four‐chamber views. The regurgitant area was measured with TrueFISP, FLASH sequences, and phase images by tracing the signal‐void area in left atrium parallel to mitral annulus. This new parameter for grading of the severity of mitral regurgitation by cine MRI was called regurgitant area from short axis (RAFSA). Results: All methods (EROA, vena contracta) were correlated for determining the regurgitation severity (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between EROA by echocardiography and RAFSA by MRI with the TrueFISP, FLASH sequences, and phase images (P < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that EROA was significantly correlated with RAFSA by phase images (P < 0.001). After regression analysis, threshold values of RAFSA by phase imaging were calculated and found to be 0.27 cm2 and 0.92 cm2 between mild, moderate, and severe mitral regurgitations (100% sensitivity, 67% specificity, and 100% sensitivity, 78% specificity, respectively) (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Conclusions: MRI is an alternative method for evaluating mitral regurgitation. Our study suggests a new parameter, RAFSA by cine MRI, to grade the severity of mitral regurgitation and provides threshold values in order to define mild, moderate, and severe regurgitations. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume **, ***********)