bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of bicyclol on liver injury induced by hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion in rats
Authors: Yao Xiao‐min , Chen Hui , Li Yan
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Bicyclol is a synthetic anti‐hepatitis drug with anti‐oxidative property. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bicyclol on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and related mechanisms.

Methods:  Rats were subjected to 90 min of hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion for 1, 3, 6 and 24 h. Three doses of bicyclol were orally administered before ischemia. Liver injury was evaluated by biochemical and histopathological examinations. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) contents, and plasma endotoxin levels were spectrophotometrically measured. The expressions of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Liver intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) was examined by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, inhibitor of NF‐κB (IκB) and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) were determined by western blot.

Results:  Bicyclol significantly inhibited the elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and plasma endotoxin levels, alleviated the formation of liver MDA and nitrite/nitrate, restored impaired antioxidant SOD, attenuated hepatic necrosis and neutrophil infiltration, and also improved the 7‐day survival in I/R rats. Additionally, bicyclol markedly downregulated the overexpression of ICAM‐1, modulated the expression of inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of NF‐κB and TLR4 in I/R rats.

Conclusion:  Bicyclol had a remarkable protective effect on hepatic I/R injury, which was partially due to inhibiting the expression of TLR4 and NF‐κB via its ability to attenuate oxidative stress and endotoxin.
Rutherford scattering with radiation damping
Authors: Aguiar C. E. , Barone F. A.
Published: March 2009

We study the effect of radiation damping on the classical scattering of charged particles. By using a perturbation method based on the Runge–Lenz vector, we calculate radiative corrections to the Rutherford cross section and deflection function. Energy and angular momentum losses are obtained by the same method.
Nineteenth-Century Textbook Illustrations: A Frontispiece Puzzle
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: March 2009

Most of the 19th- and early 20th-century physics texts in my collection have frontispieces: a telegraph system, the cross-section of a steam locomotive, colored lithographs of spectra, etc. One of my favorites is the wood-cut illustration of an apparatus collection that serves as the frontispiece to Hotze's 1897 physics textbook.1 In modern parlance, this is a conceptual text as it does not have a single equation.
Student Difficulties in Analyzing Thin-Film Interference
Authors: Newburgh Ronald , Goodale Douglass
Published: March 2009

A question we posed in a recent final examination has uncovered a fundamental difficulty for students in understanding destructive interference. The problem stated that glass of index n3 was coated with a thin film of a substance with index n2. The question then asked the student to calculate (a) the minimum coating thickness for maximum transmission into the glass and (b) the minimum thickness for minimum transmission into the glass, in both cases for a given wavelength. Questions from students during and after the examination showed that many had a problem in relating the interference to the transmission. We finally concluded that the source of confusion lay with an almost universally used figure in teaching interference in thin films, as well as the omission of the role of the electric field in reflection.
Three Questions Can Change Your Labs for the Better
Authors: Blanton Patricia
Published: March 2009

Editor's note: This description gives those new to inquiry-style pedagogy an example as to how a typical introductory physics lab can be adapted for inquiry. I have never been able to find the author of this piece but share it here because it was posted to a listserv to be shared with physics teachers. If you are the author or know who wrote this, please let me know and I'll disclose it to our readers. My intent in publishing this is twofold: 1) to give beginning teachers an inquiry example, and 2) to encourage teachers to find an online community to share ideas and learn from experienced practitioners.
AN ECC-BASED ITERATIVE ALGORITHM FOR PHOTOMETRIC INVARIANT PROJECTIVE REGISTRATION
Authors: EVANGELIDIS GEORGIOS D. , PSARAKIS EMMANOUIL Z.
Published: March 2009

The ability of an algorithm to accurately estimate the parameters of the geometric transformation which aligns two image profiles even in the presence of photometric distortions can be considered as a basic requirement in many computer vision applications. Projective transformations constitute a general class which includes as special cases the affine, as well as the metric subclasses of transformations. In this paper the applicability of a recently proposed iterative algorithm, which uses the Enhanced Correlation Coefficient as a performance criterion, in the projective image registration problem is investigated. The main theoretical results concerning the proposed iterative algorithm are presented. Furthermore, the performance of the iterative algorithm in the presence of nonlinear photometric distortions is compared against the leading Lucas-Kanade algorithm and its simultaneous inverse compositional variant with the help of a series of experiments involving strong or weak geometric deformations, ideal and noisy conditions and even over-modelling of the warping process. Although under ideal conditions the proposed algorithm and simultaneous inverse compositional algorithm exhibit a similar performance and both outperform the Lucas-Kanade algorithm, under noisy conditions the proposed algorithm outperforms the other algorithms in convergence speed and accuracy, and exhibits robustness against photometric distortions.
PREDICTIONS AND DIAGNOSTICS IN EXPERIMENTAL DATA USING SUPPORT VECTOR REGRESSION
Authors: SAKHANENKO NIKITA A. , LUGER GEORGE F. , MAKARUK HANNA E. , HOLTKAMP DAVID B.
Published: March 2009

In this paper we present a novel support vector machine (SVM) based framework for prognosis and diagnosis. We apply the framework to sparse physics data sets, although the method can easily be extended to other domains. Experiments in applied fields, such as experimental physics, are often complicated and expensive. As a result, experimentalists are unable to conduct as many experiments as they would like, leading to very unbalanced data sets that can be dense in one dimension and very sparse in others. Our method predicts the data values along the sparse dimension providing more information to researchers. Often experiments deviate from expectations due to small misalignments in initial parameters. Our method detects these outlier experiments.
Prophylaxis in people with haemophilia
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Tagliaferri Annarita , Coppola Antonio
Published: March 2009

A four-decade clinical experience and recent evidence from randomised controlled studies definitively recognised primary prophylaxis, i.e. the regular infusion of factor concentrates started after the first haemarthrosis and/or before the age of two years, as the first-choice treatment in children with severe haemophilia. The available data clearly show that preventing bleeding since an early age enables to avoid or reduce the clinical impact of muscle-skeletal impairment from haemophilic arthropathy and the related consequences in psycho-social development and quality of life of these patients. In this respect, the aim of secondary prophylaxis, defined as regular long-term treatment started after the age of two years or after two or more joint bleeds, is to avoid (or delay) the progression of arthropathy. The clinical benefits of secondary prophylaxis have been less extensively studied, especially in adolescents and adults; also in the latter better outcomes and quality of life for earlier treatment have been reported. This review summarises evidence from literature and current clinical strategies for prophylactic treatment in patients with severe haemophilia, also focusing on challenges and open issues (optimal regimen and implementation, duration of treatment, long-term adherence and outcomes, cost-benefit ratios) in this setting.
Relation of circulating matrix Gla-protein and anticoagulation status in patients with aortic valve calcification
Authors: Krueger Thilo , Westenfeld Ralf , Kühl Harald Peter , Brandenburg Vincent , Mahnken Andreas Horst , Stanzel Sven , Vermeer Cees , Cranenburg Ellen , Floege Jürgen , Kelm Malte , Schurgers Leon , Koos Ralf
Published: March 2009

Matrix-Gla Protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein acting as a local inhibitor of vascular calcification. Vitamin K-antagonists (oral anticoagulant; OAC) inhibit the activation of MGP by blocking vitamin K-metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term OAC treatment on circulating MGP levels in humans and on MGP expression in mice. Additionally, we tested the association between circulating inactive MGP (ucMGP) levels and the presence and severity of AVC in patients with aortic valve disease (AVD). We analysed circulating ucMGP levels in 191 consecutive patients with echocardiographically proven calcific AVD and 35 control subjects. The extent of AVC in the patients was assessed by multislice spiral computed tomography. Circulating ucMGP levels were significantly lower in patients with AVD (348.6 ± 123.1 nM) compared to the control group (571.6 ± 153.9 nM, p < 0.001). Testing the effect of coumarin in mice revealed that also the mRNA expression of MGP in the aorta was downregulated. Multifactorial analysis revealed a significant effect of glomerular filtration rate and long-term OAC therapy on circulating ucMGP levels in the patient group. Subsequently, patients on long-term OAC had significantly increased AVC scores. In conclusion, patients with calcific AVD had significantly lower levels of circulating ucMGP as compared to a reference population, free of coronary and valvular calcifications. In addition, our data suggest that OAC treatment may decrease local expression of MGP, resulting in decreased circulating MGP levels and subsequently increased aortic valve calcifications as an adverse side effect.
Leukocyte- and platelet-derived microparticles correlate with thrombus weight and tissue factor activity in an experimental mouse model of venous thrombosis
Authors: Hawley Angela , Farris Diana , Ballard Nicole , Wrobleski Shirley , Myers Jr Daniel , Henke Peter , Wakefield Thomas , Ramacciotti Eduardo
Published: March 2009

Microparticles (MP) are lipid vesicles from platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells that are involved in early thrombogenesis. We evaluated a detailed time-course analysis of MPs on thrombogenesis and the associated tissue factor (TF) activity in wild-type, in gene-deleted for E- and P-selectins and with high levels of P-selectin expression after the initiation of venous thrombosis in mice.Inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation was performed on C57BL/6 mice (n =191, 59 = wild-type [WT], 55 = gene-deleted for E- and P – selectins [knock-outs, EPKO] and 77 = elevated levels of soluble P-selectin, named Delta Cytoplasmic Tail (ΔCT). Animals were euthanised at various time points to assess MP production, origin and thrombus weight. MPs were re-injected into separate mice at concentrations of 80,000 and 160,000 units, as well as from different ages. In addition, MPs from thrombosed animals were pooled and TF activity quantitated using a chromogenic assay. Thrombus weight correlated negatively with MPs derived from leukocytes, and positively with MPs derived from platelets for WT animals (p<0.05), while MPs from platelets presented a positive correlation to thrombus weight in the WT and EPKO groups (p<0.01). Total MPs correlated negatively with thrombus weight in the ΔCT group (p<0.05). MP re-injections led to greater thrombus weight, while older MP reinjections tended to form larger thrombus than younger. Finally, TF bearing MPs showed a significant correlation to MP concentrations (R=0.99). In conclusion, MPs appear to be an important element in venous thrombogenesis.
Endothelial adapter proteins in leukocyte transmigration
Authors: van Buul Jaap , Hordijk Peter
Published: March 2009

Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) requires endothelial signalling. This signalling is initiated by clustering of cell-surface adhesion molecules and transmitted into the endothelium by a group of associated or co-clustered adapter proteins. These adapter proteins, such as cortactin and filamin, connect the adhesion molecules to the actin cytoskeleton as well as to signalling enzymes and downstream pathways. This short review aims to define common themes in adapter protein binding in endothelial cells and to propose critical functions that are exerted by these adapters in leukocyte transendothelial migration.
Effects of microgravity and hypergravity on platelet functions
Authors: Wang Yuedan , Yan Rong , Shi Quanwei , Wang Zhicheng , Yuan Yanhong , Cheng Hong , Li Suping , Fan Yubo , Zhuang Fengyuan , Dai Kesheng
Published: March 2009

Many serious thrombotic and haemorrhagic diseases or fatalities have been documented in human being exposed to micro-gravity or hypergravity environments, such as crewmen in space, roller coaster riders, and aircrew subjected to high-G training. Some possible related organs have been examined to explore the mechanisms underlying these gravity change-related diseases. However, the role of platelets which are the primary players in both thrombosis and haemostasis is unknown. Here we show that platelet aggregation induced by ristocetin or collagen and platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) were significantly decreased after platelets were exposed to simulated microgravity. Conversely, these platelet functions were increased after platelets were exposed to hypergravity. The tail bleeding time in vivo was significantly shortened in mice exposed to high-G force, whereas, was prolonged in hindlimb unloaded mice. Furthermore, three of 23 mice died after 15 minutes of –8 Gx stress. Platelet thrombi disseminated in the heart ventricle and blood vessels in the brain, lung, and heart from the dead mice. Finally, glycoprotein (GP) Ibα surface expression and its association with the cytoskeleton were significantly decreased in platelets exposed to simulated microgravity, and obviously increased in hypergravity-exposed platelets. These data indicate that the platelet functions are inhibited in microgravity environments, and activated under high-G conditions, suggesting a novel mechanism for gravity change-related haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases. This mechanism has important implications for preventing and treating gravity change-related diseases, and also suggests that special attentions should be paid to human actions under different gravity conditions.
Cyclooxygenase-1 haplotype C50T/A-842G does not affect platelet response to aspirin
Authors: Pettinella Caterina , Romano Mario , Stuppia Liborio , Santilli Francesca , Liani Rossella , Davì Giovanni
Published: March 2009

COX-1 polymorphism C50T, in complete linkage disequilibrium with the other polymorphism A-842G, has been depicted as a determinant of pharmacological response to aspirin treatment. Whether these polymorphisms exert an effect on response to aspirin both in vitro and ex vivo is still controversial. We geno-typed a population of 148 healthy individuals for the C50T/A-842G haplotype. Thirty of them underwent low-dose aspirin (100 mg daily) treatment for four weeks and were followed up for seven days after withdrawal. In this subgroup, we evaluated the thromboxane-dependence of biochemical and functional indexes used to monitor the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin. Among the 148 subjects studied, 10 were heterozygous for the C50T/A-842G haplotype (6.7%) and only one was homozygous for the 50T/-842G haplotype (0.67%). In the group on low-dose aspirin, serum thromboxane (TX) B2 as well as urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced aggregation were similarly suppressed in carriers and non-carriers of the 50T/-842G haplotype, with an increase until basal levels of all the parameters within seven days after withdrawal. We found no relationship between the 50T/-842G haplotype and the so-called phenomenon of aspirin resistance. Platelet cyclooxygenase activity, as reflected by serum TXB2, was uniformly and persistently suppressed by low-dose aspirin in both carriers and non carriers of these polymorphisms.
Radiosity Approach for the Shortwave Surface Radiation Balance in Complex Terrain
Authors: Helbig Nora , Löwe Henning , Lehning Michael
Published: March 2009

The influence of topography on the radiation balance in complex terrain has so far been investigated either with very simple or very sophisticated approaches that are limited, respectively, by an uncontrolled spatial representation of radiative fluxes or heavy computational efforts. To bridge this gap in complexity, this paper proposes the radiosity approach, well known in computer graphics, to study anisotropic reflections of radiation in complex terrain. To this end the radiosity equation is rederived in the context of three-dimensional radiative transfer. The discretized equation is solved by means of an adapted version of progressive refinement iteration. To systematically study terrain effects, the geometrical disorder provided by the topography is considered in its simplest approximation by Gaussian random fields. These model topographies capture the most important length scales of complex terrain, namely a typical elevation and a typical valley width via the variance and the correlation length of the field, respectively. The mean reflected radiation is computed as a function of these length scales and sun elevation, thereby explicitly addressing finite system sizes and grid resolutions. A comparison with an isotropic parameterization of terrain reflections reveals that mean values are similar whereas spatial distributions vary remarkably. It is also shown that the mean reflected radiation in real topography is reasonably well characterized by the Gaussian approximation. As a final application of the method, the effective albedo of a topography is shown to vary with sun elevation and domain-averaged albedo, leading to albedo differences up to 0.025.
Statistics on High-Cloud Areas and Their Sensitivities to Cloud Microphysics Using Single-Cloud Experiments
Authors: Satoh Masaki , Matsuda Yuya
Published: March 2009

Statistics on high-altitude cloud areas associated with deep cumulus clouds and their sensitivities to cloud microphysics are studied in the framework of single-cloud experiments with an explicit cloud system–resolving model. A comprehensive six-category single-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme is used to investigate parameter dependency. High-cloud areas are defined by the threshold values of the outgoing longwave radiation, and probability distribution functions of high-cloud areas are obtained. First, resolution dependencies on grid sizes of approximately 3.5, 7, and 14 km are examined. It is found that although quantitative differences are confirmed, diurnal variations in high-cloud covers are similarly captured by all three experiments conducted. The main focus of the sensitivity experiments of cloud microphysics is on the fall speed and number concentration, or mean radius, of ice particles. The results clearly show that the sum of snow and cloud ice amounts is closely related to high-cloud covers. Among the number of experiments conducted, one interesting result is that the intercept parameters of snow and graupel have opposite effects on high-cloud covers. As the intercept parameter of graupel increases, the graupel amount increases because of an increase in the accretion rate of cloud water by graupel, which results in a decrease in the amount of snow and hence a decrease in high-cloud covers. This implies that a greater production of graupel leads to an increase in precipitation efficiency.
Weakening Trend in the Atmospheric Heat Source over the Tibetan Plateau during Recent Decades. Part II: Connection with Climate Warming
Authors: Duan Anmin , Wu Guoxiong
Published: March 2009

In Part I the authors have shown that heating sources in spring over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and in particular the sensible heat flux (SHF), exhibit a significant weakening trend since the mid-1980s that is induced mainly by decreased surface wind speed. The possible reason of such a change is further investigated in Part II by analyzing historical observations and the NCEP/Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis. The steady declining trend in the surface wind speed over the TP after the 1970s arises mainly from the zonal component. Since the mean altitude of the TP is about 600 hPa and the surface flow is controlled by the East Asian subtropical westerly jet (EASWJ) for most parts of the year, the substantial tropospheric warming in the mid- and high latitudes to the north of the plateau results in a decrease of the meridional pressure gradient in the subtropics. As a result, the EASWJ and the surface winds over the TP are decelerated. Moreover, changes of the general circulation in the twentieth century simulated by 16 coupled climate models driven by natural and anthropogenic forcings are examined. Intercomparison results suggest that sulfate aerosol indirect effects and ozone may be important in reproducing the weakening trend in EASWJ. Although nearly half of the models can successfully reproduce the observed trends in the EASWJ during the last two decades, there is an obvious spread in simulation of the spatial patterns of twentieth-century tropospheric temperatures, suggesting significant room still exists for improvement of the current state-of-the-art coupled climate models.
A Political World Philosophy in terms of All-under-heaven (Tian-xia)
Authors: Tingyang Zhao
Published: March 2009

This paper presents an overall view of the Philosophy of Tian-xia, a particular form of neo-universalism developed by its author and very much debated in the last years. The system of Tian-xia, or ‘all-under-heaven’, is a philosophical re-elaboration of an ancient form of Chinese universalism. The world is constituted as a global unity and a basic concept of political philosophy. It aims at a world institution as a way to rethink all problems in the world as problems of the world. Zhao Tingyang has analytically developed this view in some recent publications in Chinese. This article represents the most recent attempt to provide a synthetic view of his philosophy of ‘all-under-heaven’.
War, Peace, and China's Soft Power: A Confucian Approach
Authors: Bell Daniel A.
Published: March 2009

The contemporary Chinese intellectual Kang Xiaoguang has argued that Chinese soft power should be based on Confucian culture, the most influential Chinese political tradition. But which Confucian values should form the core of China's soft power? This paper first explores the coexistence of state sovereignty and utopian cosmopolitanism through an analysis of Confucian tradition up to contemporary Chinese nationalism. It insists on the exogenous roots of the cosmopolitan ideal and its relations with the ideal of a harmonious political order and a global peace. Then, it compares the philosophy of ‘all-under-heaven’ in its classical and contemporary forms, with Mencius’ theory of a ‘hegemon’, a theory that still informs the moral language that Chinese intellectuals use to evaluate foreign policy, especially regarding morally-justified warfare. It ends on a reflection on the role that Mencius's theory of just and unjust war can play in the contemporary Chinese context and to help understanding and defining the stance of China in the international geo-political context.
Optimization Effect of Micro Hardness by Nanoclay Clusters in Nanoclay/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Lam Chun-Ki , Lau Kin-Tak
Published: March 2009

Nanoclay/epoxy composites have been investigated extensively on their mechanical and thermal properties over the last decade. Researches have been mainly focused on the control of manufacturing a fully exfoliated inter-planar structure of nanoclay platelets inside epoxy resin in order to achieve the maximum mechanical strength of the composites. Nevertheless, in reality, sole dominant structures (both exfoliated and intercalated) are hardly produced in the manufacturing process. Nanoclays would be easily agglomerated to form tiny nanoclay clusters, especially in the extrusion and injection molding processes of epoxy-based components. This paper studies the mechanical performance in terms of micro-hardness of nanoclay/epoxy composites with different nanoclay contents. The size of nanoclay clusters in the composites vary with different nanoclay contents observed by the microscopic examination. The results show that the micro-hardness of the composites could be enhanced by adding a small amount of nanoclays. However, there is an optimal limit wherein the maximum hardness of the composites is measured. Continuously increasing the amount of nanoclay could ultimately decrease the hardness of the composites.
Physical Modification of Natural Fibers and Thermoplastic Films for Composites — A Review
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. , Fangueiro R.
Published: March 2009

The article throws light on the physical methods to modify natural fibers to be used in composites. Physical methods in natural fiber processing are used to separate natural fiber bundles into individual filaments and to modify the surface structure of the fibers so as to improve the use of natural fibers in composites. Steam explosion and thermomechanical processes fall in the first category while plasma, dielectric barrier techniques and corona fall in the second. The physical treatments have also been used to modify the thermoplastic polymeric films like polyethylene and polypropylene in a bid to impart reactivity. Reviewing such developments, the areas for further research are suggested.
Schools of little thought: why change management hasn't worked
Authors: Grant Nick
Published: March 2009

The management of change in English and Welsh schools has been an authoritarian affair seeking to impose rather than win consent for new ways of working. While no practitioner should challenge the fact of constant change in natural and social life, school staff have had little choice in the nature and direction of changes that have significantly re-shaped their professional practice and conditions of service. This is symptomatic of a wider democratic deficit in recent public service management models, which, ironically, are usually far more doctrinaire than processes adopted and implemented in the private sector. There is no shortage of evidence for the long-term damage being wrought on students and their communities by such top-down methods. Equally, there is no shortage of evidence that alternative, inclusive practices can and do deliver quality learning experiences.
Can there be an alternative to the centralized curriculum in England?
Authors: Berry Jon
Published: March 2009

Schools and teachers in England have found themselves coerced into a situation where high-stakes testing, scrutiny of `performance' and the generation of data for competitive league tables have dominated the educational experience of young people. There is a growing recognition from all quarters that this model is failing and that alternative — and more creative — approaches are needed. The article examines whether there is sufficient professional confidence and autonomy to challenge the current hegemonic position.
The past is now – an interview with Anders Högberg
Authors: Holtorf Cornelius
Published: March 2009

Anders Högberg is a Swedish archaeologist whose research offers an original perspective on prehistoric flint technology but he has also been directing some innovative projects in archaeological teaching and learning. In this interview I am exploring some of the ideas that have been guiding his work in both realms. Although part of the interview is about work conducted in the past, equal weight is given to new opportunities and developments that affect the future of archaeology. Anders Högberg's ideas cannot be said to be typical or representative for any larger community, but he is operating in very specific historic circumstances that are shared to a greater or lesser extent by many other archaeologists living and working today. This interview documents the particular views on material culture, public archaeology, and the field of archaeology more generally that were held by one European archaeologist in 2008.
Cosmopolitanization and localization
Authors: Trémon Anne-Christine
Published: March 2009

In the interest of contributing to the study of the Chinese diaspora as well as identity formation in Pacific societies, this article examines the historical transformation of Chinese identification in a French colony that has been turned into a French Overseas Territory. Identification consists in individual positioning within a field that is shaped by the changing configuration of global relations. I explain how this leads to a differential structuring of Chinese identifications between a `local' and a `cosmopolitan' pole. Instead of assuming that the descendants of Chinese migrants constitute a homogeneous entity, it is their differing identifications that are brought to the fore. I examine the conditions of possibility that might account for the sense of belonging to a `Chinese diaspora', and its relation to the maintenance of the ethnic Chinese category in French Polynesia. I stress the importance of observing the role ethnic categorization plays in this longue durée persistence.
Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation: A Level I and II Systematic Review
Authors: Baumgarten Keith M. , Vidal Armando F. , Wright Rick W.
Published: March 2009

Background:

There is no consensus for the optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol after rotator cuff repairs.

Objective:

To determine if there is sufficient level I or II evidence available in the literature for establishment of a uniform, optimal rotator cuff rehabilitation protocol.

Data Sources:

A systematic review of level I and II English-language, prospective, randomized controlled trials published between 1966 and 2008 was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and secondary references were appraised for studies that met the inclusion criteria. Search terms included rotator cuff, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor, rehab, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and physiotherapy.

Study Selection:

Inclusion criteria were English-language level I or level II studies, including randomized clinical trials involving the rehabilitation of rotator cuff repairs. Exclusion criteria were non-English language, level IV or V studies, or studies involving shoulder rehabilitation of diagnoses other than rotator cuff repairs. Three independent reviewers arrived at a consensus for including 4 studies in this review out of 12 studies identified by the literature search.

Data Extraction:

Included studies underwent worksheet quality appraisal independently by each of the 3 authors identifying strengths, weaknesses, and biases. The quality appraisal was then discussed among the authors and consensus reached regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and value of the included studies.

Results:

Two studies examined the use of continuous passive motion for rotator cuff rehabilitation, and 2 studies compared an unsupervised, standardized rehabilitation program to a supervised, individualized rehabilitation program. These studies did not support the use of continuous passive motion in rotator cuff rehabilitation, and no advantage was shown with a supervised, individualized rehabilitation protocol compared to an unsupervised, standardized home program. Each investigation had weaknesses in study design that decreased the validity of its findings.

Conclusion:

There is not enough high-level evidence to develop an evidence-based medicine approach to rotator cuff rehabilitation. There is a need for well-designed level I and level II trials to elucidate the optimal rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocol.
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Measurements Differ Depending on Stabilization Techniques
Authors: Wilk Kevin E. , Reinold Michael M. , Macrina Leonard C. , Porterfield Ron , Devine Kathleen M. , Suarez Kim , Andrews James R.
Published: March 2009

Background:

The loss of glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion in overhead athletes has been well documented in the literature. Several different methods of assessing this measurement have been described, making comparison between the results of studies difficult.

Hypothesis:

Significant differences in the amount of internal rotation range of motion exist when using different methods of stabilization.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Three techniques were used bilaterally in random fashion to measure glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion: stabilization of the humeral head, stabilization of the scapula, and visual inspection without stabilization. An initial study on 20 asymptomatic participants was performed to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability for each measurement technique. Once complete, measurements were performed on 39 asymptomatic professional baseball players to determine if a difference existed in measurement techniques and if there was a significant side-to-side difference. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used.

Results:

While interrater reliability was fair between all 3 methods, scapular stabilization provided the best intrarater reliability. A statistically significant difference was observed between all 3 methods ( P < .001). Internal rotation was significantly less in the dominant shoulder than in the nondominant shoulder ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Differences in internal rotation range of motion measurements exist when using different methods. The scapula stabilization method displayed the highest intrarater reproducibility and should be considered when evaluating internal rotation passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint.

Clinical Relevance:

A standardized method of measuring internal rotation range of motion is required to accurately compare physical examinations of patients. The authors recommend the use of the scapula stabilization method to assess internal rotation range of motion by allowing normal glenohumeral arthrokinematics while stabilizing the scapulothoracic articulation.
Influence of carbides on the strength and toughness of a niobium alloy
Authors: Ding R. , Jones I. P.
Published: March 2009

The mechanical behaviour of Nb35Ti6Al5Cr8V (at.-%) containing different C contents (0, 1 and 10 at.-%) has been investigated. The addition of 1 at.-%C does not increase the strength at room or high temperature, whereas adding 10 at.-%C improves significantly the strength at both room and high temperature. Adding 1 at.-%C slightly increases the fracture toughness; aging the same alloy for 9 days also results in a slight improvement in the toughness. A 10 at.-%C addition, however, leads to a dramatic decrease in the toughness. The variation in the toughness is linearly related to the proportion of cleavage as modified by the carbide.
A Novel Optochemical Sensor for Fe3+ by an Intramolecular Charge-transfer Fluorescence Probe: 4-Dimethylamino-2′,5′-dihydroxychalcone
Authors: Wang Wenyan , Wei Yanli , Shuang Shaomin , Dong Chuan
Published: March 2009

4-Dimethylamino-2′,5′-dihydroxychalcone (DMADHC), a typical compound that exhibits excited-state intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) characteristics and possesses good photophysical properties, is synthesized and used as fluoroionophore for a Fe3+ sensitive optochemical sensor. The sensor shows a linear response toward Fe3+ in the concentration range of 3.984×10−7–1.135×10−5 M with a limit of detection of 8.223×10−9 M. It exhibits excellent selectivity for Fe3+ over a large number of cations such as alkali, alkaline earth, and transitional-metal ions.
High-performance Photooxidation of Phenol with Singlet Oxygen in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Inoue Nobuhiro , Ishioka Toshio , Harata Akira
Published: March 2009

Photooxidation of phenol using singlet oxygen generated in ionic liquid was reported. Singlet oxygen is produced via photosensitized reaction of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfophenyl)porphine in ethylammonium nitrate. The production rate of singlet oxygen was 2.2 times faster than that in aqueous media containing the same. The resulting oxidized product from phenol was pure benzoquinone with no by-product like quinhydrone usually found in aqueous media. The advantage of this method is high yield of benzoquinone with no harmful agents like metal catalysis or oxidizer as well as easy product separation.
Immunophenotypic Analysis of CD103+ B-Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Dong Henry Y. , Weisberger James , Liu Zach , Tugulea Sorina
Published: March 2009

CD103 is characteristically expressed in hairy cell leukemia (HCL), a B-lymphoproliferative disorder highly responsive to treatment with purine analogs. Other CD103+ diseases are rare and do not respond well to the same therapy, including HCL variant (HCLv) and splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (SMZL) variants. We analyzed 215 cases of CD103+ B-lymphoproliferative disorders to further delineate their immunophenotypic features. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that 78.6% of all cases expressed CD25 and CD103, characteristic of classical HCL. Cases analyzed immunohistochemically were also invariably positive for annexin-A1; a subset coexpressed CD10 (33/169 [19.5%]) or BCL1 (26/65 [36.9%]). In contrast, 21.4% of cases lacked CD25, a subset of which was analyzed and was invariably negative for annexin-A1, CD10, and BCL1. The CD25– cases had variable morphologic features ranging from HCLv and SMZL to prolymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Clinically, patients with CD25– disease tended to be older (P = .001), typically had leukocytosis (P = .014), and did not respond well to cladribine or pentostatin. We suggest categorizing CD103+ B-lymphoproliferative disorders into 2 groups. While HCL coexpresses CD25 and annexin-A1, diseases lacking CD25 and annexin-A1 behave clinically differently and can be separated from HCL on diagnosis.
One size does not fit all: Motivational predictors of contextual benefits of therapy
Authors: Whalley Ben , Hyland Michael E.
Published: March 2009

Background. A common sense view in psychotherapy holds that there are individual differences in response to different treatments. However, despite considerable effort, no clear rationale exists to guide the selection of therapy for individual patients.

Objectives. Rather than focusing on specific components of therapy as a basis to predict interactions between patients and treatments, we draw on motivational concordance theory and a contextual model of psychotherapy to test whether, in an analogue study, perceived effectiveness of different therapy vignettes is related to human values.

Method. Two samples (undergraduates and members of the public) read short vignettes, informed by six therapies for depression (cognitive behaviour therapy, client‐centred therapy, antidepressant medication, existential psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and a complementary medicine: Bach flower essences), provided ratings of perceived effectiveness, and completed questionnaire measures of dispositional motivations (Schwartz Values Scale and the Spiritual Connection Questionnaire‐14). Responses were analysed using multidimensional scaling (MDS).

Results. In both samples, expectancy for the cognitive behavioural‐informed vignette was related to Self‐direction and Stimulation, and was opposed to Tradition, Conformity and Security. Expectancies for the Drug vignette were associated with Power and Security.

Conclusion. People perceive therapies as more effective if the therapy is congruent with their values. These preliminary data suggest motivational concordance is a useful framework for predicting client‐treatment interactions.
High-technology materials based on modified polysaccharides
Authors: Singh Ram P. , Pal Sagar , Krishnamoorthy S. , Adhikary P. , Ali Sk. Akbar
Published: March 2009

Polysaccharides are abundantly available from farm, forest, and microbial resources. They are used in myriad applications. It has been established in the authors' laboratory that their performance is enhanced considerably on purification, grafting by polyacrylamide (PAM), and subsequent hydrolysis as well as cationization. The most significant performance is enhanced in flocculation where it has been found that the modified polysaccharides outperform existing flocculants in national and international markets. Similar effects are observed in their performance in turbulent drag reduction (DR), percolation, and rheology. The present article outlines the details of materials, mechanisms, and practical applications of these novel materials.
Conformational symmetry and vibrational dynamics of polymers
Authors: Tandon Poonam , Kumar Naresh , Gupta Vineet , Chaturvedi Deepika , Mishra Soni , Gupta Vishwambhar D.
Published: March 2009

Polymers are an important class of materials, and their conformation dictates their dynamical, thermodynamical, and hydrodynamical behavior. Several spectroscopic and other techniques have been employed to characterize their conformation. However, little use has been made of group-theoretical techniques except in the classification of symmetry species. In the present review, an attempt has been made to correlate normal modes and their dispersion profiles with the conformation of the polymeric systems. This has been attempted in the case of 2-, 3-, 4-fold and α-helical polymers.
Paclitaxel-albumin interaction in view of molecular engineering of polymer-drug conjugates
Authors: Hess Michael , Jo Byung-Wook , Wunderlich Stefan
Published: March 2009

The interaction of water-soluble polymer conjugates of the anticancer agent paclitaxel and albumin as model protein has been investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and NMR. Drugs and drug conjugates can enter the hydrophobic core of albumin; the kinetics of the interaction with the fluorophore, however, differs. Given the information about the steric situation of the formed complexes, some aspects of molecular engineering of the drug are discussed.
Self‐Soothing — A Recursive Intrapsychic and Relational Process: The Contribution of the Bowen Theory to the Process of Self‐Soothing
Authors: Wright Joanne
Published: March 2009

The concept of self‐soothing originating in the psychodynamic tradition has attracted interest from therapists as a key skill in the managing and regulating of strong affect and emotional discomfort. While a capacity for self‐soothing is implicit in, and a vital prerequisite to, the process of differentiation, Murray Bowen also predicted that the outcome of increased differentiation is improved emotional equilibrium and a capacity for self‐soothing, clearly a recursive process. The attention of Bowen family systems theory to both the relational and intrapsychic aspects of human functioning provides a useful framework through which to explore these aspects of the dynamics of self‐soothing. This article describes some of the key processes involved in developing a self‐soothing capacity within an effort to define a more autonomous self in significant relationships. The author contrasts Family Systems thinking with other theoretical perspectives that speak to the importance of self‐soothing. Finally, the role of the therapist as a facilitator of an environment in which the self‐soothing resources of clients can emerge is considered alongside suggestions and strategies for how a therapist may contribute to a client's own efforts.
Integrative Family Therapy With Childhood Chronic Illness: An Ethics of Practice
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: March 2009

A challenge for contemporary family therapists is negotiating differences between modern and postmodern frameworks in the practice context. Modernists espouse a systemic metaphor; use evidence‐based and interventive approaches, including strategic, structural‐ or solution‐focused techniques, and believe in the therapist's knowledge, expertise and power to influence individuals or families to change. On the other hand, postmodernists follow a social constructionist, dialogical or narrative paradigm, which identifies the main ingredient of therapy as language, conversation, understanding and the therapist's ‘not knowing’ stance in eliciting a person's expertise and story Yet many practitioners adopt a middle way between these paradigm polarities, one that is less theory‐driven and more pragmatic, flexible, integrative and practice‐based. This is consistent with evidence‐based practice and research demonstrating common factors across all therapies. The value of preserving systemic thinking in family therapy is recognised while reaching forward to a postmodern social constructionist and dialogical approach. The article describes this integrative stance in family therapy as paramodern based on an ethics of practice. This is illustrated by a detailed case study of integrative family therapy, which addresses anxiety, anger and sleeping issues associated with a chronic childhood illness called Perthe's disease.
Thin Film Endurance (Wear) Testing
Authors: Sargent DJ
Published: March 2009

During the past three decades, many techniques for evaluating solid film endurance (wear) life have been investigated. All are based on area, point, or line contact and vary only to the extent of the ingenuity of the “inventor.”

Several of the testers and procedures have become industry “standards,” and, in fact, three have become ASTM standards. These standards will be reviewed, as will wear testing and techniques, as pertain to solid, thin film evaluations, in general.
Evaluation of Performance by Full-Scale Testing
Authors: Guedelhoefer OC , Janney JR
Published: March 2009

This paper presents an extension of topics related to full-scale structural testing that were discussed during the Engineering Foundation Conference held in Rindge, N. H., in 1976. It amplifies the role that full-scale testing has had in the evaluation of performance of structures. Five examples of actual applications of full-scale testing are presented to illustrate various testing methods, aspects of planning, criteria for the evaluation of the test results, and data recording methods. The fundamental aim of the paper is to present useful information on practical applications of full-scale structural testing for the evaluation of performance and significant planning considerations.
Field Instrumentation of Concrete Structures
Authors: Russell HG
Published: March 2009

Three high-rise concrete buildings and two post-tensioned concrete bridges were instrumented to determine strains and deflections caused by instantaneous shortening, creep, and shrinkage. The actual properties of concretes were determined from laboratory measurements of strength, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion, creep, and shrinkage. Calculated values of time-dependent deformations based on laboratory data showed satisfactory comparison with measured values. Therefore, time-dependent behavior of concrete structures under service loads can be predicted with reasonable accuracy.
A Method for the Full-Scale Testing of Roof Systems
Authors: Johnson DL
Published: March 2009

A program of gravity load tests of steel roof systems presented the need for special techniques of applying the load. The size of the test roof also required unique methods of instrumentation and observation of the test results. The testing methods and the use of closed circuit television for data collection are described.