bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of cosmetic talc compared with iodopovidone for chemical pleurodesis
Authors: AGARWAL RITESH , PAUL ABINASH S. , AGGARWAL ASHUTOSH N. , GUPTA DHEERAJ , JINDAL SURINDER K.
Published: May 2011

Background and objective:  Talc is an effective and widely used agent for chemical pleurodesis. However, limited availability and high cost hamper the routine use of talc in resource poor countries. In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone with that of cosmetic talc, for chemical pleurodesis.

Methods:  Patients with recurrent pleural effusions and/or spontaneous pneumothorax were prospectively randomized to undergo pleurodesis with cosmetic talc (5 g) or iodopovidone (20 mL of a 10% solution) by tube thoracostomy. The cosmetic talc was pretested for impurities (asbestos‐free) and particle size (20–60 µm), using energy dispersive analysis by X‐ray and scanning electron microscopy. The success rate (complete or partial), time to pleurodesis and safety of these two agents was compared.

Results:  Pleurodesis was performed in 73 patients (39 with iodopovidone, 34 with cosmetic talc; 56 men, 17 women; mean age 51.7 years; 38 pleural effusions, 35 pneumothoraces). A complete response was obtained in all patients with pneumothorax in both the iodopovidone and talc groups. Among patients with pleural effusions, a complete response was observed in 16/19 and 15/19 patients in the iodopovidone and talc groups, respectively. A partial response was observed in two additional patients from each group. The time to pleurodesis was similar in the two groups. Minor side‐effects (fever, chest pain) were observed with similar frequencies in the two groups. None of the patients experienced hypotension or ARDS.

Conclusions:  Iodopovidone and cosmetic talc are equally efficacious and safe agents for chemical pleurodesis.
Serum KL‐6 and surfactant protein D in children with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza infection
Authors: Nishida Satoko , Fukazawa Ryuji , Imai Takehide , Takeda Sachiyo , Hayakawa Jun , Takeuchi Hodaka , Shimizu Kiwako , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Takase Masato
Published: May 2011

Background:  A global pandemic influenza A (H1N1) outbreak occurred in 2009. Rapid progress of respiratory distress is one of the characteristic features of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection. The physiologic mechanism causing hypoxia in pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection, however, has not been elucidated.

Methods:  The serum levels of KL‐6 and surfactant protein D (SP‐D) were evaluated in 21 cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection associated with chest radiographic abnormality in order to estimate alveolar involvement. The clinical features were also analyzed.

Results:  All of the patients had high fever, and rapidly progressed to respiratory distress within several days of disease onset. Despite mild radiographic abnormality in these patients, dyspnea was severe and they had low blood oxygen saturation levels. Many of the patients had a history of allergic diseases including asthma. Serum KL‐6 and SP‐D levels on admission were 191 ± 69 U/mL and 32.6 ± 18.9 ng/mL, respectively. These two levels were still below the upper normal limit 1 week later. There were no clear relationships between specific clinical symptoms and KL‐6 or SP‐D levels. All patients were treated with oseltamivir and/or zanamivir, and improved without mechanical ventilation management.

Conclusion:  KL‐6 and SP‐D elevation were not significant in pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection associated with chest radiographic abnormality. In pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection, alveolar involvement was estimated to be little, and severe respiratory distress was probably caused by obstruction of peripheral bronchi.
Comparing the effects of intrauterine progestin system and oral progestin on health‐related quality of life and Kupperman index in hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Pirimoglu Zehra Meltem , Ozyapi Ayse Gul , Kars Bulent , Buyukbayrak Esra Esim , Solak Yakup , Karsidag Ayse Yasemin Karageyim , Unal Orhan , Turan Mehmet Cem
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intrauterine‐system‐releasing 20 µg daily of levonorgestrel (LNG IUS) plus 1 mg 17 beta‐estradiol daily, orally with combined oral pill containing 1 mg 17 beta‐estradiol/2 mg drospirenone daily as hormone replacement therapy, on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods:  A 6‐month prospective clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Ninety postmenopausal women were accepted to be part of the study. The Euro Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) and Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS) indexes for HRQoL and Kupperman indexes were compared between two groups of patients.

Results:  Kupperman indexes of both treatment groups decreased gradually over 6 months, but indexes decreased significantly more in the group with intrauterine‐system‐releasing 20 µg daily of levonorgestrel. Elevations were observed in EQ‐5D indexes and VAS values of both groups. EQ VAS values significantly increased in the group on intrauterine progestogen system. Similar changes were observed in the EQ‐5D indexes of both groups.

Conclusion:  A hormone replacement therapy regimen that includes an intrauterine progestin system decreased climacteric symptoms and increased HRQoL in postmenopausal women during a follow‐up period of 6 months. The extent of the relief of symptoms was greater in this group than in women receiving oral combined hormone replacement therapy. It seems therefore that the intrauterine progestin system could represent a method of choice for endometrial suppression in women using estrogen replacement therapy with distinct advantages over systemically administered progestogens, which have been the subject of considerable debate as reported in the recent literature.
Prenatal diagnosis and management of vasa previa: A 6‐year review
Authors: Kanda Eriko , Matsuda Yoshio , Kamitomo Masato , Maeda Takatsugu , Mihara Keiko , Hatae Masayuki
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the methods of screening and prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa.

Material and Methods:  We reviewed cases of vasa previa in our hospital between January 2002 and December 2007. During this period, we visualized the site of cord insertion using transabdominal ultrasonography and observed the internal os using gray‐scale transvaginal ultrasonography. A diagnosis of vasa previa was confirmed by transvaginal color Doppler imaging.

Results:  We encountered 10 cases of vasa previa among 5131 deliveries. All cases had one or more known risk factors. In all of the four cases that underwent screening in the second trimester (i.e. between 20 and 25 weeks of gestation), the diagnosis was correct. Routine ultrasonography detected in only three of the other six cases of vasa previa that were referred to our hospital after 26 weeks of gestation. Of the other three cases referred after 26 weeks of gestation, in two cases vasa previa was detected by detailed examination using color Doppler transvaginal ultrasonography after fetal heart rate monitoring detected the presence of non‐reassuring fetal status; in the remaining case, we were unable to make an antenatal diagnosis. Non‐reassuring fetal status was seen on fetal heart rate monitoring in four of the five detected cases complicated by preterm labor.

Conclusion:  We consider that the best timing of antenatal screening for vasa previa is the second trimester. Non‐reassuring fetal heart rate pattern without other possible causes warrants detailed examination of vasa previa.
Isolated broad ligament leiomyomatosis
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Gen , Adlan Aizura‐Syafinaz , Lee Chyi‐Long , Lertvikool Srithean
Published: May 2011

Leiomyomas of an extrauterine nature are rare and often present a more challenging diagnosis process for the clinician. Our patient presented with lower abdominal pain associated with menorrhagia over a period of 6 months. Laparoscopic surgery revealed a right‐sided broad ligament myoma consisting of multiple soft and diffused fibroids, of more than 400 in total. The myomas were enucleated and completely removed by laparoscopic surgery with minimal blood loss. Histopathological examination and analysis revealed the multiple nodules to be benign leiomyomatosis. The finding of isolated broad ligament leiomyomatosis rates this case as a unique kind of leiomyoma.
T‐cell receptor beta polymorphism is not associated with endometriosis
Authors: Tripputi Pasquale , Bignotto Monica , Cigognini Daniela , Bianchi Stefano , Fedele Luigi
Published: May 2011

Aim:  We carried out an association study between T‐cell receptor beta polymorphism (TCRB) and endometriosis to investigate the difference in allelic frequency. Polymorphisms in T‐cell receptor genes can provide important information for the study of the immune response and autoimmune diseases; indeed, rs1800907, a very common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TCRB, has been extensively studied in autoimmune diseases in the 1990s using Southern blot analysis and more recently polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. An autoimmune etiology for endometriosis has been strongly suggested for the presence of antibodies against endometrium, high rates of autoimmune disorders and associated atopic diseases.

Material and Methods:  We investigated 70 patients with endometriosis and 120 controls. DNA of patients and controls was studied by PCR followed by restriction digestion and sequencing to determine genotype and presence of linkage disequilibrium (LD). Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA Routine GENHW (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) for estimation of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and test power calculation. The difference of allele distribution between patients and controls was calculated according to Pearson's and Fisher's tests. Test power for the estimation of linkage disequilibrium is low (0.16).

Results:  We performed an association study of the SNP rs1800907 of TCRB between 70 patients with endometriosis and 120 controls, and did not find any significant difference (χ2 = 0.27 and P = 0.87). Fisher's test confirmed a P‐value of 0.872.

Conclusion:  Our study does not suggest an evidential and major involvement of TCRB in the pathogenesis of endometriosis in an Italian population in a small case control study.
Actually Existing Commons: Three Moments of Space of Community Gardens in New York City
Authors: Eizenberg Efrat
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  This paper analyzes an urban space that functions, it is argued, as the commons in the neoliberal city. The space of community gardens in New York City is “unpacked” according to three Lefebvrian moments of space: the material space, representations of space, and the lived space. Engaging alternative conceptualizations of social relations in the urban space, it complicates and explicates the notion of the commons and its actually existing manifestations.
The Politics of EU Health Policy and the Case of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising for Prescription Drugs
Authors: Geyer Robert
Published: May 2011

Direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs (DTCA-PD) is currently banned in the EU, but the pharmaceutical industry (supported by key member states and DG Enterprise) made two major attempts to overturn it in the 2000s at the EU level and failed. What does this failure imply for the debates surrounding this policy area and EU health policy in general? To explore this question, this article will define DTCA-PD, examine its pros and cons, provide a brief overview of EU health policy and present a detailed review of the two recent attempts to overturn the ban. Following this, it will examine the five key elements of EU health policy, evaluate their relevance to the development of the EU's policy towards DTCA-PD and briefly speculate on the future of the ban.
Hospital Competition and Quality with Regulated Prices*
Authors: Brekke Kurt R. , Siciliani Luigi , Straume Odd Rune
Published: May 2011

We analyse the effect of competition on quality in hospital markets with regulated prices, considering the effect of both introducing competition (monopoly versus competition) and increasing competition through either lower transportation costs (increased substitutability) or a higher number of hospitals. With semi‐altruistic providers and a fairly general cost structure, we show that the relationship between competition and quality is generally ambiguous. In contrast to the received body of theoretical literature, this is consistent with, and potentially explains, the mixed empirical evidence.
Unemployment and Right‐wing Extremist Crime*
Authors: Falk Armin , Kuhn Andreas , Zweimüller Josef
Published: May 2011

It is frequently argued that unemployment plays a crucial role in the occurrence of right‐wing extremist crimes (RECs). We test this hypothesis empirically using data from Germany. We find that right‐wing criminal activities occur more frequently when unemployment is high. The substantial difference in the numbers of RECs occurring in the East and West German states can mostly be attributed to differences in unemployment. This finding reinforces the importance of unemployment as an explanatory factor for RECs, and it questions explanations based solely on the different socialization in former communist East Germany and the liberal West German states.
Natural Resource Booms and Inequality: Theory and Evidence*
Authors: Goderis Benedikt , Malone Samuel W.
Published: May 2011

We develop a theory, in the context of a two‐sector growth model in which learning‐by‐doing drives growth, to explain the time path of income inequality following natural resource booms in resource‐rich countries. Under the condition of a relatively unskilled labor intensive non‐traded sector, inequality falls immediately after a boom, and then increases steadily over time until the initial impact of the boom disappears. Using data for 90 countries between 1965 and 1999, we find evidence in support of the theory, especially for oil and mineral booms. We also find that uncertainty about future commodity prices increases long‐run inequality.
TRANSIENT LINEAR PRICE IMPACT AND FREDHOLM INTEGRAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Gatheral Jim , Schied Alexander , Slynko Alla
Published: May 2011

We consider the linear‐impact case in the continuous‐time market impact model with transient price impact proposed by Gatheral. In this model, the absence of price manipulation in the sense of Huberman and Stanzl can easily be characterized by means of Bochner’s theorem. This allows us to study the problem of minimizing the expected liquidation costs of an asset position under constraints on the trading times. We prove that optimal strategies can be characterized as measure‐valued solutions of a generalized Fredholm integral equation of the first kind and analyze several explicit examples. We also prove theorems on the existence and nonexistence of optimal strategies. We show in particular that optimal strategies always exist and are nonalternating between buy and sell trades when price impact decays as a convex function of time. This is based on and extends a recent result by Alfonsi, Schied, and Slynko on the nonexistence of transaction‐triggered price manipulation. We also prove some qualitative properties of optimal strategies and provide explicit expressions for the optimal strategy in several special cases of interest.
PERPETUAL CANCELLABLE AMERICAN CALL OPTION
Authors: Emmerling Thomas J.
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the valuation of a generalized American‐style option known as a game‐style call option in an infinite time horizon setting. The specifications of this contract allow the writer to terminate the call option at any point in time for a fixed penalty amount paid directly to the holder. Valuation of a perpetual game‐style put option was addressed by Kyprianou (2004) in a Black‐Scholes setting on a nondividend paying asset. Here, we undertake a similar analysis for the perpetual call option in the presence of dividends and find qualitatively different explicit representations for the value function depending on the relationship between the interest rate and dividend yield. Specifically, we find that the value function is not convex when r > d. Numerical results show the impact this phenomenon has upon the vega of the option.
Safety and efficacy of raltegravir in patients with HIV‐1 and hepatitis B and/or C virus coinfection
Authors: Rockstroh JK , Teppler H , Zhao J , Sklar P , Harvey CM , Strohmaier KM , Leavitt RY , Nguyen B‐YT
Published: May 2011

Objective

The aim was to examine the long‐term safety and efficacy of raltegravir in patients with HIV‐1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection in three double‐blind, randomized, controlled Phase III studies.

Methods

In STARTMRK, treatment‐naïve patients received raltegravir 400 mg twice a day (bid) or efavirenz 600 mg at bedtime, both with tenofovir/emtricitabine. In BENCHMRK‐1 and ‐2, highly treatment‐experienced patients with multi‐drug resistant virus and prior treatment failure received raltegravir 400 mg bid or placebo, both with optimized background therapy. Patients with chronic HBV and/or HCV coinfection were enrolled if baseline liver function tests were ≤5 times the upper limit of normal. HBV infection was defined as HBV surface antigen positivity for all studies; HCV infection was defined as HCV RNA positivity for STARTMRK and HCV antibody positivity for BENCHMRK.

Results

Hepatitis coinfection was present in 6% (34 of 563) of treatment‐naïve patients (4% HBV only, 2% HCV only and 0.2% HBV+HCV) and 16% (114 of 699) of treatment‐experienced patients (6% HBV only, 9% HCV only and 1% HBV+HCV). The incidence of drug‐related adverse events was similar in raltegravir recipients with and without hepatitis coinfection in both STARTMRK (50 vs. 47%) and BENCHMRK (34 vs. 38.5%). Grade 2–4 liver enzyme elevations were more frequent in coinfected vs. monoinfected patients, but were not different between the raltegravir and control groups. At week 96, the proportion of raltegravir recipients with HIV RNA <50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL was similar between coinfected and monoinfected patients (93 vs. 90% in STARTMRK; 63 vs. 61% in BENCHMRK).

Conclusion

Raltegravir was generally well tolerated and efficacious up to 96 weeks in HIV‐infected patients with HBV/HCV coinfection.
Sustained swimming increases the mineral content and osteocyte density of salmon vertebral bone
Authors: Totland Geir K. , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Kryvi Harald , Løkka Guro , Wargelius Anna , Sagstad Anita , Hansen Tom , Grotmol Sindre
Published: May 2011

This study addresses the effects of increased mechanical load on the vertebral bone of post‐smolt Atlantic salmon by forcing them to swim at controlled speeds. The fish swam continuously in four circular tanks for 9 weeks, two groups at 0.47 body lengths (bl) × s−1 (non‐exercised group) and two groups at 2 bl × s−1 (exercised group), which is just below the limit for maximum sustained swimming speed in this species. Qualitative data concerning the vertebral structure were obtained from histology and electron microscopy, and quantitative data were based on histomorphometry, high‐resolution X‐ray micro‐computed tomography images and analysis of bone mineral content, while the mechanical properties were tested by compression. Our key findings are that the bone matrix secreted during sustained swimming had significantly higher mineral content and mechanical strength, while no effect was detected on bone in vivo architecture. mRNA levels for two mineralization‐related genes bgp and alp were significantly upregulated in the exercised fish, indicating promotion of mineralization. The osteocyte density of the lamellar bone of the amphicoel was also significantly higher in the exercised than non‐exercised fish, while the osteocyte density in the cancellous bone was similar in the two groups. The vertebral osteocytes did not form a functional syncytium, which shows that salmon vertebral bone responds to mechanical loading in the absence of an extensive connecting syncytial network of osteocytic cell processes as found in mammals, indicating the existence of a different mechanosensing mechanism. The adaptive response to increased load is thus probably mediated by osteoblasts or bone lining cells, a system in which signal detection and response may be co‐located. This study offers new insight into the teleost bone biology, and may have implications for maintaining acceptable welfare for farmed salmon.
IDENTIFICATION OF FORGERIES BY MEASURING TIN ISOTOPES IN CORRODED BRONZE OBJECTS*
Authors: NICKEL D. , HAUSTEIN M. , LAMPKE T. , PERNICKA E.
Published: May 2011

The reliable identification of fakes consisting of bronze often presents problems, because traditional methods such as stylistic studies, optical microscopy, chemical analysis or X‐ray diffraction of the corrosion may not be conclusive. We present a method that is based on the comparison of the tin isotope ratios 122Sn/116Sn and 117Sn/119Sn in the metal and in the adherent corrosion layer. An artificial patina is usually generated within a short time period. It has been observed that such a procedure leads to a depletion of the light tin isotopes in the corrosion layer, while in naturally corroded authentic archaeological objects no isotopic fractionation has been detected. The method has also been applied to archaeological objects and it could be confirmed, among other examples, that the famous ‘Sky Disc of Nebra’ is authentic.
MAPPING THE UNDISCOVERED RUINS OF POMPEII (NAPLES, ITALY) USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR*
Authors: PETTINELLI E. , BARONE P. M. , DI MATTEO A. , MATTEI E. , LAURO S. E.
Published: May 2011

The ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique was tested in Pompeii, in an unexplored area where the Roman ruins are partially buried in the volcanic deposits. The method was also combined with time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements to estimate the dielectric properties of the different volcanic units. In spite of the total thickness of the covering materials and the high signal attenuation measured in some layers, the radar was able to show a detailed image of the volcanic sediments and to locate the manmade structures hidden in the ash deposits. Moreover, the present study shows that the integrated use of GPR and TDR techniques could be successfully employed to evaluate the performance of the radar in specific terrains covering archaeological sites. Since it is unlikely that a large part of Pompeii will ever be excavated, GPR could be successfully used to produce detailed maps of the ruins still hidden in the subsurface, giving archaeologists the possibility of reconstructing the entire urban development of this unique ancient city.
Relationship status and elevated avuncularity in Samoan fa’afafine
Authors: VANDERLAAN DOUG P. , VASEY PAUL L.
Published: May 2011

“Androphilia” and “gynephilia” refer to sexual attraction to adult males and females, respectively. Samoan androphilic males are known as fa’afafine. Previously, fa’afafine reported greater avuncular tendencies compared to those of men as well as the materteral (i.e., aunt‐like) tendencies of women. Here, the Samoan male sexual orientation difference in avuncular tendencies was replicated. Furthermore, we hypothesized fa’afafine might form and invest in intimate sexual/romantic relationships less, leaving them with more resources, thus facilitating increased avuncularity. Fa’afafine, men, and women were comparable for sexual/romantic relationship involvement. Men and women tended to lower avuncular/materteral tendencies when involved in sexual/romantic relationships, which partially mediated the difference between fa’afafine and women for avuncular/materteral tendencies. Discussion detailed alternate explanations for elevated avuncularity among Samoan fa’afafine.
Relational peer victimization and psychosocial adjustment: The mediating role of best friendship qualities
Authors: YOU JI‐IN , BELLMORE AMY
Published: May 2011

With a sample of 414 tenth‐grade students (53% girls) from the Northeastern United States, the unique mediating roles that different dimensions of best friendship quality play in linking relational victimization and psychosocial maladjustment were examined. For both boys and girls, relational victimization was found to predict higher levels of internalizing behaviors directly and through partial mediation by greater conflict and weaker feelings of help within adolescents' best friendships. Increased conflict also partially mediated the association between relational victimization and higher levels of externalizing behaviors. Together, the results provide support for the significance of broader peer group functioning on both dyadic relationships and individual functioning.
Risk Analysis of Safety Service Patrol (SSP) Systems in Virginia
Authors: Dickey Brett D. , Santos Joost R.
Published: May 2011

The transportation infrastructure is a vital backbone of any regional economy as it supports workforce mobility, tourism, and a host of socioeconomic activities. In this article, we specifically examine the incident management function of the transportation infrastructure. In many metropolitan regions, incident management is handled primarily by safety service patrols (SSPs), which monitor and resolve roadway incidents. In Virginia, SSP allocation across highway networks is based typically on average vehicle speeds and incident volumes. This article implements a probabilistic network model that partitions “business as usual” traffic flow with extreme‐event scenarios. Results of simulated network scenarios reveal that flexible SSP configurations can improve incident resolution times relative to predetermined SSP assignments.
A Cross‐Cultural Study of Perceived Benefit Versus Risk as Mediators in the Trust‐Acceptance Relationship
Authors: Bronfman Nicolás C. , Vázquez Esperanza López
Published: May 2011

Several recent studies have identified the significant role social trust in regulatory organizations plays in the public acceptance of various technologies and activities. In a cross‐cultural investigation, the current work explores empirically the relationship between social trust in management authorities and the degree of public acceptability of hazards for individuals residing in either developed or emerging Latin American economies using confirmatory rather than exploratory techniques. Undergraduates in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile and the United States and Spain assessed trust in regulatory authorities, public acceptance, personal knowledge, and the risks and benefits for 23 activities and technological hazards. Four findings were encountered. (i) In Latin American nations trust in regulatory entities was strongly and significantly (directly as well as indirectly) linked with the public's acceptance of any activity or technology. In developed countries trust and acceptability are essentially linked indirectly (through perceived risk and perceived benefit). (ii) Lack of knowledge strengthened the magnitude and statistical significance of the trust‐acceptability relationship in both developed and developing countries. (iii) For high levels of claimed knowledge, the impact on the trust‐acceptability relationship varied depending upon the origin of the sample. (iv) Confirmatory analysis revealed the relative importance of perceived benefit over perceived risk in meditating the trust‐acceptability causal chain.
Governance, Social Identity, and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Closely Held Public Companies
Authors: Miller Danny , Le Breton–Miller Isabelle
Published: May 2011

Based on notions from the identity theory, this study argues that in public firms in which ownership is concentrated, owner–chief executive officer (CEO) identities will influence entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and EO will relate to superior performance. Specifically, lone founder owners and CEOs will embrace entrepreneurial identities: their firms will exhibit high levels of EO and outperform. Post–founder family owners and CEOs, given their ties to family in the organization, will assume identities as family nurturers, thereby limiting EO and performance. Family firm founders will exhibit blended identities and demonstrate intermediate levels of EO and performance. This analysis of Fortune 1000 firms finds support for these arguments.
Where to from Here? EO-as-Experimentation, Failure, and Distribution of Outcomes
Authors: Wiklund Johan , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: May 2011

This article examines two potential causal mechanisms underlying the observed entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–performance relationship. We find empirical support for the notion that EO might be a performance–variance–enhancing strategic orientation rather than a performance–mean–enhancing orientation. With such a conceptualization, performance variance (along with, or instead of, mean performance) and failure take center stage. To address the question of “where to from here,” we discuss a number of research opportunities that we believe are going to make important contributions to the entrepreneurship and strategy literature.
Miller (1983) Revisited: A Reflection on EO Research and Some Suggestions for the Future
Authors: Miller Danny
Published: May 2011

Using Miller (1983) as a starting point, this article reviews the literature on entrepreneurial orientation or “EO.” It summarizes Miller's major points before recapping some of the subsequent literature and assessing why EO has become such a prominent topic. It identifies weaknesses in the literature, some of which, paradoxically, Miller wrote his article to guard against. It then makes recommendations for extending conceptually, and improving methodologically, future research on EO, arguing the importance of linking EO to current theories in strategy, organization theory, and economics. Methodological reorientations are also suggested to arrive at more cumulative and practical findings.
Noninvasive Time and Frequency Predictors of Long‐Standing Atrial Fibrillation Early Recurrence after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: ALCARAZ RAÚL , HORNERO FERNANDO , RIETA JOSÉ J.
Published: May 2011

Background:
 Several clinical factors have been studied to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after electrical cardioversion (ECV) with limited predictive value.

Methods:
 A method able to predict robustly long‐standing AF early recurrence by characterizing noninvasively the electrical atrial activity (AA) with parameters related to its time course and spectral features is presented. To this respect, 63 patients (20 men and 43 women; mean age 73.4 ± 9.0 years; under antiarrhythmic drug treatment with amiodarone) who were referred for ECV of persistent AF were studied. During a 4‐week follow‐up, AF recurrence was observed in 41 patients (65.1%).

Results:
 RR variability and the studied AA spectral features, including dominant atrial frequency (DAF), its first harmonic and their amplitude, provided poor statistical differences between groups. On the contrary, f waves power (fWP) and Sample Entropy (SampEn) of the AA behaved as very good predictors. Patients who relapsed to AF presented lower fWP (0.036 ± 0.019 vs 0.081 ± 0.029 n.u.2, P < 0.001) and higher SampEn (0.107 ± 0.022 vs 0.086 ± 0.033, P < 0.01). Furthermore, fWP presented the highest predictive accuracy of 82.5%, whereas SampEn provided a 79.4%. The remaining features revealed accuracies lower than 70%. A stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) provided a model based on fWP and SampEn with 90.5% of accuracy.

Conclusions:
 The fWP has proved to predict long‐standing AF early recurrence after ECV and can be combined with SampEn to improve its diagnostic ability. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of the results allowed outlining possible associations between these two features and the concomitant status of atrial remodeling. PACE 2011; 34:1241–1250)
Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with Brugada Syndrome: Further Biochemical Evidence of Altered Signaling Pathways
Authors: PAUL MATTHIAS , MEYBORG MATTHIAS , BOKNIK PETER , GERGS ULRICH , SCHMITZ WILHELM , BREITHARDT GÜNTER , WICHTER THOMAS , NEUMANN JOACHIM
Published: May 2011

Background:
 In patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS), life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias predominantly occur during vagal stimulation at rest or during sleep. Previous imaging studies displayed an impaired autonomic function in BrS patients. However, it remains unclear whether these alterations primarily stem from a reduction of synaptic release of norepinephrine (NE) or an enhanced presynaptic reuptake. Both conditions could lead to reduced NE concentrations in the synaptic cleft. Therefore, we analyzed key components of the sympathoadrenergic signaling pathways in patients with BrS.

Methods and Results:
 Endomyocardial biopsies were obtained from eight BrS patients (seven male; age 49 ± 15 years) and five controls (three male; age 43 ± 13 years; P = ns). The concentrations of NE, epinephrine (Epi), NE transport (NET) carrier protein, cyclic adenosine 5′monophosphate (cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP]), inhibitory G‐proteins (Gi1,2α), troponin‐I (TNI), and phosphorylated TNI were analyzed. Levels of NET, Gi1,2α, TNI, Epi, and phosphorylated TNI were comparable between the groups. Compared to controls, patients with BrS showed reduced cAMP and NE concentrations.

Conclusions:
 The current findings expand the concept of adrenergic dysfunction in BrS: the reduction of NE in BrS could lead to an impaired stimulation of β‐adrenoceptors resulting in a reduction of cAMP and alterations of the subsequent signaling pathway with potential implication for arrhythmogenesis. (PACE 2011; 34:1147–1153)
Electromagnetic Interference between External Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy‐Pacemaker (CRT‐P) Devices
Authors: GHANBARI HAMID , AL‐AMERI HAZIM , OTTINO JESSICA , HASTINGS CORDELL , KIPPOLA JAMES , GUERON IONI , DACCARETT MARCOS , MACHADO CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2011

Background:
 Implantable heart rhythm devices are susceptible to interference in hospitals where electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources are ubiquitous.

Case Description:
 We report three cases in which EMI from the external defibrillator caused the inability to interrogate Boston Scientific cardiac resynchronization therapy‐pacemaker (CRT‐P) devices. We have documented interference with the Boston Scientific CRT‐P Contact Renewal device model numbers H120/H125 (Natick, MA, USA) and two brands of external defibrillators: the Philips Heartstart XL model number M4735A (Andover, MA, USA) and the Hewlett‐Packard Codemaster model number M1722B (Palo Alto, CA, USA). For device implants, we routinely place external pacing pads with the external defibrillator in the “standby” mode for transcutaneous pacing so that only the pacer “start/stop” button needs to be pressed when necessary. We have not been able to interrogate three consecutive Boston Scientific CRT‐P devices prior to closure while the external defibrillator had the back‐up pacing mode on “standby.” In our initial case, a second device was opened because this interaction was not recognized. We documented EMI with the standby pacing mode ON and discovered that by disabling only the “standby” pacing mode on the external defibrillator, the device could be interrogated without difficulty.

Conclusions:
 This is a case series reporting EMI with a Boston Scientific CRT‐P Contact Renewal device H120/H125 telemetry from an external defibrillator with pacing mode on “standby.” Failure to recognize this important interaction may lead to inappropriate device and resource utilization. (PACE 2011; 34:1087–1091)
Atrial Flutter in a Patient with Postoperative AV Block and Right Infero‐Septal Accessory Pathway: How to Preserve AV Conduction
Authors: MÖNNIG GEROLD , WASMER KRISTINA , MILBERG PETER , KÖBE JULIA , ECKARDT LARS
Published: May 2011

We report a case of postoperative acquired atrioventricular (AV) block and successful ablation of isthmus‐dependent atrial flutter using “cryomapping” in combination with a mapping system preserving AV conduction via right infero‐septal accessory pathway. PACE 2012; 35:e100–e101)
Improvised Transvenous Cardiac Pacing during Operation Enduring Freedom
Authors: HANDLER TRISTAN E. , MICHAELIS KYLE J. , BRUNO TODD A. , MARTIN DONALD J.
Published: May 2011

We report a case of combat cardiology at a military medical facility in Afghanistan. The patient had a high‐degree heart block following inferior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction requiring cardiac pacing. Transcutaneous pacing failed, leading to asystolic arrest during critical care air transport. An available transvenous pacing wire was soldered to leads from transcutaneous pacing pads allowing effective in‐flight cardiac pacing until definitive therapy was available. This case demonstrates use of available resources under austere conditions, has the potential to inform physicians in similar circumstance, and addresses an area of need at military medical facilities. (PACE 2011;1–2)
Submaximal exercise responses in tetraplegic, paraplegic and non spinal cord injured elite wheelchair athletes
Authors: Leicht C. A. , Bishop N. C. , Goosey‐Tolfrey V. L.
Published: May 2011

It remains unclear whether similar exercise prescription, based on physiological markers, can be applied to subgroups of wheelchair athletes with different disabilities. Therefore, 25 wheelchair athletes, divided into three subgroups [eight tetraplegic (TETRA), nine paraplegic (PARA) and eight non spinal cord injured (NON‐SCI)], performed an exercise test consisting of incremental submaximal stages, covering a range from 40% to 80% peak oxygen uptake (%V̇O2peak). Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained for each stage. Expressed as a function of BLa, no differences were found between subgroups with respect to %V̇O2peak (group mean ± SD: 1.0 mmol/L: 53.9 ± 9.9%; 2.0 mmol/L: 70.7 ± 7.5%; 3.0 mmol/L: 78.5 ± 7.7%) and RPE [group mean (lower and upper quartile): 1.0 mmol/L: 10.8 (9.9, 12.2); 2.0 mmol/L: 13.6 (12.7, 14.3); 3.0 mmol/L: 14.9 (13.7, 16.5)]. Furthermore, no differences were found in the coefficient of determination (R2) of the HR–V̇O2 relationship in any of the subgroups (TETRA: 0.90 ± 0.12; PARA: 0.97 ± 0.02; NON‐SCI: 0.96 ± 0.04). These results suggest that exercise prescription using measurements of V̇O2, BLa or RPE can be based on the same recommendations in all the subgroups studied. This finding has added value for TETRA athletes, as it offers alternatives to HR monitoring.
A novel treatment approach for paediatric Gorham–Stout syndrome with chylothorax
Authors: Brodszki Nicholas , Länsberg John‐Kalle , Dictor Michael , Gyllstedt Erik , Ewers Sven‐Börje , Larsson Marcus K , Eklund Erik A
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To expand the treatment options in paediatric Gorham–Stout syndrome (GSS) when conventional therapy is ineffective.

Method:  Two children with biopsy confirmed GSS, a rare disorder with progressive lymphangiomatosis, were treated with a combination of interferon‐α‐2b, low anticoagulant, low molecular weight heparin, radiotherapy and surgery.

Results:  The combined therapy resolved the symptoms in the acute phase, and both patients have since been free of symptoms for >2 years.

Conclusion:  The successful addition of a low anticoagulant, low molecular weight heparin (tafoxiparin) to the treatment protocol in two paediatric cases of the GSS may justify the use of this approach in similar cases.
Randomized phase 2 sequencing and pharmacokinetic study of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: MITCHELL Paul L , BROAD Adam , ROSENTHAL Mark A , GALETTIS Peter , ABRAHAM Rick , BURNS Ivon , CLARKE Stephen , MILNER Alvin , DIIULIO Juliana , LINKS Matthew
Published: May 2011

Aim:  This multicentre phase II trial examined the combination of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The effect of sequence administration was randomized and pharmacokinetics (PK) assessed.

Methods:  Eligible patients had stage IIIB or IV or recurrent NSCLC, no prior chemotherapy, World Health Organization performance status ≤2 and measurable disease. Treatment comprised: gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (70 mg/m2), each given on days 1 and 8 of a 21‐day cycle. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the sequencing of the two drugs for the duration of their treatment. The primary end‐point was response rate (RR). Secondary end‐points included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, PK and the effect of drug sequencing.

Results:  A total of 46 patients were enrolled of whom 43 were evaluable for response. Overall 13 patients (30%) achieved a partial response, PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI 2.8–5.8 months), and OS was 6.8 months (95% CI 4.4–10.1 months). There was only one case of grade 3 neurosensory toxicity despite a median cumulative oxaliplatin dose in excess of 500 mg/m2. No differences in clinical or PK end‐points were observed between the two different sequencing arms.

Conclusion:  This oxaliplatin and gemcitabine schedule has shown activity in advanced NSCLC with modest toxicity. Neither clinical nor PK outcomes were influenced by the sequencing of these agents, although definite conclusions are limited by small patient numbers. The favorable toxicity profile of this doublet, in light of an encouraging RR, warrants its further investigation in NSCLC.
Characterization and Genetic Analysis of a Light‐ and Temperature‐sensitive Spotted‐leaf Mutant in Rice
Authors: Huang Qi‐Na , Shi Yong‐Feng , Yang Yang , Feng Bao‐Hua , Wei Yan‐Lin , Chen Jie , Baraoidan Marietta , Leung Hei , Wu Jian‐Li
Published: May 2011

A rice spotted‐leaf mutant was isolated from an ethane methyl sulfonate (EMS) ‐induced IR64 mutant bank. The mutant, designated as spl30 (spotted‐leaf30), displayed normal green leaf color under shade but exhibited red‐brown lesions under natural summer field conditions. Initiation of the lesions was induced by light and the symptom was enhanced at 33 °C relative to 26 °C. Histochemical staining did not show cell death around the red‐brown lesions. Chlorophyll contents in the mutant were significantly lower than those of the wild type while the ratio of chlorophyll a/b remained the same, indicating that spl30 was impaired in biosynthesis or degradation of chlorophyll. Disease reaction patterns of the mutant to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae were largely unchanged to most races tested except for a few strains. Genetic analysis showed that the mutation was controlled by a single recessive gene, tentatively named spl30(t), which co‐segregated with RM15380 on chromosome 3, and was delimited to a 94 kb region between RM15380 and RM15383. Spl30(t) is likely a novel rice spotted‐leaf gene since no other similar genes have been identified near the chromosomal region. The genetic data and recombination populations provided in this study will enable further fine‐mapping and cloning of the gene.
Insights into the Structural Requirements of PKCβII Inhibitors Based on HQSAR and CoMSIA Analyses
Authors: Kumar Hirdesh , Kumar Rajendra , Grewal Baljinder K. , Sobhia M. Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a clinical condition diagnosed when ventricular dysfunction develops in patients with diabetes devoid of coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension. The selective inhibition of PKCβII represents an effective approach for treating microvascular complications. HQSAR and CoMSIA studies were performed on a data set of 43 maleimide‐based molecules acting as potent inhibitors of PKCβII. HQSAR model yielded an of 0.98 and a cross‐validated of 0.85, while CoMSIA modeling of these same data generated an of 0.98 and a cross‐validated of 0.85. Both the models show good predictive power having for HQSAR and CoMSIA as 0.63 and 0.75, respectively, indicating the reliability of models. The analysis shows that the terminal substitution with electronegative atom at indole or azaindole ring is essential for PKCβII inhibition, while substitution of bulkier group in linker connecting two heteroaryl rings diminishes the activity. This study is presumably helpful in designing new potent molecules as PKCβII inhibitors in fighting against various diseases related to PKCβII.
Overexpression of Vasostatin‐1 Protects Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injuries in Cardiomyocytes Independent of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yu Min , Wang Zheng , Fang Yue , Xiao Ming‐di , Yuan Zhong‐xiang , Lu Cheng‐bao , Lin Lei , Yang Di‐Cheng
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Vasostatin‐1 (VS‐1) has been suggested in protecting hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injuries in isolated hearts. However, the molecular mechanisms remained to be elucidated. Methods: Cardiomyocytes were treated with recombinant Ad‐VS‐1 adenoviral vector before H/R. Cell viability was studied using MTT methods and annexin V‐FITC flow cytometry. Intracellular oxidative stress was measured by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory reactions by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Measurement of myocardial nitrous oxide synthase (NOS) was determined by serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations using nitrite reductase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by Western blotting. Inhibitors of the NOS system, including hemoglobin and KT5823, were applied to verify the results. Results: In comparison of the blank group, cardiac myocytes overexpressing VS‐1 showed significant decrease in apoptosis, intracellular oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions (P < 0.05). In addition, serum NO concentrations and expression of eNOS were notably enhanced (P < 0.05). These protective effects of VS‐1 were suppressed in the presence of apoptosis‐inducing agents. Conclusions: Overexpression of VS‐1 in cardiomyocytes could limit the H/R injuries at molecular levels. The protective effects were independent of endothelial cell function, suggestive of a potential therapeutic target for patients with myocardial ischemia in the future.
Syncytes during male meiosis resulting in 2n pollen grain formation in Lindelofia longiflora var. falconeri
Authors: Kumar SINGHAL Vijay , Kumar RANA Pawan , KUMAR Puneet
Published: May 2011

Abstract  Lindelofia longiflora (Royle ex Benth.) Baill. var. falconeri (Cl.) Brand (Family: Boraginaceae) is investigated cytologically (n= 12) for the first time from the cold deserts of Pangi Valley, Chamba District (Himachal Pradesh) in India. We report the formation of syncytes and 2n pollen grains in the species. During meiosis, the majority of the pollen mother cells (PMCs) exhibited 12 bivalents, equal segregation of chromosomes during anaphases, regular tetrads, and normal‐sized pollen grain formation. Occasionally, two proximate PMCs fused during the early stages of prophase‐I and resulted in the formation of syncytes. The frequency of syncytes in the accession is rather low, at 25 out of 1866 (1.33%). Such syncyte PMCs are detectable during meiosis due to their larger size compared to typical PMCs. The syncytes or polyploid cells showed normal 24 bivalents and depicted perfectly regular meiotic course. But the products of such PMCs yield 2n or larger sized pollen grains that are almost double the size of typical normal or n pollen grains. The origin of syncytes as a consequence of the fusion of meiocytes during the early stages of meiosis‐I could be attributed to low temperature stress conditions prevailing in the Pangi Valley, where temperature during May and June dip to below freezing, the time the plants enters the reproductive/flowering bud stage. It is possible that such apparently fertile 2n pollen grains originating from syncytes might play a role in the origin of intraspecific polyploids in the species.