bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Restenosis: Insights From the j-Cypher Registry
Authors: Abe Mitsuru , Kimura Takeshi , Morimoto Takeshi , Taniguchi Takuya , Yamanaka Futoshi , Nakao Kazuhiro , Yagi Nobuhito , Kokubu Nobuaki , Kasahara Yoichiro , Kataoka Yu , Otsuka Yoritaka , Kawamura Atsushi , Miyazaki Shunichi , Nakao Koichi , Horiuchi Kenji , Ito Akira , Hoshizaki Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Ren , Setoguchi Manabu , Inada Tsukasa , Kishi Koichi , Sakamoto Hiroki , Morioka Nobuyuki , Imai Masao , Shiomi Hiroki , Nonogi Hiroshi , Mitsudo Kazuaki
Published: June 2010

Background—

Optimal treatment strategies for restenosis of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) have not been adequately addressed yet.

Methods and Results—

During the 3-year follow-up of 12 824 patients enrolled in the j-Cypher registry, 1456 lesions in 1298 patients underwent target-lesion revascularization (TLR). Excluding 362 lesions undergoing TLR for stent thrombosis or TLR using treatment modalities other than SES or balloon angioplasty (BA), 1094 lesions with SES-associated restenosis in 990 patients treated with either SES (537 lesions) or BA (557 lesions) constituted the study population for the analysis of recurrent TLR and stent thrombosis after the first TLR. Excluding 24 patients with both SES- and BA-treated lesions, 966 patients constituted the analysis set for the mortality outcome. Cumulative incidence of recurrent TLR in the SES-treated restenosis lesions was significantly lower than that in the BA-treated restenosis lesions (23.8% versus 37.7% at 2 years after the first TLR;
P
<0.0001). Among 33 baseline variables evaluated, only hemodialysis was identified to be the independent risk factor for recurrent TLR by a multivariable logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for confounders, repeated SES implantation was associated with a strong treatment effect in preventing recurrent TLR over BA (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.32 to 0.61;
P
<0.0001). The 2-year mortality and stent thrombosis rates between the SES- and the BA-treated groups were 10.4% versus 10.8% (
P
=0.4) and 0.6% versus 0.6%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Repeated implantation of SES for SES-associated restenosis is more effective in preventing recurrent TLR than treatment with BA, without evidence of safety concerns.
Thirty-Day Results of the SAPIEN Aortic Bioprosthesis European Outcome (SOURCE) Registry
Authors: Thomas Martyn , Schymik Gerhard , Walther Thomas , Himbert Dominique , Lefèvre Thierry , Treede Hendrik , Eggebrecht Holger , Rubino Paolo , Michev Iassen , Lange Rüdiger , Anderson William N. , Wendler Olaf
Published: June 2010

Background—

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was developed to mitigate the mortality and morbidity associated with high-risk traditional aortic valve replacement. The Edwards SAPIEN valve was approved for transcatheter aortic valve implantation transfemoral delivery in the European Union in November 2007 and for transapical delivery in January 2008.

Methods and Results—

The SAPIEN Aortic Bioprosthesis European Outcome (SOURCE) Registry was designed to assess the initial clinical results of the Edwards SAPIEN valve in consecutive patients in Europe after commercialization. Cohort 1 consists of 1038 patients enrolled at 32 centers. Patients who were treated with the transapical approach (n=575) suffered more comorbidities than the transfemoral patients (n=463), resulting in a significantly higher logistic EuroSCORE (29.1% versus 25.7%;
P
<0.001). Therefore, these groups are considered different, and outcomes cannot be compared. Overall short-term procedural success was observed in 93.8%. The incidence of valve embolization was 0.3% (n=3), and coronary obstruction was reported for 0.6% (n=6 cases). Incidence of stroke was 2.5% and similar for both procedural approaches. Thirty-day mortality was 6.3% in transfemoral patients and 10.3% in transapical patients. The occurrence of vascular complications was not a predictor of <30-day mortality in the transfemoral population.

Conclusion—

Technical proficiency can be learned and adapted readily as demonstrated by the short-term procedural success rate and low 30-day mortality rates reported in the SOURCE Registry. Specific complication management and refinement of patient selection are needed to further improve outcomes.
Effects of a Community-Based Intensive Motor Training Program Combined With Early Supported Discharge After Treatment in a Comprehensive Stroke Unit
Authors: Askim Torunn , Mørkved Siv , Engen Astrid , Roos Kerstin , Aas Tone , Indredavik Bent
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—Increased amount of therapy seems to be beneficial for motor recovery after stroke. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 4-week community-based intensive motor training program combined with early supported discharge after initial treatment in a comprehensive stroke unit on balance. Secondary aims were to evaluate the effect on other functional outcome measures.

Methods—This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a 26-week follow-up. Sixty-two patients were recruited within 14 days after stroke and were randomly allocated to a standard treatment group (n=32) or to an intensive motor training group (n=30) receiving 3 sessions of physical therapy and a structured home exercise program in addition to standard treatment every week for the first 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. Primary outcome measure was Berg Balance Scale. Secondary measures were Barthel Index, Motor Assessment Scale, Step Test, 5-meter Walk Test, and Stroke Impact Scale.

Results—The mean (SD) minutes of physical therapy per week was 171.0 (65.8) in the intensive motor training group vs 85.6(69.9) in the standard treatment group. There were no statistical significant differences between the groups on any measure at end of follow-up except for a trend toward higher Motor Assessment Scale score (P=0.059) and gait speed (P=0.095) in the intensive motor training group.

Conclusion—In this randomized, controlled trial, a community-based intensive motor training program, doubling the amount of physical therapy during the first 4 weeks after discharge, did not show significant improvement of balance or any other functional outcomes.
Measuring Economic Integration in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Principal Components Approach
Authors: Chen Bo , Woo Yuen Pau
Published: June 2010

This paper measures economic integration in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region using a composite index. The weights of the index are obtained from a two-stage principal component analysis. In the first stage, we obtain a convergence index to measure the extent of convergence among the main macroeconomic indicators of a sample of AP economies. In the second stage, we use indicators of trade, FDI, and tourism, as well as the convergence index, to compute the weights for the composite index. We found that economic convergence in the AP region increased until 1998 but has since fallen back. The integration of trade, investment, and people flows increased between 1990 and 2000, weakened slightly to 2003, and has since picked up again. Among the 17 sample economies, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Chinese Taipei are the most integrated with the AP region and Indonesia and China are the least integrated.
A New Method for Modeling the Behavior of Finite Population Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Motoki Tatsuya
Published: June 2010

As practitioners we are interested in the likelihood of the population containing a copy of the optimum. The dynamic systems approach, however, does not help us to calculate that quantity. Markov chain analysis can be used in principle to calculate the quantity. However, since the associated transition matrices are enormous even for modest problems, it follows that in practice these calculations are usually computationally infeasible. Therefore, some improvements on this situation are desirable. In this paper, we present a method for modeling the behavior of finite population evolutionary algorithms (EAs), and show that if the population size is greater than 1 and much less than the cardinality of the search space, the resulting exact model requires considerably less memory space for theoretically running the stochastic search process of the original EA than the Nix and Vose-style Markov chain model. We also present some approximate models that use still less memory space than the exact model. Furthermore, based on our models, we examine the selection pressure by fitness-proportionate selection, and observe that on average over all population trajectories, there is no such strong bias toward selecting the higher fitness individuals as the fitness landscape suggests.
Self-Adaptation of Mutation Operator and Probability for Permutation Representations in Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Serpell Martin , Smith James E.
Published: June 2010

The choice of mutation rate is a vital factor in the success of any genetic algorithm (GA), and for permutation representations this is compounded by the availability of several alternative mutation operators. It is now well understood that there is no one “optimal choice”; rather, the situation changes per problem instance and during evolution. This paper examines whether this choice can be left to the processes of evolution via self-adaptation, thus removing this nontrivial task from the GA user and reducing the risk of poor performance arising from (inadvertent) inappropriate decisions. Self-adaptation has been proven successful for mutation step sizes in the continuous domain, and for the probability of applying bitwise mutation to binary encodings; here we examine whether this can translate to the choice and parameterisation of mutation operators for permutation encodings.

We examine one method for adapting the choice of operator during runtime, and several different methods for adapting the rate at which the chosen operator is applied. In order to evaluate these algorithms, we have used a range of benchmark TSP problems. Of course this paper is not intended to present a state of the art in TSP solvers; rather, we use this well known problem as typical of many that require a permutation encoding, where our results indicate that self-adaptation can prove beneficial. The results show that GAs using appropriate methods to self-adapt their mutation operator and mutation rate find solutions of comparable or lower cost than algorithms with “static” operators, even when the latter have been extensively pretuned. Although the adaptive GAs tend to need longer to run, we show that is a price well worth paying as the time spent finding the optimal mutation operator and rate for the nonadaptive versions can be considerable. Finally, we evaluate the sensitivity of the self-adaptive methods to changes in the implementation, and to the choice of other genetic operators and population models. The results show that the methods presented are robust, in the sense that the performance benefits can be obtained in a wide range of host algorithms.
An Efficient and Accurate Solution Methodology for Bilevel Multi-Objective Programming Problems Using a Hybrid Evolutionary-Local-Search Algorithm
Authors: Deb Kalyanmoy , Sinha Ankur
Published: June 2010

Bilevel optimization problems involve two optimization tasks (upper and lower level), in which every feasible upper level solution must correspond to an optimal solution to a lower level optimization problem. These problems commonly appear in many practical problem solving tasks including optimal control, process optimization, game-playing strategy developments, transportation problems, and others. However, they are commonly converted into a single level optimization problem by using an approximate solution procedure to replace the lower level optimization task. Although there exist a number of theoretical, numerical, and evolutionary optimization studies involving single-objective bilevel programming problems, not many studies look at the context of multiple conflicting objectives in each level of a bilevel programming problem. In this paper, we address certain intricate issues related to solving multi-objective bilevel programming problems, present challenging test problems, and propose a viable and hybrid evolutionary-cum-local-search based algorithm as a solution methodology. The hybrid approach performs better than a number of existing methodologies and scales well up to 40-variable difficult test problems used in this study. The population sizing and termination criteria are made self-adaptive, so that no additional parameters need to be supplied by the user. The study indicates a clear niche of evolutionary algorithms in solving such difficult problems of practical importance compared to their usual solution by a computationally expensive nested procedure. The study opens up many issues related to multi-objective bilevel programming and hopefully this study will motivate EMO and other researchers to pay more attention to this important and difficult problem solving activity.
Tropical Oceanic Causes of Interannual to Multidecadal Precipitation Variability in Southeast South America over the Past Century*
Authors: Seager Richard , Naik Naomi , Baethgen Walter , Robertson Andrew , Kushnir Yochanan , Nakamura Jennifer , Jurburg Stephanie
Published: June 2010

Observations, atmosphere models forced by historical SSTs, and idealized simulations are used to determine the causes and mechanisms of interannual to multidecadal precipitation anomalies over southeast South America (SESA) since 1901. About 40% of SESA precipitation variability over this period can be accounted for by global SST forcing. Both the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans share the driving of SESA precipitation, with the latter contributing the most on multidecadal time scales and explaining a wetting trend from the early midcentury until the end of the last century. Cold tropical Atlantic SST anomalies are shown to drive wet conditions in SESA. The dynamics that link SESA precipitation to tropical Atlantic SST anomalies are explored. Cold tropical Atlantic SST anomalies force equatorward-flowing upper-tropospheric flow to the southeast of the tropical heating anomaly, and the vorticity advection by this flow is balanced by vortex stretching and ascent, which drives the increased precipitation. The 1930s Pampas Dust Bowl drought occurred, via this mechanism, in response to warm tropical Atlantic SST anomalies. The atmospheric response to cold tropical Pacific SSTs also contributed. The tropical Atlantic SST anomalies linked to SESA precipitation are the tropical components of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. There is little evidence that the large trends over past decades are related to anthropogenic radiative forcing, although models project that this will cause a modest wetting of the climate of SESA. As such, and if the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation has shifted toward a warm phase, it should not be assumed that the long-term wetting trend in SESA will continue. Any reversal to a drier climate more typical of earlier decades would have clear consequences for regional agriculture and water resources.
Modulational Instabilities and Breaking Strength for Deep-Water Wave Groups
Authors: Galchenko Alina , Babanin Alexander V. , Chalikov Dmitry , Young I. R. , Hsu Tai-Wen
Published: June 2010

Progression of nonlinear wave groups to breaking was studied numerically and experimentally. Evolution of such wave group parameters as a function of distance to breaking and modulation depth—the height ratio of the highest and the lowest waves in the group—was described. Numerical model results demonstrated good agreement with experimental results in describing the behavior of the distance to breaking and modulation depth as functions of initial wave steepness. It was shown that energy loss appears to be a function of the modulation depth at the breaking onset. Energy loss grows with modulation depth up to a certain threshold of the latter. It was also shown that breaking probability for wave groups with modulation depth below 2.2 is very low.
The Role of Mesoscale Eddies in the Remote Oceanic Response to Altered Southern Hemisphere Winds
Authors: Farneti Riccardo , Delworth Thomas L.
Published: June 2010

It has been suggested that a strengthening of the Southern Hemisphere winds would induce a more vigorous overturning through an increased northward Ekman flux, bringing more light waters into the oceanic basins and enhancing the upwelling of North Atlantic Deep Water in the Southern Ocean, thereby increasing ocean ventilation. Simulations from a coarse- and a fine-resolution version of a coupled model, subject to idealized wind stress changes in the Southern Ocean, are presented. In the fine-resolution eddy-permitting model, changes in poleward eddy fluxes largely compensate for the enhanced equatorward Ekman transport in the Southern Ocean. As a consequence, northward transport of light waters, pycnocline depth, Northern Hemisphere overturning, and Southern Ocean upwelling anomalies are much reduced compared with simulations in the coarse-resolution model with parameterized eddies. These results suggest a relatively weak sensitivity of present-day global ocean overturning circulation to the projected strengthening of the Southern Hemisphere winds.
AirCore: An Innovative Atmospheric Sampling System
Authors: Karion Anna , Sweeney Colm , Tans Pieter , Newberger Timothy
Published: June 2010

This work describes the AirCore, a simple and innovative atmospheric sampling system. The AirCore used in this study is a 150-m-long stainless steel tube, open at one end and closed at the other, that relies on positive changes in ambient pressure for passive sampling of the atmosphere. The AirCore evacuates while ascending to a high altitude and collects a sample of the ambient air as it descends. It is sealed upon recovery and measured with a continuous analyzer for trace gas mole fraction. The AirCore tubing can be shaped into a variety of configurations to accommodate any sampling platform; for the testing done in this work it was shaped into a 0.75-m-diameter coil. Measurements of CO2 and CH4 mole fractions in laboratory tests indicate a repeatability and lack of bias to better than 0.07 ppm (one sigma) for CO2 and 0.4 ppb for CH4 under various conditions. Comparisons of AirCore data with flask data from aircraft flights indicate a standard deviation of differences of 0.3 ppm and 5 ppb for CO2 and CH4, respectively, with no apparent bias. Accounting for longitudinal mixing, the expected measurement resolution for CO2 is 110 m at sea level, 260 m at 8000 m, and 1500 m at 20 000 m ASL after 3 h of storage, decreasing to 170, 390, and 2300 m, after 12 h. Validation tests confirm that the AirCore is a robust sampling device for many species on a variety of platforms, including balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and aircraft.
A Method for Estimating the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Dissipation Rate from a Vertically Pointing Doppler Lidar, and Independent Evaluation from Balloon-Borne In Situ Measurements
Authors: O’Connor Ewan J. , Illingworth Anthony J. , Brooks Ian M. , Westbrook Christopher D. , Hogan Robin J. , Davies Fay , Brooks Barbara J.
Published: June 2010

A method of estimating dissipation rates from a vertically pointing Doppler lidar with high temporal and spatial resolution has been evaluated by comparison with independent measurements derived from a balloon-borne sonic anemometer. This method utilizes the variance of the mean Doppler velocity from a number of sequential samples and requires an estimate of the horizontal wind speed. The noise contribution to the variance can be estimated from the observed signal-to-noise ratio and removed where appropriate. The relative size of the noise variance to the observed variance provides a measure of the confidence in the retrieval. Comparison with in situ dissipation rates derived from the balloon-borne sonic anemometer reveal that this particular Doppler lidar is capable of retrieving dissipation rates over a range of at least three orders of magnitude.

This method is most suitable for retrieval of dissipation rates within the convective well-mixed boundary layer where the scales of motion that the Doppler lidar probes remain well within the inertial subrange. Caution must be applied when estimating dissipation rates in more quiescent conditions. For the particular Doppler lidar described here, the selection of suitably short integration times will permit this method to be applicable in such situations but at the expense of accuracy in the Doppler velocity estimates. The two case studies presented here suggest that, with profiles every 4 s, reliable estimates of ε can be derived to within at least an order of magnitude throughout almost all of the lowest 2 km and, in the convective boundary layer, to within 50%. Increasing the integration time for individual profiles to 30 s can improve the accuracy substantially but potentially confines retrievals to within the convective boundary layer. Therefore, optimization of certain instrument parameters may be required for specific implementations.
Sensitivity of the Simulated Tropical Cyclone Inner-Core Size to the Initial Vortex Size*
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Yuqing
Published: June 2010

The multiply nested, fully compressible, nonhydrostatic tropical cyclone model version 4 (TCM4) is used to examine and understand the sensitivity of the simulated tropical cyclone (TC) inner-core size to its initial vortex size. The results show that although the simulated TC intensity at the mature stage is weakly dependent on the initial vortex size for the general settings, the simulated TC inner-core size is largely determined by the initial vortex size. The initial vortex size is critical to both the energy input from the ocean and the effectiveness of the inward angular momentum transport by the transverse circulation driven by eyewall convection and diabatic heating in spiral rainbands.

Strong outer winds in a storm with a large initial size lead to large entropy fluxes to a large radial extent outside the eyewall, favoring the development of active spiral rainbands. Latent heat released in spiral rainbands plays a key role in increasing the low-level radial inflow and accelerating tangential winds outside the eyewall, leading to outward expansion of tangential wind fields and thus increasing the inner-core size of the simulated storm. On the contrary, a storm with a small initial size has weaker outer winds and smaller surface entropy fluxes outside the eyewall and is accompanied by less active spiral rainbands and thus a much slower increase in the inner-core size. The effectiveness of the inward transport of absolute angular momentum to increase the tangential winds outside the eyewall is largely determined by the radial extent of the vertical absolute vorticity, which is shown to be higher in a large size vortex.

The relative importance of the initial vortex size and the environmental relative humidity (RH) to the TC inner-core size is also evaluated. It is found that the inner-core size of the simulated storm at the mature stage depends more heavily on the initial vortex size than on the initial RH of the environment.
Vertical Moist Thermodynamic Structure of the Madden–Julian Oscillation in Atmospheric Infrared Sounder Retrievals: An Update and a Comparison to ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis
Authors: Tian Baijun , Waliser Duane E. , Fetzer Eric J. , Yung Yuk L.
Published: June 2010

The large-scale vertical moist thermodynamic structure of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) was documented using the first 2.5 yr (2002–05) of version 4 atmospheric specific humidity and temperature profiles from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). In this study, this issue is further examined using currently available 7-yr version 5 AIRS data (2002–09) to test its dependence on the AIRS data record lengths, AIRS retrieval versions, and MJO event selection and compositing methods employed. The results indicate a strong consistency of the large-scale vertical moist thermodynamic structure of the MJO between different AIRS data record lengths (2.5 vs 7 yr), different AIRS retrieval versions (4 vs 5), and different MJO analysis methods [the extended empirical orthogonal function (EEOF) method vs the multivariate empirical orthogonal function (MEOF) method].

The large-scale vertical moist thermodynamic structures of the MJO between the AIRS retrievals and the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) products are also compared. The results indicate a much better agreement of the MJO vertical structure between AIRS and ERA-Interim than with the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis, although a significant difference exists in the magnitude of moisture anomalies between ERA-Interim and AIRS. This characterization of the vertical moist thermodynamic structure of the MJO by AIRS and ERA-Interim offers a useful observation-based metric for general circulation model diagnostics.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Review of the Genetic Basis
Authors: Saratzis Athanasios , Abbas Ahmed A. , Kiskinis Dimitrios , Melas Nikolaos , Saratzis Nikolaos , Kitas George D.
Published: June 2010

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disease with a largely unknown pathophysiological background and a strong genetic component. Various studies have tried to link specific genetic variants with AAA. Methods: Systematic review of the literature (1947-2009). Results: A total of 249 studies were identified, 89 of which were eventually deemed relevant to this review. Genetic variants (polymorphisms) in a wide variety of genes, most of which encode proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules, have been associated with AAA development and progression. Conclusion: The genetic basis of AAA remains unknown, and most results from ‘‘candidate-gene’’ association studies are contradictory. Further analyses in appropriately powered studies in large, phenotypically well-characterized populations, including genome-wide association studies, are necessary to elucidate the exact genetic contribution to the pathophysiology of AAA.
A Simple Poverty Scorecard for Pakistan
Authors: Schreiner Mark
Published: June 2010

How poor are participants in pro-poor programs in Pakistan? This study uses the 2005/6 Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey to construct an easy-to-use scorecard that estimates the likelihood that a Pakistani household has expenditure below a given poverty line. The scorecard uses 10 simple indicators that field workers can quickly collect and verify. Poverty scores can be computed on paper in the field in about 5 to 10 minutes. The scorecard’s accuracy and precision are reported for a range of poverty lines. The poverty scorecard is a practical way for pro-poor programs in Pakistan to monitor poverty rates, track changes in poverty rates over time, and target services.
Facing the Future: The Perceptions of Black Adolescents on their Prospects in South Africa
Authors: Kamper Gerrit , Badenhorst Jo
Published: June 2010

This study focuses on the impact of social change on the black youth of post-apartheid South Africa. It is argued that adolescents’ perspectives on their future in this country are of particular relevance due to the extent of social problems which are currently experienced in South Africa. With South Africa’s history of apartheid and discrimination, it emerges that the influence of traditional cultural norms and values on the black youth is slowly but surely diminishing. They tend to share the general consumerism of South Africa’s wealthy classes, and many lack the history of participation in the struggle for political freedom. Amidst severe social problems, such as poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and violent crime, the findings of an empirical investigation into the views of 391 black adolescents from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds indicate that a general spirit of optimism and independence exists, paired with a strong desire to escape the trappings of poverty and the inferiority of the past.
Surf ’s Up: Work, Life, Balance and Brand in a New Age Capitalist Organization
Authors: Land Chris , Taylor Scott
Published: June 2010

This article reframes the notion of work/life balance through analysis of branding and the immaterial labour process in a ‘new age capitalist’ organization. The company does not manufacture material products; rather, value is produced through branding imported goods to promote ‘alternative’ ways of living. This is achieved through incorporation of leisure activities and lifestyles of key employees, effectively putting their ‘lives’ to ‘work’ in the creation of value for the company. For employees, therefore, much work actually takes place notionally outside or on the margins of their formally employed space and time. We argue that this qualitatively transforms the conceptions of, and relations between, work and life that underpin the concept of work/life balance. We conclude by exploring the tensions generated by organizational incorporation of employee autonomy in the pursuit of aspirational branding.
The Effects of Interaction Goals on Negotiation Tactics and Outcomes: A Dyad-Level Analysis Across Two Cultures
Authors: Meina Liu  , Wilson Steven R.
Published: June 2010

This study investigates how negotiators’ interaction goals influence their own and their counterparts’ negotiation tactics and outcomes across two cultures using a simulated employment contract negotiation. Results show that when negotiators placed greater importance on competitive goals, they used more distributive persuasion and fewer priority information exchange tactics, which reduced their counterparts’ profit; negotiators’ competitive goals also caused their counterparts to use fewer priority information exchange tactics, which in turn hurt their own profit. Dyad members’ competitive goals have an indirect, negative impact on joint profit. In addition, Chinese negotiators placed greater importance on competitive goals and used more distributive and fewer integrative tactics than Americans, but the associations between goals and tactics did not differ across cultures. Nevertheless, members of the two cultures took different paths to improve joint profit; as a result, Chinese dyads achieved no less joint profit than American dyads. The study sheds light on culture’s effect on the interactive processes by which goals impact negotiation performance.
Measuring Homework Completion in Behavioral Activation
Authors: Busch Andrew M. , Uebelacker Lisa A. , Kalibatseva Zornitsa , Miller Ivan W.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an observer-based coding system for the characterization and completion of homework assignments during Behavioral Activation (BA). Existing measures of homework completion are generally unsophisticated, and there is no current measure of homework completion designed to capture the particularities of BA. The tested scale sought to capture the type of assignment, realm of functioning targeted, extent of completion, and assignment difficulty. Homework assignments were drawn from 12 (mean age = 48, 83% female) clients in two trials of a 10-session BA manual targeting treatment-resistant depression in primary care. The two coders demonstrated acceptable or better reliability on most codes, and unreliable codes were dropped from the proposed scale. In addition, correlations between homework completion and outcome were strong, providing some support for construct validity. Ultimately, this line of research aims to develop a user-friendly, reliable measure of BA homework completion that can be completed by a therapist during session.
Brief DVD-based educational intervention for patients with cancer pain: feasibility study
Authors: Capewell CMR , Gregory W , Closs SJ , Bennett MI
Published: June 2010

Patient attitudes and knowledge regarding cancer pain and strong opioid analgesia can sometimes be a barrier to good pain control. Educational interventions that address these barriers are effective in oncology outpatients but have not been evaluated in patients with more advanced disease. We assessed the feasibility of a randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating a brief DVD-based educational intervention for cancer pain in palliative care patients. Participants were shown DVD at baseline (V1) and at 1 week (V2). Outcomes were assessed using Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Patient Pain Questionnaire (PPQ) before intervention, and at V2 and V3 (4 weeks later). Fifteen patients and 10 carers were recruited. Between V1 and V2, total BPI and PPQ scores improved significantly by 9.6% ( p = 0.02) and 17% ( p = 0.04) respectively with no further improvements at V3. Our findings suggest that this intervention is feasible and potentially effective between 7—30 days follow up. A multicentre clinical trial is now needed to evaluate this intervention further.
Geographies of production I: An evolutionary revolution?
Authors: Coe Neil M.
Published: June 2010

This report profiles the recent upsurge of interest in evolutionary approaches within economic geography. It seeks to do four things: (1) provide evidence of the growing interest in evolutionary economic geography; (2) explore the roots and theoretical underpinnings of the approach; (3) review the main strands of evolutionary economic geography research currently being undertaken; and (4) offer a preliminary evaluation of the strengths and limitations of this increasingly significant body of work.
A Comparison of the Effect of Central Anatomical Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Pivot-Shift Kinematics
Authors: Bedi Asheesh , Musahl Volker , O’Loughlin Padhraig , Maak Travis , Citak Musa , Dixon Peter , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: June 2010

Background: Biomechanical differences between anatomical double-bundle and central single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the same graft tissue have not been defined.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare these reconstructions in their ability to restore native knee kinematics during a reproducible Lachman and pivot-shift examination.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Using a computer-assisted navigation system, 10 paired knees were subjected to biomechanical testing with a standardized Lachman and mechanized pivot-shift examination. The navigation system recorded the 3D motion path of a tracked point at the center of the tibia, center of the medial tibial plateau, and center of the lateral tibial plateau with each maneuver. The testing protocol consisted of evaluation in the intact state, after complete anterior cruciate ligament transection, after medial and lateral meniscectomy, and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with (1) a single-bundle center-center or (2) anatomical double-bundle technique. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with a post hoc Tukey test was used to compare the measured translations with each test condition.

Results: A significant difference in anterior translation was seen with Lachman examination between the anterior cruciate ligament– and medial and lateral meniscus–deficient condition compared with both the double-bundle and single-bundle center-center anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ( P < .001); no significant difference was observed between reconstructions. The double-bundle construct was significantly better in limiting anterior translation of the lateral compartment compared with the single-bundle reconstruction during a pivot-shift maneuver (2.0 ± 5.7 mm vs 7.8 ± 1.8 mm, P < .001) and was not significantly different than the intact anterior cruciate ligament condition (2.7 mm ± 4.7 mm, P > .05).

Discussion: Although double-bundle and single-bundle, center-center anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions appear equally effective in controlling anterior translation during a Lachman examination, analysis of pivot-shift kinematics reveals significant differences between these surgical reconstructions. An altered rotational axis resulted in significantly greater translation of the lateral compartment in the single-bundle compared with double-bundle reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance: A double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be a favorable construct for restoration of knee kinematics in the at-risk knee with associated meniscal injuries and/or significant pivot shift on preoperative examination.
Quality of Life and Clinical Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Graft or Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft
Authors: Barenius Björn , Nordlander Martin , Ponzer Sari , Tidermark Jan , Eriksson Karl
Published: June 2010

Background: Randomized controlled trials after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with long-term follow-up including assessment of health-related quality of life are rare.

Purpose: To compare clinical outcome and health-related quality of life 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using 2 types of graft.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: Long-term follow-up of 164 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury randomized to arthroscopic reconstruction with a quadrupled semitendinosus graft or a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft was undertaken. After a mean 8 years, 153 patients were available for follow-up, including instrumented laxity, 1-legged hop test, a knee-walking test, and assessment with International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, and patellofemoral pain score. Health-related quality of life was assessed with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Short Form–36.

Results: Patients in both graft groups retained the same stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life. The patellofemoral pain score was similar for both groups; the bone–patellar tendon–bone group had more donor site morbidity from kneeling and knee walking. In the bone–patellar tendon–bone group, 19 patients had no kneeling problems, 23 slight problems, 31 moderate problems, and 5 unable to kneel. Corresponding figures for the semitendinosus group were 25, 32, 16, and 2 ( P < .001). Patients with early reconstructions (<5 months) had a lower risk for meniscal injuries (37%) than did later reconstructed (62%, P = .008). Health-related quality of life regarding physical functioning in Short Form–36 was better for the early-reconstructed patients than for the later reconstructed (92 vs 85; P = .014). Patients without medial meniscal surgery had higher Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores for all subscales than did patients with medial meniscal surgery, with most significant difference for sport and recreation (63 vs 75, P = .008).

Conclusion: In the long term, the semitendinosus graft provided similar stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life but with less kneeling morbidity than did the bone–patellar tendon–bone graft.
Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior-Inferior Glenohumeral Instability Using a Portal at the 5:30-o’Clock Position
Authors: Imhoff Andreas B. , Ansah Patrick , Tischer Thomas , Reiter Christoph , Bartl Christoph , Hench Maximilian , Spang Jeffrey T. , Vogt Stephan
Published: June 2010

Background: Traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder joint dislocations are common injuries among the young athletic population. The aim of this study was to assess which factors, including concomitant injury (rotator cuff tears, superior labral anterior posterior [SLAP] lesions), patient age, and fixation methods, led to redislocation after arthroscopic stabilization.

Hypothesis: There are several risk factors for the outcome after arthroscopic anterior-inferior glenohumeral stabilization.

Study Design: Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Between 1996 and 2000, 221 patients were treated with arthroscopic stabilization for anterior-inferior shoulder dislocation. Of these 221 consecutive patients, 190 (140 male, 50 female) with an average age of 28.0 years (range, 14.4-59.2 years) were available for follow-up (average follow-up, 37.4 ± 15.8 months). Fixation methods were FASTak (n = 138), Suretac (n = 28), or Panalok (n = 24) anchors. Concomitant SLAP lesions were seen in 38 of 190 cases (20%).

Results: Redislocation rates varied between anchor systems (FASTak, 6.5%; Suretac, 25%; Panalok, 16.8%). Superior labral anterior posterior lesions, when treated, did not influence clinical outcomes or redislocation rate. A concomitant rotator cuff tear did not influence redislocation rate. Postoperative outcomes (Rowe score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] shoulder index, 12-item questionnaire) in patients with a partial tear were also not altered. On the other hand, the redislocation rate correlated with patient age and number of prior dislocations. Return to sports at preinjury level was possible in 80% of cases.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of anterior-inferior instability using the 5:30-o’clock portal is dependent on anchor type and can show good to excellent results. Because of several coinjuries in anterior-inferior instability, an arthroscopic approach may be required to identify and treat such lesions.
Antibacterial Analysis of a Zinc-based Glass Polyalkenoate Cement
Authors: Clarkin Owen , Wren Anthony , Thornton Roibeard , Cooney Jakki , Towler Mark
Published: June 2010

Infection following surgery can result in significant pain and morbidity for patients undergoing vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty, and often results in revision surgery. This study focuses on the development of Al-free glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) based on 0.04SrO—0.12CaO—0.36ZnO—0.48SiO 2 glass, with the intent of optimizing their antibacterial efficacy by incorporating low—molecular-weight polyacrylic acids (PAA) and trisodium citrate (TSC), and evaluating the resultant GPCs against bacteria relevant to spinal infections, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Ion-release profiles were determined for the GPC formulation containing E6 PAA (Cement A) and E7 PAA (Cement B), and Zn, Na, and Sr release was recorded over 1, 7, and 30 days. Inhibition was found in E. coli at each time period (0—30 days) and this generally decreased with exposure time in water. The largest GPC inhibition zones were produced by Cement A (6 mm); however the control material Simplex P + tobramycin produced much higher inhibition zones (11 mm). When testing the GPC against P. aeruginosa, inhibition was only present at the 0-day time period. Simplex P + tobramycin was found to produce inhibition at each time frame. Analysis of the agar from the inhibition zone of the E. coli test revealed that there is a significant change in Zn concentration as compared to a control agar specimen, which suggests that Zn release is responsible for the antibacterial effect of the GPCs.
Subjective Mild Depressive Symptoms are Associated With Abnormal Diurnal Cycle of Salivary Cortisol in Older Adults
Authors: Balardin Joana Bisol , Vedana Gustavo , Luz Clarice , Bromberg Elke
Published: June 2010

Background: Alterations in cortisol secretion pattern seem to be involved in the associations between aging, depression, and cognitive decline. Objective: The aim of this study was to mainly assess cortisol circadian profile in older adults with subjective depressive symptoms. Methods: Salivary cortisol samples from healthy young (n = 22) and old adults (n = 22), and from older adults who self-reported depressive symptoms in Geriatric Depression Scale (n = 22) were collected at 7 AM, 4 PM, and 10 PM and were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Results: Older adults with depressive symptoms presented the characteristic cortisol circadian pattern, but they showed higher cortisol levels at 10 PM than healthy young and elderly controls. Conclusions: Our data suggest that mild depressive symptoms could be associated with a cortisol secretion pattern previously described as being predictive of cognitive decline.
A “Gamer” in Many Areas
Authors: Anderson Philip H.
Published: June 2010

I am Professor and Chair of the Management Department at the University of St. Thomas, my professional home for the past 30 years. My primary teaching interest has always been strategic planning. I discovered business simulations over 30 years ago, and have been a user and advocate of them throughout my professional life. In 1992, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholars Fellowship to teach at the National University of Ireland in Cork, Ireland, and I ended up spending 4 years there over a 6-year period. I have led a study abroad program to England and Ireland, teaching an undergraduate strategy course there annually since 1997.
A sociocultural analysis of teacher talk in inquiry-based professional development
Authors: Tasker Thomas , Johnson Karen E. , Davis Tracy S.
Published: June 2010

In this article we examine a teacher-authored narrative in which Steve Mann (2002), an English as a second language teacher, critically reflects on how his teaching beliefs were transformed as a result of participating in ‘cooperative development’ (Edge, 1992, 2002). Cooperative development is an inquiry-based approach to professional development that promotes self-development as it occurs within the context of a supportive group of colleagues. Our analysis of Mann’s narrative — based on a Vygotskian sociocultural view of cognitive development — exposes evidence that unexpected aspects of the dialogic process that Mann and his colleagues engaged in spurred his cognitive development. Mann’s conceptual development is traced from the initial gap between his cognition and emotions, manifested in a contradiction between his beliefs and practices, through the dialogic processes of externalization and reconceptualization, and towards a transformation — he asserts — in his teaching practices. By externalizing these contradictions with his colleagues, who act as temporary others, he is in essence operating in a zone of proximal development in which the mediational means provided by the group enable him to reconceptualize and restructure his beliefs and work towards self-regulation of his teaching practices.
Doing a group presentation: Negotiations and challenges experienced by five Chinese ESL students of Commerce at a Canadian university
Authors: Luxin Yang
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the negotiations and challenges experienced by five Chinese ESL (English as a second language) students of Commerce through their engagement in an academic presentation in a regular content course at a Canadian university. Multiple sources of data were collected, including interviews, class observations, group discussions, emails, field notes, assignment drafts, and course materials. Data analysis showed that, in their preparatory activities outside the classroom, students employed peer—peer dialogues (group discussions and email exchanges) to clarify the task requirements, generate ideas, seek peer comments, and coach rehearsals. However, the academic presentation — especially open discussion part — was a great challenge to them, related to their underdeveloped English conversation ability, their unfamiliarity with participatory communication modes in the Canadian classroom, and their limited experience with group work. To compensate for their limited sense of conversational abilities, they chose to present a thorough case analysis rather than engage the class in discussion through their presentation as expected by the instructor. The students eventually understood the norms of academic presentation in this content course through their observation of the instructor’s reaction to their presentation in class and subsequent presentations of their classmates, and they realized that they should approach assignments according to the requirements. Implications drawn from these findings are discussed.