bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences and Perspectives of Physical Therapists Managing Patients Covered by Workers' Compensation in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Johnston Venerina , Nielsen Mandy , Corbière Marc , Franche Reneé-Louise
Published: June 2012

Background

Physical therapists have an active role in the rehabilitation of injured workers. However, regulations in Queensland, Australia, do not afford them the opportunity to participate in return-to-work (RTW) decisions in a standardized way. No prior research has explored the experiences and perceptions of therapists in determining work capacity.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate physical therapists' experiences with and perspectives on their role in determining readiness for RTW and work capacity for patients receiving workers' compensation in Queensland.

Design

A qualitative design was used. Participants were physical therapists who manage injured workers.

Methods

Novice (n=5) and experienced (n=20) therapists managing patients receiving workers' compensation were selected through purposeful sampling to participate in a focus group or semistructured telephone interviews. Data obtained were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Physical therapists' confidence in making RTW decisions was determined with 1 question scored on a 0 to 10 scale.

Results

Themes identified were: (1) physical therapists believe they are important in RTW, (2) physical therapists use a variety of methods to determine work capacity, and (3) physical therapists experience a lack of role clarity. Therapists made recommendations for RTW using clinical judgment informed by subjective and objective information gathered from the injured worker. Novice therapists were less confident in making RTW decisions.

Conclusion

Therapists are well situated to gather and interpret the information necessary to make RTW recommendations. Strategies targeting the Australian Physiotherapy Association, physical therapists, and the regulators are needed to standardize assessment of readiness for RTW, improve role clarity, and assist novice practitioners.
Interpreting the Need for Initial Support to Perform Tandem Stance Tests of Balance
Authors: Hile Elizabeth S. , Brach Jennifer S. , Perera Subashan , Wert David M. , VanSwearingen Jessie M. , Studenski Stephanie A.
Published: June 2012

Background

Geriatric rehabilitation reimbursement increasingly requires documented deficits on standardized measures. Tandem stance performance can characterize balance, but protocols are not standardized.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of: (1) initial support to stabilize in position and (2) maximum hold time on tandem stance tests of balance in older adults.

Design

A cross-sectional secondary analysis of observational cohort data was conducted.

Methods

One hundred seventeen community-dwelling older adults (71% female, 12% black) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on the need for initial support to perform tandem stance: (1) unable even with support, (2) able only with support, and (3) able without support. The able without support group was further stratified on hold time in seconds: (1) <10 (low), (2) 10 to 29, (medium), and (3) 30 (high). Groups were compared on primary outcomes (gait speed, Timed “Up & Go” Test performance, and balance confidence) using analysis of variance.

Results

Twelve participants were unable to perform tandem stance, 14 performed tandem stance only with support, and 91 performed tandem stance without support. Compared with the able without support group, the able with support group had statistically or clinically worse performance and balance confidence. No significant differences were found between the able with support group and the unable even with support group on these same measures. Extending the hold time to 30 seconds in a protocol without initial support eliminated ceiling effects for 16% of the study sample.

Limitations

Small comparison groups, use of a secondary analysis, and lack of generalizability of results were limitations of the study.

Conclusions

Requiring initial support to stabilize in tandem stance appears to reflect meaningful deficits in balance-related mobility measures, so failing to consider support may inflate balance estimates and confound hold time comparisons. Additionally, 10-second maximum hold times limit discrimination of balance in adults with a higher level of function. For community-dwelling older adults, we recommend timing for at least 30 seconds and documenting initial support for consideration when interpreting performance.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Compared to Dose-Matched Interventions for Upper-Limb Dysfunction in Adult Survivors of Stroke: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Stevenson Ted , Thalman Leyda , Christie Heather , Poluha William
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To summarize the existing literature examining constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), relative to dose-matched control interventions, for upper-limb (UL) dysfunction in adult survivors of stroke. Methods: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, NARIC/CIRRIE—Rehabdata, PEDro, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to February 2011. Trial quality was described using the PEDro scale. The findings were summarized with meta-analysis. Results: For the 22 trials identified, the mean (SD) PEDro score was 6.4 (1.2). Meta-analysis showed CIMT to be superior to dose-matched interventions based on indicators of UL motor capacity (15 trials, n=432; standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.47, 95% CI, 0.27–0.66) and UL ability (14 trials, n=352; SMD=0.80, 95% CI, 0.57–1.02); Functional Independence Measure scores (6 trials, n=182; mean difference [MD]=5.05, 95% CI, 2.23–7.87); and Motor Activity Log scores (Amount of Use: 12 trials, n=318; MD=1.05, 95% CI, 0.85–1.24; Quality of Movement: 11 trials, n=330; MD=0.89, 95% CI, 0.69–1.08). Conclusions: Compared to control interventions of equal duration and dose, CIMT produced greater improvements in a variety of indicators of UL function in adult survivors of a stroke with residual movement of their upper limb.
High-Strength PET Fibers Produced by Conjugated Melt Spinning and Laser Drawing
Authors: Nakata K. , Nakamura F. , Ohkoshi Y. , Gotoh Y. , Nagura M. , Hamano A. , Takada S. , Kikutani T.
Published: June 2012

The mechanical properties of conjugated-spun and laser drawn poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers were investigated. The as-spun fibers used for the laser drawing were made by conjugated melt spinning with the copolymer of p-hydroxybenzoicacid and 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoicacid or polystyrene. The PET fibers prepared by conjugated spinning could be laser drawn to higher draw ratios under lower drawing stresses. The drawn fiber could be re-drawn up to a higher total draw ratio. Thus, a PET fiber having a tensile strength of 1.14 N/tex could be produced.
Comparative effectiveness in neurosurgery: what it means, how it is measured, and why it matters
Authors: Stein Sherman C.
Published: June 2012

Comparative effectiveness research has recently been the subject of intense discussion. With congressional support, there has been increasing funding and publication of studies using comparative effectiveness and related methodology. The neurosurgical field has been relatively slow to accept and embrace this approach. The author outlines the procedures and rationale of comparative effectiveness, illustrates how it applies to neurosurgical topics, and explains its importance.
Cost effectiveness of subaxial fusion—lateral mass screws versus transarticular facet screws
Authors: Ray Wilson Z. , Ravindra Vijay M. , Jost Gregory F. , Bisson Erica F. , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: June 2012

As health care reform continues to evolve, demonstrating the cost effectiveness of spinal fusion procedures will be of critical value. Posterior subaxial cervical fusion with lateral mass screw and rod instrumentation is a well-established fixation technique. Subaxial transarticular facet fixation is a lesser known fusion technique that has been shown to be biomechanically equivalent to lateral mass screws for short constructs. Although there has not been a widespread adoption of transarticular facet screws, the screws potentially represent a cost-effective alternative to lateral mass rod and screw constructs. In this review, the authors describe an institutional experience with the use of lateral mass screws and provide a theoretical cost comparison with the use of transarticular facet screws.
Comparative effectiveness of treatments for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: trends in nationwide outcomes from 2000 to 2009
Authors: Davies Jason M. , Yanamadala Vijay , Lawton Michael T.
Published: June 2012

Object

The development of multimodality approaches for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), including microsurgery, endovascular therapy, and radiosurgery, has shifted modern treatment paradigms in the last 10 years. This study examines these changes in detail from a nationwide perspective.

Methods

The authors examined data from 2001 to 2009 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, and they assessed the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness, including the total number of discharges, discharge proportion, length of stay, and hospital charges. The authors also examined patient demographics (including age, sex, income level, and insurance), hemorrhage status at presentation, and trends in open surgical and endovascular treatment.

Results

A total of 33,997 inpatient admissions for patients with a primary diagnosis of intracranial AVM were identified, with a mean of 4191 patients admitted annually. The mean hospital charges increased 2-fold over the study period without significant differences in outcomes. There were substantial differences between surgical, endovascular, radiosurgical, and multimodality treatments. The proportion of AVMs treated microsurgically remained stable over this period, while the proportion treated endovascularly dramatically increased in size, and the data demonstrate important patient-level distinctions among groups. Outcomes and complication profiles were significantly different between treatment modalities and were impacted by age and hemorrhage status.

Conclusions

Charges associated with treatment of cerebral AVMs to the payer and society have increased dramatically over the first decade of the 21st century without clear improvements in quality parameters. However, analysis of the 3 primary treatment modalities has demonstrated differences and warrants further investigation to understand which patient population would benefit maximally from each. Unfortunately, with only imprecise measurements of quality in health care delivery, it remains imperative to develop national databases in which parameters, such as survival, functional outcomes, quality of life, and complication rates, can be assessed to examine the value of care delivered in a more meaningful way. Demonstrating an ever-increasing value of delivered health care will be imperative in our evolving health care system.
Editorial: The case for a comparative, value-based alternative to the patient-centered outcomes research model for comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Marko Nicholas F. , Weil Robert J.
Published: June 2012

Considerable financial and human resources have been directed toward the emerging field of comparative effectiveness research (CER) in the US. Fundamentally, the concept of CER is so logical as to be almost self-evident; namely, that research regarding therapeutic strategies should go beyond efficacy and examine objectively their real-world effects and outcomes. In practice, however, reluctance to consider difficult questions related to the many dimensions of value in health care delivery and corresponding legislative constraints placed on the US CER enterprise risk limiting the ultimate utility of this investigative model. Significant constraints have been codified into the patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) model of CER, which is emerging as the de facto method for conducting CER in the US. The experience of the authors as clinicians attempting to use CER to improve complex management decisions, for which multidimensional considerations of value represent a critical component of the overall effectiveness of alternate strategies, highlight the inability of PCOR to comprehensively inform this process. This suggests that PCOR may be a suboptimal approach for performing clinically relevant CER. In this editorial, the authors use clinical examples to highlight the limitations of the PCOR approach to CER and to propose an alternate approach, which they term “comparative, value-based effectiveness research” (CVER). The authors believe that the narrow scope and fundamental limitations of PCOR mitigate its overall value to medical decision-makers attempting to optimize overall effectiveness in the real-world setting, while a more comprehensive approach like CVER has greater potential to realize practical benefits for patients, clinicians, and society as a whole.
Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy in neurosurgical practice
Authors: Dubourg Julie , Berhouma Moncef , Cotton Michael , Messerer Mahmoud
Published: June 2012

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) allows evidence to be evaluated on the effectiveness, benefits, and detriments of management options, diagnostic tests, or ways to deliver health care. This process can be achieved in different ways, such as with well-designed randomized controlled trials or by meta-analyses. Several medical subspecialties are increasingly using CER, but CER remains underused by the neurosurgical community. Meta-analysis is a highly accurate method that permits results from multiple well-designed research studies to be quantitatively compared. Meta-analysis can be performed in many settings, such as the evaluation of treatment or of a diagnostic test or prognostic factor. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled treatment trials are well known, but there is a paucity of papers describing the ways to perform a meta-analysis of a diagnostic test. The aim of this paper is to improve neurosurgeons' familiarity with the meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy by describing and detailing each stage leading to publication.
Primary cerebellar histiocytic sarcoma in a 17-month-old girl
Authors: Gomi Kiyoshi , Tanaka Mio , Yoshida Mariko , Ito Susumu , Sonoda Masaki , Iwasaki Fuminori , Niwa Tetsu , Aida Noriko , Kigasawa Hisato , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: June 2012

The authors report on a case of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) in a pediatric patient presenting with a solitary tumor in the cerebellum, with the aim of providing insight into primary HS in the CNS, which is especially rare. A 17-month-old Japanese girl presented with a 2-week history of progressive gait disturbance. Brain MRI revealed a 4.7 × 4.3 × 4.3–cm well-demarcated solitary mass in the right hemisphere of the cerebellum, initially suggestive of medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or anaplastic astrocytoma. On intraoperative inspection the cerebellar tumor showed intensive dural attachment and was subtotally removed. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with HS. The patient subsequently received chemotherapy, and her preoperative neurological symptoms improved. Primary HS in the CNS usually demonstrates an aggressive clinical course and is currently considered to have a poor prognosis. The possibility of this rare tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis of localized cerebellar tumors in the pediatric age group.
Perioperative outcomes and complications associated with allogeneic duraplasty for the management of Chiari malformations Type I in 48 pediatric patients
Authors: Foreman Paul , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Talley Melanie C. , Boeckman Lindsay , Mapstone Timothy B.
Published: June 2012

Object

The authors debate the optimal management for Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) while sharing their experience with posterior fossa decompression and duraplasty (PFDD).

Methods

The charts of 48 consecutive pediatric patients surgically treated for CM-I were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Patients ranged in age from 2 to 17 years with an average age of 9.8 years. The most common presentations were headache, affecting 34 patients (71%), and pain (neck, back, or extremities), affecting 21 patients (44%). Twenty-seven patients (56%) had a syrinx. All 48 patients underwent PFDD utilizing acellular tissue matrix. The average hospital stay overall was 3.56 days, whereas the average stay for patients with (29 [60%] of 48) or without (19 [40%] of 48) scoliosis and/or syringomyelia was 3.72 and 3.32 days, respectively. The odds of a patient having a hospital stay of 4 or more days was nearly 3 times greater in patients with scoliosis and/or syringomyelia as compared with patients without either condition (OR 2.73, 95% CI 0.74–10.11, p = 0.1330). The average hospital stay for patients 0–8 years of age was 3.29 days; and for those 9–17 years of age, 3.78 days. The odds of a patient having a hospital stay of 4 or more days was nearly 4 times greater in 9- to 17-year-olds as compared with 0- to 8-year-olds (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.03–13.52, p = 0.0455). Forty patients (89%) experienced early improvement in their signs and symptoms following PFDD. There were 2 revision PFDDs (4%).

Conclusions

Posterior fossa decompression and duraplasty is a safe and effective surgical option in the management of pediatric CM-I.
Motor nerve injuries following the minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach
Authors: Cahill Kevin S. , Martinez Joseph L. , Wang Michael Y. , Vanni Steven , Levi Allan D.
Published: June 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of motor nerve injuries during the minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion procedure at a single academic medical center.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 118 patients who had undergone lateral interbody fusion was performed. Both inpatient and outpatient records were examined to identify any new postoperative motor weakness in the lower extremities and abdominal wall musculature that was attributable to the operative procedure.

Results

In the period from 2007 to 2011 the lateral interbody fusion procedure was attempted on 201 lumbar intervertebral disc levels. No femoral nerve injuries occurred at any disc level other than the L4–5 disc space. Among procedures involving the L4–5 level there were 2 femoral nerve injuries, corresponding to a 4.8% injury risk at this level as compared with a 0% injury risk at other lumbar spine levels. Five patients (4.2%) had postoperative abdominal flank bulge attributable to injury to the abdominal wall motor innervation.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of femoral nerve injury after the lateral transpsoas approach was 1.7%; however, the level-specific incidence was 4.8% for procedures performed at the L4–5 disc space. Approximately 4% of patients had postoperative abdominal flank bulge. Surgeons will be able to minimize these motor nerve injuries through judicious use of the procedure at the L4–5 level and careful attention to the T-11 and T-12 motor nerves during exposure and closure of the abdominal wall.
Comparative effectiveness research in neurotrauma
Authors: Timmons Shelly D. , Toms Steven A.
Published: June 2012

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is emerging as a commonly applied technique to determine the usefulness of medical interventions. Such research aims to compare various treatments for specific disease entities for overall effectiveness and potential for harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 1.7 million patients sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually in the US. In this review the authors examine the existence of CER reports in the area of neurotrauma to date and consider the context in which clinical research and evidence-based guidelines have and will continue to inform such analyses, with special attention to TBI.
Dirk Hofäcker (2010). Older Workers in a Globalizing World. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 336 pp. ISBN 978 1 84844 817 9 (hardback)
Authors: Manthorpe Jill
Published: June 2012

Not Available.
Modulation of Autophagy-Like Processes by Tumor Viruses
Authors: Mack Hildegard I. D. , Munger Karl
Published: June 2012

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway for long-lived proteins and organelles. This process is activated above basal levels upon cell intrinsic or environmental stress and dysregulation of autophagy has been linked to various human diseases, including those caused by viral infection. Many viruses have evolved strategies to directly interfere with autophagy, presumably to facilitate their replication or to escape immune detection. However, in some cases, modulation of autophagy appears to be a consequence of the virus disturbing the cell’s metabolic signaling networks. Here, we summarize recent advances in research at the interface of autophagy and viral infection, paying special attention to strategies that human tumor viruses have evolved.
Neutral Metal 1,2-Dithiolenes: Preparations, Properties and Possible Applications of Unsymmetrical in Comparison to the Symmetrical
Authors: Papavassiliou George C. , Anyfantis George C. , Mousdis George A.
Published: June 2012

This paper is an overview concerning the preparations and properties as well as possible applications of neutral (one component) metal 1,2-dithiolenes (and selenium analogues). The structural, chemical, electrochemical, optical and electrical behavior of these complexes depend strongly on the nature of ligand and/or the metal. The results of unsymmetrical in comparison to those of symmetrical complexes related to the properties of materials in the solid state are primarily discussed. The optical absorption spectra exhibit strong bands in the near IR spectral region ca. 700 to ca. 1950 nm. X-ray crystal structure solutions show that the complexes usually have square-planar geometry with S–S and/or M–S contacts. Some of them behave as semiconductors or conductors (metals) and are stable in air. The cyclic voltammograms at negative potentials are different from the corresponding potentials of tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs). As a consequence, the LUMO bands occur at much lower levels than those of TTFs. Consequently, electrical measurements under conditions of field effect transistors exhibit n-type or ambipolar behavior. Illumination of materials with high power lasers exhibits non-linear optical behavior. These properties enable metal 1,2-dithiolene complexes to be classified as promising candidates for optical and electronic applications, (e.g., saturable absorbers, ambipolar inverters).
Molecular Targets of TRAIL-Sensitizing Agents in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Stolfi Carmine , Pallone Francesco , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: June 2012

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily, interacts with its functional death receptors (DRs) and induces apoptosis in a wide range of cancer cell types. Therefore, TRAIL has been considered as an attractive agent for cancer therapy. However, many cancers are resistant to TRAIL-based therapies mainly due to the reduced expression of DRs and/or up-regulation of TRAIL pathway-related anti-apoptotic proteins. Compounds that revert such defects restore the sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL, suggesting that combined therapies could help manage neoplastic patients. In this article, we will focus on the TRAIL-sensitizing effects of natural products and synthetic compounds in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which such agents enhance the response of CRC cells to TRAIL.
Thiadiazines, N,N-Heterocycles of Biological Relevance
Authors: Rodríguez Hortensia , Suárez Margarita , Albericio Fernando
Published: June 2012

The 3,5-disubstituted tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione scaffold has found many applications in recent years. This review is aimed at highlighting the most important aspects of these compounds: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and biological activities. How the chemical nature of N-substituents influences the overall activity and cytotoxicity profile will also be discussed.
Terpene Glycosides from the Roots of Sanguisorba officinalis L. and Their Hemostatic Activities
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Zi-Long , Liu Xin , Zhang Shuang , He Lu , Wang Zhe , Wang Guang-Shu
Published: June 2012

Guided by a hemostasis bioassay, seven terpene glycosides were isolated from the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis L. by silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC. On the grounds of chemical and spectroscopic methods, their structures were identified as citronellol-1-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), geraniol-1-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), geraniol-1-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-19α-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl)-oxy]-19α-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 28-β-d-glucopyranoside (ziyu-glycoside I, 5), 3β,19α-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) and 3β,19α-di-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 28-β-d-glucopyranoside (7). Compound 1 is a new mono-terpene glycoside and compounds 2, 3 and 5 were isolated from the Sanguisorba genus for the first time. Compounds 1–7 were assayed for their hemostatic activities with a Goat Anti-Human α2-plasmin inhibitor ELISA kit, and ziyu-glycoside I (5) showed the strongest hemostatic activity among the seven terpene glycosides. This is the first report that ziyu-glycoside Ι has strong hemostatic activity.
New Quinoxaline Derivatives as Potential MT1 and MT2 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Ancizu Saioa , Castrillo Nerea , Pérez-Silanes Silvia , Aldana Ignacio , Monge Antonio , Delagrange Philippe , Caignard Daniel-Henry , Galiano Silvia
Published: June 2012

Ever since the idea arose that melatonin might promote sleep and resynchronize circadian rhythms, many research groups have centered their efforts on obtaining new melatonin receptor ligands whose pharmacophores include an aliphatic chain of variable length united to an N-alkylamide and a methoxy group (or a bioisostere), linked to a central ring. Substitution of the indole ring found in melatonin with a naphthalene or quinoline ring leads to compounds of similar affinity. The next step in this structural approximation is to introduce a quinoxaline ring (a bioisostere of the quinoline and naphthalene rings) as the central nucleus of future melatoninergic ligands.
Recovery from Cycling Exercise: Effects of Carbohydrate and Protein Beverages
Authors: Goh Qingnian , Boop Christopher A. , Luden Nicholas D. , Smith Alexia G. , Womack Christopher J. , Saunders Michael J.
Published: June 2012

The effects of different carbohydrate-protein (CHO + Pro) beverages were compared during recovery from cycling exercise. Twelve male cyclists (VO2peak: 65 ± 7 mL/kg/min) completed ~1 h of high-intensity intervals (EX1). Immediately and 120 min following EX1, subjects consumed one of three calorically-similar beverages (285–300 kcal) in a cross-over design: carbohydrate-only (CHO; 75 g per beverage), high-carbohydrate/low-protein (HCLP; 45 g CHO, 25 g Pro, 0.5 g fat), or low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LCHP; 8 g CHO, 55 g Pro, 4 g fat). After 4 h of recovery, subjects performed subsequent exercise (EX2; 20 min at 70% VO2peak + 20 km time-trial). Beverages were also consumed following EX2. Blood glucose levels (30 min after beverage ingestion) differed across all treatments (CHO > HCLP > LCHP; p < 0.05), and serum insulin was higher following CHO and HCLP ingestion versus LCHP. Peak quadriceps force, serum creatine kinase, muscle soreness, and fatigue/energy ratings measured pre- and post-exercise were not different between treatments. EX2 performance was not significantly different between CHO (48.5 ± 1.5 min), HCLP (48.8 ± 2.1 min) and LCHP (50.3 ± 2.7 min). Beverages containing similar caloric content but different proportions of carbohydrate/protein provided similar effects on muscle recovery and subsequent exercise performance in well-trained cyclists.
Step Length Estimation Using Handheld Inertial Sensors
Authors: Renaudin Valérie , Susi Melania , Lachapelle Gérard
Published: June 2012

In this paper a novel step length model using a handheld Micro Electrical Mechanical System (MEMS) is presented. It combines the user’s step frequency and height with a set of three parameters for estimating step length. The model has been developed and trained using 12 different subjects: six men and six women. For reliable estimation of the step frequency with a handheld device, the frequency content of the handheld sensor’s signal is extracted by applying the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) independently from the step detection process. The relationship between step and hand frequencies is analyzed for different hand’s motions and sensor carrying modes. For this purpose, the frequency content of synchronized signals collected with two sensors placed in the hand and on the foot of a pedestrian has been extracted. Performance of the proposed step length model is assessed with several field tests involving 10 test subjects different from the above 12. The percentages of error over the travelled distance using universal parameters and a set of parameters calibrated for each subject are compared. The fitted solutions show an error between 2.5 and 5% of the travelled distance, which is comparable with that achieved by models proposed in the literature for body fixed sensors only.
Algicidal lactones from the marine Roseobacter clade bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi
Authors: Riclea Ramona , Gleitzmann Julia , Bruns Hilke , Junker Corina , Schulz Barbara , Dickschat Jeroen S
Published: June 2012

Volatiles released by the marine Roseobacter clade bacterium Rugeria pomeroyi were collected by use of a closed-loop stripping headspace apparatus (CLSA) and analysed by GC–MS. Several lactones were found for which structural proposals were derived from their mass spectra and unambiguously verified by the synthesis of reference compounds. An enantioselective synthesis of two exemplary lactones was performed to establish the enantiomeric compositions of the natural products by enantioselective GC–MS analyses. The lactones were subjected to biotests to investigate their activity against several bacteria, fungi, and algae. A specific algicidal activity was observed that may be important in the interaction between the bacteria and their algal hosts in fading algal blooms.
HOURLY CALCULATION METHOD OF BUILDING ENERGY DEMAND FOR SPACE HEATING AND COOLING BASED ON STEADY-STATE HEAT BALANCE EQUATIONS
Authors: Monstvilas Edmundas , Stankevicius Vytautas , Karbauskaitė Juratė , Burlingis Arunas , Banionis Karolis
Published: June 2012

Correct evaluation of solar heat gains through fenestration into the rooms has a great impact on energy demand calculations for buildings. This article presents an hourly energy demand calculation method for heating and cooling, which considers the fact that the solar radiation flow passed through the transparent fenestration into the rooms is not adequate to the thermal energy flow. This method considers that the thermal energy flow in the rooms transformed from solar thermal radiation depends on the short-wave thermal radiation absorption coefficient of internal surfaces of the rooms. The value of short-wave thermal radiation absorption coefficient forms a considerable impact on the flow of thermal energy gains in the room. The presented method differs from others on that score that it considers additionally physical lows, according to which the solar short-wave thermal radiation energy admitted into the room is converted into the thermal energy. This hourly method enables precise calculating the hourly mean of indoor temperature and energy demand for heating and cooling of the buildings during the day.
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS MODEL FOR DEVELOPER-PROPOSED HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Authors: Huh Young-Ki , Hwang Bon-Gang , Lee Joong-Seok
Published: June 2012

The current construction industry recession in the republic of Korea has caused many construction companies to promote their own housing development projects. However, developers are still proposing many housing projects. While many studies on feasibility analysis for housing projects have been released, the focus was on economic feasibility, and factors related to developers have not been identified clearly enough to be used in practice. A feasibility analysis model is developed for apartment development projects in Korea to help main contractors make sound decisions on projects proposed by developers. To establish the model, 31 driving factors behind projects’ success, in seven categories, were identified through several meetings with experts and surveys. Factors such as ‘developer’, ‘method of raising funds’ and ‘method of contract’, which were considered less important in previous studies, were included in the model. Criteria for each factor were also developed to assess the factors quantitatively. Then, each factor was assigned a weight by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process. ‘Salability’, ‘economic feasibility’, ‘site location’ and ‘method of raising funds’ have relatively high weights. Finally, based on a Monte Carlo simulation, a feasibility analysis model was established, providing a probability distribution of each project's grade. The model was applied to 12 housing projects constructed in Busan (seven successful projects and five abandoned projects) to verify its reliability. The application results showed that the model properly filtered projects that are unlikely to be profitable, indicating that it is reasonably reliable. Our model could thus be a useful tool for contractors, especially those with limited experience in analyzing project development feasibility.
POSSIBILITIES AND METHODS OF IN-FLIGHT LOADING MEASUREMENT
Authors: Jebáček Ivo , Horak Marek
Published: June 2012

This article provides information about in-flight measurement of a small sport aircraft. First strain gauges were installed in the wing structure and then calibration procedures were done. After the calculation of strain gauge coefficients, equations for calculating bending moments and other variables were established.

A data acquisition system was installed in the aircraft to measure responses from strain gauges and other variables such as speed, altitude, load factor, and temperature. Many flights were performed with the aircraft equipped this way, and after that the recorded data were analysed and those results were compared with the calculations and static strength tests performed before.
IN SEARCH OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODELS FOR COGNITIVE RADIO EVOLUTION
Authors: Fomin Vladislav V. , Medeišis Artūras , Vitkutė-Adžgauskienė Daiva
Published: June 2012

In this paper we examine the emerging industry of Cognitive Radio/Software Defined Radio (CR/SDR), a sector which in some ways seconds the industry structure of the cellular mobile communications, while bearing distinctive characteristics. Any radio telecommunications infrastructure depends on scarce resources – radio frequency spectrum – that require policy decisions for allocation to specific countries and services. CR/SDR may constitute a new paradigm in radio communications as it may completely or partially eliminate the role of the regulator in minutiae of spectrum access authorization. In this paper, we review scarce literature on CR/SDR to analyze the relationships between political, technological and economic factors in order to identify drivers and barriers to the emergence of new techno-economic paradigm of CR/SDR. Our discussion of business opportunities for CR/SDR includes analysis of applicable spectrum access policies and identification of those of them, which would be most fertile for the development of future CR/SDR business.
AN OBJECTIVE MULTI-CRITERIA APPROACH TO OPTIMIZATION USING MOORA METHOD AND INTERVAL GREY NUMBERS
Authors: Stanujkic Dragisa , Magdalinovic Nedeljko , Jovanovic Rodoljub , Stojanovic Sanja
Published: June 2012

Many real-world problems are complex and/or related to the manifestation of some form of uncertainty and/or prediction. Therefore the use of extended MCDM methods is more appropriate than the use of the other classic decision making methods. These methods are improved by the use of a form of fuzzy or interval grey numbers. In the field of operational research, during the previous period, numerous MCDM methods were formed, but one newly proposed, the MOORA method, is very specific and yet has no extension. Therefore, in this paper we combine concept of interval grey numbers and MOORA method in order to propose extended MOORA method which will be more appropriate to solve many complex real-world problems.
IMPROVED AHP-GROUP DECISION MAKING FOR INVESTMENT STRATEGY SELECTION
Authors: Wu Wenshuai , Kou Gang , Peng Yi , Ergu Daji
Published: June 2012

Investment strategy selection relies heavily on personal experience and behavior. This paper proposes an improved Analytical Hierarchy Process-group decision making (IAHP-GDM) model to reduce investment risk. This model applies the method of least squares to adjust group decision matrix in order to satisfy the property of positive reciprocal matrix in AHP. In addition, five experts from related fields are invited to evaluate investment risk that takes group wisdom to eliminate personal bias. An empirical study is conducted to compare the proposed model to AHP for group decision making model. The results show that the IAHP-GDM model is not only accurate and effective, but also consistent with realistic investment environment.
Exploring the meaning of trauma in the South African Police Service: A systems psychodynamic perspective
Authors: Young Marna , Koortzen Pieter , Oosthuizen Rudolf M.
Published: June 2012

Orientation: This study explores individual stories of trauma and their dissonance with the official, dominant discourse on trauma in the South African Police Service (SAPS) from a systems psychodynamic perspective.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was, firstly, to explore how trauma experienced by South African Police Service members is constructed or ‘talked about’ and made sense of. Questions and issues that are considered relevant to the primary purpose are: which aspects of the working environment do members consider to be the most stressful, traumatic and difficult to cope with, and what is the effect of the change and transition processes on members’ working experiences?Motivation for the study: The authors set out to explore the role of systems psychodynamics in the experience of trauma and stress in the SAPS.Research design, approach and method: Through this qualitative, explorative, social phenomenological study, contributing circumstances and processes are included as additional discourses in an attempt to deepen understanding. The epistemology viewpoint of the study is found in the social constructionism and the data comprise 15 essays by members of the SAPS, all of which have been analysed from the perspective of systems psychodynamics.Main findings: Although the effect of trauma on police officers can never be negated, the way in which they deal with trauma seems to be different from what was initially believed. Further, their experience of stress is not solely the result of traumatic experiences but rather the result of traumatic experiences and systems psychodynamics operating within their organisation – which includes both organisational stressors or dynamics and transformation dynamics.Practical/managerial implications: The history of psychological trauma indicates that constructions of traumatic stress are strongly related to cultural, social and political circumstances. Current psychoanalytic thinking emphasises the meaning of the real occurrence, which causes trauma by changing the person’s experience of the self in relation to self-objects. Practical implications are the loss of the supportive subculture of the police, the loss of masculinity, as well as the loss of the power to be competent and meaningful. Furthermore, feelings of being overwhelmed, powerless and helpless generate anxiety and may have a significant impact on officers’ self-esteem and impede their feelings of omnipotence and invulnerability, which are necessary to cope in the policing environment.Contribution/value-add: The current study found various traumatic and systemspsychodynamic factors and processes to be anxiety-provoking as a result of exposure to trauma. Without a supportive social group the anxiety becomes uncontained and unmanageable.
Using a SWOT Analysis to Inform Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Strategies for a Remote First Nations Community in Canada
Authors: Skinner Kelly , Hanning Rhona M. , Sutherland Celine , Edwards-Wheesk Ruby , Tsuji Leonard J. S.
Published: June 2012

Purpose.

To plan community-driven health promotion strategies based on a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the healthy eating and physical activity patterns of First Nation (FN) youth.

Design.

Cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative data used to develop SWOT themes and strategies.

Setting.

Remote, subarctic FN community of Fort Albany, Ontario, Canada.

Subjects.

Adult (n = 25) and youth (n = 66, grades 6–11) community members.

Measures.

Qualitative data were collected using five focus groups with adults (two focus groups) and youth (three focus groups), seven individual interviews with adults, and an environmental scan of 13 direct observations of events/locations (e.g., the grocery store). Quantitative data on food/physical activity behaviors were collected using a validated Web-based survey with youth.

Analysis.

Themes were identified from qualitative and quantitative data and were analyzed and interpreted within a SWOT matrix.

Results.

Thirty-two SWOT themes were identified (e.g., accessibility of existing facilities, such as the gymnasium). The SWOT analysis showed how these themes could be combined and transformed into 12 strategies (e.g., expanding and enhancing the school snack/breakfast program) while integrating suggestions from the community.

Conclusion.

SWOT analysis was a beneficial tool that facilitated the combination of local data and community ideas in the development of targeted health promotion strategies for the FN community of Fort Albany.
A Prospective Examination of the Relationship between Physical Activity and Dementia Risk in Later Life
Authors: Bowen Mary Elizabeth
Published: June 2012

Purpose.

To examine the relationship between vigorous physical activity and dementia risk.

Design.

Prospective study design utilizing physical activity data from the Health and Retirement Study and cognitive outcome data from the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study.

Setting.

Community-based.

Subjects.

Adults age 71 and over (N = 808) with 3 to 7 years of physical activity information prior to dementia/no dementia diagnosis.

Measures.

Physical activity was measured by participation in vigorous activities such as aerobics, sports, running, bicycling, and heavy housework three or more times per week (yes/no). Dementia diagnosis was based on an expert panel (e.g., neuropsychologists, neurologists, geropsychiatrists) who performed and reviewed a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Analysis.

Binary logistic regression models were used to account for demographic characteristics, genetic risk factors (one or two apolipoprotein E ε4 alleles), health behaviors (e.g., smoking, drinking alcohol), health indicators (body mass index), and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) in a sequential model-building process.

Results.

The relationship between vigorous physical activity and dementia risk remained robust across models. In the final model, older adults who were physically active were 21% (p ≤ .05) less likely than their counterparts to be diagnosed with dementia.

Conclusion.

Vigorous physical activity may reduce the risk for dementia independently of the factors examined here. This study's findings are important given that few preventative strategies for dementia have been explored beyond hormonal therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Radiance fluctuations induced by surface waves can enhance the appearance of underwater objects
Authors: Sabbah Shai , Gray Suzanne M. , Hawryshyn Craig W.
Published: June 2012

To examine the effect of wave‐induced light fluctuations on the appearance of objects to fish, we recorded the spatial and temporal fluctuations of light reflected from a diffusely reflecting target that served as a simplified proxy for the body of a fish, and of light from the water background that a fish might be viewed against. Measurements were repeated at diverse depths, viewing azimuths, distances to the substrate, and sun conditions. Two conditions that are necessary for wave‐induced light fluctuations to make objects more apparent to fish were satisfied. The contrast of light fluctuations reflected from either the object or water background was higher than the minimum contrast value that is detected by fish, or, alternatively, the contrast of light fluctuations reflected from both the object and water background was higher than the minimum contrast value detected by fish, but differed from one another. Furthermore, the frequency range where most of the power of wave‐induced radiance fluctuations matched the frequency range of maximum contrast sensitivity in fish. Thus, light stimuli having spatial and temporal characteristics similar to those of wave‐induced light fluctuations may make objects more apparent to fish. We suggest that the frequency characteristics of the visual systems of fish were likely shaped by wave‐induced light fluctuations in aquatic ecosystems.
Choking under Pressure: Degrading Flashforwards Related to Performance Anxiety
Authors: Engelhard Iris M. , Sijbrandij Marit , van den Hout Marcel A. , Rutherford Natalie M. , Rahim Haza F. , Kocak Fatma
Published: June 2012

Intrusive vivid images of future catastrophe (“flashforwards”) are important in social fears, like performance anxiety. Previous studies in healthy volunteers found that eye movements reduce vividness and emotionality of negative mental images of past events and future–oriented events. This study tested whether eye movements reduce image vividness and emotionality in students with performance anxiety. Participants (N = 29) imagined two feared future events related to performance anxiety during six 24 s blocks per image: one image was accompanied by eye movements, the other was not. Image vividness and emotionality were assessed before and after these blocks. Relative to the eyes stationary condition, eye movements resulted in a significant decrease in image vividness, and a trend was observed for reduced emotionality. The findings add to earlier experimental findings on the benefits of dual-tasks during mental imagery, and suggest that eye movements and related procedures may be helpful in the treatment of performance anxiety.