bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color Tissue Doppler to Analyze Fetal Cardiac Time Intervals: Normal Values and Influence of Sample Gate Size
Authors: Willruth Arne , Steinhard Johannes , Enzensberger Christian , Axt-Fliedner Roland , Gembruch Ulrich , Doelle Astrid , Dimitriou Ioanna , Fimmers Rolf , Bahlmann Franz ,   on behalf of the Fetal Cardiac Imaging Research Group Germany
Published: February 2016

Purpose To assess the time intervals of the cardiac cycle in healthy fetuses in the second and third trimester using color tissue Doppler imaging (cTDI) and to evaluate the influence of different sizes of sample gates on time interval values.

Materials and Methods Time intervals were measured from the cTDI-derived Doppler waveform using a small and large region of interest (ROI) in healthy fetuses.

Results 40 fetuses were included. The median gestational age at examination was 26 + 1 (range: 20 + 5 – 34 + 5) weeks. The median frame rate was 116/s (100 – 161/s) and the median heart rate 143 (range: 125 – 158) beats per minute (bpm). Using small and large ROIs, the second trimester right ventricular (RV) mean isovolumetric contraction times (ICTs) were 39.8 and 41.4 ms (p = 0.17), the mean ejection times (ETs) were 170.2 and 164.6 ms (p < 0.001), the mean isovolumetric relaxation times (IRTs) were 52.8 and 55.3 ms (p = 0.08), respectively. The left ventricular (LV) mean ICTs were 36.2 and 39.4 ms (p = 0.05), the mean ETs were 167.4 and 164.5 ms (p = 0.013), the mean IRTs were 53.9 and 57.1 ms (p = 0.05), respectively. The third trimester RV mean ICTs were 50.7 and 50.4 ms (p = 0.75), the mean ETs were 172.3 and 181.4 ms (p = 0.49), the mean IRTs were 50.2 and 54.6 ms (p = 0.03); the LV mean ICTs were 45.1 and 46.2 ms (p = 0.35), the mean ETs were 175.2 vs. 172.9 ms (p = 0.29), the mean IRTs were 47.1 and 50.0 ms (p = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion Isovolumetric time intervals can be analyzed precisely and relatively independent of ROI size. In the near future, automatic time interval measurement using ultrasound systems will be feasible and the analysis of fetal myocardial function can become part of the clinical routine.
Breast Ultrasonography: Findings in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Harth Sebastian , Behrens Christopher , Roller Fritz , Alzen Gerhard , Krombach Gabriele
Published: February 2016

Purpose To analyze referral indications, imaging findings and diagnoses in breast sonography in a division of pediatric radiology.

Materials and Methods Breast ultrasound examinations of 270 patients were analyzed for referral reasons, imaging findings and final diagnoses (152 females, 118 males). The mean age of the patients was 8.8 years (range, 6 days–18 years). Each breast was examined systematically in two orthogonal probe orientations. Pathological findings were documented on two orthogonal imaging planes. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used additionally. Images and clinical data were reviewed in all cases.

Results The most frequent referral reasons in female patients were breast enlargement (104 patients), palpable mass (24 patients) and mastodynia (23 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were normal gland tissue (101 patients), cysts (9 patients), augmented adipose tissue (7 patients) and hemangiomas (7 patients). The most frequent referral reasons in male patients were breast enlargement (106 patients), palpable mass (13 patients) and mastodynia (9 patients). The most frequent diagnoses were gland tissue (79 patients), augmented adipose tissue (24 patients) and cysts (10 patients). Only 2 malignant masses were diagnosed: A Burkitt lymphoma and a relapsed ALL.

Conclusion Fear of breast cancer and permanent damage to the breast leads to low-threshold medical consultations and referrals. Sensitive handling is required especially in adolescent patients. Most disorders arise due to the variability of breast development. Ultrasound serves as a means to exclude significant diseases of the breast.
A diamond 14 MeV neutron energy spectrometer with high energy resolution
Authors: Shimaoka Takehiro , Kaneko Junichi H. , Ochiai Kentaro , Tsubota Masakatsu , Shimmyo Hiroaki , Chayahara Akiyoshi , Umezawa Hitoshi , Watanabe Hideyuki , Shikata Shin-ichi , Isobe Mitsutaka , Osakabe Masaki
Published: February 2016

A self-standing single-crystal chemical vapor deposited diamond was obtained using lift-off method. It was fabricated into a radiation detector and response function measurements for 14 MeV neutrons were taken at the fusion neutronics source. 1.5% of high energy resolution was obtained by using the 12C(n, α)9Be reaction at an angle of 100° with the deuteron beam line. The intrinsic energy resolution, excluding energy spreading caused by neutron scattering, slowing in the target and circuit noises was 0.79%, which was also the best resolution of the diamond detector ever reported.
Irregular reflection of weak acoustic shock pulses on rigid boundaries : Schlieren experiments and direct numerical simulation based on a Navier-Stokes solver
Authors: Desjouy Cyril , Ollivier Sébastien , Marsden Olivier , Karzova Maria , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: February 2016

The local interactions occurring between incident and reflected shock waves in the vicinity of rigid surfaces are investigated. Both regular and irregular — also called von Neumann — regimes of reflection are studied, via experimental and numerical simulations. Shock waves are produced experimentally with a 20 kV electrical spark source which allows the generation of spherically diverging acoustic shocks. The behaviour of the resulting weak acoustic shocks near rigid boundaries is visualized with a Schlieren optical technique which allows the spatial structure of the shocks to be studied. In particular, the evolution of the Mach stem forming above a flat surface is examined, and its height is observed to be directly linked to the angle of incidence and the pressure amplitude of the incident shock. The propagation of an acoustic shock between two parallel rigid boundaries is also studied. It is shown that the strong interactions between the Mach stems emerging from the two boundaries can lead to a drastic modification of the morphology of the acoustic field in the waveguide. Experimental results are compared to numerical results obtained from high-order finite-difference based simulations of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations. The good agreement between the experimental distribution of the acoustic field and numerical results suggests that numerical simulations are promising as a predictive tool to study nonlinear acoustic propagation of acoustic waves in complex geometrical configurations with rigid boundaries.
Singular behavior of the macroscopic quantities in the free molecular gas
Authors: Takata Shigeru , Yoshida Tatsuya , Noguchi Takashi , Taguchi Satoshi
Published: February 2016

Steady behavior of the free molecular gas is studied with a special interest in the behavior around a convex body. Two types of singular behavior are shown to occur at the level of the macroscopic quantities. Their occurrence and the strength of singularity are discussed in detail both numerically and analytically. A universal law behind them is revealed by the consideration of the local geometry of the boundary.
Shock induced phase transition of water: Molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Neogi Anupam , Mitra Nilanjan
Published: February 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using numerous force potentials to investigate the shock induced phenomenon of pure bulk liquid water. Partial phase transition was observed at single shock velocity of 4.0 km/s without requirement of any external nucleators. Change in thermodynamic variables along with radial distribution function plots and spectral analysis revealed for the first time in the literature, within the context of molecular dynamic simulations, the thermodynamic pathway leading to formation of ice VII from liquid water on shock loading. The study also revealed information for the first time in the literature about the statistical time-frame after passage of shock in which ice VII formation can be observed and variations in degree of crystallinity of the sample over the entire simulation time of 100 ns.
Multilayer based soft-x-ray polarimeter at MAX IV Laboratory
Authors: Grizolli Walan , Laksman Joakim , Hennies Franz , Jensen Brian Norsk , Nyholm Ralf , Sankari Rami
Published: February 2016

A high precision five rotation-axes polarimeter using transmission multilayers as polarizers and reflection multilayers as analyzers has been designed and manufactured. To cover the extreme ultraviolet regime, Mo/Si, Cr/C, Sc/Cr, and W/B4C multilayers for transmission and reflection have also been designed and produced. The polarimeter mechanics is supported on a hexapod to simplify the alignment relative to photon beam. The instrument is designed so that it can be easily transferred between different beamlines.
Wakes and precursor soliton excitations by a moving charged object in a plasma
Authors: Kumar Tiwari Sanat , Sen Abhijit
Published: February 2016

We study the evolution of nonlinear ion acoustic wave excitations due to a moving charged source in a plasma. Our numerical investigations of the full set of cold fluid equations go beyond the usual weak nonlinearity approximation and show the existence of a rich variety of solutions including wakes, precursor solitons, and “pinned” solitons that travel with the source velocity. These solutions represent a large amplitude generalization of solutions obtained in the past for the forced Korteweg deVries equation and can find useful applications in a variety of situations in the laboratory and in space, wherever there is a large relative velocity between the plasma and a charged object.
Early stages of plasma induced nitridation of Si (111) surface and study of interfacial band alignment
Authors: Shetty Satish , Shivaprasad S. M.
Published: February 2016

We report here a systematic study of the nitridation of the Si (111) surface by nitrogen plasma exposure. The surface and interface chemical composition and surface morphology are investigated by using RHEED, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). At the initial stage of nitridation two superstructures—“8 × 8” and “8/3 × 8/3”—form, and further nitridation leads to 1 × 1 stoichiometric silicon nitride. The interface is seen to have the Si1+ and Si3+ states of silicon bonding with nitrogen, which suggests an atomically abrupt and defect-free interface. The initial single crystalline silicon nitride layers are seen to become amorphous at higher thicknesses. The AFM image shows that the nitride nucleates at interfacial dislocations that are connected by sub-stoichiometric 2D-nitride layers, which agglomerate to form thick overlayers. The electrical properties of the interface yield a valence band offset that saturates at 1.9 eV and conduction band offset at 2.3 eV due to the evolution of the sub-stoichiometric interface and band bending.
Large diffusion lengths of excitons in perovskite and TiO2 heterojunction
Authors: Gevorkian Zhyrair , Gasparian Vladimir , Lozovik Yurii
Published: February 2016

Solar cells based on organometal halide perovskites have recently become very promising among other materials because of their cost-effective character and improvements in efficiency. Such performance is primarily associated with effective light absorption and large diffusion length of charge carriers. Our paper is devoted to the explanation of large diffusion lengths in these systems. The transport mean free path of charged carriers in a perovskite/TiO2 heterojunction that is an important constituent of the solar cells have been analyzed. Large transport length is explained by the planar diffusion of indirect excitons. Diffusion length of the coupled system increases by several orders compared to single carrier length due to the correlated character of the effective field acting on the exciton.
Hyper-resistive forced magnetic reconnection
Authors: Vekstein G.
Published: February 2016

We study Taylor's model of forced magnetic reconnection mediated by plasma hyper-resistivity. This includes both linear and nonlinear regimes of the process. It is shown how the onset of plasmoid instability occurs in the strongly nonlinear regime of forced reconnection.
Proton acceleration from high-contrast short pulse lasers interacting with sub-micron thin foils
Authors: Petrov G. M. , McGuffey C. , Thomas A. G. R. , Krushelnick K. , Beg F. N.
Published: February 2016

A theoretical study complemented with published experimental data of proton acceleration from sub-micron (thickness < 1 μm) foils irradiated by ultra-high contrast (>1010) short pulse lasers is presented. The underlying physics issues pertinent to proton acceleration are addressed using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. For laser energy ε≤4 J (intensity I≤5×1020 W/cm2), simulation predictions agree with experimental data, both exhibiting scaling superior to Target Normal Sheath Acceleration's model. Anomalous behavior was observed for ε>4 J (I>5×1020 W/cm2), for which the measured maximum proton energies were much lower than predicted by scaling and these simulations. This unexpected behavior could not be explained within the frame of the model, and we conjecture that pre-pulses preceding the main pulse by picoseconds may be responsible. If technological issues can be resolved, energetic proton beams could be generated for a wide range of applications such as nuclear physics, radiography, and medical science.
An effective approach to synthesize monolayer tungsten disulphide crystals using tungsten halide precursor
Authors: Thangaraja Amutha , Shinde Sachin M. , Kalita Golap , Tanemura Masaki
Published: February 2016

The synthesis of large-area monolayer tungsten disulphide (WS2) single crystal is critical for realistic application in electronic and optical devices. Here, we demonstrate an effective approach to synthesize monolayer WS2 crystals using tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) as a solid precursor in atmospheric chemical vapor deposition process. In this technique, 0.05M solution of WCl6 in ethanol was drop-casted on SiO2/Si substrate to create an even distribution of the precursor, which was reduced and sulfurized at 750 °C in Ar atmosphere. We observed growth of triangular, star-shaped, as well as dendritic WS2 crystals on the substrate. The crystal geometry evolves with the shape and size of the nuclei as observed from the dendritic structures. These results show that controlling the initial nucleation and growth process, large WS2 single crystalline monolayer can be grown using the WCl6 precursor. Our finding shows an easier and effective approach to grow WS2 monolayer using tungsten halide solution-casting, rather than evaporating the precursor for gas phase reaction.
Deep level defects throughout the bandgap of (010) β-Ga2O3 detected by optically and thermally stimulated defect spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Z. , Farzana E. , Arehart A. R. , Ringel S. A.
Published: February 2016

Deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements performed on Ni/β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes fabricated on unintentionally doped (010) substrates prepared by edge-defined film-fed growth revealed a rich spectrum of defect states throughout the 4.84 eV bandgap of β-Ga2O3. Five distinct defect states were detected at EC − 0.62 eV, 0.82 eV, 1.00 eV, 2.16 eV, and 4.40 eV. The EC − 0.82 eV and 4.40 eV levels are dominant, with concentrations on the order of 1016 cm−3. The three DLTS-detected traps at EC − 0.62 eV, 0.82 eV, and 1.00 eV are similar to traps reported in Czochralski-grown β-Ga2O3, [K. Irmscher et al., J. Appl. Phys. 110, 063720 (2011)], suggesting possibly common sources. The DLOS-detected states at EC − 2.16 eV and 4.40 eV exhibit significant lattice relaxation effects in their optical transitions associated with strongly bound defects. As a consequence of this study, the Ni/β-Ga2O3 (010) Schottky barrier height was determined to be 1.55 eV, with good consistency achieved between different characterization techniques.
Orientation of bluff body for designing efficient energy harvesters from vortex-induced vibrations
Authors: Dai H. L. , Abdelkefi A. , Yang Y. , Wang L.
Published: February 2016

The characteristics and performances of four distinct vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) piezoelectric energy harvesters are experimentally investigated and compared. The difference between these VIV energy harvesters is the installation of the cylindrical bluff body at the tip of cantilever beam with different orientations (bottom, top, horizontal, and vertical). Experiments show that the synchronization regions of the bottom, top, and horizontal configurations are almost the same at low wind speeds (around 1.5 m/s). The vertical configuration has the highest wind speed for synchronization (around 3.5 m/s) with the largest harvested power, which is explained by its highest natural frequency and the smallest coupled damping. The results lead to the conclusion that to design efficient VIV energy harvesters, the bluff body should be aligned with the beam for low wind speeds (<2 m/s) and perpendicular to the beam at high wind speeds (>2 m/s).
Composed planar Hall effect sensors with dual-mode operation
Authors: Mor Vladislav , Roy Debangsu , Schultz Moty , Klein Lior
Published: February 2016

We present a composed planar Hall effect sensor with two modes of operation: (a) an ON mode where the composed sensor responds to magnetic field excitations similarly to the response of a regular planar Hall effect sensor, and (b) an OFF mode where the response is negligible. The composed planar Hall effect sensor switches from the OFF mode to the ON mode when it is exposed to a magnetic field which exceeds a certain threshold determined by the sensor design. The features of this sensor make it useful as a switch triggered by magnetic field and as a sensing device with memory, as its mode of operation indicates exposure to a magnetic field larger than a certain threshold without the need to be activated during the exposure itself.
Lateral gas phase diffusion length of boron atoms over Si/B surfaces during CVD of pure boron layers
Authors: Mohammadi V. , Nihtianov S.
Published: February 2016

The lateral gas phase diffusion length of boron atoms, LB, along silicon and boron surfaces during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using diborane (B2H6) is reported. The value of LB is critical for reliable and uniform boron layer coverage. The presented information was obtained experimentally and confirmed analytically in the boron deposition temperature range from 700 °C down to 400 °C. For this temperature range the local loading effect of the boron deposition is investigated on the micro scale. A LB = 2.2 mm was determined for boron deposition at 700 °C, while a LB of less than 1 mm was observed at temperatures lower than 500 °C.
Pollination unpredictability and ovule number in a South-Andean Proteaceae along a rainfall gradient
Authors: Chalcoff Vanina Ruth , Aizen Marcelo Adrián
Published: February 2016

Pollen limitation occurs frequently in plant populations and, as result, many ovules are wasted. One possible adaptive explanation posits that ovule overproduction represents a ‘bet-hedging’ strategy against pollination inefficiency. This hypothesis is supported by comparative evidence showing that unpredictability in pollen receipt is positively associated with an increasing number of ovules per flower across species. Yet, this proposition has not been tested at the intraspecific level, where natural selection operates. Here, we evaluated the relationship between pollination unpredictability, considering both pollination quantity and quality, and number of ovules per flower, across 16 populations of the south-Andean generalist treelet Embothrium coccineum J.R.Forster and G.Forst from north-western Patagonia, which occurs along a west–east gradient of decreasing rainfall. Despite sizable variation in mean number of ovules per flower, we found no increase in ovule production with increasing pollination unpredictability across populations. Instead, we found that mean number of ovules per flower decreased with decreasing rainfall. Therefore, in this species, there was no support for the proposal that ovule overproduction represents a bet-hedging strategy against unpredictable pollen receipt. Rather, the number of ovules per flower seems to be conditioned primarily by resource availability.
Grazing and the absence of fire promote the dominance of an unpalatable shrub in a patch mosaic cyclic successional system
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Bridle Kerry L.
Published: February 2016

We experimentally determined how an apparently unpalatable and fire-sensitive shrub, Richea acerosa (Lindley) F.Muell., responded to the single and interactive effects of grazing and burning over 3–24 years at two subalpine sites in Tasmania. At the Middlesex Plains site, a low-intensity burn killed most individuals of the species 3 years after fire and fencing. At the Lake Botsford site, total grazing exclusion for 24 years resulted in a strong reduction of the number of small shrubs of the species, and in a lower proportion of dead material in plants of any given size. An open shrub layer results from the absence of R. acerosa seedlings in the open centres of senescing plants and their preferential location along the margins of the foliage of mature and senescing plants. Thus, the persistence of R. acerosa appears to require an absence of frequent fire and the presence of sufficient grazing pressure from vertebrate herbivores to produce lawn between shrubs. Richea acerosa is, thus, an unpalatable shrub that depends on grazing.
Exploring the chemistry and evolution of the isomerases
Authors: Martínez Cuesta Sergio , Rahman Syed Asad , Thornton Janet M.
Published: February 2016

Significance

Biologists are now challenged with the functional interpretation of vast amounts of sequencing data derived from genomics initiatives. Among all known proteins, the function of enzymes is probably the most investigated and best described at the molecular level. Together with enzymes changing the redox state of substrates and transferring chemical groups between molecules, isomerases catalyze interconversion of isomers, molecules sharing the same atomic composition but different arrangements of chemical groups. This study presents a way of describing isomerases that will give biochemists a method to search and utilize reaction data in a more knowledge-based manner. It captures our current knowledge, characterizing the chemistry of isomerization in biology, and will contribute to improving the annotation of sequences derived from genomes.
In vivo imaging reveals an essential role of vasoconstriction in rupture of the ovarian follicle at ovulation
Authors: Migone Fernando F. , Cowan Robert G. , Williams Rebecca M. , Gorse Kiersten J. , Zipfel Warren R. , Quirk Susan M.
Published: February 2016

Significance

Release of the oocyte from the ovarian follicle at ovulation occurs with precise timing and spatial localization to the outer surface of the ovary to insure deposition of the oocyte in the oviduct for fertilization. The role that vasoconstriction of follicular vessels may play in follicle rupture was tested using multiphoton microscopy to measure repeatedly, at intervals, blood flow and the diameter of individual follicular vessels relative to follicle rupture in vivo. Blocking the acute vasoconstriction that occurred at the outer surface of the follicle before ovulation prevented follicle rupture, whereas restoring vasoconstriction induced rupture. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanics of ovulation, showing that vasoconstriction of follicular vessels is essential for follicle rupture.
Robust functional clustering of ERP data with application to a study of implicit learning in autism
Authors: Hasenstab Kyle , Sugar Catherine , Telesca Donatello , Jeste Shafali , Şentürk Damla
Published: February 2016

Motivated by a study on visual implicit learning in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we propose a robust functional clustering (RFC) algorithm to identify subgroups within electroencephalography (EEG) data. The proposed RFC is an iterative algorithm based on functional principal component analysis, where cluster membership is updated via predictions of the functional trajectories obtained through a non-parametric random effects model. We consider functional data resulting from event-related potential (ERP) waveforms representing EEG time-locked to stimuli over the course of an implicit learning experiment, after applying a previously proposed meta-preprocessing step. This meta-preprocessing is designed to increase the low signal-to-noise ratio in the raw data and to mitigate the longitudinal changes in the ERP waveforms which characterize the nature and speed of learning. The resulting functional ERP components (peak amplitudes and latencies) inherently exhibit covariance heterogeneity due to low data quality over some stimuli inducing the averaging of different numbers of waveforms in sliding windows of the meta-preprocessing step. The proposed RFC algorithm incorporates this known covariance heterogeneity into the clustering algorithm, improving cluster quality, as illustrated in the data application and extensive simulation studies. ASD is a heterogeneous syndrome and identifying subgroups within ASD children is of interest for understanding the diverse nature of this complex disorder. Applications to the implicit learning paradigm identify subgroups within ASD and typically developing children with diverse learning patterns over the course of the experiment, which may inform clinical stratification of ASD.
Behavioral Pure-Tone Threshold Shifts Caused by Tympanic Membrane Electrodes
Authors: Smith Spencer B. , Lichtenhan Jeffery , Cone Barbara
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To determine whether tympanic membrane (TM) electrodes induce behavioral pure-tone threshold shifts.

Design:

Pure-tone thresholds (250 to 8000 Hz) were measured twice in test (n = 18) and control (n = 10) groups. TM electrodes were placed between first and second threshold measurements in the test group, whereas the control group did not receive electrodes. Pure-tone threshold shifts were compared between groups. The effect of TM electrode contact location on threshold shifts was evaluated in the test group.

Results:

TM electrodes significantly increased average low-frequency thresholds, 7.5 dB at 250 Hz and 4.2 dB at 500 Hz, and shifts were as large as 25 dB in individual ears. Also, threshold shifts did not appear to vary at any frequency with TM electrode contact location.

Conclusions:

Low-frequency threshold shifts occur when using TM electrodes and insert earphones. These findings are relevant to interpreting electrocochleographic responses to low-frequency stimuli.
Optical Coherence Tomographic Elastography Reveals Mesoscale Shear Strain Inhomogeneities in the Annulus Fibrosus
Authors: Han Sang K. , Chen Chao-Wei , Labus Kevin M. , Puttlitz Christian M. , Chen Yu , Hsieh Adam H.
Published: February 2016

Study Design.

Basic science study using in vitro tissue testing and imaging to characterize local strains in annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue.

Objective.

To characterize mesoscale strain inhomogeneities between lamellar and inter-/translamellar (ITL) matrix compartments during tissue shear loading.

Summary of Background Data.

The intervertebral disc is characterized by significant heterogeneities in tissue structure and plays a critical role in load distribution and force transmission in the spine. In particular, the AF possesses a lamellar architecture interdigitated by a complex network of extracellular matrix components that form a distinct ITL compartment. Currently, there is not a firm understanding of how the lamellar and ITL matrix coordinately support tissue loading.

Methods.

AF tissue samples were prepared from frozen porcine lumbar spines and mounted onto custom fixtures of a materials testing system that incorporates optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to perform tissue elastography. Tissues were subjected to 20 and 40% nominal shear strain, and OCT images were captured and segmented to identify regions of interest corresponding to lamellar and ITL compartments. Images were analyzed using an optical flow algorithm to quantify local shear strains within each compartment.

Results.

Using histology and OCT, we first verified our ability to visualize and discriminate the ITL matrix from the lamellar matrix in porcine AF tissues. Local AF strains in the ITL compartment (22.0 ± 13.8, 31.1 ± 16.9 at 20% and 40% applied shear, respectively) were significantly higher than corresponding strains in the surrounding lamellar compartment (12.1 ± 5.6, 15.3 ± 5.2) for all tissue samples (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Results from this study demonstrate that the lamellar and ITL compartments of the AF distribute strain unevenly during tissue loading. Specifically, shear strain is significantly higher in the ITL matrix, suggesting that these regions may be more susceptible to tissue damage and more mechanobiologically active.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Phase III Study on Efficacy and Safety of Triple Combination (Exenatide/Metformin/Biphasic Insulin Aspart) Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Su Ke , Lv Chunmei , Ji Zongwen , Wang Yishu , Wang Haifeng , Bai Ying , Liu Yaping
Published: February 2016

Exenatide, metformin (MET), and biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIA30) have been widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, each of these medications has significant adverse effects, which limit their utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple combination (exenatide/metformin/biphasic insulin aspart) therapy for T2DM. Two hundred patients with poorly controlled T2DM were randomly divided into the low-dose (0.5 μg exenatide, 0.05 U·kg−1·d−1 BIA30, and 0.01 g MET twice daily) and normal-dose (2 μg exenatide, 0.2 U·kg−1·d−1 BIA30, and 0.05 g MET twice daily) groups for 48 weeks of treatment. Of note, 82 and 90 individuals from the low-dose and normal-dose groups, respectively, completed the study. The levels of adiponectin, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor–α, and resistin were measured. The normal-dose treatment was more effective at lowering hemoglobin A1c levels than the low-dose therapy (HbA1c changes of −2.5 ± 0.19% and −0.8 ± 0.07%, respectively) after 48 weeks. The maximum weight decrease was 0.9 kg in the low-dose group and 4.0 kg in the normal-dose group. The triple combination therapy increased the levels of insulin sensitivity and adiponectin and reduced the levels of C-reactive protein, resistin, and tumor necrosis factor–α. No significant difference in the adverse effects was found between the low-dose and normal-dose groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the investigated triple combination therapy for T2MD is therefore an effective and safe therapeutic strategy.
Transformational Teamwork
Authors: Rahn Debbie J.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between nursing teamwork and NDNQI outcomes including pressure ulcers, falls, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Correlational analysis resulted in statistically significant relationships. Improving teamwork in medical-surgical acute care units can transform care and impact the occurrence of preventable adverse outcomes.
Impact of parent-subsidiary conflict on ERP implementation
Authors: Gavidia Jose V.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– In spite of the large body of literature on success factors of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, there is a need to explore its multinational dimension. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the conflict between parent and subsidiary on the process of ERP implementation in a multinational enterprise (MNE).

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an interpretive case study methodology, this paper analyses the theoretical frameworks of parent-subsidiary conflict and applies them to interpret an in-depth case study and generate a set of managerial prescriptions.

Findings

– Theoretical analysis and case evidence suggest that managing parent-subsidiary conflict is a critical success factor of ERP implementation in MNEs.

Research limitations/implications

– This case relates to a diversified multinational group producing a variety of materials through subsidiaries. The data collection includes multiple sources in the company, and strong theoretical development provides a high level of generalizability. The paper shows that managers should consider the impact of conflict from the planning stages of any multinational ERP implementation.

Practical implications

– A detailed set of practical managerial prescriptions is derived from case and theoretical analysis. These prescriptions provide guidance to multinational managers planning a successful global ERP rollout.

Originality/value

– Although parent-subsidiary conflict is clearly a major factor in multinational ERP implementations, this topic has never been analysed in detail in the literature. This paper breaks new ground applying grounded theoretical frameworks of parent-subsidiary conflict to an implementation case, and providing managerial guidance for implementation decisions.
Civility climate mitigates deviant reactions to organizational constraints
Authors: Clark Olga L. , Walsh Benjamin M.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Research has consistently shown that organizational constraints lead to deviant behavioral reactions. Although many studies have investigated personality variables as moderators of such predictors of deviance, considerably less research has considered cross-level moderators of these effects. The purpose of this paper is to draw on several related theories to test team civility climate as a cross-level moderator of the organizational constraints – interpersonal deviance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using paper-and-pencil surveys from 239 employees nested within 68 work teams. Teams were employed in various industries including healthcare, insurance, manufacturing/engineering, and financial services.

Findings

– Results from hierarchical linear modeling analyses demonstrated that the effect of organizational constraints on interpersonal deviance varied significantly across teams. In addition, the positive relationship between organizational constraints and interpersonal deviance was attenuated in teams with a high civility climate.

Practical implications

– Organizational constraints may be difficult to eliminate in many workplaces. However, results suggest that by developing a positive civility climate, teams can help prevent deviant behaviors that may be associated with experienced constraints.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies to examine civility climate as a shared property of the team and as a cross-level moderator. Findings from this research contribute to theories of deviant organizational behavior by highlighting the critical role of variables emanating from levels of analysis beyond the individual.
The reasons behind change recipients’ behavioral reactions: a longitudinal investigation
Authors: Vakola Maria
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– At the heart of organizational change lies the extent to which individuals cope with the uncertainties and complexities that change introduces into their work lives. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the behavioral reactions of employees to change and their associated reasons for or against a large-scale technological change implemented in a bank.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 146 bank employees located in 40 bank branches participated two times in providing critical incidents regarding their initial and midcourse reactions to this change.

Findings

– Results showed that anticipated benefits associated with change initiate positive reactions to change. These reactions are maintained positive due to supervisory support. Resistance is activated by perceived high cost-low benefit change at hand and it is shifted to active support when there is open communication and supervisory support.

Originality/value

– Until now the majority of research studies on reactions to change do not investigate the duration and/or continuity of a behavior, assuming that once the reasons behind and the behaviors are formulated these will persist over time.
Open innovation in SMEs: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hossain Mokter , Kauranen Ilkka
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the extant literature on open innovation (OI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– An examination of the literature was undertaken to review the studies on open innovation in SMEs. The selected articles were classified in different themes and analyzed accordingly.

Findings

– The study finds that adopting OI by SMEs improves their overall innovation performance. The authors found that a larger number of studies are based on a quantitative approach. Surprisingly, unlike in many other disciplines, scholars of North America have had a limited contribution. European scholars, along with some scholars from Korea and China, have been active in developing this field of OI in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

– This study provides theoretical and managerial implications. With thematic analysis, along with identifying gaps, conflations, and contradictions in the literature, this study proposes an agenda for future exploration.

Originality/value

– The value of this study lies in the integration of the limited but scattered studies on OI in SMEs.
Organizational slack in declining firms and surviving firms
Authors: Guha Mahua
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– There is a preponderance of evidence in the established literature that declining firms have lower levels of organizational slack when compared with surviving firms. To further advance the current literature, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not organizational slack in its various forms differ in declining firms and in surviving firms. Additionally, this study examines whether there is a change in the extent of slack in the declining firms in the years immediately preceding bankruptcy filing.

Design/methodology/approach

–t-tests and panel regressions with random effects are performed.

Findings

– Available slack, potential slack and total slack of bankrupts significantly differ from that of survivors in each year. However, recoverable slack levels do not differ in bankrupts and survivors. Available slack of bankrupts reduces significantly over the last five years before bankruptcy. Recoverable slack, potential slack and total slack conditions do not drastically deteriorate for the bankrupts over the last few years prior to bankruptcy.

Research limitations/implications

– Not confirming to prior evidences, the results of this study suggest that not every type of organizational slack is in a worse condition within a declining firm than in a surviving firm.

Practical implications

– Among all the slack types, what differentiates bankrupts from survivors is the amount of available slack. Decreasing available slack within declining firms should forewarn managers of further likely deteriorations.

Originality/value

– The results of this study questions the prevailing wisdom that financial resource levels, especially the levels of organizational slack is in a significantly lower level in declining firms than in surviving firms.
Modularizing business models: between strategic flexibility and path dependence
Authors: Gärtner Christian , Schön Oliver
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explicate why and how modularization of business models can lead to path dependence or strategic flexibility, thus either inhibiting or favoring business model innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Conceptual paper that depicts a model based on the extant literature. The derived implications for business model innovation are illustrated by several examples.

Findings

– Modularity can be used as cognitive frame to explore issues of dynamics, evolution and transformation of business models. Thereby, the paper reveals drivers as well as barriers to business model innovation which sensitizes managers that modularity as a design principle is a two-edged sword: managers cannot simply rely on what they know about the benefits of modularity because this might lead to path dependence in the future.

Practical implications

– The authors suggest that middle managers might best focus on managing modules and their direct relations. Senior management should put more emphasis on encouraging extra-modular thinking.

Originality/value

– By outlining the concept of business model modularity, the authors add to the scarce literature that addresses modularity beyond the fields of products, production and organization design. The discussion also advances to the literature on drivers as well as barriers to managing business model innovation. While most of the extant literature has portrayed modularity as a means to increase flexibility, only a few studies have revealed the downside of modularity and explained how it gives rise to path dependence. In this respect, the authors highlight the relation between managerial action, self-reinforcing mechanisms and characteristics of the environment. Finally, the paper’s findings provide a lens to consider contradictory strategies simultaneously which is crucial for managing complex business models.
Net working capital, cash flow and performance of UK SMEs
Authors: Afrifa Godfred Adjapong
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the influence of cash flow on the relationship between net working capital and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses unbalanced panel data regression analysis on a sample of 6,926 non-financial small and medium enterprises in the UK for the period from 2004 to 2013.

Findings

– The results indicate a strong concave relationship between net working capital and performance in the absence of cash flow; however, the relationship becomes convex after taking cash flow into consideration. The results further show that firms with cash flow below the sample median exhibit lower investment in working capital, but firms with cash flow above the sample median have higher investment in working capital. The results suggest that managers should consider their firms cash flow when determining the appropriate investment to be made in working capital, so as to improve performance.

Practical implications

– Overall, the results suggest that whilst firms with limited cash flow should strive to reduce investment in working capital, firms with available cash flow should increase investment in working capital to improve performance.

Originality/value

– This current study incorporates the relevance of cash flow in assessing the association between working capital management and firm performance.
Why do family firms switch between family CEOs and non-family professional CEO?
Authors: Kang Hyung Cheol , Kim Jaemin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to examine whether a switching decision between a family CEO and a non-family professional CEO has a different effect on firm performance and what determines such a decision by family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses multiple regressions, Probit and univariate analyses, based the sample of family-controlled Chaebol firms in Korea for the 11-year period from 2001 to 2011.

Findings

– Evidence found was consistent with the family entrenchment hypothesis: firms experiencing declining Q value are more likely to replace family CEOs with non-family CEOs, and that these firms, having switched to non-family CEOs, exhibit an improvement in firm performance as measured by the change in Q value. On the other hand, for those firms that replace non-family CEOs with family member CEOs, no evidence was found that the switching decision either decreases or increases firm performance. The results of Probit and univariate analyses suggest that firms switching to family CEOs tend to be larger, stock-exchange listed and more “central”, with more cash flow rights held by the controlling families and with relatively more equity holdings in the other affiliated firms of the same Chaebol group. In contrast, firms switching to non-family CEOs tend to be smaller, unlisted and less “central”, with less equity holdings in the other affiliated firms of the same Chaebol group.

Originality/value

– This study sheds light on the different value implications and determinants of a decision between “family CEO” and “non-family CEO”.
Characterization of relaxant mechanism of H2S in mouse corpus cavernosum
Authors: Aydinoglu Fatma , Ogulener Nuran
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of H2S‐induced relaxation in mouse corpus cavernosal tissue. l‐cysteine (10−6 × 10−3 mol/L) and exogenous H2S (NaHS; 10−6 to 10−3 mol/L) induced concentration‐dependent relaxation. l‐cysteine‐induced relaxations was reduced by d,l‐propargylglycine, a cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE) inhibitor but not influenced by aminooxyacetic acid, a cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) inhibitor. l‐cysteine induced relaxations, but not of those of H2S diminished in endothelium‐denuded tissues. Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NA; 10−4 mol/L), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and ODQ (10−4 mol/L), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, increased the H2S‐induced relaxation. Zaprinast (5 × 10−6 mol/L) and sildenafil (10−6 mol/L), phosphodiesterase inhibitors, inhibited H2S‐induced relaxation. Adenylyl cyclase inhibitors N‐ethylmaleimide (2.5 × 10−5 mol/L) and SQ22536 (10−4 mol/L) reduced relaxation to H2S. Also, H2S‐induced relaxation was reduced by KCl (50 mmol/L), 4‐aminopyridine (10−3 mol/L), a Kv inhibitor, glibenclamide (10−5 mol/L), a KATP inhibitor or barium chloride (10−5 mol/L), a KIR inhibitor. However, H2S‐induced relaxation was not influenced by apamin (10−6 mol/L), a SKCa2+ inhibitor, charybdotoxin (10−7 mol/L), an IKCa2+ and BKCa2+ inhibitor or combination of apamin and charybdotoxin. Nifedipine (10−6 mol/L), an L‐type calcium channel blocker and atropine (10−6 mol/L), a muscarinic receptor blocker, inhibited H2S‐induced relaxation. However, H2S‐induced relaxation was not influenced by ouabain (10−4 mol/L), a Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibitor. This study suggests that H2S endogenously synthesizes from l‐cysteine by CSE endothelium‐dependent in mouse corpus cavernosum tissue, and exogenous H2S may cause endothelium‐independent relaxations via activation of K channels (KATP channel, KV channels, KIR channels), L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels, adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway and muscarinic receptor, and there is the interaction between H2S and NO/cGMP.