bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Approach for Determination of Worst Loading Direction and Fast Prediction of Stability Margin in Power Systems
Authors: Vahidi Behrooz , Azadani Ehsan Nasr , Astero Poria , Hessaminia Amir Hessam , Hosseinian Sayed Hosein
Published: June 2009

Determination of the loadability margin for various security limits is of great importance to the secure operation of the power system as is proposing a reliable method for the fast determination of bifurcation points in the systems. Eigenvalue calculation is normally used for both actions. Whereas this method is computationally expensive, soft computing methods are employed to improve calculation time. In this paper a support vector machine (SVM) method is proposed to aid the fast classifying of bifurcation stability of the system. A novel approach based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is also introduced to find the closest load ability margin and its corresponding loading direction. Three security limits are considered in this study: saddle-node bifurcation, limit-induced bifurcation, and Hopf bifurcation. The simulation results for two test systems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Impact of the Physical Layer Modeling on the Accuracy and Scalability of Wireless Network Simulation
Authors: Ben Hamida Elyes , Chelius Guillaume , Gorce Jean Marie
Published: June 2009

Recent years have witnessed a tremendous growth of research in the field of wireless systems and networking protocols. Consequently, simulation has appeared as the most convenient approach for the performance evaluation of such systems and several wireless network simulators have been proposed in recent years. However, the complexity of the wireless physical layer (PHY) induces a clear tradeoff between the accuracy and the scalability of simulators. Thereby, the accuracy of the simulation results varies drastically from one simulator to another. In this paper, we focus on this tradeoff and we investigate the impact of the physical layer modeling accuracy on both the computational cost and the confidence in simulations. We first provide a detailed discussion on physical layer issues, including the radio range, link and interference modeling, and we investigate how they have been handled in existing popular simulators. We then introduce a flexible and modular new wireless network simulator, called WSNet. Using this simulator, we analyze the influence of the PHY modeling on the performance and the accuracy of simulations. The results show that the PHY modeling, and in particular interference modeling, can have a significant impact on the behavior of the evaluated protocols at the expense of an increased computational overhead. Moreover, we show that the use of realistic propagation models can improve the simulation accuracy without inducing a severe degradation of scalability.
Is Prison Sexual Offending Indicative of Community Risk?
Authors: Heil Peggy , Harrison Linda , English Kim , Ahlmeyer Sean
Published: June 2009

This study examines whether prison sexual offending behaviors are predictive of violence upon release. Recidivism rates for four groups of male sex offenders were compared: (a) offenders convicted of community sex crimes, (b) community sex offenders who were convicted under non-sex-crime charges, (c) offenders known only to commit sexually abusive misconduct in prison, and (d) offenders with both community and prison sex offenses. The findings reveal that prison sex offenders are significantly more likely to be arrested for violent offenses upon release. They pose a similar risk to convicted sex offenders on arrests for sexual offenses; however, the average time to arrest was much shorter for prison sex offenders. Using nontraditional data sources (e.g., Accurint, the Colorado and National Sex Offender Registries) considerably increased the known recidivism rate. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.
The City as Subject
Authors: Loeb Carolyn
Published: June 2009

Berlin, a city rich in public sculpture, is the site of a distinctive body of recent work in which artists use the physicality of the city itself to reflect on and draw from the history of Berlin as a city. These sculptures grow out of and respond to the critical processes of social-historical and urban-historical investigation by architects, planners, citizen—activists, historians, and others, undertaken in the 1960s and 1970s. They intervene in recent architectural debates to challenge currently dominant conceptualizations of the urban ground plan and to reimagine historical and spatial relationships parallel to the urban reunification process. This article examines selected examples that provide a sense of how the city is taken as contemporary sculptors’ subject in both direct and complex forms.
A relational data harmonization approach to XML
Authors: Niemi Timo , Näppilä Turkka , Järvelin Kalervo
Published: June 2009

There are numerous approaches for integrating data from heterogeneous data sources. A common background assumption is that the data sources remain quite stable and are known in advance. Hence an integration system can be built to manipulate them. In practice there is, however, often a demand for supporting ad hoc information needs concerning unexpected autonomous data sources containing volatile data. A different approach is therefore needed. We propose that semantically similar data are harmonized when extracting data from XML-based data sources. We introduce a constructor algebra, which is a powerful tool in the harmonization of XML data. This algebra is able to form for any XML data source a unique relational representation, called an XML relation. We demonstrate that the XML relation representation supports grouping and aggregation of data needed, for example, in OLAP (online analytical processing) -style applications.
Relationships between knowledge acquisition, absorptive capacity and innovation capability: an empirical study on Taiwan’s financial and manufacturing industries
Authors: Liao Shu-hsien , Wu Chi-chuan , Hu Da-chian , Tsui Kuang-an
Published: June 2009

This study investigates the relationships between knowledge acquisition, absorptive capability, and innovation capability on Taiwan’s knowledge-intensive industries using a structural equation model, which is constructed based on the data sampled from financial and manufacturing industries, and the 362 returned valid research samples. By testing five hypotheses, the research results find that absorptive capacity is the mediator between knowledge acquisition and innovation capability, and that knowledge acquisition has a positive effect on absorptive capacity. In addition, we used a multi-group approach and found that industry is a moderator between knowledge acquisition and innovation capability. Finally, a conclusion including research findings, discussion, implication, and future works is presented.
Ethics and the Speaking of Things
Authors: Introna Lucas D.
Published: June 2009

This article is about our relationship with things; about the abundant material geographies that surround us and constitute the very possibility for us to be the beings that we are. More specifically, it is about the question of the possibility of an ethical encounter with things ( qua things). We argue, with the science and technology studies tradition (and Latour in particular), that we are the beings that we are through our entanglements with things, we are thoroughly hybrid beings, cyborgs through and through — we have never been otherwise. With Heidegger we propose that a human-centred ethics of hybrids will fail to open a space for an ethical encounter with things since all beings in the sociomaterial network — humans and non-human alike — end up circulating as objects, enframed as `standing reserve', things-for-the-purposes-of the network. We suggest that what is needed is an ethos beyond ethics, or the overcoming of an ethics — which is based on the will to power — towards an ethos of letting be. We elaborate such a possibility with the help of Heidegger, in particular with reference to the work of Graham Harman and his notion of `tool-being'. From this we propose, very tentatively, an ethos that has as its ground a poetic dwelling with things, a way of being that lets being be ( Gelassenheit). We show how such a poetic dwelling, or ethos of Gelassenheit, may constitute the impossible possibility of a very otherwise way of being with things — an ethos of a `community of those who have nothing in common' as suggested by Alphonso Lingis.
Too Close to the Money
Authors: Bjerg Ole
Published: June 2009

This article explores the relationship between gambling and capitalism. The subjective being of the compulsive gambler provides insight into the role of money in capitalism. Using the Lacanian approach of Žižek, money is analysed as a sublime object of capitalist ideology. In gambling, however, the subject engages money in a very direct encounter with the Lacanian `Real', circumventing the ordinary symbolic order of capitalism. This results in a momentary de-sublimation of money, stripping it of the metaphysical properties otherwise vested in it by capitalism. For the compulsive gambler, the de-sublimation has become permanent, making it impossible for him to function as an ordinary capitalist subject. He has come too close to money, leaving him in a pathological state of being out of joint with capitalism.
A Sociological Understanding of Suicide Attacks
Authors: Tosini Domenico
Published: June 2009

Over the last 25 years, suicide attacks have become an alarming threat. They are a political tool which has been adopted by several organizations in Sri Lanka, Palestine and the Occupied Territories, Turkey, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Pakistan and, in particular, by the Al-Qaeda-led insurgency in Iraq in its struggle against the US and its allies. Recent analyses have traced back the use of suicide terrorism to its `strategic logic': organizations and their militants resort to suicide attacks mainly because they view this form of violence as an efficient weapon for their revolutionary and nationalist campaigns. An explanation based on the paradigm of rational choice theory or instrumental rationality alone is, however, insufficient. This article suggests the importance of combining the paradigm of instrumental rationality with that of axiological rationality. Only this kind of explanation is able to clarify the crucial role played by those cultural and symbolic elements which justify and encourage the martyrdom of suicide attackers. Moreover, by adopting a multi-causal analysis of the armed organizations, their constituencies and the attackers, as well as of their interaction, the article outlines a theoretical model of the most important social mechanisms underlying the use of suicide tactics.
The (Impossible) Society of Spite
Authors: Diken Bülent
Published: June 2009

In the primordial scene, which Girard has described, society is constituted on the basis of the lynching mob, whose mimetic desire, envy and egotism culminate in sacrificing the scapegoat. With spite, though, we confront the opposite situation, in which the mimetic desire does not establish but rather destroys `society'. Here everybody, and not only the scapegoat, is threatened with destruction. Regarding the genealogy of spite, the article elaborates on radical nihilism (that is, the will to negation) and relates this to passive nihilism (the negation of the will as such), arguing that these two nihilisms are significant to understand both the hedonism/disorientation that characterizes contemporary post-political culture and the emerging forms of despair and violence as a reaction to it. These two nihilisms constitute a non-dialectical `synthesis' in spite of seemingly antagonistic `disjunctions'. The article concretizes the genealogy of spite with two cases: French bestselling writer Houellebecq's novels and (the war against) terrorism. Then it focuses on the relationship between the three social formations (primitive, despotic and capitalist societies) and spite as an `affect without society'. Finally, agonism as a political virtue is set against spite.
What Can Biotechnology Do?
Authors: Parisi Luciana
Published: June 2009

This essay is an occasion to discuss the critical trajectories of a now common field of enquiry concerned with the impact of biomediatic technologies on politics and culture. Thacker's book The Global Genome importantly sits between debates about biopower as the governance of life and biopolitics as the transformation of what life can be. In particular, the book advances the hypothesis that as information produces `life itself', so it has become central to a political economy of excess and surplus value. In other words, information does not dematerialize biology. Bioinformatics and biotech informationalize the living and rematerialize biology. As biotech becomes central to biopower, the global genome comes to reigning profit, labour, racism, biocolonialism, biosecurity, and bioart. However, Thacker's reliance on a bio-ontology of life grounding all relations of power leaves no space for process-events to break the chain of life's perpetual reproduction.
Aortic valve endocarditis with aortic wall thickening requires close follow-up for a possible abscess formation
Authors: Yeter E , Bayram NA , Akçay M , Keleş T , Durmaz T
Published: June 2009

A 67-year-old woman was admitted with aortic valve endocarditis and aortic wall thickening (AWT). Physical examination and laboratory findings yielded infective endocarditis. Echocardiography revealed several small vegetations on the aortic valve, leading to moderate aortic insufficiency together with a small ventricular septal defect. We also became aware of the AWT on and over the aortic root by transesophageal echocardiography (Figure 1). At the one month follow-up period, we also noticed an abscess formation originating from the AWT, which grew into a mature abscess form, day by day (Figure 2). The aortic valve endocarditis, with destruction of the aortic annulus and abscess formation, in this patient, is considered as a grave condition which, essentially, requires an aggressive combined surgical and medical approach. We would like to intimate here with this patient that AWT needs to be considered seriously important in aortic valve endocarditis and, even if the detected vegetations are small, a close follow-up for a possible abscess formation is essential.
Propofol requirement titrated to bispectral index: a comparison between hypothermic and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Mathew PJ , Puri GD , Dhaliwal RS
Published: June 2009

Though propofol requirement is expected to decrease during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a few studies have failed to demonstrate this. The factors affecting pharmacokinetics of propofol and, therefore, the requirement, are different during hypothermic and normothermic CPB. We evaluated and compared the requirement of propofol during hypothermic and normothermic CPB. Fifty adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery on CPB were recruited and randomly allocated into hypothermic CPB (28–300 C) (Group H) and normothermic CPB (35–370 C) (Group N) groups. Patients were induced and maintained with propofol titrated to maintain a target bispectral index (BIS) of 50 ± 10. Propofol requirement (mean ± SD) was similar in normothermic and hypothermic groups, both before CPB (4.9 ± 1.5 mg.kg−1hr−1 in Group N, 4.6 ± 1.5 mg.kg−1hr−1 in Group H) and after cessation of bypass (p > 0.05) (4.6 ± 1.8 mg.kg−1hr−1 in Group N and 4.3 ± 1.7 mg.kg−1hr−1 in Group H). CPB significantly reduced (p < 0.001) propofol requirements in both arms of the study (Group N: 2.9 ± 1.4 mg.kg−1hr−1and Group H: 1.3 ± 0.7 mg.kg−1hr−1). This reduction was more pronounced in the hypothermic group (p < 0.001). The BIS (median ± inter quartile range) remained constant during normothermic CPB (50 ± 8.8), but declined significantly during hypothermic CPB (41 ± 5.6) despite decreased usage of propofol during hypothermia. No patient had recall of intra-operative events. CPB decreases the magnitude of propofol requirements and the effect of hypothermic CPB is significantly more than that of normothermic CPB.
Case report: plasma leakage in a polymethylpentene oxygenator during extracorporeal life support
Authors: Puis L , Ampe L , Hertleer R
Published: June 2009

Plasma leakage is a phenomenon which has almost completely disappeared since the introduction of plasma-tight polymethylpentene (PMP) fibers in oxygenators used for extracorporeal life support (ECLS). We describe here a case of ECLS which was affected by the rapid occurrence of plasma leakage in oxygenators with polymethylpentene fibers. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the phenomenon since the introduction of this new generation of oxygenators.
Successful use of a new hand-held ECMO system in cardiopulmonary failure and bleeding shock after thrombolysis in massive post-partal pulmonary embolism
Authors: Arlt M , Philipp A , Iesalnieks I , Kobuch R , Graf BM
Published: June 2009

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) leads to cardiogenic shock and is associated with mortality rates of up to 75%.1 We report on a 27-year-old mother in childbirth who developed a massive post-partal PE and cardiac arrest. Despite mechanical resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) could not be achieved. After systemic thrombolysis, ROSC returned, but cardiopulmonary failure was persisting, complicated by massive bleeding shock. By using a newly developed, hand-held ECMO system, systemic blood flow and oxygenation were restored and emergency medical services for advanced surgical treatment (hysterectomy and pulmonary embolectomy) were possible. The patient recovered completely. We assume that this newly developed hand-held ECMO device enables rapid onset mechanical life support and improves the prognosis of patients in fatal conditions.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for 59 days without changing the ECMO circuit: a case of Legionella pneumonia
Authors: Thiara APS , Høyland V , Norum H , Aasmundstad TA , Karlsen HM , Fiane AE , Geiran O
Published: June 2009

We report the successful use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a 53-year-old patient with Legionella pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with severe barotraumas. The patient was supported for 59 days without any changes in the ECMO circuit. This is probably the longest support ever reported using the same oxygenator.
Beneficial effects of modern perfusion concepts in aortic valve and aortic root surgery
Authors: Kutschka I , Skorpil J , El Essawi A , Hajek T , Harringer W
Published: June 2009

Minimized perfusion circuits (MPC) were found to reduce side effects of standard extracorporeal circulation (ECC). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the ROCsafe™ MPC for aortic valve and aortic root surgery. One hundred and seventy patients were randomized for surgery using either MPC [n = 85, 30 female/55 male, mean age: 69.8 ± 11.8 years; aortic valve replacement (AVR): n = 40; AVR + coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): n = 31; David operation: n = 3; aortic root replacement (ARR): n = 11] or ECC [n = 85, 29 female/56 male, mean age: 67.7 ± 9.5 years; AVR: n = 39; AVR+CABG: n = 35, David operation: n = 2; ARR: n = 9]. Neurological status, length of ICU stay, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood count, transfusion requirements and bleeding volume were analyzed. The MPC system provided ultrasound-controlled de-airing. A small roller pump and a flexible reservoir were used for left ventricular venting. As a control, we used a standard ECC with cardiotomy suction and hard-shell reservoir. Cross-clamp time (MPC: 76.5 ± 29.5; ECC: 79.0 ± 34.0 min) and bypass time (MPC: 103.0 ± 37.9; ECC: 106.9 ± 44.9 min) were comparable between groups. Transfusion requirements (red blood cells: MPC: 1.5 ± 1.5 vs. ECC: 2.2 ± 2.1 units [p = 0.05], frozen plasma: MPC: 1.2 ± 1.8 vs. ECC: 1.9 ± 2.4 units [p = 0.03]), postoperative bleeding (MPC: 521 ± 283 vs. ECC: 615 ± 326 ml/24 h, p = 0.09) were lower using MPC. ICU stay was shorter with MPC (1.6 ± 1.6 days) compared to ECC (2.4 ± 2.8 days, p = 0.001). One stroke occurred in each group. The ROCsafe™ MPC provides safe circulatory support for a wide range of aortic valve surgeries. Transfusion requirements, postoperative bleeding and length of ICU stay were markedly reduced compared to standard extracorporeal perfusion.
Bicarbonate-buffered ultrafiltration during pediatric cardiac surgery prevents electrolyte and acid-base balance disturbances
Authors: Osthaus WA , Görler H , Sievers J , Rahe-Meyer N , Optenhöfel J , Breymann T , Theilmeier G , Suempelmann R
Published: June 2009

Pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass is still a challenge because of electrolyte disturbances and inflammation. Many investigations deal with different types of hemofiltration to reduce these potentially harmful side effects. We tested the hypothesis of whether bicarbonate-buffered hemofiltration of the priming solution minimizes electrolyte and acid-base disturbances during the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and whether bicarbonate-buffered hemofiltration performed during cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce cytokine levels. Twenty children younger than 2 years of age (mean age 166 ± 191 days; mean weight 6.42 ± 3.22 kg) scheduled for pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. Cardiopulmonary bypass circuits were primed with a bicarbonate-buffered hemofiltration solution, gelatin and 1 unit of packed red blood cells. The priming was hemofiltered using an ultrahemofilter until approximately 1000 mL of ultrafiltrate was restored with the buffered solution. Further hemofiltration was performed throughout the whole bypass time, especially during rewarming. Blood gas analyses and inflammatory mediators were monitored during the operation. Blood gas analysis results after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and throughout the entire study remained within the physiologic ranges. Even potassium decreased from 4.0 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.4 mmol.l−1 after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha decreased significantly (47 ± 44 vs. 24 ± 21 pg.mL−1) whereas complement factor C3a (5.0 ± 2.9 vs. 16.8 ± 6.6 ng.mL−1) and interleukin-6 (7.3 ± 15.2 vs. 110 ± 173 pg.mL−1) increased despite hemofiltration. In conclusion, this study shows that bicarbonate-buffered ultrafiltration is an efficient, simple and safe method for performing hemofiltration, both of the priming solution and during the entire bypass time. The use of a physiological restitution solution prevents electrolyte and acid-base balance disturbances. The elimination of inflammatory mediators seems to be as effective as other ultrafiltration methods.
Clinical experience with a novel endotoxin adsorbtion device in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Blomquist S , Gustafsson V , Manolopoulos T , Pierre L
Published: June 2009

Endotoxaemia is thought to occur in cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and a positive correlation has been proposed between the magnitude of endotoxaemia and risk for postoperative complications. We studied the effects of a new endotoxin adsorber device (Alteco® LPS adsorber) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with ECC, with special reference to safety and ease of use. Fifteen patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and/or valvular surgery were studied. In 9 patients, the LPS Adsorber was included in the bypass circuit between the arterial filter and the venous reservoir. Flow through the adsorber was started when the aorta was clamped and stopped at the end of perfusion. Flow rate was kept at 150 ml/min. Six patients served as controls with no adsorber in the circuit. Samples were taken for analysis of endotoxin, TNFα, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as complement factors C3, C4 and C1q. Whole blood coagulation status was evaluated using thromboelastograpy (TEG) and platelet count. No adverse events were encountered when the adsorber was used in the circuit. Blood flow through the device was easily monitored and kept at the desired level. Platelet count decreased in both groups during surgery. TEG data revealed a decrease in whole blood clot strength in the control group while it was preserved in the adsorber group. Endotoxin was detected in only 2 patients and IL-1ß in 4 patients. IL-6 decreased in both groups whereas no change in TNF concentrations was found. C3 fell in both groups, but no changes wer found in C4 and C1q. The Alteco® LPS adsorber can be used safely and is easy to handle in the bypass circuit. No complications related to the use of the adsorber were noted. The intended effects of the adsorber, i.e. removal of endotoxin from the blood stream could not be evaluated in this study, presumably due to the small number of patients and the relatively short perfusion times.
Evaluating the Capability and Cost of a Mass Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Clinic via Computer Simulation
Authors: Washington Michael L.
Published: June 2009

Objective. To determine if a mass influenza/pneumococcal vaccination clinic could vaccinate 15,000 clients in 17 h; optimize personnel configuration to maximize number of clients vaccinated; and estimate costs (opportunity and clinic) and revenue. Method. The author used a discrete event simulation model to estimate the throughput of the vaccination clinic as the number of clients (arrival intensity) increased and as staff members were reassigned to different workflows. We represented workflows for 3 client types: ``Medicare,'' ``Special,'' and ``Cash,'' where ``Special'' designates Medicare clients who needed assistance moving through the clinic. The costs of supplies, staff sal-aries, and client waiting time were included in the model. We compared the ``original'' model based on the staffing and performance of an actual clinic to an ``optimized'' model in which staff were reassigned to optimize number of clients vaccinated. Results. A maximum of 13,138 and 15,094 clients in the original and optimized models, respectively, were vaccinated. At the original arrival rate (8300 clients vaccinated in 17 h), supplies cost about $191,000 and were the most expensive component of the clinic operation in both models. However, as the arrival intensity increased to 140%, the ``Medicare'' client opportunity cost increased from $23,887 and $21,474 to $743,510 and $740,760 for the simulated original and optimized models, respectively. Conclusion. The clinic could reach their target of 15,000 vaccinees with 2 fewer staff members by rearranging staff assignments from ``Special'' to ``Medicare'' and ``Cash'' stations. Computer simulation can help public health officials determine the most efficient use of staff, machinery, supplies, and time.
A Soccer-Specific Balance Training Program for Hamstring Muscle and Patellar and Achilles Tendon Injuries
Authors: Kraemer Robert , Knobloch Karsten
Published: June 2009

Background

A soccer-specific balance training has been shown to decrease injury incidence of the anterior cruciate ligament and ankle sprains in randomized controlled trials. However, hamstring injuries and tendinopathy remain significant issues in soccer.

Hypothesis

Proprioceptive training can reduce the incidence of hamstring muscle injuries and tendinopathy in elite soccer. There is a dose-effect relationship between balance training duration and injury incidence.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twenty-four elite female soccer players (body mass index, 21.7 ± 1.2; age, 21 ± 4 years) of a German premier league soccer team were prospectively included. Starting in January 2004, an additional soccer-specific proprioceptive multistation training was initiated over 3 years. Injury data/1000 hours of exposure with documentation of all occurred injuries, detailed training, and match exposure data as well as time loss data were 100% complete.

Results

At the end of the 3-year proprioceptive balance training intervention, noncontact hamstring injury rates were reduced from 22.4 to 8.2/1000 hours (P = .021), patellar tendinopathy from 3.0 to 1.0/1000 hours (P = .022), and Achilles tendinopathy from 1.5 to 0.0/1000 hours (P = .035). There was no effect of balance training on contact injuries. Mean time loss of all assessed injuries significantly decreased from 14.4 days during the control period to 1.5 days during intervention periods (P = .003). The more minutes of balance training performed, the lower the rate of overall injuries (r = −0.185, P = .001), hamstring injuries (r = −0.267, P = .003), patellar tendinopathy (r = −0.398, P = .02), and gastrocnemius strains (r = −0.342, P = .002).

Conclusion

Soccer-specific balance training (protective balancing) can reduce noncontact hamstring injuries and patellar and Achilles tendinopathy. A dose-effect relationship between duration of balance training and injury incidence is evident. A proprioceptive training program reduced the rehabilitation time in noncontact injuries, which warrants further investigation.
Winner of the 2008 Systematic Review Competition: Knee Osteoarthritis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , Engebretsen Lars , Storheim Kjersti , Risberg May Arna
Published: June 2009

Background

This is a systematic review of studies on the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the tibiofemoral joint more than 10 years after an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the radiologic classification methods used, and risk factors for development of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and AMED. Inclusion criteria were studies involving patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury, either isolated or combined with medial collateral ligament or meniscal injury and either surgically or nonsurgically treated, and a minimum 10-year follow-up with radiologic assessment. Methodological quality was evaluated using a modified version of the Coleman methodology score.

Results

Seven prospective and 24 retrospective studies were included. The mean modified Coleman methodology score was 52 of 90. Reported prevalence of knee osteoarthritis for subjects with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury was between 0% and 13%. For subjects with anterior cruciate ligament and additional meniscal injury, the prevalence varied between 21% and 48%. Seven different radiologic classification systems were used in the studies. Only 3 studies reported reliability results for the radiologic assessments. The most frequently reported risk factor for development of knee osteoarthritis was meniscal injury.

Conclusion

This systematic review suggests that the prevalence rates of knee osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reported by previous reviews have been too high. The highest rated studies reported low prevalence of knee osteoarthritis for individuals with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury (0%-13%) and a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis for subjects with combined injuries (21%-48%). Overall, the modified Coleman methodology score was low for the included studies. No universal methodological radiologic classification method exists, making comparisons of the studies and stating firm conclusions on the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis more than 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury difficult.
Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ferretti Andrea , Monaco Edoardo , Labianca Luca , De Carli Angelo , Maestri Barbara , Conteduca Fabio
Published: June 2009

Background

Single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction seems to be insufficient to control a combined rotatory load of internal and valgus torque, whereas anatomical double-bundle reconstruction might produce a better biomechanical outcome, especially during rotatory loads.

Hypothesis

The addition of the posterolateral bundle to the anteromedial bundle, in an in vivo double-bundle computer-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, is able to reduce the internal rotation of the tibia at different degrees of flexion.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Ten consecutive anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures were performed in male patients using double-bundle gracilis and semitendinosus tendon graft with the 2.0 OrthoPilot anterior cruciate ligament navigation system. Anteroposterior displacement at 30°, 60°, and 90° as well as internal and external rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion were evaluated before reconstruction, after fixation of the anteromedial bundle, and then after fixation of the posterolateral bundle.

Results

Fixation of the anteromedial bundle significantly (P <. 05) reduced the anteroposterior displacement at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion; the internal rotation at 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°; and the external rotation at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. The addition of the posterolateral bundle to the anteromedial bundle did not significantly reduce internal and external rotation of the tibia at degrees of flexion measured (P >. 05).

Conclusion

The hypothesis that the addition of the posterolateral bundle to the anteromedial bundle is able to reduce internal rotation of the tibia, minimizing the pivot-shift phenomenon, was not confirmed.

Clinical Relevance

The effective role of the anatomical double-bundle procedure in better restoring knee kinematics and allowing better clinical outcomes should be questioned in an in vivo model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using doubled semitendinosus and gracilis graft.
Erosion Wear Behavior of Polymer Composites: A Review
Authors: Biswas Sandhyarani , Satapathy Alok , Patnaik Amar
Published: June 2009

The solid particle erosion behavior of polymer composites has been reviewed. Attention is paid to the effects of testing variables (e.g., erodent type, impact angle, impact velocity) on the erosion wear rate. The occurring failure mechanisms are discussed. Various predictions and models proposed by different investigators to describe the erosion rate (ER) are listed. Implementation of design of experiments (DOE) and statistical techniques in analyzing the erosion behavior of composites is reviewed. Recent findings on erosion response of multi-component hybrid composites are also presented. Recommendations are given to solve some open questions related to hybrid polymer composites.
Extrusion of Rigid PVC Foam with Nanoclay: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Abu-Zahra Nidal H. , Alian Ali M. , Perez Ron , Hong Chang
Published: June 2009

The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of using different types of nanoclay fillers on the cell morphology and mechanical properties of rigid PVC foam. Four different types of commercially available nanoclays were used: natural calcium montmorillonite (unmodified), sodium montmorillonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt, aluminum magnesium silicate clay, and magnesium lithium silicate clay. The individual and combined effect of nanoclay concentration and blowing agent content on the foam density and mechanical behavior are reported. Optical Microscopy, SEM, XRD, and TEM imaging were used in the analysis of foam cell morphology and the dispersion and exfoliation of nanoclays in the polymer matrix. Specific compression strength, specific flexural modulus, and density were found to improve by introducing nanoclay in the polymer matrix whereas tensile strength and modulus of elasticity showed some deterioration with the presence of nanoclay. Meanwhile, impact strength and specific flexural strength did not show any significant changes
Neuroimaging Patterns of Central Nervous System Metastases in Neuroblastoma: Report of 2 Recent Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Balaji Ravikanth , Ramachandran Krishnankutty , Kusumakumari P.
Published: June 2009

The authors describe imaging patterns of intracranial metastases in 2 children with grade 4 neuroblastoma. Central nervous system metastases from neuroblastoma are extremely rare and may involve the cerebral parenchyma, leptomeninges, or dura. Cerebral parenchymal metastases can be cystic with mural nodules or solid with hemorrhagic elements. The first patient in our study had multiple cystic parenchymal metastases with calcific mural nodules, while the second patient developed solid hemorrhagic parenchymal metastatic lesions along with extensive leptomeningeal and dural deposits. Central nervous system involvement in both patients occurred within a time span ranging from 12 to 14 months from the time of initial diagnosis.
Hyperglycemic Events in Non–Intensive Care Unit Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Pleva Melissa , Mirtallo Jay M. , Steinberg Steven M.
Published: June 2009

Background:

Evidence supports the benefits of tight glycemic control in many patient populations. There is no consensus on appropriate targets for blood glucose (BG) values in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Characterization of the frequency of BG abnormalities is necessary to identify effective strategies to improve glycemic control in this patient population.

Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected over a 2‐month period from 50 non–intensive care unit (ICU) patients who received PN. Frequencies of abnormal BG (defined as BG outside the range of 2 criteria: 80–200 mg/dL and 100–150 mg/dL) were determined. An event of hyperglycemia was defined as the 48‐hour period following a BG value outside of 80–200 mg/dL. Each event was evaluated for resolution within 48 hours of the triggering BG value.

Results:

Hyperglycemia (at least 1 BG value >200 mg/dL) occurred in 22 patients (44%). Of the 1738 BG values measured, 8.7% were >200 mg/dL, resulting in 1.4 events of hyperglycemia per patient. The average blood glucose value for the population was 140 mg/dL. The frequency of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia increased substantially, with only 1 patient having a PN course with normoglycemia using the 100–150 mg/dL criterion.

Conclusion:

The frequency of hyperglycemia in non‐ICU PN patients is high according to either evaluation criterion. A method is described for using events to characterize hyperglycemia, which may be more useful than traditional methods in clinical decision making and identification of need for process improvements. These data suggest the need to develop better methods for BG control in non‐ICU PN patients.
Trusting Another
Authors: Doucet Thomas J.
Published: June 2009

This article reports a Parse research study on the experience of trusting another with 10 participants living in community. The central finding of this study is the structure: The lived experience of trusting another is cherishing alliances arising with uplifting lightness in pressing on resolutely with potential adversity. The findings are discussed in relation to the humanbecoming school of thought and related literature.
The Lived Experience of Taking a Risk
Authors: Schmidt Bunkers Sandra
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to answer the research question: What is the structure of the lived experience of taking a risk? The participants were 9 persons from the general population. The Parse research method, a phenomenological-hermeneutic method, was used to discover the structure of taking a risk. Through the process of extraction-synthesis three core concepts were identified: venturing forth amid potential peril, apprehension with elation, novel engagements. Thus, for these 9 individuals the lived experience of taking a risk is venturing forth amid potential peril, as apprehension with elation surfaces in novel engagements. Taking a risk will be discussed in relation to the principles and concepts of the theory of humanbecoming and in relation to how it can inform nursing practice and future research. This study was also the means for introducing the Parse research method to 10 research assistants interested in learning more about the theory of humanbecoming and the Parse research methodology.
Reiki and Changes in Pattern Manifestations
Authors: Ring Marcia E.
Published: June 2009

The purposes of this qualitative research study were to describe the changes in pattern manifestations that individuals experienced associated with receiving Reiki, and to present the theoretical understanding of these changes. The unitary field pattern portrait research method was utilized because it was ontologically, epistemologically, and methodologically consistent with the science of unitary human beings. Reiki was found to be associated with changes in awareness from dissonance and turbulence to harmony and well-being by helping individuals knowingly participate in actualizing their own capacities for healing. Reiki was found to be an appropriate voluntary mutual patterning nursing modality.
Health as Expanding Consciousness With Families With a Child With Special Healthcare Needs
Authors: Falkenstern Sharon K. , Gueldner Sarah Hall , Newman Margaret A.
Published: June 2009

Families have health experiences that become enfolded within their life patterns. Based within Newman's conceptualization of health as expanding consciousness, the purpose of this study was to develop knowledge about the nurse-client process of facilitating health in families who have a child with special healthcare needs. The research as praxis method was used to answer the research question, What is the evolving pattern of the nurse-client process that facilitates health as expanding consciousness in families who have a child with special healthcare needs?
Encountering Others As Nurses
Authors: Baumann Steven L.
Published: June 2009

sbaumann@ hunter.cuny.edu
Caring
Authors: Clarke Pamela N. , McFarland Marilyn R. , Andrews Margaret M. , Leininger Madeleine
Published: June 2009

This column is the first of two with a special focus on the construct of caring. In this dialogue, two Leininger scholars together address the questions related to the global impact on practice and the contribution of the model to scientific development in nursing. Then, in a special conversation, nurse theorist Madeleine Leininger offers her view of the impact of her work as well as some of her early experiences.
Information Sharing
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: June 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has spurred national and international debate over possible ethical implications for a mandated electronic database for medical records. What role(s) will the discipline of nursing assume and what policy statements will the discipline of nursing articulate with regard to the need for enhancing privacy and confidentiality with access to medical and nursing documentation found in the electronic database? In this column the author provides an ethical discussion on information sharing and human freedom, and the need for transparency as specified in the humanbecoming leadership model.
The Ethical Demand in Nursing
Authors: Mårtenson Eva K. , Fägerskiöld Astrid M. , Runeson Ingrid V. , Berterö Carina M.
Published: June 2009

In this column the authors discuss the ethics of information exchange in nursing practice with children. Five concepts identified in three Swedish grounded theory studies and a content analysis that used the theoretical framework of ethical demand were analyzed. A simultaneous concept analysis found five related concepts: being interconnected, acting according to accepted procedure, completeness, interdependence, and social intercourse. These concepts are synthesized in the concept of intergrade, which emphasizes the value of maintaining the integrity of all involved in information exchange.
Conceptualization of Burnout From the Perspective of the Neuman Systems Model
Authors: Neslihan Partlak Günüşen  , Üstün Besti , Gigliotti Eileen
Published: June 2009

Due to an incomplete match between Neuman's definition of the core response and proposed examples, the core response has been interpreted as solely physiological in nature. As a result, the majority of Neuman systems model-based research has focused on either identification of stressors or the relations between stressors, the flexible line of defense, and normal line of defense invasion while the core response has been largely neglected. The purpose of this paper is to argue for a broader conceptualization of the core response as any and/or all of the person variables proposed by Neuman. The burnout process, which is both psychological and spiritual in nature, was developed as a core response exemplar.
SMA Embedded Panel Optimized Through a Genetic Approach
Authors: Ameduri Salvatore , Diodati Gianluca , Concilio Antonio
Published: June 2009

The ability of modulating the dynamic response of structural elements may play a fundamental role in terms of noise and vibration propagation and reduction levels. Specifically, controlling some dynamic features, like stiffness and damping, may remarkably extend the working range of a specific component, with consequent integration and efficiency benefits. Smart Materials, combined with innovative design philosophies (i.e., ‘Self-Adaptive Structures’, ‘Self-Repairing Structures’...) gave rise to real possibilities for the implementation of non-conventional solutions. Within the noise and vibration field, a family of strategies, focused on damping (active constrained layer dampers, rheological layers) and stiffness (embedded Shape Memory Alloys, SMA, acting on the stress field) control, is developing, by giving birth to original and efficient solutions. SMA, due to their capability of transmitting large forces and deformations, and producing remarkable stiffness variations, represent good candidates for actuation problems and stiffness control solutions. The idea of using embedded SMA components to affect the structural dynamic response was already considered by several authors; among the others, Diodati and others focused their attention on the prediction of the effects due to the heat activation of SMA wires, embedded within a fiber-glass laminate. SMA induced stress originated significant FRF peaks shift, encouraging the authors to develop an optimization procedure to find out the most efficient placement and orientation of the active elements within the panel, aimed at maximizing the achievable frequency peak shift. In this article, a numerical model already introduced was examined and upgraded to suit the logic of a generic optimization process. The specific connections between the structure and the wires (sliding wires) was realized by proper constraint architecture, able to catch the best the physical nature of the mutual interaction. Then, due to the large amount of the parameters to be identified (in plane angle and location of each wire) and the non-continuous nature of some of them, a genetic optimization approach was picked up and implemented, assuming the peak shifts as the fitness function. The activated is then compared with the non-activated response, in order to estimate the attained performance.
Physician Clinical Information Technology and Health Care Disparities
Authors: Ketcham Jonathan D. , Lutfey Karen E. , Gerstenberger Eric , Link Carol L. , McKinlay John B.
Published: June 2009

The authors develop a conceptual framework regarding how information technology (IT) can alter within-physician disparities, and they empirically test some of its implications in the context of coronary heart disease. Using a random experiment on 256 primary care physicians, the authors analyze the relationships between three IT functions (feedback and two types of clinical decision support) and five process-of-care measures. Endogeneity is addressed by eliminating unobserved patient characteristics with vignettes and by proxying for omitted physician characteristics. The results indicate that IT has no effects on physicians’ diagnostic certainty and treatment of vignette patients overall. The authors find that treatment and certainty differ by patient age, gender, and race. Consistent with the framework, IT’s effects on these disparities are complex. Feedback eliminated the gender disparities, but the relationships differed for other IT functions and process measures. Current policies to reduce disparities and increase IT adoption may be in discord.