bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Board on Strategy: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Stiles Philip 
Published: July 2004

Boards of directors are coming under increasing scrutiny, both in the wake of a number of serious corporate frauds and failures and through a more general debate about the nature of corporate governance and its role in achieving national competitiveness. Though research on boards is growing, there remains a lack of empirical studies on the perceptions of directors themselves as to their role and influence in the running of organizations, and in particular the strategic process.This article responds to widespread calls for direct study of boards of directors by using a multi‐method approach involving an in‐depth examination of 51 directors of UK public companies, a survey of 121 company secretaries and four case studies of UK plcs, where multiple board members were interviewed. Through the use of a grounded methodology, this article examines the impact of boards on strategy and shows that by establishing the business definition, gatekeeping, selecting directors, and confidence building, the board influences the boundaries of strategic action. Evidence for the managerial domination of boards was slight, but the results showed support for a number of theoretical frameworks, suggesting that multiple perspectives are required to fully understand the nature of board activity.
Elevated amniotic fluid leptin levels in early second trimester are associated with earlier delivery and lower birthweight in twin pregnancy
Authors: Chan Te‐Fu , Chung Yueh‐Fang , Chen Hung‐Sheng , Su Jinu‐Huang , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F. 
Published: July 2004

Objective.  To explore the possibility of using early second trimester amniotic fluid leptin levels as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in twin pregnancy.Study design.  Amniotic fluid leptin levels from 18 twin‐pregnant women in early second trimester were analyzed for their correlation with gestational age at delivery and fetal birthweight. Leptin levels in 16 amniotic fluid samples collected from small for gestational age (SGA) twin pregnancies were compared with those in 20 amniotic fluid samples collected from non‐SGA twin pregnancies.Results.  A significant correlation was observed between amniotic fluid leptin levels and gestational age at delivery (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) as well as fetal birthweight (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between gestational age at delivery and fetal birthweight (r = 0.92, p < 0.001). The average gestational age at delivery was 30.4 ± 1.4 weeks in the SGA group, with a mean birthweight of 1552 ± 200 g at delivery. For the non‐SGA group, the values were 37.3 ± 0.5 weeks and 2759 ± 115 g ( p < 0.001), respectively. Amniotic fluid leptin levels were found to be significantly higher ( p < 0.001) for women in the SGA group (11.4 ± 1.5 ng/mL) than for those in the non‐SGA group (5.4 ± 0.5 ng/mL).Conclusion.  Higher amniotic fluid leptin levels in early second trimester were associated with both lower gestational age at delivery and lower birthweight. Our results suggest that amniotic fluid leptin levels in early second trimester may be a good marker for the prediction of perinatal complications in twin pregnancy.
Oral misoprostol vs. vaginal gemeprost prior to surgical termination of pregnancy in nulliparae
Authors: Celentano Claudio , Prefumo Federico , Di Andrea Osvaldo , Francesca Presti  , Di Nisio Quirino , Rotmensch Sigi 
Published: July 2004

Background.  To compare the efficacy and side‐effects of intravaginal gemeprost with those of oral misoprostol for cervical ripening prior to first‐trimester pregnancy termination in nulliparous women.Methods.  Retrospective analysis of surgical terminations of pregnancy performed before 90 days of gestation. Intravaginal gemeprost 1 mg or oral misoprostol 800 µg was administered 2 h before the procedure.Results.  In total, 746 women were enrolled into the study, 84 received intravaginal gemeprost and 662 oral misoprostol. Median baseline cervical dilatation was significantly greater in women who received misoprostol before the operation than in those who received gemeprost (7 mm vs. 3 mm; p < 0.0001). The incidence of fever, vomiting and diarrhea was not different between the two groups. The incidence of abdominal pain with request for pain medication, emergency admission to operating room due to vaginal bleeding, hospital stay longer than 24 h and surgical repair of cervical injury due to Hegar dilatation was significantly higher among the gemeprost group than the misoprostol group.Conclusions.  In cervical priming prior to first‐trimester pregnancy termination in nulliparous women, oral misoprostol is more effective and is associated with fewer side‐effects and complications than intravaginal gemeprost.
Operation for pelvic organ prolapse: a follow‐up study
Authors: Tegerstedt Gunilla , Hammarström Margareta 
Published: July 2004

Objective.  Long‐term results of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in terms of objective and subjective cure rates, postoperative complications and side‐effects were studied retrospectively.Methods.  Two hundred and sixty‐nine women underwent surgery between 1986 and 1988 and were invited to a follow‐up visit in 1998–99. One hundred and twenty‐eight (47%) women attended the follow‐up. In the time between surgery and follow‐up, 67 (25%) women had died. The medical records were reviewed for women not attending follow‐up (n = 131), revealing a higher age and a more severe prolapse in the lost to follow‐up group.Results.  The subjective cure rate, with cure of all symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, was 46% (n = 59). The objective cure rate, with satisfactory anatomic outcome, was 56% (n = 72). If perfect results had been attained in the women who did not undergo follow‐up examination, the subjective and objective cure rates would be 73% and 79%, respectively. Previous prolapse surgery, a traumatic delivery, urinary incontinence and a prolapse stage III or more seemed to be risk factors for an adverse outcome.Conclusions.  In evaluating the cure rate of pelvic floor surgery not only the anatomic outcome should be studied but also the outcome in terms of side‐effects and/or symptoms as resolved, persistent or new onset. An unsatisfactory anatomic outcome was not necessarily associated with symptoms. The modest cure rate after surgery may be due to the aggravation with time of pelvic floor disorder, this confounding the results of surgery.
EXPLAINING ATTITUDES TOWARDS AMBIGUITY: AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE COMPARATIVE IGNORANCE HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Dolan Paul , Jones Martin 
Published: July 2004

AbstractMany theories have been put forward to explain attitudes towards ambiguity. This paper reports on an experiment designed to test for the existence of Comparative Ignorance when it is tested over events with a range of different likelihoods. A total of 93 subjects valued a series of gambles, one of which was played out for real. The results do not lend support to the theory, although the relationship between risk and ambiguity does appear to correspond with other theories and previous empirical work.
THE CHANGING LIFE CYCLE PATTERN IN FEMALE EMPLOYMENT: A COMPARISON OF GERMANY AND THE UK
Authors: Fitzenberger Bernd , Wunderlich Gaby 
Published: July 2004

AbstractEmployment rates of women have been rising but women are often part‐time employed and employment interruptions over the life‐cycle are linked to family formation. This paper analyzes empirically full‐time and part‐time employment of different skill groups of women in the UK and West Germany. Patterns of part‐time and full‐time employment are different across skill groups and countries. Full‐time employment declines and part‐time employment increases with age. Time trends do not change in a monotonous way across skill groups and they differ by country. The strong increase in part‐time rates in both countries over time can mainly be attributed to composition effects.
UNEMPLOYMENT, HYSTERESIS AND TRANSITION
Authors: León‐Ledesma Miguel A. , McAdam Peter 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we quantify the degree of persistence in the unemployment rates of transition countries using a variety of methods benchmarked against the EU. Initially, we work with the concept of linear ‘Hysteresis’ as described by the presence of unit roots in unemployment as in most empirical research on this area. Given that this is potentially a narrow definition, we also take into account the existence of structural breaks and nonlinear dynamics in unemployment. Finally, we examine whether CEECs' unemployment presents features of multiple equilibria, that is, if it remains locked into a new level whenever some structural change or sufficiently large shock occurs. Our findings show that, in general, we can reject the unit‐root hypothesis after controlling for structural changes and business‐cycle effects, but we can observe the presence of a high and low unemployment equilibria. The speed of adjustment is faster for CEECs than the EU, although CEECs tend to move more frequently between equilibria.
JOB REALLOCATION, EMPLOYMENT CHANGE AND AVERAGE JOB TENURE: THEORY AND WORKPLACE EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIA
Authors: Mumford Karen , Smith Peter N. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWe explore determinants of job reallocation, employment change and average job tenure in this paper. A model which associates technological advances with the process of economic growth is modified and analysed. The features of this model allow for the possibility of asymmetric behaviour when looking at the net change in employment. Workplace data from Australia (AWIRS95) are used to test the predictions generated from the model for both employment change and average job tenure. Results are presented that provide clear evidence as to the nature of workplaces in which net employment growth is concentrated. We find that employment growth is asymmetrically related to expected changes in demand for the output of the workplace. We also find that employment is lower for workplaces that are larger, older, have greater union density, offer higher relative earnings, or are operating in a more competitive environment. The impacts on average tenure are as expected from the model and from these changes in employment. Overall there is a substantial degree of agreement between the predictions of the model and our empirical results.
Therapy with adjunctive doxycycline local delivery in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis
Authors: Martorelli de Lima Antonio Fernando , Cury Cmila Cristina , Palioto Daniela Bazan , Duro Adhemar Mendes , Silva Robert Carvalho da , Wolff Larry F. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subgingival administration of doxycycline as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.Material and methods: Twenty‐two paired periodontal defects 5.0 mm were treated in 11 patients (35–55 years old). After initial therapy the sites were randomly assigned into test (scaling and root planing+subgingival administration of 10% doxycycline hyclate gel) or control (scaling and root planing+subgingival placebo gel) groups. The clinical parameters of clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD) and gingival margin level (GML) for recession determination were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and 6, 9 and 12 months, using a computerized probe. Data were statistically evaluated using Duncan and F tests.Results: Between study group comparisons indicated PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the test group than in the control group at 6 weeks and 6, 9 and 12 months but only statistically significant at 12 months (p<0.05). Within study group comparisons indicated statistically significant differences were found for CAL and PD values favouring the adjunctive doxycycline group from baseline to 6 weeks and 6, 9 and 12 months (p<0.05).Conclusions: These findings suggest that subgingivally delivered doxycycline hyclate produces additional favorable clinical results to periodontal therapy in type 1 DM patients.
Increased treatment failure after 3‐days’ courses of nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim for urinary tract infections in women: a population‐based retrospective cohort study using the PHARMO database
Authors: Goettsch Wim G. , Janknegt Rob , Herings Ron M. C. 
Published: July 2004

AimTo assess determinants of treatment failure after antimicrobial therapy of urinary tract infections in women.MethodsIn primary care 16 703 Dutch women who received a first course (3, 5 or 7 days) of  trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin or norfloxacin between 1 January 1992 through 31 December 1997 and who were between 15 and 65 years old at the day of first use were selected. Failure of the initial treatment was defined as a further prescription for one of these three antibiotics or for cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin, within 31 days after the end of the initial therapy.ResultsTreatment failure rate was 14.4% in patients treated with trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin and 9.6% in patients treated with norfloxacin. A multivariate analysis showed that 5 days’[RRNIT 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57, 0.82, RRTRI 0.82, 95% CI 0.73, 0.91] and 7 days’ (RRNIT 0.64, 95% CI 0.53, 0.77, RRTRI 0.85, 95% CI 0.71, 1.02) trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin treatment appeared to be more effective than a 3‐day treatment (reference category). Other factors increasing treatment failure rates were the age of the patient, the year of therapy and previous hospitalization.ConclusionsIt may be concluded that 3‐day courses of nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim are less effective than 5‐ and 7‐day courses in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.
Phenotyping and genotyping study of thiopurine S‐methyltransferase in healthy Chinese children: A comparison of Han and Yao ethnic groups
Authors: Zhang Jian‐ping , Guan Yong‐yuan , Wu Jue‐heng , Xu An‐Long , Zhou Shufeng , Huang Min 
Published: July 2004

AimsEthnicity is an important variable influencing drug response. Thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) plays an important role in the metabolism of thiopurine drugs. Previous population studies have identified ethnic variations in both phenotype and genotype of TPMT, but limited information is available within Chinese population that comprises at least 56 ethnic groups. The current study was conducted to compare both phenotype and genotype of TPMT in healthy Han and Yao Chinese children.MethodsTPMT activity was measured in healthy Chinese children by a HPLC assay (n = 213, 87 Han Chinese and 126 Yao Chinese). Allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to determine the frequency of TPMT mutant alleles (TPMT*2, TPMT*3 A, TPMT*3B and TPMT*3C) in these children.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean TPMT activity between Han and Yao Chinese children. A unimodal distribution of TPMT activity in Chinese children was found and the mean TPMT activity was 13.32 ± 3.49 U ml−1 RBC. TPMT activity was not found to differ with gender, but tended to increase with age in Yao Chinese children. TPMT*2, TPMT*3B and TPMT*3A were not detected, and only one TPMT*3C heterozygote (Han child) was identified in 213 Chinese children. Erythrocyte TPMT activity of this TPMT*3C heterozygote was 12.36 U ml−1 RBC. The frequency of the known mutant TPMT alleles was 0.2%[1/426] in Chinese children.ConclusionThe frequency distribution of RBC TPMT activity was unimodal. The frequency of the known mutant TPMT alleles in Chinese Children is low and TPMT*3C appears to be the most prevalent among the tested mutant TPMT alleles in this population.
Bioavailabilities of rectal and oral methadone in healthy subjects
Authors: Dale Ola , Sheffels Pamela , Kharasch Evan D. 
Published: July 2004

AimsRectal administration of methadone may be an alternative to intravenous and oral dosing in cancer pain, but the bioavailability of the rectal route is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the absolute rectal bioavailability of methadone with its oral bioavailability in healthy humans.MethodsSeven healthy subjects (six males, one female, aged 20–39 years) received 10 mg d5‐methadone‐HCl rectally (5 ml in 20% glycofurol) together with either d0‐methadone intravenously (5 mg) or orally (10 mg) on two separate occasions. Blood samples for the LC‐MS analyses of methadone and it's metabolite EDDP were drawn for up to 96 h. Noninvasive infrared pupillometry was peformed at the same time as blood sampling.ResultsThe mean absolute rectal bioavalability of methadone was 0.76 (0.7, 0.81), compared to 0.86 (0.75, 0.97) for oral administration (mean (95% CI)). Rectal absorption of methadone was more rapid than after oral dosing with Tmax values of 1.4 (0.9, 1.8) vs. 2.8 (1.6, 4.0) h. The extent of formation of the metabolite EDDP did not differ between routes of administration. Single doses of methadone had a duration of action of at least 10 h and were well tolerated.ConclusionsRectal administration of methadone results in rapid absorption, a high bioavailability and long duration of action. No evidence of presystemic elimination was seen. Rectal methadone has characteristics that make it a potential alternative to intravenous and oral administration, particularly in cancer pain and palliative care.
Training in paediatric clinical pharmacology in the UK
Authors: Choonara Imti , Dewit Odile , Harrop Emily , Howarth Sheila , Helms Peter , Kanabar Dipak , Lenney Warren , Rylance George , Vallance Patrick 
Published: July 2004

AimsTo produce a training programme in paediatric clinical pharmacology.MethodsA working group, consisting of clinical pharmacologists (paediatric and adult), general paediatricians and the pharmaceutical industry was established to produce the training programme.ResultsFollowing a two year training programme in general paediatrics, a three year training programme in clinical pharmacology has been established. This includes one year of research in clinical pharmacology (paediatric or adult). The other two years involve training in different aspects of paediatric clinical pharmacology and general paediatrics.ConclusionThe existence of a formal training programme should result in a significant increase in the number of paediatric clinical pharmacologists.
Endothelial venodilator response in carriers of genetic polymorphisms involved in NO synthesis and degradation
Authors: Fricker Ruth , Hesse Christiane , Weiss Johanna , Tayrouz Yorki , Hoffmann Michael M. , Unnebrink Kristina , Mansmann Ulrich , Haefeli Walter E. 
Published: July 2004

AimsPolymorphisms of the NOSIII gene and of the CYBA gene have been associated with a number of pathological conditions such as arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Because endothelium‐dependent vasodilation is impaired in these disorders, we hypothesized that polymorphisms of NOSIII or CYBA might modulate endothelial function of venous capacitance vessels already before cardiovascular disease becomes overt.MethodsEndothelium‐dependent and ‐independent venodilation was assessed by measuring local vascular responses to bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside in the dorsal hand vein after preconstriction with phenylephrine in 72 healthy male Caucasians after careful exclusion of cardiovascular risk factors. Genotyping was performed for polymorphisms of the NOSIII gene (T‐786C, G894T, (CA)n) and the CYBA gene (C242T).ResultsGenotype distribution for each polymorphism followed the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In all studied single nucleotide polymorphisms no significant difference between the respective genotypes and the venodilator response to either sodium nitroprusside or bradykinin was observed, and the number of CA repeat copies was not related to the venodilator response to bradykinin. Mean venodilation induced by bradykinin 50 ng min−1 (±SEM) for homozygote carriers of the single nucleotide polymorphisms was 48.9 ± 8.5% venodilation (G894T; wild type: 49.8 ± 6.9), 50.3 ± 11.0% venodilation (T‐786C; wild type: 42.6 ± 5.2), and 30.4 ± 9.1% venodilation (C242T; wild type: 49.2 ± 6.0), respectively.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the studied polymorphisms of NOSIII and CYBA do not significantly modulate endothelium‐dependent venodilation in individuals without vascular risk factors.
P‐selectin in haemostasis
Authors: André Patrick 
Published: July 2004

SummaryDuring the past decade, interrelationships between inflammation and thrombosis have been the subject of extensive works, and it is now commonly recognized that inflammation (notably leucocyte recruitment) directly affects thrombosis, and that thrombosis also constitutes a pro‐inflammatory event. This tight link is partly attributable to P‐selectin, which is functional not only when expressed on the surface of activated platelets and endothelial cells, but also when shed, generating its soluble form, termed sP‐selectin. In this review, we will provide an overview of the relative roles of the different compartments of P‐selectin (platelet, endothelial cell, plasma) in haemostasis and vascular pathologies, and the potential therapeutic benefits achievable in targeting this molecule.
Classical and molecular cytogenetic abnormalities and outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia: report from a referral centre in Israel
Authors: Stark Batia , Jeison Marta , Gabay Leticia Glazer , Mardoukh Jacques , Luria Drorit , Bar‐Am Irit , Avrahami Gali , Kapeliushnik Yossef , Sthoeger Dalia , Herzel Gavriel , Steinberg David M. , Cohen Ian J. , Goshen Yacov , Stein Jerry , Zaizov Rina , Yaniv Isaac 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities in childhoodde novoacute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and its prognostic significance was assessed in an Israeli paediatric referral centre. Cytogenetic analysis was successful in 86 of 97 children (<20 years of age) diagnosed between 1988 and 2002 withde novoAML. Fluorescencein situhybridization analysis detected new information in 11 of them, leading to reassignment in cytogenetic group classification. The incidence of the various cytogenetic subgroups was as follows: normal – 9%; t(11q23) – 22%; t(8;21) – 13%; t(15;17) – 8%; inv(16) – 3·4%; abn(3q) – 4·6%; 7/7q‐(sole or main) – 5·8%; del(9q)(sole) and +21(sole) – 4·6% each; t(8;16) – 2·3%; t(6;9), t(1;22), +8(sole) – 1·1% each; and miscellaneous – 18%. The overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) (4 years) for 94 patients treated with the modified Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster (BFM) AML protocols (non‐irradiated) were 59·9% (SE = 5%) and 55·7% (SE = 5%), respectively, and for the favourable t(8;21), t(15;17) and inv(16), OS was 60% (SE = 15%), 83% (SE = 15%) and 100% respectively. For the normal group it was 62% (SE = 17%), miscellaneous 64% (SE = 12%), t(11q23) 44·6% (SE = 11%) and of the −7/7q‐, del(9q)(sole) or t(6;9), none had survived at 4 years. The incidence of cytogenetic subgroups in the Israeli childhood AML population and their outcome were similar to other recently reported paediatric series. Cytogenetic abnormalities still carry clinical relevance for treatment stratification in the context of modern chemotherapy.