bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRIVATISATION AND EFFICIENCY IN THE UK WATER INDUSTRY: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS*
Authors: Hunt Lester C. , Lynk Edward L.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTS

The post‐privatisation structure of the UK water industry involves the separation of environmental services from other outputs previously produced under an integrated system by the publicly‐owned water authorities. This paper examines the extent to which the integrated authorities benefitted from joint production. Estimating a dynamic multi‐product cost function from pooled cross‐section, time‐series quality adjusted data drawn from the accounts of the water authorities for the period 1979/80–1987/88, prior to privatisation, significant elements of joint production are found. Divestiture of the industry, arguably justified on other criteria, implies the loss of substantial areas of cost complimentary.
GRANT EQUIVALENT EXPENDITURE ON INDUSTRIAL SUBSIDIES IN THE POST‐WAR UNITED KINGDOM
Authors: Wren Colin
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

The paper constructs a consistent series for UK central government expenditure on industrial subsidies over the post‐war period, valuing incentives in grant equivalent terms from the position of a firm undertaking investment appraisal. The analysis includes direct subsidy payments, as well as tax allowances, and provides a disaggregation between those subsidies available on a national, regional and sectoral or firm specific basis. A time‐series analysis of the assembled data shows important differences between these components, with regional assistance performing a long‐run distributive role, while other elements perform a stabilisation function. The short‐run patterns are broadly constant across governments, but the long‐run relationships exhibit structural breaks related to both political and economic events.
AVERAGE EARNINGS, MINIMUM WAGES AND GRANGER‐CAUSALITY IN AGRICULTURE IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Authors: Tiffin Richard , Dawson P. J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract

The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) for England and Wales sets minimum wages, hours and overtime rates. Post‐war average earnings have always exceeded minimum wages. This paper examines the relationship between average earnings and minimum wages from 1948–1993 for regular whole‐time males using cointegration analysis. The results imply the existence of such a relationship, and that earnings Granger‐cause minimum wages. The AWB therefore has been reactive having had no impact on average earnings.
MULTI‐STEP ESTIMATION FOR FORECASTING
Authors: Clements Michael P. , Hendry David F.
Published: July 2010

We delineate conditions which favour multi‐step, or dynamic, estimation for multi‐step forecasting. An analytical example shows how dynamic estimation (DE) may accommodate incorrectly‐specified models as the forecast lead alters, improving forecast performance for some misspecifications. However, in correctly‐specified models, reducing finite‐sample biases does not justify DE. In a Monte Carlo forecasting study for integrated processes, estimating a unit root in the presence of a neglected negative moving‐average error may favour DE, though other solutions exist to that scenario. A second Monte Carlo study obtains the estimator biases and explains these using asymptotic approximations.
Testing for Multicointegration in Panel Data with Common Factors*
Authors: Berenguer‐Rico Vanessa , Carrion‐i‐Silvestre Josep Lluís
Published: July 2010

This paper addresses the concept of multicointegration in a panel data framework and builds upon the panel data cointegration procedures developed in Pedroni [Econometric Theory (2004), Vol. 20, pp. 597–625]. When individuals are either cross‐section independent, or cross‐section dependence can be removed by cross‐section demeaning, our approach can be applied to the wider framework of mixed I(2) and I(1) stochastic processes. The paper also deals with the issue of cross‐section dependence using approximate common‐factor models. Finite sample performance is investigated through Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, we illustrate the use of the procedure investigating an inventories, sales and production relationship for a panel of US industries.
Testing for a Change in Persistence in the Presence of a Volatility Shift*
Authors: Cavaliere Giuseppe , Robert Taylor A. M.
Published: July 2010

We consider the impact of a break in the innovation volatility process on ratio‐based persistence change tests. We demonstrate that the ratio statistics used do not have pivotal limiting null distributions and that the associated tests display a considerable degree of size distortion with size approaching unity in some cases. In practice, therefore, on the basis of these tests the practitioner will face difficulty in discriminating between persistence change processes and processes which display a simple volatility break. A wild bootstrap‐based solution to the identified inference problem is proposed and is shown to work well in practice.
Simulation‐based Finite Sample Linearity Test against Smooth Transition Models*
Authors: González Andrés , Teräsvirta Timo
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we use Monte Carlo (MC) testing techniques for testing linearity against smooth transition models. The MC approach allows us to introduce a new test that differs in two respects from the tests existing in the literature. First, the test is exact in the sense that the probability of rejecting the null when it is true is always less than or equal to the nominal size of the test. Secondly, the test is not based on an auxiliary regression obtained by replacing the model under the alternative by approximations based on a Taylor expansion. We also apply MC testing methods for size correcting the test proposed by Luukkonen, Saikkonen and Teräsvirta (Biometrika, Vol. 75, 1988, p. 491). The results show that the power loss implied by the auxiliary regression‐based test is non‐existent compared with a supremum‐based test but is more substantial when compared with the three other tests under consideration.
Fabrication of a Composite Varistor with Electrical Conductive Ni Filler and Electrostriction PNZST Matrix
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Tsuruzawa Daisaku , Hirashita Tsunehisa , Adachi Nobuyasu , Ota Toshitaka
Published: July 2010

A composite varistor was fabricated using Ni powder as conductive filler and PNZST antiferroelectric powder as electrostriction matrix. The composite is an electrical insulating material when an electrical field is not applied. When the electrical field was applied to the composite, the PNZST powder matrix was distorted. A conduction path was formed in the composite because of the distortion of the electrostriction matrix and thus the composite became a conductive material when the electrical field was applied. Composites using an Ni filler with 4‐μm particle size and a PNZST matrix with 2‐μm particle size showed a varistor property with volume fractions 33% and 37%; the nonlinearity coefficients of the composites were 3.85 and 3.82. The composites using an Ni filler with 40‐μm particle size and a PNZST matrix with 2‐μm particle size also showed varistor properties with volume fractions 50% and 53%, and nonlinearity coefficients of the composites were 3.65 and 3.12.
Luminescent Properties of Ba2(Mg, Zn)Si2O7:Eu2+ Particles as Potential Blue–Green Phosphors For Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yao Shanshan , Li Yuanyuan , Xue Lihong , Yan Youwei
Published: July 2010

Ba2−xMg1−yZnySi2O7:Eux2+ blue–green phosphor particles were prepared by combustion‐assisted synthesis method as the fluorescent material for ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs), performing as a light source. The luminescent properties were investigated by changing the postannealing temperature, the concentration of the activator, and the ratio of Zn to Mg. The crystallinity and luminescence were investigated by using an X‐ray diffractometer and a luminescence spectrometer. The pure monoclinic Ba2MgSi2O7 and Ba2ZnSi2O7 phases were formed when the posttreatment temperature was 1000°C. It was found that the introduction of Zn2+ into Ba2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ effectively increased its emission. The emission spectra presented an emission position red shift of up to 5 nm from Ba2Mg Si2O7:Eu2+ to Ba2ZnSi2O7:Eu2+, which is correlated with the effect of Zn2+ substituting for Mg2+ sites. The excitation spectrum of Ba2ZnSi2O7:Eu2+ was a broad‐band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of UV‐LEDs.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Locations of La Ions in La–Si–O–N Intergranular Films in Silicon Nitride
Authors: Jiang Yun , Garofalini Stephen H.
Published: July 2010

Molecular dynamics computer simulations were used to determine the locations and energies of La ions in silicate intergranular films (IGFs) between basal and prism‐oriented silicon nitride crystals as a function of composition. La segregation to the interfaces occurs at each surface with no nitrogen present in the IGF, but segregates preferentially to the prism surface with nitrogen in the IGF. La adsorption onto the prism surface occurs in the simulations at the two sites observed previously in studies using high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The binding energies of La at the two sites differ with no nitrogen in the IGF, and both are more strongly bonded than for La in the interior of the IGF. However, with nitrogen in the IGF, the binding energies are less different between the two prism surface sites and the interior of the IGF, indicating a decreased driving force for segregation. The simulations provide evidence justifying the preferential segregation of La ions to the prism surface and also indicate that a variation in the local composition would cause some IGFs to show segregation of all La to the interface, leaving little La within the glassy IGF, while other IGFs may show more La remaining in the glassy IGF.
The Properties of BaSn0.15Ti0.85O3 Thin Film Prepared by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering from Powder Target
Authors: Zhu Guisheng , Yang Zupei , Yang Huijuan , Xu Huarui , Yu Aibing
Published: July 2010

The properties of BaSn0.15Ti0.85O3 (BST) thin film with the thickness of 300 nm deposited from powder target using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique is demonstrated. The deposition rate of BST film is estimated to be 40 nm/min, which is fast for ferroelectric materials. The dielectric constant of the film decreases from 10 kHz to 1 MHz with the increasing frequency, but the dielectric loss remains small (<0.02) during frequency variety. The dielectric tunability high, which is up to 59.3%, is achieved at a low voltage of 5 V. The results demonstrate that the RF magnetron sputtering from powder target is a versatile, novel technique for the deposition of high‐quality ferroelectric thin films.
Ferroelectric, Ferromagnetic, and Magnetoelectric Characteristics of 0.9(0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3)–0.1CoFe2O4 Ceramic Composite
Authors: Liu Xiao‐hui , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiao‐yong , Dai Zhong‐hua , Yao Xi
Published: July 2010

A 0.9(0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3–0.3 wt% MnO2)–0.1CoFe2O4 (BF–BT–CF) multiferroic ceramic composite was prepared and characterized. The composite showed well‐saturated polarization–electric field and magnetic hysteresis loops simultaneously at room temperature, with a remanent polarization of 15.7 μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 27 kV/cm. Spontaneous and remanent magnetizations of the BF–BT–CF composite were 6.7 and 0.87 emu/g, respectively. Its magnetoelectric voltage coefficient dE/dH was measured as a function of applied magnetic field at different frequencies. This ceramic composite might be a promising candidate as multiferroic materials displaying ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and magnetoelectricity.
Development of Low‐Thermal‐Expansion Silicon Carbide/Zirconium Tungstate Porous Ceramics
Authors: Poowancum Anurat , Matsumaru Koji , Ishizaki Kozo
Published: July 2010

Low‐thermal‐expansion porous ceramics are required for numerous applications. This work develops low‐thermal‐expansion porous ceramics by using SiC and ZrW2O8 as positive and negative thermal expansion materials, respectively, bonded by a glassy material. The mixture of SiC, ZrW2O8, and glassy material was sintered by the conventional method or pulsed electric current sintering (PECS, or sometimes called spark plasma sintering) at 850°C. In samples sintered by PECS with ZrW2O8, particle size 20–45 μm or 45–90 μm can preserve ZrW2O8 during the sintering process and have a low thermal expansion coefficient. Samples sintered by the conventional method have a high thermal expansion coefficient because ZrW2O8 decomposes to ZrO2 and WO3 at the sintering temperature.
Nanocrystalline TiO2 Thin Films Fabricated Via a Polyelectrolyte Multilayer‐Assisted Sol–Gel Reaction
Authors: Logar Manca , Jančar Boštjan , Suvorov Danilo
Published: July 2010

Nanostructured anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were fabricated with an in situ, sol–gel process in a self‐assembled, polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) template. Because the PEM template is formed by the sequential adsorption of appositively charged, weak polyelectrolytes, polyacrylic acid, and polyallylamine, it contains nonionized carboxylic groups that are able to react with the inorganic precursor, resulting in the formation of an inorganic–organic hybrid network. After annealing, nanocrystalline TiO2 films with a controlled surface morphology, crystallite size, and a thickness on the nanometer scale were obtained. The average TiO2 crystallite size was approximately 10 nm. The surface morphology and the roughness of the nanocrystalline films were evaluated by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. UV‐vis spectroscopy was used to establish the optical parameters of the nanocrystalline TiO2 films. The as‐fabricated, nanostructured TiO2 films showed high absorption in the UV region and the controlled transmission of visible light.
Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Thick Films Derived from Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Modified Chemical Solution
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Ren Wei , Yao Kui , Goh Phoi Chin , Shi Peng , Wu Xiaoqing , Yao Xi
Published: July 2010

Lead‐free ferroelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) thick films with improved performances have been successfully prepared by polyvinylpyrrolidone‐modified chemical solution deposition method. The KNN thick films were obtained by pyrolyzing at different temperatures and annealing at 600°C. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on structures and electrical properties of KNN thick films is studied. The crystallinity of KNN films decreased with the increasing of the pyrolysis temperature, and the porous morphology is observed in the KNN films pyrolyzed at 480°C. However, the film pyrolyzed at 330°C is dense. With the analysis of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for K ions, it was found that a low pyrolysis temperature favors the formation of perovskite KNN phase. Therefore, the electrical properties of the KNN films became improved at the low pyrolysis temperature. The KNN film pyrolyzed at 330°C and annealed at 600°C exhibits the large dielectric constant of 685 and low dielectric loss of 6.95%. The film also shows the saturated and symmetric polarization–electric field (P–E) loops with remnant polarization of 12 μC/cm2 and piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 56 pm/V.
Effects of pea aphid secondary endosymbionts on aphid resistance and development of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi: a correlative study
Authors: Nyabuga Franklin N. , Outreman Yannick , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Heckel David G. , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: July 2010

In order to reduce parasite‐induced mortality, hosts may be involved in mutualistic interactions in which the partner contributes to resistance against the parasite. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae), harbours secondary bacterial endosymbionts, some of which have been reported to confer resistance against aphid parasitoids. Although this resistance often results in death of the developing parasitoid larvae, some parasitoid individuals succeed in developing into adults. Whether these individuals suffer from fitness reduction compared to parasitoids developing in pea aphid clones without symbionts has not been tested so far. Using 30 pea aphid clones that differed in their endosymbiont complement, we studied the effects of these endosymbionts on aphid resistance against the parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae), host–parasitoid physiological interactions, and fitness of emerging adult parasitoids. The number of symbiont species in an aphid clone was positively correlated with a number of resistance measurements but there were also clear symbiont‐specific effects on the host–parasitoid interaction. As in previous studies, pea aphid clones infected with Hamiltonella defensa Moran et al. showed resistance against the parasitoid. In addition, pea aphid clones infected with Regiella insecticola Moran et al. and co‐infections of H. defensa–Spiroplasma, R. insecticola–Spiroplasma, and R. insecticola–H. defensa showed reduced levels of parasitism and mummification. Parasitoids emerging from symbiont‐infected aphid clones often had a longer developmental time and reduced mass. The number of teratocytes was generally lower when parasitoids oviposited in aphid clones with a symbiont complement. Interestingly, unparasitized aphids infected with Serratia symbiotica Moran et al. and R. insecticola had a higher fecundity than unparasitized aphids of uninfected pea aphid clones. We conclude that in addition to conferring resistance, pea aphid symbionts also negatively affect parasitoids that successfully hatch from aphid mummies. Because of the link between aphid resistance and the number of teratocytes, the mechanism underlying resistance by symbiont infection may involve interference with teratocyte development.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells: an overview of their presence and distribution in different inflammatory skin diseases, with special emphasis on Jessner's lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin and cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tomasini Dario , Mentzel Thomas , Hantschke Markus , Cerri Amilcare , Paredes Bruno , Rütten Arno , Schärer Leo , Kutzner Heinz
Published: July 2010

Background: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) play a pivotal role in the induction of autoimmune diseases and other skin diseases. The present study focuses on the distribution patterns of PDC in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltrate (LI) of the skin and compares them with other skin diseases. The goal was to scrutinize the involvement of PDC in LI, and to show that PDC present a specific pattern of distribution in various cutaneous disorders.

Methods: 353 skin biopsies of LE (various subtypes), LI, and other inflammatory skin diseases as well as two halo melanocytic nevi and 10 epithelial tumors were immunohistochemically investigated for the presence of PDC by employing antibodies against CD123 and CD2AP.

Results: PDC were constantly detected as distinct perivascular and periadnexal clusters in LE and LI. In other forms of dermatitis, PDC could be found as single cells or scattered throughout the infiltrate or beneath the epidermis.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that the distribution of PDC in tumid LE and LI is identical, and this observation suggests that both designations signify one disease. The distinct PDC arrangement in LE represents as useful diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis with other forms of dermatitis.

Tomasini D, Mentzel T, Hantschke M, Cerri A, Paredes B, Rütten A, Schärer L, Kutzner H. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells: an overview of their presence and distribution in different inflammatory skin diseases, with special emphasis on Jessner's lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
Maximal oxygen uptake as a predictor of performance ability in women and men elite cross‐country skiers
Authors: Ingjer F.
Published: July 2010

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) was measured in 51 females and males classified as either world‐class, medium‐class or less successful elite skiers. The V̇O2max in the male world‐class skiers was significantly higher (mean 85.6 ml·kg−1·min−1 or 355 ml·min−1 kg−23) than in the other elite skiers. World‐class and medium‐class female skiers had identical mean V̇O2max expressed in ml·kg−1·min−1 (70.7 and 70.6, respectively), but the values differed significantly when the unit ml·min−1kg−2/3 was used (274 and 264, respectively). V̇O2max expressed as ml·min−1·kg−2/3 reflects differences in performance capability among elite skiers better than the unit ml·kg−1·min−1.
The influence of attributional style on the soccer‐related self‐esteem and persistence in soccer of young boys
Authors: Ommundsen Y. , Vaglum P.
Published: July 2010

This study explored the influence of attributional style for soccer failure on self‐esteem and persistence in soccer and the interactional effect of perceived importance of soccer competence on these relationships. A representative sample of 223 12‐ to 16‐year‐old boys who played soccer in the organized league in Oslo in 1983 were studied. Internal and stable attributions for failure in soccer were individually predictive of low soccer‐related self‐esteem. In addition, there were significant interaction effects of internal and stable attributions for failure in soccer and high perceived importance of soccer competence on low soccer‐related self‐esteem and on increased dropout from soccer. Earlier research has shown that attributional style can be altered, and self‐evaluation possitively influenced by attribution retraining. Young soccer players with low soccer‐related self‐esteem and, in particular, those who also highly value their soccer abilities, may be a potential target group for attribution retraining.
Effect of various antihypertensive drugs on the physical performance of a healthy person
Authors: Bengtsson C.
Published: July 2010

Physical perfomance was studied uniformly after intake of different antihypertensive drugs, and a comparison was made with placebo. The time needed to run 5000 m was studied in a nonhypertensive subject. In one of the different study periods, heart rate was continuously recorded during and after exercise. Physical perfomance was significantly reduced when a β‐blocker was taken. The effect on physical capacity was strongly dose‐dependent. With a high but conventional dose of a β‐blocker, the time needed to run 5000 m was increased by more than 33%. No differences were observed between types of β‐blockers. Physical capacity was slightly but significantly impaired when an α‐blocker was taken; no differences in physical capacity between the drugs used and placebo were observed for a diuretic, a calcium antagonist or an inhibitor of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme. The reduced physical perfomance seems to be caused by a reduction of the maximal heart rate as a result of the β‐blockade. Thus, heart rate did not exceed 120 beats/min when the subject ran at maximal long‐distance speed after intake of 100 mg of metoprolol, as recorded by continuous heart rate registration.
Physiological effects of walking and cycling to work
Authors: Oja P. , Mänttäri A. , Heinonen A. , Kukkonen‐Harjula K. , Laukkanen R. , Pasanen M. , Vuori I.
Published: July 2010

Sixty‐eight previously sedentary volunteers (38 men and 30 women) were randomly divided into active and control groups and subjected to a 10‐week programme of walking or cycling while commuting to and from work. The active commuters and the controls complied with the programme on 75–78% and 92% of the workdays, respectively. The mean walking distance was 3.5 km and that of cycling 10 km. Cardiorespiratory strain of approximately 50% of maximal oxygen uptake V̇O2max in walking and 60% of V̇O2max in cycling was observed. Statistically consistent improvements caused by active commuting were seen in cardiorespiratory responses to both maximal and submaximal work and in metabolic response to submaximal work. Cycling was more effective than walking. These findings indicate that low‐intensity walking and cycling to and from work improved cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness.
The socioeconomic consequences of sports injuries in Randers, Denmark
Authors: Lindblad B. E. , Høy K. , Terkelsen C. J. , Helleland H. E. , Terkelsen C. J.
Published: July 2010

Prospective epidemiologic data on all sports injuries were collected in a casualty ward for 1 year in a well defined geographical area with 124,321 inhabitants. A total of 1839 sports injuries were registered; 1535 (83%) of those injured completed questionnaires covering the sports, economic and social consequences of the sports injury. The incidence of sports injury was 61 per 1000 active sports players per year and 15 per 1000 inhabitants in the catchment population per year. The injuries resulted in an average sick leave from work of 3 d and 4 weeks out of competition and training; 16% had chronic health problems 2 years after injury and, unexpectedly, as many as 7% stopped participating in sports. The total net loss of income was DKK 147,900 (USD 23,000), an average of DKK 1781 (USD 270) for each person who had a financial loss. Abbreviated Injury Scale scores, hospitalization rates and inpatient time were correlated.
Skiing injuries among Danes in Austria
Authors: Sylvest A. , Lund N. A. , Lauritzen J. B. , Hegnhøj J.
Published: July 2010

During the winter of 1986–1987, 1123 skiing injuries among 66,298 Danes in the Austrian Alps were treated by a physician. The male‐female ratio was 1.0. The incidence of skiing injuries was 2.5 per 1000 skiers per day; 0.3% of the skiers (84 women and 98 men) suffered a fracture. Significantly more women suffered knee distorsions and ligament injuries than men. In contrast, men suffered more luxations and distorsion of the shoulder, head contusions and tibial fractures than women. Lesions of the thumb were equally distributed between women and men. Preventive efforts should be addressed to the knee, ankle and thumb.
Arthroscopy of the knee in children and adolescents
Authors: Bak K. , Wilbek H.
Published: July 2010

A retrospective review was done of 69 children and adolescents (7‐17 years old) who underwent 75 arthroscopies of the knee during a 5‐year period. Girls were overrepresented (71%). Thirty‐eight were children under the age of 16. Of 46 injuries, 34 (74%) happened during sports. Children and adolescents were divided into two age groups based on their presumed state of skeletal maturity (boys 9–15 and girls 7–14 in group I and boys 16–17 and girls 15–17 in group II); meniscal lesions were equally common in the two groups, whereas anterior cruciate ligament tears were more common in older children (NS). Eleven of 17 (65%) anterior cruciate ligament lesions were combined with other intra‐articular pathology, most often meniscal tears (9/11). As in other studies, half of the prearthroscopic diagnoses were incorrect. A high frequency of incorrect prearthroscopic diagnoses and of combined lesions justifies arthroscopy as an important diagnostic tool in children and adolescents with a history of twisting knee injury or chronic nonspecific knee problems. Girls practising ball games seem to be especially prone to knee injuries leading to arthroscopy.
Crisis and grace: soccer in Denmark
Authors: Eichberg H.
Published: July 2010

What is Danish in Danish football? The question marks a new horizon in the sociology of identity in an era of internationalization and Europeanization. But it also challenges us to find new methods of analyzing cultural particularity and societal relativity in body culture. Starting from differentiations between roligan (peaceful fan) vs hooligan and dyst (jousting) vs sport, the study proceeds from the class body over the configurations of space, time and product towards gender aspects and the culture of laughter, ending at the level of “frying”, mystique and grace, at the phenomenological limits of what can be sociologically rationalized in body experience and body practice. But it is not least from this level (or this intermediary space) that the questions concerning identity in movement culture arise.
Tendon elongation and muscle function after repair of Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Wredmark T. , Carlstedt C. A.
Published: July 2010

Thirty‐four recreational atlethes with a mean age of 40 years were operated for a fresh subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon with an approximating suture of the tendon in combination with 8 weeks in an equinus below‐knee plaster. The elongation of the tendon during the rehabilitation was measured radiographically with implanted steel‐wire indicators. The residual muscle function and the range of motion were recorded 1 year after the operation in 30 of the patients. There was no change in the passive range of motion and no elongation of the tendon during the primary healing period. The muscle function, measured with a special dynamic step test, was significantly impaired compared with the healthy side. Although the function was reduced in 17% of the patients, there was no subjective discomfort.
Effect of leg extension training on concentric and eccentric strength of quadriceps femoris muscles
Authors: Kawakami Y. , Hirano Y. , Miyashlta M. , Fukunaga T.
Published: July 2010

Ten healthy male subjects carried out bilateral concentric leg extension training twice a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the training, maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic strength and cross‐sectional areas of the quadriceps femoris were measured. Maximal bilateral leg extension power increased significantly after the training. Isometric and concentric unilateral strength did not change significantly before and after the training, while eccentric strength at 0.52 and 1.05 rad·s−1 increased after the training with no changes in cross‐sectional area. The correlations between strength and cross‐sectional area increased significantly after the training. It was speculated that the increase in eccentric strength of knee extensors was due to modification of the neural inhibition during eccentric muscle actions.
Epidemiology and traumatology of injuries in track athletes
Authors: Jakobsen B. W. , Nielsen A. B. , Yde J. , Krøner K. , Møller‐Madsen B. , Jensen J.
Published: July 2010

During one year 4398 injured athletes were treated at the casualty wards of Aarhus, Denmark; 156 were practicing track and field disciplines. In the same period 54 track athletes of a Danish sport club were followed in order to register any lesion incurred during sports activity. Thirty‐one athletes (57%) had 35 injuries, giving an injury incidence of 1.8 per 1000 hours of practice. At follow‐up after 1 year, 13% of all athletes still had complaints, and none of them had returned to former sports activity. Jumpers had overuse symptoms correlated to take‐off, and sprains or fractures related to downstrokes. Runners had a higher risk of overuse injuries than jumpers, especially involving the Achilles tendon and the plantar aponeurosis. Young athletes had a higher injury incidence per time than older participants; and women had higher injury risk than men.
Soccer injuries among youth
Authors: Andreasen I. , Faunø P. , Lund B. , Lemche P. , Knudsen H.
Published: July 2010

This study reports the quantitative and qualitative aspects of sports injuries in a 5‐day youth soccer tournament with 12,907 players. A total of 132 injuries that resulted in at least one days' absence from soccer playing were of special interest. The overall injury rate was 3.6 for boys and 4.4 injuries per 1000 hours of play for girls. Statistically significantly higher injury rates between players in puberty and differences in type and location of injuries between boys and girls were found. In 77% of the cases, the injury happened while the injured player was in physical contact with another player, 59% had ball contact and 7% had no contact with any person or ball at all. Five months later a questionnaire was send out to the serious injured players. Of 85 injured players, 10 were absent from school or work on average 11.5 days. Five had surgery. Injury prophylaxis in soccer tournaments is proposed.
Mood improvements following exercise and quiet rest in bulimic women
Authors: Glazer A. R. , O'Connor P. J.
Published: July 2010

The purposes of this investigation were to assess selected mood state responses to a single session of both aerobic exercise and a quiet rest condition in bulimic women and to determine their physical activity and fitness levels. Nine outpatients who met DSM‐III‐R criteria for bulimia nervosa and 9 age‐, weight and gender‐matched non‐bulimic controls were studied. Self‐reports of physical activity and objective measures of physical fitness, including V̇o2 peak, maximal treadmill time, and resting heart rate, were obtained. Bulimics had an above‐average level of physical fitness (V̇o2 peak = 46.5 ± 9.3 ml·kg−1·min−1) that did not differ significantly from the controls. Subjects completed 2 randomly assigned, counterbalanced sessions involving 20 min of submaximal walking at 70% of peak V̇o2 and on a separate day sitting quietly for 20 min. Fifteen minutes before and 10 and 20 min following both conditions, heart rate, blood pressure and mood state were measured. The bulimics exhibited significant reductions in anxiety, depression and systolic blood pressure following both the submaximal exercise and quiet rest conditions. The bulimic women experienced improvements in mood in association with vigorous walking exercise that were equal in magnitude to those occurring with quiet rest and had levels of physical fitness that were above average, but clearly did not engage in excessive exercise. The findings suggest that both acute exercise and quiet rest have transient psychological benefits for bulimic women.
The path to the national level in sports in Sweden
Authors: Carlson R.
Published: July 2010

Many Swedes are very successful in sport during their early teens. Some also reach the national level later in life. How can their success be explained? A group of national team members in 7 sports was compared with a group of youngsters who were very successful up to about 15 years of age. The national team athletes had been able to develop motor, mental and social skills and to integrate the dominant value systems of competitive sport with their own lifestyle in an optimal way. The behaviour of coaches proved more important for a child's favourable athletic development than did demands for skill. With the exception of swimming, future athletic success was favoured by a varied and multi‐sport involvement.
Maximal isometric muscle strength and functional ability in daily activities among 75‐year‐old men and women
Authors: Avlund K. , Schroll M. , Davidsen M. , Løvborg B. , Rantanen T.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether functional ability in daily activities among 75‐year‐old men and women is predicted by physical activity, isometric muscle strength and simple function tests. In this representative sample of a general population of 405 75‐year‐olds, isometric muscle strength and functional ability in daily activities were closely related (odds ratio of disability 1.2–2.1), stressing the importance of strength in the truncus, proximal and distal muscle groups for daily activities. There were strong correlations between physical activity, isometric muscle strength as well as simple function tests and ability to manage daily activities. Those with even light physical activities at least 2–4 h a week had significantly better functional ability than those with sedentary activities. Those with heavy physical activities further improved their functional abilities.
Stress fracture of the ribs in golfers: a report of five cases
Authors: Orava S. , Kallinen M. , Aito H. , Alén M.
Published: July 2010

In this article we describe 5 cases of rib stress fractures in novice middle‐aged right‐handed golf players. In 4 of the 5 cases the stress fracture was on the right side. The ribs involved were 6 and 7. The left 3rd rib was fractured in one case. Because of the diffuse nature of the symptoms, thoragic cage pains in golfers may easily be misdiagnosed as a muscular complaint. However, if the chest pain symptoms are persistent and continue despite rest from physical activities, we suggest ultrasonography or chest X‐ray to confirm the diagnosis.
Long‐distance running alters bone anthropometry, elemental composition and mineral density of young dogs
Authors: Puustjärvi K. , Lappalainen R. , Niemitukia L. , Arnala I. , Nieminen J. , Tammi M. , Helminen H. J.
Published: July 2010

Ten young beagle dogs were run on a treadmill for 1 year, the last 15 weeks 40 km/day. Thereafter bone anthropometric variables, elemental composition, mineral density (BMD) and serum markers of bone metabolism were analyzed and compared with matched‐paired control dogs. More osteophytes developed, weight‐bearing bones grew larger and BMD of axial skeleton was reduced in the trained group. Zinc and sodium accumulated in bones of the runners. Zinc correlated negatively with BMD. Serum osteocalcin and C‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen did not correlate with the observed differences in BMD. This experiment implies that intensive endurance training in adolescence may reduce the peak bone mass and alter the structural properties of bone.
Adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise and long‐term effect on stress urinary incontinence A five‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Bø K.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to study adherence to exercise, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and strength and patient satisfaction 5 years after cessation of organized PFM exercise for stress urinary incontinence. All 23 women who had taken part in an “intensive exercise group” in a randomized trial 5 years ago participated in the follow‐up study. Structured interview, vaginal palpation and vaginal squeeze pressure were used to assess the condition, PFM function and muscle strength, respectively. Seventy percent of the women were exercising the PFM once a week or more often. Two women were not able to correctly contract the PFM. Mean PFM strength was 18.1 cm H2O. Three had undergone surgery since the initial study. Sixty‐one percent were satisfied with their condition.
Intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in athletic performance*
Authors: Iso‐Ahola S. E.
Published: July 2010

Psychologically athletic performance is a multiplicative function of intrapersonal (for example, intrinsic motivation) and interpersonal (for example, social support) factors. It is theorized that the layer immediately surrounding an athlete's inner core of psychological functioning consists of 4 intrapersonal factors: self‐motivation, cognitive capacity and coping skills, affective orientation and mental training skills. The layer surrounding these factors is comprised of interpersonal factors, such as social support and the athlete‐coach relationship. A theoretical model was advanced to show that competition‐generated intrinsic motivation predisposition and social support are the two main properties of the athletic competition context that buffer against increased athletic and life stress. If such buffering effects occur, athletes' physical and psychological capacity is maintained or even enhanced. This in turn promotes continued competitive athletic participation and performance. Maximization of psychological conditions for successful performance requires that coaches foster athletes' intrapersonal and interpersonal psychosocial resources by serving as facilitators of their autonomous self‐regulation rather than as controllers of their goals and behaviors.
The energy cost of level walking in patients with hemiplegia
Authors: Zamparo P. , Francescato M. P. , De Luca G. , Lovati L. , di Prampera P. E.
Published: July 2010

The energy cost of level walking (Cw) was measured from the ratio of O2 consumption to speed (from 0.1 to 1.2 m‐s−1) in hemiplegic patients (n=20) and in a control group of healthy subjects (n=17). Average age and body mass were 58, 54 years and 73, 78 kg, respectively. In hemiplegic patients Cw was higher than in control subjects (average value at 1.0 m‐s−1=3.6 and 3.3 J‐m−1. kg−1, respectively) and this difference increased at lower speeds (from 5.1% at 1.2 m‐s−1 to 28.7% at 0.1 m‐s−1).
Postexercise recovery period: carbohydrate and protein metabolism
Authors: Viru A.
Published: July 2010

The essence of the postexercise recovery period is normalization of function and homeostatic equilibrium, and replenishment of energy resources and accomplishment of the reconstructive function. The repletion of energy stores is actualized in a certain sequence and followed by a transitory supercompensation. The main substrate for repletion of the muscle glycogen store is blood glucose derived from hepatic glucose output as well as from consumption of carbohydrates during the postexercise period. The repletion of liver glycogen is realized less repidly. It depends to a certain extent on hepatic gluconeogenesis but mainly on supply with exogenous carbohydrates. The constructive function is founded on elevated protein turnover and adaptive protein synthesis. Whereas during and shortly after endurance exercise intensive protein breakdown was found in less active fast‐twitch glycolytic fibers, during the later course of the recovery period the protein degradation rate increased together with intensification of protein synthesis rate in more active fast‐twitch glycolytic oxidative and slow‐twitch oxidative fibers.
Amplitude and timing of electromyographic activity during sprinting
Authors: Jönhagen S. , Ericson M. O. , Németh G. , Eriksson E.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to make descriptive analyses of the muscle activities in the lower extremity during maximal sprinting. Nine healthy sprinters were examined during maximal sprinting using telemetric electromyography (EMG). Seven muscles of the lower extremities were investigated: biceps femoris, medial hamstrings (semimembranosus and semitendinosus), rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius. The recorded EMG levels during running were expressed as percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%max EMG). For each muscle, the normalized EMG was plotted during the whole running stride cycle and is presented for each muscle. The reason for using this method is to show that it is possible to compare different muscle activities in a runner as well as to make comparisons between runners. Lateral and medial hamstrings and gluteus maximus showed similar activities with peak levels of EMG during footstrike. Rectus femoris had a two‐peak activity, with one peak at the middle of the stance phase and the other during the swing phase. The tibialis anterior also showed a two‐peak activity, but with the peaks at the beginning of the swing phase and just before foot‐strike. The highest activities of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius occurred just before toe‐off.
Soccer injuries in Iceland
Authors: Árnason Á. , Gudmundsson Á. , Dahl H. A. , Jóhannsson E.
Published: July 2010

We investigated the frequency, cause and location of injuries in Icelandic elite soccer in 1991. The incidence of injuries for the individual player was 34.8 ± 5.7 per 1000 game‐hours and 5.9 ± 1.1 per 1000 practice‐hours. The most common types of injuries were muscle strains (29%), ligament sprains (22%), contusions (20%), and other injuries (29%). The frequency of reinjury was markedly high, where 44% of the strains and 58% of the sprains were registered as reinjuries. Strains occurred mainly during sprinting, sprains by tackling, and contusion during other contact. Significantly more injuries occurred on artificial turf than on grass or gravel in correlation to number of hours in games and practices. Teams who had the longest pre‐season preparation period obtained significantly fewer injuries during the season.
Short‐term changes in the immune system of elite swimmers under competition conditions: Different immunomodulation induced by various types of sport
Authors: Espersen G. T. , Elbæk A. , Schmidt‐Olsen S. , Ejlersen E. , Varming K. , Grunnet N.
Published: July 2010

This study was designed to investigate changes in the immune system of elite swimmers compared with well‐conditioned age‐ and sex‐matched controls in relation to a competition swim (field study). Furthermore, the aim was to reveal possible differences in immune system changes depending on the type of sport performed by comparing with an earlier study of similar design, from the same laboratory that tested elite runners in relation to a competition run. The swimmers were tested before, immediately after and 2 h and 24 h after a competition swim. Lymphocyte subsets (CD5, CD3, HLA‐DR, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD3/CD16+56, CD57, CD18, CD16/CD122) all increased after the run, decreased to normal or subnormal levels after 2h, and returned to normal after 24 h (absolute numbers). The findings were identical for the swimmers and the age‐ and sex‐matched control group. No change in polymorphonuclear granulocyte migration was found. The lymphocyte proliferative responses decreased 2 h after the exercise. No changes were seen in plasma cytokine levels (interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) in relation to exercise, but significantly lower baseline values for IL‐6 were observed in the swimmers. An increase in total natural killer cell activity immediately after exercise, followed after 2 h by a decrease, was seen in both swimmers and controls. Finally, no complement activation was detected. Compared with an earlier study of elite runners, differences were seen in granulocyte chemotactic response, TNF‐α plasma activity and the lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen. These differences might be explained by the degree of immune system activation following muscle damage during exercise, inducing an increase in cytokines, which are known to activate and modulate both lymphocytes and granulocyte function. Our findings demonstrate identical exercise‐induced, immune system changes in elite swimmers and well conditioned controls, and furthermore, the findings suggest that different types of sport performed at maximum intensity induce different immune system changes.
On‐slope evaluation of release bindings for world‐class alpine racers
Authors: Nordsletten L. , Lystad H. , Ekeland A.
Published: July 2010

The alpine release bindings are set as indicated by the scale given in deca N.m (DIN) to the wanted release torque. The actual release torque of the toe unit was measured and calculated in 89 World Cup and national class racers during the Norwegian national championship in 1992. The deviation of the actual release torque from the desired release torque was calculated. The actual release torque was higher than the wanted release torque, with a mean deviation of 24% and a large dispersion from ‐28% to 130%. For the second testing, this deviation was reduced to 15% The deviation of the actual release torque from the desired release torque was not related to age of the binding or class of skier (World Cup, European Cup or national class racers). Compared with a similar investigation 10 years ago, there was no significantly lower deviation.