bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the 2005 Reform Improve the Japanese Economy? The Current of Japanese Corporate Governance Reform
Authors: Takahashi Eiji , Shimizu Madoka 
Published: July 2017

Company law in Japan has recently undergone drastic reform. The 2005 reform is the last of a series of recent reforms in this area of the law. The notable points relating to corporate governance in the 2005 reform are as follows: First, the 2005 reform introduces a new corporate governance option for small stock companies to secure the fairness of the company’s financial statements: the accounting consultant. Second, the liabilities of directors have been modified. Although the state of the Japanese economy is still uncertain, it is said that the most difficult part is over. We will need to examine the implementation of the new law to see whether the 2005 reform guarantees the soundness of management in Japan and improves the international competitiveness of Japanese companies in a real sense.
Development of Corporate Governance in Japan and Germany: is the two-tiers-system obsolete?
Authors: Takahashi Eiji , Kirchwehm Oliver 
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the authors show the evolution of German and Japanese Corporate Governance, the impacts of codetermination in German supervisory boards on the system, and evaluate the latest movement of Japan towards a one-tier-system. Japan originally adopted the two-tiers-system from Germany. Under strong influence of the allies (i.e. America), a one-tier-system was put on top of the two-tiers-system. In the 1970s control function of the supervisory organ had been drastically reinforced, meaning the return to the two-tiers-system in practice. Then with the latest reforms, Japan introduced the possibility of choosing a real one-tier-system. Considering the specific Japanese prevailing conditions of management, it seems that the reform had not been critical enough; especially in regard to the possibility of abuse of power by the CEO constraints may occur. Therefore, as a completion of the two-tiers-system, the one-tier-system is advantageous. It is, however, pointless to introduce the new system for all Japanese companies by completely replacing the two-tiers-system with it.
Static Efficiency of Compulsory Licensing: The Role of Limit Pricing
Authors: Cugno Franco , Ottoz Elisabetta 
Published: July 2017

A common argument against compulsory licensing of intellectual property maintains that it facilitates the entry of inefficient producers, which may reduce social welfare independently of any effects on R&D incentives. We study the issue in a model where the innovative firm, under the threat of compulsory licensing, reacts strategically by choosing between quantity and price competition. We show that the risk of a reduction in static welfare due to the entry of highly inefficient firms is avoided if licensing entails a royalty per unit of output and no fixed fees. The rationale behind this result lies in the fact that compulsory licensing threat works as a disciplining device to improve static social welfare, even when the applicant is a high cost inefficient firm. JEL codes: KOO, L49, 034.
The Role of Preference Reversals in the Collapse of Fixed Exchange Rate Systems
Authors: Mistri Maurizio 
Published: July 2017

This paper draws on the structural instability of fixed exchange rate systems, also referring to Bretton Woods and the European Monetary System. In particular, the collapse of such systems is seen as a consequence of, amongst other things, formational and cognitive factors with an emphasis on the processes of preference reversal. Taking a dynamic view of such processes, the intertemporal nature of decisions made on the issue of exchange rate systems can induce electors and governments to reconsider, in time, the importance of certain major objectives they set themselves. A core issue of the analysis is the still unsolved problem of the relationship between inflation and unemployment. Recent financial crises have demonstrated that even governments “ideologically” oriented to a monetarist approach can adopt, in particular situations, Keynesian policies. This occurs for reasons of a social and political order, outside of economic logic. Therefore, in the analysis developed in this paper, attention is focused on informational and cognitive factors. The paper is essentially arranged in three parts. In the first part, we examine the role of the forms of exchange rates, seen as social institutions in act by countries that have a two-objective utility function. Subsequently we examine the question of instability of the system of fixed exchange rates with an approach that is focused on incomplete information. Finally, beyond the role of incomplete information, in the third part we examine the role of distortive factors of a cognitive order that are capable of overthrowing exchange rate preferences.. JEL Classification.: D7, E11, E5, E6.
Economics of Gender: Singapore’s Older Generations*
Authors: Mukhopadhaya Pundarik , Shantakumar G. 
Published: July 2017

In Singapore, older women (and men) are likely to be ‘marginalized’ by the global labour market. Their higher incidence of disability, smaller savings, short work histories, and lower incomes from less commensurate qualifications and skills contribute to old age insecurity. Widowhood increases their vulnerability and high family dependency, which may not guarantee sustained welfare. Formal old age support by the State is a necessary condition for income security to lessen past inequities and life-course shortcomings. This paper analyses the economic situation of older Singapore women (and men) and focuses on appropriate income security policy, based on two and a half decades of available socio-economic data (1980–2005). Universal suffrage and widespread education, and the Women’s Charter (1961) should translate into women development, but there are gaps through inadequate social security (which is employment-based), exemplifying lack of concerted government effort amidst globalization policies manifested through labour market discrimination and segmented wage systems, unequal benefits and increasing old age disability, calling for long-term healthcare financing and management. JEL classification: I18, I28, I31, H53, H55
Einschlusskörperchen bei Hunden mit Staupe-Enzephalitis und anderen Erkrankungen des Zentralnervensystems
Authors: Fischer Karin 
Published: July 2017

A histologic study was made of the central nervous system of 108 dogs with neurological illness. One group comprised 71 cases of distemper encephalitis. The second group of 37 cases encompassed toxoplasma encephalitis (14), symmetrical cerebral necrosis (10), reticulosis (6), lymphocytic meningoencephalitis (3), leukoencephalitis (2) and canine viral hepatitis (2). Inclusion bodies can be found in all dogs with distemper encephalitis. In most cases this diagnosis is easy, even without the inclusion bodies. However, detection of inclusions becomes important in cases showing a form of distemper encephalitis atypical with respect to histologic type or localization. In one case each, focal symmetrical necroses and toxoplasmosis-induced lesions were observed in association with distemper infection of the CNS. The regularity with which inclusion bodies can be found in all cases of distemper encephalitis means that in their absence, lesions induced by the distemper virus can be excluded with considerable assurance. The dependence of the density of the inclusion bodies on the type of tissue changes, the histochemical and tinctorial features of the inclusion bodies, the occurrence of lesions in the cerebellar granule cells, and the formation of cell syncytia by glial cells with inclusion bodies are discussed with respect to their specificity for distemper viral infection of the CNS.
Braided Hamstring Tendons for Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Biomechanical Analysis
Authors: Tis John E. , Klemme William R. , Kirk Kevin L. , Murphy Kevin P. , Cunningham Bryan 
Published: July 2017

Background: In an effort to improve the strength and stiffness of anterior cruciate ligament grafts, several authors have advocated alterations of graft structure and orientation, including braiding the tendons in hamstring tendon grafts. Hypothesis: Braiding hamstring tendons does not increase graft strength and stiffness. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen hamstring tendon and 21 bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts were harvested from 12 cadavers and divided into three groups: 1) braided four-strand hamstring tendon, 2) unbraided four-strand hamstring tendon, and 3) bone-patellar tendon-bone. All grafts were placed under a 50-N preload on a servohydraulic testing device and were tensioned to failure. Results: The strength and stiffness of the tested specimens averaged 427 ± 36 N and 76 ± 10 N/mm, respectively, for braided specimens, 532 ± 44 N and 139 ± 18 N/mm for unbraided specimens, and 574 ± 46 N and 158 ± 15 N/mm for patellar tendon specimens. There was a 20% decrement in hamstring tendon graft tensile strength and a 45% decrease in stiffness after braiding because of the suboptimal multidirectional orientation of individual tendons within the braided grafts. Conclusions: In vitro braided hamstring tendon grafts demonstrated mechanically inferior strength and stiffness characteristics compared with unbraided hamstring tendon grafts and patellar tendon grafts. Clinical Relevance: Braiding of hamstring tendon grafts provides no mechanical advantage in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Catastrophic Injuries in Wrestlers
Authors: Boden Barry P. , Lin Willie , Young Megan , Mueller Frederick O. 
Published: July 2017

Background There is a paucity of comprehensive information on catastrophic wrestling injuries. Objective Our objective was to develop a profile of catastrophic injuries in wrestling and a list of relevant risk factors. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 35 incidents that were reported to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research over an 18-year period from 1981 until 1999. Results Except in the case of one male college athlete, all injuries occurred in male high school wrestlers. There were 2.11 direct catastrophic injuries per year or 1 per 100,000 participants. The majority of injuries occurred in match competitions (80%), with a trend toward more injuries in the low- and middle-weight classes. The position most frequently associated with injury was the defensive position during the takedown maneuver (74%), followed by the down position (23%), and the lying position (3%). Catastrophic injuries included 27 cervical fractures or major cervical ligament injuries, 4 spinal cord contusions with transient quadriparesis, 3 severe head injuries, and an acutely herniated lumbar disc. The injuries resulted in quadriplegia in 11, residual neurologic deficits in 6, paraplegia in 1, and death in 1 head-injured athlete. Conclusions Although catastrophic injuries in wrestling are rare, they do occur. Referees can help prevent such injuries by strictly enforcing penalties for slams and by gaining more awareness of dangerous holds. Coaches may also prevent serious injuries by emphasizing proper wrestling techniques.
The Influence of the Integrity of Posterolateral Structures on Tibiofemoral Orientation When an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft is Tensioned
Authors: Wentorf Fred A. , LaPrade Robert F. , Lewis Jack L. , Resig Scott 
Published: July 2017

Background The effect of injury to the posterolateral structures of the knee on the success of an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not well known. Hypothesis Increasing graft tension increases the amount of external rotation of the tibia if the posterolateral structures are deficient. Study Design Laboratory study. Methods Eight cadaveric knees underwent techniques similar to a clinical reconstruction except that the distal fixation on the tibia was an external tensioning device used to apply a traction force on the graft. The knee was secured in a joint-testing machine and an instrumented spatial linkage was used to measure the motion of the tibia with respect to the femur. Measurements were taken with forces increasing from 0 to 100 N. The fibular collateral ligament, popliteofibular ligament, and the popliteus tendon were individually cut sequentially, and differences in the relative position of the tibia with respect to the femur were compared with the intact baseline. Results External rotation increased significantly when all of the posterolateral structures were cut and 60, 80, or 100 N of distal traction was applied. Conclusions Deficiency of posterolateral structures of the knee significantly affected the relative external rotation of the tibia. Clinical Relevance Injured posterolateral structures should be repaired before fixation of anterior cruciate ligament grafts.
Electromyographic Analysis and Phase Definition of the Overhead Football Throw
Authors: Kelly Bryan T. , Backus Sherry I. , Warren Russell F. , Williams Riley J. 
Published: July 2017

Background The phases of the football throw need definition so that muscle activation patterns during the overhead football throw can be fully described. Hypothesis Electromyographic analysis of shoulder musculature can better define muscle activation patterns during the football throw. Study Design Descriptive anatomic study. Methods Videos of 20 elite-level quarterbacks were reviewed to define phases of the overhead football throw; 14 recreational male athletes underwent electromyography and motion analysis testing. Results Four sequential phases of the football throw were consistently observed. Early cocking (49% ± 11% of throw) was initiated at rear foot plant and continued to maximal shoulder abduction and internal rotation. Late cocking (20% ± 6%) started at maximal shoulder abduction and internal rotation and ended with maximal shoulder external rotation. The acceleration phase (15% ± 4%) began with maximal shoulder external rotation and ended with ball release. Follow-through (16% ± 5%) was defined as the phase from ball release to maximal horizontal adduction (across the body). Conclusion The four phases demonstrated little variation in motion analysis and electromyographic activation between subjects and were associated with muscle activation patterns consistent with upper extremity movements. Clinical Relevance A clearer understanding of muscle activation patterns may help to explain patterns of muscle injury and improve rehabilitation protocols in football-throwing athletes.
Physical Therapy for Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Crossley Kay , Bennell Kim , Green Sally , Cowan Sallie , McConnell Jenny 
Published: July 2017

Background Although physical therapy forms the mainstay of nonoperative management for patellofemoral pain, its efficacy has not been established. Hypothesis Significantly more pain relief will be achieved from a 6-week regimen of physical therapy than from placebo treatment. Study Design Multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Methods Seventy-one subjects, 40 years of age or younger with patellofemoral pain of 1 month or longer, were randomly allocated to a physical therapy or placebo group. A standardized treatment program consisted of six treatment sessions, once weekly. Physical therapy included quadriceps muscle retraining, patellofemoral joint mobilization, and patellar taping, and daily home exercises. The placebo treatment consisted of sham ultrasound, light application of a nontherapeutic gel, and placebo taping. Results Sixty-seven participants completed the trial. The physical therapy group (N = 33) demonstrated significantly greater reduction in the scores for average pain, worst pain, and disability than did the placebo group (N = 34). Conclusions A six-treatment, 6-week physical therapy regimen is efficacious for alleviation of patellofemoral pain.
Simultaneous Bilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Jari Sanjiv , Shelbourne K. Donald 
Published: July 2017

Background There are no reports on the outcome of bilateral simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hypothesis There is no difference in outcome between unilateral and simultaneous bilateral operations. Study Design Case control study. Methods We compared the short-term outcome (mean, 37.2 months) of 28 patients who had bilateral simultaneous reconstructions with that of a matched group of patients who had unilateral reconstruction. Results Postoperative narcotic requirements for pain did not differ between groups. The mean quadriceps muscle strength for the simultaneous group was 99% in the right leg and 102% in the left leg compared with the strongest leg preoperatively; the mean for the unilateral group was 99%. The mean modified Noyes score for the simultaneous group was 91.2 points in the left knee and 93.5 points for the right knee; the mean for the unilateral group was 88.7 points. The mean time to return to full-time work and to full sports was 4.1 weeks and 6.1 months for the simultaneous group and 3.0 weeks and 6.3 months for the unilateral group. The mean hospital costs were $6687 and $4307, respectively. Conclusions When clinical indications exist, we recommend simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as opposed to staged procedures because it is a safe, effective, and cost-effective option.
Relationship between Postconcussion Headache and Neuropsychological Test Performance in High School Athletes
Authors: Collins Michael W. , Field Melvin , Lovell Mark R. , Iverson Grant , Johnston Karen M. , Maroon Joseph , Fu Freddie H. 
Published: July 2017

Background: The relevance of headache to outcome after sports-related concussion is poorly understood. Hypotheses: High school athletes reporting headache approximately 1 week after injury will have significantly more other concussion symptoms and will perform more poorly on neuropsychological tests than athletes not experiencing headache. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Study participants included 109 high school athletes who had sustained concussion and who were divided into two groups: those reporting headache 7 days after injury and those reporting no headaches. The two groups were compared regarding on-field markers of concussion severity at the time of injury and symptoms and neurocognitive test results collected via ImPACT, a computerized neuropsychological test battery and postconcussion symptom scale, at a mean of 6.8 days after injury. Results: Athletes reporting posttraumatic headache demonstrated significantly worse performance on reaction time and memory ImPACT neurocognitive composite scores. These athletes also reported significantly more symptoms other than headache and were more likely to have demonstrated on-field anterograde amnesia. Conclusions: Findings suggest that any degree of postconcussion headache in high school athletes 7 days after injury is likely associated with an incomplete recovery after concussion.
Anterior Drawer Test for Acute Anterior Talofibular Ligament Injuries of the Ankle: How Much Load Should be Applied during the Test?
Authors: Tohyama Harukazu , Yasuda Kazunori , Ohkoshi Yasumitu , Beynnon Bruce D. , Renstrom Per A. 
Published: July 2017

Background: There is a lack of consensus regarding the magnitude of load for performing the anterior drawer test in evaluating acute ankle injuries. Purpose: To determine how much load should be applied during the anterior drawer test to detect the integrity of the anterior talofibular ligament. Methods: First, the anterior-posterior load-displacement response of nine cadaveric ankles was measured. Second, anterior displacement of the ankle was measured at 30 and 60 N of anterior load in 14 patients with acute tears of the anterior talofibular ligament. Results: In the cadaver study, the increased displacement by sectioning of the ligament measured at 10, 20, 30, and 40 N of anterior load were significantly greater than those measured at 60 N. In vivo examination of the subjects without anesthesia demonstrated that the injured-to-normal displacement value at 30 N of anterior load was significantly greater than the value at 60 N. Conclusions: This study suggests that a large magnitude of anterior load is not necessary to detect the integrity of the ligament during the anterior drawer test. Clinical Relevance: When evaluating the integrity of the anterior talofibular ligament in cases of acute ankle ligament injury, a relatively low-magnitude load should be applied.
Anteromedial Capsular Redundancy and Labral Deficiency in Shoulder Instability
Authors: Ahmad Christopher S. , Freehill Michael Q. , Blaine Theodore A. , Levine William N. , Bigliani Louis U. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Redundancy of the anteromedial capsule of the shoulder may persist despite proper tensioning of the capsule and repair of a Bankart lesion during an anteroinferior capsular shift procedure. Hypothesis: A barrel-stitch suture technique incorporated into a capsular shift procedure is effective in achieving satisfactory shoulder stability. Study Design: Uncontrolled retrospective review. Methods: A barrel-stitch technique was used for patients identified as having anteromedial capsular redundancy during a capsular shift procedure for anteroinferior instability. Results: The incidence of anteromedial capsular redundancy and labral deficiency was 49% (38 of 78). Patients with anteromedial capsular redundancy had a significantly greater number of dislocations before surgery (16.1 ± 21.3 versus 7.4 ± 7.4) and a greater duration of symptoms (79.8 ± 84.2 versus 31.6 ± 32.2 months). The mean postoperative Rowe score of patients with anteromedial capsular redundancy was 88.7 ± 14.8, with 92% having excellent or good results, compared with 88.9 ± 14.8 in the remaining patients and 93% excellent or good results. Conclusions: Anteromedial capsular redundancy is associated with longer preoperative duration of symptoms and more dislocations, but effective treatment can be achieved with a capsular shift procedure augmented with medial capsular imbrication with a barrel stitch.
The Effects of Radiofrequency Energy Treatment on Chondrocytes and Matrix of Fibrillated Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ryan Anne , Bertone Alicia L. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Backstrom Kristin C. , Weisbrode Steven E. 
Published: July 2017

Background There is no consensus regarding the safety of radiofrequency energy treatment for chondroplasty. Hypothesis Use of a radiofrequency thermal probe will produce a dose-dependent detrimental effect on chondrocytes in a setting mimicking the arthroscopic procedure. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Paired patellae from 11 horses were fibrillated; one served as the control while the contralateral patella was treated with 20, 40, and 60 watts of radiofrequency energy for 4 minutes. Proteoglycan synthesis, proteoglycan degradation, and cell viability were measured. Explant histologic sections were scored for cellular characteristics, metachromatic matrix staining intensity, and tissue architecture and were quantitatively analyzed for cell death. Results Mean peak surface articular cartilage temperatures were 35.47°C (20 watts), 40.76°C (40 watts), and 44.81°C (60 watts). Treatment at all three settings significantly decreased proteoglycan synthesis of the chondrocytes. Proteoglycan degradation increased with increased power setting. Treatment at 40 and 60 watts significantly decreased cell viability to 81% and 73%, respectively. Significant histologic changes occurred in the superficial cartilage zone with 60-watt application. Conclusion Use of radiofrequency energy on mechanically fibrillated articular cartilage induced a dose-dependent detrimental effect on chondrocytes and matrix metabolism. Clinical Relevance Cautious use of radiofrequency energy for treatment of articular cartilage is recommended until long-term effects are evaluated.