bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translating Management Ideas
Authors: Morris Timothy , Lancaster Zoë
Published: February 2006

Accounts of the spread of management ideas emphasizing the role of ‘supply-side’ actors underplay the active role recipients play in translating them into new and different forms. Comparing firms undergoing a similar process and looking at how a specific event unfolded, this paper aims to extend understanding of the concept of translation. It examines how ideas are rendered appropriate to a new setting through translation from the broad policy level into a set of specific practices. To do this, it looks at how a proposal to introduce lean management into the construction industry was applied within a set of firms and the projects they were undertaking. In the context of large ‘distance’ between the original arenas of the idea and its new one, the paper uncovers how the editing rules that are said to guide the process of translation are operationalized using a set of change interventions.
Stakeholder Power and Organizational Learning in Corporate Environmental Management
Authors: Roome Nigel , Wijen Frank
Published: February 2006

The literatures on stakeholder engagement by companies and organizational learning give little consideration to the power (or influence) of stakeholders to affect the process or content of organizational learning. These literatures generally assume that common ground between companies and their stakeholders can be established as a prerequisite for learning, that learning is a quasi-autonomous process unaffected by the motives or power of stakeholders, and that actors have the power to fulfil roles that are critical in fostering learning. The paper seeks to address these omissions, examining how and why stakeholder power and organizational learning interact, drawing on comparative case studies of the environmental management practices found in two major companies. The evidence from these cases suggests a complex relationship between the ambition of company goals, the structure of learning, and the influence of stakeholders on the process and outcomes of learning. Exploitative learning routines were effective when stakeholder influences converged, whereas explorative learning took place without convergence but the implementation of this learning was hampered. We suggest that this raises important issues for companies that seek to undertake both exploitative and explorative learning and that future studies of organizational learning should take more explicit account of the effects of stakeholder power.
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
Authors: Idler Cary S. , Montgomery William H. , Lindsey Derek P. , Badua Peter A. , Wynne Garnet F. , Yerby Scott A.
Published: February 2006

Background

A variety of techniques have been described for distal biceps tendon reattachment—bone tunnel with transosseous sutures, suture anchors, and interference screw techniques.

Hypothesis

There will be no significant difference between the mean failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness of the intact specimen and repair techniques tested: bone tunnel with transosseous sutures and interference screw.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Nine matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows were prepared. The intact tendon was pulled from the radial tuberosity; the right and left elbows were randomized to bone tunnels with transosseous sutures or interference screw repair techniques. The repaired specimens were pulled using the same regimen for the intact tendon. Failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness were measured and compared.

Results

The mean failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness of intact tendons were 204.3 ± 76.9 N, 221.7 ± 65.9 N, and 30.1 ± 12.4 N/mm, respectively; for the interference screw specimens, 178.0 ± 54.5 N, 192.1 ± 53.1 N, and 30.4 ± 9.5 N/mm, respectively; and for the bone tunnel specimens, 124.9 ± 22.8 N, 206.6 ± 49.8 N, and 15.9 ± 5.6 N/mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between measures in the intact and interference screw specimens. Mean failure strength and stiffness of the bone tunnel specimens were significantly lower than those of the intact and interference screw specimens; there was no significant difference between the maximum strengths of the treatments. Interference screw failure occurred abruptly with little plastic deformation in nearly all specimens with the tendon and screw pulling out as a unit, often involving fracture of the radial wall. Two of the bone tunnels failed at the bony bridge; the remainder lost bone-tendon contact as the distal tendon was shredded by the suture.

Conclusion

The results suggest interference screw fixation repair is nearly as strong and stiff as the intact tendon and stronger than the bone tunnel repair technique.

Clinical Relevance

The interference screw provides better stiffness and failure strength compared with the bone tunnel technique for distal biceps tendon repair. Given the superior mechanical properties, the interference screw technique is recommended as the treatment of choice for biceps tendon rupture repair.
Prospective Evaluation of Allograft Meniscus Transplantation
Authors: Cole Brian J. , Dennis Michael G. , Lee Stephen J. , Nho Shane J. , Kalsi Rajeev S. , Hayden Jennifer K. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: February 2006

Background

Clinical and biomechanical studies have demonstrated the increase in contact pressure and progressive deterioration of the tibiofemoral compartments that occur after partial or complete meniscectomy. Meniscus transplantation has been indicated for the symptomatic postmeniscectomy patient to alleviate symptoms and potentially prevent the progression of articular degeneration.

Purpose

To report the early-term results after allograft meniscus transplantations from a single institution performed by a single surgeon.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Forty-four meniscus transplants in 39 patients were evaluated at minimum 2-year follow-up using the Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Noyes symptom rating and sports activity, and SF-12 scoring systems; visual analog pain scales; patient satisfaction; and physical examination. Four transplants failed early, leaving 40 transplants in 36 patients for review. Patients were grouped into medial and lateral transplant groups as well as those with isolated and combined procedures. Twenty-one menisci were transplanted in isolation (52.5%), and 19 were combined with other procedures (47.5%) to address concomitant articular cartilage injury.

Results

Patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements in standardized outcomes surveys and visual analog pain and satisfaction scales. In 7 patients, treatment had failed at final follow-up. Overall, 77.5% of patients reported they were completely or mostly satisfied with the procedure, and 90% of patients were classified as normal or nearly normal using the International Knee Documentation Committee knee examination score at final follow-up. There were no significant differences in the medial and lateral subgroups, although the lateral subgroup did demonstrate a trend toward greater improvement. No significant differences were noted in the isolated and combined subgroups.

Conclusion

Meniscus transplantation alone or in combination with other reconstructive procedures results in reliable improvements in knee pain and function at minimum 2-year follow-up. Longer term studies are necessary to determine if transplantation can prevent the articular degeneration associated with meniscectomy.
Effects of Stretching on Passive Muscle Tension and Response to Eccentric Exercise
Authors: LaRoche Dain P. , Connolly Declan A. J.
Published: February 2006

Background

Stretching is used in an attempt to improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle injury, with little evidence to support its effectiveness.

Hypothesis

Four weeks of static or ballistic stretching can attenuate the increased soreness and decreased flexibility seen after eccentric exercise.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty-nine male subjects were randomly assigned to a static stretching, ballistic stretching, or control group. On each of 4 consecutive days, they completed 4 maximal range of motion stretches using a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer to passively stretch the hamstrings at 0.087 rad · s–1 (5 deg · s–1). Stiffness from 0.87 to 1.48 rad (50°-85°), peak range of motion, work absorption, peak resistive torque, and soreness were measured. Participants then completed 4 weeks of either static or ballistic stretching for a total stretching duration of 3600 seconds. After training, the 4 days of testing were repeated with an eccentric exercise task added after day 1.

Results

Stretching groups had an increase in range of motion and stretch tolerance after 4 weeks of stretching, with no change in muscle stiffness, work absorption, or delayed onset muscle soreness. After eccentric exercise, they also had greater range of motion and stretch tolerance than did controls.

Conclusion

Both static stretching and ballistic stretching increase range of motion, most likely as a result of enhanced stretch tolerance rather than changes in muscle elasticity. Four weeks of stretching maintain range of motion and stretch tolerance in the days after eccentric exercise.
Recalcitrant Patellar Tendinosis in Elite Athletes
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Henne Timothy D. , Gray Tinker
Published: February 2006

Background

Recalcitrant patellar tendinosis is difficult to treat, and results are varied.

Hypothesis

Surgical removal of necrotic tissue, surgical stimulation of remaining tendon, and aggressive and specific rehabilitation after patellar tendonectomy will allow athletes to return to sports.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

From December 1996 to July 2002, 16 high-level athletes (4 professional, 2 Olympic, 9 collegiate, 1 preparatory), aged 16 to 25 years (mean, 19.7 years), with 22 symptomatic patellar tendons had failed nonoperative care of their patellar tendinosis symptoms and were unable to compete effectively in their sports. Magnetic resonance imaging showed confirmation of disease, with typical findings being necrosis in the posterior half of an abnormally thick patellar tendon, often in conjunction with partial tearing of the posterior half with a compensatory enlargement of the anterior half. Each patient then underwent tendonectomy of the necrotic portion in conjunction with stimulation of the remaining tendon by making multiple longitudinal cuts in the tendon. Patients participated in a postoperative rehabilitation protocol that included immediate range of motion, full flexion, and immediate high-repetition, low-resistance quadriceps muscle exercise.

Results

Subjective improvement was noted in all athletes. Return to the same sport at prior level of intensity was accomplished by 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) at a mean of 8.1 months (range, 3-12 months).

Conclusion

Overall, tendonectomy, surgical tendon stimulation, and aggressive postoperative rehabilitation were found to be a safe, effective way to return high-level athletes to their sports.
History, Action and Identity: Revisiting the ‘Second’ Great Debate and Assessing its Importance for Social Theory
Authors: Kratochwil Friedrich
Published: February 2006

This article raises the issue about the nature of knowledge in practical matters. Traditionally this question has been answered by pointing to ‘theory-building’ and to field independent epistemological criteria that are supposed to provide the knowledge warrants for the assertions made within a theoretical framework. In this context universality, i.e. generality and trans-historical reliability of the ‘data’, are particularly powerful criteria that establish the ‘truth’ of theoretical propositions through ‘tests’ and thus contribute to cumulative ‘knowledge’. But this ideal of ‘theoretical’ knowledge significantly misunderstands both the type of knowledge we need when we make practical choices and that of ‘history’ in constituting us as agents. In using Bull’s argument in the second debate as a foil, and in revisiting also the controversies concerning the democratic peace and the role of macro-historical studies I first elaborate on the nature of the ‘historicity’ and situatedness of all practical knowledge. In a second step, I attempt to clarify how the knowledge of the past relates to practical choices in that ‘history’ is not simply a storehouse of fixed data, but a product of memory, which in turn is deeply involved in our constructions of identity and of the political projects we pursue. In a third step I adumbrate the criteria for knowledge generation that are more appropriate when we face practical problems.
‘Complex Socialization’: A Framework for the Study of State Socialization
Authors: Flockhart Trine
Published: February 2006

The article presents a model for the study of norms transfer through state socialization, which combines a Social Constructivist body of theory for ideational change with Social Identity Theory (SIT) for identity formation. The model privileges self- and other categorization processes which according to SIT takes place between all social groups, as the main determinant for the outcome of state socialization. By also reconceptualizing domestic structure into two separate we-groups; state/elite and nation/people, which may have different self- and other categorization dynamics, the model is able to not only account for the common occurrence of different outcomes of socialization in apparently similar cases, but is also able to take the mass domestic level into consideration. The question that is asked is therefore ‘why do the same norms matter so differently to apparently similar agents?’
A qualitative investigation of the factors influencing the implementation of reform efforts in science education®
Authors: Campbell David Todd
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this investigation is to provide insight into the obstacles to reform in science education. Through qualitative methods, this study analyzes the teacher/participants’ questions emerging daily during a summer professional development workshop designed to promote learner centered directions in science instruction. Results of the study reveal that teachers were less concerned with external pressures such as imposed accountability from community leaders, administrators, and parents, and more concerned with understanding what inquiry would look like in the classroom.
Interferon-λ–treated dendritic cells specifically induce proliferation of FOXP3-expressing suppressor T cells
Authors: Mennechet Franck J. D. , Uzé Gilles
Published: February 2006

The λ interferons (IFN-λs), also known as IL-28 and IL-29, are coexpressed with IFN-β after Toll-like–receptor (TLR) stimulation in human monocyte–derived dendritic cells (DCs). IFN-λ shares with type I IFNs an intracellular signaling pathway that drives the expression of a common set of genes. However, IFN-λ signaling is initiated through a membrane receptor system distinct from that of type I IFNs. Because IFNs produced by DCs in response to TLR stimulation are critical in the differentiation and maturation of DCs, we sought to investigate whether IFN-λ exhibits specific effects on DC differentiation. In this work, we show that DCs acquire IFN-λ responsiveness through the expression of the specific IFN-λ receptor chain during their differentiation from monocytes. IFN-λ–treated DCs express high levels of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) and MHC class II but low levels of costimulatory molecules. However, they express CCR7 and acquire the ability to migrate to lymph nodes when intravenously injected into SCID/Bg mice. In mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) cultures, IFN-λ–treated DCs specifically induced IL-2–dependent proliferation of a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cell subset with contact-dependent suppressive activity on T-cell proliferation initiated by fully mature DCs. IFN-λs are thus able to generate tolerogenic DCs, an activity that could thwart IFN-β functions.
Incidence, Time Course, and Determinants of Menstrual Bleeding After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Prospective Study
Authors: Petrek Jeanne A. , Naughton Michelle J. , Case L. Douglas , Paskett Electra D. , Naftalis Elizabeth Z. , Singletary S. Eva , Sukumvanich Paniti
Published: February 2006

Purpose

To assess ovarian function using the surrogate of monthly bleeding after breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women.

Patients and Methods

Five hundred ninety-five US women age 20 to 45 years were accrued from January 1998 to July 2002 within 8 months of diagnosis with stages I to III breast cancer (median follow-up 45 months). Daily bleeding records were obtained prospectively, as well as extensive clinical, demographic, quality of life, and treatment data. Repeated measures logistic regression was used to assess which variables were predictive of monthly bleeding.

Results

Significantly different proportions of women had monthly bleeding depending on their age (P < .001), chemotherapy program (P < .001), and time since treatment regimen. In the month after the standard course of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC), whether or not followed by paclitaxel or docetaxel, approximately 16% had monthly bleeding compared with the cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil (CMF) group, in which 48% bled (P < .001). Following any AC regimen, there was a slow recovery phase of about 9 months followed by a plateau, during which almost half continued monthly bleeding for the remainder of the follow-up period compared with after CMF in which there was no recovery phase and a continual decline in monthly bleeding to approximately 18% of women at study end (P < .001). Tamoxifen use decreased bleeding between months 12 and 24 after chemotherapy with 15% fewer women having bleeding.

Conclusion

Using daily menstrual bleeding records, it is demonstrated that age, the specific chemotherapy regimen received, and tamoxifen use impact ovarian function.
Retarded ejaculation – a review
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Nalabanda Ananth , Goldmeier David
Published: February 2006

Retarded ejaculation, now termed the male orgasmic disorder is not only difficult to manage, but also the scientific evidence for aetiology, treatment and outcome is poor. This is compounded by incomplete consensus regarding definition from the scientific community. In this review, we intend to collate the available information on this sexual problem including definitions, possible aetiological factors and treatment options.
Unrealistic optimism about becoming infected with HIV: different causes in different populations
Authors: Gold R S
Published: February 2006

People tend to believe that their chance of experiencing undesirable events is lower and their chance of experiencing desirable events is higher than that of the average person like them. Two explanatory models of such 'unrealistic optimism' (UO) have been proposed: While the motivational account holds that UO serves the function of bringing comfort, the cognitive account holds that UO serves no particular function, being simply a by-product of normal cognitive strategies. UO for HIV infection was studied in samples of uninfected students (Study 1, n = 68) and gay men (Study 2, n = 63). In each case, participants rated either their relative likelihood of becoming infected (negative valence condition) or their relative likelihood of remaining uninfected (positive valence condition). As predicted, in Study 1 UO was greater where valence was negative and in Study 2 valence had no effect. The findings suggest that the students' UO is better explained by the motivational account, while the gay men's UO is better explained by the cognitive account. Implications for AIDS education are discussed.
Reducing waiting times for GU medicine appointments: the impact of a new appointment system
Authors: Tayal S C , Opaneye A A , Crinion Susan , Hildreth A J
Published: February 2006

Our objective was to reduce the 'did not attend' (DNA) rates and waiting times by introducing a new confirmatory appointment system prior to their attendance at both Hartlepool and Middlesbrough genitourinary (GU) medicine departments. In Middlesbrough it was previous day appointment confirmation, whereas at Hartlepool it was 10 days. Both systems achieved significant attendance rates of 83.4% and 79.1% at Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, in comparison to 68.7% and 75.0% prior to the new system. The new system will improve the departmental capacity.
Chancre redux or reinfection? A case report in an HIV-positive man
Authors: McQuillan O , Higgins S P
Published: February 2006

An HIV-positive heterosexual man presented with a recurrent penile chancre, 20 months after treatment with intramuscular procaine benzyl penicillin. Was this a rare case of chancre redux (monorecidive) or re-infection?
Audit of the use of benzathine penicillin, post-treatment syphilis serology and partner notification of patients with early infectious syphilis
Authors: Chauhan M , Serisha B , Sankar K N , Pattman R S , Schmid M L
Published: February 2006

Recent increases in the incidence of early infectious syphilis have been particularly noted in men who have sex with men (MSM). Case-notes of 40 consecutive patients with infectious syphilis and follow-up data for one year were audited.

Of the 40 patients, six were HIV co-infected. In all, 31 men received benzathine penicillin as first line while the remaining had other treatments. About 17 (42.5%) failed to attend for any post-treatment serological tests. Of the remainder, 17 (42.5%) attended for the first appointment and only 13 (32.5%) attended for the full one year follow-up. In all, 40 men in the study had 362 sexual contacts of which only 44 (12.2%) elected to be screened.

This study illustrates the successful use of benzathine penicillin as first-line treatment, lack of patient compliance with post-treatment serological follow-up and difficulty with partner notification.
The Department of Health recurrent-targeted funding for GU medicine clinics: what happened to the funding?
Authors: Goh B T , Ahmed-Jushuf I , Robinson A J ,   The Clinical Governance Committee, British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH)
Published: February 2006

The Department of Health provided two recurrent targeted funding of £5 million and £3 million for genitourinary (GU) medicine services in 2003 in response to the increasing waiting times for appointments. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV conducted a survey to find out if the clinics continued to receive their full allocation, if not, the reasons for it, and the workload change from 2002 to 2004. Out of a total of 91 responders, 78 were from acute trusts and 13 from primary care trusts (PCTs). Of the acute trusts and PCTs, respectively, 67.9% and 76.9% received the full allocation; overall 30.8% did not receive their full allocation. In all, 86% of clinics had increases in their workload and of the 26 clinics with shortfall of funds, 24 (92.3%) still managed to increase the workload. This survey showed that the funding and other measures have increased the workload capacity, and also highlights the continuing problem of many clinics in not receiving their full allocation. Such clinics should be targeted for early review by Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health with involvement of the Special Health Authorities and PCTs in the current national review of GU services.
Primary care and the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV: an evaluation of one primary care trust
Authors: Cohen C E , Dawson S G , Theobald N J A , Desmond N M
Published: February 2006

Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead (WAM) primary care trust (PCT) currently has no specialist sexual health services. We researched the level of sexual health service provision in WAM compared with targets set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV and assessed support for level 2 service expansion.

We found practices were already providing much of level 1 and parts of level 2 services. Gaps centred on male and asymptomatic female screening and sexual health promotion. Ten out of 22 practices expressed interest for service development within the PCT, but obstacles cited included lack of resources, training and prioritization of the strategy.

The study has identified strengths and weaknesses across the PCT that have guided recent initiatives. This model could be used by other PCTs to ascertain their needs and acknowledge their achievements.
Autoimmune bullous disorders
Authors: Eming Rüdiger , Hertl Michael
Published: February 2006

Bullous skin diseases represent a group of organ-specific autoimmune disorders characterised by binding of circulating autoantibodies to adhesion molecules of the epidermis and the dermo-epidermal basement membrane zone. Binding of these autoantibodies to their antigenic targets results in loss of adhesion between epidermal keratinocytes and at the level of the basement membrane zone. Chronic blisters and secondary painful erosions are the clinical hallmark of autoimmune bullous disorders. Histopathology reveals the location of blister formation and helps to classify the subtype of the bullous skin disorder. Immunofluorescence is crucial for diagnosing autoimmune bullous skin disorders. Tissue-bound autoantibodies are detected by direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin. Circulating autoantibodies can be visualised by indirect immunofluorescence using tissue substrates such as monkey oesophagus and sodium chloride-split human skin. Most of the autoantigens are available as recombinant proteins, which allows for autoantibody screening by ELISA or immunoblot analysis to confirm the primary diagnosis and, importantly, for immunoserological follow-up of patients.
Novel mutations in the 5′-UTR of the FOLR1 gene
Authors: Börjel Anna K. , Yngve Agneta , Sjöström Michael , Nilsson Torbjörn K.
Published: February 2006

We have previously reported two novel mutations in the 5′-untranslated region (UTR) of the gene for folate receptor-α (
Comparison of the concentration of trace metals (Ni, Zn, Co, Cu and Se), Fe, vitamins A, C and E, and lipid peroxidation in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Ozmen Habibe , Erulas Fatih Ahmet , Karatas Fikret , Cukurovali Alaaddin , Yalcin Orhan
Published: February 2006

The anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C, E and pro- or antioxidant properties of trace metals have recently attracted increased attention. We examined the levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), selenium and malondialdehyde (MDA), and trace metals (Fe, Ni, Zn, Co and Cu) in patients with prostate cancer. In total, 41 subjects (21 controls and 20 prostate cancer patients) were included in the study. The levels of trace elements and Fe in whole blood were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum levels of Se were determined using a fluorimetric method, while a HPLC method was used for serum levels of vitamins and MDA. The levels of vitamins A and E were significantly lower and MDA levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients with prostate cancer compared to controls. Serum vitamin C was significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer when compared to controls (p<0.01). Moreover, Se and Zn levels were also significantly lower, and levels of Ni, Co, and Cu were higher (p<0.001) in patients with prostate cancer than in controls. Fe levels were not significantly different in patients compared to controls (p>0.05). Our findings, together with the results of previous animal studies, suggest that the administration of vitamins A, C, and E, and Se and Zn may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human prostate cancer.
Comparison of Brucella immunoglobulin M and G flow assays with serum agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis
Authors: Zeytinoğlu Ayşın , Turhan Ajda , Altuğlu İmre , Bilgiç Altınay , Abdoel Theresia H. , Smits Henk L.
Published: February 2006

The diagnostic value of
Total tau protein, phosphorylated tau (181p) protein, β-amyloid1–42, and β-amyloid1–40 in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , Bibl Mirko , Wiltfang Jens , Steinacker Petra , Ciesielczyk Barbara , Neubert Karin , Trenkwalder Claudia , Otto Markus
Published: February 2006

The intra vitam diagnosis of different dementias is still based on clinical grounds. So far, no technical investigations have been available to support these diagnoses. For tau protein and β-amyloid
Relationship between serum sialic acids, sialic acid-rich inflammation-sensitive proteins and cell damage in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Süer Gökmen Selma , Kazezoğlu Cemal , Sunar Bendigar , Özçelik Fatih , Güngör Özgül , Yorulmaz Faruk , Gülen Şendoğan
Published: February 2006

The role of sialic acid (SA) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and as a predictor of cardiovascular events has attracted much attention in recent years. However, most studies investigating the role of total and lipid-bound sialic acids (TSA and LSA) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis lack information on the reason for the elevated SA concentrations in coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Since the inflammation-sensitive proteins are glycoproteins with SA residues, an increase in their levels due to some type of acute-phase reaction or inflammation could be responsible for the elevated TSA levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Elevated serum SA levels might also be due to either shedding or secretion of free SA from the cell or cell membrane surface if neuraminidase levels are increased, or to the release of cellular SA-containing glycolipids and/or glycoproteins into plasma from myocardial cells after AMI. The aim of the present study was to investigate both the possible role of SA-rich inflammation-sensitive proteins and the cell damage due to elevated serum TSA levels in AMI. A possible role of serum LSA as an indicator of the shedding or secretion of SA from the cell or cell membrane surface in AMI was also evaluated. The study included 38 subjects with AMI and 32 healthy volunteers. Serum TSA and LSA were determined using the methods of Warren and Katopodis, respectively. The concentrations of serum SA-rich inflammation-sensitive proteins, namely α
Ischemia-modified albumin and NT-prohormone-brain natriuretic peptide in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Montagnana Martina , Lippi Giuseppe , Fava Cristiano , Minuz Pietro , Lechi Santonastaso Clara , Arosio Enrico , Cesare Guidi Gian
Published: February 2006

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries. Despite its remarkable medical and social consequences, the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is often underestimated among atherosclerotic disorders. So far, little is known about the behavior of traditional and emerging markers of ischemic heart disease that should allow the reliable identification of PAD patients at increased risk of developing myocardial ischemia and heart failure or dysfunction. To investigate this topic, we measured cardiac troponin T (cTnT), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and NT-prohormone-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)in 35 consecutive patients with clinically ascertained PAD (stage 2–4, according to Lériche-Fontaine) asymptomatic for chest pain and current heart failure, and 20 controls displaying moderate to high cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia), but with no clinical evidence of PAD. Although the concentrations of cTnT and IMA were not statistically increased in PAD patients, NT-pro-BNP values were substantially higher in PAD patients than in controls (62.6 vs. 7.4pmol/L, p<0.0001). Thepercentage of subjects displaying values exceeding the specific NT-proBNP diagnostic threshold (>14.8pmol/L) was also significantly different between PAD patients and controls (74% vs. 10%, p<0.001). After excluding PAD patients exceeding the 0.01ng/mL cTnT cutoff value indicative of current ischemic cardiac involvement, the median concentration of NT-proBNP remained statistically increased (28.0 vs. 5.8pmol/L, p<0.0001). Taken together, these results indicate that NT-proBNP, but not IMA, is substantially increased in PAD patients. This finding suggests that such patients, even though asymptomatic, might develop myocardial dysfunction, and thus warrant further investigation.
Nitration of human plasminogen by RAW 264.7 macrophages reduces streptokinase-induced plasmin activity
Authors: Hathuc Chinhnam , Hermo Ricardo , Schulze John , Gugliucci Alejandro
Published: February 2006

Despite many years of study, clinical trials of new drugs to prevent thrombosis have often been disappointing. Part of the problem lies in our incomplete understanding of the regulation of plasminogen activation and/or inhibition in vivo. We have previously shown that in vitro nitration of plasminogen in plasma by peroxynitrite resulted in decreased plasmin activity. We hypothesized that macrophages may be agents of plasminogen nitration and designed this study to prove this hypothesis. We first better characterized our previous observations using purified plasminogen instead of whole plasma, studied the time and concentration dependence of these reactions, and co-incubated plasminogen with macrophages, as well as with non-inflammatory cells as controls, to assess nitration and impaired activity. When plasminogen (10μmol/L) is incubated in the presence of SIN-1 (0.01–2mmol/L), plasmin activity (generated by streptokinase) is reduced in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. We performed experiments incubating human plasminogen in the presence of murine RAW264.7 macrophages, allowing for free diffusion of reactive oxygen species, while preventing the action of proteases. In this way we show that incubation of plasminogen with macrophages also decreases plasmin activity, while increasing nitration of the molecule, an effect that is already apparent after 2h and reaches a plateau of 60% inhibition after 24h of incubation. This effect appears specific for macrophages, since 31EG4 murine mammary cells used in parallel and under the same conditions failed to produce any deleterious changes in plasminogen. Our data on quick functional inactivation of plasminogen by nitration, mediated by macrophages, adds a new pathophysiological dimension to our previous work showing plasminogen as a target for peroxynitrite damage. Nitrosative stress may be implicated in impaired fibrinolysis. New therapeutic approaches for nitrosative stress in atherosclerosis and diabetes should limit the formation of superoxides and peroxynitrite.
Ignition of Combustion Modified Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Putzeys OM , Carlos Fernandez-Pello A , Urban DL
Published: February 2006

Results are presented from an experimental study on the ignition of the combustion modified (fire retarded) polyurethane foam Pyrell® (35.3 kg/m3 and 64.0 kg/m3) in elevated oxygen concentrations, ranging from 30 % to 60 %. The samples are exposed to an external flow and variable radiant heat flux on one face, and insulated on the other faces. The experiments show that Pyrell® undergoes a weak smoldering reaction that requires significant assistance in the form of external heat input in order to propagate. The results also show that given sufficient oxygen and radiant heat flux, the smoldering reaction can produce enough volatile fuel and heat to trigger a gas-phase ignition, i.e. a transition from smoldering to flaming, in pores in the char region. The experiments also indicate that high-density Pyrell® is more ignitable than low-density Pyrell®, which could be explained by the greater solid surface area for smoldering reactions to take place.
Comparison of Carbon Dioxide and Helium as Fire Extinguishing Agents for Spacecraft
Authors: Son Y , Zouein G , Gokoglu S , Ronney PD
Published: February 2006

The rates of flame spread and minimum oxygen concentrations supporting flame spared over thermally thick fuel beds were determined at earth gravity and microgravity for varying concentrations of a gaseous extinguishing agent (N2, CO2, or He) added to “baseline” O2-N2 atmospheres. Drop towers were used to obtain microgravity, and foam fuels were employed to obtain sufficiently rapid flame spread in these short-duration facilities. At earth gravity, CO2 was the most effective on a molar basis at reducing spread rate whereas at microgravity, He was the most effective at reducing spread rate and causing flame extinction. These findings are proposed to result from the transition from a high-speed blow off-type limit at earth gravity to a low-speed radiative heat loss-induced limit at microgravity. CO2 is less effective as an extinguishment agent at microgravity because it reabsorbs radiation from flame and reradiates it back to the fuel bed at microgravity, whereas with N2 and He this phenomena is not evident at microgravity because these two gases are radiatively nonparticipating. He is particularly effective at microgravity because its high thermal diffusivity leads to much larger flame thicknesses resulting in much greater volume for radiative heat losses. Radiative effects are unimportant at earth gravity because convective flow is significantly faster, leading to thinner flames with much lower ratios of radiative to conductive/convective heat transfer. These results are particularly noteworthy considering that the International Space Station employs CO2 as fire extinguishers; our results suggest that helium may be a better suppressant agent on both mass and mole bases at microgravity even though CO2 is much better on a mole basis at earth gravity.
Ellen Gleditsch: Duty and responsibility in a research and teaching career, 1916-1946
Authors: LYKKNES ANNETTE , KVITTINGEN LISE , BØRRESEN ANNE KRISTINE
Published: February 2006

Ellen Gleditsch (1879-1968) became Norway's first authority of radioactivity and the country's second female professor. After several years in international centers of radiochemistry, Gleditsch returned to Norway, becoming associate professor and later full professor of chemistry. Between 1916 and 1946 Gleditsch tried to establish a laboratory of radiochemistry at the University of Oslo, a career which included network building, grant applications, travels abroad, committee work, research, teaching, supervision, popularization, and war resistance work. Establishing a new field was demanding; only under her student, Alexis Pappas, was her field institutionalized at Oslo. This paper presents Gleditsch's everyday life at the Chemistry Department, with emphasis on her formation of a research and teaching laboratory of radiochemistry. Her main scientific work during this period is presented and discussed, including atomic weight determination of chlorine, age calculations in minerals, the hunt for actinium's ancestor and investigations on 40K.
Ions, electrometers, and physical constants: Paul Langevin's laboratory work on gas discharges, 1896-1903
Authors: LELONG BENOIT
Published: February 2006

Based on a detailed analysis of Langevin's laboratory notebooks, this paper shows that his experimental work between 1896 and 1903 was not a sequence of disconnected research topics. The complex of instruments, formulas, and manual operations involved derived from a set of skills unique to Langevin. Significantly, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bloch had trouble reproducing the results Langevin obtained with the techniques he worked out in several laboratories and research schools in Paris and Cambridge. His experiences affected not only his apparatus and technique but also his research agenda, mode of argumentation, and professional strategies. These last included his importation of Cambridge ion physics into Paris, his fight for the acceptance of microphysics by his French colleagues, and his rise to a professorship at the Collège de France.
Unpacking International Power and the Ecological Footprints of Nations: A Quantitative Cross-National Study
Authors: Jorgenson Andrew K.
Published: February 2006

Although unsustainable natural resource consumption has recently garnered significant attention in macrosociology, empirical studies neglect to analyze the environmental impacts of different forms of international power dynamics. This study dissects international power into its various economic, military, and export dependence characteristics, and analyzes their independent effects on per-capita consumption of natural resources, measured as ecological footprints. Findings of the quantitative cross-national analyses indicate that economic power in the form of capital intensity, military technological power, and overall export dependence are the structural driving forces of per-capita resource consumption. The effects of military technological power and export dependence on percapita footprints are primarily direct, whereas the effect of capital intensity is both direct and indirect, partly mediated by its effects on levels of secondary education and domestic income inequality, both of which impact levels of per-capita consumption. The results advance our collective understanding of the complexities of international power, domestic conditions, and uneven environmental outcomes and illustrate the necessity for taking a more nuanced approach to analyses of anthropogenic degradation of the global ecological system.
Reflected Appraisals and Self-Esteem
Authors: Jaret Charles , Reitzes Donald C. , ShapkinA Nadezda
Published: February 2006

Reflected appraisals of self in roles and statuses were studied by comparing respondents who think other people regard their age, sex, race, occupation, marital status, and social class as very important versus those who do not think other people view them primarily in terms of those roles. Data came from a national telephone survey. The study showed that reflected appraisals of self in roles and statuses are negatively related to self-esteem, and this relationship is no stronger for women than for men. In addition, across three different settings, negative relationships between reflected appraisals and self-esteem were found, although more frequent significant effects were found as an individual moves from home to public places to work.
Rate Measurement of the Reaction of CF2Cl Radicals with O2
Authors: Codnia Jorge , Azcárate María Laura
Published: February 2006

We have studied the association reaction of the CF2Cl radicals with O2 in presence of N2. The infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) technique with a homemade TEA CO2 laser was used for the CF2Cl radical generation and the vibrational chemiluminiscence technique was set up for the study of the reaction kinetics. The time‐resolved IR fluorescence of the vibrationally excited CF2O photoproduct was used to measure the disappearance rate of these radicals. A kinetic mechanism is presented to account for the rate of production of CF2O*. The CF2Cl radical association reaction rate with O2, evidence of a direct channel of photoproduct formation and its reaction rate, and the CF2O* collisional deactivation rate have been obtained.
How High Can Brook Trout Jump? A Laboratory Evaluation of Brook Trout Jumping Performance
Authors: Kondratieff Matthew C. , Myrick Christopher A.
Published: February 2006

Quantitative data on how high brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis can jump are crucial for efforts by fisheries managers to exclude brook trout from streams containing native cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii subspp. and to build effective fishways for brook trout migration. We identified factors that could influence brook trout jumping ability and demonstrated how this knowledge could be applied to improve the design of barriers to brook trout migration or fishways to facilitate their migration. Our objective was to measure brook trout jumping performance under laboratory conditions to identify design features for constructing waterfall‐type barriers or pool‐and‐weir‐type fishways. We used flashboard‐type and flume‐type adjustable waterfall devices to measure brook trout jumping performance at various combinations of vertical or waterfall height (13.5–93.5 cm in 10‐cm increments) and plunge pool depth (10–60 cm in 10‐cm increments) over a 24‐h interval. We tested three size‐classes of brook trout: 10–15 cm total length (TL) (mean ± SD: 13.09 ± 1.67 cm), 15–20 cm (19.30 ± 1.19 cm), and 20 cm or more (26.52 ± 2.13 cm). The 10–15‐cm brook trout could jump a 63.5‐cm‐high waterfall, equivalent to 4.7 times their body length, from a 50‐cm‐deep plunge pool, which was 3.7 times their body length. Larger size‐classes were capable of jumping 73.5‐cm waterfalls, or 2.9–4.0 times their body length, provided the plunge pools were at least 40 cm deep (>1.6 times their body lengths). Shallow plunge pools (10 cm) prevented brook trout from all size‐classes from jumping waterfalls 43.5 cm or more in height. Small fish were capable of jumping a greater number of body lengths over vertical obstacles than large fish. The data analyses identified vertical height, plunge pool depth, fish total length, and fish condition as factors important in predicting brook trout jumping performance.
Prediction of Outstanding Liabilities in Non-Life Insurance
Authors: Norberg Ragnar
Published: February 2006

A fully time-continuous approach is taken to the problem of predicting the total liability of a non-life insurance company. Claims are assumed to be generated by a non-homogeneous marked Poisson process, the marks representing the developments of the individual claims. A first basic result is that the total claim amount follows a generalized Poisson distribution. Fixing the time of consideration, the claims are categorized into settled, reported but not settled, incurred but not reported, and covered but not incurred. It is proved that these four categories of claims can be viewed as arising from independent marked Poisson processes. By use of this decomposition result predictors are constructed for all categories of outstanding claims. The claims process may depend on observable as well as unobservable risk characteristics, which may change in the course of time, possibly in a random manner. Special attention is given to the case where the claim intensity per risk unit is a stationary stochastic process. A theory of continuous linear prediction is instrumental.
Equilibrium in a Reinsurance Syndicate; Existence, Uniqueness and Characterization
Authors: Aase Knut K.
Published: February 2006

This paper attempts to give an overview of the pricing of risks in a pure exchange economy, where trade takes place at time zero and where uncertainty is revealed at time one. An economic equilibrium model under uncertainty is formulated, where conditions characterizing a Pareto optimal exchange equilibrium are derived. We present two sets of sufficient conditions for the existence of an equilibrium, and demonstrate how equilibria can be characterized through several examples. Uniqueness of equilibrium is also discussed. Special attention is given to the principal components that the premiums in a reinsurance market must depend upon. We also apply the general theory to the risk exchange problem between a policyholder and an insurer, and in particular we compute market premiums of the resulting optimal contracts.

It is emphasized throughout how the formulation of a competitive equilibrium, rather than merely a general risk exchange formulation, is of particular interest in deriving a well-defined and unique set of equilibrium premiums in an insurance market. The theory is put into a framework which is fruitful for extensions beyond the one-period case.
Weighted Mortality Rates as Early Warning Signals for Insurance Companies
Authors: Roberts Leigh A.
Published: February 2006

Weighted mortality rates are commonly used in actuarial work, but the inter-relationship between the weights used and the underlying mortality rates seems not to have been widely investigated.

Calculation of the ratio of weighted mortality rates to conventional mortality rates provides a simple means for an insurance company to track changes in the underlying mortality of its portfolio over time, and acts as an early warning system for possible deterioration of underwriting results. Asymptotic distributions are found for this ratio, and for the mortality rates themselves. It is suggested that insurance companies commence to gather data for the calculation of this ratio for the insurance sector as a whole, for the main annuity and assurance classes.