bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusion of Electroanatomical Activation Maps and Multislice Computed Tomography to Guide Ablation of a Focal Atrial Tachycardia in a Fontan Patient
Authors: TOPS LAURENS F. , DE GROOT NATASJA M.S. , BAX JEROEN J. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. 
Published: October 2005

Introduction: Ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) occurring late after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease can be challenging due to the complexity of the arrhythmogenic substrate. Methods and Results: We performed an ablation procedure in a Fontan patient with an AT using a new approach combining 3D electroanatomical mapping with multislice computed tomography (MSCT). This technique visualizes the position of the catheter in relation to the endocardium, thereby improving delineation of scar tissue. The AT had a focal origin located between areas of scar tissue and was successfully ablated at the earliest activated site. Conclusion: Ablation of complex arrhythmias can be facilitated by fusion of electroanatomical map and MSCT.
Clinical consequences of heparin‐free hemodialysis
Authors: McGill Rita L , Blas Alfredo , Bialkin Steven , Sandroni Stephen E , Marcus Richard J 
Published: October 2005

AbstractHeparin‐free hemodialysis (HF‐HD) has been increasingly used in patients at risk for bleeding, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Lack of heparin can reduce solute clearances in continuous hemofiltration; the effect on HD is undefined. Failure to recognize an effect of the anticoagulation strategy upon delivered clearance could contribute to the known problem of underdialysis in the ICU. In addition, the consequences of “locking” dialysis catheters with concentrated heparin solutions are also unclear. This study was designed to define the clinically relevant consequences of HF‐HD and catheter locking. In part I, we performed 200 HD treatments on inpatients, of which 100 were performed with heparin, and 100 were performed as HF‐HD. We calculated prescribed and delivered Kt/V and dialysis efficiency. In part II, a separate group of 14 patients undergoing HF‐HD via central venous catheters had measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during the last hour of dialysis, as well as 15, 60, and 240 min after catheters were locked with 1:5000 heparin. The prescribed Kt/V was 1.74±0.31 for standard HD with heparin vs. 1.66±0.36 for HF‐HD (p=ns). The delivered Kt/V was 1.42±0.32 vs. 1.36±0.38 (p=ns). Efficiency was 0.82 vs. 0.84 (p=ns). Baseline aPTT was 28±5 s, and increased to 126±54 s, 15 min after locking (p<0.0001) and to 71±50 s, 60 min after locking (p=0.005). By 240 min, the mean aPTT had fallen to 33±9 s (p=0.03), although individual values were still as high as 50 s. The HF technique does not compromise delivery of dialysis to inpatients. Increased treatment time is not necessary. Locking catheters with heparin after HF‐HD resulted in prolonged unintentional anticoagulation.
Quality of life, self‐care ability, and sense of coherence in hemodialysis patients: A comparative study
Authors: Ageborg Maria , Allenius Britt‐Louise , Cederfjäll Claes 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe number of patients treated for end‐stage renal disease has increased in Sweden as in the rest of the world. During the last 6 years, more than 1000 people per year started renal replacement therapy in Sweden. Today hemodialysis (HD) patients have the opportunity to choose from different treatment modalities, home HD, self‐care dialysis or conventional dialysis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are differences in the way HD patients view their quality of life, self‐care ability and sense of coherence if they dialyze themselves at home, dialyze themselves in center (self‐care), or if they are dialyzed by nurses in an outpatient dialysis unit. The instruments consisted of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey, the Appraisal of Self‐Care Agency questionnaire and the Sense of Coherence questionnaire. Nineteen patients participated in the study (5 patients on home HD, 6 self‐care patients and 8 patients on conventional in center dialysis). There was a tendency for those who dialyzed at home to score higher on quality of life, self‐care ability and sense of coherence than those who dialyzed themselves in center. Since the number of participants in this study was low, it is necessary for future studies to include more patients to verify the results.
Modeling determinants of agricultural production cooperatives' performance in Iran
Authors: Karami Ezatollah , Rezaei‐Moghaddam Kurosh 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to identify the fundamental factors that are key determinants in promoting effective operation of Agricultural Production Cooperatives (APCs). A theoretical framework “determinants of APCs' performance” was used to analyze the links between the webs of factors. A survey method was used to collect data from two southern provinces in Iran. Data were collected from 52 managers and 260 member farmers in 52 APCs using a stratified random sampling method. It is concluded that the theoretical model can to a great extent predict the performance of APCs. Cooperative structure and government support factors are the most important factors explaining the performance of APCs. Also, policy strategies need to focus on conditioning variables that affect the performance of APCs.
Determinants of food security in Southern Ethiopia at the household level
Authors: Feleke Shiferaw T. , Kilmer Richard L. , Gladwin Christina H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn the early 1980s, a paradigm shift occurred in the field of food security, following Amartya Sens (1981) claims that food insecurity is more of a demand concern, affecting the poor's access to food, than a supply concern, affecting availability of food at the national level. Despite the wide acceptance of Sen's thinking, many controversies including the relative importance of supply‐side versus demand‐side variables in causing and solving food insecurity have remained in academic and policy circles. This study develops a recursive household food security model within the framework of consumer demand and production theories following Singh et al. (1986), and parses out the relative importance of supply‐side versus demand‐side variables in determining household food security in southern Ethiopia. Based on results of a test of full/reduced model and the magnitude of changes in conditional probabilities of food security, we conclude that the supply‐side variables are more powerful determinants of food security than the demand‐side variables.
Corneal Optics after Reading, Microscopy and Computer Work
Authors: Collins Michael J. , Buehren Tobias , Bece Andrej , Voetz Stephanie C. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare lid‐induced changes in corneal optics following reading, microscopy and computer work.Methods:  Nine subjects with normal ocular health were recruited for the study. Five subjects were myopic, two were emmetropic, one was astigmatic and one was hyperopic. Corneal topography was measured before and after 60 mins of reading a novel, performing a blood cell counting task on a microscope and Internet searching. Corneal topography data were used to derive the corneal wavefront Zernike coefficients up to the fourth order. A meridian analysis of instantaneous corneal power along the upper 90‐degree semi‐meridian was performed to examine local changes caused by eyelid pressure. Digital photography was used to capture body posture and eyelid position during the tasks.Results:  Each of the three tasks showed systematically different effects on both the characteristics and location of corneal topography changes. Reading and microscopy generally exhibited larger and more centrally located changes compared with the computer task. Differences in wavefront aberration characteristics between the three tasks were apparent in both lower and higher order aberrations. The location of corneal distortions differed significantly between microscopy and computer work, with microscopy causing distortions to occur closer to the videokeratoscope measurement axis compared with computer work (p = 0.015).Conclusions:  Reading, microscopy and computer work have different effects on corneal aberrations. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that lid‐induced corneal aberrations may play a role in myopia development.
Laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: structural and functional outcome
Authors: Kieselbach Gerhard Franz , Ramharter Anke , Baldissera Ivo , Kralinger Martina Theresa 
Published: October 2005

Abstract.Background: To report the structural and refractive outcome after laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients who had undergone photocoagulation for ROP between 1997 and 2002 at our clinic were examined for this non‐comparative, consecutive, interventional, retrospective case series. A total of 37 eyes received either transscleral or transpupillary laser treatment. Data consisted of grade of ROP pre‐ and postoperatively, birth weight, perioperative and postoperative complications and refraction. Based on indirect ophthalmoscopy, independent observers graded the extent of ROP and determined the postoperative refraction by retinoscopy.Results: A total of 97% of all eyes responded to laser treatment with regression of ROP. Only one eye out of 37 progressed to stage IV B despite photocoagulation and therefore an encircling procedure was performed. After further progression a vitrectomy was carried out. Perioperative complications included haemorrhages in 22% that resorbed spontaneously and cataract formation in one eye (3%). Postoperative refractive errors at mean ages of 23 ± 12 months and 45 ± 14 months were evaluated in 15/19 patients (79%). The spherical equivalents ranged between −8 D and +6 D at the first examination and between −12 D and +7 D at the second examination. In all only 14% of the refracted eyes were myopic.Conclusions: Photocoagulation for ROP in our patients resulted in regression of threshold ROP. In addition, the analyses of the refractive outcomes demonstrated a predominance of hypermetropia in our patients.
Monoamine receptors in human corneal epithelium and endothelium
Authors: Grueb Matthias , Wallenfels‐Thilo Barbara , Denk Oliver , Mielke Joerg , Reinthal Eva , Rohrbach Jens Martin , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl Ulrich 
Published: October 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Monoamine receptors are found throughout the body. Reports about the presence of monoamine receptors in the human cornea are inconsistent. Methods:  Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to localize monoamine receptor sites on human corneal epithelium and endothelium. Results:  Antibodies to alpha‐1, beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenergic receptors and to D1‐like and 5HT‐7 receptors were bound in corneal epithelium. Antibodies to alpha‐1, alpha‐2A, beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenergic receptors and to 5HT‐7 receptors were bound in corneal endothelium. Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate the presence of several monoamine receptors in the human cornea. These receptors may play a role in the regulation of fluid transport or corneal homeostasis.
Central corneal thickness and corneal diameter in premature infants
Authors: Kirwan Caitriona , O'Keefe Michael , Fitzsimon Susan 
Published: October 2005

Abstract.Background:  Central corneal thickness is significantly greater in full‐term infants than in adults. Very little is known about corneal thickness in premature infants. Methods:  Measurements of central corneal thickness and horizontal corneal diameter were carried out in 35 premature babies (70 eyes) undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Initial measurements were taken at ∼ 31 weeks gestational age and at intervals until term was reached. Results:  Babies born at ∼ 31 weeks have very thick corneas which show a progressive and statistically significant decrease to term. Conversely, horizontal corneal diameter shows a progressive significant increase to term. A very strong inverse correlation was found between these two parameters. Conclusion:  We demonstrate that premature infants have thick corneas and small corneal diameters. Central corneal thickness decreases dramatically from ∼ 31 weeks to term and is mirrored by a significant increase in corneal diameter.
Compound heterozygous RDH5 mutations in familial fleck retina with night blindness
Authors: Hayashi Takaaki , Goto‐Omoto Satoshi , Takeuchi Tomokazu , Gekka Tamaki , Ueoka Yasuo , Kitahara Kenji 
Published: October 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the clinical features and genetic analysis of a 3‐year‐old boy diagnosed with familial fleck retina with night blindness. Methods:  The proband and his parents and grandparents were included. History, visual acuity and fundus examinations were evaluated. Bright‐flash (rod‐plus‐cone) electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded after 30 mins and 180 mins of dark adaptation. Mutation screening of the RDH5 gene encoding 11‐cis retinol dehydrogenase was performed. Results:  The parents noticed the proband's night blindness when he was 2 years old. Best corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes. Fundus examinations revealed numerous yellow−white flecks of varying size and shape throughout the midperipheral to far peripheral retina in both eyes. The distribution, size and shape of the flecks were comparable to those seen in familial fleck retina with night blindness, rather than fundus albipunctatus. The ERGs showed extremely diminished responses after 30 mins of dark adaptation, but there were substantial increases in the amplitudes of both a‐ and b‐waves when recorded after 180 mins of dark adaptation. Although a total of 19 RDH5 mutations have been found only in patients with fundus albipunctatus, compound heterozygous mutations, p.V177G and p.L310delinsEV, whose combination has not been previously reported, were found in the proband. The asymptomatic parents and one of the grandparents each carried one of the mutations, consistent with autosomal recessive transmission. Conclusion:  Our study indicates that different mutations in the RDH5 gene can cause phenotypic variations of either fundus albipunctatus or familial fleck retina with night blindness.
An Empirical Investigation of Knowledge‐Sharing in Networks
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Bukó Constantin 
Published: October 2005

SummaryGiven the growing importance of knowledge‐sharing, the primary purpose of this research is to develop and test a series of hypotheses regarding interorganizational knowledge‐sharing with different actors in networks. Findings, based on responses from 182 firms, reveal that a firm's degree of knowledge‐sharing with research institutions and customers is positively influenced by the firm's resource commitment. As expected, the firms' satisfaction is positively related to the frequency of communication. Consistent with the proposed hypotheses, knowledge tacitness diminishes the effect sharing knowledge with suppliers has on satisfaction. Contrary to expectations, tacitness positively moderates the effect sharing knowledge with customers has on satisfaction. Overall, this paper establishes the foundation for a more fine‐grained analysis of knowledge‐sharing with customers, suppliers and research institutions in a network setting.
Relationship Marketing and Supplier Logistics Performance: An Extension of the Key Mediating Variables Model
Authors: Morris Matthew , Carter Craig R. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryFirms are increasingly relying on relational exchanges to govern buyer–supplier relationships. While the antecedents to these relationships have been studied extensively in the marketing channels and supply chain management literature, relatively little research has considered the performance outcomes of such exchanges. The current study contributes to this stream of research by extending Morgan and Hunt's key mediating variables (KMV) model to examine how the five key endogenous variables from the KMV model affect supplier logistics performance. The findings suggest that cooperation and uncertainty are significantly related to supplier logistics performance, while supplier acquiescence, functional conflict and propensity to leave the relationship have no significant impact.
Managing Supply Risk with Early Supplier Involvement: A Case Study and Research Propositions
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Smith Michael E. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWhile there have been numerous reports of benefits associated with adoption of early supplier involvement (ESI) in product design, particularly in reducing the duration of the design process and improving design outcomes, this study extends a recent stream of research indicating that ESI may be a useful tool for managing supply risk. Utilizing a case‐study approach, the current research explores the extent to which ESI reduces the likelihood of supply disruptions and other negative supply events for an aerospace supplier. Although initial adoption of ESI was intended to reduce supply costs, results indicated that ESI serves to reduce perceptions of supply risk at this firm. Factors associated with risk reductions are discussed in the context of agency theoretic variables, and a series of research propositions are presented to build theory in supply risk management.
STANDARD AND NON-STANDARD QUANTUM MODELS: A NON-COMMUTATIVE VERSION OF THE CLASSICAL SYSTEM OF SU(2) AND SU(1,1) ARISING FROM QUANTUM OPTICS
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI 
Published: October 2005

This is a challenging paper that includes some reviews and new results. Since the non-commutative version of the classical system based on the compact group SU(2) has been constructed in (quant-ph/0502174) by making use of Jaynes–Commings model and so-called quantum diagonalization method in (quant-ph/0502147), we construct a non-commutative version of the classical system based on the non-compact group SU(1,1) by modifying the compact case. In this model the Hamiltonian is not hermite but pseudo hermite, which causes a big difference between the two models. For example, in the classical representation theory of SU(1,1), unitary representations are infinite dimensional from the starting point. Therefore, to develop a unitary theory of non-commutative system of SU(1,1) we need an infinite number of non-commutative systems, which means a kind of second non-commutativization. This is a very hard and interesting problem. We develop a corresponding theory though it is not always enough, and present some challenging problems concerning how classical properties can be extended to the non-commutative case. This paper is arranged for the convenience of readers as the first subsection is based on the standard model (SU(2) system) and the next one is based on the non-standard model (SU(1,1) system). This contrast may make the similarities and differences between the standard and non-standard models clearer.
PRE-MULTISYMPLECTIC CONSTRAINT ALGORITHM FOR FIELD THEORIES
Authors: DE LEÓN MANUEL , MARÍN-SOLANO JESÚS , MARRERO JUAN CARLOS , MUÑOZ-LECANDA MIGUEL C. , ROMÁN-ROY NARCISO 
Published: October 2005

We present a geometric algorithm for obtaining consistent solutions to systems of partial differential equations, mainly arising from singular covariant first-order classical field theories. This algorithm gives an intrinsic description of all the constraint submanifolds. The field equations are stated geometrically, either representing their solutions by integrable connections or, what is equivalent, by certain kinds of integrable m-vector fields. First, we consider the problem of finding connections or multivector fields solutions to the field equations in a general framework: a pre-multisymplectic fiber bundle (which will be identified with the first-order jet bundle and the multi-momentum bundle when Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories are considered). Then, the problem is stated and solved in a linear context, and a pointwise application of the results leads to the algorithm for the general case. In a second step, the integrability of the solutions is also studied. Finally, the method is applied to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian field theories and, for the former, the problem of finding holonomic solutions is also analyzed.
The investigation of the transient regimes in the nonlinear systems by the generalized classical method
Authors: Abbasov T. , Bahadir A. R. 
Published: October 2005

This paper presents the use of the generalized classical method
(GCM) for solving linear and nonlinear differential equations.
This method is based on the differential transformation (DT)
technique. In the GCM, the solution of the nonlinear transient
regimes in the physical processes can be written as a functional
series with unknown coefficients. The series can be chosen to
satisfy the initial and boundary conditions which represent
the properties of the physical process. The unknown coefficients
of the series are determined from the differential transformation
of the nonlinear differential equation of the system. Therefore,
the approximate solution of the nonlinear differential equation
can be obtained as a closed‐form series.The validity and efficiency of the GCM is shown using some
transient regime problems in the electromechanics processes. The
numerical results obtained by the present method are compared with
the analytical solutions of the equations. It is shown that the
results are found to be in good agreement with each other.
The Relation between Rainfall and Area–Time Integrals at the Transition from an Arid to an Equatorial Climate
Authors: Kebe Cheikh Mouhamed Fadel , Sauvageot Henri , Nzeukou Armand 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
The area–time integral (ATI) method has previously been successfully used to estimate the area-averaged rain-rate distribution and the rainfall volume over an area from radar or from satellite infrared (IR) data. In most cases, the method was implemented over regions or test areas with an assumed homogeneous climatic character, that is, without a strong spatial variation of the rain regime throughout the test area. In the present paper, the behavior of the ATI method is discussed for a test area displaying two strong gradients of the cumulative annual rainfall: one meridional, at the transition between regions having, respectively, a desertic and an equatorial climate and the other zonal, at the transition between land and sea. The studied area is divided into four subtest areas (north, south, land, and sea) over which the ATI computation is applied separately. The linear coefficient relating the radar-observed area-averaged rain rate and the fractional area where the rain is higher than a threshold calculated over the four subtest areas is found to be almost constant, in agreement with the ergodic character of the rain-rate distribution observed in this region. Similarly, the linear coefficient relating the rain volume over the subtest areas to the IR satellite-derived ATI, a parameter analogous to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Precipitation Index (GPI), is found to be very steady, with a mean value of 3.02 mm h−1 and a coefficient of variation of only 8%. These coefficients, as well as the underlying dynamic and microphysical processes, do not seem significantly influenced by the climatic character, even at a short space scale, in the studied area. The ratio of radar rain areas to cloud areas is, notably, almost constant. For a brightness temperature of 235 K, the ratio of the cloud area to rain area is around 1.68.