bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hip and Glenohumeral Rotational Range of Motion in Healthy Professional Baseball Pitchers and Position Players
Authors: Sauers Eric L. , Huxel Bliven Kellie C. , Johnson Michael P. , Falsone Susan , Walters Sheri
Published: November 2013

Background:

Research suggests that limitations in the hip motion of baseball players may lead to altered motion at the glenohumeral joint to maintain throwing velocity, thereby predisposing the upper extremity to injury.

Purpose:

To measure and evaluate the correlation between hip and shoulder rotational range of motion (ROM) in healthy professional baseball players.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ninety-nine professional baseball players (50 pitchers and 49 position players; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 22 ± 2.8 years; mean height ± SD, 187 ± 5.4 cm; mean weight ± SD, 81.6 ± 7.7 kg) with no history of hip or shoulder injury were tested. Dominant and nondominant hip and glenohumeral joints were measured for the following passive ROM variables: (1) hip internal rotation (IR), (2) hip external rotation (ER), (3) total hip rotational ROM (IR + ER), (4) isolated glenohumeral IR, (5) isolated glenohumeral ER, and (6) total glenohumeral rotational ROM (IR + ER).

Results:

Statistically, hip ER and total hip rotational ROM were greater in position players than in pitchers and less in the lead leg compared with the stance leg hip with groups combined; however, differences are not clinically meaningful. Pitchers had more glenohumeral rotational ROM than did position players. For all players, glenohumeral motion had less IR and greater ER in the throwing arm than the nonthrowing arm, but total glenohumeral rotational ROM was equivalent between sides. The correlations between hip and glenohumeral ROM were little, if any, and ranged from r = −0.19 to 0.11 ( P = .006-.94) for all players and r = −0.29 to 0.23 ( P = .04-.97) for pitchers only.

Conclusion:

These data suggest no clinically meaningful differences in hip ROM between pitchers and position players and between lead leg and stance legs of all players. There is little or no relationship between hip and glenohumeral ROM in healthy professional baseball players.

Clinical Relevance:

The study findings add to the growing body of evidence that suggests an absence of chronic hip ROM adaptations. It is therefore suggested that in the hip, unlike the glenohumeral joint, symmetry in ROM between player positions and dominant and nondominant sides should be expected in healthy professional baseball pitchers and position players.
Arthroscopic Meniscus Allograft Transplantation in Male Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Marcacci Maurilio , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Grassi Alberto , Ricci Margherita , Tsapralis Kyriakos , Nanni Gianni , Bonanzinga Tommaso , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: November 2013

Background:

Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) is an option for symptomatic patients who have undergone subtotal meniscectomy and can potentially result in pain relief and increased function.

Hypothesis:

Professional soccer players would benefit from arthroscopic MAT in terms of pain, knee function, and return to play at 36-month follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twelve male patients who had undergone MAT (6 medial, 6 lateral) were prospectively evaluated at 12- and 36-month follow-up. The mean age at the time of surgery was 24.5 ± 3.6 years (range, 19-29 years), and the mean time from meniscectomy to surgery was 37 ± 31 months (range, 2-82 months). The transplantation was performed in patients who had undergone subtotal meniscectomy using an arthroscopic bone plug–free technique with a single tibial tunnel plus “all-inside” meniscus sutures. The anterior horn of the transplanted meniscus was sutured to the capsule and to the remnant of the anterior horn of the native meniscus. Seven patients (58%) underwent concurrent procedures. All patients were evaluated at follow-up by the Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, IKDC objective, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores. Information regarding rehabilitation, return to play, and return to official competition was recorded.

Results:

Eleven of the 12 patients (92%) returned to play soccer. At 36-month follow-up, 9 patients (75%) were still playing as professionals (Tegner score of 10), whereas 2 patients (17%) were playing as semiprofessionals (Tegner score of 9). The mean time from surgery to the end of rehabilitation was 7.5 ± 2 months, whereas the mean time to official competition was 10.5 ± 2.6 months. Patients demonstrated significant improvements on the median Tegner score from 8 (interquartile range, 3-10) to 10 (interquartile range, 9-10) ( P = .0391); the mean Lysholm score from 67 ± 14 to 92 ± 10 ( P = .0021); the mean IKDC subjective score from 61.8 ± 16.3 to 85.3 ± 9.8 ( P = .0026); the mean IKDC objective score from 1 A, 8 B, 1 C, and 2 D to 7 A and 5 B ( P = .0077); the mean WOMAC score from 77.1 ± 15.9 to 92.2 ± 9.1 ( P = .0242); and the mean VAS score from 61 ± 16 to 29 ± 32 ( P = .0029) at 12-month follow-up. There were no significant improvements in these outcomes at 36-month follow-up. One patient developed a knee infection after MAT plus anterior cruciate ligament allograft reconstruction. This complication was successfully treated, but the patient stopped playing soccer (Tegner score of 3 at 36-month follow-up), and this was considered a failure (8%).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic MAT in professional soccer players allowed a return to play at the same level (Tegner score of 10) in 75% of the cases at 36-month follow-up.
Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Yoon Kyoung Ho , Lee Sang Hak , Park Soo Yeon , Kim Hwan Jin , Chung Kee Yun
Published: November 2013

Background:

Because of the anatomic and biomechanical differences between the lateral and medial menisci, it is believed that the indications, combined injuries, techniques, and outcomes of the 2 meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) procedures may be different.

Hypothesis:

Medial meniscus transplantation (medial group) usually combines concomitant surgeries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, so the medial group will have worse clinical results than the lateral group (lateral meniscus transplantation).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on 91 patients who underwent MAT (lateral group, n = 56; medial group, n = 35). There were 33 patients with an absence of a concurrent injury (isolated group) and 58 patients with the presence of a concurrent injury (combined group). The mean follow-up was 40 months (range, 24-125 months). Clinical outcomes for range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score were evaluated, and an objective evaluation was performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopic surgery.

Results:

At final follow-up, the mean results for ROM, VAS score, IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and patient subjective satisfaction were not statistically different between the lateral and medial groups ( P > .05). The VAS and Lysholm scores of the isolated group were significantly better than those of the combined group. Follow-up MRI was performed on 35 patients (24 in the lateral group and 11 in the medial group). Mean graft extrusion was 1.7 mm in the lateral group and 2.6 mm in the medial group ( P = .075). The relative percentage of extrusion was 19.4% in the lateral group and 32.0% in the medial group ( P = .011). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction occurred more commonly in the medial group, and cartilage procedures occurred more commonly in the lateral group.

Conclusion:

The clinical results of the lateral group were not different from those of the medial group. More graft extrusion was found in the medial group on MRI, and second-look arthroscopic surgery results of the lateral group were not as good as those of the medial group. The VAS and Lysholm scores of the combined group were worse than those of the isolated group. With regard to concomitant surgery, ACL reconstruction was most common in the medial group and cartilage procedures in the lateral group.
Fire retardancy of a new polypropylene-grafted starch: Part II: investigation of mechanisms
Authors: Dupretz Renaud , Fontaine Gaëlle , Bourbigot Serge
Published: November 2013

Mechanisms of fire retardancy of intumescent Gaialene® (a polypropylene-grafted starch, containing ammonium polyphosphate as flame retardant) exhibiting high performance (60% reduction of the peak of heat release rate at 35 kW/m2, high limiting oxygen index (30 vol% O2), and UL-94 V0 ranking at 1.6 mm and V2 at 0.8 mm) have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared gas phase analysis, by pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, by rheology, and by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. It was shown that phosphoric acid released upon fire acts in solid phase by catalyzing the degradation of starch, enhancing the development of an intumescent shield protecting the polymer.
Gender Differences in Self-Efficacy Among Latino College Freshmen
Authors: Lopez J. Derek
Published: November 2013

This study examines the changes in self-efficacy among Latinos during the freshman year in a highly selective institution. Results indicate that gender differences exist during this period. Males rate themselves high in self-efficacy at the beginning of the year, while females rate themselves low. An interaction effect occurs at the end of the year, and the ratings of self-efficacy are similar for both males and females. Possible explanations for the interaction effect are discussed.
Comparative impact of genetically modified and non modified maize (Zea mays L.) on succeeding crop and associated weed
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Ahmed Naseer , Ullah Faizan , Shinwari Zabta Khan , Bano Asghari
Published: November 2013

This research work documents the comparative impact of genetically modified (GM) (insect resistance) and non modified maize ( Zea mays L.) on growth and germination of succeeding crop wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and associated weed ( Avena fatua L.). The aqueous extracts of both the GM and non-GM maize exhibited higher phenolic content than that of methanolic extracts. Germination percentage and germination index of wheat was significantly decreased by GM methanolic extract (10%) as well as that of non-GM maize at 3% aqueous extract. Similarly germination percentage of weed ( Avena fatua L.) was significantly reduced by application of 3% and 5% methanolic GM extracts. All extracts of GM maize showed non-significant effect on the number of roots, root length and shoot length per plant but 5% and 10% methanolic extracts of non-GM maize significantly increased the number of roots per plant of wheat seedling. Similarly, 10% methanolic extract of GM maize significantly increased the number of roots per plant of weed seedling. Methanolic extracts of GM and non-GM maize (3% and 5%) significantly decreased the protease activity in wheat as compared to untreated control.
Investigation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and oxidative properties of carvacrol in human blood cells
Authors: Türkez Hasan , Aydın Elanur
Published: November 2013

Carvacrol (CVC), a major constituent of genera Origanum and Thymus, is such a substance that has attracted attention because of its wide variety of beneficial biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects. However, there are limited data on the cytogenetic and antioxidant effects of CVC in cultured human blood cells. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the genetic, oxidative, and cytotoxic effects of CVC in cultured human blood cells ( n = 5). Human blood cells were treated with CVC (0–200 mg/L) for 24 and 48 h and then cytotoxicity detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay, while DNA damage was also analyzed by micronucleus (MN) assay, chromosomal aberration (CA) assay and 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) level. In addition, biochemical parameters (total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and total oxidative stress [TOS]) were examined to determine the oxidative effects. The results of LDH and MTT assays showed that CVC (at concentrations above 100 mg/L) decreased cell viability. In our in vitro test systems, it was observed that CVC had no mutagenic effects on human lymphocytes. On the other hand, CVC (at 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) treatment caused statistically important ( p < 0.05) increases in TAC and TOS levels (at 150 and 200 mg/L) on human lymphocytes. In conclusion, CVC can be a new resource of therapeutics as recognized in this study with their nonmutagenic and antioxidant features.
Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities of rhizomes of Polygonatum verticillatum maneuvered predominately through activation of K+ channels
Authors: Khan Haroon , Saeed Muhammad , Gilani Anwarul-Hassan , Muhammad Naveed , ur Rehman Najeeb , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Ashraf Nadeem
Published: November 2013

Polygonatum verticillatum has traditionally been used for various purposes. The present study was aimed to validate the antispasmodic and antidiarrheal properties of crude methanolic extract of rhizomes of P. verticillatum (PR). Isolated rabbit jejunum preparations were suspended in tissue baths to measure the isotonic responses using Power Lab data acquisition system for the antispasmodic activity of PR, while the antidiarrheal activity was conducted in vivo in mice. PR caused complete relaxation of the spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in a dose-dependent mode. A complete inhibition was observed against low potassium (K+; 25 mM)-induced contractions, while the plant extract partially inhibited the high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions. From a mechanistic point of view, the spasmolytic effect of PR against low K+ was antagonized by glibenclamide similar to the effect of cromakalim, thus showing the presence of constituents in PR mediating spasmolytic activity predominantly through the activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channels. When tested against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice, oral administration of the plant extract manifested marked antidiarrheal activity at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg similar to loperamide. This study provided a pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of PR in abdominal colic and diarrhea.
Comet assay with gill cells of Mytilus galloprovincialis end point tools for biomonitoring of water antibiotic contamination
Authors: Mustapha Nadia , Zouiten Amina , Dridi Dorra , Tahrani Leyla , Zouiten Dorra , Mosrati Ridha , Cherif Ameur , Chekir-Ghedira Leila , Mansour Hedi Ben
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the ability of Pseudomonas peli to treat industrial pharmaceuticals wastewater (PW). Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis revealed the presence, in this PW, of a variety of antibiotics such as sulfathiazole, sulfamoxole, norfloxacine, cloxacilline, doxycycline, and cefquinome. P. peli was very effective to be grown in PW and inducts a remarkable increase in chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand (140.31 and 148.51%, respectively). On the other hand, genotoxicity of the studied effluent, before and after 24 h of shaking incubation with P. peli, was evaluated in vivo in the Mediterranean wild mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis using comet assay for quantification of DNA fragmentation. Results show that PW exhibited a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) genotoxic effect in a dose-dependent manner; indeed, the percentage of genotoxicity was 122.6 and 49.5% after exposure to 0.66 ml/kg body weight (b.w.); 0.33 ml/kg b.w. of PW, respectively. However, genotoxicity decreased strongly when tested with the PW obtained after incubation with P. peli. We can conclude that using comet assay genotoxicity end points are useful tools to biomonitor the physicochemical and biological quality of water. Also, it could be concluded that P. peli can treat and detoxify the studied PW.
Cocaine-Induced Agitated Delirium
Authors: Plush Theodore , Shakespeare Walter , Jacobs Dorian , Ladi Larry , Sethi Sheeba , Gasperino James
Published: November 2013

Cocaine use continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. Although many of the initial signs and symptoms of cocaine intoxication result from increased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, this condition can present as a spectrum of acuity from hypertension and tachycardia to multiorgan system failure. Classic features of acute intoxication include tachycardia, arterial vasoconstriction, enhanced thrombus formation, mydriasis, psychomotor agitation, and altered level of consciousness. At the extreme end of this toxidrome is a rare condition known as cocaine-induced agitated delirium. This syndrome is characterized by severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, hyperthermia, and acute neurologic changes frequently leading to death. We report a case of cocaine-induced agitated delirium in a man who presented to our institution in a paradoxical form of circulatory shock. Rapid evaluation, recognition, and proper management enabled our patient not only to survive but also to leave the hospital without neurologic sequelae.
Mature Trauma Intensivist Model Improves Intensive Care Unit Efficiency But Not Mortality
Authors: Lee John , Rogers Frederick , Rogers Amelia , Horst Michael , Chandler Roxanne , Miller Jo Ann
Published: November 2013

Background:

Although the Leap Frog intensivist staffing model has been shown to improve outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU), to date, no one has examined the effect of an intensivist model in a dedicated trauma ICU. With stricter adherence to evidence-based protocols and 24-hour availability, we hypothesized that a mature intensivist model in a trauma ICU would decrease mortality.

Methods:

Level II trauma center trauma ICU admissions 2006 to 2011. The ICU care provided by 6 trauma intensivists. Two periods were compared: early (2006-2008) and mature (2009-2011). Patients matched on age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), preexisting conditions, and so on in a univariate analysis, with significant variables placed in a logistic regression model, with mortality as the outcome.

Results:

A total of 3527 patients (2999 excluding do not resuscitate status) were reviewed. Age ≥65 (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, P < .001), ISS ≥17 (OR 3.3, P < .001), coagulopathy (OR 1.64, P = .004), and anemia (OR 1.73, P = .02) were independent predictors of mortality. Multivariate logistic model encompassing these factors found no statistically significant differences in mortality across the 6-year period. The ICU efficiency showed significant improvements in terms of ventilator days (30.1% EARLY vs 24.4% MATURE; P < .001), decreases in mean consultant use per patient (0.55 ± 0.85 EARLY vs 0.40 ± 0.74 MATURE; P < .001), and increase in number of bedside procedures per patient (0.09 ± 0.48 EARLY vs 0.40 ± 0.74 MATURE; P < .001

Conclusions:

Our mature intensivists staffing model shows improvement in ICU throughput (ventilator days, ICU days, decreased consultant use, and increased bedside procedures) but no survival benefit. Further improvements in overall trauma mortality may lie in the resuscitative and operative phase of patient care.
Preliminary Investigation of the Roles of Military Background and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Frequency and Recidivism of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Court-Referred Men
Authors: Hoyt Tim , Wray Alisha M. , Rielage Jennifer Klosterman
Published: November 2013

Significant rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration have been identified among men with military backgrounds. Research indicates posttraumatic stress symptoms place military men at increased risk for IPV perpetration, but may be negatively associated with IPV among nonmilitary samples. However, no previous studies have directly compared court-referred IPV offenders with and without military experience, which may have clinical implications if posttraumatic stress symptoms are differentially associated with IPV perpetration across these two samples. Twenty court-referred IPV offenders with military background were demographically matched with 40 court-referred IPV offenders without military background. As anticipated, self- and partner-report of physically assaultive acts and injurious acts during baseline assessment showed significantly greater physical assault and injury perpetrated by offenders with military background. However, 1-year follow-up data on convictions indicated a significantly lower rate of recidivism among offenders with military background than among nonmilitary offenders. As hypothesized, symptoms of posttraumatic stress at intake showed a significant positive correlation with IPV perpetration among offenders with military background; however, this relationship showed a negative correlation among offenders without military background. Clinical implications are discussed including treatment avenues, such as Veterans Courts and other incarceration diversion programs, which may be particularly appropriate for offenders with military backgrounds.
The Relationship of Violence and Traumatic Stress to Changes in Weight and Waist Circumference
Authors: Garcia Lorena , Qi Lihong , Rasor Marianne , Clark Cari Jo , Bromberger Joyce , Gold Ellen B.
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the associations of violence and traumatic stress with changes in weight and waist circumference, hypothesizing that violence in midlife would be associated with increases or decreases in weight and waist circumference. The longitudinal cohort of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation comprised the study sample, which included an ethnically/racially and socially diverse group of 2,870 women between the ages of 42 and 52 years at baseline. Women were followed annually for 10 years, and assessments included weight and waist circumference measures and data on violence, health outcomes, and confounders. At baseline, 8.6% Caucasian, 10.8% African American, 9.2% Chinese, and 5.0% Japanese women reported violence and traumatic stress. Reporting violence and traumatic stress during follow-up was significantly associated with weight gain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.28-4.47]), weight loss (OR = 3.54, 95% CI = [1.73-7.22]), and gain (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = [1.37-4.37]) or loss (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = [1.23-5.77]) in waist circumference, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and smoking. Violence and traumatic stress against midlife women were associated with gains or losses in weight and waist circumference.
Pathways Between Substance Use, Dependence, Offense Type, and Offense Severity
Authors: Kopak Albert M. , Hoffmann Norman G.
Published: November 2013

There is a well-established connection between alcohol, drugs, and offending, but little is known about the intervening role of dependence. The present study was designed to assess the intervening effects of alcohol and drug dependence on the types and severity of offenses arrestees were charged with. Data were drawn from the 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program II program. This program utilized a probability sample of male arrestees ( N = 3,013) from 10 cities across the United States between April 1 and September 30, 2010. Arrestees completed face-to-face interviews shortly after they were booked into jails. Path analysis was used to test the mediated relationships between substance use indicators, dependence, offense severity, and offense type. Drug and alcohol dependence mediated the relationship between alcohol and drug use indicators, the types, and the severity of charges among arrestees. Assessment and treatment provisions aimed at dependence need to be included in criminal justice practices to successfully reduce these types of offenses.
Variation in Criminal Justice Policy-Making
Authors: Lytle Robert
Published: November 2013

Variation in Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification (SORCN) policies may suggest differences in public fears of sexual crimes as well as differences in state-level policy-making. This study explored the standardization of SORCN policies across a sample of five midwestern states. A thematic content analysis showed that states varied in how registrants were defined, what information was selected for public notification, and how sex offender laws are maintained. A typology of revisions emerged, which may inform our understanding about policy-making. Ultimately, existing research provides limited explanations for these results, serving as an impetus for future research on context and process of criminal justice policy change.
The Practice of Reintegrative Shaming in Mental Health Court
Authors: Dollar Cindy Brooks , Ray Bradley
Published: November 2013

Scholars and practitioners have renewed their interest in recognizing and designing restorative justice programs. Although these programs often provide successful outcomes, we know relatively little about why they work. Reintegrative shaming theory provides a lens by which to explain successful outcomes. This study uses over three years of direct observations to examine the practice of reintegrative shaming in a mental health court (MHC). We organize our findings around four primary components of reintegrative shaming outlined by Makkai and Braithwaite: respectful disapproval, disapproving the behavior rather than the individual, rejecting deviance as a master status, and ceremonial decertifications of deviance. Our data demonstrate that reintegrative shaming in MHC is largely accomplished through interactions with the judge, although the unique organization of the MHC, including their small caseloads, use of separate dockets, and pre-court team meetings, advance the court’s use of reintegrative shaming.
Lower Hippocampal Volume Predicts Decrements in Lane Control Among Drivers With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Griffith H. Randall , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Stewart Christopher C. , Stoeckel Luke E. , Hollander Jan A. den , Elgin Jennifer M. , Harrell Lindy E. , Brockington John C. , Clark David G. , Ball Karlene K. , Owsley Cynthia , Marson Daniel C. , Wadley Virginia G.
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

There are few methods to discern driving risks in patients with early dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to determine whether structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hippocampus—a biomarker of probable Alzheimer pathology and a measure of disease severity in those affected—is linked to objective ratings of on-road driving performance in older adults with and without amnestic MCI.

Methods:

In all, 49 consensus-diagnosed participants from an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (15 diagnosed with amnestic MCI and 34 demographically similar controls) underwent structural MRI and on-road driving assessments.

Results:

Mild atrophy of the left hippocampus was associated with less-than-optimal ratings in lane control but not with other discrete driving skills. Decrements in left hippocampal volume conferred higher risk for less-than-optimal lane control ratings in the patients with MCI (B = −1.63, standard error [SE] = .74, Wald = 4.85, P = .028), but not in controls (B = 0.13, SE = .415, Wald = 0.10, P = .752). The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for below-optimal lane control in the MCI group was 4.41 (1.18-16.36), which was attenuated to 3.46 (0.88-13.60) after accounting for the contribution of left hippocampal volume.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that there may be a link between hippocampal atrophy and difficulties with lane control in persons with amnestic MCI. Further study appears warranted to better discern patterns of brain atrophy in MCI and Alzheimer disease and whether these could be early markers of clinically meaningful driving risk.
Design of an Ackermann-type steering mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jing-Shan , Liu Xiang , Feng Zhi-Jing , Dai Jian S
Published: November 2013

This article focuses on the synthesis of a steering mechanism that exactly meets the requirements of Ackermann steering geometry. It starts from reviewing of the four-bar linkage, then discusses the number of points that a common four-bar linkage could precisely trace at most. After pointing out the limits of a four-bar steering mechanism, this article investigates the turning geometry for steering wheels and proposes a steering mechanism with incomplete noncircular gears for vehicle by transforming the Ackermann criteria into the mechanism synthesis. The pitch curves, addendum curves, dedendum curves, tooth profiles and transition curves of the noncircular gears are formulated and designed. Kinematic simulations are executed to demonstrate the target of design.
The Impact of Sustained Engagement on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Park Denise C. , Lodi-Smith Jennifer , Drew Linda , Haber Sara , Hebrank Andrew , Bischof Gérard N. , Aamodt Whitley
Published: November 2013

In the research reported here, we tested the hypothesis that sustained engagement in learning new skills that activated working memory, episodic memory, and reasoning over a period of 3 months would enhance cognitive function in older adults. In three conditions with high cognitive demands, participants learned to quilt, learned digital photography, or engaged in both activities for an average of 16.51 hr a week for 3 months. Results at posttest indicated that episodic memory was enhanced in these productive-engagement conditions relative to receptive-engagement conditions, in which participants either engaged in nonintellectual activities with a social group or performed low-demand cognitive tasks with no social contact. The findings suggest that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities enhances memory function in older adulthood, but, somewhat surprisingly, we found limited cognitive benefits of sustained engagement in social activities.
Convex time-optimal robot path following with Cartesian acceleration and inertial force and torque constraints
Authors: Debrouwere Frederik , Van Loock Wannes , Pipeleers Goele , Diehl Moritz , Swevers Jan , De Schutter Joris
Published: November 2013

In time-optimal robot path following, a predetermined geometric trajectory is followed exactly in a time-optimal way considering system constraints, for example, actuator constraints. For a simplified robotic manipulator, this optimization problem can be reformulated into a convex optimization problem when only considering some system constraints. In this article, the convex approach is extended to account for Cartesian acceleration constraints and in turn account for inertial forces and torques acting on a load held by the robot. The focus of this article is on the reformulation of these Cartesian acceleration and inertial forces and torques to preserve the convexity of the optimization problem. We present a series of applications that result in solving a convex optimization problem, illustrating the practicality of the proposed reformulations.
Sir Archibald Hector McIndoe (1900–1960) and the Guinea Pig Club: The development of reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation in the Second World War (1939–1945)
Authors: Macnamara Alexandra F , Metcalfe Neil H
Published: November 2013

Summary

This article discusses the work of pioneering surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe and particularly his reconstructive surgery and patient-centred approach during the Second World War. It also covers how this affected the lives of his patients and the subsequent formation of the Guinea Pig Club.
Non-linear dynamics of a vibration energy harvester by means of the homotopy analysis method
Authors: Vandewater Luke A , Moss Scott D
Published: November 2013

This article reports on the modelling and experimental validation of a vibration energy harvesting approach that uses a permanent-magnet/ball-bearing arrangement and a wire-coil transducer. The harvester’s behaviour is modelled using a forced Duffing oscillator modified with quintic non-linearity, and the primary first-order steady-state resonant solutions are found using the homotopy analysis method. These solutions found are shown to compare well with measured ball-bearing displacements and harvested output power and are used to predict the wideband frequency response of this type of vibration energy harvester. A prototype harvester was found to produce a maximum output power of 16.4 mW from a 14.2 Hz, 400 milli-g excitation.
Techniques for monitoring damage in ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Gyekenyesi Andrew
Published: November 2013

This article offers a review of various nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring techniques that have been successfully utilized for assessing the damage state of woven ceramic matrix composites consisting of silicon carbide fibers and silicon carbide matrices. The techniques include acousto-ultrasonics, modal acoustic emissions, electrical resistance, impedance-based structural health monitoring, pulsed thermography, as well as thermoelastic stress analysis. The damage, in the form of distributed matrix cracks and delaminations, was introduced using multiple tactics. These included load/unload/reload uniaxial tensile tests, creep tests, and ballistic impact. Although other nondestructive evaluation techniques have been applied to this material system, the select nondestructive evaluation tools described here are limited to approaches that are of current research interest within programs at the NASA Glenn Research Center.
Gust load alleviation of an unmanned aerial vehicle wing using variable camber
Authors: Bernhammer Lars O , Teeuwen Sjors PW , De Breuker Roeland , van der Veen Gijs J , van Solingen Edwin
Published: November 2013

It is vital for an unmanned aerial vehicle to meet contradictory mission requirements originating from different tasks this type of aircraft has to fulfill. The ability to switch between configurations greatly expands the range of possible missions. An unmanned aerial vehicle wing has been developed to demonstrate the capacity to optimize the aerodynamic and structural performances according to the mission stage. The wing is equipped with four macro fiber composite benders that can be controlled individually, and each of these macro fiber composite benders actuates a section of the wing. A numerical study was conducted with XFLR5 to determine the optimal configurations of the flap positions for both range and endurance. A wind tunnel study was performed to verify these results. During the experiment, a maximum attainable increase in lift coefficient of 0.072 could be achieved, while numerically the increase was computed to be 0.079. The wide-frequency bandwidth of the actuators allows using the developed system also for other purposes such as load alleviation. Unmanned aerial vehicles are often light and fly at low airspeeds, which make them very sensitive to gust excitation. For this purpose, the experimental model was equipped with two accelerometers to measure the amplitude of the first two deformation modes. Significant load alleviation capacities with reductions up to 50% in load amplitude could be achieved. This reduction was achieved, even though the wing box contributes largely to the structural damping, as the foam for the construction absorbs a significant proportion of the vibrations.
Economic Differences in Risk Factors for Obesity Among Overweight and Obese Children
Authors: Kim Hee Soon , Ham Ok Kyung , Jang Mi Na , Yun Hyun Jung , Park Jiyoung
Published: November 2013

The purpose of the study was to identify the economic differences in familial, physiological, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics associated with overweight and obese children in South Korea. A total of 407 overweight and obese children participated in the study. The obesity rate was 69.0% and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was 33.3% in the low-income bracket, and the prevalence of MS was 27.2% for the population. The children in the low-income group were more prone to have poor eating behavior and more likely to spend more than 2 hr viewing television. They also were more likely to have lower self-esteem and more depressive symptoms. School nurses should understand that risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent in low-income groups, which will eventually aggravate health disparities between socioeconomic status groups. Therefore, prevention programs for childhood obesity, which target high-risk groups of such children need to be developed and prioritized.
Transplanting a Western-style Journalism Education to the Central Asian Republics of the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Skochilo Elena , Toralieva Gulnura , Freedman Eric , Shafer Richard
Published: November 2013

Western standards of journalism education, as well as western professional journalistic practices, have had difficulty taking root in the five independent countries of formerly Soviet Central Asia. This essay examines the experience of one university’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication since 1997 and the challenges it faces, including curriculum reform, faculty retention, government regulation, and student career interests in the context of press systems that remain tightly controlled by regimes.
On the algebraic structure of isotropic generalized elasticity theories
Authors: Auffray N
Published: November 2013

In this paper the algebraic structure of the isotropic nth-order gradient elasticity is investigated. In the classical isotropic elasticity it is well known that the constitutive relation can be broken down into two uncoupled relations between the elementary part of the strain and the stress tensors (deviatoric and spherical). In this paper we demonstrate that this result can not be generalized because in 2nd-order isotropic elasticity there exist couplings between elementary parts of higher-order strain and stress tensors. Therefore, and in certain way, nth-order isotropic elasticity have the same kind of algebraic structure as anisotropic classical elasticity. This structure is investigated in the case of 2nd-order isotropic elasticity, and moduli characterizing the behavior are provided.
Are There Executive Dysfunction Subtypes Within ADHD?
Authors: Roberts Bethan A. , Martel Michelle M. , Nigg Joel T.
Published: November 2013

Objective: Children with ADHD have heterogeneous behavioral and neuropsychological profiles. The aim of this study was to examine the possible utility of executive function (EF) subtypes within ADHD. Method: Participants were 357 children aged 6 through 13 with a diagnosis of ADHD. Children completed a brief laboratory battery measuring EF, including response inhibition, response variability, speed, and set-shifting. Children also completed standardized intelligence and achievement testing. Results: Two-way cluster analysis of EF profiles of children with ADHD produced a three-cluster solution, labeled poor inhibitory control, poor set-shifting/speed, and intact task performance. Clusters significantly differed in measures of intelligence, academic achievement, and other disruptive behavior and anxiety/mood symptoms. Conclusion: These findings further support the idea that children with ADHD have heterogeneous EF profiles and suggest that the theory of ADHD should consider these individual differences in EF profiles within the ADHD diagnostic category.
Evaluation of Escitalopram, Sertraline, and Methylphenidate in the Immature Rat Uterotrophic Assay
Authors: Montagnini Bruno Garcia , Bortolan Simone , Santos Bárbara Daiane dos , Moreno Ana Paula , de Azevedo Camin Nathália , Gerardin Daniela Cristina Ceccatto , Moreira Estefânia Gastaldello
Published: November 2013

Psychotropics are among the most prescribed medications. There are indications in the literature that fluoxetine (FLX; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI] antidepressant) and methylphenidate (MPH) could have a hormonal mode of action. This study was designed to evaluate the immature rat uterotrophic assay Substitute by (1) if sertraline (SER) and escitalopram (ESC) 2 other SSRI antidepressants would share the estrogenicity described for FLX and (2) MPH for estrogenicity and antiestrogenicity. The 18-day-old Wistar rats with were divided into olive oil, estradiol (0.3 mg/kg), estradiol + tamoxifen (10 mg/kg), SER (5, 15, or 45 mg/kg), ESC (2, 6, or 18 mg/kg), MPH (2.5 or 5 mg/kg), and estradiol + MPH groups. As expected, estradiol increased the weight of uterus, and this effect was counterbalanced by concomitant treatment with tamoxifen. The SER, ESC, and MPH had no effect on the uterus weight. The results suggest that ESC and SER do not share the estrogenicity described for FLX and that MPH does not disrupt estrogenic signaling.
How Achieving the Dual Goal of Customer Satisfaction and Efficiency in Mergers Affects a Firm’s Long-Term Financial Performance
Authors: Swaminathan Vanitha , Groening Christopher , Mittal Vikas , Thomaz Felipe
Published: November 2013

This article investigates how engaging in a merger moderates the joint impact of a firm’s achievement of dual goals of customer satisfaction and firm efficiency on a firm’s long-term financial performance. Many prominent firms grow through mergers. Recent examples in the services context include the merger between Toronto-Dominion Bank and Canada Trust, and the merger between Continental and United Airlines. Our results show that joint achievement of customer satisfaction and efficiency is beneficial in merger contexts, but not in nonmerger contexts. We investigate the moderating role of mergers using a longitudinal panel of 429 observations across multiple firms and industries. These results suggest that merging firms should not take a myopic perspective of only wresting efficiencies (as the finance literature suggests). Rather, merging firms should focus on simultaneously improving customer satisfaction and improving efficiency to maximize long-term firm value.
The need for fresh blood: Understanding organizational age inequality through a vampiric lens
Authors: Riach Kathleen , Kelly Simon
Published: November 2013

This article argues that older age inequality within and across working life is the result of vampiric forms and structures constitutive of contemporary organizing. Rather than assuming ageism occurs against a backdrop of neutral organizational processes and practices, the article denaturalizes (and in the process super-naturalizes) organizational orientations of ageing through three vampiric aspects: (un)dying, regeneration and neophilia. These dimensions are used to illustrate how workplace narratives and logics normalize and perpetuate the systematic denigration of the ageing organizational subject. Through our analysis it is argued that older workers are positioned as inevitable ‘sacrificial objects’ of the all-consuming immortal organization. To challenge this, the article explicitly draws on the vampire and the vampiric in literature and popular culture to consider the possibility of subverting existing notions of the ‘older worker’ in order to confront and challenge the subtle and persistent monstrous discourses that shape organizational life.
Health-related quality of life in children with high-functioning autism
Authors: Potvin Marie-Christine , Snider Laurie , Prelock Patricia A , Wood-Dauphinee Sharon , Kehayia Eva
Published: November 2013

The health-related quality of life of school-aged children with high-functioning autism is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to compare the health-related quality of life of children with high-functioning autism to that of typically developing peers and to compare child-self and parent-proxy reports of health-related quality of life of children. A cross-sectional study of children with high-functioning autism ( n = 30) and peers ( n = 31) was conducted using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Children with high-functioning autism had significantly poorer health-related quality of life than peers whether reported by themselves ( p < .001) or their parents ( p < .001), although disagreement (intra-class coefficient = −.075) between children and parental scores suggested variance in points of view. This study specifically investigated health-related quality of life in children with high-functioning autism as compared to a sample of peers, from the child’s perspective. It strengthens earlier findings that children with high-functioning autism experience poorer health-related quality of life than those without this disorder and points to the importance of clinicians working with families to identify areas in a child’s life that promote or hinder their sense of well-being.
Narrowing the gap: Effects of intervention on developmental trajectories in autism
Authors: Klintwall Lars , Eldevik Sigmund , Eikeseth Svein
Published: November 2013

Although still a matter of some debate, there is a growing body of research supporting Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention as the intervention of choice for children with autism. Learning rate is an alternative to change in standard scores as an outcome measure in studies of early intervention. Learning rates can be displayed graphically as developmental trajectories, which are easy to understand and avoid some of the counter-intuitive properties of changes in standard scores. The data used in this analysis were from 453 children with autism, previously described by Eldevik et al. Children receiving Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention exhibited significantly steeper developmental trajectories than children in the control group, in both intelligence and adaptive behaviors. However, there was a considerable variability in individual learning rates within the group receiving Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention. This variability could partly be explained by the intensity of the treatment, partly by children’s intake intelligence quotient age-equivalents. Age at intake did not co-vary with learning rate.
The risk of male success and failure: How performance outcomes along with a high-status identity affect gender identification, risk behavior, and self-esteem
Authors: Reinhard Marc-André , Schindler Simon , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: November 2013

Previous research has demonstrated that failure on a task may at times increase self-esteem, known as the failure-as-an-asset effect. This effect is observed when high-status group members (e.g., referring to management positions: men) show poor performance in a domain that is seen as a low-status domain—one in which the low-status group (e.g., referring to management positions: women) typically outperforms the high-status group. In line with social identity theory, in this case the poor performance leads high-status group members to a strong identification with the high-status ingroup, resulting in higher state self-esteem. However, social identity theory originally refers not only to self-evaluation, but also to the influence on individual behavior. Building on that, we predicted that if high-status group members show higher ingroup identification after negative individual feedback in a low-status domain, they should also show stronger ingroup prototypical behavior. A great deal of research has indicated that women’s behavior is more risk-averse than is men’s behavior. Thus, men should show riskier behavior after a poor performance on a test in which women outperform men. Two studies support our hypothesis. Men with an alleged individual low performance on a fictitious test reported riskier behavioral intentions (Experiment 1), and actually showed riskier behavior in an investment game (Experiment 2), when men were outperformed by women rather than when women were outperformed by men. The opposite pattern was found for men with an individual positive performance. As predicted, these effects were mediated by men’s gender identification. Practical implications are discussed.