bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Genomics in Barbados: Race, Illness, and Pleasure in the Science of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Whitmarsh Ian
Published: June 2011

Barbados is a center of international genetic research premised on race. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork following Johns Hopkins studies carried out in Barbados, this article explores this travel for research. This biomedical science relies on a conflicting significance of Barbados: as a site of suffering, due to the disparities of disease, and, conversely, a site of ease, playing on desires and pleasures of escaping too much asceticism in biomedicine. For the American researchers, Barbados becomes a locus of desire to ethically address the African diaspora without the quandaries of accusations and recriminations experienced in carrying out such work in urban America. The concept of cathartic science is used to describe an endeavor that creates a controlled space to know and act on some perceived sufferer without risk of being complicit in the suffering. These medical migrations of researchers to Barbados are paralleled by Bajan families participating in the American studies as a kind of proxy medical migration to the US, bitterly reflecting on the care available to them at home. This article explores the motives of this mutual travel, as a biomedicalized Barbados becomes a spectral figure for patients and researchers fraught with race, injustice, and desire. The article extends the concept of cathartic science from genomics of race to medical anthropology to foreground the desires and anxieties of any science of suffering.
Migrations in Humanistic Therapy: Turning Drug Users into Patients and Patients into Healthy Citizens in Southwest China
Authors: Hyde Sandra Teresa
Published: June 2011

This article explores the translation and migration of illegal drugs, humanistic therapies and political ideologies by focusing on China’s first residential community drug treatment center, called Sunlight. I argue that the migration of contemporary treatment therapies from one continent to another initiates certain practices that re-appropriate and remake drug-using bodies that live and work at Sunlight. Reviewing Sunlight ethnographically also allows for broader theoretical exploration. When bodies do not operate under the common trope of possessive individualism different forms of biopolitical and therapeutic power are at play. In keeping with the theme of this special issue, this article begins with a discussion of why migration is a useful rubric for understanding how therapeutics and bodies become global entities and practices through the movement of three things: heroin, humanistic therapy and political ideology. It then presents an ethnographic slice of life at Sunlight to demonstrate how these practices and ideologies play out in the everyday. It finally returns to the question of why these therapies re-appropriate the post-socialist drug user’s body and psyche through a discussion of the term ‘psycho-sociability’. Psycho-sociability can be read as a demand for becoming a good biological citizen, as well as a theoretical rubric for explaining non-Western biopolitics.
Foreign Bodies and National Scales: Medical Tourism in Thailand
Authors: Wilson Ara
Published: June 2011

Medical tourism describes a new pattern of movement of people for medical care, particularly from wealthier to poorer countries. Using the example of Thailand, where annually a million non-Thai patients seek medical treatment, this article provides a critical analysis of the political economic contexts for this medical migration. Drawing on urban geography and heterodox economics, the article considers medical tourism as an interaction of bodily, national, and global scales shaped by processes of globalization. This approach provides a thick context for the transnational care of bodies while proposing that the bodily scale also has a role in reformulating the scale of the nation.
Staging Bone Marrow Donation as a Ballot: Reconfiguring the Social and the Political Using Biomedicine in Cyprus
Authors: Beck Stefan
Published: June 2011

The article analyses practices, perceptions and political dramatizations of bone marrow donation in Cyprus. Based on empirical data from an ethnographic study on practices of organ and bone marrow transplantation in postcolonial Cyprus, forms of oppositional biopolitics are analysed that are not bound by the modern, étatist regime of governing populations but capitalize on new developments in biomedicine, on new political movements, as well as on transformations in the political sphere. These reconfigurations are interpreted as instances of an emerging bio-subpolitics that transcends national borders and produces new complexities, interrelations, associations and social forms that come into being alongside biomedicine. At the same time, these developments co-produce cosmopolitan citizens and new subjectivities, transcending nationally bound regimes of political deliberation and identification. These forms of biopolitics mobilize local historical experiences and take advantage of affordances provided by biomedical platforms operating on a global scale that make available an opportunity structure for a cosmopolitan bio-subpolitics.
Mr Tati’s Holiday and João’s Safari - Seeing the World through Transplant Tourism
Authors: Scheper-Hughes Nancy
Published: June 2011

Moshe Tati, a sanitation worker in Jerusalem, was among the first of more than a thousand mortally sick Israelis who signed up for illicit and clandestine ‘transplant tour’ packages that included: travel to an undisclosed foreign and exotic setting; five-star hotel accommodation; surgery in a private hospital unit; a ‘fresh’ kidney purchased from a perfect stranger trafficked from a third country. Although Tati’s holiday turned into a nightmare and he had to be emergency air-lifted from a rented transplant unit in a private hospital in Adana, Turkey back to Israel, Moshe (now deceased) became a poster-boy of transplant tourism for the next decade. João Cavalcanti was among the first of 38 residents of the slums of Recife recruited by retired military Captain Ivan da Silva and his sidekick Captain Gadddy Tauber (of Israel) to travel to Durban, South Africa to provide a spare kidney to an Israeli transplant tourist in Durban. This article examines the logics and practices through which kidney buyers and kidney sellers, organs brokers, surgeons and their accessories convince themselves that they are engaged in an illegal but still mutually beneficial ‘medical-recreational’ adventure, an ‘extreme medical sport’ of sorts. While life, health and survival motivate ‘transplant tourism’, a euphemism for human trafficking in spare body parts, the freedom to roam, mobility, is an essential feature of transplant tours for kidney buyers and kidney sellers.
Comparing levels of processability across languages
Authors: Pienemann Manfred , Keßler Jörg-U. , Itani-Adams Yuki
Published: June 2011

In this article we utilize a developmental perspective as a metric for the comparison of bilingual language ability. In particular, we utilize Processabilty Theory (Pienemann, 1998a, 2005) which provides a psycholinguistic metric for developmental schedules of any given language. We demonstrate this approach to the cross-linguistic measurement of language development on the basis of Itani-Adams’ (2007) study of bilingual (Japanese—English) first language acquisition.
The use of the PleurX catheter in the management of non-malignant pleural effusions
Authors: Chalhoub Michel , Harris Kassem , Castellano Michael , Maroun Rabih , Bourjeily Ghada
Published: June 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the PleurX catheter in the management of recurrent non-malignant pleural effusions. Methods: All subjects who underwent a PleurX catheter placement between 2003 and 2009 were evaluated. General demographic data, time to pleurodesis, complications, and a satisfaction questionnaire were collected. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included patients with non-malignant effusions and group II included patients with malignant effusions. Results: A total of 64 subjects were included in the final data analysis. A total of 23 subjects were included in group I and 41 subjects were included in group II. The diagnoses in group I included congestive heart failure (CHF; 13), hepatic hydrothorax (8), traumatic bloody (1), and idiopathic exudative (1). The diagnoses in group II included lung cancer (20), breast cancer (11), colon cancer (5), prostate cancer (2), B-cell lymphoma (2), and mesothelioma (1). The time to pleurodesis was 36 ± 12 days for group II compared to 110.8 ± 41 days for group I (p < 0.0001). The mean satisfaction score was similar in both groups (3.8 ± 0.4). Time to pleurodesis was significantly shorter in hepatic hydrothorax compared to CHF (73.6 ± 9 days vs. 113 ± 36 days, p = 0.006). There was one case of exit site infection in a patient with hepatic hydrothorax. Among subjects who were alive at 3 months after the catheter removal, none had recurrence of their pleural effusion. Conclusion: The Denver catheter was effective in achieving pleurodesis in non-malignant pleural effusions. The complication rate was low and patient satisfaction was high.
Understanding Caregiver Health Behaviors: Depressive Symptoms Mediate Caregiver Self-Efficacy and Health Behavior Patterns
Authors: Rabinowitz Yaron G. , Saenz Ericka C. , Thompson Larry W. , Gallagher-Thompson Dolores
Published: June 2011

Previous research on female caregivers of elderly relatives with dementia has demonstrated that caregiving self-efficacy (SE) is associated with reduced cumulative health risk. The overarching aim of the current study was to expand on that research by exploring whether depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between 3 domains of caregiving SE and cumulative health risk associated with health behavior patterns. Data from 256 female family caregivers of patients with dementia are presented. Path analysis revealed a significant mediated effect for depressive symptoms as both SE for obtaining respite and SE for controlling upsetting Thoughts had a significant, indirect effect on cumulative health risk. There were no direct effects between caregiver SE and cumulative health risk. The current study sheds light on the complex pathway between caregiver SE and health and speaks to the importance of skills-based interventions designed to enhance efficacy beliefs and minimize depression in dementia caregivers.
Reliability of Repeated Cognitive Assessment of Dementia Using a Brief Computerized Battery
Authors: Hammers Dustin , Spurgeon Elizabeth , Ryan Kelly , Persad Carol , Heidebrink Judith , Barbas Nancy , Albin Roger , Frey Kirk , Darby David , Giordani Bruno
Published: June 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term stability and reliability of a brief computerized cognitive battery in established dementia types. Method: Patients were administered the computerized battery twice with administrations approximately 2 hours apart, with intervening conventional neuropsychological tests. Patients were classified clinically, via consensus conference, as healthy controls (n = 23), mild cognitive impairment (n = 20), Alzheimer’s disease (n = 52), dementia with Lewy Bodies ([DLB], n = 10), or frontotemporal dementia (n = 9). Results: Minimal practice effects were evident across Cog-State test administrations. Small magnitude improvements were seen across all groups on a working memory task, and healthy controls showed a mild practice effect on the accuracy of associative learning. Conclusions: In established dementia, administration of the CogState tasks appears sensitive to cognitive impairment in dementia. Repeat administration also provided acceptable stability and test-retest reliability with minimal practice effects at short test-retest intervals despite intervening cognitive challenges.
Challenges Associated With Establishing a Token Economy in a Residential Care Facility
Authors: Bailey Jennifer R. , Gross Alan M. , Cotton C. Randy
Published: June 2011

This case study describes challenges associated with the authors’ ongoing efforts to institute a token program in a residential foster care facility. This privately funded facility houses children and adolescents in a community group home format. Inadequate or neglectful parenting is the most common circumstance accounting for the children’s placement. Adjustment problems and oppositional behavior in the residential cottages prompted the facility to contract for consultative psychological services. Consultants spent approximately 20 hr a week in the facility observing resident–caregiver interactions, designing a comprehensive token program targeting inappropriate child behavior, and training and monitoring implementation of the program. Although facility staff reported a desire to learn how to manage better the residents’ oppositional and defiant behavior, and were heavily involved in development of the token program, they exhibited resistance to and noncompliance with the token program as soon as it was put into place. In addition to discussing these difficulties, suggestions for promoting an effective token intervention within this type of setting are discussed.
Inference-Based Therapy for Compulsive Hoarding
Authors: St-Pierre-Delorme Marie-Eve , Lalonde Magali Purcell , Perreault Valérie , Koszegi Natalia , O’Connor Kieron
Published: June 2011

Compulsive hoarding (CH) is a chronic and debilitating condition that generally shows poor treatment response to both psychopharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The present case study describes the application of a cognitive inference-based therapy program to the treatment of a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with CH. During a 24-week treatment period, her hoarding behavior and associated beliefs significantly decreased. Specifically, Yale–Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores became subclinical at the 6-months follow-up. There was also a clinically significant decrease in Beck Depression Inventory–II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Overvalued Ideas Scale, and Saving Inventory–Revised scores. The single case study has implications for the treatment of CH and other problems showing ego-syntonic beliefs.
Comparison of Motor Control Deficits During Treadmill and Overground Walking Poststroke
Authors: Kautz Steven A. , Bowden Mark G. , Clark David J. , Neptune Richard R.
Published: June 2011

Background. Force-sensing split-belt treadmills (TMs) provide an alternative to the conventional overground (OG) setting and allow new avenues for analyzing the biomechanics and motor control of walking. However, walking control may differ on a TM compared with walking OG. Objective. To compare spatiotemporal, kinematic, and EMG-based measures of motor control between TM and OG walking at self-selected and fastest comfortable speeds in persons with poststroke hemiparesis. Methods. Individuals with chronic hemiparesis (56) and similarly aged healthy individuals (17) walked over an instrumented walkway and on an instrumented split-belt TM; 16 channels of EMG recorded bilateral muscle activity, and a 12-camera motion capture system collected bilateral 3D kinematics. The authors applied a nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) algorithm to examine the underlying patterns of motor control. Results. Self-selected walking patterns differed on the TM versus OG in controls: speed decreased, stride length decreased, stance percentage increased, and double-support percentage increased. Poststroke, responses were similar, but cadence also decreased, and step length asymmetry increased. Kinematic patterns were similar except those associated with slower walking speeds. NNMF demonstrated similar EMG variance in the 2 environments. Conclusion. Persons, both healthy and poststroke, walk with different gait parameters on the TM. Although measures of motor control were mostly similar between the 2 environments, the TM induced step length asymmetry in 30% of participants (60% of whom took longer paretic steps). TM walking, therefore, is a valid method for detecting motor control deficits.
Mismatch Between Investigator-Determined and Patient-Reported Independence After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: van Hedel Hubertus J. A. , Dokladal Petra , Hotz-Boendermaker Sabina ,   for the EM-SCI Study Group
Published: June 2011

Objective. This study investigated the course and relationship between investigator-determined and patient-reported level of independence within the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors examined variables that contributed to these scores. Methods. In this observational cohort study, 73 patients with traumatic SCI were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months (and 40 subjects at 1 to 12 months). The investigator-determined independence was quantified using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM). The subjective, patient-reported independence was determined by asking how their general restrictions influenced everyday life activities. Several variables were used to explain these 2 scores. Results. The SCIM score was higher than the patient-reported independence and improved significantly more over time (up to about 70/100 at 12 months), whereas the perceived independence remained below 50/100. The correlations between the 2 measures were at most moderate ( rs ≤ 0.51), but in general somewhat higher for subjects with tetraplegia. Age and muscle strength predicted the SCIM score well. No variable predicted the patient-reported level of independence. Conclusions. Investigator-determined and patient-reported outcomes can differ considerably and evolve differently. A patient-reported outcome measure may not detect actual functional improvement. It is likely that changes in patient-reported outcomes are influenced by many factors in addition to those associated with functional recovery, including psychological factors.
Examining different NEMD methods in simulating nanoscale fluid at high shear rates
Authors: Yong X , Zhang L T
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the non-Newtonian behaviour of a simple fluid is simulated via three different non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) algorithms: boundary-driven shear; homogeneous shear; and reverse-NEMD (RNEMD). The pros and cons of each approach are discussed and results are compared. It is found that the accessible shear rate is very limited when using boundary-driven shear and RNEMD, whereas homogeneous shear is capable of imposing a substantially higher shear rate. However, the boundary-driven shear reproduces rheological experiment setups and the RNEMD yields much better statistically calculated properties. The material functions, velocity profiles, and microstructures of the fluid are examined and the formations of fluid structures are elucidated. The homogeneous shear is shown to be the most appropriate NEMD method to simulate fluids under strong shear, with the smallest number of limitations.
Coarse-grained non-equilibrium simulations of crystalline materials at nano scale
Authors: Wang X , Lee J D
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a coarse-grained non-equilibrium simulation (CG-NES) model based on an atom-based continuum (ABC) method for the multi-element crystal. The main objective of CG-NES model is to establish a nodal ensemble that provides a more efficient way to compute the thermal properties for non-equilibrium systems. In this work, a generalized Nosé-Hoover thermostat network is proposed for each finite element node to control the temperature of the system. Several numerical examples have been carried out and it has been demonstrated that CG-NES has the capability and efficiency to study the non-equilibrium system, including thermal-mechanical coupling phenomena and thermal-electromagnetic effects.
Dependencies of the thermal conductivity of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Lee J W , Meade A J , Barrera E V , Templeton J A
Published: June 2011

This work is aimed at assessing the sensitivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) thermal conductivity to physical and numerical parameters owing to its wide variation in the literature. CNTs of various lengths, chiralities, and temperatures are simulated with molecular dynamics. The Tersoff and AIREBO potentials are also compared in this study. Thermal conductivity is computed with two different non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) methods, which show interestingly divergent results; exploring the CNT phonon density of states reveals a proximate cause for the differences.
Molecular dynamics simulations on the phase transition of simple non-polar fluids under nanometre confinement
Authors: Lei Y , Leng Y
Published: June 2011

In this paper liquid–vapour molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the solvation force oscillation mechanism of a simple non-polar fluid confined between two solid surfaces. As the two surfaces approach each other to be within a few molecular layers apart, normal force oscillations between the two surfaces are observed which are very similar to those observed in surface force measurements. It is shown that the layering transition of the liquid film is an abrupt liquid-to-solid phase transition. The nucleation of the solid phase starts at the central region of the confined film that can support a finite shear stress. It is found that this phase transition behaviour does not critically depend on the contact nature between the liquid and solid walls. Furthermore, the formation of the close-packed solidified film is confinement induced, rather than pressure induced.
Enhanced electrical properties of regenerated cellulose by polypyrrole and ionic liquid nanocoating
Authors: Mahadeva S K , Kim J
Published: June 2011

The effect of polypyrrole (PPy) and ionic liquid (IL) nanocoatings on the electrical properties of cellulose film has been investigated. Cellulose–PPy film was prepared by employ-ing the polymerization-induced adsorption process with controlled polymerization time. Nanocoating of IL was carried out by immersing cellulose–PPy film into an aqueous solution of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and secondary-ion mass spectrometry analysis showed the successful build-up of PPy and IL nanolayers over the cellulose film. The electrical properties of regenerated cellulose were enhanced several times by PPy and IL nanocoatings. The preparation, characterization, and electrical properties of cellulose–PPy–IL nanocomposite films are explained.
Biomechanical comparison of three fixation techniques used for four-corner arthrodesis
Authors: Kraisarin J. , Dennison D. G. , Berglund L. J. , An K. N. , Shin A. Y.
Published: June 2011

Clinical results following four-corner arthrodesis vary and suggest that nonunion may be related to certain fixation techniques. The purpose of our study was to examine the displacement between the lunate and capitate following a simulated four-corner arthrodesis with the hypothesis that three types of fixation (Kirschner wires, dorsal circular plate, and a locked dorsal circular plate) would allow different amounts of displacement during simulated wrist flexion and extension. Cadaver wrists with simulated four-corner arthrodeses were loaded cyclically either to implant failure or until the lunocapitate displacement exceeded 1 mm. The locked dorsal circular plate group was significantly more stable than the dorsal circular plate and K-wire groups ( p = 0.018 and p = 0.006). While these locked dorsal circular plates appear to be very stable our results are limited only to the biomechanical behavior of these fixation techniques within a cadaver model.
Simplifying four-strand flexor tendon repair using double-stranded suture: a comparative ex vivo study on tensile strength and bulking
Authors: Low T. H. , Ahmad T. S. , Ng E. S.
Published: June 2011

We have compared a simple four-strand flexor tendon repair, the single cross-stitch locked repair using a double-stranded suture (dsSCL) against two other four-strand repairs: the Pennington modified Kessler with double-stranded suture (dsPMK); and the cruciate cross-stitch locked repair with single-stranded suture (Modified Sandow). Thirty fresh frozen cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons were transected and repaired with one of the core repair techniques using identical suture material and reinforced with identical peripheral sutures. Bulking at the repair site and tendon–suture junctions was measured. The tendons were subjected to linear load-to-failure testing. Results showed no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength between the Modified Sandow (36.8 N) and dsSCL (32.6 N) whereas the dsPMK was significantly weaker (26.8 N). There were no significant differences in 2 mm gap force, stiffness or bulk between the three repairs. We concluded that the simpler dsSCL repair is comparable to the modified Sandow repair in tensile strength, stiffness and bulking.
A 6-year outcome of patients who cancelled carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: Pensy R. A. , Burke F. D. , Bradley M. J. , Dubin N. H. , Wilgis E. F. S.
Published: June 2011

The long-term outcomes of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who were scheduled for release but did not proceed to surgery were compared to patients who underwent surgery, matched on preoperative symptom scores. Both groups completed the Levine–Katz questionnaire 6 years after enrolment to our multicentre carpal tunnel syndrome outcomes database. Symptom and function scores improved for the surgical ( n = 24) and non-surgical ( n = 36) groups ( p < 0.001). Improvement in symptom scores was greater in surgical patients compared to non-surgical patients ( n = 24 matched pairs; p = 0.007) but improvement in function scores between groups was not significantly different ( p = 0.13). For surgical patients, function and symptom scores improved by 6 months and were unchanged at 6 years. Patients planning surgical release can expect symptomatic and functional benefits within 6 months. Overall improvement was experienced by both groups, with a superior outcome achieved with surgery. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may improve without surgery, but further studies are needed to understand the natural history of the disorder.
The ezetimibe controversy: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Khanderia Ujjaini , Regal Randolph E. , Rubenfire Melvyn , Boyden Thomas
Published: June 2011

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy. Achieving LDL-C goals as outlined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III can be difficult with statins alone; therefore, adjunctive therapy is often indicated to reduce cardiovascular risk. Ezetimibe, a potent inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, has been shown to be safe, tolerable and effective at lowering LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, each of which has been correlated with improved clinical outcomes, alone or in combination with a statin. However, because of randomized trials that demonstrated mixed results about atherosclerotic plaque regression via carotid intima-media thickness and a concern about cancer risk, ezetimibe′s role in lipid therapy has been questioned. Currently, a large randomized controlled trial is in progress to answer if ezetimibe improves clinical outcomes in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndrome. A smaller trial in patients with chronic kidney disease demonstrated reduced clinical events, including myocardial infarction, stroke and revascularization for patients taking the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin versus those taking statin or placebo alone. In this paper, we review the trials that have led to the ezetimibe controversy and then discuss the possible role of ezetimibe in specific patient populations until the results of ongoing clinical trials are known.
Development of a simplified dynamic testing device for turfed sports surfaces
Authors: Caple M C J , James I T , Bartlett M D , Bartlett D I
Published: June 2011

The response of natural turf surfaces to loading changes with the force and loading rate applied. Quantification of surface behaviour to athlete loading is complicated by the lack of devices that replicate forces, stresses and loading rates of athletes that can be specifically used on natural turf. To address this issue, a vertical dynamic impact testing device, the DST, was developed. The DST consists of a compressed air-driven ram that vertically impacts a studded test foot on to the surface using data from biomechanical studies. The vertical dynamic stress of athlete foot strike during running is replicated, using peak force and mean boot contact area data. The ram pressure is adjustable to allow variation of the stress applied upon impact, potentially replicating a range of athlete–surface interactions.

Initial laboratory testing indicated that the device was sensitive to changes in soil condition due to variations in impact data. Total penetration time and distance, and surface energy absorption were all significantly greater in prepared ‘soft’ soil treatments ( p < 0.05). The loading rate in the first 50 ms after impact was significantly greater in the ‘hardest’ soil treatment ( p < 0.05). Future research work will determine in situ behaviour of actual playing surfaces, compare device loading rates to those of athletes, and assess surfaces to a range of stresses.
Dancer perceptions of quantified dance surface mechanical properties
Authors: Hopper L S , Alderson J A , Elliott B C , Ackland T R , Fleming P R
Published: June 2011

Dance floor surfaces are important environmental factors in dance activity and have been suggested to be a factor in the aetiology of dance injury. Measurement of the injury risk associated with floor surfaces is difficult as the validity of the relationship between mechanical surface measures and human–surface interactions is unclear. Dancer perceptions of the mechanical properties of floor surfaces were investigated with reference to mechanical quantification measures. Student ( n = 27) and professional ( n = 27) dancers completed a questionnaire investigating their perceptions of the force reduction, vertical deformation, energy restitution and overall ratings of five sample dance floors. Dance floor mechanical properties were quantified using sport surface testing apparatus, the Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) (Metaalmaatwerk, Netherlands). Student and professional cohort perceptions were not significantly different for 18 of the 20 perception variables. Vertical deformation was the only mechanical variable to differ between cohort perceptions. Dancers demonstrated a preference for floors with greater force reduction magnitudes than specified by European sport surface standards, suggesting that bespoke floor standards for dance may be beneficial. Considerable discrepancies were found between particular dancer perceptions and related AAA outputs, highlighting the need for further investigation of valid mechanical tests that are used to represent human–surface interactions.
Systematic Review of Arthroscopic Versus Open Repair for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocations
Authors: Godin Jonathan , Sekiya Jon K.
Published: June 2011

Context: It remains unknown if arthroscopic repair of recurrent anterior shoulder instability is as effective as open repair.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the literature to provide clinical recommendations regarding the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design: Systematic review of level I and II studies.

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and secondary references from 1967 to March 2010 were appraised for studies that met the inclusion criteria.

Study Selection: Inclusion criteria were English-language level I or level II trials involving the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Exclusion criteria included non-English-language studies; level III, IV, or V studies; and trials examining treatment of first-time shoulder dislocation, posterior shoulder dislocation, or diagnoses other than recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations.

Data Extraction: Included studies underwent quality appraisal independently by each author identifying strengths, weaknesses, and biases.

Results: Four randomized controlled trials compared the use of arthroscopic and open repair for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations. These studies show no statistically significant difference between the 2 operative approaches. No long-term follow-up data describing the effects of either surgical approach are available at this time. Each investigation had weaknesses in study design that decreased the validity of its findings.

Conclusions: While limited, the available evidence from randomized controlled trials does not show a statistically significant difference in redislocation rates, return to activity, and functional outcomes between the arthroscopic and open repair groups. Range of motion is marginally better following arthroscopic treatment when compared with open repair. Recommendations on the optimal surgical intervention cannot be provided.
Eccentric Strengthening for Chronic Lateral Epicondylosis
Authors: Wen Dennis Y. , Schultz Brian J. , Schaal Bob , Graham Scott T. , Kim Byung Sung
Published: June 2011

Background: Effective treatments for chronic lateral epicondylosis have not been studied adequately. Eccentric overload exercises have been used with success for other chronic tendinopathy, mainly Achilles and patellar.

Hypothesis/Purpose:: To compare a wrist extensor eccentric strengthening exercise program with a wrist extensor stretching/modality program for the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylosis. The authors hypothesized that the eccentric strengthening program would produce more favorable results than a stretching/modality program.

Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Twenty-eight adults with lateral epicondylosis of greater than 4 weeks’ duration were randomized to an eccentric strengthening group or a stretching group. Exercises were taught by a physical therapist, and participants performed most of the exercises on their own at home. Pain scores with visual analog scale from 0 to 100 were obtained at baseline and then at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks after the start of the exercise program.

Results: Both groups improved their pain scores from baseline to the 4-week time point, followed by nonsignificant further decreases in pain scores thereafter. No statistically significant differences were found between the eccentric strengthening group and stretching groups at any follow-up time point.

Conclusions: Despite previous reports documenting favorable results with eccentric exercises for other tendinopathy, the authors were unable to show any statistical advantage to eccentric exercises for lateral epicondylosis during these periods compared with local modalities and stretching exercises.
A Treatment-Based Classification Approach to Examination and Intervention of Lumbar Disorders
Authors: Burns Scott A. , Foresman Edward , Kraycsir Stephenie J. , Egan William , Glynn Paul , Mintken Paul E. , Cleland Joshua A.
Published: June 2011

Context: Low back injuries are a common occurrence in athletes and often result in missed competition and practice time. The examination of athletes with low back pain commonly involves diagnostic imaging, which rarely guides the clinician in selecting the appropriate interventions.

Data Acquisition: All years of PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus were searched in December 2010. Keywords included treatment based classification and lumbar with the following terms: rehabilitation, treatment, athlete, low back pain, sports, and outcomes.

Results: A treatment-based classification approach is preferred for the management of the athlete with low back pain. The treatment-based classification approach involves 3 steps. First is to screen the patient for potentially serious conditions that are not appropriate for conservative management. Second is staging the athlete (based on current disability ratings and ability to perform functional activities). Finally, treatment interventions are selected on the basis of the athlete’s signs and symptoms.

Conclusion: The treatment-based classification scheme provides the clinician with a reliable algorithm for matching an athlete’s symptom presentation to the optimal intervention, potentially reducing participation loss. Managing individuals with low back pain using a treatment-based classification approach significantly reduces disability and pain compared with current clinical practice guideline standards.
RETRACTED: Sense Creative! The Impact of Global and Local Vision, Hearing, Touching, Tasting and Smelling on Creative and Analytic Thought
Authors: Förster Jens , Denzler Markus
Published: June 2011

Förster, J., & Denzler, M. (2012). Sense Creative! The Impact of Global and Local Vision, Hearing, Touching, Tasting and Smelling on Creative and Analytic Thought. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 3(1), 108-117. (DOI: 10.1177/1948550611410890)

The editor of Social Psychological and Personality Science, along with the journal’s consortium of proprietor societies and its publisher, SAGE Publications, have retracted this article at the request of the Executive Board of the University of Amsterdam. The University has requested this retraction after conducting an inquiry into data irregularities contained in the article, and concluding that these irregularities represent a violation of academic integrity. The request from the University, signed by its Rector Magnificus, Prof D.C. van den Boom, states that "Scrutiny of the evidence by two committees on scientific integrity led to the conclusion that the data were manipulated: 'the diversity found in the scores of the control group is so improbably small that this cannot be explained by sloppy science or questionable research practices; intervention must have taken place in the presentation of the results of the 19 experiments described in the 2012 article. Based on this and based also on the inadequate explanation regarding the data set and the original data, a violation of academic integrity can be said to have taken place.' "

In response to the journal’s request for information regarding the authors’ roles, lead author Jens Förster stated that "My co-author of the paper, Markus Denzler, has nothing to do with the data collection or the data analysis."
A novel route for joining of austenitic stainless steel (SS-316) using microwave energy
Authors: Srinath M S , Sharma A K , Kumar P
Published: June 2011

Material processing through microwaves is a challenging area of research. The present work illustrates an application of the developing technology of joining bulk metallic materials through microwave heating. Stainless steel (SS-316) in bulk form was used as candidate material to be joined. Joining of bulk SS-316 was carried out using a multimode microwave applicator at the frequency of 2.45 GHz and power of 900 W. Joining was effected through fusing and metallurgical bonding of a sandwich layer between the bulk pieces. Heating in the sandwich layer was selectively induced by exposing it to controlled microwave radiation for a predetermined period. The joints were characterized through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and measurement of Vickers microhardness, porosity, and tensile strength. The FE-SEM study showed that the faying surfaces are well fused and get bonded with base material. Examination of the joint microstructure showed cellular-like growth in the entire joint region. The average Vickers microhardness of the core of the joint area was observed to be 290±14 Hv; however, that in the interface zone was found to be significantly higher (∼420±15 Hv). Precipitation of metallic carbides occurred predominantly in the joint interface region. Porosity measurement in the joint area revealed negligible porosity (0.78 per cent). Evaluation of the tensile properties of the joints showed an ultimate tensile strength of the order of 309 MPa with an elongation of 11.50 per cent.
Development of a function oriented computer aided tolerancing (FOCAT) system
Authors: Hu J , Peng Y
Published: June 2011

Functional tolerancing of a mechanical part depends on the assembly and manufacturing function. This paper presents an approach for functional tolerance design and optimization. Functional surfaces are classified according to ISO specification. Dimensional and geometric tolerance types are specified based on design rules. Well-constrained analysis is presented to avoid over- and under- constrained tolerance design. A tolerance values optimization model is established with manufacturing cost functions and assembly stackup constraints. A computer-aided tolerancing (CAT) system is developed to provide designer with an effective tool for ensuring the functional tolerancing of the entire assembly. The system is applied to perform a tolerance design for a three-dimensional (3D) assembly .
Investigation of long waviness induced by the wire saw process
Authors: Teomete E
Published: June 2011

In the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries silicon wafers are sliced using the wire saw process. This process is also used to machine almost all kinds of brittle materials where high yield and low surface damage is desired. The wire saw process induces roughness and long waviness on the cut surface. These defects have to be removed by post-process techniques including grinding and lapping, which increases costs. The present study investigated the long waviness induced by the wire saw process. An analytical model for long waviness generation has been developed. Experimental work was conducted with different process parameters. The analytical model is capable of explaining the long waviness generation observed in experimental work. Process design recommendations with minimal waviness and high efficiency are presented.
Thermo-mechanical analysis of frictional heating in ultrasonic spot welding of aluminium plates
Authors: Kim W , Argento A , Grima A , Scholl D , Ward S
Published: June 2011

The thermo-mechanical analysis of an ultrasonic spot welding process was performed using developed finite element models. Temperature–time histories of aluminium specimens during welding were successfully obtained from the analysis and validated by physical tests. It was shown that the effect of frictional heating on the plastic deformation of aluminium during ultrasonic spot welding was significant and should be included in the analysis of the welding process in order to achieve good correlation with the physical phenomenon.
Study on low nitrogen oxide and low smoke emissions in a heavy-duty engine fuelled with dimethyl ether
Authors: Fang Q , Huang Z , Zhu L , Zhang J-J , Xiao J
Published: June 2011

The objective of the study presented here was to examine the possibility of simultaneously reducing soot and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from a heavy-duty diesel engine fuelled with dimethyl ether (DME). The experiments show that low NOx emissions and smoke opacity can be achieved at engine loads of 10–40 per cent and 1400 r/min using a high level of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). However, combustion in these conditions is incomplete, which results in increases in the amounts of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The φ–T map shows that the soot emission region of DME is smaller than that of diesel, and the NO emission region is almost the same as that of diesel. This is because of the high oxygen content of DME which is 34.8 mass%. The adiabatic flame temperature does not cross the NO and soot emission regions when about 40 per cent EGR is used. It was confirmed that the engine fuelled with DME can result in low NOx and low smoke emissions at EGR levels up to 40 per cent.
Gender and Medical Leadership
Authors: Crolla Elizabeth , O’Sullivan Helen , Bogg Jan
Published: June 2011

Objective: To explore perceptions of leadership in undergraduate medical students. Design: A quantitative pilot study; anonymous online survey. All undergraduates were invited to participate from one UK medical school; 469 students participated. The survey used Likert scales and open and closed questions. Results: Lack of self-confidence and perceptions of women leaders were issues for undergraduates. A significant number of male undergraduates rated women less able to perform 10 of 12 attributes of leadership. Furthermore, male undergraduates showed greater ambition towards future leadership, with 42.2% males compared to 21.7% females strongly agreeing that they saw themselves in a position of leadership in the future. Networking and tradition were also seen as barriers to females gaining the highest office in the student medical society. The importance of embedding leadership in the curriculum was highlighted by both genders. Conclusions Barriers to progression still need to be investigated and removed especially because women are expected to comprise the majority of the medical workforce by 2017. There needs to be greater emphasis on mentoring and role models at the undergraduate level and beyond and more awareness of leadership in curricula at all levels. These changes should ultimately improve confidence and change the perception of women in the medical workforce.
Antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan-essential oil coated plastic films against foodborne pathogens
Authors: Torlak Emrah , Nizamlioğlu Mustafa
Published: June 2011

In this study, antimicrobial efficacy of polypropylene (PP) films coated with chitosan solutions (2% wt/v) and chitosan solutions enriched with essential oils (EOs) against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were evaluated on Kashar cheese slices. Oregano and clove oils were incorporated into film solutions at 1% (v/v). Inoculated cheese samples were wrapped with films and stored at 4°C for 14 days. Antimicrobial effectiveness of films against each of three pathogens was measured by plate counts performed on 1, 7, and 14 days of storage. It was found that the antimicrobial effectiveness of all film types against three pathogens were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with films containing oregano oil showed greater antimicrobial effect on pathogens than films containing clove oil. Results suggest that chitosan is an ideal biopolymer for coating onto PP films, and EOs have the potential to be used in antimicrobial coated plastic film prepared from biopolymers.
G-CSF receptor activation of the Src kinase Lyn is mediated by Gab2 recruitment of the Shp2 phosphatase
Authors: Futami Muneyoshi , Zhu Quan-sheng , Whichard Zakary L. , Xia Ling , Ke Yuehai , Neel Benjamin G. , Feng Gen-Sheng , Corey Seth J.
Published: June 2011

Src activation involves the coordinated regulation of positive and negative tyrosine phosphorylation sites. The mechanism whereby receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine receptors, and integrins activate Src is not known. Here, we demonstrate that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) activates Lyn, the predominant Src kinase in myeloid cells, through Gab2-mediated recruitment of Shp2. After G-CSF stimulation, Lyn dynamically associates with Gab2 in a spatiotemporal manner. The dephosphorylation of phospho-Lyn Tyr507 was abrogated in Shp2-deficient cells transfected with the G-CSF receptor but intact in cells expressing phosphatase-defective Shp2. Auto-phosphorylation of Lyn Tyr396 was impaired in cells treated with Gab2 siRNA. The constitutively activated Shp2E76A directed the dephosphorylation of phospho-Lyn Tyr507 in vitro. Tyr507 did not undergo dephosphorylation in G-CSF–stimulated cells expressing a mutant Gab2 unable to bind Shp2. We propose that Gab2 forms a complex with Lyn and after G-CSF stimulation, Gab2 recruits Shp2, which dephosphorylates phospho-Lyn Tyr507, leading to Lyn activation.