bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Traumatic and Chronic Meniscal Tears of the Knee
Authors: Kuikka Paavo-Ilari , Sillanpää Petri , Mattila Ville M. , Niva Maria H. , Pihlajamäki Harri K.
Published: February 2009

Background

No previous research has investigated the diagnostic validity of magnetic resonance imaging for acute versus chronic meniscal tears using comparable materials and methods.

Hypothesis

There is no difference in the diagnostic validity of magnetic resonance imaging for acute versus chronic meniscal tears in young adults.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

A total of 628 young adult military personnel underwent magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy of the knee over a 6-year period. Inclusion criteria were met by 82 patients with acute knee trauma (magnetic resonance imaging within 30 days from trauma) and 40 patients with chronic knee symptoms (symptoms lasting over 6 months before magnetic resonance imaging). The original magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy records were reviewed twice by a musculoskeletally trained radiologist, blinded to previous magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy findings. Interobserver correlations and intraobserver reliability were calculated and reported. Arthroscopy served as the gold standard when calculating the diagnostic values of magnetic resonance imaging for acute and chronic meniscal tears.

Results

The median age of the patients was 20 years (range, 18-25). Magnetic resonance imaging detected acute meniscal tears with sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 93%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88% and chronic meniscal tears with 64%, 91%, and 86%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in magnetic resonance imaging results between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

The diagnostic validity of magnetic resonance imaging is similar for meniscal tears in acute knee trauma and in knee symptoms lasting over 6 months in young adults. The results also suggest that effusion or hemarthrosis do not weaken the diagnostic validity of magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetic resonance imaging sensitivity achieved in the present study was relatively poor, but the specificity was good for both acute and chronic meniscal tears. Despite negative magnetic resonance imaging findings at the acute stage of knee trauma, patient monitoring and readiness for arthroscopy should be considered if justified by the patient's symptoms.
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Authors: Lempainen Lasse , Sarimo Janne , Mattila Kimmo , Vaittinen Samuli , Orava Sakari
Published: February 2009

Background

Tendon disorders are common problems in sports and are known to be difficult to treat. Only limited information is available concerning treatment of proximal hamstring tendinopathy. To the authors’ knowledge, no histopathologic findings of proximal hamstring tendinosis have been published.

Hypothesis

Surgery (semimembranosus tenotomy and exploration of the sciatic nerve) is an effective treatment for proximal hamstring tendinopathy.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A total of 103 cases of proximal hamstring tendinopathy in athletes (58 men, 32 women; 13 bilateral operations) with surgical treatment were included. The cases were retrospectively analyzed, and a 4-category rating system was used to evaluate the overall result. At the follow-up, the patients were asked about possible symptoms and their return to sports. Biopsy samples from 15 of the operated tendons were taken and analyzed by a pathologist.

Results

The average follow-up was 49 months (range, 12-156 months). The result was evaluated to be excellent in 62 cases, good in 30, fair in 5, and poor in 6. After surgery, 80 of the 90 patients were able to return to the same level of sporting activity as before the onset of the symptoms. This took a mean of 5 months (range, 2-12 months). Typical morphologic findings of tendinosis were found in all biopsy specimens.

Conclusion

Given the good functional outcome and low complication rate, the authors present surgical treatment as a valuable option in proximal hamstring tendinopathy if conservative treatment fails.
Mechanical and Dilatometric Properties of Carboxylated SWCNT/Epoxy Composites: Effects of the Dispersion in the Resin and in the Hardener
Authors: Pizzutto C.E. , Suave J. , Bertholdi J. , Pezzin S.H. , Coelho L.A.F. , Amico S.C.
Published: February 2009

In this study the effects of the dispersion of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-c) in epoxy matrices using two different routes were investigated. In the first route, SWCNT-c were dispersed in the resin using solvent and tip sonication. In the second route, SWCNT-c were dispersed in the hardener in two different ways: with and without solvent, but both with tip sonication. For comparison purposes, neat epoxy was also prepared using the same curing conditions. The samples were characterized via mechanical and dilatometric testing, raman and FTIR analyses, SEM images, and dilatometric tests. An increase of 88% was found for Young’s modulus in the route with dispersion in the resin aided by solvent. Dispersing the SWCNT-c into the hardener showed a significant increase in some mechanical properties, indicating that this is a possible route for preparing nanocomposites. In addition it was observed that all nanocomposites presented smaller volumetric expansion than neat epoxy.
Effect of Silanes on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber-epoxy Composites
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2009

Bamboo matting-reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated. Untreated and alkali-treated bamboo matting were treated with different silanes. The mechanical properties (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus) were determined. It was found that tensile strength of composite reinforced with only silane-treated fibers is comparable to that of composite with untreated fiber. The elastic modulus of composite with untreated fiber is better than the silane-treated composites. In the case of mercerized fiber treated with silanes, there is reduction in the tensile strength compared with only alkali-treated bamboo-reinforced composite.
Effect of Particle Size and Alkali Treatment of Sugarcane Bagasse on Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of PVC-Bagasse Composites
Authors: Saini Gajender , Narula A.K. , Choudhary Veena , Bhardwaj Rashmi
Published: February 2009

This article evaluates the use of bagasse flour — a waste generated by sugarcane refinery—as a filler in the PVC matrix. The aim of the study is to develop a value-added product from the sugar mills. For this purpose, bagasse powder was obtained after grinding the dried waste from sugar mills having particle sizes of 100—150 µm and <50 µm. In order to evaluate the effect of filler content and alkali treatment of bagasse, several PVC formulations were obtained by dry-mixing PVC compound with filler of varying particle size. The compounds were obtained by blending on a hot roll mill followed by compression molding. The test specimens were punched out from the sheets and the effect of filler content, particle size, and alkali treatment of bagasse powder on the properties of PVC were evaluated. Tensile strength, percent elongation at break, and impact strength of composites decreased whereas stiffness, modulus, and hardness of the composites increased with increasing amount of filler. The particle size had a large effect on the properties of composites, and the filler having particle size <50 µm gave better properties as compared to filler with particle size of 100—150 µm. Some improvement in properties was observed when treated bagasse powder was used as filler. An increase of ∼48% in tensile modulus, ∼10% in thermal stability, and 14% in impact strength was observed as compared to neat PVC at a filler loading of 30 phr. Morphological characterization was done using a scanning electron microscopy. A uniform dispersion of filler was observed.
Effects of a Telephone-Based Exercise Intervention for Dementia Caregiving Wives
Authors: Connell Cathleen M , Janevic Mary R.
Published: February 2009

Despite the importance of self-care for dementia caregivers, few interventions have included a focus on health behaviors. This study reports outcomes of a telephone-based exercise intervention designed for women caring for a spouse with dementia. Caregivers ( N = 137) were randomized to intervention or control conditions. Participants with at- or below-median exercise scores at baseline had a significantly greater increase in exercise at 6-month follow-up compared with their control counterparts. At 6 months, participants had greater reductions in perceived stress relative to controls. Participants also reported significantly greater increases in exercise self-efficacy than caregivers in the control group at both follow-up points. Results indicate that spouse caregivers are able to increase their physical activity and that a focus on exercise in multicomponent interventions may be beneficial. Debate and discussion are needed to inform expectations for program effects and their maintenance and to explore the interface between enhanced self-care and caregiving perceptions.
Can Performance Appraisal Systems Inspire Intrinsically Motivated Employees?
Authors: Seong Soo Oh  , Lewis Gregory B.
Published: February 2009

Can a performance appraisal system (PAS) elicit better performance from an intrinsically motivated workforce? By explicitly linking extrinsic rewards to performance, a PAS might actually discourage the work effort of the primarily intrinsically motivated federal workforce. Data from the 2000 Merit Principles Survey show that few federal employees believe that the PAS increases their productivity. Logit analysis confirms that intrinsically motivated employees are more skeptical of the effectiveness of PAS than are extrinsically motivated employees who are demographically similar, work in similar positions, and have similar beliefs about the fairness of the system and the probability of being rewarded for superior performance.
Effects of the “I Can Use Effort” Strategy on Quality of Student Verbal Contributions and Individualized Education Program Participation With Third- and Fourth-Grade Students With Disabilities
Authors: Neale Melia H. , Test David W.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the I Can Use Effort strategy on the quality of student verbal contributions and IEP participation of third and fourth grade students with high-incidence disabilities. Using a multiple probe across participants design, results indicated a functional relationship between the I Can Use Effort strategy and the quality of students’ verbal contributions related to the IEP process and students’ learning strengths and preferences. The 5 lesson intervention improved all 4 students’ ability to express their learning preferences and contribute information in an IEP meeting. In addition, measures of social validity demonstrated the social significance and appropriateness of the intervention’s goals and procedures.
Controversies in Neonatal Seizure Management
Authors: Glass Hannah C. , Wirrell Elaine
Published: February 2009

Seizures in the newborn period are common and frequently indicate serious underlying brain injury. Although accumulating evidence suggests that they may impair brain development, there are currently no evidence-based guidelines for evaluation and management of neonatal seizures. In this review, we will address some of the current controversies facing child neurologists and neonatologists, including how to define, monitor, and treat neonatal seizures.
Hispanic Immigrant Women Talk About Family Planning
Authors: Sable Marjorie R. , Havig Kirsten , Schwartz Lisa R. , Shaw Andrea
Published: February 2009

In an effort to discover what can improve family planning services for recently immigrated Hispanic women and to foster cultural competence among health care providers in this arena, the authors conducted four focus groups of recently immigrated Hispanic women in a medium-sized Midwestern community. The focus group discussions covered such topics as health care, knowledge of birth control, domestic life, and economic issues in the United States. The participants demonstrated knowledge of and support for the concept of family planning and specific birth control methods. They also identified issues that challenge the use of birth control at the individual, family, system, and cultural levels.
Moving Within the Spiral
Authors: Murphy Sharon B. , Moynihan Mary M. , Banyard Victoria L.
Published: February 2009

To uncover implicit and explicit meanings that are embedded in the experiences of adult survivors of sexual assault, the authors conducted interviews with 12 women survivors. Using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology, they uncovered three relational themes and one overarching pattern from the data. “Breaking down” describes the violence that survivors experience, “making meaning” expresses the ways in which survivors incorporate the assault into the narratives of their lives, and “going beyond themselves” explicates what survivors do with their story, who they tell, and what they want to happen. Moving within the spiral: the process of surviving, the constitutive pattern, contains emerging themes, lived experiences, and the practices of participants.
Embracing Left and Right
Authors: Svensson Peter
Published: February 2009

The author explores how a tobacco firm in crisis engaged in crisis communication and image repair work in a highly polarized ideological milieu. Through an analysis of the tobacco firm's public statements produced in the aftermath of a 1997 lawsuit, the author demonstrates how the firm dealt with its milieu by exploiting and embracing both of the ambient ideological poles. By embracing these poles, the firm turned critique and opposition into discursive resources for its crisis communication. The author argues that political— ideological framing of organizational communication and discursive appropriation of critique and opposition serve as critical foci for organizational communication scholarship.
Middle-Ground Theorizing, Realism, and Objectivity in Psychology
Authors: Martin Jack , Sugarman Jeff
Published: February 2009

Held's (2007) critical analysis of the ontological and epistemological positions of theoretical psychologists whom she labels “middle-ground theorists” is examined, and her own positions concerning realism, truth, and objectivity in psychology are considered. Several key misinterpretations and misunderstandings are identified in Held's account, and her own theoretical framework is judged to be untenable with respect to the phenomena of psychology. In particular, Held's equation of interpretation with subjectivist anti-objectivism, her commitment to discourse-independent, universal claims to truth with respect to psychological phenomena, and her failure to grasp the nature of constitutive relations between psychological phenomena and the sociocultural practices in which they are embedded cloud her interpretations of the theoretical perspectives she attacks. She is thus prevented from perceiving the impossibility of achieving the kind of de-contextualized, psychological objectivism she desires as a basis for psychological agency.
Undergraduate Nursing Students Writing Therapeutic Letters to Families
Authors: Erlingsson Christen
Published: February 2009

Writing therapeutic letters to families is discussed in this article as an educational strategy encouraging students to think reflectively about family nursing. At the University of Kalmar, Sweden, undergraduate nursing students in a primary care module interviewed families using the Calgary Family Assessment Model and wrote therapeutic letters to these families. This article describes (a) the examination process, which was the context for writing therapeutic letters, (b) results of analyses of the letters, and (c) student's post-examination evaluation comments. Results indicate that most students needed encouragement to focus on the family's strengths and resources instead of focusing on own feelings or problems they perceived the family as having. Students also needed support in relinquishing their hierarchical role of “expert nurse.” Students' evaluation comments showed that writing therapeutic letters provided students with opportunities to reflect about the connections between family nursing theory and the family itself.
Therapeutic Letters and the Family Nursing Unit
Authors: Bell Janice M. , Moules Nancy J. , Wright Lorraine M.
Published: February 2009

This article focuses on the history of the use of therapeutic letters in the clinical scholarship of the Family Nursing Unit at the University of Calgary and offers examples of a variety of therapeutic letters written to families experiencing illness suffering. A case study from the research of Moules (2000, 2002) is offered to further illustrate the usefulness of therapeutic letters as a family nursing intervention.
The Past and Future of Therapeutic Letters
Authors: Moules Nancy J.
Published: February 2009

This article explores the technological implications of the translation of therapeutic letters to therapeutic e-mail communication. The history of letters is juxtaposed with the currency with which the written language locates itself in today's methods and patterns of communication. Implications of such a translation, inherent with gifts and limitations, all deeply embedded in a historical context, are explored. The future of therapeutic letters continues to be located in their utility and ultimately their capacity to offer healing and helpful words to families in suffering.
Robust μ-Synthesis Control of the Lateral Web Shifting with Time Delay
Authors: Karkoub M.A.
Published: February 2009

This paper deals with the robust control of the lateral movement of webs using a pivoting guiders. Lateral shifting is generally caused either by the changes in the physical properties of the materials being processed, or by the variations of mechanical conditions of the machine. The lateral motion of a web system is usually ignored1 however, to achieve high productivity and improve the product quality, the lateral position has to be controlled. A theoretical model is presented in this paper based on the assumption that the moving web is a beam with a very small, but finite, thickness. This leads to a sixth-order transfer function with a time delay. The time delay is the result of the non-colocation of the sensor and actuator. Since there are many sources of errors, a robust control technique is used to control the web lateral shifting. Several controllers were synthesized using the μ -synthesis control design technique which accounts for modeling imperfections as well as the time delay. Robust performance was achieved with the designed controllers and the closed-loop response was acceptable even under extreme conditions.
Corotational Nonlinear Finite Element Formulation and Modeling of Electrostatically Actuated Microbeams
Authors: Ahmadian M.T. , Borhan H. , Esmailzadeh E.
Published: February 2009

A complete nonlinear finite element model for coupled-domain microelectromechanical system devices with electrostatic actuation and squeeze film effect was developed. for this purpose, a corotational finite element formulation for the dynamic analysis of planer Euler-Bernoulli microbeams considering geometrical nonlinearities due to both large structural deformation and electrostatic actuation is developed. In this method, the internal forces due to deformation and residual stresses, the elemental inertias, and the damping effect of the squeeze-film are systematically derived by consistent linearization of the fully geometrically nonlinear beam theory using d'Alembert and the virtual work principles. An incremental-iterative method based on the Newmark direct integration procedure and the Newton-Raphson algorithm is used to solve the nonlinear dynamic equilibrium equations. Several numerical examples are presented and their results are compared with those found experimentally, which indicate a very close agreement.
Identification of Mechanical Systems through Kautz Filter
Authors: Da Silva S. , Dias Júnior M. , Lopes Junior V.
Published: February 2009

This paper presents a novelty approach to estimate the impulse response function (IRF) in lightly damped structures by using classical covariance method. The contribution of the present paper is to employ a Kautz filter to reduce the number of terms in the identification process of a finite impulse response (FIR) model. The Kautz filter is an orthogonal function that includes complex pole pair. So, the method incorporates a priori knowledge into the process that is essential to reach better results and to minimize the number of coefficients in the FIR model. For this reason, the present approach can be classified as a kind of “grey-box” methodology. The numerical and experimental applications of the method confirmed that by considering a priori parametric information the problem can be determined more easily. Moreover, the procedure proposed increased the convergence speed, and, as a consequence the consuming computational cost is lower.
Optimal Design of Shape Memory Alloy Damper for Cable Vibration Control
Authors: Zuo Xiao-Bao , Li Ai-Qun , Wei Sun  , Sun Xiang-Hua
Published: February 2009

In order to apply shape memory alloy (SMA) damper for effective control of cable vibration under external excitations, motion equations and corresponding state equation of the system made up of SMA dampers and a cable are described based on Hamilton Principle, and the system's optimization problems based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) active control algorithm are investigated to obtain the optimum cable vibration control effects and control forces. According to the equivalency between SMA damper optimum passive control effects and LQR active control effects, the optimal design principle and methods of SMA damper for cable vibration control are proposed. Utilizing the above optimal methods, a SMA damper is designed to control vibration of a practical cable under white noise excitations, and its control effects are compared with the LQR active control effects by numerical simulation. Results show that the cable vibration responses under both LQR active control and SMA damper optimum control are obviously less than those without control, and SMA damper optimum control effects are approached to the LQR active control effects. This may indicate the effectiveness of the supposed SMA damper optimum design methods for cable vibration control.
More Details on Analysis of Fractional-order Van der Pol Oscillator
Authors: Tavazoei Mohammad S. , Haeri Mohammad , Attari Mina , Bolouki Sadegh , Siami Milad
Published: February 2009

This paper is devoted to the analysis of fractional order Van der Pol system studied in the literature. Based on the existing theorems on the stability of incommensurate fractional order systems, we determine parametric range for which a fractional order Van der Pol system with a specific order can perform as an undamped oscillator. Numerical simulations are presented to support the given analytical results. These results also illuminate a main difference between oscillations in a fractional order Van der Pol oscillator and its integer order counterpart. We show that contrary to integer order case, trajectories in a fractional Van der Pol oscillator do not converge to a unique cycle.
Linear Parameter-varying Control for Active Vibration Isolation Systems with Stiffness Hysteresis
Authors: Feng Zhang  , Grigoriadis Karolos M. , Fialho Ian J.
Published: February 2009

We consider the use of linear parameter-varying methods for the control of stiffness hysteresis in vibration isolation systems. We assume that the hysteresis model is known, and we describe it using a stiffness parameter that takes values in a compact convex set. The proposed parameter-dependent controller is continuously scheduled based on real-time measurements or estimates of the stiffness, and provides guaranteed stability and performance for the full range of stiffness variability. The method is applied to a simplified model of a microgravity vibration isolation system with an umbilical stiffness hysteresis non-linearity. Simulations show that the parameter-varying design is stable in the presence of hysteresis and that the desired isolation performance is achieved over the full range of displacements considered. The results are compared with those obtained with a fixed robust H∞ controller that considers the stiffness variability as uncertainty. We discuss robustness issues and demonstrate the effect of hysteresis model uncertainty in the implementation of the proposed control scheme.
A Descriptive Analysis of Transitional Housing Programs for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States
Authors: Baker Charlene K. , Niolon Phyllis Holditch , Oliphant Hilary
Published: February 2009

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005 focuses on safe and independent housing for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The focus on housing in the latest version of VAWA suggests recognition by Congress that removing barriers and increasing access to safe housing is critical to our nation's response to IPV, and that this type of systems-level response is necessary to reduce the link between IPV and subsequent homelessness. This study examines the current state of transitional housing programs (THPs) and discusses future program considerations, including the need for evaluation studies that consider the possible impact that transitional housing programs have on the rates of violence toward women and their children, and on women's ability to achieve economic stability after separating from their abusive partners.
Income and Lottery Sales
Authors: Coughlin Cletus C. , Garrett Thomas A.
Published: February 2009

The effect of income on lottery expenditures has generally been studied using an aggregate measure of income, usually personal income. Reasons exist for thinking that lottery expenditures do not respond equally to all sources of income. This article examines lottery consumption and income from three sources, namely income from earnings, wealth, and transfer payments. Using county-level data for seven states and controlling for demographic and other characteristics, we find that each source of income has a different effect on lottery ticket expenditures. A noteworthy finding is that purchases are most strongly influenced by transfer payments. Several policy implications follow from our results.
The Uneven Legal Push for Europe
Authors: Wind Marlene , Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg , Rotger Gabriel Pons
Published: February 2009

National courts have been key players in the legal push for Europe, though notably to varying degrees. This paper examines the persisting variations in the referral rates of national courts and the underlying causal factors, aiming to better understand why some member states' courts have been more reluctant to join in the legal push for Europe. By using econometric methods, it challenges the modified neofunctionalist argument that the extent of intra-EC trade explains the referral practice of the individual member states. Majoritarian democracy is hypothesized as a causal factor in the low referral rates for some of the EU member states. Key characteristics of majoritarian democracy versus constitutional democracy are outlined and the former is further detailed by means of two case studies: Denmark and the UK. Finally, a panel data analysis is conducted and finds evidence of a negative impact of majoritarian democracy on the number of referrals. The paper concludes that, owing to the uneven legal push for Europe, some member states and their citizens remain at arms' length from the legal integration process — and, in consequence, from the full impact of European integration.
How Common is the Common External Tariff?
Authors: Ehrlich Sean D.
Published: February 2009

This article examines the role of national-level politics and economics on the setting of supranational trade policy within the European Union (EU). It argues that, though EU member states must have a uniform tariff schedule, significant variation remains in the average, trade-weighted tariff because each country has a different bundle of imports into each country. Thus, some countries import more high-tariff goods than others. This article argues that a significant part of this variation is intentional, because countries know which goods they import. Therefore, countries that prefer protection push for tariffs on products they import whereas countries that prefer free trade push for liberalization on products they import, with these preferences being driven by the amount of institutional access provided to interest groups and the economic conditions in the member states. This argument is tested with regression analyses of a panel of average tariff rates in the EU member states and the tariff schedule agreed to by the EU at the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
From Interviews to Social Network Analysis: An Approach for Revealing Social Networks Embedded in Narrative Data
Authors: Mckether Willie L. , Gluesing Julia C. , Riopelle Kenneth
Published: February 2009

This article describes the process of discovery used to convert interview data into a format readable into MultiNet for social network analysis. Based on the 2005 doctoral dissertation research of Willie McKether, the authors describe the steps used to collect and store interview data in Microsoft Word, the preparation process for exporting the interviews to ATLAS.ti for coding, the coding process, and the conversion path that allowed them to export the coded qualitative data from ATLAS.ti to SPSS and ultimately to MultiNet for social network analysis. This study is significant because it describes a replicable conversion technique that can be used by experienced scholars and those unfamiliar with the range of network analysis programs and conversion possibilities.
Michael Mann's Miami Vice
Authors: Stratton Jon
Published: February 2009

Michael Mann was the Executive Producer for the first two seasons of Miami Vice during the mid-1980s. This article argues that his worldview is deeply imprinted on the series. Mann's worldview thinks of society as organized by law and that, outside of the law, there is unregulated violence. In Miami Vice this view organizes the relationship between the United States and the world beyond its boundaries—a world of gunrunners, drug lords, and others who are threatening the integrity of the United States. Most especially, this United States is threatened by Latin Americans whose illegal activities have to be stopped by the Miami Organized Crime Bureau. While Miami Vice has been praised for its avantgarde, postmodern emphasis on style, this article argues that it was actually the show's politics—so reassuring for mainstream, white America—that provided the basis for Miami Vice's remarkable popularity.
Tetracycline Hydrate and Gentamicine Sulfate Containing Carboxymethylated Cotton Fabric Suitable for Moist Wound Healing Dressings: Properties and Evaluation
Authors: Abo-Shosha M.H. , Fahmy H.M. , Hassan F.H. , Ashour Adel M. , Khalil A.A.
Published: February 2009

In order to prepare moist healing wound dressings based on cotton gauze fabrics, the latter are carboxymethylated to carboxyl contents of 72, 170, and 220meq/100g. In contrast to the other two samples, the first sample showed no gelling in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C. The carboxyl contents of the gelling samples are made in Ca/Na forms in 3% degree of neutralization (% DN), 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70), while that of the first is left in its Na form. To acquire them antibacterial activity, all samples are padded in 20/80 ethanol/water containing different concentrations (25—1000 mg/L) of either tetracycline hydrate (TCH, in presence of 50g/L polyvinyl pyrrolidone) or gentamicine sulfate and air dried. The samples are characterized by determining their contents of antibiotics, swelling, and shrinkage. Evaluation is achieved by assessing in vitro release of antibiotics in PBS at 37°C and antibacterial activity, expressed as inhibition clear zone (ICZ), towards Staphylococcus aureus (G +ve) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (G -ve). It is found, for a given set of conditions, that: (a) TCH or gentamicine (G) content increased by increasing both of its concentration and carboxyl content, but decreased by increasing the% DN by Ca, (b) swelling and shrinkage slightly (or remarkably) decreased by increasing the content of TCH (or% DN by Ca), but noticeably increased by increasing the carboxyl content, (c) in vitro release is the highest on the first day, then decreased on prolonging the time up to the third day, and (d) in vitro release and ICZ (towards G+ve and G—ve bacteria) increased by increasing antibiotic and carboxyl contents, but decreased by increasing% DN by Ca. Properties of the TCH or G containing Ca/Na carboxymethylated samples make them suitable candidates as antibacterial moist wound healing dressings.
Preliminary Investigation on Bulletproof Panels Made from Ramie Fiber Reinforced Composites for NIJ Level II, IIA, and IV
Authors: Marsyahyo Eko , Jamasri  , Heru Santoso Budi Rochardjo  , Soekrisno
Published: February 2009

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is one of the strongest natural cellulose fibers. Optimizing abundant resources ramie as a candidate materials used for reinforcing in polymeric composite material is a must to obtained high-performance natural fibers reinforced polymer especially for bulletproof panel or high-impact flexibility safer structures. Ramie woven was treated using common chemical solvents that were ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and silane as coupling agent. Composite panels were made by hand lay-up process with epoxy as a matrix. These prototype bulletproof panels were to be believed lighter in weight and much lower economic cost than conventional bulletproof panels made from ceramic plate, Kevlar/aramid composite, and steel-based material as a popular today in military standard antiballistic equipments. From the bullet testing result, it showed that panel could be able to resist the penetration of high-impact projectile for level II with some fractures phenomenon. Level IV ballistic testing showed that all prototype panel could not resist the high-impact velocity of the projectile yet. It was found that ramie fibers have sufficient breaking strength and toughness for level II bullet testing, although still needs improvements to optimize process parameters to meet a very high military standard and application
The Changing Governance Structures of the Global Pharmaceutical Value Chain
Authors: Haakonsson Stine Jessen
Published: February 2009

The pharmaceutical industry was originally led by vertically-integrated and technology-intensive transnational corporations (TNCs). The TNCs maintained production in their home countries with little foreign direct investment into the larger markets. In this sense, the industry was internationalised, but not yet globalised. With the implementation of the WTO TRIPs Agreement, the pharmaceutical industry became globalised and its value chain was reorganised into three different strands: a producer-driven strand for branded products, a buyer-driven strand for quality generics, and a strand for low-value generics which is not driven. This paper examines these changes through the lenses of GVC governance, suggesting a need to look for different dynamics of governance as they apply to different value chain strands.
On the Choice and Success of Competitive Strategies
Authors: Herrmann Andrea M.
Published: February 2009

It is a central claim of the national competitiveness literature that firms exploit the comparative advantages of their environment by choosing to pursue that product market strategy which is facilitated by national financial and labour market institutions. Otherwise, so the further argument of the literature goes, firms are punished in that institutionally unsupported strategies are less successful and therefore not sustainable in the long run. My analyses of pharmaceutical firms in Germany, Italy and the UK challenge these arguments on the choice and success of competitive strategies. Given that different measures of strategy success do not indicate that the latter is in line with national institutional advantages, I develop an alternative explanation for the strategy choices of firms. Based on qualitative interviews with managers, I argue that technological opportunities to transform inventions or imitations into marketable products are of major concern when entrepreneurs choose their firms' strategy.
The Financial Thesis: Reconceptualizing Globalisation's Effect on Firms and Institutions
Authors: Monk Ashby H. B.
Published: February 2009

The relationship between globalisation and institutional change is an issue frequently debated in economic geography and the social sciences. Some see firms, whatever their national culture or heritage, as facing common market forces that undermine self-determination and predict convergence towards a global best practice. Others are sceptical, arguing that different country-specific ‘varieties of capitalism’ have market-distorting effects, resulting in path dependence that limits the strength of global incentives to converge at the firm level. Others still are unconvinced by both these arguments. As such, this paper seeks to better understand globalisation's impact on institutions and firms by documenting the effect of global finance and its affiliated agents on institutions and firms. Specifically, I examine the experiences of firms in both Japan and the US that sponsor pension funds to see if they have had similar experiences and behaviours in both jurisdictions. I find that American and Japanese pension sponsors, despite clear manifestations of societal differences, have in fact had very similar experiences. So, some of the predictions held by path dependence and the varieties of capitalism are not confirmed in this case. However, because convergence towards a ‘best practice’ corporate pension offering is also rejected, the paper concludes that new research that focuses on the impact of financial markets on institutions and firms offers important insights for explaining the outcomes in both places.
Role of ephrinB2 in nonproductive angiogenesis induced by Delta-like 4 blockade
Authors: Yamanda Shinsuke , Ebihara Satoru , Asada Masanori , Okazaki Tatsuma , Niu Kaijun , Ebihara Takae , Koyanagi Akemi , Yamaguchi Noriko , Yagita Hideo , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: February 2009

Delta-like 4 (DLL4) is one of the Notch ligands and plays an important role in vascular development. DLL4 blockade inhibits tumor growth by promoting nonproductive angiogenesis, which is characterized by an increase in vascular density and decrease in tissue perfusion. However, a detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, newly developed neutralizing antibodies against mouse and human DLL4 were used to investigate the possible involvement of VEGF-DLL4-ephrinB2 cascade in nonproductive angiogenesis caused by DLL4 blockade. DLL4 blockade and soluble ephrinB2 treatment suppressed tumor growth and induced nonproductive angiogenesis. DLL4 was expressed in subcutaneous tumors, and DLL4 blockade suppressed ephrinB2 expression in the tumors. DLL4 blockade significantly promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation in vitro, and the effect was additive to that of VEGF. Both DLL4 blockade and VEGF significantly increased cord length and branch points in a tubular formation assay. Expression of ephrinB2 in HUVECs was enhanced by VEGF alone, and the enhancement was inhibited by DLL4 blockade. Moreover, when we studied the effect of ephrinB2 RNA interference on HUVEC tubular formation, knockdown of ephrinB2 mimicked the effect of DLL4. These results suggest that ephrinB2 plays a crucial role in nonproductive angiogenesis caused by DLL4 blockade.
C-terminal ADAMTS-18 fragment induces oxidative platelet fragmentation, dissolves platelet aggregates, and protects against carotid artery occlusion and cerebral stroke
Authors: Li Zongdong , Nardi Michael A. , Li Yong-Sheng , Zhang Wei , Pan Ruimin , Dang Suying , Yee Herman , Quartermain David , Jonas Saran , Karpatkin Simon
Published: February 2009

Anti-platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66 antibody (Ab) induces complement-independent platelet oxidative fragmentation and death by generation of platelet peroxide following NADPH oxidase activation. A C-terminal 385–amino acid fragment of ADAMTS-18 (a disintegrin metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs produced in endothelial cells) induces oxidative platelet fragmentation in an identical kinetic fashion as anti–GPIIIa49-66 Ab. Endothelial cell ADAMTS-18 secretion is enhanced by thrombin and activated by thrombin cleavage to fragment platelets. Platelet aggregates produced ex vivo with ADP or collagen and fibrinogen are destroyed by the C-terminal ADAMTS-18 fragment. Anti–ADAMTS-18 Ab shortens the tail vein bleeding time. The C-terminal fragment protects against FeCI3-induced carotid artery thrombosis as well as cerebral infarction in a postischemic stroke model. Thus, a new mechanism is proposed for platelet thrombus clearance, via platelet oxidative fragmentation induced by thrombin cleavage of ADAMTS-18.
Interactions of platelet integrin αΙΙb and β3 transmembrane domains in mammalian cell membranes and their role in integrin activation
Authors: Kim Chungho , Lau Tong-Lay , Ulmer Tobias S. , Ginsberg Mark H.
Published: February 2009

Clustering and occupancy of platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIb-IIIa) generate biologically important signals: conversely, intracellular signals increase the integrins' affinity, leading to integrin activation; both forms of integrin signaling play important roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. Indirect evidence implicates interactions between integrin α and β transmembrane domains (TMDs) and cytoplasmic domains in integrin signaling; however, efforts to directly identify these associations have met with varying and controversial results. In this study, we develop mini-integrin affinity capture and use it in combination with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to show preferential heterodimeric association of integrin αIIbβ3 TMD tails via specific TMD interactions in mammalian cell membranes in lipid bicelles. Furthermore, charge reversal mutations at αIIb(R995)β3(D723) confirm a proposed salt bridge and show that it stabilizes the TMD-tail association; talin binding to the β3 tail, which activates the integrin, disrupts this association. These studies establish the preferential heterodimeric interactions of integrin αIIbβ3 TMD tails in mammalian cell membranes and document their role in integrin signaling.
Aberrant expression of the homeobox gene CDX2 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Riedt Tamara , Ebinger Martin , Salih Helmut R. , Tomiuk Jürgen , Handgretinger Rupert , Kanz Lothar , Grünebach Frank , Lengerke Claudia
Published: February 2009

Members of the caudal (cdx) family of homeobox proteins are essential regulators of embryonic blood development in zebrafish. Previously, we reported that the murine homologues (Cdx1, Cdx2, and Cdx4) affect formation and differentiation of embryonic stem cell (ESC)–derived hematopoietic progenitor cells. Consistent with the notion that embryonic pathways can reactivate during adult oncogenesis, recent studies suggest involvement of CDX2 in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we study CDX2 in healthy and leukemic human lymphoid cells, and show that a majority of leukemic samples display various degrees of aberrant CDX2 expression. Analysis of a cohort of 37 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients treated in our hospital reveals that high CDX2 expression levels at diagnosis correlate with persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) during the course of treatment. Thus, CDX2 expression levels may serve as a marker for adverse prognosis in pediatric ALL.
Hands-on time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is affected by the process of teambuilding: a prospective randomised simulator-based trial
Authors: Hunziker Sabina , Tschan Franziska , Semmer Norbert K , Zobrist Roger , Spychiger Martin , Breuer Marc , Hunziker Patrick R , Marsch Stephan C
Published: February 2009

Background

Cardiac arrests are handled by teams rather than by individual health-care workers. Recent investigations demonstrate that adherence to CPR guidelines can be less than optimal, that deviations from treatment algorithms are associated with lower survival rates, and that deficits in performance are associated with shortcomings in the process of team-building. The aim of this study was to explore and quantify the effects of ad-hoc team-building on the adherence to the algorithms of CPR among two types of physicians that play an important role as first responders during CPR: general practitioners and hospital physicians.

Methods

To unmask team-building this prospective randomised study compared the performance of preformed teams, i.e. teams that had undergone their process of team-building prior to the onset of a cardiac arrest, with that of teams that had to form ad-hoc during the cardiac arrest. 50 teams consisting of three general practitioners each and 50 teams consisting of three hospital physicians each, were randomised to two different versions of a simulated witnessed cardiac arrest: the arrest occurred either in the presence of only one physician while the remaining two physicians were summoned to help ("ad-hoc"), or it occurred in the presence of all three physicians ("preformed"). All scenarios were videotaped and performance was analysed post-hoc by two independent observers.

Results

Compared to preformed teams, ad-hoc forming teams had less hands-on time during the first 180 seconds of the arrest (93 ± 37 vs. 124 ± 33 sec, P < 0.0001), delayed their first defibrillation (67 ± 42 vs. 107 ± 46 sec, P < 0.0001), and made less leadership statements (15 ± 5 vs. 21 ± 6, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Hands-on time and time to defibrillation, two performance markers of CPR with a proven relevance for medical outcome, are negatively affected by shortcomings in the process of ad-hoc team-building and particularly deficits in leadership. Team-building has thus to be regarded as an additional task imposed on teams forming ad-hoc during CPR. All physicians should be aware that early structuring of the own team is a prerequisite for timely and effective execution of CPR.