bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Treatment in Five Patients With Familial Friedreich's Ataxia—A Case Series
Authors: Coskun Kasim Oguz , Popov Aron Frederik , Schmitto Jan Dieter , Coskun Sinan Tolga , Brandes Ivo , Zenker Dieter , Melnychenko Ivan , Schoendube Friedrich Albert , Ruschewski Wolfgang 
Published: November 2010

AbstractFriedreich's ataxia (FRA) is an autosomal recessive disease of the central nervous system that is associated with familial cardiomyopathy. Cardiac involvement is seen in more than 90% of the patients and is the most common cause of death in these patients. We present a case series and discuss the indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in FRA with review of the literature. Five pediatric patients who suffer from FRA (four female and one male, mean age 17.4 years) underwent ICD implantation between 2007 and 2008 in the University Hospital of Goettingen. The diagnosis of FRA was established by standard clinical criteria and proven in each case by genotyping at the frataxin locus. The time from diagnosis to ICD implantation was 10.4 ± 1.73 years (range 8–15 years). All patients received transvenous lead systems. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. At the latest follow‐up, the neuromuscular symptoms exhibited no further progress and no ICD activations were noticed. Only minor repolarization changes were seen on electrocardiogram. All patients had normal echocardiographic findings and no angina has been reported. Coronary angiographies were normal. It is evident that many FRA patients develop ventricular dysfunction. In the absence of a definitive surgical cure an ICD is generally indicated in young patients with hemodynamically significant sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Our experience implies the safe use of ICD in children with FRA.
Development of a Force‐Reflecting Robotic Platform for Cardiac Catheter Navigation
Authors: Park Jun Woo , Choi Jaesoon , Pak Hui‐Nam , Song Seung Joon , Lee Jung Chan , Park Yongdoo , Shin Seung Min , Sun Kyung 
Published: November 2010

AbstractElectrophysiological catheters are used for both diagnostics and clinical intervention. To facilitate more accurate and precise catheter navigation, robotic cardiac catheter navigation systems have been developed and commercialized. The authors have developed a novel force‐reflecting robotic catheter navigation system. The system is a network‐based master–slave configuration having a 3‐degree of freedom robotic manipulator for operation with a conventional cardiac ablation catheter. The master manipulator implements a haptic user interface device with force feedback using a force or torque signal either measured with a sensor or estimated from the motor current signal in the slave manipulator. The slave manipulator is a robotic motion control platform on which the cardiac ablation catheter is mounted. The catheter motions—forward and backward movements, rolling, and catheter tip bending—are controlled by electromechanical actuators located in the slave manipulator. The control software runs on a real‐time operating system‐based workstation and implements the master/slave motion synchronization control of the robot system. The master/slave motion synchronization response was assessed with step, sinusoidal, and arbitrarily varying motion commands, and showed satisfactory performance with insignificant steady‐state motion error. The current system successfully implemented the motion control function and will undergo safety and performance evaluation by means of animal experiments. Further studies on the force feedback control algorithm and on an active motion catheter with an embedded actuation mechanism are underway.
A Three‐Dimensional Bioprinting System for Use With a Hydrogel‐Based Biomaterial and Printing Parameter Characterization
Authors: Song Seung‐Joon , Choi Jaesoon , Park Yong‐Doo , Lee Jung‐Joo , Hong So Young , Sun Kyung 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBioprinting is an emerging technology for constructing tissue or bioartificial organs with complex three‐dimensional (3D) structures. It provides high‐precision spatial shape forming ability on a larger scale than conventional tissue engineering methods, and simultaneous multiple components composition ability. Bioprinting utilizes a computer‐controlled 3D printer mechanism for 3D biological structure construction. To implement minimal pattern width in a hydrogel‐based bioprinting system, a study on printing characteristics was performed by varying printer control parameters. The experimental results showed that printing pattern width depends on associated printer control parameters such as printing flow rate, nozzle diameter, and nozzle velocity. The system under development showed acceptable feasibility of potential use for accurate printing pattern implementation in tissue engineering applications and is another example of novel techniques for regenerative medicine based on computer‐aided biofabrication system.
Perioperative Monitoring of Thromboelastograph on Blood Protection and Recovery for Severely Cyanotic Patients Undergoing Complex Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Cui Yongli , Hei Feilong , Long Cun , Feng Zhengyi , Zhao Ju , Yan Fuxia , Wang Yuhong , Liu Jinping 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn this study, we assessed the clinical effect of a new transfusion therapy guided by thromboelastograph (TEG) on blood protection. Thirty‐one children with severe cyanosis (hematocrit ≥54%), who were diagnosed as having transposition of the great arteries or double outlet right ventricle with or without pulmonary valve stenosis, and underwent arterial switch operation or double roots transplantation, were involved and were divided into two groups. In group F (n = 17), the transfusion therapy after cardiopulmonary bypass was performed with fibrinogen administration combined with traditional transfusion, guided by TEG. In group C (n = 14), traditional transfusion guided by clinical experiences only was performed. We observed the blood protection effects and recovery conditions of these patients. In surgery, compared with group C, the chest closure time, fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet (PLT) volume used at closure time had no significant reductions in group F (P > 0.05, respectively), and the patients in group F had no significant reductions in the amount of chest drainage (P > 0.05). The total PLT and total red blood cells usage were also the same (P > 0.05). But during the first 24 h, FFP usage in the intensive care unit (ICU) and total perioperative FFP usage had significantly dropped in group F (P < 0.05); the mechanical ventilator time, ICU stay, and hospitalization time in group F were much shorter than those in group C (P < 0.05). So, TEG was effective in perioperative blood protection. Fibrinogen could be a substitute for FFP to restore hemostasis and improve the prognosis for these patients.
A Knowledge Framework Underlying Process Management*
Authors: Linderman Kevin , Schroeder Roger G. , Sanders Janine 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTOrganizations are increasingly implementing process‐improvement techniques like Six Sigma, total quality management, lean, and business process re‐engineering to improve organizational performance. These techniques are part of a process management system that includes the organizational infrastructure to support the improvement techniques. The knowledge‐based view of a firm argues that organizational knowledge is the source of competitive advantage. To the extent that the process management system enables knowledge creation it should be a source of competitive advantage. This study investigates the underlying framework and factors of a process management system that lead to organizational knowledge creation. Prior studies have considered knowledge creation in process improvement, but none have considered the role of the process management system. Specifically, the study uses the case study method to investigate multiple levels (organization level and project level) of two firms using Six Sigma as their chosen process management system. Analysis of the cases reveals that the leadership creates a supportive infrastructure enabling process‐improvement techniques to effectively create organizational knowledge. Interestingly, focusing on decision‐making tools and methods may not be effective without developing a supportive infrastructure. The proposed framework provides a basis for organizational leaders to think about how to design and implement a process management system to better enable knowledge creation in organizations.
Toward a Theory of Whistleblowing Intentions: A Benefit‐to‐Cost Differential Perspective*
Authors: Keil Mark , Tiwana Amrit , Sainsbury Robert , Sneha Sweta 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTIn order to rescue information technology (IT) projects when they go awry, it is critical to understand the factors that affect bad news reporting. Whistleblowing theory holds promise in this regard and a number of salient factors that may influence whistleblowing intentions have been identified. However, an integrative theory that explains how they influence whistleblowing intentions has been conspicuously absent. In this research, we introduce and test a middle‐range theory of whistleblowing that can explain how and why a variety of factors may influence an individual's whistleblowing intentions. Drawing on the social information processing perspective, we propose that individuals holistically weigh the perceived “benefit‐to‐cost differential” and that this mediates the relationship between whistleblowing factors and whistleblowing intentions. Tests using data collected from 159 experienced IT project managers largely support our theoretical perspective, in which the central explanatory variable (benefit‐to‐cost differential) significantly mediates a majority of the proposed relationships. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.
Maximizing Efficiency of Alternation Algorithms for Hemodynamic Optimization of the AV Delay of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: WHINNETT ZACHARY I. , NOTT GEMMA , DAVIES JUSTIN E. R. , WILLSON KEITH , MANISTY CHARLOTTE H. , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA , PETERS NICHOLAS S. , DAVIES D. WYN , HUGHES ALUN D. , MAYET JAMIL , FRANCIS DARREL P. 
Published: November 2010

Background:
During optimization of the atrioventricular (AV) delay of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), it is not known exactly which windows of time around the transition are most informative for identification of the optimum.
Method and Results:
In 22 patients with CRT, we performed AV delay optimization using continuous noninvasive hemodynamics. We used signal‐to‐noise ratio to determine the most efficient averaging window location and width. We found that it is most efficient to position the averaging windows immediately before and immediately after the transition in AV delay. For example, skipping five beats after the transition decreases signal‐to‐noise ratio by 17.5% (P < 0.0001). Similarly, skipping five beats immediately before the transition reduces signal‐to‐noise ratio by 11.7% (P < 0.0001). The best choice of “fixed” averaging window width was found to be six beats, with signal‐to‐noise ratio falling by, for example, 41% for a one‐beat window (P = 0.0002). However, even better was to set the window width for each patient to match one respiratory cycle. We observed that the pre‐ and posttransition signal‐to‐noise ratio traces begin to diverge three beats after the transition in AV delay. We believe this represents the time taken for the peripheral response to pacing‐induced changes in stroke volume to occur.
Conclusions:
The most efficient way to use alternating transitions for the hemodynamic optimization of CRT is to use an averaging window of one respiratory cycle, and not to skip any beats between the pretransition and posttransition averaging windows. (PACE 2011; 34:217–225)
Water‐soluble vitamin levels in extended hours hemodialysis
Authors: COVENEY Natalie , POLKINGHORNE Kevan R. , LINEHAN Leanne , CORRADINI AnnMarie , KERR Peter G. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPatients on extended hours (>15 h/week) hemodialysis may be at a higher risk of deficiency of water‐soluble vitamins than conventional (≤15 h/week) hemodialysis patients due to their increased weekly hours of dialysis. We compared serum levels of the water‐soluble vitamins in a group of extended and conventional hours hemodialysis patients. Predialysis serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin B12, thiamine, pyridoxine, and folate were measured in 52 patients: 26 extended group and 26 conventional group. Information on patient's intake of vitamin supplements and dialysis regimen was obtained. Data were log transformed due to the skewed distribution of the results. Median vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the extended group (0.30 vs. 1.14 mg/dL, P<0.001), with 7 patients having a level <0.18 mg/dL. Thiamine levels were also lower in the extended group (median 211 vs. 438.5 nmol/L, P=0.0005). However, extended patients had higher levels of pyridoxine (23.2 vs. 11.1 ng/mL, P=0.03). Vitamin B12 and folate levels were not significantly different between the groups. There was significant variability in vitamin supplement prescription in both groups, and dietary data were not obtained. This study showed a high incidence of vitamin C deficiency in extended hours hemodialysis patients, suggesting that supplementation is warranted. It also supports an ongoing role for multivitamin supplementation in conventional hemodialysis patients.
The Continuing Incidence of Natural Decrease in American Counties
Authors: Johnson Kenneth M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn 2002, more American counties (985) experienced natural decrease than at any time in the nation's history. The incidence of natural decrease has diminished since then, but remains near record levels. It is most common in rural areas remote from metropolitan centers. Spatial concentrations exist in the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and East Texas, with scattered pockets in the Ozark‐Ouachita Uplands, Upper Great Lakes, and Florida. A multivariate spatial‐error regression model demonstrates that natural decrease is a consequence of the complex interaction between fertility, mortality, and migration over a protracted period and is symptomatic of fundamental changes in the demographic structure of an area. Age‐structure changes resulting from protracted, age‐specific migration are a primary cause of natural decrease. Temporal variations in fertility also have a significant impact, but counties experiencing natural decrease do not have fertility levels below the national average.
Migration of Retirement‐Age Blacks to Nonmetropolitan Areas in the 1990s
Authors: Beale Calvin L. , Fuguitt Glenn V. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOlder blacks migrated to nonmetropolitan (nonmetro) communities in the 1990s to a degree not true of the past. Some of the nonmetro counties that attracted them are well‐known retirement areas also favored by other retirees, mostly whites. Two‐thirds of black retirement counties, however, are areas in the Old South that are not attracting other retirees at a substantial rate, if at all. Although the data indicate significant rates of retirement‐age blacks migrating to 85 nonmetro counties, most migration by older blacks is to metro destinations.
A comprehensive meta‐analysis of the risk of suicide in eating disorders
Authors: Preti A. , Rocchi M. B. L. , Sisti D. , Camboni M. V. , Miotto P. 
Published: November 2010

Preti A, Rocchi MBL, Sisti D, Camboni MV, Miotto P. A comprehensive meta‐analysis of the risk of suicide in eating disorders.Objective:  Past meta‐analyses on suicide in eating disorders included few available studies.Method:  PubMed/Medline search for papers including sample n ≥ 40 and follow‐up ≥5 years: 40 studies on anorexia nervosa (AN), 16 studies on bulimia nervosa (BN), and three studies on binge eating disorder (BED) were included.Results:  Of 16 342 patients with AN, 245 suicides occurred over a mean follow‐up of 11.1 years (suicide rate = 0.124 per 100 person‐years). Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 31.0 (Poisson 95% CI = 21.0–44.0); a clear decrease in suicide risk over time was observed in recent decades. Of 1768 patients with BN, four suicides occurred over a mean follow‐up of 7.5 years (suicide rate = 0.030 per 100 person‐years): SMR was 7.5 (1.6–11.6). No suicide occurred among 246 patients with BED (mean follow‐up = 5.3 years).Conclusion:  AN and BN share many risk factors for suicide: the factors causing lower suicide rates per person‐year in BN compared to AN should be investigated.
SENSORY STUDY OF A NEW FORMULATION OF AZELASTINE NASAL SPRAY WITH REDUCED BITTERNESS
Authors: RUTLEDGE KATHLEEN PILLSBURY , D'ANDREA CARRIE , WHEELER WILLIAM J. , SACKS HARRY J. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTTwo formulations of azelastine nasal spray, the original (Astelin®; Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Somerset, NJ) and a reformulated nasal spray (Astepro®; Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), are currently indicated for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. This randomized, double‐blind study, conducted among professionally trained expert panelists in Sensory Descriptive Analysis, compared the original azelastine in a saline vehicle with the reformulated nasal spray in a sorbitol‐based vehicle, focusing on bitterness of the two formulations. A total of 12 panelists were randomized to both doses (one or two sprays/nostril twice daily) of each azelastine formulation. The primary endpoint was the direct comparison of the bitterness of reformulated azelastine to original azelastine on a 15‐point scale. At a dose of two sprays/nostril, there was a statistically significant 71% reduction in bitterness with reformulated azelastine versus original azelastine (P < 0.05). In addition, nasal discomfort was less frequent with reformulated azelastine versus original azelastine.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe development of a new azelastine nasal spray formulation with less bitterness began with studies that used an electronic sensing device (Alpha M.O.S. America, Hillsborough, NJ) to evaluate the degree of bitterness of several investigational formulations. These studies tested a number of different combinations of vehicles and taste‐masking agents to produce a formulation with the stability and isotonicity of the original azelastine formulation, with a reduction in bitter taste. The electronic sensing device identified candidate formulations for testing in humans. The formulations with the potential for improved tolerability were administered orally and then intranasally. Historically, the pharmaceutical industry has relied on taste analysis via in vitro methods, such as the electronic sensor, as well as human taste panels to evaluate liquid samples. Based on our current study, these methodologies appear appropriate for intranasal preparations as well.
EFFECT OF MICROWAVE HEATING ON THE VISCOELASTIC PROPERTY AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE GEL
Authors: LIU HSIAO‐HUI , KUO MENG‐I 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe effect of microwave heating on the viscoelastic property and microstructure of soy protein isolate (SPI) gel was investigated by using a dynamic rheometer and a scanning electron microscope. SPI suspension was either heated in a boiling water bath for 10 min or microwaved for different lengths of time, and then was coagulated by adding glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) or calcium sulfate to form an SPI gel. The gelation mechanism of SPI suspension was affected by heating method and coagulant type. GDL was more appropriate for SPI gel formation when the microwave heating was used for protein denaturation. It was clearly observed that applying a moderate microwave heating time on SPI suspension could produce a gel with distinct viscoelastic properties and microstructure.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSoy protein isolate (SPI) is widely utilized as an ingredient in many food systems. The heating condition and the coagulant type affect the gelation of SPI, leading to a wide range of gel texture. Microwave heating is an efficient and energy‐saving thermal processing. It can preserve more nutrients in the product and is widely accepted by the food industry. The viscoelastic property and microstructure are important parameters for evaluation of the gel texture. To the best of our knowledge, the application of microwave heating on soy processing has not been studied before. Findings in this research can be used for further applications of microwave heating on tofu processing.
TEXTURAL CHANGES OF GREEN GRAM (PHASEOLUS AUREUS) AND HORSE GRAM (DOLICHOS BIFLORUS) AS AFFECTED BY SOAKING AND COOKING
Authors: SASIKALA V.B. , RAVI R. , NARASIMHA H.V. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe soaking and cooking effects on the texture of whole as well as dehulled split green gram and horse gram were studied using universal texture machine and scanning electron microscopy. The hardness values of raw whole legumes of green gram (67.5–69.9 N) and horse gram (186.5–245 N) decreased to 45.3–57.4 N and 137.8–207.8 N, respectively, after 1 h soaking. At respective cooking times (CTs), the force required to 50% compression was 1.4–3.5 and 8.1–11.7 N for the whole legumes, and 3.8–5.3 and 13.1–13.8 N fordhal(dehulled split cotyledon). Bothdhalsshowed higher hardness values in raw form compared with whole legumes. Materials leached out from the whole grains of green gram and horse gram accounted for 19.09–21.53% and 18.98–21.15%, whereas for dehulled split cotyledons they were 20.59–26.34% and 17.85–20.33%, at their respective CTs. Texture values for legumes under various experimental conditions were modeled using central composite rotatable design coupled with response surface methodology.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe cooking quality of legumes which is dependent upon textural softness is very important in terms of consumer acceptance. This information on the effect of soaking and cooking on the texture of the two legume cultivars studied using universal texture machine will be useful in understanding the basic differences in genotypes and inherent properties. The models presented here will be of help to demonstrate the relation of force–deformation curves and textural changes of grains during various processing steps. This study on legume structural changes will also lead to good knowledge base, which could be utilized by food industries to aim at new and innovative products.