bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration Gradient Along the Scala Tympani After Local Application of Gentamicin to the Round Window Membrane
Authors: Plontke Stefan K. , Mynatt Robert , Gill Ruth M. , Borgmann Stefan , Salt Alec N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: The distribution of gentamicin along the fluid spaces of the cochlea after local applications has never previously been demonstrated. Computer simulations have predicted that significant basal‐apical concentration gradients might be expected, and histologic studies indicate that hair cell damage is greater at the base than at the apex after local gentamicin application. In the present study, gradients of gentamicin along the cochlea were measured.Methods: A recently developed method of sampling perilymph from the cochlear apex of guinea pigs was used in which the samples represent fluid originating from different regions along the scala tympani. Gentamicin concentration was determined in sequential apical samples that were taken after up to 3 hours of local application to the round window niche.Results: Substantial gradients of gentamicin along the length of the scala tympani were demonstrated and quantified, averaging more than 4,000 times greater concentration at the base compared with the apex at the time of sampling. Peak concentrations and gradients for gentamicin varied considerably between animals, likely resulting from variations in round window membrane permeability and rates of perilymph flow.Conclusions: The large gradients for gentamicin demonstrated here in guinea pigs account for how it is possible to suppress vestibular function in some patients with a local application of gentamicin without damaging auditory function. Variations in round window membrane permeability and in perilymph flow could account for why hearing losses are observed in some patients.
Measurement of Angle and Length of the Eustachian Tube on Computed Tomography Using the Multiplanar Reconstruction Technique
Authors: Takasaki Kenji , Takahashi Haruo , Miyamoto Ikue , Yoshida Haruo , Yamamoto‐Fukuda Tomomi , Enatsu Kaori , Kumagami Hidetaka 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To compare the anatomic features of the eustachian tube (ET) between children with and without otitis media with effusion (OME) and with adults.Methods: The angle and length of the ET in children with OME (54 ears, OME children) and without OME (50 ears, normal children), as well as those of normal adults (90 ears), were measured on computed tomography using the multiplanar reconstruction technique.Results: The angles of ET in the OME children group, the normal children group, and the normal adult group were 20.4 ± 3.5° and 21.2 ± 4.8°, 19.9 ± 3.4° and 20.0 ± 3.6°, and 27.3 ± 2.7° and 27.3 ± 2.8° on the right and the left sides, respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and the left side in any group (P = .541, P = .952, P = .978). The lengths of ET in the OME children group, the normal children group, and the normal adult group were 37.2 ± 3.0 mm (mean ± SD) and 37.6 ± 3.2 mm, 37.5 ± 3.3 mm and 38.0 ± 3.2 mm, and 42.5 ± 2.8 mm and 42.9 ± 2.9 mm on the right and the left sides, respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides in any group (P = .670, P = .597, and P = .545). Both the angles and lengths were significantly greater in the normal adult group than in either the OME children group or the normal children group (one‐way analysis of variance and Fisher's protected least significant difference tests, P < .05), but there was no significant difference in either the angle or length of the ET between the OME and normal children groups (P > .05). In the OME and normal children groups, the angle was observed to constantly increase with age, and the values were found to be within the range of the adult size in all the patients older than 7.5 years and 7.7 years in the OME children group and the normal children group, respectively. As well as the angle, the lengths were observed to constantly increase with age, but the increase appeared to be greater at a younger age (until approximately 3 to 4 years) than at an older age, and the values were found to be within the range of the adult size in all the patients older than 6.8 years and 7.7 years in the OME children group and the normal children group, respectively.Conclusion: The angle and length of the ET are more horizontal and shorter in infants than in adults. However, there is no statistical difference between the angle and length of the ET in infants with and without OME. These results lead us to believe that a short and horizontal ET may not be a main etiologic factor related to high susceptibility to OME in infants and children.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises in Acute Vertigo
Authors: Venosa Alessandra R. , Bittar Roseli S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation exercises in the early stages of peripheral vestibular disorders.Study Design: Prospective, randomized trial. Patients were blinded to assignment groups.Methods: The study group (45 patients) performed exercises for adaptation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex; the control group (42 patients) performed placebo exercises. Both groups were instructed to use dimenhydrinate (up to 150 mg/d) if symptomatic, irrespective of exercises. Patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale, physical examination, and need to use the medication. All patients were adults and symptomatic for less than 5 days.Results: The study and control groups were comparable in terms of demographics data and duration and intensity of symptoms. Study group patients recovered faster than controls and used less medication. By 10 to 14 days after the intervention, 43% of study group and 5% of control group patients had no significant symptoms (P < .001), and 67% of study group and 3% of control group patients needed no medication (P < .001). Although both groups had no significant symptoms by the end of the follow‐up period (21 days), 14% of the study group patients were still using medication, compared with 83% of the placebo group patients (P < .001).Conclusions: Vestibular exercises are effective in reducing the duration of symptoms and the need of medication of patients in the early stages of peripheral vestibular disorders.
Omeprazole for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the First 2 Years of Life: A Dose‐finding Study With Dual‐channel pH Monitoring
Authors: Bishop Jonathan , Furman Mark , Thomson Mike 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Gastroesophageal reflux occurs in the majority of infants, with severity ranging from asymptomatic to severe esophagitis and failure to thrive. Omeprazole is recognized as a safe and effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in older children, at an initial dosage of 0.7 mg · kg−1 · day−1. To our knowledge, no dose‐finding studies have been carried out in children under 2 years of age. The aim of the present study was to prospectively determine the dosage of omeprazole required to treat symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux in children younger than 2 years.Patients and Methods:Children under 2 years with clinical suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux underwent 24‐hour dual‐channel intraesophageal/gastric pH monitoring. A reflux index above 10% in children under 1 year and above 6% in children older than 1 year was deemed significant. Treatment with omeprazole at an initial dosage of 0.7 mg · kg−1 · day−1 (in 2 divided doses) was followed by dual‐channel pH study after 14 days. The dosage was increased in increments of 0.7 mg · kg−1 · day−1, and pH studies were repeated until the gastroesophageal reflux was controlled.Results:Ten children (5 male, 5 female), mean age 7.75 months (range, 1.25–20 months), were investigated. The initial median reflux index was 18.5% (range, 6.5%–56.3%). Follow‐up median reflux index was improved at 1.6% (0.1%–8.1%) (P < 0.05). The median dosage required was 1.05 mg · kg−1 · day−1. Four children required 1.4 mg · kg−1 · day−1, and 1 required 2.8 mg · kg−1 · day−1. Corrected reflux index improved from 34.8% (16.8%–90.8%) to 20.1% (0.4%–100%) but did not achieve statistical significance. There were no serious complications or side effects.Conclusions:Omeprazole is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux in children younger than 2 years. The majority respond to a dosage of 0.7 mg · kg−1 · day−1, but increased dosages up to 2.8 mg · kg−1 · day−1 may be required.
Robots at the heart of Schubert packaging machinery lead to great flexibility
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo study the advantages of a modular approach to packaging‐machine design.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the modular approach of this German company, with particular emphasis on its packaging robots and vision system. Uses a selection of food and pharmaceutical applications to illustrate the flexibility, capability and throughput of these compact packaging lines. Briefly, mentions other innovative features of the company's product range.FindingsThe company has reduced its top‐loading range of packaging machinery to just seven modules, of which a two‐ and a four‐axis robot greatly assist operational flexibility. A patented counterflow conveyor system unites products and packing boxes in a space‐saving layout. The de‐central control system reduces installation costs and assists trouble‐shooting.Originality/valueIllustrates the power of robot technology in achieving a new approach to a particular type of automated machinery.
A search and rescue robot with tele‐operated tether docking system
Authors: Marques Carlos , Cristóvão João , Alvito Paulo , Lima Pedro , Frazão João , Ribeiro Isabel , Ventura Rodrigo 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo describe a robot designed and built to operate in outdoor environments hostile to the human presence, such as debris resulting from the collapse of built structures, and targeted to the tele‐operated detection of potential survivors using a set of specific sensors whose information is transmitted to a remote human operator.Design/methodology/approachRAPOSA's mechanical structure is composed of a main body and a front body, whose locomotion is supported on tracked wheels, allowing motion even when the robot is upside down. The front body has variable tilting capabilities, providing means to overcome edges higher than the robot main body (e.g. when climbing a stair) and is also useful to grab the lower ground when only the main body has ground contact. This front body has one thermal camera and two webcameras installed. Additional sensors include gas, temperature and humidity sensors, web cams, light diodes, microphone and loudspeaker. The robot uses wireless communications, with an option for tethered operation.FindingsThe robot was tested in several scenarios of the Fire Fighters school. In this particular exercise, the robot reduced the inspection time down to 25 percent of the time that specialized firefighters teams would take to finish the exercise. This was due to the fact that the firefighters need to stabilize the environment in order to reduce live threats. In this case, as in many other similar situations, not only the robot provides a faster inspection method, but also a much safer one.Originality/valueThe tether carries both power and communications, with an access point on its end. Docking and undocking the robot to the tether is accomplished remotely by the operator with the help of a camera located inside the robot, and represents the most innovative feature of RAPOSA.
Integration of marketing domain and R&D domain in NPD design process
Authors: Kang Namwoo , Kim Junyoung , Park Yongtae 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo solve the trade‐offs between marketing and R&D domains and to minimize information loss in new product development (NPD), this study proposes an integrated design process as a new solution to the interface system between the two domains.Design/methodology/approachHouse of Quality integrated with multivariate statistical analysis is used for determining important design features. These design features are used as parameters for conjoint analysis and Taguchi method, and then the results of analyses are compared. Sequential application of conjoint analysis and Taguchi method, depending on the differences in utilities and signal to noise ratios, is applied for the integrated design process. An automotive interior design is illustrated for the validation of the integrated design process.FindingsThe integrated design process determines a point of compromise between the optimums of conjoint analysis and Taguchi method. Sequential application of two methods ensures full utilization of both methods and no loss of information.Research limitations/implicationsMore illustrations on NPD are needed to verify the proposed process.Practical implicationsThe design process suggested in this study can be used for process innovation in six sigma approach and be integrated with value chain intelligently. This study proposes the strategic guideline of the integrated design process for enterprises.Originality/valueThe integrated design process suggests the solution for the trade‐offs between marketing domain that pursues the utility of product and R&D domain that emphasizes robustness of product quality. This integrated design process will give enterprises competitive advantages in NPD.
The complexity of relationship marketing for service customers
Authors: Ward Tony , Dagger Tracey S. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThere are a number of assumptions inherent in relationship marketing, including claims that a relationship should be developed with all customers in all situations. This paper seeks to show that marketers should not automatically use relationship marketing techniques for all products and for all customers.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports the results of an empirical survey of 287 consumers for five service products in which consumers were asked to assess the strength of the relationship between themselves and their supplier.FindingsRelationship strength was found to vary significantly between service products and individual customers, and the impact of duration of the relationship and the frequency of purchase on relationship strength depends greatly on the nature of the service product. It was also demonstrated that some customers want a closer relationship with service providers than other customers, and this aspect significantly affects the strength of relationship perceived by the customer.Practical implicationsThis paper clearly shows that the use of relationship marketing techniques for service products needs to be much more thoroughly researched to provide guidance for practitioners and marketing theorists. The complexity of the “relationship” construct in marketing is clearly shown and there is as yet no known set of “rules” that indicate when relationship marketing techniques should, or should not, be used.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is to empirically demonstrate that not all customers want to develop relationships with all service suppliers.
The challenge of human interdependence
Authors: Stacey Ralph 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to locate the dominant discourse on organizations and their management in the history of Western thought. Such location highlights the fundamental, taken‐for‐granted assumptions underlying the dominant discourse. The purpose is also to identify an alternative way of thinking about organizations, which derives from different fundamental assumptions.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted in the paper is to review two fundamentally different approaches in Western thought to understanding the nature of the individual human agent, the organization and the relationship between them. One approach derives from the philosophy of Kant and the other from Hegel.FindingsThe exploration of different ways of thinking in this paper leads to a major undermining of the dominant discourse and overturns the most widespread prescriptions for strategic management and the management of change.Originality/valueIn doing so the paper has profound significance for the conceptualization of leadership and values in organizations.
The evolution and future of logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Ballou Ronald H. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper traces the evolution of logistics and supply chain management (SCM) and projects the state of the field in the near term with the attendant challenges for those who must plan and control logistics/supply chain operations.Design/methodology/approachKey events that created business logistics are noted, the views of the field leaders are identified and assessed, and research outcomes are compared as a basis for how logistics/SCM is viewed today.FindingsThe scope of the field has broadened bringing new challenges for researchers and managers, but the broader scope was envisioned from its formation. Improvements in information technology and the just‐in‐time philosophy are the principal drivers for realizing the potential of boundary‐spanning channel management.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusions and projections are based on the author's interpretation of the events surrounding logistics and the supply chain as they have occurred over the last 45 years.Practical implicationsResearchers and managers should find the projections of this paper valuable in defining their action agendas for improving logistics/supply chain operations. Principal among the challenges is the need for a boundary‐spanning accounting system, for a mechanism of sharing the benefits of cooperation among supply chain members, for enhanced relationship skills of logistics/supply chain managers, and for improved methods of estimating the revenue contribution potential of the supply chain.Originality/valueThe personal observations of the author lend a unique perspective as to how the logistics/supply chain has developed and what challenges face researchers and managers if the future potential of the field is to be realized.
Using social simulations to assess and train potential leaders to make effective decisions in turbulent environments
Authors: Hunsaker Phillip L. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe two social simulations created to assess leadership potential and train leaders to make effective decisions in turbulent environments. One is set in the novel environment of a lunar moon colony and the other is a military combat command. The research generated from these simulations for assessing the decision effectiveness of potential leaders with different personality traits and decision styles under varying degrees of information quantity, uncertainty and complexity is summarized. Opportunities and limitations of applying current computer assisted technology to social simulations for assessing and developing leaders' decision effectiveness in turbulent environments is discussed.Design/methodology/approachCollege undergraduates and officer candidates in university ROTC programs made a series of decisions while being subjected to varying degrees of environmental turbulence in social simulations. The decision effectiveness of subjects with different personality characteristics under varying degrees of environmental turbulence was assessed through researcher observations, self‐reports, and peer ratings.FindingsSocial simulations are a cost effective way to assess and train leaders to make effective decisions in turbulent environments. The results of controlled experiments in social simulations have suggested that leaders with high levels of cognitive complexity and incongruity adaptation are more likely to be successful in highly turbulent environments than leaders with lower levels of incongruity adaptation ability and cognitive complexity who are more effective in more stable and structured situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe ease of modifying computer games renders them effective as low‐cost virtual worlds that have relevance in military leadership experimentation. However, the use of computer simulations alone fails to capture the impact that relationships and emotions have on leader decision making, highlighting the continuing need for social simulations that include these interpersonal aspects of decision making.Practical implicationsBy participating in realistic social simulations, leaders can experiment with new decision styles without the risk of making real world mistakes that could jeopardize their own and their organization's future. The leaders who are most successful in adapting their decision style to the more complex requirements can be identified for promotion or assignment to appropriate settings.Originality/valueBoth military and civilian organizations are in need of cost effective way to assess and train leaders to make effective decisions in turbulent environments. Social simulations provide a unique approach to meeting these needs and can simultaneously provide a venue for research in associated areas.
Shared vision: a development tool for organizational learning
Authors: Loon Hoe Siu 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe organizational behavior and management literature has devoted a lot attention to processes and technology in organizational learning. There has been little work to examine the effect of shared vision on organizational learning. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of shared vision as a development tool to build an organizational learning capability.Design/methodology/approachThe existing shared vision and organizational learning literature was reviewed, and the salient points on how shared vision promotes organizational learning discussed.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a view on how leaders can use shared vision to develop organizational learning capability. Practicing managers would then be able to help promote organizational learning with the shared vision as a guide on what to learn from the internal and external environment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing organizational learning and leadership literature by introducing the idea of shared vision promoting organizational learning.
NMR structure of a KlbA intein precursor from Methanococcus jannaschii
Authors: Johnson Margaret A. , Southworth Maurice W. , Herrmann Torsten , Brace Lear , Perler Francine B. , Wüthrich Kurt 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCertain proteins of unicellular organisms are translated as precursor polypeptides containing inteins (intervening proteins), which are domains capable of performing protein splicing. These domains, in conjunction with a single residue following the intein, catalyze their own excision from the surrounding protein (extein) in a multistep reaction involving the cleavage of two intein–extein peptide bonds and the formation of a new peptide bond that ligates the two exteins to yield the mature protein. We report here the solution NMR structure of a 186‐residue precursor of the KlbA intein from Methanococcus jannaschii, comprising the intein together with N‐ and C‐extein segments of 7 and 11 residues, respectively. The intein is shown to adopt a single, well‐defined globular domain, representing a HINT (Hedgehog/Intein)‐type topology. Fourteen β‐strands are arranged in a complex fold that includes four β‐hairpins and an antiparallel β‐ribbon, and there is one α‐helix, which is packed against the β‐ribbon, and one turn of 310‐helix in the loop between the β‐strands 8 and 9. The two extein segments show increased disorder, and form only minimal nonbonding contacts with the intein domain. Structure‐based mutation experiments resulted in a proposal for functional roles of individual residues in the intein catalytic mechanism.