bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of an Extract ofOcimum tenuiflorum(OciBest) in the Management of General Stress: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Saxena Ram Chandra , Singh Rakesh , Kumar Parveen , Negi Mahendra P. Singh , Saxena Vinod S. , Geetharani Periasamy , Allan Joseph Joshua , Venkateshwarlu Kudiganti
Published: October 2011

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of OciBest, an extract ofOcimum tenuiflorumLinn. in symptomatic control of general stress. The participants received either placebo (n=79) or OciBest (n=71; 1200 mg of actives per day) for six weeks. The severity of stress-related symptoms was self-evaluated by patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the trial period using a symptom rating scale. After six weeks of intervention, scores of symptoms such as forgetfulness, sexual problems of recent origin, frequent feeling of exhaustion, and frequent sleep problems of recent origin decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in OciBest group as compared with placebo group. Also, the total symptom scores of OciBest group revealed significant reduction (P≤0.05) as compared to placebo group. The overall improvement in OciBest group was found to be 1.6 times or 39% more in the control of general stress symptoms with respect to placebo. No adverse events were reported during the study. The findings revealed that OciBest was found to be effective and well tolerated by all the patients over the six weeks of study period.
Autism in Zamiatin's We
Authors: Cooke Brett
Published: October 2011

Deficits in intersubjective interpretation are frequently observed in We. The Single State, a purported utopia, turns out to be predicated on notions of human nature more consistent with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism. D-503 and his fellow “numbers” exhibit such symptoms as inappropriate social responses, solipsism, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and lack of empathy. The text generally retraces steps in development of Theory of Mind, albeit the narrator usually lags behind the reader in grasping the intentions of other characters–seen here as the core function of fiction. Zamiatin thus imparts a sense of what normal consciousness should be, a subjectivity incompatible with social engineering. Faults may be discerned in Zamiatin's understanding of autism, a malady described only decades later. Nevertheless, We constitutes an unusual demonstration of how literary innovation may anticipate clinical science and, indeed, contribute to ongoing gene-cultural co-evolution by expanding our awareness of our psychological potential.
Afghanistan on the Edge of a Political Abyss
Authors: Saikal Amin
Published: October 2011

Ten years into the war on terror, the Karzai government and its international backers, namely the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), continue to face bleak prospects in Afghanistan. The country suffers from political uncertainty and instability, with a resurgent Taliban movement in control of vast swaths of territory. This article argues that five key factors have interacted inauspiciously to contribute to this situation—the mosaic nature of the Afghan society, an inappropriate political system which has subsequently led to poor governance, the flawed US and NATO political and military strat-egies, the prominence of Afghanistan’s narcotics trade and a number of counter-systemic actors, chief among them being the Taliban. A change of US policy by placing a greater emphasis on reform, reconstruction and containment is needed if Afghanistan is to have a chance of getting out of its current deteriorating cycle of violence and bloodshed.
The United Nations Peacebuilding in Kosovo
Authors: Choedon Yeshi
Published: October 2011

As the United Nations lacks the capacity to implement the multidimensional tasks of peacebuilding, it resorted to formal inter-organizational networking in Kosovo. The network structure gave birth to various coordination mechanisms and could accomplish some of the tasks, especially those involved with establish-ing straightforward institutional structures. However, it could not accomplish substantial change in Kosovo to ensure sustainable peace because there was no effective coordination. The analysis highlights the reasons for the lack of coordination among networking organizations and concludes that the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission has to be given more powers in order to overcome these problems and to bring about a degree of accountability among networking organizations.
Representation, Identity and Socio-Economic Positioning of Muslim Women in India
Authors: Sanyal Subhashree
Published: October 2011

Islam as a belief system as well as a faith and Muslims on the whole find themselves under a siege-like situation in the existing environment of Islamophobia. They stand accused of being ‘a threat’ to the Western world or to the civilised world itself. At a micro-level, Muslims are considered to be less inclined players to the cause of nation and nationalism and by the extension of the deductive logic, inadequately committed to the politics and values of their host communities and countries.... The case of Muslim women appears all the more precarious for they have to negotiate rigid postures and structures from within the community as well as outside and on many occasions it is intertwined. The epithet—doubly occupied territory—for Muslim women appears very appropriate, for the politics of the times have psychologically battered their territorial configuration as well as their agency. This article reviews literature from various sources and highlights the positioning and socio-economic profile of Muslim Women in India.
Combined β-adrenergic and corticosteroid receptor activation regulates AMPA receptor function in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Zhou Ming , Hoogenraad Casper C , Joëls Marian , Krugers Harm J
Published: October 2011

Shortly after stress, limbic neurons are exposed to high levels of noradrenaline and corticosterone. These hormones are necessary for optimal behavioural adaptation. Behavioural effects critically depend on noradrenaline acting via β-adrenergic receptors, but these effects are strongly modulated by corticosterone, indicating putative interactions between the two hormones. Since both noradrenaline and corticosterone are known to quickly affect properties of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPAR), we here examined – in hippocampal neurons – three parameters which give insight in the functionality of AMPARs: phosphorylation, surface expression and spontaneous synaptic transmission. In homogenates of adult hippocampal slices, application of corticosterone (30 nM for 15 min) by itself did not affect phosphorylation of the AMPAR GluA1 subunit at S845 or S831. Co-application of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (10 µM) largely increased S845 (but not S831) phosphorylation. Corticosterone also did not change GluA1 and GluA2 surface expression in hippocampal primary cultures. However, combined administration of corticosterone and 1 µM isoproterenol – which by itself was ineffective – enhanced surface expression. Interestingly, 10 µM isoproterenol alone enhanced GluA1 surface expression, but this was decreased by corticosterone. Finally, in hippocampal primary cultures, the inter-event interval of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was decreased by the combination of 1 µM isoproterenol and corticosterone (which were ineffective by themselves) while the same combination did not affect the amplitude. We conclude that AMPAR phosphorylation, surface expression and mEPSC inter-event interval respond most strongly to a combination of corticosterone and β-adrenergic receptors. These combined hormonal effects on glutamate transmission might contribute to their memory-enhancing effects.
Flight mechanics of a novel guided spin-stabilized projectile concept
Authors: Fresconi F , Cooper G , Celmins I , DeSpirito J , Costello M
Published: October 2011

Precision-guided munitions are of interest to the Army as a means of both reducing collateral damage and increasing the chance of desired effect with the first round fired. Many technical barriers must be overcome to effectively guide a gun-launched projectile. Gun tubes are rifled to impart the appropriate spin to gyroscopically stabilize a statically unstable projectile. Extremely high spin rates complicate the guidance problem for precision-guided munitions. Manoeuvres achieved through some control mechanism must be actuated at the projectile spin rate. Few control mechanisms have been developed for spin-stabilized projectiles. A novel manoeuvre concept is introduced in this effort. The effectiveness of this concept was investigated through a fundamental derivation of flight mechanics and aerodynamic modelling. This derivation and simulation implementation was verified with existing six degree-of-freedom methods. The manoeuvrability of the airframe and power requirements was assessed by the development of a flight control law. Results suggest sufficient manoeuvrability since the control authority is larger than the ballistic dispersion. The guided airframe exhibited no dynamic flight instabilities. Estimates of the power requirements were within current battery technology and size constraints.
Discharge hollow cathode design for a dual-stage gridded ion engine
Authors: Coletti M , Marques R I , Gabriel S B
Published: October 2011

At the end of 2008, a European Union-sponsored project called HiPER (high power electric propulsion: a roadmap for the future) was started in Europe with the aim of defining the roadmap for the future of electric propulsion. Within this project, several different propulsive systems are under study, and among those the dual-stage gridded ion engine. In this article, starting from the different thruster configurations highlighted in the HiPER project, the discharge and neutralizer hollow cathode requirements will be derived. Subsequently, the design for a discharge hollow cathode able to satisfy the most current demanding case will be presented.
Critical perspectives on consumers’ role as ‘producers’: Broadening the debate on value co-creation in marketing processes
Authors: Cova Bernard , Dalli Daniele , Zwick Detlev
Published: October 2011

This special issue continues the critical engagement with the popular discourses of Prahalad’s value co-creation paradigm and Vargo and Lusch’s service-dominant logic of marketing. The intensity of the debate among marketing scholars over these two marketing and management concepts demonstrates how much is at stake — conceptually and politically — when the roles of consumer and producer become blurred. Economic concepts of value, ownership, consumption, and production need to be redefined, and political ideas of the relationship between the social and the economic require addressing in the age of cognitive, or as we call it, collaborative capitalism. In addition to these broad theoretical challenges, the contributions in this issue zoom in on what arguably constitutes the central question for our specific field: What are the implications of a collaborative capitalism for understanding the place of marketing techniques in value creation? As with all good scholarship, the essays in this issue do not provide definitive answers but instead lead to a more elaborate set of questions. By doing so, they broaden the critical engagement with value co-creation in marketing.
Ethics and value in customer co-production
Authors: Arvidsson Adam
Published: October 2011

This article will make one argument and one suggestion. The first part will argue that practices of customer co-production raise a serious challenge to established theories of value. The second part will suggest that these new practices, although widely disparate in nature, do move according to a common logic of value, and that this new value logic can be fruitfully organized around the concept of ‘ethics’. Let me clarify already here that I intend ‘ethics’ in the sense of the ability to create the values that ‘make a multitude into a community’ (Marazzi, 2008: 66). As I will further elaborate below, this concept of ethics is closer to the original Aristotelian sense of that term, than to the Kantian ethics that has been central to modern, enlightenment discourse. My use of ‘ethics’, in this, Aristotelian sense, is not taken out of the blue. Rather, I propose that a notion of value based on ethics is already emerging within a range of cutting-edge economic practices involving aspects of customer co-production — from corporate social responsibility (CSR) to Open Source production and brand valuation. In other words, I am not proposing a new notion of value as I would like it to be, but I am pointing at actually existing trends and developments. However, since these developments are emergent they cannot be grasped as fully formed facts. My ambition in the second part of this paper is thus limited to suggesting a theoretical framework within which these emergent tendencies can be read in a novel way; and from which a more definite shape can be discerned.
Value co-creation in service logic: A critical analysis
Authors: Grönroos Christian
Published: October 2011

The underpinning logic of value co-creation in service logic is analysed. It is observed that some of the 10 foundational premises of the so-called service-dominant logic do not fully support an understanding of value creation and co-creation in a way that is meaningful for theoretical development and decision making in business and marketing practice. Without a thorough understanding of the interaction concept, the locus as well as nature and content of value co-creation cannot be identified. Value co-creation easily becomes a concept without substance. Based on the analysis in the present article, it is observed that the unique contribution of a service perspective on business (service logic) is not that customers always are co-creators of value, but rather that under certain circumstances the service provider gets opportunities to co-create value together with its customers. Finally, seven statements included in six of the foundational premises are reformulated accordingly.
Cocreation is chaotic: What it means for marketing when no one has control
Authors: Fisher Dan , Smith Scott
Published: October 2011

The co-creation of value is emerging as the new frontier in marketing. Value creation is now conceptualized as shared by both producers and consumers, making the terminology separating these roles increasingly archaic and obsolete. To date, the literature has emphasized this process primarily from the firm’s vantage point. Current understandings point toward a balanced, shared, harmonious relationship between producers and consumers, where controlling the co-creation process with consumers ensures a predictable and satisfactory outcome for a company. Because the consumer perspective has received less theoretical and empirical attention, we conducted an in-depth investigation that details the consumers’ experiences of co-creation within the context of a brand community. What we found is very different from a balanced, controlled process depicted in the literature. Based on these findings, we argue that the notions of control and predictability that have served as the established foundation for marketing theory and practice may require serious revision in light of examining how consumers create value. Because of this, our data lead us to propose some new ideas about managing brand experiences in increasingly interconnected and chaotic environments, where control is rapidly shifting more to the side of consumers, and no one now holds any sort of majority control.
Effects of welding parameters on mechanical properties and microstructure of resistance spot welded DP600 joints
Authors: Zhang P , Xie J , Wang Y X , Chen J Q
Published: October 2011

This paper experimentally investigates the effects of welding parameters including electrode force, welding current and welding time on the mechanical properties and microstructure of resistance spot welded DP600 joints. The experimental results show that there exists an optimum value for each set of welding parameters that can maximise the mechanical properties and welding nugget size. The welding nugget size is a key factor controlling the mechanical properties of resistance spot welded DP600 joints; there is a relationship among welding nugget size, tensile shear load and failure energy. A larger welding nugget size leads to a greater probability of pullout failure. In addition, welding parameters also affect the microstructure, grain size, crack initiation and microhardness of resistance spot welded DP600 joints.
Investigation of interfacial bonding between Na2O–B2O3–SiO2 solder and silicon carbide substrate
Authors: Luo Z H , Jiang D L , Zhang J X , Lin Q L , Chen Z M , Huang Z R
Published: October 2011

The interfacial characteristics of the SiC/glass solder/SiC joining part were investigated by means of thermodynamic and wetting behaviour calculation, microstructure observation, chemical structure and element analysis. The results of wavelength dispersive spectroscopy linear scan across the joint showed a relatively low increase in sodium content at the interfaces, which indicated that the sodium silicates in glass could react with silicon carbide substrate at the joining temperature, but it is not the reason for the good bonding between SiC and the interlayer. The mechanism of the good interfacial bonding lies in the formation of oxycarbide phase at the interface.
Crossing Religious Boundaries in the Medieval and Early Modern Mediterranean
Authors: Martin John Jeffries
Published: October 2011

This special issue investigates some of the ways in which Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — the three major religions of the medieval and early modern Mediterranean — intersected one another. Focusing variously on travelers, runaways, merchants, missionaries, and warriors, the articles explore not only various modes of cooperation and accommodation between different faiths but also the formation of complex, even hybrid religious identities. The volume challenges more traditional “confessional” histories of the Mediterranean and suggests, at the very least, that scholars in various disciplines should think of the boundaries among the Abrahamic religions on a collective as well as an individual level, not so much as fixed but as porous and fluid, and in almost constant motion.
Chivalric Travel in the Mediterranean: Converts, Kings, and Christian Knights in Pero Tafur’s Andanças
Authors: Legassie Shayne Aaron
Published: October 2011

In spite of its violent origins, medieval chivalry provided rich imaginative resources for bridging ethnic, religious, and linguistic divisions. Pero Tafur’s Andanças (ca. 1453) relates the travels of one Castilian knight through the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Tafur’s narrative evinces conflicting attitudes toward religious difference. On the one hand, it deploys the conventions of chivalric romance in order to present Tafur’s journey as a oneman reconquista. On the other hand, Tafur’s authority on ethnographic and geographical matters rests on his ability to assimilate to the courts of Muslim and Greek Orthodox rulers. The cosmopolitan potential of chivalry finds its limit in Tafur’s writing about Constantinople. Marked by circumspection about the kinds of cross-cultural and interfaith exchanges that characterized Mediterranean courts, the Andanças’ treatment of Greek chivalry reflects Spain’s increasing tendency to associate the concepts of nobility and courtliness with racial and religious purity.
Energy Decomposition Analysis of the Protein Environmental Effect: The Case of Cytochrome P450cam Compound I
Authors: Hirao Hajime
Published: October 2011

The effect of the protein environment on the short-lived compound I state of cytochrome P450cam was analyzed in detail by decomposing the ONIOM(B3LYP:AMBER) interaction energy between the active site and the surrounding protein environment into electrostatic, van der Waals (vdW), and polarization terms. The electrostatic effect was the largest in magnitude, followed by the vdW effect, and then by the polarization effect. The contributions of individual residues to the environmental effect were also evaluated.
Hydrolysis of Sugars Using Magnetic Silica Nanoparticles with Sulfonic Acid Groups
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi , Nishimura Masatoshi , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: October 2011

CoFe2O4-embedded silica nanoparticles containing sulfonic acid groups were found to be highly active solid acid catalysts for hydrolysis of disaccharides (sucrose and cellobiose) and polysaccharides (starch and cellulose) with facile magnetic separation.
Immobilization of Carbon Nanotubes on Au(111) via Self-assembled Monolayers
Authors: Nishino Tomoaki , Kanata Satoshi , Hirata Chiyo
Published: October 2011

We investigated the immobilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) by atomic force microscopy. The nanotubes were homogeneously attached to the SAMs of aminothiophenol and benzenethiol. We found that the nanotubes formed mesh-like structures on a 1-propanethiol SAM, which most likely reflected a weak interaction between the nanotubes and the SAM surface. These results demonstrate that the chemical functionality of a SAM surface strongly affected the immobilization of carbon nanotubes.
InI3/Me3SiI-catalyzed Direct Alkylation of Enol Acetates Using Alkyl Acetates or Alkyl Ethers
Authors: Onishi Yoshiharu , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Makoto , Baba Akio
Published: October 2011

A combined Lewis acid of InI3 and Me3SiI was used to catalyze the direct coupling reactions of enol acetates with alkyl acetates or alkyl ethers without generating metal waste. The easily-handled alkylating reagents enlarged the application area of this coupling reaction.
Selective Fluorometric Sensing of Calcium Cation by C-Pivot Lariat Monoaza-crown Ether with Two Pyrene Moieties
Authors: Nakatsuji Yohji , Nakamura Misako , Oka Tomoya , Muraoka Masahiro
Published: October 2011

A new type of C-pivot lariat monoaza-crown ether 1b containing a 15-crown-5 ring and two pyrene moieties on the sidearms was found to be a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor toward Ca2+ in the presence of Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+.
Anisotropic Photomechanical Motion of Semicircular-shaped Microfibers That Contain Dyes
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Ishikawa Yosuke , Sakai Munetoshi , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Liu Baoshun , Sakai Hideki , Murakami Taketoshi , Abe Masahiko , Fujishima Akira
Published: October 2011

We prepared polyacrylamide-based fibers containing the dyes Methylene Blue or Acid Red 52 and observed their photomechanical motion upon light illumination. The fibers bend upon the application of photoillumination. The fibers recover their original shapes when photoillumination ends. The fibers bend anisotropically in a specific direction. The absorption properties and photobending behavior of the fibers are related.
Data re-entry overload: time for a paradigm shift in maternity IT?
Authors: Fawdry Rupert , Bewley Susan , Cumming Grant , Perry Helga
Published: October 2011

This paper provides an overview of maternity information technology (IT) in Britain, questioning the usability, effectiveness and cost efficiency of the current models of implementation of electronic maternity records. UK experience of hand-held paper obstetric notes and computerized records reveals fundamental problems in the relationship between the two complementary methods of recording maternity data. The assumption that paper records would inevitably be replaced by electronic substitutes has proven false; the rigidity of analysable electronic records has led to immense incompatibility problems. The flexibility of paper records has distinct advantages that have so far not been sufficiently acknowledged. It is suggested that continuing work is needed to encourage the standardization of electronic maternity records, via a new co-creative, co-development approach and continuing international electronic community debate.
Femoral revision with the Wagner tapered stem
Authors: Regis D. , Sandri A. , Bonetti I. , Braggion M. , Bartolozzi P.
Published: October 2011

Revision after failed femoral components may be technically demanding due to loss of peri-prosthetic bone. This retrospective study evaluated the long-term results of femoral revision using the cementless Wagner Self-Locking stem. Between 1992 and 1998, 68 consecutive hips in 66 patients underwent femoral revision using this implant. A total of 25 patients died from unrelated causes without further revision; the remaining 41 hips in 41 patients (12 men and 29 women) with a mean age of 61 years (29 to 80) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 13.9 years (10.4 to 15.8). A transfemoral approach was used in 32 hips. A total of five stems required further revision because of infection in two, progressive subsidence in two and recurrent dislocation in one. Four hips had dislocated and eight stems had subsided ≥ 10 mm. The mean Harris hip score improved from 33 points pre-operatively to 75 points at final follow-up (p < 0.001). In all, 33 stems (91.7%) showed radiological signs of stable bone fixation. The cumulative survival rates at 15.8 years with femoral revision for any reason and for stem failure as the endpoints were 92.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.0% to 98.4%) and 96.6% (95% CI 92.2% to 100%), respectively. The survivorship with revision and ≥ 10 mm migration of the stem as the endpoint was 83.6% (95% CI 76.6% to 91.4%).

This study shows quite good survival and moderate clinical outcome when using a monoblock tapered titanium stem for supporting the regeneration of bone in complex revision hip surgery.
Single bundle anterior cruciate reconstruction does not restore normal knee kinematics at six months
Authors: Nicholson J. A. , Sutherland A. G. , Smith F. W.
Published: October 2011

Abnormal knee kinematics following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament may exist despite an apparent resolution of tibial laxity and functional benefit. We performed upright, weight-bearing MR scans of both knees in the sagittal plane at different angles of flexion to determine the kinematics of the knee following unilateral reconstruction (n = 12). The uninjured knee acted as a control. Scans were performed pre-operatively and at three and six months post-operatively. Anteroposterior tibial laxity was determined using an arthrometer and patient function by validated questionnaires before and after reconstruction. In all the knees with deficient anterior cruciate ligaments, the tibial plateau was displaced anteriorly and internally rotated relative to the femur when compared with the control contralateral knee, particularly in extension and early flexion (mean lateral compartment displacement: extension 7.9 mm (sd 4.8), p = 0.002 and 30° flexion 5.1 mm (sd 3.6), p = 0.004). In all ten patients underwent post-operative scans. Reconstruction reduced the subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau at three months, with resolution of anterior displacement in early flexion, but not in extension (p = 0.015). At six months, the reconstructed knee again showed anterior subluxation in both the lateral (mean: extension 4.2 mm (sd 4.2), p = 0.021 and 30° flexion 3.2 mm (sd 3.3), p = 0.024) and medial compartments (extension, p = 0.049).

Our results show that despite improvement in laxity and functional benefit, abnormal knee kinematics remain at six months and actually deteriorate from three to six months following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Free vascularised fibular graft for post-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in teenage patients
Authors: Zhang C. Q. , Sun Y. , Chen S. B. , Jin D. X. , Sheng J. G. , Cheng X. G. , Xu J. , Zeng B. F.
Published: October 2011

Free vascularised fibular grafting has been reported to be successful for adult patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, its benefit in teenage patients with post-traumatic ONFH has not been determined. We evaluated the effectiveness of free vascularised fibular grafting in the treatment of this condition in children and adolescents. We retrospectively analysed 28 hips in 28 patients in whom an osteonecrotic femoral head had been treated with free vascularised fibular grafting between 2002 and 2008. Their mean age was 16.3 years (13 to 19). The stage of the disease at time of surgery, and results of treatment including pre- and post-operative Harris hip scores, were studied. We defined clinical failure as conversion to total hip replacement. All patients were followed up for a mean of four years (2 to 7). The mean Harris hip score improved from 60.4 (37 to 84) pre-operatively to 94.2 (87 to 100) at final follow-up. At the latest follow-up we found improved or unchanged radiographs in all four initially stage II hips and in 23 of 24 stage III or IV hips. Only one hip (stage V) deteriorated. No patient underwent total hip replacement.

Free vascularised fibular grafting is indicated for the treatment of post-traumatic ONFH in teenage patients.
The intra-operative radius joystick test to diagnose complete disruption of the interosseous membrane
Authors: Soubeyrand M. , Ciais G. , Wassermann V. , Kalouche I. , Biau D. , Dumontier C. , Gagey O.
Published: October 2011

Disruption of the interosseous membrane is easily missed in patients with Essex-Lopresti syndrome. None of the imaging techniques available for diagnosing disruption of the interosseous membrane are completely dependable.

We undertook an investigation to identify whether a simple intra-operative test could be used to diagnose disruption of the interosseous membrane during surgery for fracture of the radial head and to see if the test was reproducible.

We studied 20 cadaveric forearms after excision of the radial head, ten with and ten without disruption of the interosseous membrane. On each forearm, we performed the radius joystick test: moderate lateral traction was applied to the radial neck with the forearm in maximal pronation, to look for lateral displacement of the proximal radius indicating that the interosseous membrane had been disrupted. Each of six surgeons (three junior and three senior) performed the test on two consecutive days.

Intra-observer agreement was 77% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67 to 85) and interobserver agreement was 97% (95% CI 92 to 100). Sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 97 to 100), specificity 88% (95% CI 81 to 93), positive predictive value 90% (95% CI 83 to 94), and negative predictive value 100%).

This cadaveric study suggests that the radius joystick test may be useful for detecting disruption of the interosseous membrane in patients undergoing open surgery for fracture of the radial head and is reproducible. A confirmatory study in vivo is now required.
Ischiofemoral impingement
Authors: Stafford G. H. , Villar R. N.
Published: October 2011

Femoroacetabular impingement is a well-documented cause of hip pain. There is, however, increasing evidence for the presence of a previously unrecognised impingement-type condition around the hip – ischiofemoral impingement. This is caused by abnormal contact between the lesser trochanter of the femur and the ischium, and presents as atypical groin and/or posterior buttock pain. The symptoms are gradual in onset and may be similar to those of iliopsoas tendonitis, hamstring injury or bursitis. The presence of ischiofemoral impingement may be indicated by pain caused by a combination of hip extension, adduction and external rotation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates inflammation and oedema in the ischiofemoral space and quadratus femoris, and is distinct from an acute tear. To date this has only appeared in the specialist orthopaedic literature as a problem that has developed after total hip replacement, not in the unreplaced joint.
The influence of malrotation and femoral component material on patellofemoral wear during gait
Authors: Vanbiervliet J. , Bellemans J. , Verlinden C. , Luyckx J.-P. , Labey L. , Innocenti B. , Vandenneucker H.
Published: October 2011

Complications involving the patellofemoral joint, caused by malrotation of the femoral component during total knee replacement, are an important cause of persistent pain and failure leading to revision surgery. The aim of this study was to determine and quantify the influence of femoral component malrotation on patellofemoral wear, and to determine whether or not there is a difference in the rate of wear of the patellar component when articulated against oxidised zirconium (OxZr) and cobalt-chrome (CoCr) components. An in vitro method was used to simulate patellar maltracking for both materials. Both rates of wear and changes in height on the patellar articular surface were measured. The mean rates of wear measured were very small compared to standard tibiofemoral wear rates. When data for each femoral component material were pooled, the mean rate of wear was 0.19 mm3/Mcycle (sd 0.21) for OxZr and 0.34 mm3/Mcycle (sd 0.335) for CoCr. The largest change in height on each patella varied from -0.05 mm to -0.33 mm over the different configurations.

The results suggest that patellar maltracking due to an internally rotated femoral component leads to an increased mean patellar wear. Although not statistically significant, the mean wear production may be lower for OxZr than for CoCr components.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Nguyen A. R. , Ling J. , Gomes B. , Antoniou G. , Sutherland L. M. , Cundy P. J.
Published: October 2011

We analysed the incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in South Australia, investigating possible associations between an increased incidence of SCFE, the local indigenous population and the Australian obesity epidemic during the last 20 years. Data including race, age and gender were collected to obtain a profile of the South Australian SCFE patient, and were then compared with epidemiological data for South Australian adolescents. We concluded that the incidence of both obesity and SCFE is increasing. We also noted that the median weight of SCFE patients has increased and the mean age at diagnosis has decreased. Despite weight profiles comparable with those of the general population, we noted that an indigenous child was three times more likely to develop SCFE than a non-indigenous child. As far as we know there is no published literature on the predisposition of Aboriginal Australians to SCFE.
Corrective supramalleolar osteotomy for malunited pronation-external rotation fractures of the ankle
Authors: Hintermann B. , Barg A. , Knupp M.
Published: October 2011

We undertook a prospective study to analyse the outcome of 48 malunited pronation-external rotation fractures of the ankle in 48 patients (25 females and 23 males) with a mean age of 45 years (21 to 69), treated by realignment osteotomies. The interval between the injury and reconstruction was a mean of 20.2 months (3 to 98).

In all patients, valgus malalignment of the distal tibia and malunion of the fibula were corrected. In some patients, additional osteotomies were performed. Patients were reviewed regularly, and the mean follow-up was 7.1 years (2 to 15).

Good or excellent results were obtained in 42 patients (87.5%) with the benefit being maintained over time. Congruent ankles without a tilted talus (Takakura stage 0 and 1) were obtained in all but five cases. One patient required total ankle replacement.
Age at hip or knee joint replacement surgery predicts likelihood of revision surgery
Authors: Wainwright C. , Theis J.-C. , Garneti N. , Melloh M.
Published: October 2011

We compared revision and mortality rates of 4668 patients undergoing primary total hip and knee replacement between 1989 and 2007 at a University Hospital in New Zealand. The mean age at the time of surgery was 69 years (16 to 100). A total of 1175 patients (25%) had died at follow-up at a mean of ten years post-operatively. The mean age of those who died within ten years of surgery was 74.4 years (29 to 97) at time of surgery. No change in comorbidity score or age of the patients receiving joint replacement was noted during the study period. No association of revision or death could be proven with higher comorbidity scoring, grade of surgeon, or patient gender.

We found that patients younger than 50 years at the time of surgery have a greater chance of requiring a revision than of dying, those around 58 years of age have a 50:50 chance of needing a revision, and in those older than 62 years the prosthesis will normally outlast the patient. Patients over 77 years old have a greater than 90% chance of dying than requiring a revision whereas those around 47 years are on average twice as likely to require a revision than die. This information can be used to rationalise the need for long-term surveillance and during the informed consent process.
Arteriovenous fistula formation after a closed proximal tibial fracture in a child
Authors: Delaney R. A. , Burns A. , Emans J. B.
Published: October 2011

Arteriovenous fistula formation after a closed extremity fracture is rare. We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who developed an arteriovenous fistula between the anterior tibial artery and popliteal vein after closed fractures of the proximal tibia and fibula. The fractures were treated by closed reduction and casting. A fistula was diagnosed 12 weeks after the injury. It was treated by embolisation with coils. Subsequent angiography and ultrasonography confirmed patency of the popliteal vein and anterior and posterior tibial and peroneal arteries, with no residual shunting through the fistula. The fractures healed uneventfully and he returned to full unrestricted activities 21 weeks after his injury.
HRTEM Study of the Role of Nanoparticles in ODS Ferritic Steel under Dual-Ion Irradiation
Authors: Hsiung Luke , Tumey Scott , Fluss Michael , Serruys Yves , Willaime Francois
Published: October 2011

Structures of nanoparticles and their role in dual-ion irradiated Fe-16Cr-4.5Al-0.3Ti-2W-0.37Y2O3 (K3) ODS ferritic steel produced by mechanical alloying (MA) were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The observation of Y4Al2O9 complex-oxide nanoparticles in the ODS steel imply that decomposition of Y2O3 in association with internal oxidation of Al occurred during mechanical alloying. HRTEM observations of crystalline and partially crystalline nanoparticles larger than ~2 nm and amorphous cluster-domains smaller than ~2 nm provide an insight into the formation mechanism of nanoparticles/clusters in MA/ODS steels, which we believe involves solid-state amorphization and re-crystallization. The role of nanoparticles/clusters in suppressing radiation-induced swelling is revealed through TEM examinations of cavity distributions in (Fe + He) dual-ion irradiated K3-ODS steel. HRTEM observations of helium-filled cavities (helium bubbles) preferably trapped at nanoparticle/clusters in dual-ion irradiated K3-ODS are presented.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Psychological Medicine Inventory—Nurses Version
Authors: Bachner Yaacov G. , Ron Anat , Kushnir Talma
Published: October 2011

Responding to a patient’s psychological needs is central to nursing practice. The Psychological Medicine Inventory (PMI) assesses the level of interest, confidence, and perceived clinical abilities in addressing psychological aspects of patient care. The inventory was developed for use among physicians. This study examines the psychometric properties and factor structure of a modified version of the PMI among nurses (Psychological Medicine Inventory—Nurses [PMI-N]). One hundred and nine hospital nurses completed the PMI-N and a measure of emotional responsiveness. Consistent with the original inventory, factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution—psychological ability and psychological sensitivity. The PMI-N demonstrated a high percentage of explained variance (64.6%) and satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients for the total inventory (.83) and for the two factors (.81 and .70, respectively). Furthermore, the item-to-total correlations were high (.48–.69), as were the inter-item correlations (.41–.65). Given these results, the PMI-N can be used with confidence among nurses. Further examination of the scale with larger and more representative samples is warranted.
Likelihood of Asking for Help in Caregivers of Women With Substance Use or Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders
Authors: Brown Suzanne , Biegel David E. , Tracy Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2011

Family members are important to the well-being of their relatives with substance use disorders or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Many caregivers experience high levels of burden, negatively impacting their capacity to provide support to their ill family member. The Andersen health care utilization model (Andersen & Newman, 1973, 2005) was used to identify the impact of predisposing, enabling, and need factors hypothesized to predict caregivers’ likelihood of asking for help and support with their caregiving role. The sample include 82 women recruited from outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment centers and 82 family caregivers nominated by these women. Findings showed that almost half of caregivers were unlikely to ask for help. Multiple regression analysis found that two need variables were statistically significant predictors of caregivers’ likelihood to ask for help. Caregivers who had higher subject burden (worry) and caregivers who provided more assistance with daily living were more likely to ask for help. It is suggested that case managers assess the amount of worried family caregivers’ experience because their worries may provide the motivation to ask for help or to participate in help when it is offered to them.
Association of Serum and Crevicular Visfatin Levels in Periodontal Health and Disease With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Raghavendra N.M. , Sharma Anuj , Patel Swati Pradeep , Raju Arjun , Kathariya Rahul , Rao Nishanth S. , Naik Savitha B.
Published: October 2011

Background: Levels of visfatin in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were explored in patients with periodontal health, periodontal disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2 DM) and were found to be elevated with periodontal disease, and were correlated with periodontal clinical parameters. DM and chronic periodontitis (CP) are associated with each other. Adipokines, specifically visfatin, are secreted from adipocytes and are thought to cause insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of visfatin in serum and GCF in t2 DM among individuals with CP and to find an association, if any.

Methods: Thirty individuals (15 males and 15 females) were selected based on their clinical parameters into three groups: group 1 (10 healthy), group 2 (10 well‐controlled t2 DM among individuals with CP), and group 3 (10 individuals with CP and without diabetes). Serum and GCF samples were collected to estimate the levels of visfatin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean visfatin concentration increased in both serum and GCF in individuals with t2 DM with CP. Also, it was observed that visfatin in both serum and GCF correlated positively with all the periodontal parameters.

Conclusions: All the samples in each group tested positive for visfatin assay. Serum and GCF visfatin concentration in both t2 DM with CP and individuals with CP and without diabetes correlated positively with all the clinical parameters. Additional large‐scale longitudinal studies should be performed to confirm positive correlations.
Sociocontextual Variables that Affect Spousal Perception of Social Support
Authors: Güven Seval , Şener Arzu , Yildirim Betül
Published: October 2011

The aim in this study was to determine the effect of certain sociocontextual variables on the level of perceived spousal support. Family members are the most significant source of social support for an individual throughout his or her life. Spouses' mutual support in a marital relationship,
however, seems to be particularly important compared to other sources of social support. We interviewed 579 randomly selected married individuals in Ankara, Turkey. They responded to the Spousal Support Scale and completed the personal information form that included individual and family data.
Results showed a significant relationship between the level of perceived spousal support and a variety of sociocontextual factors such as number of children, length of marriage, form of marriage, and income level. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Testing a Binding Communication Strategy in a Company: How Could Persuasive Information be More Efficient?
Authors: Grandjean Isabelle , Guéguen Nicolas
Published: October 2011

The aim in this study was to improve persuasive communication in a French workplace context. Within the framework of a global progress plan, visual communication changes were proposed in an aeronautical factory. We applied the paradigm of binding communication to contribute to making
communication more effective. In accordance with the theory of commitment, we induced employees to perform freely a visible preparatory act (i.e., answer a questionnaire) before the upgrading of notice boards and institution of a monthly newsletter. We compared behavioral variables before
and after the introduction of these changes. The results indicated that employees consulted the newly available information more frequently. Moreover, according to 2 performance indicators, they significantly enhanced the quality of their work.
The Ineffectiveness of Group Interventions for Female Turkish Migrants with Recurrent Depression
Authors: Renner Walter , Berry John W.
Published: October 2011

We tested group interventions for women with a Turkish migration background living in Austria and suffering from recurrent depression. Sixty-six participants were randomized to: (1) self-help groups (SHG), (2) cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) groups, or (3) a wait-list (WL) control
condition. Neither SHG nor CBT were superior to WL. On an individual basis, approximately one third of the participants showed significant improvements with respect to symptoms of depression. Younger women, women who had lived in Austria for longer, and those who had encountered a higher number
of traumatic experiences, showed increased improvement of depressive symptoms. The results suggest that individual treatment by ethnic, female psychotherapists should be used instead of group interventions.
Analyzing Characteristics of Schizotypal Personality Proneness Using the Chinese Soldier Personality Questionnaire
Authors: Liu Liu , Zhang Ying , Wu Shengjun , Yang Yebin , Zhu Xia , Miao Danmin
Published: October 2011

This was conducted in order to explore the characteristics of schizotypal personality proneness using the Chinese Soldier Personality Questionnaire (CSPQ; Xiao, Miao, Xiao, Wu, & Li, 2007). Analysis was conducted comparing CSPQ scores from 426 individuals who were schizotypal personality
prone and 411 individuals who were not. The results suggested that compared with the scores of individuals in the nonschizotypal personality prone group, those in the schizotypal personality prone group had significantly lower scores on the defence scale but significantly higher scores on
the dissociative, neurotic, sensitive, and difference seeking scales, with significant differences when the scores exceeded 70.