bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatotype in high performance female netball players may influence player position and the incidence of lower limb and back injuries
Authors: Hopper Diana M
Published: December 2008

Aims

To investigate the relation between somatotype, performance characteristics, and the incidence of injury during the Australian Netball Championships.

Method

Two hundred and forty high performance netball players competed at the Australian Netball Championships in which 213 (89%) were measured using the Heath-Carter somatotype scale. During these championships, in conjunction with the injury assessments, data analysis included a three factor analysis of variance (level of competition, playing position, and injury) for the dependent somatoype variables (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectopmorphy), and the level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

For the three dependent somatotype variables, there were no main effects between endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectopmorphy and the incidence of injury. However, for the mesomorphy and ectomorphy variables, significant main effects for the playing position were found. No main effects existed between the somatotype variables and levels of competition.

Conclusion

The somatotype variables did not influence the incidence of injury, but mesomorphy and ectopmorphy did influence the different playing positions.
Joint position sense and rehabilitation in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee.
Authors: Carter N D , Jenkinson T R , Wilson D , Jones D W , Torode A S
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Impaired joint position sense (JPS) has been shown in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient and osteoarthritic knees. The relation between JPS and function is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine further if ACL deficient knees show abnormal JPS and the effect of exercise therapy on JPS, and also to assess the relation between JPS, functional stability, and strength. METHODS: Fifty patients (46 men and four women, mean age 26.3 years) with unilateral ACL deficient knees were assessed on admission and after rehabilitation (5 hours a day for four weeks). JPS was assessed by reproduction of passive positioning using a visual analogue incorporating a goniometer. Knee stability was analysed by self report questionnaire (score 0-280) and functional activity test (single leg hop and figure of eight run). Isokinetic dynamometry was performed to evaluate quadriceps and hamstring peak torque strength. Controls were either age and sex matched individuals or the contralateral knee. Statistical analysis was by Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. RESULTS: JPS was impaired in ACL deficient knees. The mean (SD) errors in reproducing angles were 9.4 (3.1) degrees and 7.1 (2.3) degrees for the ACL deficient knee and control knee respectively (P < 0.0005). There was no improvement in JPS after rehabilitation (9.4 (3.1) degrees and 8.5 (3.2) degrees before and after rehabilitation respectively, P = 0.14). There was improvement as ascertained from the questionnaire (on admission 202 (32.1), after rehabilitation 243 (25.4), P < 0.0001) and functional activity testing (hop: on admission 148.7 (37.3) cm, after rehabilitation 169.8 (31.1) cm, P < 0.0005; figure of eight: on admission 48.4 (16.6) seconds, after rehabilitation 41.6 (3.4) seconds, P < 0.0001). Quadriceps strength improved (peak torque on admission 198.5 (58.9) Nm, after rehabilitation 210.5 (54.2) Nm, P < 0.05), but not hamstring strength (peak torque on admission 130.6 (28.1) Nm, after rehabilitation 135.5 (27.7) Nm, P = 0.24). JPS did not correlate with the functional activity tests (hop and figure of eight run), the responses to the questionnaire, or strength. There was no correlation between the responses to the questionnaire and functional activity tests or muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: JPS was impaired in ACL deficient knees. Although knee stability improved with exercise therapy, there was no improvement in JPS. The role of JPS in the stability of ACL deficient knees remains unclear.
Effects of rest interval on isokinetic strength and functional performance after short-term high intensity training.
Authors: Pincivero D M , Lephart S M , Karunakara R G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: The ability to maximally generate active muscle tension during resistance training has been established to be a primary determinant for strength development. The influence of intrasession rest intervals may have a profound effect on strength gains subsequent to short-term high intensity training. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rest interval on strength and functional performance after four weeks of isokinetic training. METHODS: Fifteen healthy college aged individuals were randomly assigned to either a short rest interval group (group 1, n = 8) or a long rest interval group (group 2, n = 7). Subjects were evaluated for quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strength at 60 (five repetitions) and 180 (30 repetitions) degrees/second and functional performance with the single leg hop for distance test. One leg of each subject was randomly assigned to a four week, three days/week isokinetic strength training programme for concentric knee extension and flexion performed at 90 degrees/second. Subjects in group 1 received a 40 second rest interval in between exercise sets, whereas subjects in group 2 received a 160 second rest period. RESULTS: A two factor analysis of variance for the pre-test--post-test gain scores (%) showed significantly greater improvements for isokinetic hamstring total work and average power at 180 degrees/second for the trained limb of subjects in group 2 than their contralateral non-trained limb and the subjects in group 1. Significantly greater improvements for the single leg hop for distance were also found for the trained limbs of subjects in both groups as compared with the non-trained limbs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that a relatively longer intrasession rest period resulted in a greater improvement in hamstring muscle strength during short term high intensity training.
Energy expenditure estimates of the Caltrac accelerometer for running, race walking, and stepping
Authors: Swan Pamela D , Byrnes William C , Haymes Emily M
Published: December 2008

Objective

To examine the accuracy of the Caltrac accelerometer for estimating energy expenditure (EE) during three exercise modes.

Methods

A subset of 31 women (mean (SEM) age 22.6 (5) years) was selected from a training study comparing various physiological parameters during race walking, running, and stepping. Subjects each performed mode specific graded exercise tests to peak V̇o2. Regression equations for V̇o2vheart rate (HR) were generated from each individual's test data. EE (kcal and kJ) was estimated for each V̇o2value based on the respiratory exchange ratio, and kcalvHR regression equations were generated to predict EE from each subject's HR data (EE-HR). HR in the field was monitored by telemetry, and two Caltrac monitors, one set for EE and one to give counts, were attached to a belt over opposite hips.

Results

EE-HR was not significantly different across exercise modes. Caltrac overestimated EE (P<0.01) in runners (14%) and walkers (19%) but underestimated EE in steppers by about 10% (P = 0.12).

Conclusions

The Caltrac is a reliable instrument but it did not accurately distinguish EE in running, race walking, or stepping in a group of young women.
Exercise enhances creativity independently of mood
Authors: Steinberg Hannah , Sykes Elizabeth A , Moss Tim , Lowery Susan , LeBoutillier Nick , Dewey Alison
Published: December 2008

Objectives

It has been widely accepted in the literature that various forms of physical exercise, even in a single session, enhance positive mood. It has also been shown that physical exercise may sometimes enhance creative thinking, but the evidence is inconclusive. Positive moods can favour creative thinking, but the opposite has also been reported and these relations are unclear. There is a large anecdotal literature suggesting that creative people sometimes use bodily movement to help overcome “blocks”. The aim of this study was to establish whether post-exercise creative thinking was attributable to improved mood.

Methods

The responses of 63 participants to an exercise (aerobic workout or aerobic dance) and a “neutral” video watching condition were compared. Mood was measured using an adjective list, and creative thinking was tested by three measures of the Torrance test.

Results

Analysis of variance showed a large and significant increase in positive mood after exercise (P<0.001) and a significant decrease in positive mood after video watching (P<0.001). A significant increase between the creative thinking scores of the two conditions was found on the flexibility (variety of responses) measure (P<0.05). A multifactorial analysis of all data failed to show a significant covariance of creative thinking with the two measures of mood (P>0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that mood and creativity were improved by physical exercise independently of each other.
Provision of physiotherapy services at the sixth All Africa Games.
Authors: Jelsma J , Dawson H , Smith G , Satumba C , Madzivire D
Published: December 2008

The provision of physiotherapy services to guest nations by the host nation, Zimbabwe, at the sixth All Africa Games is examined. There was a high rate of pre-existing injury. Ice, the Cryocuff, and ultrasound were the most frequently used tools, and should be made available to physiotherapists at all multisport events. It is recommended that collection of epidemiological data be standardised to allow comparison between events.
Major pelvic injuries in equestrian sports
Authors: O'Farrell D A , Irshad F , Thorns B S , McElwain J P
Published: December 2008

A series of pelvic and acetabular injuries caused by horse riding accidents is reported. The importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing when riding is emphasised.
Stress fracture of the proximal humeral epiphysis in an elite junior badminton player.
Authors: Boyd K T , Batt M E
Published: December 2008

An elite junior badminton player presented with a chronic painful dominant shoulder after an intense training course. An acute stress fracture to the proximal humeral epiphysis was found. Two-plane radiography will identify abnormalities of the growth plate but comparative films of the unaffected side may also be required to differentiate subtle changes. Rest with subsequent rehabilitation is the appropriate management of these injuries although ideally they should be subjected to primary prevention.
A cross sectional study of 100 athletes with jumper's knee managed conservatively and surgically. The Victorian Institute of Sport Tendon Study Group.
Authors: Cook J L , Khan K M , Harcourt P R , Grant M , Young D A , Bonar S F
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: Jumper's knee causes significant morbidity in athletes of all standards. However, there are few reference data on the clinical course of this condition in a large number of patients, and the aim of this study was to rectify this. METHODS: A retrospective study of the course of jumper's knee in 100 athletes who presented to a sports medicine clinic over a nine year period was carried out. Subjects completed a questionnaire designed to collect details of sport participation, symptoms, and time out of sport. Ultrasonographic results were recorded from the radiologists' reports. Histopathological results were obtained for patients who had surgery. RESULTS: Forty eight subjects recalled that symptoms of jumper's knee began before the age of 20 years. Symptoms prevented 33 from participating in sport for more than six months, and 18 of these were sidelined for more than 12 months. Forty nine of the subjects had two or more separate episodes of symptoms. Ultrasonography showed a characteristics hypoechoic region at the junction of the inferior pole of the patella and the deep surface of the patellar tendon. Histopathological examination showed separation and disruption of collagen fibres on polarisation light microscopy and an increase in mucoid ground substance consistent with damage of tendon collagen without inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Jumper's knee has the potential to be a debilitating condition for a sports person. About 33% of athletes presenting to a sports medicine clinic with jumper's knee were unable to return to sport for more than six months.
The effects of severe muscular exercise on muscle innervation
Authors: Kidd G. L. , Charlesworth E. J.
Published: December 2008

The changes in composition of muscle interstitial fluid during severe exercise is discussed, and a study of the effect on muscle receptors of one such change, an increase in potassium ion concentration, is described. Results of experiments on rat muscle are presented which indicate that receptors in muscle are protected from great changes in potassium ion concentration by barrier membranes with structure and properties capable of adaptation in response to intensive muscular activity. The adaptation could delay the onset of receptor fatigue and muscle pain.
Effects of an Isotonic and a combination Isometric-Isotonic exercise programme upon push-up performance
Authors: Barker J. W.
Published: December 2008

The effects of a repetition push-up exercise programme and a repetition combination isometric-isotonic push-up exercise programme upon muscular endurance as measured by maximum repetition of push-ups were studied. Thirty-four male subjects enrolled in a wrestling activity class were equated into three groups on the basis of maximum repetition push-up performance. Group 1 (N = 12) performed maximum repetition push-ups; Group 2 (N = 11) did maximum repetition combination isometric-isotonic push-ups; and Group 3 (N = 11) served as the control group. Subjects in Groups 1 and 2 performed their exercises, after which all subjects participated in wrestling activities. All subjects were retested six weeks later after the two experimental groups had been subjected to twelve exercise periods. Both experimental groups showed statistically significant improvements in maximum repetition push-up performance. There was not a statistically significant difference between the mean increases of the two experimental groups. Within the limits of this study the results indicated that muscular endurance may be improved at nearly the same rate by both repetition push-up exercises (isotonic) and repetition combination isometric-isotonic push-up exercises.
SKI TRAINING FOR AMPUTEES
Authors: Majewska Jolanta
Published: December 2008

Rehabilitation by sport is of importance in regard to champions and also to the every-day life of ill and crippled people.

The value of sport, on the one hand, as a part of the rehabilitation of amputees and, on the other hand, in satisfying the need for movement in the blind has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, thorough study is required to improve training methods and to enable the disabled to practice the particular sport events.

Skiing is of special importance in the rehabilitation of disabled people.

In 1956 the first ski courses for amputees were organized in Poland and showed that those who had undergone a limb amputation are able to practice this event in rehabilitation.
MENSTRUAL PERIODICITY IN YOUNG P.E. STUDENTS
Authors: Thomason H. , Holstead D.
Published: December 2008

In a study involving women physical education students and non-physical education students, Rougier and Liquette (1962) could establish no physical difference in the characteristics of the menstrual periods of both groups. Agreement with this work was expressed by Mean and von Neiderhaeusern (1966), except that more abnormal menstruations were found in sporting women. Klaus and Schubert (1961) observed that the appearance of dysmenorrhea and anomalies of the menstrual period were present during hard physical training.

In this study menstrual periodicity, blood flow time and the incidence of dysmenorrhea were investigated using women undergoing a three year course of physical education.

Group A, Experimental Population — students undergoing a three year physical education course, n = 28.

Group B, Control Population — students undergoing a three year non-physical education course, n = 15.

Data collected over the three years of the investigation was subjected to detailed statistical analysis.

No significance could be demonstrated between the two groups in respect of menstrual cycle time. However, group means and standard deviations of both groups after the first six months course work are interesting: [Table: see text]

Significant differences were demonstrated between the groups in respect of blood flow time. (P ≥ 0.05)

The incidence of dysmenorrhea was significantly different with Group A in respect of physical work load and significantly different between groups. (P ≥ 0.05)

These findings agree with those of Rougier and Liquette (1962) in that no significant difference could be established between the two groups in respect of mean periodicity and with Mean and von Neiderhaeusern (1966) that abnormal menstrual periodicity was found in some sporting women.

The incidence of dysmenorrhea was similar to that seen by Klaus and Schubert (1961) in that dysmenorrhea was present during hard physical training in some women.
ANTHROPOMETRY OF THE YOUNG ADULT COLLEGE RUGBY PLAYER IN WALES
Authors: Bell W.
Published: December 2008

Twenty-one anthropometric measurements were taken on 33 first class and 29 second class young adult college rugby players. Each player was classified according to position.

There were significant differences between first and second class players in a number of measurements and it was felt necessary therefore to consider the two groups apart. Forwards were considered separately from backs.

Physique was determined according to Parnell. Overall, forwards had about a one-half unit more Fat than backs. Mean ratings for the first class forward were 4.5/5.0/2.5 and backs 4.0/5.0/2.5; second class forwards 4.5/4.5/2.5 and backs 4.0/4.5/3.0.

Lean body weight and total body fat were derived according to Wilmore and Behnke. In both groups forwards had higher lean body weights and total body fat values than backs. In the first class player percent body fat was approximately the same for forwards and backs (16%). There was a 5% differential between second class forwards (17%) and backs (12%).

The sum of cross-sectional diameters of arm, calf and thigh, and of four transformed skinfolds gave similar results, for forwards and backs in both groups, as lean body weight and total body fat.

An analysis of variance was carried out within groups and between positions for all measurements. There were a greater number of significant differences within the first class player. Forwards differed, for example, in height, weight, lean body weight, total body fat and femur; backs in height, lean body weight, bi-iliac and arm length. The second class player differed in other measurements, for instance, humerus and upper-arm circumference.
HERITABILITY OF HUMAN FUNCTIONAL ADAPTABILITY
Authors: Klissouras V.
Published: December 2008

The use of co-twin analysis in this laboratory has shown that Functional Adaptability (FA) is set by the genotype, although it can be substantially modified by training.

The present experiments are an extension of our earlier work and were conducted to establish quantitatively the heritability of FA in man.

Heritability refers to the proportion of the variation in FA which is attributable to genetic predisposition, while FA refers to the upper limit of adaptional response of the organism to a metabolic stressor, and is characterised by the Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP) and Maximal Anaerobic Capacity (MAC).

One hundred Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins ran to exhaustion on progressively increasing work loads on the motor driven treadmill, in order to determine their MAP, MAC and maximal cardiac output. Their zygosity was diagnosed on the basis of morphology, dermatoglyphics and blood groups.

The contribution of heritability to FA was disclosed by variance analysis and by the equation: [Formula: see text]

where H = Heritability;6D2= variance of FA within DZ twins and6M2= variance of FA within MZ twins. Findings were discussed in relation to trainability and specific attributes which limit functional adaptability.
A study of platelet Count, body fat and Harvard Step Test Score
Authors: Marley W. P. , Linnerud A. C.
Published: December 2008

The relationship between platelet count, bodyfat, and Harvard step test score was examined in 15 post-absorptive male subjects. Subjects rested for five minutes at the beginning of the testing period. A fingertip blood sample was then obtained and the platelet count determined by the method of Brecher and Cronkite. One-percent ammonium oxalate was employed as the dilution fluid. Bodyfat was calculated with the Siri formula on the basis of skinfolds obtained by the method of Pascale. Testing was concluded with the Harvard step test in a controlled environment room. Pearson product-moment correlation calculations yielded no significant relationship (P=>.05) between platelet count and bodyfat or platelet count and Harvard step test score. Subjects were equated by age matching into lean (under 9.9%), average (10-14.9%), and overweight (above 15%) bodyfat groups. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant difference (P>.05) between the platelet counts of these groups.
The psychology of skill acquisition
Authors: Sharp R. H.
Published: December 2008

The title of this paper includes such a large body of knowledge that an attempt to describe every detail in a single paper would be both a pretentious and fruitless exercise. Instead, I shall describe briefly how the psychology of skill acquisition is viewed in terms of a general conceptual framework and secondly, how such a model can be of use in considering some aspects of the learning process.
A Kinetic Model of Intervertebral Stress During Lifting
Authors: Wood G. A. , Hayes K. C.
Published: December 2008

A biomechanical model of a simple lifting motion is presented in which the forces and moments of force acting about the L4-L5 vertebral articulation were determined from kinetic and kinematic data. Derivation of the forces due to motion permitted a unique method for estimating intervertebral stress during each phase of the lift and provided a logical extension to an earlier static model of intervertebral stress presented by Troup (13). The intervertebral force was found to have a maximum value of over 400 kg during the initial phase of the lift. By partitioning this force into its shearing and compressional components, it was possible to determine quantitatively the lumbar stress involved in lifting. The values are discussed briefly in relation to the aetiology of back injuries and some of the predictions and applications of the dynamic model are also considered.
The Biomechanical effects of treadmill training on running performance
Authors: Elliott B. C. , Pyke F. S. , Roberts A. D. , Morton A. R.
Published: December 2008

The biomechanics of overground running were compared before and after a month training period which comprised 16 thirty-minute sessions of short duration (5 seconds work, 10 seconds rest) high intensity (4.69 m/sec 20-25% grade) interval treadmill work. For the eight subjects filmed there were no significant changes in support and non support time, stride length or stride rate while running at 3.58 m/sec that could be attributed to the treadmill training regime. This training programme produced significant gains in aerobic and anaerobic metabolism but was not an effective developer of speed.
Injuries in Rugby and Association Football
Authors: Weightman Doris , Browne R. C.
Published: December 2008

The number, site, severity and rate of accidents and the medical attention received has been measured for association and rugby football in the four northern counties of England during the 1970-1971 season. 696 out of 1601 (43%) association and 117 out of 232 (50%) rugby football clubs replied to the questionnaires. If all the clubs had replied an estimated 14078 injuries would have occurred in association and 3888 in rugby football. For soccer, the accident rate was 36.5 per 10,000 man-hours of play and for rugger 30.5. In soccer 65% of all injuries were to the lower limbs, but only 36% in rugger, which had a higher proportion of injuries to other sites compared with soccer. Fractures and dislocations were twice as common in rugger as in soccer. Concussion was also more common. In rugby football, the players are injured less often than in association football, but more seriously, as is shown by the fact that hospital treatment was needed by 29.8% of the soccer injuries, but 52.8% of those in rugby football. Similarly, a rugger injury needed on average 12 days off play, whereas one in soccer needed only 6 days off play.

A bigger proportion of soccer injuries (73.8%) received rapid first aid than did rugger injuries (45.8%). Better first aid cover at matches and simple protective clothing for the legs of soccer players and shoulders of rugby players are suggested.
Contribution of Physical Development and Muscular Strength to the Motor Performance Capacity of 7 to 12 Year Old Boys
Authors: Teeple Janet B. , Lohman T. G. , Misner J. E. , Boileau R. A. , Massey B. H.
Published: December 2008

The contribution of selected physical development and muscular strength measures to general motor performance capacity was investigated in 55 seven to twelve year old boys. The physical development variables were height, body weight and fat-free body. Right and left hand strength, and static leg extension force of the right, left and both legs. simultaneously were used as measures of strength. The measures of general motor capacity were six field performance tests of the kind typically used by investigators and teachers including the softball throw, vertical jump, standing broad jump, shuttle run, 50 yard dash, and mile run. Data were analyzed by the method of least squares and constants fitted for height, body weight, fat-free weight and various measures of strength with chronological age held constant. Strength accounted for 18 to 43 percent of the variation in the children's motor performance score. Two measures of physical development, body weight and fat-free body weight together with age, were the dominant factors, contributing from 46 to 65 percent of the variation. Muscular strength and physical development measures together accounted for 57 to 70 percent of the variability in motor performance. For diagnostic and research purposes, measurement of physical development is an important consideration for proper interpretation of field tests of motor performance.
Injuries in Eleven Selected Sports
Authors: Weightman Doris , Browne R. C.
Published: December 2008

All the clubs for 10 sports in the four northern counties were surveyed for injuries for a whole playing season and a 50% sample of the badminton clubs were surveyed in the same way. After the two types of football, hockey comes third in the injury league with women getting injured mostly in the legs, but men in the upper part of the body. Protective padding for hockey players' legs is suggested. Finger injuries and occasional concussion are characteristics of cricket and sprains and strains of badminton. The severity rate in fencing was low with an occasional superficial cut. Cycling was safe, but when an accident did happen it usually produced multiple abrasions as can be readily understood by anyone who has fallen off a bicycle. Boxing and judo did not produce many injuries, but when they did, they were severe, and needed a relatively long time (on average 3 weeks) off sport. But, paradoxically the medical attention which they attracted was better than that attracted by the minor injuries of the other sports. Rowing and swimming were both very safe sports, notwithstanding the potentially hazardous nature of water. The injuries in sub-aquatic activities seemed to depend upon the club rather than upon the sport itself, which suggests that rather more careful supervision may sometimes be necessary.

The range of injury produced by sport is so wide—from a bruise to a brain injury—that it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the hospital accident room is the right place to receive the injured player in the first instance. From here he can, if necessary, be routed to another department for more specialized treatment.

Introducing more first aid training into sport, at, perhaps, the level of club officials, players themselves, and in addition, regular supporters will be the most useful steps which can be taken in the management of sports injuries.
Heart Rates at Submaximal Relative Workloads in Subjects of High and Medium Fitness
Authors: Withers R. T. , Haslam R. W.
Published: December 2008

Eight subjects of high fitness (V̇O2max - 56.9 ml/kg × min) and eight subjects of medium fitness (V̇O2max = 43.4 ml/kg × min) pedalled a bicycle ergometer for 6 minutes at workloads which elicited 70%, 80% and 90% of their individual V̇O2max. Heart rates were recorded during the last 30 seconds of each workload.

The data were analysed by a 2 (fitness levels) × 3 (workloads) analysis of variance factorial design. Although the high fitness group recorded a lower mean heart rate for the 3 workloads (155 beats/min) than the medium fitness group (161 beats/min), there was no overall statistically significant difference between the 2 fitness levels. The difference was most marked at the highest workload where a statistically significant (p < .05) interaction occurred between workload and fitness level. A completely randomised design analysis of variance indicated that the high fitness group attained their V̇O2max at a statistically significant lower heart rate (173 beats/min) than the medium fitness group (182 beats/min).
OPTIMIZING REFLECTIVE PRIMITIVES OF DYNAMIC LANGUAGES
Authors: REDONDO JOSE MANUEL , ORTIN FRANCISCO , CUEVA JUAN MANUEL
Published: December 2008

Dynamic languages are becoming widely used in software engineering due to the flexibility needs of specific software systems. Different example scenarios are the development of dynamic aspect oriented software, Web applications, adaptable and adaptive software or application frameworks. One important lack of these languages is compile-time error detection offered by static languages. However, runtime performance is the most serious limitation to use them in commercial software development. Although JIT optimizing compilation is a widely used technique to speed up intermediate code execution, this has not been successfully applied to dynamically adaptive platforms yet.

We present an approach to improve the structural reflective primitives offered by dynamic languages. Looking for a language-neutral platform with a good JIT-based runtime performance, we have used the Microsoft shared source implementation of the CLI. Its model has been extended with semantics of prototype-based object-oriented models, much more suitable than the class-based one for reflective environments. This augmented semantics together with JIT generation of native code has produced significantly better runtime performance than the existing implementations.
VERIFICATION OF DATAFLOW SCHEDULING
Authors: CHIANG TSUNG-HSI , DUNG LAN-RONG
Published: December 2008

This paper presents the formal verification method for high-level synthesis (HLS) to detect design errors of dataflow algorithms by using Petri Net (PN) and symbolic-model-verifier (SMV) techniques. Formal verification in high-level design means architecture verification, which is different from functional verification in register transfer level (RTL). Generally, dataflow algorithms need algorithmic transformations to achieve optimal goals and also need design scheduling to allocate processor resources before mapping on a silicon. However, algorithmic transformations and design scheduling are error-prone. In order to detect high-level faults, high-level verification is applied to verify the synthesis results in HLS. Instead of applying Boolean algebra in traditional verification, this paper adopts both Petri Net theory and SMV model checker to verify the correctness of the synthesis results of the high-level dataflow designs. In the proposed hybrid verification method, a high-level design or DUV (design-under-verification) is first transformed into a Petri Net model. Then, Petri Net theory is applied to check the correctness of its algorithmic transformations of HLS, and the SMV model checker is used to verify the correctness of the design scheduling. We presented two approaches to realize the proposed verification method and concluded the best one who outperforms the other in terms of processing speed and resource usage.
ENHANCING A KINEMATICALLY DERIVED AXIS OF THE KNEE USING A KNEE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Authors: Doro Lisa Case , Hughes Richard E. , Urquhart Andrew G.
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Component position is critical in knee arthroplasty. We propose using a navigated knee axis (NKA) that is kinematically determined using a navigation system as an alignment reference, instead of defining the transepicondylar axis (TEA) with bony landmarks. This paper investigates whether this NKA should be computed over small arc segments versus over a full range of motion. Methods: Twelve unembalmed cadaver knees were tested. A navigation system computed the NKA for segments and for the full arc of motion in multiple planes. Results: The NKA computed near extension was different from the plane perpendicular to the mechanical axis (P > 0.005), while the NKA computed in flexion matched the TEA. Conclusion: The NKA determined from the full arc of motion was more reproducible and more closely estimated important knee parameters.
ASSESSMENT OF LOWER EXTREMITY MOTOR COORDINATION IN OPERATED PATIENTS
Authors: Yıldırım Yücel , Kara Bilge , Erbayraktar Serhat , Sayhan Salih
Published: December 2008

Objective: To establish any changes up to the second postoperative month in pain, disability, performance, kinesiophobia, and lower extremity motor coordination of patients operated on for lumbar disc hernia. Methods: Forty-five patients with lumbar disc hernia were included in the study preoperatively, and were followed up until the second postoperative month. Pain and disability, walking and stair-climbing performances, and kinesiophobia were measured; and motor coordination tests were practiced with the Lower Extremity MOtor COordination Test (LEMOCOT). Results: The worst scores of pain, disability, performance, kinesiophobia, and LEMOCOT measurements were in the preoperative period; while the best ones were observed in the 2 months following the surgery. Conclusion: The measurements of pain, disability, performance, kinesiophobia, and lower extremity coordination usually performed in the cases operated on with a diagnosis of lumbar disc hernia are significantly affected from the initial period until the second postoperative month.
INFLUENCE OF RELATIVE STRENGTH OF CONSTITUENTS ON THE OVERALL STRENGTH AND TOUGHNESS OF BONE
Authors: ANUP S. , SIVAKUMAR S. M. , SURAISHKUMAR G. K.
Published: December 2008

Biocomposites such as bone exhibit synergistic superior mechanical properties compared to its constituents, protein (collagen) and mineral (hydroxyapatite). The importance of properties of constituents at the submicron scale with regard to the toughness and strength of bone is investigated employing a discrete lattice model. The results show that matrix failure as opposed to platelet breakage provides better toughness to the bone. There is a fairly sudden increase in the toughness of bone when the strength of mineral platelet to that of protein crosses a particular critical value. These could provide clues to the preparation of ultra-tough artificial composites and the treatment of diseases related to fragility of bone.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORWARD TRUNK LEAN DURING WALKING AND MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTIONS FOR FEMALES
Authors: SATO HARUHIKO , MAITLAND MURRAY E.
Published: December 2008

A forward trunk lean sometimes occurs to compensate for quadriceps muscle weakness. Since muscle weakness in the lower extremities is commonly observed in the elderly, quadriceps weakness may trigger age-related postural change. The objective of this study was to ascertain the association between forward trunk lean during walking and musculoskeletal strength in females aged between 46 and 79 years. Musculoskeletal functions (range of joint motion, degree of kyphosis, muscle strength) and joint moments during walking were measured for 13 females. Subjects who showed greater joint moments during walking tended to lean more. Moderate association was seen between mean trunk angle during walking and knee extension moment (r = 0.535, p = 0.060). There was no statistically significant correlation between the strength of the quadriceps muscle and the mean trunk angle in walking subjects (r = 0.095, p = 0.758). These observations suggested that muscle weakness in the quadriceps is largely independent of leaning of the trunk for this sample of subjects. Other factors may change the posture to a stoop, such as severe thoracic kyphosis, poor balance control, or fear of falling.
ROUGH MORPHOLOGY HYBRID APPROACH FOR MAMMOGRAPHY IMAGE CLASSIFICATION AND PREDICTION
Authors: ELLA HASSANIEN ABOUL , ABRAHAM AJITH
Published: December 2008

The objective of this research is to illustrate how rough sets can be successfully integrated with mathematical morphology and provide a more effective hybrid approach to resolve medical imaging problems. Hybridization of rough sets and mathematical morphology techniques has been applied to depict their ability to improve the classification of breast cancer images into two outcomes: malignant and benign cancer. Algorithms based on mathematical morphology are first applied to enhance the contrast of the whole original image; to extract the region of interest (ROI) and to enhance the edges surrounding that region. Then, features are extracted characterizing the underlying texture of the ROI by using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix. The rough set approach to attribute reduction and rule generation is further presented. Finally, rough morphology is designed for discrimination of different ROI to test whether they represent malignant cancer or benign cancer. To evaluate performance of the presented rough morphology approach, we tested different mammogram images. The experimental results illustrate that the overall performance in locating optimal orientation offered by the proposed approach is high compared with other hybrid systems such as rough-neural and rough-fuzzy systems.
SYSTEMATIC VERSUS LOCAL SEARCH AND GA TECHNIQUES FOR INCREMENTAL SAT
Authors: MOUHOUB MALEK
Published: December 2008

Propositional satisfiability (SAT) problem is fundamental to the theory of NP-completeness. Indeed, using the concept of "polynomial-time reducibility" all NP-complete problems can be polynomially reduced to SAT. Thus, any new technique for satisfiability problems will lead to general approaches for thousands of hard combinatorial problems. In this paper, we introduce the incremental propositional satisfiability problem that consists of maintaining the satisfiability of a propositional formula anytime a conjunction of new clauses is added. More precisely, the goal here is to check whether a solution to a SAT problem continues to be a solution anytime a new set of clauses is added and if not, whether the solution can be modified efficiently to satisfy the old formula and the new clauses. We will study the applicability of systematic and approximation methods for solving incremental SAT problems. The systematic method is based on the branch and bound technique, whereas the approximation methods rely on stochastic local search (SLS) and genetic algorithms (GAs). A comprehensive empirical study, conducted on a wide range of randomly generated consistent SAT instances, demonstrates the efficiency in time of the approximation methods over the branch and bound algorithm. However, these approximation methods do not guarantee the completeness of the solution returned. We show that a method we propose that uses nonsystematic search in a limited form together with branch and bound has the best compromise, in practice, between time and the success ratio (percentage of instances completely solved).
Construct Validity: Advances in Theory and Methodology
Authors: Strauss Milton E. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: December 2008

Measures of psychological constructs are validated by testing whether they relate to measures of other constructs as specified by theory. Each test of relations between measures reflects on the validity of both the measures and the theory driving the test. Construct validation concerns the simultaneous process of measure and theory validation. In this article, we review the recent history of validation efforts in clinical psychological science that has led to this perspective, and we review the following recent advances in validation theory and methodology of importance for clinical researchers. These are: the emergence of nonjustificationist philosophy of science; an increasing appreciation for theory and the need for informative tests of construct validity; valid construct representation in experimental psychopathology; the need to avoid representing multidimensional constructs with a single score; and the emergence of effective new statistical tools for the evaluation of convergent and discriminant validity.
An Inconvenient Sea Truth: Spread, Steepness, and Skewness of Surface Slopes
Authors: Munk Walter
Published: December 2008

Bréon and Henriot (BH) have collected eight million globally distributed satellite images of sunglitter, which yield a few simple, robust rules about the statistics of surface slopes: 1) constant angular spread, 2) linear steepness, and 3) sigmoid (near stepwise) skewness (all with respect to wind speed). Yet the information is sparse because it says nothing about time and space scales. The BH rules are an inconvenient sea truth, too fundamental to be ignored, too incomplete to be understood. With regard to BH rule 1 (BH:1), I suggest that the constant spread is associated with a wake-like geometry of the short gravities. Steepness linearity (BH:2) remains an enigma. Skewness (BH:3) appears to be correlated with a rather sudden onset of breaking for winds above 4 m s−1. I do not think that skewness comes from parasitic capillaries. These are tentative conclusions; I look forward to intensive sea-going experiments over the next few years demolishing the proposed interpretations.
Multichannel Along‐Track Interferometric SAR Systems: Moving Targets Detection and Velocity Estimation
Authors: Budillon Alessandra , Pascazio Vito , Schirinzi Gilda
Published: December 2008

Along‐track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (AT‐InSAR) systems are used to estimate the radial velocity of targets moving on the ground, starting from the interferometric phases, obtained by the combinations of two complex SAR images acquired by two antennas spatially separated along the platform moving direction. Since the radial velocity estimation obtained from a single‐phase interferogram (single‐channel) suffers from ambiguities, multichannel AT‐InSAR systems using more than one interferogram can be used. In this paper, we first analyze the moving target detection problem, evaluating the systems performance in terms of probability of detection and probability of false alarm obtained with different values of target radial velocity, signal‐to‐clutter ratio, and clutter‐to‐thermal noise ratio. Then, we analyze the radial velocity estimation accuracy in terms of Cramer‐Rao lower bounds and of mean square error values, obtained by using a maximum likelihood estimation technique. We consider the cases of single‐baseline and dual‐baseline satellite systems, and we evaluate the detection and estimation performance improvement obtained in the dual‐baseline case with respect to the single‐baseline one. Sensitivity of the presented method with respect to the involved target and system parameters is also discussed.
The Effect of Patient Arrival Time on Overall Wait Time and Utilization of Physician and Examination Room Resources in the Outpatient Urology Clinic
Authors: Okotie Onisuru T. , Patel Neel , Gonzalez Chris M.
Published: December 2008

Introduction and objective. We examined patient waiting times, physician utilization, and exam room utilization in order to identify process improvements that may improve patient satisfaction.Methods. Time patient arrived to clinic, time patient was placed in the exam room, time the physician arrived in the exam room, and time physician discharged the patient from the exam room were prospectively recorded for 226 outpatient visits.Results. Overall, 63.2% of patients were on time for their scheduled appointment with 14.8% patient “no-shows.” On-time patients were found to have a longer wait time once in the exam room for the physician than those that were late ( minutes versus minutes, ); however, those patients spent a significantly longer time with the physician ( minutes versus minutes, ). Exam room utilization was lower for late patients (28.9% versus 44.7%, ) with physician utilization lower in clinics with 3 or more late patients when compared to clinics with 2 or fewer (59.7% versus 68.7%, ).Conclusions. Late patients had significantly less time with the physician than on-time patients. Late patients also decreased the overall efficiency of the clinic; therefore, measures to reduce late patients are vital to improve clinic efficiency.
The Dependence of the XRD Morphology of Some Bionanocomposites on the Silicate Treatment
Authors: Dimonie Doina , Constantin Radovici , Vasilievici Gabriel , Popescu Maria Cristina , Garea Sorina
Published: December 2008

The degree of intercalation of the polyvinyl alcohol‐starch blend with the layered silicate is increased if the silicates is untreated or intercalated with ammonium ions that contain small radicals. If untreated silicate like NaMMT is used, it is possible to obtain exfoliated‐intercalated nanocomposites. The materials based on PVOH, starch, and Nanocor I 28, Nanocor I 33, or Cloisite 15 A can be intercalated nanocomposites. If the blend of PVOH and starch is reinforced with Cloisite 93 A, microcomposites can result. The study will continue with the analysis of the new morphologies considering the transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
The Potential Applications of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor δ Ligands in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Huang Jaou-Chen
Published: December 2008

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPARδ, also known as PPARβ) has ubiquitous distribution and extensive biological functions. The reproductive function of PPARδ was first revealed in the uterus at the implantation site. Since then, PPARδ and its ligand have been discovered in all reproductive tissues, including the gametes and the preimplantation embryos. PPARδ in preimplantation embryos is normally activated by oviduct‐derived PPARδ ligand. PPARδ activation is associated with an increase in embryonic cell proliferation and a decrease in programmed cell death (apoptosis). On the other hand, the role of PPARδ and its ligand in gamete formation and function is less well understood. This review will summarize the reproductive functions of PPARδ and project its potential applications in assisted reproductive technology.