bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of booster seat use in Canadian provinces with and without legislation
Authors: Snowdon A , Rothman L , Slater M , Kolga C , Hussein A , Boase P , Howard A
Published: August 2009

Background:

The use of booster seats continues to be low, despite their effectiveness in reducing injury in motor vehicle collisions. Many jurisdictions have introduced legislation requiring the use of booster seats. To date, there have been no Canadian studies evaluating the effectiveness of legislation on booster seat use.

Objectives:

To describe restraint use among Canadian children aged 4–8 years, and compare booster seat use between provinces/territories with and without legislation.

Methods:

The data were obtained from a National Survey of Child Restraint Use/Misuse conducted between June and August 2006. A roadside observation survey was conducted at 182 sites across Canada. Weighted statistical analyses of differences in proportions were conducted, accounting for sampling stratification and clustering by car effects.

Results:

The roadside survey estimated that 24.6% of children aged 4–8 were restrained in booster seats in provinces with legislation, compared with 16.6% in provinces without (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

This is the first Canadian national study using direct observation to determine the effect of legislation on booster seat use. Provinces with legislation had higher booster seat use, but overall rates were still disappointingly low. Ongoing surveillance of child safety seat use and evaluation of effective adjuncts to legislation is required in order to see collision-related child deaths and injuries drop in the future.
New Zealand Drivers Study: a follow-up study of newly licensed drivers
Authors: Begg D , Langley J , Broughton J , Brookland R , Ameratunga S , McDowell A
Published: August 2009

Background:

Despite significant improvement since graduated licensing was introduced, traffic-related injury remains the leading cause of death and hospitalisation among young New Zealanders. Most research to date has used routinely collected crash data but has been limited in that these databases do not, and realistically cannot, include the level of detail required to ensure that learner driver policy and programmes are based on sound scientific evidence applicable to young drivers in the current New Zealand context.

Objectives:

To examine the driving-related experiences of newly licensed drivers to identify factors associated with increased or decreased risk of negative traffic outcomes.

Design:

Multistage prospective cohort study.

Setting:

New Zealand.

Participants:

Newly licensed drivers.

Variables:

Exposures: background demographic details, pre-licence driving, previous crashes, driving intentions, motivations for driving and licensing, sensation seeking, aggression, impulsivity, quality and quantity of driving experience, driving supervision, driving behaviour, alcohol and other drug use, compliance with New Zealand’s graduated driver licensing scheme, driver training/education, cell phone use, and sleep.Outcomes: crash, conviction, infringements, risky driving.

Data sources:

Exposures: participants and their parents.Outcomes: participants and official records.

Bias:

On the basis of a pilot study, participation and attrition bias are likely to be minimal. A comparison of baseline data for those followed and those not followed will be undertaken. Information bias will be minimised by standardised questionnaires. Information on potential confounders is to be collected and controlled for in analyses

Study size:

5000 (including 1500 Māori).

Statistical Methods:

Survival analysis, logistic or Poisson regression, generalised estimating equations.
Scorpion Venom Peptides Accelerate Hematopoietic Recovery of Myelosuppression in Irradiated Mice
Authors: Dong Weihua , Wang Lina , Kong Tianhan , He Yanjie
Published: August 2009

Sublethally irradiated mice were administered with scorpion venom peptides (SVP) or with PBS in the saline control group, 3 days before and 7 consecutive days after irradiation. Hematopoietic recovery was assessed by bone marrow (BM) cell proliferation index (PI) and colony forming unit-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), spleen weight index (SI) and thymus weight index (TI), colony-forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) and peripheral leukocyte counts. In addition, IL-1α and SCF levels in BM, IL-6 and GM-CSF levels in serum were determined. In SVP treated groups, PI was improved dramatically versus control mice on day 22 after irradiation. The number of CFU-GM colonies in all SVP treated groups was higher than the control groups. The difference of the number of CFU-GM colonies between SVPV group (0.2 mg/kg) and the control was significant on day 5 and 10 after irradiation ( p < 0.05). SVPIV (0.2 mg/kg) could activate the CFU-S formation on day 10 after irradiation. SI was in peak value on day 15 after irradiation in all groups and the SI value of SVPV treated group was higher than control group ( p < 0.05). Our results suggest that SVP may be valuable natural peptides that relieve myelosuppression caused by radiation. The effect of SVP accelerating the hematopoietic recovery was potentially through a mechanism of stimulating the release of cytokines.
MONITORING CUMULATED ANOMALY IN DATABASES
Authors: YI JUNKAI , LU GANG , LÜ KEVIN
Published: August 2009

A new type of database anomaly called Cumulated Anomaly (CA) is dealt with in this paper. It occurs when submitting the time of authorized transactions or the changed data is cumulated out of some thresholds. A database-level detection method for Cumulated Anomaly is proposed based on statistics and fuzzy set theories. By measuring each database transaction with a real number between zero and one, this method quantitatively monitors how dangerous a transaction is. The real number is termed dubiety degree; therefore the method is named as Dubiety-Determining Method (DDM). After formally presenting the concepts of Cumulated Anomaly and DDM, the algorithm of DDM is given in detail. Software system architecture to support DDM was designed and implemented. Three experiments were performed on it for testing DDM. The first experiment showed the general results of DDM with a set of randomly generated audit records, while the second one simulated a practical case. DDM monitored dubiety degrees for each database transaction and detected expected Cumulated Anomaly in two experiments. The effect on database performance by DDM was tested in the last experiment. Experimental results show that DDM method is feasible and effective.
MAINTAINABILITY METRICS FOR ASPECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE
Authors: THONGMAK MATHUPAYAS , MUENCHAISRI PORNSIRI
Published: August 2009

Maintainability is an important factor that developers should be concerned because two-thirds of software costs involve maintenance. Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) paradigm is aimed to increase the software maintainability. It solves code tangling and code scattering problems by introducing a new modular unit, called "aspect". Various research works are provided to support measuring the object-oriented software, but only few studies are set up to support measuring the aspect-oriented software. This paper proposes aspect-oriented software maintainability metrics and a set of aspect-oriented design guidelines to support the metrics. By combining the proposed guidelines, object-oriented design principles, and aspect-oriented design principles, the metrics are constructed according to the Factor-Strategy (FS) quality model and the Factor-Criteria-Metric (FCM) quality model. Principle violation check definitions in the form of Boolean expressions are also defined to conduct software measurement and to fulfill the metrics. Finally, the aspect-oriented software maintainability metrics are applied to detect design principle violations in fifty AspectJ systems. The results show that for all systems their hidden flaws are exposed. Moreover, the proposed metrics are used to compare the maintainability between two versions of systems written in Java and AspectJ.
A Neural Network: Family Competition Genetic Algorithm and Its Applications in Electromagnetic Optimization
Authors: Chen P.-Y. , Chen C.-H. , Wang H.
Published: August 2009

This study proposes a neural network-family competition genetic algorithm (NN-FCGA) for solving the electromagnetic (EM) optimization and other general-purpose optimization problems. The NN-FCGA is a hybrid evolutionary-based algorithm, combining the good approximation performance of neural network (NN) and the robust and effective optimum search ability of the family competition genetic algorithms (FCGA) to accelerate the optimization process. In this study, the NN-FCGA is used to extract a set of optimal design parameters for two representative design examples: the multiple section low-pass filter and the polygonal electromagnetic absorber. Our results demonstrate that the optimal electromagnetic properties given by the NN-FCGA are comparable to those of the FCGA, but reducing a large amount of computation time and a well-trained NN model that can serve as a nonlinear approximator was developed during the optimization process of the NN-FCGA.
Bootstrapping Distributional Feature Vector Quality
Authors: Zhitomirsky-Geffet Maayan , Dagan Ido
Published: August 2009

This article presents a novel bootstrapping approach for improving the quality of feature vector weighting in distributional word similarity. The method was motivated by attempts to utilize distributional similarity for identifying the concrete semantic relationship of lexical entailment. Our analysis revealed that a major reason for the rather loose semantic similarity obtained by distributional similarity methods is insufficient quality of the word feature vectors, caused by deficient feature weighting. This observation led to the definition of a bootstrapping scheme which yields improved feature weights, and hence higher quality feature vectors. The underlying idea of our approach is that features which are common to similar words are also most characteristic for their meanings, and thus should be promoted. This idea is realized via a bootstrapping step applied to an initial standard approximation of the similarity space. The superior performance of the bootstrapping method was assessed in two different experiments, one based on direct human gold-standard annotation and the other based on an automatically created disambiguation dataset. These results are further supported by applying a novel quantitative measurement of the quality of feature weighting functions. Improved feature weighting also allows massive feature reduction, which indicates that the most characteristic features for a word are indeed concentrated at the top ranks of its vector. Finally, experiments with three prominent similarity measures and two feature weighting functions showed that the bootstrapping scheme is robust and is independent of the original functions over which it is applied.
Introduction: The Persistence of the “Crisis”
Authors: Rabb Theodore K.
Published: August 2009

The context for this special issue of the JIH is the persistence in scholarship and teaching of the Crisis as a way of organizing seventeenth-century history. Five historians, specialists in different fields, bring an interdisciplinary perspective to bear as they indicate how fundamental change took place in mid-seventeenth-century economies, demography, politics, art, and popular belief. The realms of warfare, international relations, science, attitudes toward knowledge, and religion also saw profound transformations during this period.
Accounting for Government: Holland and the Rise of Political Economy in Seventeenth-Century Europe
Authors: Soll Jacob
Published: August 2009

In the 1650s, political administrators across Europe began adopting accounting strategies to manage government. Although the method of double-entry book-keeping emerged during the Middle Ages and spread from Italy during the Renaissance, governments were slow to adopt it. Inspired by the Dutch precedent, however, English, French, German, and Russian rulers and ministers looked to accounting to build new military industrial complexes. This general movement represents a paradigmatic change in the language of politics, away from traditional humanist theory toward a technocratic culture that would later evolve into the political-economic movement of the eighteenth century.
The Crisis in the Arts of the Seventeenth Century: A Crisis of Representation?
Authors: Burke Peter
Published: August 2009

The arts suffered no crisis in the middle of the seventeenth century, although major changes in style took place around the year 1600. However, a crisis of representation that began in natural philosophy was eventually to become more general. A contrast in tone or mood that was evident between the arts in the first and the second half of the century may be interpreted as a response to economic, social, and political crises.
Assessment of environmental pollutants in ten southern Italy harbor sediments
Authors: Renzi M , Perra G , Guerranti C , Mariottini M , Baroni D , Volterrani M , Graziosi M , Specchiulli A , Focardi S
Published: August 2009

In 2003–2006, the distribution of macronutrients and pollutants of environmental interest was investigated in surficial sediments collected from 10 southern Italy harbors selected in four different regions. About 167 stations were sampled to determine levels of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, trace elements (Al, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Hg, As), short- and long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons ( Hy C > 12 and Hy C < 12), and concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], p-p-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( 4,4′-DDE), and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB). General relationships between studied variables and harbors systems were explored by multivariate statistical approaches. Results show that wide fluctuations are reported for all variables both among harbors and inside each studied system. Principal components analysis suggests that major significance in explaining total average variability is due to lead, copper, zinc, silts, sands, and PAHs. No significance has been observed when testing nonmetric multidimensional scaling distributions relating with the factor “region,” while performing analyses on factor “main human activity,” a higher significance is observed. These results suggest a strong relationship between the main human use of marine systems and observed pollution levels in sediments.
Synergic effects of α-tocopherol and β-carotene ontert-butylhydroperoxide-induced HepG2 cell injury
Authors: Park S , Kim AJ , Lee M
Published: August 2009

Oxidative stress produced by the dietary or chemical substrates is one of the major causes of liver cell injury. In this study, we compared the effects of two dietary antioxidants, α-tocopherol (α-T) and β-carotene (β-C) against tert-butyl hydroperxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Cell proliferation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), [3H]-aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-DNA adduct formation, and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression were determined after antioxidants were added to the tBHP-stressed cells. When compared to an ethanol-based control, all biomarkers for the cell damage were significantly increased by treatments. Treatments of β-C or the combination of two antioxidants at 50 ppm for 48 h enhanced cell proliferation ( P < 0.05) compared to tBHP control. The antioxidative and cytoprotective actions of α-T and β-C, alone or in combination, were associated with modulation of microsomal CYP2E1 expression, corresponding to the regulation of LPO production ( P < 0.0001). Our results indicate that α-T and β-C may contribute differently to protection of cellular membrane disruption in CYP2E1-expressing HepG2 cells. Moreover, the combination of α-T and β-C appears to impel the greater protection of pathogenic processes of oxidative stress in liver.
Anthropogenic impacts on the Orbetello lagoon ecosystem
Authors: Focardi S , Mariottini M , Renzi M , Perra G , Focardi S
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental quality of Orbetello lagoon (Tyrrhenian coast, Italy), using a biomonitoring method based on measuring organochlorinated pollutants in the Anguilla anguilla, chosen as sentinel organism, and remote sensing data obtained by elaboration of Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) data of 2002. Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in muscle of European eels captured in seven sites having different levels of pollution in Orbetello lagoon. Remote sensing data and chemical analysis showed the Albegna river as a probable vehicle of pesticides (hexachlorocyclohexanes).
Rotational vertebrobasilar ischemia due to vertebral artery dynamic stenoses complicated by an ostial atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Natello Gregory W , Carroll Christine M , Katwal Arabindra B
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We describe a patient with rotational vertebrobasilar ischemia (RVBI) due to vertebral artery (VA) compressive stenoses during neck rotation, complicated by an ostial atherosclerotic stenosis (OAS). Referred for ‘near-syncopal spells’, inquiry revealed a symptom-complex consistent with vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) provoked by head rotation. VA dynamic angiography with imaging via prevertebral subclavian injections in neck-rotated positions while reproducing symptoms, demonstrated two compressive stenoses not present in the neck-neutral position, establishing the diagnosis of RVBI due to CT-demonstrated cervical spondylosis. There was an occluded contralateral VA, isolated posterior circulation, and absent vertebral collateral flow. Disabling symptoms persisted despite using a cervical collar. Surgical decompression of the dynamic stenoses would not address the OAS, was considered high risk, and absence of a suitable donor artery precluded distal VA reconstruction. RVBI resolved with ostial stent placement by improving perfusion pressure across the compressive stenoses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of RVBI in which the affected VA had an obstructive atherosclerotic stenosis in addition to the characteristic rotation-induced dynamic stenoses, and the first report of stent placement in the culprit artery to treat this disorder. Diagnosis depends on recognizing the association of symptoms with positional neck changes and VA dynamic angiography demonstrating the compressive stenosis while reproducing symptoms. This case illustrates the management complexities when there are coexisting abnormalities, emphasizing the need to individualize treatment. RVBI is a potentially correctable cause of TIAs and particularly relevant due to the aging population which has a significant incidence of both degenerative cervical and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease.
The effect of l-arginine and creatine on vascular function and homocysteine metabolism
Authors: Jahangir Eiman , Vita Joseph A , Handy Diane , Holbrook Monica , Palmisano Joseph , Beal Ryan , Loscalzo Joseph , Eberhardt Robert T
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Studies with l-arginine supplementation have shown inconsistent effects on endothelial function. The generation of guanidinoacetate (GAA) from l-arginine with subsequent formation of creatine and homocysteine and consumption of methionine may reduce the pool of l-arginine available for nitric oxide generation. Experimental studies suggest that creatine supplementation might block this pathway. We sought to determine the effects of l-arginine, creatine, or the combination on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and homocysteine metabolism in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with coronary artery disease were randomized to l-arginine (9 g/day), creatine (21 g/day), l-arginine plus creatine, or placebo for 4 days ( n = 26–29/group). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and plasma levels of l-arginine, creatine, homocysteine, methionine, and GAA were measured at baseline and follow-up. l-Arginine and creatine supplementation had no effects on vascular function. l-Arginine alone increased GAA ( p < 0.01) and the ratio of homocysteine to methionine ( p < 0.01), suggesting increased methylation demand. The combination of creatinine and l-arginine did not suppress GAA production or prevent the increase in homocysteine-to-methionine ratio. Unexpectedly, creatine supplementation (alone or in combination with l-arginine) was associated with an 11–20% increase in homocysteine concentration ( p < 0.05), which was not attributable to worsened renal function, providing evidence against an effect of creatine on decreasing methylation demand. In conclusion, the present study provides no evidence that l-arginine supplementation improves endothelial function and suggests that l-arginine may increase methylation demand. Creatine supplementation failed to alter the actions of l-arginine on vascular function or suppress methylation demand. The unexpected increase in homocysteine levels following creatine supplementation could have adverse effects and merits further study, since creatine is a commonly used dietary supplement.
Interobserver variability of ankle–brachial index measurements at rest and post exercise in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: van Langen Herman , van Gurp Johan , Rubbens Leonie
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The ankle–brachial index (ABI) post exercise is claimed to play a complementary role in the diagnosis or exclusion of intermittent claudication (IC). The interobserver variability of ABI measurements at rest and post exercise in patients with typical symptoms of IC is the subject of this study with emphasis on ABI post exercise. ABI at rest and post exercise were measured in both legs of 20 patients with typical symptoms of IC. After 15 minutes of rest these measurements were repeated by another observer. Analysis according to Bland–Altman was performed on 40 paired leg measurements at rest and 40 paired leg measurements post exercise. The average ABI at rest for the first observer was 0.84 (standard deviation ±0.18) and for the second was 0.84 (±0.17). Post-exercise averages were 0.73 (±0.25) and 0.74 (±0.27), respectively. The standard deviation of the ABI difference between observers was 0.08 at rest and 0.15 post exercise. The interobserver variability of the ABI was 10% at rest and 21% post exercise. The interobserver variability post exercise is an important given when rules are defined about how the ABI post exercise translates into a more reliable and objective diagnosis of IC.
Integration of retroviral vectors induces minor changes in the transcriptional activity of T cells from ADA-SCID patients treated with gene therapy
Authors: Cassani Barbara , Montini Eugenio , Maruggi Giulietta , Ambrosi Alessandro , Mirolo Massimiliano , Selleri Silvia , Biral Erika , Frugnoli Ilaria , Hernandez-Trujillo Vivian , Di Serio Clelia , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Naldini Luigi , Mavilio Fulvio , Aiuti Alessandro
Published: August 2009

Gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells by γ-retroviral vectors (RVs) is an effective treatment for inherited blood disorders, although potentially limited by the risk of insertional mutagenesis. We evaluated the genomic impact of RV integration in T lymphocytes from adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) patients 10 to 30 months after infusion of autologous, genetically corrected CD34+ cells. Expression profiling on ex vivo T-cell bulk population revealed no difference with respect to healthy controls. To assess the effect of vector integration on gene expression at the single-cell level, primary T-cell clones were isolated from 2 patients. T-cell clones harbored either 1 (89.8%) or 2 (10.2%) vector copies per cell and displayed partial to full correction of ADA expression, purine metabolism, and T-cell receptor-driven functions. Analysis of RV integration sites indicated a high diversity in T-cell origin, consistently with the polyclonal T-cell receptor-Vβ repertoire. Quantitative transcript analysis of 120 genes within a 200-kb window around RV integration sites showed modest (2.8- to 5.2-fold) dysregulation of 5.8% genes in 18.6% of the T-cell clones compared with controls. Nonetheless, affected clones maintained a stable phenotype and normal in vitro functions. These results confirm that RV-mediated gene transfer for ADA-SCID is safe, and provide crucial information for the development of future gene therapy protocols. The trials described herein have been registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00598481 and #NCT00599781.
An expressed sequence tag (EST) library for Drosophila serrata, a model system for sexual selection and climatic adaptation studies
Authors: Frentiu Francesca D , Adamski Marcin , McGraw Elizabeth A , Blows Mark W , Chenoweth Stephen F
Published: August 2009

Background

The native Australian fly Drosophila serrata belongs to the highly speciose montium subgroup of the melanogaster species group. It has recently emerged as an excellent model system with which to address a number of important questions, including the evolution of traits under sexual selection and traits involved in climatic adaptation along latitudinal gradients. Understanding the molecular genetic basis of such traits has been limited by a lack of genomic resources for this species. Here, we present the first expressed sequence tag (EST) collection for D. serrata that will enable the identification of genes underlying sexually-selected phenotypes and physiological responses to environmental change and may help resolve controversial phylogenetic relationships within the montium subgroup.

Results

A normalized cDNA library was constructed from whole fly bodies at several developmental stages, including larvae and adults. Assembly of 11,616 clones sequenced from the 3' end allowed us to identify 6,607 unique contigs, of which at least 90% encoded peptides. Partial transcripts were discovered from a variety of genes of evolutionary interest by BLASTing contigs against the 12 Drosophila genomes currently sequenced. By incorporating into the cDNA library multiple individuals from populations spanning a large portion of the geographical range of D. serrata, we were able to identify 11,057 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with 278 different contigs having at least one "double hit" SNP that is highly likely to be a real polymorphism. At least 394 EST-associated microsatellite markers, representing 355 different contigs, were also found, providing an additional set of genetic markers. The assembled EST library is available online at http://www.chenowethlab.org/serrata/index.cgi.

Conclusion

We have provided the first gene collection and largest set of polymorphic genetic markers, to date, for the fly D. serrata. The EST collection will provide much needed genomic resources for this model species and facilitate comparative evolutionary studies within the montium subgroup of the D. melanogaster lineage.
A Novel Method to Prepare Polysilsesquioxane Nanoparticles Possessing Bromoalkyl Groups
Authors: Nakahara Yoshio , Ma Chenghuan , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Oi Fumio , Kimura Keiichi
Published: August 2009

A novel method to prepare siloxane-based nanoparticles possessing bromoalkyl groups, which are reactive functional groups, by bromoalkoxylation and bromination of poly(vinylsilsesquioxane) nanoparticles using N-bromosuccinimide and 1-butanol was developed. No shape distortion or fusion of nanoparticles after the chemical reaction was observed by transmission electron microscopy.
Initial Characterization of a Fibroblast-loaded Porous Elastin Film Reconstituted by a Novel Crosslinker, Dode-DSP
Authors: Komori Kikuo , Takamiya Sumi , Kojima Nobuhiko , Kuwazuru Osamu , Yoshikawa Nobuhiro , Furukawa Katsuko , Miyamoto Kenichi , Sakai Yasuyuki
Published: August 2009

A reconstituted porous elastin film prepared by a novel cross-linker, Dode-DSP, was examined for its feasibility as a biocompatible and elastic cellular scaffold. Although the mechanical properties of the film alone drastically deteriorated in physical conditions due to degradation, loading of fibroblasts retarded the deterioration in terms of distensibility and E value (Young’s modulus).
Remarkable Selectivity in Derivatization and Protection of Hydroxy Groups of 51-hydroxyCTX3C: Chemoselective Synthesis of Biotin-conjugated Ciguatoxin Derivatives
Authors: Ishihara Yuuki , Miyazaki Keisuke , Yamashita Shuji , Hirama Masahiro
Published: August 2009

Ciguatoxins, principal causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning, are large ladder-like polycyclic ethers that exert their toxicities by binding to the voltage-sensitive sodium channels. We report C7/C51 chemoselective derivatization of 51-hydroxyCTX3C applicable for synthesis of biological probes.
Charge Transport Properties of Hexabenzocoronene Nanotubes by Field Effect: Influence of the Oligoether Side Chains on the Mobility
Authors: Yamamoto Yohei , Jin Wusong , Fukushima Takanori , Minari Takeo , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Saeki Akinori , Seki Shu , Tagawa Seiichi , Aida Takuzo
Published: August 2009

Hexabenzocoronene (HBC) nanotubes, prepared by self-assembly of 1–4 with different oligoether chains, all show a p-type conducting profile in a field-effect transistor (FET) setup, where hole mobilities of their film samples are two orders of magnitude greater than that of a cast film composed of ill-defined, nontubular HBC aggregates. Taking into account their time-resolved microwave conductivities, the observed FET properties appear to be largely affected by the kinetics of intertubular hole hopping, which could be less facilitated as the oligoether chains on the nanotube surface are longer.
An overview of autologous chondrocyte implantation
Authors: Gikas P. D. , Bayliss L. , Bentley G. , Briggs T. W. R.
Published: August 2009

Chondral damage to the knee is common and, if left untreated, can proceed to degenerative osteoarthritis. In symptomatic patients established methods of management rely on the formation of fibrocartilage which has poor resistance to shear forces. The formation of hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage may be induced by implanting autologous, cultured chondrocytes into the chondral or osteochondral defect.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation may be used for full-thickness chondral or osteochondral injuries which are painful and debilitating with the aim of replacing damaged cartilage with hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage, leading to improved function. The intermediate and long-term functional and clinical results are promising.

We provide a review of autologous chondrocyte implantation and describe our experience with the technique at our institution with a mean follow-up of 32 months (1 to 9 years).

The procedure is shown to offer statistically significant improvement with advantages over other methods of management of chondral defects.
Thrombosis of the brachial artery after closed dislocation of the elbow
Authors: Garrigues G. E. , Patel M. B. , Colletti T. P. , Weaver J. P. , Mallon W. J.
Published: August 2009

The brachial artery is rarely injured after closed dislocation of the elbow. We describe an unusual variation of this injury, namely, a delayed thrombosis of the brachial artery after a closed dislocation sustained during a low-energy fall. This has not previously been described in the English literature, but may be more common than this suggests. We stress the importance of a thorough neurovascular examination and vigilance in regard to this potentially disastrous complication.
Perilesional changes of focal osteochondral defects in an ovine model and their relevance to human osteochondral injuries
Authors: Hepp P. , Osterhoff G. , Niederhagen M. , Marquass B. , Aigner T. , Bader A. , Josten C. , Schulz R.
Published: August 2009

Perilesional changes of chronic focal osteochondral defects were assessed in the knees of 23 sheep. An osteochondral defect was created in the main load-bearing region of the medial condyle of the knees in a controlled, standardised manner. The perilesional cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and biopsies were taken at the time of production of the defect (T0), during a second operation one month later (T1), and after killing animals at three (T3; n = 8), four (T4; n = 8), and seven (T7; n = 8) months. All the samples were histologically assessed by the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system and Mankin histological scores. Biopsies were taken from human patients (n = 10) with chronic articular cartilage lesions and compared with the ovine specimens. The ovine perilesional cartilage presented with macroscopic and histological signs of degeneration. At T1 the International Cartilage Repair Society ‘Subchondral Bone’ score decreased from a mean of 3.0 (sd 0) to a mean of 1.9 (sd 0.3) and the ‘Matrix’ score from a mean of 3.0 (sd 0) to a mean of 2.5 (sd 0.5). This progressed further at T3, with the International Cartilage Repair Society ‘Surface’ grading, the ‘Matrix’ grading, ‘Cell Distribution’ and ‘Cell Viability’ grading further decreasing and the Mankin score rising from a mean of 1.3 (sd 1.4) to a mean of 5.1 (sd 1.6). Human biopsies achieved Mankin grading of a mean of 4.2 (sd 1.6) and were comparable with the ovine histology at T1 and T3.

The perilesional cartilage in the animal model became chronic at one month and its histological appearance may be considered comparable with that seen in human osteochondral defects after trauma.
Tuberculosis of the hand
Authors: Kotwal P. P. , Khan S. A.
Published: August 2009

A prospective series of 32 cases with tuberculosis of the hand and wrist is presented. The mean age of the patients was 23.9 years (3 to 65), 12 had bony disease and 20 primarily soft-tissue involvement. The metacarpal of the little finger was the most commonly involved bone. Pain and swelling were the usual presenting features and discharging sinuses were seen in three cases.

All patients were given anti-tubercular chemotherapy with four drugs. Operative treatment in the form of open or arthroscopic debridement, or incision and drainage of abscesses, was performed in those cases where no response was seen after eight weeks of ATT. Hand function was evaluated by the modified score of Green and O’Brien. The mean was 58.3 (25 to 80) before treatment and 90.5 (80 to 95) at the end. The mean follow-up was for 22.4 months (6 to 43). Conservative treatment was successful in 24 patients (75%). Eight who did not respond to chemotherapy within eight weeks required surgery.

Although tuberculosis of hand has a varied presentation, the majority of lesions respond to conservative treatment.
The impact of obesity on the mid-term outcome of cementless total knee replacement
Authors: Jackson M. P. , Sexton S. A. , Walter W. L. , Walter W. K. , Zicat B. A.
Published: August 2009

We evaluated 535 consecutive primary cementless total knee replacements (TKR). The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (0.3 to 12.9) and information on implant survival was available for all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: 153 obese patients (BMI ≥ 30) and 382 non-obese (BMI < 30). A case-matched study was performed on the clinical and radiological outcome, comparing 50 knees in each group. We found significantly lower mean improvements in the clinical score (p = 0.044) and lower post-operative total clinical scores in the obese group (p = 0.041). There was no difference in the rate of radiological osteolysis or lucent lines, and no difference in alignment. Log rank test for survival showed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.167), with a ten-year survival rate of 96.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92 to 99) in the obese and 98% (95% CI 96 to 99) in the non-obese.

The mid-term survival of TKR in the obese and the non-obese are comparable, but obesity appears to have a negative effect on the clinical outcome. However, good results and high patient satisfaction are still to be expected, and it would seem unreasonable to deny patients a TKR simply on the basis of a BMI indicating obesity.
Congenital meniscoid articular disc of the triangular fibrocartilage complex
Authors: Kim S.-J. , Moon H.-K. , Chun Y.-M. , Chang W.-H. , Kim S.-G. , Lee S.-K.
Published: August 2009

We report the case of a 24-year-old man with a congenital meniscoid articular disc of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with extensor carpi ulnaris tenosynovitis. His young age, the normal articular cartilage, the lack of degenerative changes at the margins of the defect and its bilateral occurrence made this diagnosis likely. A congenital defect of the articular disc of the triangular fibrocartilage complex should not be misinterpreted as a traumatic rupture and is usually asymptomatic.
Intracapsular fracture of the proximal femur after hip resurfacing treated by cannulated screws
Authors: Kutty S. , Pettit P. , Powell J. N.
Published: August 2009

Fracture of the neck of the femur after resurfacing arthroplasty usually leads to failure and conversion to a total hip replacement. We describe an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck sustained after hip resurfacing which was treated by cannulated screws, resulting in union and retention of the resurfacing implant. The result at follow-up three years later was very satisfactory with a Harris hip score of 99.
Use of the fulcrum axis improves the accuracy of true anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder
Authors: Braunstein V. , Kirchhoff C. , Ockert B. , Sprecher C. M. , Korner M. , Mutschler W. , Wiedemann E. , Biberthaler P.
Published: August 2009

In 100 patients the fulcrum axis which is the line connecting the anterior tip of the coracoid and the posterolateral angle of the acromion, was used to position true anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder. This method was then compared with the conventional radiological technique in a further 100 patients.

Three orthopaedic surgeons counted the number of images without overlap between the humeral head and glenoid and calculated the amount of the glenoid surface visible in each radiograph. The analysis was repeated for intraobserver reliability. The learning curves of both techniques were studied.

The amount of free visible glenoid space was significantly higher using the fulcrum-axis method (64 vs 31) and the comparable glenoid size increased significantly (8.56 vs 6.47). Thus the accuracy of the anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder is impaired by using this technique. The intra and interobserver reliability showed a high consistency. No learning curve was observed for either technique.
Test Method for Quantifying the Ignitability of Metallic Materials
Authors: Chiffoleau Gwenael J. A. , Hooser Jared D. , Newton Barry E. , Colson Alain
Published: August 2009

Currently, no test standard exists for quantifying the ignitability of metallic materials in oxygen. Metallic materials are consistently used at oxygen pressures significantly greater than their associated burn limits. Oxygen fires are rare in these applications; however, they still occur and the proximity to ignition and fire for applications that do not experience fire is always unknown. A new test method for quantifying the ignitability of metallic materials in oxygen is described. The method uses a powerful electric arc to deliver a quantifiable amount of energy at the surface of a metallic sample and estimate the minimum ignition energy of the material. A case example is provided in which arc ignition test results were used to evaluate the ignitability of aluminum-bronze and to help support a particle ignition risk analysis of aluminum-bronze industrial control valves.
Variability of the chloroplast DNA of sessile oak (Quercus petraea agg. Ehrendorfer, 1967) in Serbia
Authors: Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana , Milovanovic Jelena , Bobinac M. , Savic-Pavicevic Dusanka , Brajuskovic G. , Diklic M.
Published: August 2009

Genetic variability of sessile oak (Quercus petraea agg. Ehrendorfer, 1967) in Serbia is estimated applying cpDNA universal primer pairs that were characterized by a high informative level for chloroplast genome variability assessment in previous investigations. Five different haplotypes were detected in the analyzed sample material from populations in Serbia.
Water-flow variation and pharmacoepidemiology of tetracycline hydrochloride administration via drinking water in swine finishing farms
Authors: Dorr Paul M. , Nemechek Megan S. , Scheidt Alan B. , Baynes Ronald E. , Gebreyes Wondwossen A. , Almond Glen W.
Published: August 2009

Objective—To evaluate variation of drinking-water flow rates in swine finishing barns and the relationship between drinker flow rate and plasma tetracycline concentrations in pigs housed in different pens.

Design—Cross-sectional (phase 1) and cohort (phase 2) studies.

Sample Population—13 swine finishing farms (100 barns with 7,122 drinkers) in phase 1 and 100 finishing-stage pigs on 2 finishing farms (1 barn/farm) in phase 2.

Procedures—In phase 1, farms were evaluated for water-flow variation, taking into account the following variables: position of drinkers within the barn, type of drinker (swing or mounted), pig medication status, existence of designated sick pen, and existence of leakage from the waterline. In phase 2, blood samples were collected from 50 pigs/barn (40 healthy and 10 sick pigs) in 2 farms at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours after initiation of water-administered tetracycline HCl (estimated dosage, 22 mg/kg [10 mg/lb]). Plasma tetracycline concentrations were measured via ultraperformance liquid chromatography.

Results—Mean farm drinker flow rates ranged from 1.44 to 2.77 L/min. Significant differences in flow rates existed according to drinker type and whether tetracycline was included in the water. Mean drinker flow rates and plasma tetracycline concentrations were significantly different between the 2 farms but were not different between healthy and sick pigs. The plasma tetracycline concentrations were typically < 0.3 μg/mL.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Many factors affected drinker flow rates and therefore the amount of medication pigs might have received. Medication of pigs with tetracycline through water as performed in this study had questionable therapeutic value.
Advances in Artificial Neural Networks – Methodological Development and Application
Authors: Huang Yanbo
Published: August 2009

Artificial neural networks as a major soft-computing technology have been extensively studied and applied during the last three decades. Research on backpropagation training algorithms for multilayer perceptron networks has spurred development of other neural network training algorithms for other networks such as radial basis function, recurrent network, feedback network, and unsupervised Kohonen self-organizing network. These networks, especially the multilayer perceptron network with a backpropagation training algorithm, have gained recognition in research and applications in various scientific and engineering areas. In order to accelerate the training process and overcome data over-fitting, research has been conducted to improve the backpropagation algorithm. Further, artificial neural networks have been integrated with other advanced methods such as fuzzy logic and wavelet analysis, to enhance the ability of data interpretation and modeling and to avoid subjectivity in the operation of the training algorithm. In recent years, support vector machines have emerged as a set of high-performance supervised generalized linear classifiers in parallel with artificial neural networks. A review on development history of artificial neural networks is presented and the standard architectures and algorithms of artificial neural networks are described. Furthermore, advanced artificial neural networks will be introduced with support vector machines, and limitations of ANNs will be identified. The future of artificial neural network development in tandem with support vector machines will be discussed in conjunction with further applications to food science and engineering, soil and water relationship for crop management, and decision support for precision agriculture. Along with the network structures and training algorithms, the applications of artificial neural networks will be reviewed as well, especially in the fields of agricultural and biological engineering.
An Exploratory Study of the Orientation Needs of Experienced Nurses
Authors: Dellasega Cheryl , Gabbay Robert , Durdock Kendra , Martinez-King Nancy
Published: August 2009

The orientation period creates a context for nurses' relationships with their employers, and can adversely affect attrition rates. Although the orientation needs of novice nurses have been detailed, little is known about what might help those with prior experience. Hence, the goal of this study was to explore whether the orientation needs of seasoned nurses are similar to or unique from those of novice nurses. During a 6-month period, the authors used two intensive qualitative methodologies (daily journaling and focus groups) to study three experienced nurses. A tri-phased model of orientation emerged, with learning and support issues unique to experienced nurses identified. Results suggest that orientation programs for experienced nurses should use specific educational strategies and content to promote engagement in a new position.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(7):311–316.
Enhancing the Clinical Adjunct Role to Benefit Students
Authors: West Margaret Mary , Borden Cecelia , Bermudez Miriam , Hanson-Zalot Mary , Amorim Frances , Marmion Rosemarie
Published: August 2009

This article describes solutions to one of the challenges that nursing programs throughout the nation face—the employment of clinically expert nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists as clinical adjunct faculty who lack the educational foundation to teach students. Some of the difficulties experienced by clinical adjunct faculty, university administrators, and full-time faculty are presented. Solutions described include a clinical adjunct workshop, collaboration between hospitals and universities, mentoring, and incorporation of technology. Collaboration, commitment, and thoroughness are essential to the development of the clinical adjunct in the role of clinical educator.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(7):305–310.
Time and Project Management Tips for Educators
Authors: Shellenbarger Teresa
Published: August 2009

As work demands increase, educators need to manage time and work projects effectively. This column provides guidelines and tips that continuing education and staff development professionals in all settings can use to take control of time and work projects.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(7):292–293.
Nursing Home Staff Adherence to Evidence-Based Pain Management Practices
Authors: Jablonski Anita , Ersek Mary
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which nursing home staff adhere to current evidence-based guidelines to assess and manage persistent pain experienced by elderly residents. A retrospective audit was conducted of the medical records of 291 residents of 14 long-term care facilities in western Washington State. Data revealed a gap between actual practice and current best practice. Assessment of persistent pain was limited primarily to intensity and location. Although prescribing practices were more in line with evidence-based guidelines, a significant number of residents did not obtain adequate pain relief. Nonpharmacological pain management methods were rarely implemented. Nursing home staff and administrators must critically examine both system and individual staff reasons for failure to comply with best pain management practices. Research is needed to determine factors that contribute to less-than-optimal adherence to evidence-based guidelines for pain management, as well as the best methods for implementing practice change.