bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3. Money, Credit, and Crisis
Authors: Gaffney Mason
Published: September 2009

Abstract

The financial crisis of 2008–2009 has antecedents in earlier crises, including the Great Depression. In order to understand how the current crisis arose, we must review the most fundamental principles of banking. Doing that, we find that the main service performed by banks is the creation of liquidity, a collective good that can be destroyed by the behavior of individual financial institutions. The key element in creating liquidity is the monetization of various types of collateral. When collateral takes the form of land or capital that turns over slowly, banks lose liquidity. That is why major banking crises have frequently been associated with real estate lending. The best way to restore health to the financial system is by restoring the principles of the “real bills” doctrine that requires loans to be self‐liquidating.
Media Coverage and the Cross‐section of Stock Returns
Authors: FANG LILY , PERESS JOEL
Published: September 2009

By reaching a broad population of investors, mass media can alleviate informational frictions and affect security pricing even if it does not supply genuine news. We investigate this hypothesis by studying the cross‐sectional relation between media coverage and expected stock returns. We find that stocks with no media coverage earn higher returns than stocks with high media coverage even after controlling for well‐known risk factors. These results are more pronounced among small stocks and stocks with high individual ownership, low analyst following, and high idiosyncratic volatility. Our findings suggest that the breadth of information dissemination affects stock returns.
Attracting Flows by Attracting Big Clients
Authors: COHEN LAUREN , SCHMIDT BRENO
Published: September 2009

We explore a new channel for attracting inflows using a unique data set of corporate 401(k) retirement plans and their mutual fund family trustees. Families secure substantial inflows by being named trustee. We find that family trustees significantly overweight, and are reluctant to sell, their 401(k) client firm's stock. Trustee overweighting is more pronounced when the relationship is more valuable to the trustee family, and is concentrated in those funds receiving the greatest benefit from the inflows. We quantify this flow benefit and find that inclusion in the 401(k) plan has an economically and statistically large, positive effect on inflows.
Role of Managerial Incentives and Discretion in Hedge Fund Performance
Authors: AGARWAL VIKAS , DANIEL NAVEEN D. , NAIK NARAYAN Y.
Published: September 2009

Using a comprehensive hedge fund database, we examine the role of managerial incentives and discretion in hedge fund performance. Hedge funds with greater managerial incentives, proxied by the delta of the option‐like incentive fee contracts, higher levels of managerial ownership, and the inclusion of high‐water mark provisions in the incentive contracts, are associated with superior performance. The incentive fee percentage rate by itself does not explain performance. We also find that funds with a higher degree of managerial discretion, proxied by longer lockup, notice, and redemption periods, deliver superior performance. These results are robust to using alternative performance measures and controlling for different data‐related biases.
Electing Directors
Authors: CAI JIE , GARNER JACQUELINE L. , WALKLING RALPH A.
Published: September 2009

Using a large sample of director elections, we document that shareholder votes are significantly related to firm performance, governance, director performance, and voting mechanisms. However, most variables, except meeting attendance and ISS recommendations, have little economic impact on shareholder votes—even poorly performing directors and firms typically receive over 90% of votes cast. Nevertheless, fewer votes lead to lower “abnormal” CEO compensation and a higher probability of removing poison pills, classified boards, and CEOs. Meanwhile, director votes have little impact on election outcomes, firm performance, or director reputation. These results provide important benchmarks for the current debate on election reforms.
Pressure‐Guided Cryoballoon Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SIKLÓDY CLAUDIA HERRERA , MINNERS JAN , ALLGEIER MARTIN , ALLGEIER HANS‐JÜRGEN , JANDER NIKOLAUS , KEYL CORNELIUS , WEBER REINHOLD , SCHIEBELING‐RÖMER JOCHEN , KALUSCHE DIETRICH , ARENTZ THOMAS
Published: September 2009

Pressure‐Guided Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

Background:
Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using a balloon‐mounted cryoablation system is a new technology for the percutaneous treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Complete PV occlusion during balloon ablation has been shown to predict successful electrical isolation. The aim of this study was to correlate mechanical PV occlusion with changes in a pressure curve recorded at the distal tip of the cryoballoon catheter.

Methods and Results:
We analyzed 51 PVs in 12 patients (61 ± 6 years old) with paroxysmal AF. At first, PV occlusion via the cryoballoon was documented by changes in the pressure curve. Once the PV is occluded, the pressure curve registered in the vein converts from a left atrial pressure curve to a pulmonary artery pressure curve: the PV wedge curve. Occlusion was then confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Following 2 cryoablation applications, electrical PV isolation was assessed with a circumferential mapping catheter. Under the exclusive guidance of changes in the pressure curve at the tip of the cryoballoon, mechanical occlusion confirmed by TEE was achieved in 47 of 51 PVs (92%). Three PVs required further TEE guidance to achieve occlusion. All 50 occluded veins were electrically isolated after cryoablation. One right inferior vein, which could not be occluded with the balloon, displayed conduction post cryoablation and was isolated by focal ablation.

Conclusions:
Occlusion and electrical isolation of PVs during cryoballoon ablation can be predicted by the appearance of a PV wedge curve at the tip of the catheter. This new straightforward parameter may facilitate the procedure. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 120‐125, February 2010)
Clinical and Electrophysiological Difference Between Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Arrhythmias and Pulmonary Artery Arrhythmias
Authors: YAMASHINA YOSHIHIRO , YAGI TETSUO , NAMEKAWA AKIO , ISHIDA AKIHIKO , SATO HIROKAZU , NAKAGAWA TAKASHI , SAKURAMOTO MANJIROU , SATO EIJI , YAMBE TOMOYUKI
Published: September 2009

Characteristics of Pulmonary Artery Arrhythmias.

Introduction:
The precise incidence and characteristics of ventricular arrhythmias originating from the pulmonary artery have not been fully described. The purpose of this prospective study was to clarify these points.

Methods:
Thirty‐three consecutive patients with an idiopathic left bundle branch block and inferior‐axis deviation type ventricular arrhythmia were included. All patients underwent detailed electroanatomical mapping (CARTO, Biosense‐Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) during sinus rhythm prior to the catheter ablation. The precise location of the catheter tip at the successful ablation site was confirmed by both electroanatomical mapping and contrast radiography. The clinical and electrophysiological data were compared between the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmia patients (RVOT group) and PA arrhythmia patients (PA group).

Results:
Eight patients (8/33 patients: 24.2%) had their ventricular arrhythmias successfully ablated within the PA. The local bipolar electrogram at the successful ablation sites in the PA group exhibited a significantly greater duration (P < 0.05) and lower amplitude (P < 0.05) than did those in the RVOT group (n = 19). In the PA group, all patients exhibited a multicomponent electrograms composed of a spiky potential and a dull potential, which might have consisted of near‐field PA activation and a far‐field ventricular activation, respectively, at the successful ablation site. Direct ablation to the spiky electrogram was able to eliminate the arrhythmias in all the PA group patients.

Conclusions:
PA arrhythmias may be more common than previously recognized. Careful mapping and interpretation of low amplitude and multicomponent electrograms are important for recognizing ventricular arrhythmias originating from the PA. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 163‐169, February 2010)
Electroanatomic Mapping and Ablation of Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardia: Comparison Between Successfully and Unsuccessfully Treated Cases
Authors: DE PONTI ROBERTO , MARAZZI RAFFAELLA , ZOLI LAURA , CARAVATI FABRIZIO , GHIRINGHELLI SERGIO , SALERNO‐URIARTE JORGE A.
Published: September 2009

Ablation of Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardia.
Introduction: Ablation of macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT) is demanding and identification of predictors of failure may be of help in patient management. This study compares the characteristics of successfully versus unsuccessfully treated patients undergoing electroanatomic mapping (EAM) and ablation of MRAT.

Methods and Results: Consecutive patients undergoing EAM and ablation of MRAT were included. Ablation was linearly placed at the mid‐diastolic isthmus (MDI) to achieve arrhythmia interruption and conduction block. Variables were analyzed for predictors of both procedural failure and cumulative failure (procedural failure + early recurrences). Fifty‐two patients (37 M; age 64 ± 16 years) with 56 MRATs were considered. The MRAT was in the right atrium in 25 morphologies (45%) and 32 (57%) showed a double‐loop reentry. Fifty‐one morphologies (91%) in 47 patients were successfully treated; 3 patients had early recurrences of the same MRAT. None of the clinical variables considered significantly differed in the successfully treated group as compared to the unsuccessfully treated. Conversely, there was a significant difference as to the EAM characteristics: successfully treated cases showed a narrower target isthmus with a lower voltage amplitude and slower conduction velocity (CV). In the MDI, a CV >60 cm/sec and a width >40 mm were the strongest predictors of procedural failure and cumulative failure, respectively.

Conclusions: In this patient population, while the clinical variables did not differ significantly, there was a significant difference in the EAM characteristics between successfully and unsuccessfully treated cases. CV and width of the isthmus target for ablation were the strongest independent predictors of procedure outcome. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 155‐162, February 2010)
Hydrology and water resources in Canadian geography
Authors: CAREY SEAN K.
Published: September 2009

Academic research on water by Canadian geographers encompasses both the physical and the social sciences. While this may provide for an integrated approach to water, there is limited engagement between the hydrologists who study the details of the hydrological cycle and those who study water resources and governance. This paper reviews the current state of water research in Canadian geography departments and possible emergent areas of research in the coming decade. As an overview, interjected with points of contention, future discourses on the subject may be encouraged.
Une histoire de résidus : à propos des facteurs généraux et locaux de croissance régionale au Canada, de 1971 à 2001
Authors: APPARICIO PHILIPPE , POLÈSE MARIO , SHEARMUR RICHARD
Published: September 2009

En partant d'un modèle géostatistique d'explication des variations locales de croissance d'emploi pour le Canada (1971–2001), les résidus — par rapport aux prédictions — sont analysés dans le temps et dans l'espace, permettant ainsi de faire la distinction entre, d'une part, des facteurs à portée générale et, d'autre part, des facteurs proprement locaux, conjoncturels ou aléatoires. Le pouvoir d'explication du modèle, qui intègre des variables telles que la taille, la distance et les structures industrielles s'accroît dans le temps, si bien que la dynamique spatiale de l'économie canadienne s'aligne de plus en plus sur des grandes variables géo‐structurelles. Toutefois, un regard sur les résidus révèle des processus plus localisés. La volatilité des trajectoires est surtout manifeste en Alberta et en Colombie‐Britannique, qui abritent les économies locales les plus erratiques. Des processus émergents se devinent pour la dernière période, dont la sous‐performance du Nord ontarien et des localités non‐métropolitaines sur l'axe Québec‐Windsor, riveraines du Saint‐Laurent et des Grands‐Lacs. En contrepartie, la surperformance de villes moyennes du Sud‐est québécois laisse deviner des processus proprement locaux, associés au dynamisme de l'entreprenariat local.
Effects of Seed Layer Characteristics on the Synthesis of ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Wu Wan‐Yu , Yeh Chun‐Ching , Ting Jyh‐Ming
Published: September 2009

Single crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were synthesized on sputter‐deposited ZnO seed layers via hydrothermal reactions in an equimolar (20 mM) aqueous solutions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and C6H12N4 at 90°C. The sputter‐deposited ZnO seed layers were prepared to exhibit different crystalline structures in order to examine their effects on the growth of ZnO nanowires. It was found that the nanowire diameter depends on the size of the (002) grains of the seed layer. This is attributed to the epitaxially growth of the nanowires from the columnar grains of the seed layer which is shown by the TEM analysis.
Formation Process and Microwave Dielectric Properties of the R2V2O7 (R=Ba, Sr, and Ca) Ceramics
Authors: Joung Mi‐Ri , Kim Jin‐Seong , Song Myung‐Eun , Nahm Sahn , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: September 2009

Formation process and microwave dielectric properties of the R2V2O7 (R=Ba, Sr, and Ca) ceramics were investigated. Transient RV2O6 phases, which were formed at 300°∼500°C by the reaction of RCO3 and V2O5, interacted with remnant RCO3 to form the homogeneous triclinic R2V2O7 phases at 600°–700°C. The Sr2V2O7 and Ca2V2O7 ceramics sintered at 1000° and 950°C, respectively, for 10 h showed a dense microstructure with the microwave dielectric properties of ɛr=10.4–12.1, Q×f=15 200–19 520 GHz, and τf=−30.9–34.8 ppm/°C. However, the Ba2V2O7 ceramic was well sintered at 900°C for 10 h and it showed the good microwave dielectric properties of ɛr=10.1, Q×f=51 630 GHz, and τf=−26.5 ppm/°C.
High Pyroelectric Properties of Porous Ba0.67Sr0.33TiO3 for Uncooled Infrared Detectors
Authors: Zhang Guangzu , Jiang Shenglin , Zeng Yike , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Qingfeng , Yu Yan
Published: September 2009

Porous Ba0.67Sr0.33TiO3 (BST) ceramics were fabricated by the solid‐state reaction process, and their micro‐structural, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties were systemically investigated. Compared with dense specimens, porous BST exhibited a higher pyroelectric coefficient (p), a lower dielectric constant (ɛ), and heat capacity (CV), which are beneficial for the development of pyroelectric devices. At room temperature, as the porosity increased from 1.0% to 9.6%, BST ceramics' pyroelectric coefficient increased from 5000 to 8000 μc·(m2·°C)–1, the dielectric constant decreased from 12 000 to 8000, while the dielectric losses were <1.0% and the figure‐of‐merit

increased from 11.0 × 10−5 to 27.0 × 10−5Pa−0.5. Improvement of pyroelectric property is benecial for the development of infrared detectors.
Choosing Sex Work over Public Assistance
Authors: Dewey Susan
Published: September 2009

Janine Wedel is contributing editor of “Research on Policy,” the AAA Interest Group for the Anthropology of Public Policy column in Anthropology News.
The Power and Purpose of AAA's Ethics Code: Student Anthropologists Ask Tough Questions
Authors: Arcak Cory , Collins Claire Aliki , Gongaware Laura
Published: September 2009

Liam Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents,” the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
Funding Anthropology in Stimulating Times
Authors: Winslow Deborah
Published: September 2009

Deborah Winslow is contributing editor of “Gateway to NSF,” the National Science Foundation column in Anthropology News.
Towards a coherent allometric framework for individual home ranges, key population patches and geographic ranges
Authors: Hendriks A. Jan , Willers Bart J. C. , Lenders H. J. Rob , Leuven Rob S. E. W.
Published: September 2009

Spatial requirements of species have often been related to body size, usually focusing on one area variable and one taxonomic group at a time. Here, we carried out a quantitative meta‐analysis and developed a minimal model, covering different types of spatial characteristics and several species groups.

In a global literature review, 46 empirical regressions on home ranges and geographic ranges were collected, covering thousands of species monitored in various countries. In addition, regional data on minimum key population patches of 167 species occurring in the Netherlands were retrieved from reports. To check consistency, a theoretical model was derived from rate and density variables based on energy equivalency. The minimum number of individuals needed to sustain a viable population was considered invariant to size. According to the equations, areas were expected to scale to mass with an exponent of 1 for the individual home range and of about ¾ for the minimum population ranges.

The meta‐analysis of the empirical regressions showed that average slopes for individual home ranges were between 0.74 for cold‐blooded species and 1.05 for birds and mammals. Minimum and average species geographic range scaled to mass with exponents of 1.16–1.29 and 0.28–0.46 respectively. Allometric correlations for the minimum key patch area were weak. The intercepts indicated that carnivores require more space than equally sized herbivores, while homeotherms occupy larger areas than heterotherms. Observed slopes and intercepts were often near model estimations, but important deviations from the average level were noted as well, especially for birds.

Although variability was substantial in some cases, allometric approaches can contribute considerably to understanding and protecting area requirements of species.
Cutaneous melanoma with metastasis in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Pellegrini G. , Bienvenu J.G. , Meehan J.T. , Mischler S.A. , Perry R.W. , Scott D.W. , Anderson W.I.
Published: September 2009

Background  A 3.3‐year‐old‐male cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) showed a focally extensive soft, dark, discoid dermal mass, 0.5 cm in diameter, on the dorsal surface of the right hind foot, over the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones.

Methods and results  Microscopic examination revealed a cutaneous melanoma with local lymphatic invasion, characterized by neoplastic melanocytes within the subcapsular sinus of popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.

Conclusions  To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of melanoma in a cynomolgus monkey.
Spontaneous pathology of the baboon endocrine system
Authors: Guardado‐Mendoza R. , Dick Jr E.J. , Jimenez‐Ceja L.M. , Davalli A. , Chavez A.O. , Folli F. , Hubbard G.B.
Published: September 2009

Background  Study of endocrine pathology in animal models is critical to understanding endocrine pathology in humans.

Methods  We evaluated 434 endocrine‐related diagnoses from 4619 baboon necropsies, established the incidence of spontaneous endocrine pathology, and analyzed the clinical and biochemical data associated with the individual cases.

Results  The most common diagnoses in descending order, were pancreatic islet cell amyloidosis (n = 259), ovarian cysts (n = 50), pituitary adenoma (n = 37), pancreatic islet cell adenoma (n = 20), granulosa cell tumor (n = 15), thyroid adenoma (n = 11), adrenal hyperplasia (n = 10), thyroid carcinoma (n = 8), and pheochromocytoma (n = 6). The incidence of pancreatic islet cell amyloidosis progressively increased with age. Pheochromocytomas were associated with renal and heart failure. The incidence of pancreatic islet cell amyloidosis and adrenal pathology was similar to humans; the incidence of pituitary adenoma and thyroid pathology was lower than in humans.

Conclusions  Endocrine disease in baboons is common and shares clinical and biochemical characteristics with endocrine disease in humans.
Hyperoxic interval training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with oxygen desaturation at peak exercise
Authors: Helgerud J. , Bjørgen S. , Karlsen T. , Husby V. S. , Steinshamn S. , Richardson R. S. , Hoff J.
Published: September 2009

High‐intensity work might not be preserved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during whole‐body exercise due to ventilatory limitations that exceed metabolic limitations, resulting in reduced training adaptations. The purpose of the present study was to address the hyperoxic effect during training and testing in COPD patients with hypoxemia at peak exercise. Six COPD and eight coronary artery disease (CAD) patients completed 24 aerobic high‐intensity interval training sessions, 4 × 4 min in hyperoxia at 85–95% of the peak heart rate and peak exercise tested in normoxia and hyperoxia pre‐ and post‐training. VO2peak increased in the COPD group by 19% (13–31%) and in the CAD group by 15% (7–29%), [0.98(0.68–1.52)–1.17(0.89–1.78) and 2.11(1.57–2.64)–2.44(1.92–3.39) L/min], respectively. VO2peak was higher in hyperoxia at pre‐ and post‐test (1.22(0.80–1.87) and 1.37(1.01–1.94) L/min) in the COPD group. Work economy improved by 10% in both groups. Quality of life improved in the COPD group in terms of physical and mental health status by 24% and 35%. Hyperoxic aerobic high‐intensity interval training in COPD patients with hypoxemia at peak exercise increases VO2peak, peak workload, work economy and quality of life. Acute hyperoxia increases VO2peak, peak workload at pre‐ and post‐test compared with normoxia in the COPD patients, indicating an oxygen supply limitation to VO2peak.
Development, validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to evaluate rapid weight loss patterns in judo players
Authors: Artioli G. G. , Scagliusi F. , Kashiwagura D. , Franchini E. , Gualano B. , Junior A. L.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to evaluate rapid weight loss patterns of competitive judo players and to assess its validity and reliability. We evaluated the reliability (n=94), content validity (evaluation by 10 experts), discriminant validity (differences in scores between athletes with body weight below and above their weight class; n=100) and convergent validity (correlation with Restraint Scale; n=60). No item was considered unclear or ambiguous by more than 20% of the experts. The intraclass Coefficient Correlation was above 0.90 for all questions whose answers were parametric (P<0.001; n=94) and no significant differences were found between test and retest scores (n=94 – Wilcoxon's signed rank test). Cronbach's α was 0.98 for scores obtained between test and retest. Non‐numerical questions showed proportions of agreement >80%; Spearman's Correlation between the Restraint Scale and the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire was 0.62 (P<0.001; n=60). Athletes below their weight class (n=50) had a significantly lower score compared with athletes above the weight class (n=50; P<0.001 – Mann–Whitney U test). In conclusion, the questionnaire showed good validity and reliability and could be used accurately to assess weight loss patterns of judo players.
Effect of previous exhaustive exercise on metabolism and fatigue development during intense exercise in humans
Authors: Iaia F. M. , Perez‐Gomez J. , Nordsborg N. , Bangsbo J.
Published: September 2009

The present study examined how metabolic response and work capacity are affected by previous exhaustive exercise. Seven subjects performed an exhaustive cycle exercise (∼130%‐max; EX2) after warm‐up (CON) and 2 min after an exhaustive bout at a very high (VH; ∼30 s), high (HI; ∼3 min) or low (LO; ∼2 h) intensity. Compared with CON, performance during EX2 was reduced (P<0.05) more in HI and LO than in VH (61±4% and 68±3% vs 35±4%). The muscle glycogen before EX2 was lower (P<0.05) in LO than in HI and VH, but the muscle glycogen utilization rates during EX2 were not different. Muscle glycogen concentration before EX2 was related (P<0.05) to the mean rate of muscle glycogen utilization during EX2 in HI and VH, and the mean rate of muscle lactate accumulation in LO. In HI, muscle pH before EX2 was lower (P<0.05) compared with VH and LO, but the same in HI and VH at the end of EX2. In HI, muscle pH before and after EX2 was inversely related (P<0.05) to the decrease in EX2 performance. Thus, muscle glycogen availability and low muscle pH do not per se control but appear to affect the rate of glycogenolysis/glycolysis and fatigue development during a repeated high‐intensity exercise lasting 1/2–2 min.
Effect of intermittent hypoxic training on 20 km time trial and 30 s anaerobic performance
Authors: Hamlin M. J. , Marshall H. C. , Hellemans J. , Ainslie P. N. , Anglem N.
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to verify whether the “live low, train high” approach is beneficial for endurance and/or anaerobic cycling performance. Sixteen well‐trained athletes completed 90 min of endurance training (60–70% of heart rate reserve), followed by two 30‐s all‐out sprints (Wingate test), daily, for 10 consecutive days. Nine subjects [intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) group] trained with an FIO2 set to produce arterial oxygen saturations of ∼88–82%, while seven subjects (placebo group) trained while breathing a normal gas mixture (FIO2=0.21). Four performance tests were conducted at sea level including a familiarization and baseline trial, followed by repeat trials at 2 and 9 days post‐intervention. Relative to the placebo group, the mean power during the 30‐s Wingate test increased by 3.0% (95% confidence limits, CL ± 3.5%) 2 days, and 1.7% (± 3.8%) 9 days post‐IHT. Changes in other performance variables (30 s peak power, 20 km mean power and 20 km oxygen cost) were unclear. During the time trial, the IHT participants' blood lactate concentration, respiratory exchange ratio, and SpO2, relative to the placebo group, was substantially increased at 2 days post‐intervention. The addition of IHT to the normal training program of well‐trained athletes produced worthwhile gains in 30 s sprint performance possibly through enhanced glycolysis.
Young elite athletes and social support: coping with competitive and organizational stress in “Olympic” competition
Authors: Kristiansen E. , Roberts G. C.
Published: September 2009

Elite adolescent sport is a relatively unexplored research field. The purpose of this investigation was to examine how the Norwegian Olympic Youth Team (N=29) experienced competitive and organizational stress during the European Youth Olympic Festival in July 2007 and how they coped with the stressors. Participants were aged 14–17 and competed in handball, track and field, swimming, and judo. We used a qualitative methodology with interviews and open‐ended questionnaires. Qualitative content analyses revealed that the athletes experienced competitive stressors because of the size and importance of the competition, and organizational stressors (e.g., housing, lining up for food, and transportation) exacerbated by the extreme heat during the Festival. The elite competitive experience was novel to all and overwhelming for some of the more “inexperienced” athletes. The athletes used cognitive coping strategies to some extent in addition to relying on different types of social support. The findings revealed the need for social support for adolescent athletes, and underlined the importance of a good coach–athlete relationship in order to perform well and enjoy the competitive experience.
Severe Asthma Research Program – Phenotyping and Quantification of Severe Asthma
Authors: Fain S. B. , Peterson E. T. , Sorkness R. L. , Wenzel S. , Castro M. , Busse W. W.
Published: September 2009

A unique multi‐center consortium of research centers, the severe asthma research program (SARP), is working to define asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on severe asthma due to the higher prevalence of exacerbations and hospital visits in these patients. The consortium includes comprehensive studies of physiology, genotype, and inflammatory biomakers in addition to a lung imaging substudy in nearly 400 subjects. The imaging substudy is comparing quantitative computed tomography (CT) measures of airway morphology and parenchymal density to asthma severity and other makers of asthma. Results show increased wall thickness and increased regional air trapping in severe versus non‐severe asthma. Image‐guided bronchoscopic assessment using either CT or hyperpolarized gas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that highly diseased airways have increased wall thickness on histology and greater inflammatory cell numbers. Large scale imaging studies such as SARP may provide a means to better understand and guide effective treatment of severe asthma.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: The Importance of Qualitative and Quantitative Phenotyping
Authors: Flaherty K. R.
Published: September 2009

During the past decade, imaging has become of paramount importance in the diagnosis of patients with interstitial lung disorders. In addition, the quantification of radiographic features at the time of diagnosis gives important prognostic information and changes in these features over time may prove to be useful outcome variables in the study of new treatments and monitoring of patients’ response to therapy. In this chapter, we review the classification of interstitial lung diseases focusing on the role of high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), particularly as it pertains to the need for obtaining a surgical lung biopsy. We also discuss the role of baseline and longitudinal semi‐quantitative and quantitative measurement of HRCT features in assessment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
A superoxide dismutase–human hemoglobin fusion protein showing enhanced antioxidative properties
Authors: Grey Marie , Yainoy Sakda , Prachayasittikul Virapong , Bülow Leif
Published: September 2009

Much of the toxicity of Hb has been linked to its redox activity; Hb may generate reactive oxygen species, such as the superoxide anion. Superoxide is intrinsically toxic, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) provides important cellular protection. However, if the Hb molecule is located outside the red blood cell, the normal protection systems involving SOD and catalase are no longer closely associated with it, exposing Hb and its cellular surroundings to oxidative damage. In order to produce less toxic Hb molecules, we have explored gene fusion to obtain homogeneous SOD–Hb conjugates. The chimeric protein was generated by coexpressing the human Hb α‐chain/manganese SOD gene together with the β‐chain gene in Escherichia coli. We show that the engineered SOD–Hb fusion protein retains the oxygen‐binding capacity and, moreover, decreases cytotoxic ferrylHb (HbFe4+) formation when challenged with superoxide radicals. The SOD–Hb fusion protein also exhibits a 44% lower autoxidation rate and higher thermal stability than Hb alone.
High-redshift star formation rate up to z ∼ 8.3 derived from gamma-ray bursts and influence of background cosmology
Authors: Wang F. Y. , Dai Z. G.
Published: September 2009

The high-redshift star formation rate (SFR) is difficult to measure directly even by modern approaches. Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can be detected to the edge of the visible universe because of their high luminosities. The collapsar model of long GRBs indicates that they may trace the star formation history. So, long GRBs may be a useful tool of measuring the high-redshift SFR. Observations show that long GRBs prefer to form in a low-metallicity environment. We study the high-redshift SFR up to z∼ 8.3 considering the Swift GRBs tracing the star formation history and the cosmic metallicity evolution in different background cosmological models including Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM), quintessence, quintessence with a time-varying equation of state and brane-world model. We use latest Swift GRBs including two highest-z GRBs, GRB 080913 at z= 6.7 and GRB 090423 at z= 8.3. We find that the SFR at z > 4 shows a steep decay with a slope of ∼−5.0 in ΛCDM. In the other three models, the high-redshift SFR is slightly different from ΛCDM model and also shows a steep decay.
Effects of Groundwater Development on Uranium: Central Valley, California, USA
Authors: Jurgens Bryant C. , Fram Miranda S. , Belitz Kenneth , Burow Karen R. , Landon Matthew K.
Published: September 2009

Uranium (U) concentrations in groundwater in several parts of the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California, have exceeded federal and state drinking water standards during the last 20 years. The San Joaquin Valley is located within the Central Valley of California and is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. Increased irrigation and pumping associated with agricultural and urban development during the last 100 years have changed the chemistry and magnitude of groundwater recharge, and increased the rate of downward groundwater movement. Strong correlations between U and bicarbonate suggest that U is leached from shallow sediments by high bicarbonate water, consistent with findings of previous work in Modesto, California. Summer irrigation of crops in agricultural areas and, to lesser extent, of landscape plants and grasses in urban areas, has increased Pco2 concentrations in the soil zone and caused higher temperature and salinity of groundwater recharge. Coupled with groundwater pumping, this process, as evidenced by increasing bicarbonate concentrations in groundwater over the last 100 years, has caused shallow, young groundwater with high U concentrations to migrate to deeper parts of the groundwater system that are tapped by public‐supply wells. Continued downward migration of U‐affected groundwater and expansion of urban centers into agricultural areas will likely be associated with increased U concentrations in public‐supply wells. The results from this study illustrate the potential long‐term effects of groundwater development and irrigation‐supported agriculture on water quality in arid and semiarid regions around the world.
Antimicrobial Properties of Brevinin‐2‐Related Peptide and its Analogs: Efficacy Against Multidrug‐Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Conlon J. Michael , Ahmed Eman , Condamine Eric
Published: September 2009

Brevinin‐2 related peptide (B2RP; GIWDTIKSMG10KVFAGKILQN20L.NH2), first isolated from skin secretions of the mink frog Lithobates septentrionalis, shows broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity but its therapeutic potential is limited by moderate hemolytic activity. The peptide adopts an α‐helical conformation in a membrane‐mimetic solvent but amphipathicity is low. Increasing amphipathicity together with hydrophobicity by the substitutions Lys16→Leu and Lys16→Ala increased hemolytic activity approximately fivefold without increasing antimicrobial potency. The substitution Leu18→Lys increased both cationicity and amphipathicity but produced decreases in both antimicrobial potency and hemolytic activity. In contrast, increasing cationicity of B2RP without changing amphipathicity by the substitution Asp4→Lys resulted in a fourfold increase in potency against Escherichia coli [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 6 μm) and twofold increases in potency against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 12.5 μm) and Candida albicans (MIC = 6 μm) without changing significantly hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes (LC50 = 95 μm). The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of the Gram‐negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii constitutes a serious risk to public health. B2RP (MIC = 3–6 μm) and [Lys4]B2RP (MIC = 1.5–3 μm) potently inhibited the growth of nosocomial isolates of multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Although the analogs [Lys4, Lys18]B2RP and [Lys4, Ala16, Lys18]B2RP showed reduced potency against Staphylococcus aureus, they retained activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 3–6 μm) and had very low hemolytic activity (LC50 > 200 μm).
Antibacterial Activity, Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Isoxazolidine Derivatives Via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of d‐glucose Derived Nitrone with Olefin
Authors: Damodiran Munusamy , Sivakumar Ponnurengan Malliappan , SenthilKumar Rathnasabapathy , Muralidharan Duraisamy , Phani Kumar Bandara Venkata Narasimha , Doble Mukesh , Perumal Paramasivan Thirumalai
Published: September 2009

The diastereoselectivity of the intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of d‐glucose‐derived nitrones with both cyclic and acyclic dipolarophiles were studied. The reaction of nitrone with acyclic dipolarophiles resulted in the formation of the endo adduct exclusively whereas with cyclic dipolarophiles endo adduct was obtained as the major product. Antibacterial activity was evaluated for these eighteen isoxazolidine derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus NCIM5021, Escherichia coli NCIM 2931 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 5029 by twofold dilution technique using resazurin as the indicator dye. Quantitative structureactivity relationships were developed with fourteen and the model was validated with four data. Electronic and spatial descriptors were the major contributors in all the three quantitative structureactivity relationship equations and the statistical parameters r2, , F‐ratio and q2 were found to be satisfactory.
Molecular Shape Analysis of Antioxidant and Squalene Synthase Inhibitory Activities of Aromatic Tetrahydro‐1,4‐oxazine Derivatives
Authors: Roy Kunal , Mitra Indrani , Saha Achintya
Published: September 2009

We have developed quantitative structure–activity relationship models for a series of hetero aromatic tetrahydro‐1,4‐oxazine derivatives exhibiting antioxidant as well as squalene synthase inhibitory activities using genetic function approximation and genetic partial least squares regression techniques. The independent variables used for the model development include descriptors belonging to various categories, viz. molecular shape analysis descriptors, Jurs spatial descriptors, shadow indices, electronic parameters and quantum chemical descriptors (Mulliken charges of the common atoms shared by the 22 oxazine derivatives). The developed models were validated internally by leave‐one‐out and leave‐many (1/7th)‐out cross‐validation techniques. The two pairs of models developed for the two different responses, besides being robust (as observed from the results of randomization) are quite efficient in terms of their predictive ability (as observed from their cross‐validated Q2 and r2m(LOO)). The developed models suggest that the antioxidant activity of the oxazine derivatives is primarily controlled by the electrophilic nature of the molecules together with the charges on the phenolic hydrogen and the steric volume occupied by the molecules. Again the models for squalene synthase inhibitory activity suggest that the charges on the hetero aromatic nucleus as well as the charged surface area of the molecules and their size govern this response.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) relative value unit workload model, its limitations and the evolution to a safety, quality and performance framework
Authors: Pitman A , Jones DN , Stuart D , Lloydhope K , Mallitt K , O'Rourke P
Published: September 2009

The study reports on the evolution of the Australian radiologist relative value unit (RVU) model of measuring radiologist reporting workloads in teaching hospital departments, and aims to outline a way forward for the development of a broad national safety, quality and performance framework that enables value mapping, measurement and benchmarking. The Radiology International Benchmarking Project of Queensland Health provided a suitable high‐level national forum where the existing Pitman–Jones RVU model was applied to contemporaneous data, and its shortcomings and potential avenues for future development were analysed. Application of the Pitman–Jones model to Queensland data and also a Victorian benchmark showed that the original recommendation of 40 000 crude RVU per full‐time equivalent consultant radiologist (97–98 baseline level) has risen only moderately, to now lie around 45 000 crude RVU/full‐time equivalent. Notwithstanding this, the model has a number of weaknesses and is becoming outdated, as it cannot capture newer time‐consuming examinations particularly in CT. A significant re‐evaluation of the value of medical imaging is required, and is now occurring. We must rethink how we measure, benchmark, display and continually improve medical imaging safety, quality and performance, throughout the imaging care cycle and beyond. It will be necessary to ensure alignment with patient needs, as well as clinical and organisational objectives. Clear recommendations for the development of an updated national reporting workload RVU system are available, and an opportunity now exists for developing a much broader national model. A more sophisticated and balanced multidimensional safety, quality and performance framework that enables measurement and benchmarking of all important elements of health‐care service is needed.
Vertebroplasty in the management of traumatic burst fractures: A case series
Authors: Doody O , Czarnecki C , Given MF , Lyon Stuart M
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to assess the role of percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) in the management of acute traumatic burst fractures. We describe three cases where percutaneous VP was carried out for traumatic non‐osteoporotic burst vertebral fractures. For clinical symptoms and the effect of the VP procedure to be assessed, all patients completed a visual analogue scale and a mobility score before the procedure and at day 1 and 3 months post procedure. Improvements in both pain and mobility scores immediately post procedure were seen in all patients, and these results persisted at 3‐month follow up. Percutaneous VP provided a successful, minimally invasive treatment of these patients' traumatic fractures while avoiding major surgical procedures and associated surgical morbidity and complications.
Invasive breast cancers detected by screening mammography: A detailed comparison of computer‐aided detection‐assisted single reading and double reading
Authors: Cawson JN , Nickson C , Amos A , Hill G , Whan AB , Kavanagh AM
Published: September 2009

To compare double reading plus arbitration for discordance, (currently best practice, (BP)) with computer‐aided‐detection (CAD)‐assisted single reading (CAD‐R) for detection of invasive cancers detected within BreastScreen Australia. Secondarily, to examine characteristics of cancers detected/rejected using each method. Mammograms of 157 randomly selected double‐read invasive cancers were mixed 1:9 with normal cancers (total 1569), all detected in a BreastScreen service. Cancers were detected by two readers or one reader (C2 and C1 cancers, ratio 70:30%) in the program. The 1569 film‐screen mammograms were read by two radiologists (reader A (RA) and reader B(RB)), with findings recorded before and after CAD. Discordant findings with BP were resolved by arbitration. We compared CAD‐assisted reading (CAD‐RA, CAD‐RB) with BP, and CAD and arbitration contribution to findings. We correlated cancer size, sensitivity and mammographic density with detection methods. BP sensitivity 90.4% compared with CAD‐RA sensitivity 86.6% (P = 0.12) and CAD‐RB 94.3% (P = 0.14). CAD‐RB specificity was less than BP (P = 0.01). CAD sensitivity was 93%, but readers rejected most positive CAD prompts. After CAD, reader's sensitivity increased 1.9% and specificity dropped 0.2% and 0.8%. Arbitration decreased specificity 4.7%. Receiving operator curves analysis demonstrated BP accuracy better than CAD‐RA, borderline significance (P = 0.07), but not CAD‐RB. Secondarily, cancer size was similar for BP and CAD‐R. Cancers recalled after arbitration (P = 0.01) and CAD‐R (P = 0.10) were smaller. No difference in cancer size or sensitivity between reading methods was found with increasing breast density. CAD‐R and BP sensitivity and cancer detection size were not significantly different. CAD‐R specificity was significantly lower for one reader.
Comparison of paper print and soft copy reading in plain paediatric radiographs
Authors: Maydell AT , Andronikou S , Ackermann C , Bezuidenhout AF
Published: September 2009

With the introduction of a Picture Archiving and Communication System, Computed (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR), reading digital images takes place from a computer screen. Laser paper print rather than laser film would be a significantly more cost‐effective option for hard copy production, but would need to demonstrate acceptable diagnostic quality compared to the reference standard of screen reading. A comparative study of 51 digital paediatric CR radiographs presented in laser paper print and soft copy format to determine the diagnostic value of the paper print when compared to the reference standard of screen reading. Chest radiography had a poor sensitivity of 66.1% while musculoskeletal and abdominal radiography had acceptable sensitivities of 90% and 99%, respectively. Specificity was excellent for the different regions (98.6–99.5%). The paper print format should not be used for diagnostic purposes in paediatric chest radiography, but may still be used for demonstration when accompanied by the radiology rapport obtained from soft copy reading. Further studies would be needed to investigate the use of paper prints in abdominal and musculoskeletal radiography owing to the low number of abdominal radiographs and lack of musculoskeletal case variety in our study.
The effect of an intensive nutritional program on daily set‐up variations and radiotherapy planning margins of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Mercuri A , Joon D Lim , Wada M , Rolfo A , Khoo V
Published: September 2009

This is a prospective case‐control study to assess nutritional supplementation in limiting weight loss and its impact on daily set‐up variations and planning target volume (PTV) margins in head and neck (H&N) radiotherapy (RT). Twenty sequential H&N patients were recruited for this study. Ten patients had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube inserted prior to RT and 10 did not. PEG use was determined by departmental guidelines for patients considered at high risk for weight loss. Daily 2D electronic portal images were taken for orthogonal verification. Set‐up variations were determined for both PEG and non‐PEG patients by calculating systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors, and PTV margins were derived. PEG patients lost less weight (P = 0.04) over the course of RT and had a reduction in set‐up variation in the superior–inferior (SI) and anterior–posterior (AP) planes compared to those without. Mean correctional shifts in mm (range) for PEG patients were: Right–Left (RL) 0.1 (−1.9–2.1), SI −1.7 (−2.9–0.0), AP −0.4 (−2.0–0.8), and for non‐PEG patients were: RL −0.2 (−2.7–1.3), SI −1.3 (−3.1–1.0), AP 0.4 (−1.5–2.8). The adapted PTV margins (mm) in the RL, SI and AP planes, respectively, for PEG patients were 4.1, 3.3 and 3.6, and for non‐PEG were 3.9, 4.9 and 4.8. Intensive enteral support maintained weight stability in H&N patients considered at risk of weight loss during RT and this was associated with reduced set‐up variation.