bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erythropoetin
Authors: Kubanek B. , Rich I. , Noé G.
Published: May 2009

Mit pharmakologischen Dosen von Erythropoetin (EPO) kann, wenn Eisen und erythropoetische Vorläuferzellen verfügbar sind, ohne wesentliche Nebenwirkungen fast immer eine Erhöhung der Hämoglobinkonzentration erzielt werden. Ob sich dabei die Lebensqualität von multimorbiden Patienten mit chronischen Anämien, bei denen z.B. das Hämoglobin von 9 auf 11 g% erhöht wird, verbessert, ist in Studien zu hinterfragen. EPO ist für Indikationen, außer der renalen Anämie, bisher nicht zugelassen. EPO als Adjuvans für die autologe Blutentnahme ist bei ausreichender Eisensubstitution für gewisse Kollektive wie Frauen mit einer grenzwertig niedrigen Hämoglobinkonzentration eine mögliche Therapie, wenn auch noch eine sehr aufwendige. EPO in hoher Dosierung (300 U/kg Körpergewicht für 14 Tage) als perioperative Therapie bei ausreichender Eisensubstitution spart, wiederum unter großem finanziellem Aufwand, etwa 50% Fremdblut ein. Ein solches Verfahren ist für den Patienten, der sich einer elektiven Operation unterzieht, wenig aufwendiger als die autologe präoperative Blutentnahme, schließt aber die Anwendung von Fremdblut nicht in jedem Fall aus. Der Kosten-Nutzen-Quotient muß von uns, den behandelnden Ärzten, im Kontext einer machbaren erfolgreichen medizinischen Versorgung und der knapper werdenden Ressourcen beantwortet werden. Daher ist es notwendig, in Studien die Patienten zu identifizieren, die von einer EPO-Therapie profitieren, um letztendlich die «beste» durchführbare Therapie für den individuellen Patienten zu definieren.
Künstliche Sauerstoffträger – Perfluorkarbone
Authors: Grünert A.
Published: May 2009

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden chemische, physikalische und physiologische Eigenschaften von modernen perfluorierten Kohlenstoffen dargestellt, die als künstliche Sauerstoffträger im biologischen und medizinischen Bereich eingesetzt werden. Die Charakterisierung dieser Substanzen wird sowohl in historischer als auch in aktueller Hinsicht dahingehend präzisiert, daß die Anwendungsgebiete und die Limitierungen der Anwendung aufgezeigt werden. Wegen der multifunktionalen Eigenschaft von Blut ist heute unstrittig, daß kein künstlicher «Sauerstofftransporter» für den generellen Blutersatz denkbar ist. Ein besonderer Vorteil der Perfluorkarbone für den biologischen und medizinischen Einsatz liegt in der niedrigen Viskosität, die – gerade bei Stasezuständen – noch eine Verbesserung der Perfusion ermöglicht. Es treten keine immunologischen Probleme auf, und die Infektionsgefahren sind im Vergleich zu biologischem Material ausgeschaltet. Die wichtigsten Einsatzgebiete der Perfluorkarbone sind die Organperfusion bei Organbanken, die Oxygenierung von Zellkulturen sowie die Diagnostik mit bildgebenden Verfahren.
Biophysical Properties of 9
KCNQ1
Mutations Associated With Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Yang Tao , Chung Seo-Kyung , Zhang Wei , Mullins Jonathan G.L. , McCulley Caroline H. , Crawford Jackie , MacCormick Judith , Eddy Carey-Anne , Shelling Andrew N. , French John K. , Yang Ping , Skinner Jonathan R. , Roden Dan M. , Rees Mark I.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Inherited long-QT syndrome is characterized by prolonged QT interval on the ECG, syncope, and sudden death caused by ventricular arrhythmia. Causative mutations occur mostly in cardiac potassium and sodium channel subunit genes. Confidence in mutation pathogenicity is usually reached through family genotype-phenotype tracking, control population studies, molecular modeling, and phylogenetic alignments; however, biophysical testing offers a higher degree of validating evidence.

Methods and Results—

By using in vitro electrophysiological testing of transfected mutant and wild-type long-QT syndrome constructs into Chinese hamster ovary cells, we investigated the biophysical properties of 9
KCNQ1
missense mutations (A46T, T265I, F269S, A302V, G316E, F339S, R360G, H455Y, and S546L) identified in a New Zealand-based long-QT syndrome screening program. We demonstrate through electrophysiology and molecular modeling that 7 of the missense mutations have profound pathological dominant-negative loss-of-function properties, confirming their likely disease-causing nature. This supports the use of these mutations in diagnostic family screening. Two mutations (A46T, T265I) show suggestive evidence of pathogenicity within the experimental limits of biophysical testing, indicating that these variants are disease-causing via delayed- or fast-activation kinetics. Further investigation of the A46T family has revealed an inconsistent cosegregation of the variant with the clinical phenotype.

Conclusions—

Electrophysiological characterization should be used to validate long-QT syndrome pathogenicity of novel missense channelopathies. When such results are inconclusive, great care should be taken with genetic counseling and screening of such families, and alternative disease-causing mechanisms should be considered.
Standardized Low–Molecular-Weight Heparin Bridging Regimen in Outpatients on Oral Anticoagulants Undergoing Invasive Procedure or Surgery
Authors: Pengo V. , Cucchini U. , Denas G. , Erba N. , Guazzaloca G. , La Rosa L. , De Micheli V. , Testa S. , Frontoni R. , Prisco D. , Nante G. , Iliceto S.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Bridging therapy with low–molecular-weight heparin is usually recommended in patients who must stop oral anticoagulants before surgical or invasive procedures. To date, there is no universally accepted bridging regimen tailored to the patient’s thromboembolic risk. This prospective inception cohort management study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of an individualized bridging protocol applied to outpatients.

Methods and Results—

Oral anticoagulants were stopped 5 days before the procedure. Low–molecular-weight heparin was started 3 to 4 days before surgery and continued for 6 days after surgery at 70 anti–factor Xa U/kg twice daily in high-thromboembolic-risk patients and prophylactic once-daily doses in moderate- to low-risk patients. Oral anticoagulation was resumed the day after the procedure with a boost dose of 50% for 2 days and maintenance doses afterward. The patients were followed up for 30 days. Of the 1262 patients included in the study (only 15% had mechanical valves), 295 (23.4%) were high-thromboembolic-risk patients and 967 (76.6%) were moderate- to low-risk patients. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were 5 thromboembolic events (0.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.9), all in high-thromboembolic-risk patients. There were 15 major (1.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 2.0) and 53 minor (4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 3.2 to 5.5) bleeding episodes. Major bleeding was associated with twice-daily low–molecular-weight heparin administration (high-risk patients) but not with the bleeding risk of the procedure.

Conclusions—

This management bridging protocol, tailored to patients’ thromboembolic risk, appears to be feasible, effective, and safe for many patients, but safety in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves has not been conclusively established.
Chymase Plays an Important Role in Left Ventricular Remodeling Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia in Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Chika , Hayashi Tetsuya , Kitada Kento , Yamashita Chika , Miyamura Masatoshi , Mori Tatsuhiko , Ukimura Akira , Ohkita Mamoru , Jin Denan , Takai Shinji , Miyazaki Mizuo , Okada Yoshikatsu , Kitaura Yasushi , Matsumura Yasuo
Published: May 2009

Intermittent hypoxia caused by sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular disease. Chymase has been reported to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease, but it is unclear whether chymase is involved in the pathogenesis of left ventricular remodeling induced by intermittent hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel chymase inhibitor (NK3201) on hypoxia-induced left ventricular remodeling in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice (9 weeks old) were exposed to intermittent hypoxia or normoxia and were treated with NK3201 (10 mg/kg per day) or the vehicle for 10 days. Left ventricular systolic pressure showed no significant differences among all of the experimental groups. Exposure to intermittent hypoxia increased left ventricular chymase activity and angiotensin II expression, which were both suppressed by treatment with NK3201. Intermittent hypoxia also increased the mean cardiomyocyte diameter, perivascular fibrosis, expression of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and NADPH-dependent superoxide production in the left ventricular myocardium. These changes were all suppressed by NK3201 treatment. Therefore, chymase might play an important role in intermittent hypoxia-induced left ventricular remodeling, which is independent of the systemic blood pressure.
Resolution Dependence of the Tropopause Inversion Layer in an Idealized Model for Upper-Tropospheric Anticyclones
Authors: Müller Andreas , Wirth Volkmar
Published: May 2009

This note investigates the dependence of the extratropical tropopause inversion layer (TIL) on numerical resolution in an idealized modeling framework. Axisymmetric upper-tropospheric anticyclones are constructed by specifying potential vorticity (PV) and solving the nonlinear PV-inversion problem. The PV distribution has a smooth but near-discontinuous change of PV across the tropopause in a transition zone with vertical depth δ. For fixed δ the strength of the TIL changes with changing resolution until the transition zone is resolved by a fairly large number of grid points. The quality-controlled numerical solutions are used to study the behavior for δ → 0. This limit can lead to very strong TILs, but no indications for divergent behavior were found.
Drought-Induced Warming in the Continental United States under Different SST Regimes
Authors: Koster Randal D. , Wang Hailan , Schubert Siegfried D. , Suarez Max J. , Mahanama Sarith
Published: May 2009

The U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability (U.S. CLIVAR) Drought Working Group (DWG) recently performed a series of experiments in which a number of AGCMs were forced with different leading patterns of global SST variability. These experiments provide a unique opportunity to examine how different SST regimes affect temperature over the continental United States. Herein, the focus is on a particular aspect of June–August (JJA) near-surface air temperature: the temperature during relatively dry years for a given SST regime. For most of the models participating in the DWG experiments, a cold Pacific produces greater warming in the central United States during relatively dry years than a warm Pacific does for the following two separate reasons: (i) the cold Pacific leads on average, across all years, to drier conditions, and (ii) the particular evaporation regime induced by the cold Pacific enhances the impact of evaporation feedback on temperature, that is, the sensitivity of temperature to within-climate variations in moisture availability. These results are supported, to a large extent, by the observational record.
Calibrating 2-m Temperature of Limited-Area Ensemble Forecasts Using High-Resolution Analysis
Authors: Kann Alexander , Wittmann Christoph , Wang Yong , Ma Xulin
Published: May 2009

Although the quality of numerical ensemble prediction systems (EPS) has greatly improved during the last few years, these systems still show systematic deficiencies. Specifically, they are underdispersive and lack both reliability and sharpness. A variety of statistical postprocessing methods allows for improving direct model output. Since 2007, Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique Développement International Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting (ALADIN-LAEF) has been in operation at the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), and its 2-m temperature model output subject to calibration. This work follows the approach of nonhomogeneous Gaussian regression (NGR) that addresses a statistical correction of the first and second moment (mean bias and dispersion) for Gaussian-distributed continuous variables. It is based on the multiple linear regression technique and provides a predictive probability density function (PDF) in terms of a normal distribution. Fitting the regression coefficients, a minimum continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) estimation has been chosen instead of the more traditional maximum likelihood technique. The use of high-resolution analysis data on a 1 km × 1 km grid as training data improves the forecast skill in terms of CRPS by about 35%, especially on the local scale. The percentage of outliers decreases significantly without loss of sharpness. Sensitivity studies confirm that about half of the total improvement can be attributed to the effect of a bias correction. The training length plays a minor role, at least for the chosen verification period. A rescaling of the predictive PDF is important in order to obtain sharp forecasts, especially in the short range. Applying the same method to the global ensemble from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) gives improvements of similar magnitude. However, the calibrated 2-m temperature of ALADIN-LAEF still remains slightly better than the 2-m temperature from calibrated ECMWF-EPS, which leads to the conclusion that statistical downscaling of EPS cannot replace dynamical downscaling. Finally, an advanced version of NGR, the so-called NGR-TD, which uses time-weighted averaging within minimum CRPS estimation, is able to yield a further improvement of about 5% in terms of the CRPS.
The Impact of Horizontal Grid Spacing on the Microphysical and Kinematic Structures of Strong Tropical Cyclones Simulated with the WRF-ARW Model
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Rogers Robert F. , Marks Frank D. , Nolan David S.
Published: May 2009

Using the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting numerical model, the impact of horizontal grid spacing on the microphysical and kinematic structure of a numerically simulated tropical cyclone (TC), and their relationship to storm intensity was investigated with a set of five numerical simulations using input data for the case of Hurricane Rita (2005). The horizontal grid spacing of the parent domain was systematically changed such that the horizontal grid spacing of the inner nest varied from 1 to 5 km by an increment of 1 km, this while keeping geographical dimensions of the domains identical.

Within this small range of horizontal grid spacing, the morphology of the simulated storms and the evolution of the kinematic and microphysics field showed noteworthy differences. As grid spacing increased, the model produced a wider, more tilted eyewall, a larger radius of maximum winds, and higher-amplitude, low wavenumber eyewall asymmetries. The coarser-resolution simulations also produced larger volume, areal coverage, and mass flux of updraft speeds ≥5 m s−1; larger volumes of condensate and ice-phase particles aloft; larger boundary layer kinetic energy; and a stronger secondary circulation. While the contribution of updrafts ≥5 m s−1 to the total updraft mass flux varied little between the five cases, the contribution of downdrafts ≤−2 m s−1 to the total downdraft mass flux was by far the largest in the finest-resolution simulation.

Despite these structural differences, all of the simulations produced storms of similar intensity, as measured by peak 10-m wind speed and minimum surface pressure, suggesting that features in the higher-resolution simulations that tend to weaken TCs (i.e., smaller area of high surface fluxes and weaker total updraft mass flux) compensate for features that favor TC intensity (i.e., smaller-amplitude eyewall asymmetries and larger radial gradients). This raises the possibility that resolution increases in this range may not be as important as other model features (e.g., physical parameterization and initial condition improvements) for improving TC intensity forecasts.
Transplanting Management
Authors: Raz Aviad E.
Published: May 2009

Cross-cultural organizational development and change (OD&C) is often studied from a macro perspective, which either assumes the universal transferability of methods developed in the West or criticizes this premise. This study examines cross-cultural OD&C as an arena for negotiating a “workplace culture” that mediates between global corporate culture and national cultures. The author focuses on an OD&C process of participative management conducted in 2006-2007 in the South Korean subsidiary of an Israeli-based, kibbutz-owned global corporation. Major cultural and interpersonal themes related to the OD&C process are discussed vis-à-vis their local interpretations and factors influencing the change, including lack of standard organizational procedures, mutual trust, cultural alignment, and leadership training. The article concludes by commenting on how to better understand international OD&C by challenging presumptions, such as the objective essence of comparative cultural dimensions and the presumed “national character” of subsidiary employees.
Honoring the Kun Lun Way
Authors: Nyberg Renée Smith , Jensen Trine C.
Published: May 2009

This article presents a case study of the adaptation of Western organization development (OD) consulting practices to a Chinese hospitality business in Datong, China. Presented are the founder's personal history and management philosophy as well as the organization development interventions, outcomes, and challenges. The case study describes the consulting experiences of four teams of Western graduate students during the course of their research of and consultation to this company from 2004 to 2008. The cross-cultural relationship between the students and the organization is examined, providing insight into the practice of OD in an international setting.
Changing Faces
Authors: Hughes Nora L.
Published: May 2009

As the first major multinational corporation (MNC) comes to Chengdu, China, the home of the Changing Faces Opera, thousands of young, highly skilled Chinese workers had an opportunity to work for this American MNC. The research question asks: How would these highly skilled Chinese workers adapt and make the change—change their face—to work in an American environment? The Schwartz Value Survey and in-depth interviews provide the data to understand the value systems. The results suggest that adaptation is dependent on social systems and how people learn and make sense of the new culture. A new model of values emerges, consistent with Chinese culture in that it is balanced and connected. The interviews show that although values of these Chinese workers may cluster in similar ways as in the West, often the meanings of the values are different from Western concepts.
The Effect of Functionalized-TiO2 on the Mechanical Properties of PP/PA6/Functionalized-TiO2 Nanocomposites Prepared by Reactive Compatibilization Technology
Authors: Baoli Ou  , Duxin Li
Published: May 2009

Polymeric nanocomposites consisting of the thermoplastic blend of PP and PA6 (70/30 by weight) and the varied amount of the TDI-functionalized TiO 2 nanoparticles varied from 0 to 7 phr as a compatilizer, were prepared via melt compounding method. The mechanical performances of the prepared nanocomposites are examined on injection-molded specimens in terms of the tensile and flexural tests. The results showed that the mechanical strength of the nanocomposites increases with the content of functionalized-TiO 2 and the best result is achieved when its content is 3 phr. However, for TiO2 content to exceed 3 phr, the nanocomposites become increasingly brittle, as indicated by the decrease in both tensile and flexural strength. The enhanced mechanical strength may be attributed to improved compatibilization of PA6 in PP matrix by virtue of functionalized-TiO2. This conclusion is strongly supported by the evidence from the SEM photographs of the fracture of the nanocomposites, where the better dispersion of the PA6 phase in the PP can be clearly observed. In addition, the dispersion of TiO 2 in the nanocomposites was also investigated using a TEM. The result of TEM suggests that the functionalized-TiO2 was well dispersed in the nanocomposites in a nanoscale, because the —NCO groups located at the surface of the TiO2 can chemically associate with PA6, thus improving the compatibility between the TiO2 and the PA6.
La mesure de l'appartenance et de la non-appartenance confessionnelle dans les grandes enquêtes européennes
Authors: Bréchon Pierre
Published: May 2009

L'auteur examine les grandes enquêtes européennes portant sur les questions sociales et politiques—en particulier la European Values Survey (EVS), l'International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), la European Social Survey (ESS)—pour y observer comment l'appartenance et la non-appartenance religieuses sont mesurées. Les questions sont-elles similaires d'une enquête à l'autre? Les mesures obtenues les mêmes années avec ces différents outils sont-elles identiques? L'auteur présente les différentes enquêtes disponibles, mais observe aussi les effets de formulation de la question. Il s'interroge aussi sur la fiabilité des réponses (y a-t-il des biais de “désirabilité sociale”?) et souligne, enfin, que ces données très simples permettent d'effectuer des analyses complexes, notamment de repérer des catégories paradoxales, comme celles des “croyants sans appartenance” et des “membres sans croyance”, et de dresser des profils assez complets d'attitudes spécifiques à chaque groupe appartenant et/ou croyant.
Towards a New Approach to Secularization: Religion, Education and the State in Denmark, 1721—1900
Authors: Reeh Niels
Published: May 2009

The author attempts to develop a new approach to the process of secularization. It is argued that the existing theories of secularization have failed to pay sufficient attention to the state. Here, the state is regarded as an actor with interests among which the maintenance of sovereignty vis-à-vis other states is vital. The author has analysed Danish state policies with regard to the teaching of religion in elementary schools from 1700 onwards. The founding of schools in the early 18th century was crucial to the establishment of the “Sacred Canopy”, since schools were almost exclusively devoted to the teaching of religion. These schools had a primarily military purpose. From the 18th century onwards the teaching of religion in Denmark changed according to the external relations of the state and state bodies, i.e. on the primary or vital interests of the state.
Les cultes de langues anglaise et française dans les Églises protestantes de Polynésie: intégration des “jeunes” ou pluralisation religieuse?
Authors: Malogne-Fer Gwendoline
Published: May 2009

L'auteure met en évidence les enjeux et modalités de création des cultes de langues française (Tahiti) et anglaise (Nouvelle-Zélande) au sein des Églises protestantes dites “historiques”, c'est-à-dire implantées dès le 19ème siècle en Polynésie. Ces cultes, créés officiellement à destination des plus jeunes qui ne maîtrisent plus les langues polynésiennes, fonctionnent comme des lieux d'expérimentation de nouveaux modes d'organisation et de célébration du culte particulièrement sensibles aux influences évangéliques et pentecôtistes. Il s'agit donc de montrer comment la question linguistique, élément structurant des clivages intergénérationnels, met au jour la transformation des pratiques religieuses, notamment dans le cas du paysage protestant polynésien. Dans un contexte marqué par la désaffection croissante des jeunes générations vis-à-vis des Églises protestantes “historiques”, la question du rôle joué par ces cultes est posée: réaffiliation ou première étape d'une désaffiliation religieuse?
Institutional Influences on the Choice of Organizational Form: The Case of Franchising
Authors: Combs James G. , Michael Steven C. , Castrogiovanni Gary J.
Published: May 2009

Current explanations for franchising assume that managers only pay attention to firm-specific economic factors. In contrast, the authors submit that social factors described by institutional theory will enhance understanding. Using a sample of 1,300 franchisors active during 1980 through 2000, the authors find evidence that both environmental and internal institutional pressures influence firms’ propensity to franchise, but that responsiveness to internal institutional pressures declines as economic reasons to franchise increase. Overall, social factors appear to actively influence franchising, but their impact is muted by economic factors. The results also suggest that perhaps franchising is itself becoming an institutionalized norm. For researchers, institutional theory promises to be a fruitful avenue for increasing understanding about franchising. For franchisors, results highlight the value of systematic analysis of franchising decisions.
Young Children With Challenging Behavior
Authors: Wood Brenna K. , Cho Blair Kwang-Sun , Ferro Jolenea B.
Published: May 2009

Using the five intervention elements described by Dunlap et al. (2006) as a guide, the authors of this article reviewed the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and function-based intervention research of the past 17 years (1990-2007), focusing on a component analysis of FBA and function-based intervention procedures. Thirty-five studies were coded for FBA procedures, intervention procedures, routines and activities targeted for FBA or intervention maintenance, and generalization. Findings indicate that young children with challenging behavior have benefited from FBA and function-based interventions. However, despite identification of recommended FBA and function-based intervention practices (Dunlap et al., 2006), a variety of procedures were used, many lacking these important elements. More than half of the studies used analogue testing in a non-natural setting rather than testing the hypothesis in the natural environment. A limited number of studies included teachers and parents in the entire FBA and intervention process. Future directions are discussed.
Doing Things with Wood
Authors: Richardson Pete
Published: May 2009

■ Centered upon fieldwork as union labor in an Idaho sawmill, this article investigates the relation between labor, language and rules on the one hand, manager and managed on the other. Wittgenstein's `builders' — a form of life he created to show the relation between language and action — help us understand the sawmill's labor process and demonstrate how language, when used to rule practical action, `bewitches'. Wittgenstein, though often thought of as a theorist of language, will be invoked alongside Manchester school social anthropology's insights on conflict to frame what I will term rule fetishism. Rule fetishism occurs when persons (here managers) disavow their agency in relation to rules, ascribing instead agency to the rules themselves. Those managed in such social situations show they share Wittgenstein's understanding of rules when they regularly undercut authority, and demonstrate the impotence of rules (for example, by following rules exactly).
Patenting Hominins
Authors: Derricourt Robin
Published: May 2009

■ Palaeoanthropology — the study of hominin evolution — has features which differentiate it from most other sciences. It has long been characterized by the announcement of a dramatic discovery of fossil hominin remains — often following a long and arduous process of field exploration. Commonly this has been accompanied by naming a new species, or even a new genus, to mark the importance and uniqueness of the find. In time, the discipline of palaeoanthropology erodes these claims to uniqueness and merges the claimed individual species with other finds, while in turn new claims to uniqueness accompany new discoveries and announcements. The potential ways in which any set of materials can be classified is vast, and subjective elements determine classificatory schemes. In the study of fossil hominins such schemes do not just reflect preferences between `lumpers' and `splitters' but nationalisms, egos and the maintenance of the image of the scientist-hero.
An Anatomical and Biomechanical Comparison of Anteromedial and Anterolateral Approaches for Tibial Tunnel of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Evaluation of the Widening Effect of the Anterolateral Approach
Authors: Ahn Jin Hwan , Bae Ji Hoon , Lee Yong Seuk , Choi Kuiwon , Bae Tae Soo , Wang Joon Ho
Published: May 2009

Background

An anterolateral approach to the tibial tunnel of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is used to reduce the sharpness of the graft-tunnel angle, the so-called killer turn effect. However, with the anterolateral approach, the tunnel might be widened into an ovoid shape because of the small angle between the tunnel and the anterolateral cortex.

Hypothesis

The fixation strength of the posterior cruciate ligament graft in the tibial tunnel will be weaker in the anterolateral approach compared with the anteromedial approach.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty paired cadaveric tibias were used. Tibial tunnels were made using following approaches: an anteromedial approach for 10 tibias and an anterolateral approach for 10 tibias. The anterior cortex-tunnel angle and the diameter of the tunnel entrance were measured by 2-dimensional computed tomographic scans. After fixation of the Achilles tendon allograft with a biodegradable screw, the maximal strength of the graft at failure was measured using a materials testing machine.

Results

The mean cortex-tunnel angle was 47.5° ± 9.3° in the anteromedial approach group and 28.3° ± 7.4° in the anterolateral approach group. The mean long diameter of the tunnels in the anteromedial approach group was 10.6 ± 1.0 mm and in the anterolateral approach group it was 14.0 ± 1.5 mm. These two parameters showed statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (P < .01). The mean maximum load at failure for the anteromedial approach group was 385.4 ± 139.7 N, and for the anterolateral approach group it was 225.1 ± 144.1 N. This difference was statistically significant (P = .021).

Conclusion

The anterolateral approach resulted in a tunnel with a wider entrance, a more acute cortex-tunnel angle, and a lower maximal load at failure compared with tunnels created using the anteromedial approach.

Clinical Relevance

The use of additional fixation methods, such as post ties or ligament washers and screws, should be considered when using an anterolateral approach for tibial tunnel of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Food for Thought? — A UK pilot study testing a methodology for compositional domestic food waste analysis
Authors: Langley Joseph , Yoxall Alaster , Heppell Geoff , Rodriguez Elena Maria , Bradbury Steve , Lewis Roger , Luxmoore Joe , Hodzic Alma , Rowson Jenny
Published: May 2009

Recent media attention has amply demonstrated the need for changes in our society regarding waste. The cost of waste is rising, European legislation is driving forward waste reduction policies and industry is being made responsible for the waste that all products make. This legislation is also driving a reduction in biodegradable municipal waste. In general there are a number of factors ranging from the media, financial and political to environmental, that are driving forward an agenda to decrease both general waste and food waste going to landfill. A necessary requirement of such an agenda is a benchmark of the current composition and scale of both general waste and food waste. Hence, this can then be used as a measure to demonstrate improvement. A measurement methodology and the benchmark data already exists for general waste. However, there is little or no previous work about the compositional make up of food waste. This paper discusses the necessity for a compositional food waste analysis and the pros and cons of various food waste measurement methodologies. Results for a specific methodology are illustrated and suggestions for a revision of this methodology are proposed.
Technology selection for MSW treatment in Altiplano areas using FMDM
Authors: Jiang Jianguo , Lou Zhiying , Hg Siio , Duo Ji , Li Zhong
Published: May 2009

There are special requirements for municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment caused by lower oxygen content and atmospheric pressure on the Altiplano. The intention of this paper was to analyse the applicability of various technologies to MSW treatment in the Altiplano and select the best one based on the current MSW collection modes and technical levels, using the Fuzzy Mathematical Decision Method (FMDM). Technologies including landfill, incineration, composting, and anaerobic digestion (AD) were compared. The results of the studies showed that AD technology is a new technology which is attractive in economic terms and helpful for environmental harmony. AD can solve the difficulties caused by a high content of organic matter in the MSW, lower atmospheric pressure and oxygen content on the Altiplano. Moreover, it can achieve reduction and recycling of the waste, thereby saving space for treatment and disposal. Using this technology, renewable energy can be recovered to save conventional fuel consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced to improve the conservation of the local ecosystem. Putting AD into practice in the Altiplano may be the preferred method of MSW treatment.
Viscoelastic Behaviors of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Under Three-Point Bending and Indentation Loading
Authors: Deng Meng , Uhrich Kathryn E.
Published: May 2009

Dynamic mechanical properties under three-point bending and deformation behavior under indentation loading of an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were investigated in this study. Dependence of its viscoelastic properties on temperature, frequency, load level, specimen geometry and heating rates were examined. The results showed that temperature and frequency had significant effects on the response of UHMWPE to the dynamic load. With the increase in temperature, the storage modulus (E′) was decreased and the loss angle (tan δ) was increased, indicating an increase in the trend in viscoelastic response of the polymer at high temperature. On the other hand, when frequency was increased, higher E′ and lower tan δ were observed, suggesting that the material behaved more elastically. While the two heating rates of 5°C/min and 10°C/min had little effect on E′ and tan δ, the load level significantly influenced the dynamic mechanical properties of the polymer. UHMWPE showed quite different responses at 0.5 and 20 Hz than at 1—10 Hz, which is worth further investigation. The results from indentation experiment showed that temperature, specimen geometry and load level had significant effects on the response of UHMWPE to the indentation load. With the increase in temperature, the penetration depth was increased, indicating an increase in the deformation trend in the polymer at high temperature. High load led to high penetration. The time-temperature superposition (TTS) method could be used to predict the long-term penetration behaviors of the polymer. From TTS analysis, the activation energy associated with penetration deformation was obtained. Further analysis showed that it might be possible to increase the resistance of UHMEPE to indentation deformation by increasing the thickness and/or decreasing the diameter of the polymer samples.
Nonoffending Caregiver and Youth Experiences With Child Sexual Abuse Investigations
Authors: Jones Lisa M. , Atoro Kathryn E. , Walsh Wendy A. , Cross Theodore P. , Shadoin Amy L. , Magnuson Suzanne
Published: May 2009

Qualitative responses by caregivers ( n = 203) and youth (aged 8 and older; n = 65) about their experiences with sexual abuse investigations were analyzed in conjunction with quantitative ratings of satisfaction. Respondents described mostly high levels of satisfaction, although dissatisfaction was reported with some key aspects of investigations. The features cited as worse than expected by caregivers were the investigators’ commitment to prosecuting the alleged offender and the absence of clear and regular communication about the status of the case. The features mentioned most often by caregivers as better than expected were the emotional support and interviewing skills of investigators. Youth focused both praise and criticism on investigators’ interviewing skills. There were relatively few complaints by either caregivers or youth about the duration of the investigation, medical exams, lack of services, or failures of interagency communication, areas of considerable reform in the past several decades. Implications for investigator training and reform initiatives are discussed.
Japanese Women’s Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Authors: Nagae Miyoko , Dancy Barbara L.
Published: May 2009

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a problem in Japan. The purpose is to describe IPV as perceived by a purposive sample of 11 Japanese adult females who were in a heterosexual marriage at the time of IPV. We used a cross-sectional, retroactive, qualitative description research design with individual, fact-to-face in depth interviews. At the time of the interview, the women had a mean age of 38 years and at the time of the IPV, a mean age of 28 years. Data were analyzed using the directed qualitative content analysis method. The results revealed that all women experienced physical and emotional abuse and 82% experienced sexual abuse. Communication between spouses was characterized as unilateral, with husbands initiating and dominating the conversation. The women identified the culture of the Japanese patriarchal system as directly influencing IPV. The implication is health professionals should actively advocate for effective legislation and policies to address IPV.
Caregiving by Teens for Family Members With Huntington Disease
Authors: Williams Janet K. , Ayres Lioness , Specht Janet , Sparbel Kathleen , Klimek Mary Lou
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this report is to describe caregiving by teens for family members with Huntington disease (HD). Thirty-two teens in HD families in the United States and Canada participated in focus groups from 2002 to 2005 in a study to identify concerns and strategies to manage concerns. An unexpected finding was 24 (77%) described caregiving activities. Descriptive analysis of caregiving statements identified themes of Tasks and Responsibilities, Subjective Burden, Caregiving in Context of Personal Risk for HD, and Decisional Responsibility. Teens took an active part in nearly all aspects of care with the exception of contacting health care providers and attending doctors' appointments. Some described emotional distress, and many provided care knowing they had the potential to develop HD. Teens recognized the need for decisions but lacked the authority to make these decisions. Findings may be relevant for other teens who strive to meet caregiver and student roles and developmental tasks.
Nurturing music learners in Mrs Miller's `family room': a secondary classroom for students with special needs
Authors: Blair Deborah V.
Published: May 2009

In this narrative account of a secondary school classroom of students with special needs, I share the story of a teacher and her students. With multiple impairments and low socioeconomic status creating an additional layer of risk, these students struggle with emotional and social interaction in addition to academic challenges. School music classes of choir and band were unavailable to these students. As a former music teacher in this district, I was invited to provide weekly musical experiences. I obtained permissions to engage in a research study while visiting the school. The students' musical experiences were central to our interaction and my research. However, in this article, I explore a finding that emerged during the course of the study — that is, the classroom teacher's role in creating a place of belonging for her students. By understanding the students' need to feel parental love, the teacher — demonstrating a mature model of pedagogical thoughtfulness — fostered a sense of family and belonging within the classroom community.
Naturally emerging self-regulated practice behaviors among highly successful beginning recorder students
Authors: Bartolome Sarah J.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this research study was to extend current scholarship on self-regulated practice behaviors of young instrumentalists to the general music recorder classroom. This qualitative study explored the reflections of successful beginning recorder players in relation to the self-regulated practice model. Interviews were conducted with three high-achieving third-grade recorder players and responses were coded for themes relating to self-regulated practice. Results support the notion that self-regulation is an important component of effective practice and implications for music educators are explored. The study represents an unprecedented examination of the practice behaviors of children just beginning recorder study, and provides music educators with practical, research-based strategies for improving group recorder instruction in the elementary grades.
In-vivo evidence for stable neuroaxonal damage in the brain of patients with benign multiple sclerosis
Authors: Benedetti B , Rovaris M , Rocca MA , Caputo D , Zaffaroni M , Capra R , Bertolotto A , Martinelli V , Comi G , Filippi M
Published: May 2009

Objective

The term benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is referred to patients who have a mild or absent disability several years after disease clinical onset. Axonal damage can be measured in vivo using proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS). In this study, we quantified the severity of “global” axonal damage in BMS and early relapsing–remitting (RR) MS patients, using whole brain N-acetylaspartate (WBNAA) 1H-MRS, to better elucidate the structural correlates of a non-disabling disease evolution.

Methods

WBNAA concentration was measured in 37 patients with BMS (mean disease duration 22.3 years) and 17 patients with early RRMS (mean disease duration 4.0 years), using an unlocalized 1H-MRS sequence. Dual echo and T1-weighted scans were also obtained to measure T2-hyperintense lesion volume (TLV) and normalized brain volume (NBV).

Results

TLV was higher in BMS (mean TLV = 13.1 mL) than in early RRMS patients (mean TLV = 7.2 mL) ( P = 0.018), whereas neither NBV (mean NBV: 1491.0 mL in BMS vs 1520.3 mL in RRMS) nor WBNAA concentration (mean WBNAA: 10.5 mmol in BMS vs 11.4 mmol in RRMS) significantly differed between the two groups. In MS patients, no correlation was found between WBNAA concentration and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), TLV and NBV.

Conclusions

The similar WBNAA concentrations seen in BMS and early RRMS patients fit with the notion that a non-disabling long-term evolution of MS may be due, at least in part, to non-progression of pathology. Such a condition seems to be independent from MRI-visible lesions burden.
The Repatriation of a Southern Cheyenne Burial and the Contingencies of Authenticity
Authors: Clouse Abby
Published: May 2009

Focusing upon an assemblage of Southern Cheyenne burial objects, the author narrates their trajectory through cultural, temporal, and geographic spaces, tracing contingencies of meaning and use. Collected by a US Army medical officer during the 1860s campaigns against the Cheyenne, this assemblage went from the Army Medical Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, and finally, in the 1990s, was successfully repatriated from the National Museum of Natural History to the Southern Cheyenne. Through the combined use of archival records, historical analysis, and consultation with the Southern Cheyenne repatriation delegate, the author analyzes the continuance and re-negotiation of colonial configurations of culture, race, and scientific authority as manifested in shifting formulations of authenticity. She contends that Southern Cheyenne re-interpretations of these objects provide productive reformulations of authenticity, which take into account cultural hybridity, change, and the politics of survival.
Dimensions of socioeconomic position related to body mass index and obesity among Danish women and men
Authors: Groth M.V. , Fagt S. , Stockmarr A. , Matthiessen J. , Biltoft-Jensen A.
Published: May 2009

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the association between different dimensions of socioeconomic position, body mass index (BMI) and obesity in the Danish population. Possible interactions between the different dimensions and gender differences were also investigated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2000—2002 including a simple random sample from the civil registration system, comprising 1953 males and 2167 females aged 4—75 years. Information about different dimensions of socioeconomic position, height and weight was obtained by face-to-face interview. Associations between dimensions of socioeconomic position and weight status were examined by use of linear multiple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results: BMI and prevalence of obesity were significantly associated with education for both men and women. Odds ratios (ORs) for obesity were 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4—5.9) and 6.5 (95% CI 2.3—18.7) for those with basic school as compared with those with long higher education for men and women, respectively. Women outside the labour market had higher BMIs and a greater prevalence of obesity (OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.6—3.9)) after adjustment for educational level. Conclusions: Education was the dimension most consistently associated with BMI and obesity, indicating the importance of cultural capital for weight status. The gender-specific pattern showed a stronger social gradient for women, and indicated that a high relative body weight was associated with less favourable social and material conditions for women, but not for men. A public health strategy to prevent and reduce obesity should be gender-specific, focus on groups with short education, and incorporate cultural norms.
The role of home-based information and communications technology interventions in chronic disease management: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gaikwad R. , Warren J.
Published: May 2009

This article presents a systematic literature review done to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of home-based information and communications technology enabled interventions for chronic disease management, with emphasis on their impact on health outcomes and costs. Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed and evaluated using quality worksheets with pre-identified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 256 articles retrieved, 27 were found to concord with the study criteria. Evaluation of the identified articles was conducted irrespective of study design, type of home-based intervention or chronic disease involved. The review demonstrates that HBIs applied to chronic disease management improve functional and cognitive patient outcomes and reduce healthcare spending. However, further research is needed to assess benefit in terms of evidence-based outcome indicators (that can provide a basis for meta-analysis), to confirm sustainable cost benefits, and to systematically collect data on physician satisfaction with patient management.
The civil restraining order application process
Authors: Adams Jill
Published: May 2009

■ Although the civil restraining order is the most commonly sought legal initiative to combat intimate partner violence in British Columbia (BC), no known qualitative research has assessed the application process, and previous quantitative research presents mixed findings. Using interviews, observations, and textual analyses, this institutional ethnography critically analyzes the civil restraining order application process in the BC Provincial Court. Particular attention is paid to disjunctures between abused women's experiential knowledge and what becomes formally known to practitioners who manage their cases. Findings unveil that abused women's lived experience with violence is transformed and shaped into accounts in which their safety needs disappear. Court practitioners become immersed in textually mediated activity within a legal ruling apparatus that emphasizes timely completion of a large quantity of cases, with little or no commitment to quality solutions.