bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement After Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Is Independent of Infarct Location in Chronic Stroke Patients
Authors: Gauthier Lynne V. , Taub Edward , Mark Victor W. , Perkins Christi , Uswatte Gitendra
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Disruption of the corticospinal tract at various locations in the brain has been shown to predict worse spontaneous motor recovery after stroke. However, the anatomic specificity of previous findings was limited by the categorical classification of infarct locations. Here we used computational methods to more precisely determine the specific anatomic locations associated with impaired motor ability. More important, however, our study also used these techniques to evaluate whether infarct location could influence motor outcomes after Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy), a specific and controlled form of physical therapy.

Methods—

Quantitative voxel-based analyses were used to determine whether infarct location could predict either initial motor ability or clinical improvement after CI therapy in chronic stroke patients.

Results—

Although corona radiata infarcts were associated with worse in-laboratory motor ability at pretreatment, infarct location did not predict improvement in either the laboratory or the life situation after CI therapy.

Conclusions—

The extent of improvement from CI therapy does not depend on the location of neurological damage, despite there being a pretreatment relationship between infarct location and in-laboratory motor ability. This dissociation could be explained by brain plasticity induced by CI therapy.
Faster Recovery of Cerebral Perfusion in SOD1-Overexpressed Rats After Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation
Authors: Xu Yan , Liachenko Serguei M. , Tang Pei , Chan Pak H.
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Protracted hypoperfusion is one of the hallmarks of secondary cerebral derangement after cardiac arrest and resuscitation (CAR), and reactive oxygen species have been implicated in reperfusion abnormalities.

Methods—

Using transgenic (Tg) rats overexpressing copper zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), we investigated the role of this intrinsic antioxidant in the restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF) after CAR. Nine Tg and 11 wild-type (WT) rats were subjected to a nominal 15-minute cardiac arrest, and CBF was measured using the noninvasive arterial spin labeling MRI method before and during cardiac arrest, and 0 to 2 hours and 1 to 5 days after resuscitation.

Results—

The SOD1-Tg rats showed rapid normalization of CBF 1 day after the insult, whereas CBF in WT animals remained abnormal for at least 5 days, showing a progressive increase in CBF from hypo- to hyperperfusion on postresuscitation days 1 to 5. The long-term outcome, as measured by survival time, change in body weight, and mapping of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for ion/water homeostasis, was significantly better in the SOD1-Tg rats.

Conclusion—

Our results support the notion that reactive oxygen species are at least partially responsible for microvascular reperfusion disorders.
Score for the Targeting of Atrial Fibrillation (STAF)
Authors: Suissa Laurent , Bertora David , Lachaud Sylvain , Mahagne Marie Hélène
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

The high risk of recurrence and comorbidity after a stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) justifies an aggressive diagnostic approach so that anticoagulant treatment can be initiated.

Methods—

The clinical and paraclinical characteristics of consecutive ischemic stroke patients with and without documented AF were recorded. Independent predictive factors were then used to produce a predictive grading score for diagnosing AF, derived by logistic regression analysis: Score for the Targeting of Atrial Fibrillation (STAF).

Results—

STAF, calculated from the sum of the points for the 4 items (possible total score 0 to 8): age >62 years (2 points); NIHSS ≥8 (1 point); left atrial dilatation (2 points); absence of symptomatic intraor extracranial stenosis ≥50%, or clinico-radiological lacunar syndrome (3 points). STAF ≥5 identified patients with AF with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 88%.

Conclusions—

STAF can be used as part of a novel and simple strategy for the targeting of AF in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. A multicenter study is now required to validate STAF in a larger number of patients.
Open-Angle Glaucoma and the Risk of Stroke Development
Authors: Ho Jau-Der , Hu Chao-Chien , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Although open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is associated with some of the risk factors of stroke development, there is still no published study addressing whether OAG increases the risk of stroke development. We investigated the risk of stroke development after a diagnosis of OAG.

Methods—

Data were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, which is comprised of 1 073 891 random subjects from among Taiwan’s 23 million residents. The study cohort comprised all patients with a diagnosis of OAG (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code 365.1 to 365.11) in 2001 (n=4032). The comparison cohort was comprised of randomly selected patients (5 for every patient with OAG, n=20 160) matched with the study group in terms of age, gender, geographic location, and comorbid medical disorders. Patients were tracked from their index visits for 5 years. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to compute the 5-year stroke-free survival rate after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Results—

Stroke developed in 14.9% of patients with OAG and 9.5% of patients in the comparison cohort during the 5-year follow-up period. Patients with OAG had significantly lower 5-year stroke-free survival rates than patients in the comparison cohort. After adjusting for patients’ demographic characteristics and selected comorbidities, patients with OAG were found to have a 1.52-fold (95% CI, 1.40 to 1.72) higher risk of having a stroke than the matched comparison cohort.

Conclusions—

Patients with OAG demonstrated a significantly increased risk of stroke development during the 5-year follow-up period.
A Reply to Zax's (2002) Critique of Grofman and Migalski (1988)
Authors: Grofman Bernard , Barreto Matt A.
Published: May 2009

The authors reply to Zax's critique of the double-equation method for ecological regression and of the specific extension to it proposed by Grofman and Migalski. Although Zax does correct two minor errors in Grofman and Migalski's statement of the double-equation approach, neither of those errors affected the final calculations reported in their article. Furthermore, nothing Zax reports affects their fundamental conclusion that double-equation methods can be superior to single-equation techniques if there is substantial error in the measurement of the independent variable. In particular, by analyzing an election for which, from exit polls, the ``true'' parameters of Hispanic and non-Hispanic levels of political cohesion are known, the authors show that double-equation ecological regression estimates derived from registration data are highly accurate in reproducing the true individual-level behavioral parameters (group means).
Using Heterogeneous Choice Models to Compare Logit and Probit Coefficients Across Groups
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: May 2009

Allison (1999) notes that comparisons of logit and probit coefficients across groups can be invalid and misleading, proposes a procedure by which these problems can be corrected, and argues that ``routine use [of this method] seems advisable'' and that ``it is hard to see how [the method] can be improved.'' In this article, the author argues that as originally proposed, Allison's method can have serious problems and should not be applied on a routine basis. However, this study also shows that his model belongs to a larger class of models variously known as heterogeneous choice or location-scale models. Several advantages of this broader and more flexible class of models are illustrated. Dependent variables can be ordinal in addition to binary, sources of heterogeneity can be better modeled and controlled for, and insights can be gained into the effects of group characteristics on outcomes that would be missed by other methods.
Children of Omar
Authors: Griffin Farah Jasmine
Published: May 2009

The history of black people in the United States is an epic saga of dislocation, dispersal, and dispossession. Consequently the instability, insecurity, and disruption that accompany displacement have been a persistent part of the black experience in the United States. The post-Katrina crisis confronted by black New Orleanians was yet another chapter in this ongoing saga. This article seeks to explore the ways in which the culture and music of New Orleans has functioned as a reservoir of human resilience and resistance. Specifically, in addition to reflections on the impact of enslavement, Jim Crow, and the Great Migration on the cultural history of black New Orleans, this article considers the cultural significance of the Crescent City in American history as one of the major reasons why issues of resettlement must be central to rebuilding efforts.
An integrated model of provision of palliative care to patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bourke SJ , Doe SJ , Gascoigne AD , Heslop K , Fields M , Reynolds D , Mannix K
Published: May 2009

Palliative care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is often undertaken by CF teams rather than palliative care teams because of the specialist nature of the disease and the potential role of lung transplantation. We developed an integrated model of provision of palliative care whereby most care is delivered by the CF team using palliative guidelines and pathways, with additional support available from the specialist palliative care team when needed. We report our experience of the terminal care of 40 patients with CF with regard to the circumstances of death, lung transplantation status, specific symptoms and provision of palliative treatments. The transition from disease modifying treatments to palliative care was particularly complex. Patients had a high level of symptoms requiring palliation and most died in hospital. Palliative care is a crucial component of a CF service and requires the specialist skills of both the CF and palliative care teams.
Are end-of-life patient education materials readable?
Authors: Ache KA , Wallace LS
Published: May 2009

Although established guidelines for developing low-literacy patient education materials are available, poorly designed material continue to be disseminated. We evaluated the readability and layout of English-language end-of-life patient education materials available on the Internet. Internet websites of five national palliative care organizations were searched to identify patient education materials for review. A convenience sample of 15 patient education materials per palliative care organization ( n = 75) was downloaded and printed. The Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) was used to calculate the reading grade level (readability) of the text, while the layout features was assessed using criteria from the User-Friendliness Tool (UFT). The reading grade level of patient education materials ranged from 7th to 12th grade (mean ± SD = 11.1 ± 1.9). None of the patient education materials scored high on all UFT criteria. In particular, the greatest need was increasing the amount of white space and improving the way in which information was organized visually. Healthcare providers can only aid in the decision process, patients and their loved ones are ultimately responsible for making these choices. These decisions are important as choices need to be made about end-of-life care while patients are still cognitively able to do so. Well designed end-of-life patient education materials can offer a wealth of knowledge to assist and guide decision making. On the basis of these results, end-of-life patient education materials should be revised so that the average adult is able to understand the message presented, thereby enhancing his/her ability to make informed decisions.
Review: Acids in the brain: a factor in panic?
Authors: Esquivel G. , Schruers KR , Maddock RJ , Colasanti A. , Griez EJ
Published: May 2009

Several methods to experimentally induce panic cause profound acid-base disturbances. Evidence suggests that CO2 inhalations, lactate infusions and, to a certain extent, voluntary hyperventilation can conceivably lead to a common scenario of brain acidosis in the face of disparate intravascular pH alterations. The importance of this event is reflected in data that support a model in which experimental panic attacks, as proxy to those occurring spontaneously, constitute a response to acute brain acidosis. Given that central CO2/H+ chemoreception is an important drive for ventilation, and many chemosensitive neurons are related to respiration and arousal, this model can explain much of the connection between panic and respiration. We propose that the shared characteristics of CO2/H+ sensing neurons overlap to a point where threatening disturbances in brain pH homeostasis, such as those produced by CO2 inhalations, elicit a primal emotion that can range from breathlessness to panic.
Effects of lorazepam on brain activity pattern during an anxiety symptom provocation challenge
Authors: Schunck T. , Mathis A. , Erb G. , Namer IJ , Demazières A. , Luthringer R.
Published: May 2009

Human models of anxiety are useful to develop new effective anxiolytics. The objective of this study was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test the hypothesis that a single dose of lorazepam modifies brain activation during an anxiety challenge. Eighteen healthy male subjects underwent fMRI associated with a challenge based on the anticipation of aversive electrical stimulations after pretreatment, either with placebo or with 1.0 mg of oral lorazepam. Anxiety was rated before fMRI and after, referring to the threat condition periods, using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Hamilton scales. The conditioning procedure induced anxiety, as indicated by clinical rating score changes. Lorazepam did not modify anxiety rating as compared to placebo. Lorazepam reduced cerebral activity in superior frontal gyrus, anterior insula/inferior frontal gyrus and cingulate gyrus. The current finding provides the first evidence of the modulatory effects of an established anxiolytic agent on brain activation related to anticipatory anxiety.
Where are the Cyborgs in Cybernetics?
Authors: Kline Ronald
Published: May 2009

Cyborgs — cybernetic organisms, hybrids of humans and machines — have pervaded everyday life, the military, popular culture, and the academic world since the advent of cyborg studies in the mid 1980s. They have been a recurrent theme in STS in recent decades, but there are surprisingly few cyborgs referred to in the early history of cybernetics in the USA and Britain. In this paper, I analyze the work of the early cyberneticians who researched and built cyborgs. I then use that history of cyborgs as a basis for reinterpreting the history of cybernetics by critiquing cyborg studies that give a teleological account of cybernetics, and histories of cybernetics that view it as a unitary discipline. I argue that cyborgs were a minor research area in cybernetics, usually classified under the heading of `medical cybernetics', in the USA and Britain from the publication of Wiener's Cybernetics in 1948 to the decline of cybernetics among mainstream scientists in the 1960s. During that period, cyberneticians held multiple interpretations of their field. Most of the research on cybernetics focused on the analogy between humans and machines — the main research method of cybernetics — not the fusion of humans and machines, the domain of cyborgs. Although many cyberneticians in the USA and Britain viewed cybernetics as a `universal discipline', they created contested, area-specific interpretations of their field under the metadiscourse of cybernetics.
Pharmacovigilance and Post-Black Market Surveillance
Authors: Langlitz Nicolas
Published: May 2009

Pharmacovigilance can be defined as a set of practices aiming at the detection, understanding and assessment of risks related to the use of drugs in a population, and the prevention of consequential adverse effects. In a narrower sense, the term refers exclusively to postmarket surveillance. This paper briefly outlines how pharmacovigilance has come to play a central role in the regulation of novel pharmaceuticals. However, the focus of the text is on mechanisms emerging in an experimental drug scene that aim at dealing with the risks posed by `designer drugs' newly introduced to the black market. This discussion of pharmacovigilance and `post-black market surveillance' is situated in the broader context of the more recent dissemination of vigilance as a key element of government in a world too complex for legal and disciplinary measures alone.
Theatre of Use
Authors: Smith Wally
Published: May 2009

Demonstrations are a universal form of technical exchange in the world of information technology (IT), but they get almost no mention in its practical guides and theoretical accounts. To understand their structure, role and status better, an interview study was carried out with experienced practitioners focusing on commercial presentations of software to large organizations. Drawing on Goffman's frame analysis, the present-day IT demonstration is seen in relation to other members of a broader class of technoscientific displays, particularly those of pre-20th century science epitomized by the famous performances of Boyle, Faraday and others. The focus of the account here is on how demonstrations are experienced by participants and what this might reveal about the manner of knowledge production that they make possible. Following a dramaturgical metaphor, the IT demonstration is understood as a Theatre of Use in which a possible sociotechnical system is represented dramatically through the actions of the demonstrator interacting with the technology. What comes to be known through the performance is seen to be multiply-framed and to encompass various ways of knowing.
Bringing Abundance into Environmental Politics
Authors: Alatout Samer
Published: May 2009

For more than five decades, resource scarcity has been the lead story in debates over environmental politics. More importantly, and whenever environmental politics implies conflict, resource scarcity is constructed as the culprit. Abundance of resources, if at all visited in the literature, holds less importance. Resource abundance is seen, at best, as the other side of scarcity — maybe the successful conclusion of multiple interventions that may turn scarcity into abundance. This paper reinstates abundance as a politico-environmental category in its own right. Rather than relegating abundance to a second-order environmental actor that matters only on occasion, this paper foregrounds it as a crucial element in modern environmental politics. On the substantive level, and using insights from science and technology studies, especially a slightly modified actor-network framework, I describe the emergence and consolidation of a Zionist network of abundance, immigration, and colonization in Palestine between 1918 and 1948. The essential argument here is that water abundance was constructed as fact, and became a political rallying point around which a techno-political network emerged that included a great number of elements. To name just a few, the following were enrolled in the service of such a network: geologists, geophysicists, Zionist settlement experts, Zionist organizations, political and technical categories of all sorts, Palestinians as the negated others, Palestinian revolts in search of political rights, the British Mandate authorities, the hydrological system of Palestine, and the absorptive capacity of Palestine, among others. The point was to successfully articulate these disparate elements into a network that seeks opening Palestine for Jewish immigration, redefining Palestinian geography and history through Judeo-Christian Biblical narratives, and, in the process, de-legitimizing political Palestinian presence in historic Palestine.
Complexity not collapse: recasting the geographies of homelessness in a ‘punitive’ age
Authors: DeVerteuil Geoffrey , May Jon , von Mahs Jürgen
Published: May 2009

Over the past decade there has been a proliferation of work on homelessness by geographers. Much of this has been framed by the desire to connect discussions of homelessness to wider debates around gentrification, urban restructuring and the politics of public space. Though such work has been helpful in shifting discussions of homelessness into the mainstream geographical literature, too much of it remains narrowly framed within a US metric of knowledge and too closely focused upon the recent punitive turn in urban social policy. Here we advance instead a framework that recognizes the growing multiplicy of homeless geographies in recent years under policies that are better understood as multifaceted and ambivalent rather than only punitive.
Contemporary geographies of exclusion II: lessons from Iowa
Authors: Herbert Steve
Published: May 2009

Processes of exclusion both presuppose and reinforce boundaries. Yet the realities of globalization mean that such political and cultural boundaries are regularly and increasingly transgressed. Cross-border traffic is simultaneously encouraged and feared; migrants who are welcomed because of their labor are often shunned because of their difference. Because of the tensions generated by the inevitable co-mingling in everyday space between insiders and outsiders, the politics of immigration regulation are unusually fraught in the contemporary period. For this reason, the line between foreign relations and domestic politics is increasingly blurred. As states become more robust in their boundary enforcement practices, the political plight of migrants becomes more perilous. The recent literature on exclusion understandably emphasizes the politics and practices of immigration policing, with broader lessons that I use this review to elucidate.
Stimulating IFLA's Ethical Conscience: FAIFE 2003—2009
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: May 2009

Reviews the activities of the Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) programme of IFLA from 2003 to 2009, based on three types of activity: intervention, education, and advocacy. FAIFE is still prepared to intervene in cases of threat to the stock, services and staff of libraries, but this was not the predominant form of activity during the period. With the aid of a grant from Swedish Sida, FAIFE has developed an education programme consisting of workshops using specially written sets of learning materials. These first dealt with the IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto and Access to HIV/AIDS Information. Further sets of learning materials, on Libraries and Transparency, and Public Access to Health Information, have since been developed. The workshops, facilitated by FAIFE trainers, train local trainers to disseminate the message more widely in their own country and region. The centre of FAIFE's advocacy work has had the creation of the IFLA Manifesto on Transparency, Good Governance and Freedom from Corruption. A model of participative policy development, leading into training workshops, and a consequent strengthening of the advocacy capacity of the library profession can now be identified.
Diffusion of Professional Norms: the impact of IFLA in South Africa
Authors: Underwood Peter G.
Published: May 2009

A study of the impact of the work of IFLA, including its role in the development of information literacy programmes, on the profession in South Africa, based on the views of South African professionals attending the World Library and Information Congress, 73rd IFLA General Conference, held in Durban, 19—23 August 2007. A series of focus group and other interviews was used. Themes arising from the discussions are:

• That IFLA has a strong role to play in advice, guidance, and the development of standards; its role in national policy development is necessarily limited.

• That the Congress is an important meeting place and its proceedings a source of inspiration to those who have come with a `prepared mind'.

• That the influence of its work and proceedings could be greater if it were communicated in accessible forms in partnership with existing publications such as the IFLA Journal .

• That, for the younger professional, seeking to become involved, IFLA is a daunting organization.
Information Literacy in Students Entering Higher Education in the French Speaking Community of Belgium: lessons learned from an evaluation
Authors: Thirion Paul , Pochet Bernard
Published: May 2009

Although universities are providing more and more information literacy training for their undergraduate students, the students' real level of information literacy at the beginning of their studies has never been assessed. Hence EduDOC has decided to team up with the CIUF `Library' Commission in order to organize a wide study aiming at objectively describing this initial level of information literacy, at identifying the students' main weaknesses, as well as allowing instructors to adjust their training on this basis. The questionnaire was based on a similar study carried out in Québec and contains 20 questions grouped in five themes relating to information search steps. It was sent in September 2007 to a random sample of students entering a higher education institution in the French Speaking Community of Belgium for the first time. The students' rather poor results confirm that organizing an information literacy program is imperative if students are to perform well in their studies.
Effective Mentoring
Authors: Freedman Shin
Published: May 2009

Effective mentoring is essential to the growth and success of librarianship in all types of library. This paper considers the possibilities for fostering mentoring activities among early career librarians, mid-career transitional librarians, and non-professional library workers. First, the paper describes existing studies to illuminate the urgency of mentoring activities to address the diminishing number of librarians and changing librarianship in the workforce as well as to support ongoing staffing needs. Secondly, it documents the academic library and professional organizations' typical mentoring activities including their extensiveness and limits. The paper focuses on academic librarians in a university setting. Thirdly, the article describes one librarian's mentoring activities to support and encourage beginning librarians to advance their careers in library and information science, to become active members of professional associations and to think about possible leadership roles. The paper concludes with (a) an account of how the author's own mentoring/mentee roles have influenced her professional direction and (b) linking effective mentoring to library leadership. It demonstrates how the effective mentor will help the mentee not only to navigate the maze of professional organizations and committees, but also to achieve a more global understanding of the platform of libraries without borders.
The Role of Concussion History and Gender in Recovery from Soccer-Related Concussion
Authors: Chiang Colvin Alexis , Mullen Jimmy , Lovell Mark R. , Vereeke West Robin , Collins Micky W. , Groh Megan
Published: May 2009

Background

This study was designed to investigate differences in recovery in male and female soccer athletes.

Hypotheses

Soccer players with a history of concussion will perform worse on neurocognitive testing than players without a history of concussion. Furthermore, female athletes will demonstrate poorer performance on neurocognitive testing than male athletes.

Study Design

Cohort study (prognosis): Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Computer-based neuropsychological testing using reaction time, memory, and visual motor-speed composite scores of the ImPACT test battery was performed postconcussion in soccer players ranging in age from 8 to 24 years (N = 234; 141 females, 93 males). A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to examine group differences in neurocognitive performance between male and female athletes with and without a history of concussion.

Results

Soccer players with a history of at least 1 previous concussion performed significantly worse on ImPACT than those who had not sustained a prior concussion (F = 2.92, P = .03). In addition, female soccer players performed worse on neurocognitive testing (F = 2.72, P = .05) and also reported more symptoms (F = 20.1, P = .00001) than male soccer players. There was no significant difference in body mass index between male and female players (F = .04, P = .85).

Conclusion

A history of concussion and gender may account for significant differences in postconcussive neurocognitive test scores in soccer players and may play a role in determining recovery. These differences do not appear to reflect differences in mass between genders and may be related to other gender-specific factors that deserve further study.
Tibial Fixation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Allograft Tendons
Authors: Park Daniel K. , Fogel Harold A. , Bhatia Sanjeev , Bach Bernard R. , Gupta Aman , Shewman Elizabeth F. , Wang Vincent , Verma Nikhil , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: May 2009

Background

In sum, 1-, 2-, and 4-stranded allografts are used for soft tissue anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; however, the fixation properties of fixation devices are not well assessed.

Hypothesis

There are no differences in the biomechanical characteristics of 1 (Achilles)-, 2 (posterior tibialis)-, and 4 (semitendinosus)-stranded allograft tibial fixation.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Sixty-three fresh-frozen porcine tibiae were used to evaluate the fixation of 1-, 2-, and 4-stranded human tendon allografts (Achilles, posterior tibialis, and semitendinosus) with 3 fixation devices (Delta, Intrafix, and Calaxo screws). With use of a materials testing system, each graft was subjected to 500 cycles of loading (50-250 N, 0.75 mm/sec) to determine displacement and cyclic stiffness, followed by a monotonic failure test (20 mm/min) to determine maximum load and pullout stiffness.

Results

For each graft type, there were no significant biomechanical differences between fixation devices. However, the 1-stranded graft (Achilles) construct demonstrated significantly higher mean displacement (3.17 ± 1.62 mm), lower cyclical stiffness (156 ± 25 N/mm), lower load to failure (479 ± 87 N), and lower pullout stiffness (140 ± 28 N/mm). In comparison with the 2-stranded graft (posterior tibialis), the 4-stranded graft (semitendinosus) exhibited lower displacement (0.86 ± 0.44 to 1.12 ± 0.51 mm) and higher ultimate failure load (832 ± 255 to 656 ± 168 N). Numerous differences in fixation properties were noted when comparing a device to each of the 3 grafts.

Conclusion

The 1-stranded allograft demonstrated inferior biomechanical tibial fixation properties when compared with 2 (posterior tibialis)- and 4 (semitendinosus)-stranded allograft constructs for all fixation devices tested.

Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrated that not all tibial fixation devices are designed to adequately accommodate different types of anterior cruciate ligament allografts. Biomechanical evidence suggests that caution is warranted when using an Achilles allograft fixated solely with an interference device.
The Effects of Timing of Pediatric Knee Ligament Surgery on Short-term Academic Performance in School-Aged Athletes
Authors: Trentacosta Natasha E. , Vitale Mark A. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: May 2009

Background

Orthopaedic injuries negatively affect the academic lives of children.

Hypothesis

The timing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions affects academic performance in school-aged athletes.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Records of patients ≤18 years old who underwent ACL or MPFL reconstructions from 2001-2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Subjects had been administered a unique questionnaire to evaluate school life in the immediate postoperative period as well as International Knee Documentation Committee (IDKC), Lysholm, and Kujala knee-specific questionnaires. Patients were in 1 of 3 study cohorts: group A (surgery during school year), group B (surgery during school holiday), and group C (surgery during summer break).

Results

There were 62 subjects (53 ACL and 12 MPFL reconstructions). A higher proportion of patients in group A required being driven to school (88.5%) than groups B (63.6%) or C (64.7%) (P < .05). A lower proportion of patients in group A returned to school immediately after surgery (3.8%) than groups B (36.4%) or C (88.2%) (P < .005). Among children who had never failed a test before surgery, a higher proportion of patients in group A failed a test (36.4%) after return to school than groups B (0%) or C (0%) (P < .05). Patients in group C had higher mean Likert scores (4.5) than groups A (3.8) or B (3.7) (P = .05) in response to the question “my grades suffered in my classes.” Delay in surgery was negatively correlated with IKDC, Lysholm, and Kujala questionnaire scores (P < .05).

Conclusion

In school-aged athletes with ligamentous knee injuries receiving operative treatment, surgery on a school day causes more academic difficulties than surgery during a holiday or summer break. Academic benefits of delaying surgery during the school year must be weighed against potentially worse outcomes encountered with prolonged surgical delay.
The 1:1 versus the 2:2 Tunnel-Drilling Technique
Authors: Walsh Michael P. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Armitage Bryan M. , Westerhaus Benjamin D. , Parker Josh B. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: May 2009

Background

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions involve drilling 2 tibial tunnels separated by a narrow 2-mm bone bridge. The sequence of reaming and drilling the tibial tunnels for double-bundle ACL reconstructions has not been defined.

Hypothesis

Fixing a graft in the posterolateral ACL tibial tunnel before reaming the anteromedial tibial tunnel will reduce the number of complications, as compared with drilling both the anteromedial and posterolateral tunnels before graft fixation, when performing double-bundle ACL reconstructions.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twelve porcine tibias were divided into 2 groups of 6 specimens. Fresh bovine extensor tendons grafts were fixed in 7-mm tunnels reamed using an inside-out method. Grafts were fixed in a retrograde fashion with 7-mm bioabsorbable retrograde screws. The tibias in group 1 were reconstructed by reaming and reconstructing the posterolateral tunnel before reaming and securing the graft for the anteromedial tunnel (ie, 1:1 method), whereas those in the second group were reconstructed by reaming both tunnels before graft fixation in either (ie, the 2:2 method). The specimens were biomechanically tested with cyclic and load-to-failure parameters.

Results

Cyclic testing revealed no significant difference between the 2 methods in displacement or stiffness. In load-to-failure testing, the 1:1 group withstood significantly higher initial failure loads and ultimate loads. Pullout displacement was significantly higher for the 1:1 group. Whereas no tibias in the 1:1 group sustained fractures, 4 from the 2:2 group demonstrated a bone bridge fracture.

Conclusion

Soft tissue ACL grafts fixed in the tibia with the 1:1 method withstood significantly higher initial and ultimate failure loads and were stiffer than the grafts fixed with the 2:2 method. Tibias fixed with the 1:1 method were also less susceptible to bone bridge fracture.

Clinical Relevance

The potential for a lower complication rate and greater pullout strength seen with the 1:1 method may prove useful to surgeons performing anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstructions, in addition to other procedures involving reconstructing 2 closely positioned tunnels, including anatomic posterolateral corner and medial collateral reconstructions.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Highly Filled Old Corrugated Container (OCC) Fiber/Polyethylene Composite
Authors: Tajvidi Mehdi , Bahrami Mehdi , Ekhtera Mohammad Hasan
Published: May 2009

Physical and mechanical properties of a new composite of 70% (by weight) old corrugated container recycled fibers, 27% high-density polyethylene, and 3% compatibilizer (maleic anhydride polyethylene) were evaluated with a focus on dimensional stability. Maximum water absorption, thickness swelling, width swelling, and length swelling were 25, 14, 5, and 1.5%, repectively. Relationships between water absorption and dimensional swelling were established using nonlinear curve fitting and statistically significant relationships were obtained. Swelling rate constants were determined for the 3D swelling behavior of the composite material using a previously published model which showed decrease in swelling rate in width and length directions. In all directions, the swelling model satisfactorily predicted the swelling behavior. Mechanical properties of the composite material were evaluated prior to and after exposure to simulated freeze—thaw cycling and it was concluded that the cycling was ineffective on mechanical performance.
The Evolution of the Cyanobacterial Posttranslational Clock from a Primitive “Phoscillator”
Authors: Simons Mirre J.P.
Published: May 2009

Cyanobacteria were among the 1st organisms to evolve on earth. The molecular circadian clock proteins of cyanobacteria and their phylogenetics have recently been elucidated. This allows for a conjecture on the evolution of 1 of the 1st circadian clocks. A scenario has now been created by combining known in vitro and in vivo properties of the 3 clock proteins of cyanobacteria (KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC). This scenario describes the evolution of the cyanobacterial clock in gradual steps: evolving from a masking mechanism, toward an hourglass, into a clock.
A Phylogenetically Conserved DNA Damage Response Resets the Circadian Clock
Authors: Gamsby Joshua J. , Loros Jennifer J. , Dunlap Jay C.
Published: May 2009

The mammalian circadian clock influences the timing of many biological processes such as the sleep/wake cycle, metabolism, and cell division. Environmental cues such as light exposure can influence the timing of this system through the posttranslational modification of key components of the core molecular oscillator. We have previously shown that DNA damage can reset the circadian clock in a time-of-day—dependent manner in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa through the modulation of negative regulator FREQUENCY levels by PRD-4 (homologue of mammalian Chk2). We show that DNA damage, generated with either the radiomimetic drug methyl methane sulfonate or UV irradiation, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts isolated from PER2::LUC transgenic mice or in the NIH3T3 cell line, elicits similar responses. In addition to induction of phase advances, DNA damage caused a decrease in luciferase signal in PER2::LUC mouse embryonic fibroblast cells that is indicative of PER2 degradation. Finally, we show that the activity of the BMAL1 promoter is enhanced during DNA damage. These findings provide further evidence that the DNA damage-mediated response of the clock is conserved from lower eukaryotes to mammals.
[1H] Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Urine: Diagnosis of a Guanidinoacetate Methyl Transferase Deficiency Case
Authors: Tassini Maria , Zannolli Raffaella , Buoni Sabrina , Engelke Udo , Vivi Antonio , Valensin Gianni , Salomons Gajja S. , De Nicola Anna , Strambi Mirella , Monti Lucia , Morava Eva , Wevers Ron A. , Hayek Joseph
Published: May 2009

For the first time, the use of urine [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy has allowed the detection of 1 case of guanidinoacetate methyl transferase in a database sample of 1500 pediatric patients with a diagnosis of central nervous system impairment of unknown origin. The urine [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy of a 9-year-old child, having severe epilepsy and nonprogressive mental and motor retardation with no apparent cause, revealed a possible guanidinoacetic acid increase. The definitive assignment of guanidinoacetic acid was checked by addition of pure substance to the urine sample and by measuring [1H]-[1H] correlation spectroscopy. Diagnosis of guanidinoacetate methyl transferase deficiency was further confirmed by liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry, brain [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mutational analysis of the guanidinoacetate methyl transferase gene. The replacement therapy was promptly started and, after 1 year, the child was seizure free. We conclude that for this case, urine [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy screening was able to diagnose guanidinoacetate methyl transferase deficiency.
The Impact of Emotional Opportunities on the Emotion Cultures of Feminist Organizations
Authors: Guenther Katja M.
Published: May 2009

A fundamental debate within feminist scholarship and activism centers on what relationship feminism should have with the state. This article explores this debate empirically by examining differences in the emotion cultures of a state-dependent and an autonomous feminist organization in postsocialist eastern Germany. The comparative analysis demonstrates how organizations construct specific emotion cultures in response to emotional opportunities and constraints created by their relationships with state institutions. The state-dependent organization adopts a less expressive emotion culture that assures broad public appeal and future state support, but does not build critical consciousness among participants. In contrast, the autonomous organization encourages displays of feelings as part of consciousness raising, creating an emotion culture that reduces public appeal but produces especially loyal and active constituents.
International Equity Market Integration
Authors: Bhaduri Saumitra N. , Samuel Ashwin Andrew
Published: May 2009

The Indian stock market is one of the earliest in Asia, being in operation since 1875, but remained largely outside the global integration process until the late 1980s. In this context, international equity market integration is a topic that has been extensively researched, but still holds much interest from an academic and financial standpoint. The paper, using a Logistic Smooth Transition Regression method, estimates not only the extent of correlation between returns but also the pace of integration. The results suggest that there does exist a very small degree of correlation between the Indian markets and other world markets. However, the pace of the integration is insignificant in most of the cases.
Are Competitive Rating Agencies Efficient?
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bappaditya
Published: May 2009

Two very large companies, Moody's and Standard & Poor's, dominate the credit-rating industry. These two companies own around 80 per cent of the market. No other significant major competitors exist, though there are companies that rate local securities in places like China and India. In India, bulk of the ratings done by the two leading rating agencies—CRISIL (S&P majority stakeholder) and ICRA (Moody as the major stakeholder) have more than 80 per cent market share. Is this industry efficient? In this article, we present a simple theoretical model of competitive rating agencies. We establish that competition among rating agencies need not be efficient. We also show that despite price war, a more efficient rating agency will not necessarily drive out the inefficient one.
Trade in Services and Its Policy Implications: The Case of Cross-Border/ Transnational Higher Education in Malaysia
Authors: Morshidi Sirat , Ahmad Abdul Razak  , Yew Lie Koo
Published: May 2009

The geography of trade in services is becoming increasingly important for a developing country such as Malaysia. But, present discussion on trade in education services, in particular, higher education and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) in Malaysia is rather limited and takes a short-term perspective. This is especially so with respect to the analysis of the impact of the GATS negotiations on the Malaysian higher education system. This article discusses Malaysia’s current negotiating position insofar as trade in higher education services is concerned. Malaysia’s prospects of gaining from trade in higher education services are analyzed.
Relationship between Acoustic Firmness and Magness Taylor Firmness in Royal Gala and Golden Smoothee Apples
Authors: Molina-Delgado D. , Alegre S. , Puy J. , Recasens I.
Published: May 2009

This study aimed to evaluate apple firmness measured using both the penetrometer and acoustic methods. The methodologies were applied to Royal Gaya and Golden Smoothee apples (Malus domestica. Borkh) harvested from 12 different orchards in Catalonia (Spain), on six different dates, and over three seasons. The relationship between firmness and physicochemical quality parameters was analyzed at harvest and post-harvest. The results obtained showed a noticeable correlation between Magness Taylor firmness and acoustic measurements in Royal Gala, but no correlation was found for Golden Smoothee. Fruit variety and storage had a clear influence on correlations between the two measurements. Measurements of Magnes Taylor and acoustic firmness seemed to correspond to different physical properties. Acoustic measurements seemed to be a good tool for evaluating changes in tissue firmness during long-term storage, especially for Golden Smoothee apples. The maturity of the fruit seemed to play a more important role in the measurement of Magnes Taylor firmness than in the measurement of acoustic firmness for the Royal Gaya variety.
Changes in Polyphenols Distribution and Antioxidant Activity during Fermentation of Some Underutilized Legumes
Authors: Oboh G. , Ademiluyi A.O. , Akindahunsi A.A.
Published: May 2009

The effect of fermentation on the polyphenol distribution and antioxidant activity of four underutilized legumes [Cajanus cajan L. Millsp (Pigeon pea), Vigna subterranea L. Verdc (Bambara groundnut), Sphenostylis stenocarpa Harms (African yam bean), and Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Kidney bean)] were investigated. The beans were cooked (12 h), soaked in boiled water (12 h), dehulled, and then cooked again (2 h). The cotyledons were drained, wrapped in jute sacks and left to ferment at 37°C (4 days) to produce condiments. The distribution of free and bound phenolic compounds in the fermented and unfermented beans was determined; thereafter the free radical scavenging ability, reducing power, and the ability of the free and bound phenolic compounds of the fermented and unfermented beans to inhibit lipid peroxidation were determined. The results of the study revealed that fermentation caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in the free soluble phenol content of the legumes, while there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the bound phenol content of the legumes. Free soluble phenol from both the fermented and unfermented legumes had a significantly (p<0.05) higher reducing power (except C. cajan), free radical scavenging ability (except C. cajan) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation than bound phenolic extract. However, free soluble phenolic compounds from the fermented beans had a significantly higher (p<0.05) reducing power, free radical scavenging ability, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation than free soluble phenols from unfermented beans. Hence, it was concluded that, fermentation could increase the free soluble phenolic content of the underutilized legumes tested and consequently enhance the antioxidant activities of the legumes; fermented V. subterranea was found to be the most promising condiment with antioxidant activity.