bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life history traits of the free-living nematode, Plectus acuminatus Bastian, 1865, and responses to cadmium exposure
Authors: Kreuzinger-Janik Bianca , Brinke Marvin , Traunspurger Walter , Majdi Nabil 
Published: July 2017

Free-living nematodes are ubiquitous and play an essential role in ecosystems. However, little is known about their standard life history traits (LHTs), which limits their inclusion in estimations of energy flows and carrying capacities of ecosystems, as well as in modelling population-level responses to toxicants. Thus, we used the hanging-drop method to measure LHTs of Plectus acuminatus with and without exposure to cadmium (2 mg l−1). In controls, the mean lifespan was 68 days and the maximum 114 days. Individuals laid eggs on average 19 days after hatching, while production of offspring peaked at 37 days. Plectus acuminatus individuals were very fertile, producing on average 848 juveniles. Population growth rate of 0.19 was estimated for the control cohort leading to an average population doubling time of 3.65 days. Exposure to cadmium reduced mean lifespan by 62% and affected reproduction as only 22% of individuals produced offspring, leading to a total fertility rate 85% lower than in controls.
The O2/N2 Ratio and CO2 Airborne Southern Ocean Study
Authors: Stephens Britton B. , Long Matthew C. , Keeling Ralph F. , Kort Eric A. , Sweeney Colm , Apel Eric C. , Atlas Elliot L. , Beaton Stuart , Bent Jonathan D. , Blake Nicola J. , Bresch James F. , Casey Joanna , Daube Bruce C. , Diao Minghui , Diaz Ernesto , Dierssen Heidi , Donets Valeria , Gao Bo-Cai , Gierach Michelle , Green Robert , Haag Justin , Hayman Matthew , Hills Alan J. , Hoecker-Martínez Martín S. , Honomichl Shawn B. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Jensen Jorgen B. , Li Rong-Rong , McCubbin Ian , McKain Kathryn , Morgan Eric J. , Nolte Scott , Powers Jordan G. , Rainwater Bryan , Randolph Kaylan , Reeves Mike , Schauffler Sue M. , Smith Katherine , Smith Mackenzie , Stith Jeff , Stossmeister Gregory , Toohey Darin W. , Watt Andrew S. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in the global climate system by mediating atmosphere–ocean partitioning of heat and carbon dioxide. However, Earth system models are demonstrably deficient in the Southern Ocean, leading to large uncertainties in future air–sea CO2 flux projections under climate warming and incomplete interpretations of natural variability on interannual to geologic time scales. Here, we describe a recent aircraft observational campaign, the O2/N2 Ratio and CO2 Airborne Southern Ocean (ORCAS) study, which collected measurements over the Southern Ocean during January and February 2016. The primary research objective of the ORCAS campaign was to improve observational constraints on the seasonal exchange of atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen with the Southern Ocean. The campaign also included measurements of anthropogenic and marine biogenic reactive gases; high-resolution, hyperspectral ocean color imaging of the ocean surface; and microphysical data relevant for understanding and modeling cloud processes. In each of these components of the ORCAS project, the campaign has significantly expanded the amount of observational data available for this remote region. Ongoing research based on these observations will contribute to advancing our understanding of this climatically important system across a range of topics including carbon cycling, atmospheric chemistry and transport, and cloud physics. This article presents an overview of the scientific and methodological aspects of the ORCAS project and highlights early findings.
High-Resolution Model-Based Investigation of Moisture Transport into the Pacific Northwest during a Strong Atmospheric River Event
Authors: Mueller Michael J. , Mahoney Kelly M. , Abel Mimi R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA series of precipitation events impacted the Pacific Northwest during the first two weeks of November 2006. This sequence was punctuated by a particularly potent inland-penetrating atmospheric river (AR) that produced record-breaking precipitation across the region during 5–7 November. The precipitation caused destructive flooding as far inland as Montana’s Glacier National Park, 800 km from the Pacific Ocean. This study investigates the inland penetration of moisture during the event using a 4–1.33-km grid spacing configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) modeling system. A high-resolution simulation allowed an analysis of interactions between the strong AR and terrain features such as the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge (CR Gorge).Moisture transport in the vicinity of the Cascades is assessed using various metrics. The most efficient pathway for moisture penetration was through the gap (i.e., CR Gap) between Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood, which includes the CR Gorge. While the CR Gap is a path of least resistance through the Cascades, most of the total moisture transport that survived transit past the Cascades overtopped the mountain barrier itself. This is due to the disparity between the length of the ridge (~800 km) and relatively narrow width of the CR Gap (~93 km). Moisture transport reductions were larger across the Washington Cascades and the southern-central Oregon Cascades than through the CR Gap. During the simulation, drying ratios through the CR Gap (9.3%) were notably less than over adjacent terrain (19.6%–30.6%). Drying ratios decreased as moisture transport intensity increased.
Intratympanic gentamicin injections for the treatment of Ménière's disease
Authors: Katzenell Udi , Gordon Michael , Page Mark 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the success rate and complications of treatment with injections of intratympanic gentamicin to the middle ear of patients with Ménière's disease.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingA tertiary otologic private ENT clinic.Subjects and MethodsPatients with Ménière's disease, who had not responded to medical treatment. Included in the sample were patients with Ménière's disease who had been treated with injections of gentamicin into the middle ear. After each gentamicin application, patients were monitored for their symptoms and hearing. If symptoms persisted, they received another intratympanic injection of gentamicin. This method is referred to as the variable titration method. A retrospective chart review was performed, and questionnaires were used to assess hearing, functional status, tinnitus, ear fullness sensation, and the control of vertigo attacks in response to treatment.ResultsNineteen patients were sampled. Eighteen patients (94%) had complete or substantial control of vertigo. Five patients (26%) had worse hearing results on their post‐treatment audiogram, averaging 13 dB hearing loss (range, 5‐25 dB). In response to the questionnaires, all patients reported a significant improvement in the quality of life after treatment.ConclusionThe treatment was found to be highly effective. The variable titration method of injection prevents unnecessary injections for patients whose symptoms have already subsided.
An Integrated View of Strategic Management
Authors: Stegmann Juan Pablo 
Published: July 2017

Strategic management has produced an amazing number of theories and models in the last decades. However, so far it has not succeeded in producing a good integrative model that can synthesize all the existing models. In a previous paper I proposed such a model (from now on we will refer to it as the GEMK model, in relation to Growth-EVA-Market Power-Knowledge). It is based on the two drivers of stock value creation, Economic Value Added (EVA) and growth of capital, and proposes two new testable variables, market power and knowledge. This paper is the application of the GEMK model. It shows how most of existing strategic management models impact stock value creation. It produces a valuable simplification of the discipline, eliminates confrontations, shows that several different theories are complementary, provides a new powerful critical thinking, and shows that the different theories are contingent to these four variables. Most importantly, it shows that the different theories have different levels of impact on stock value creation.
Actors, Agendas, Arenas and Institutional Change Processes: A Social Science Approach to Sustainability
Authors: Söderbaum Peter 
Published: July 2017

Sustainable Development is a challenge not only for natural science but also for the social sciences. In the case of social science, positivism has a role but also hermeneutics and other perspectives that emphasize the subjective aspects of human behaviour. The subjective perceptions and value orientation of different actors play a central role in influencing development patterns and institutional change processes. It is argued that the conceptual framework of economics plays a key role in the ‘mental maps’ of influential actors. But mainstream neoclassical economics was designed for other purposes and does not go well with the present sustainability challenge. An alternative conceptual framework more in line with institutional economics is proposed. Individuals are understood as Political Economic Persons and organizations as Political Economic Organizations. Individuals and organizations are actors with their specific agendas, appearing on arenas to exchange ideas and commodities. Analysis is multidimensional and there is a role for ethics and ideology in economic behaviour and action. Institutional change is understood in terms of the processes of interpreting a phenomenon, naming it, its manifestations and acceptance (legitimacy achievement). A scheme of analysis for actor-institution studies is proposed.
Determinants of the employment status of New Durban University of Technology graduates
Authors: van der Merwe Alex 
Published: July 2017

The attitude that the primary purpose of education is to prepare individuals to play a productive role in society seems almost instinctive. This appears to be the received view of countless multitudes either contemplating higher education or already enrolled in such institutions, of parents and sponsors, of governments and higher education institutions and, of course, employers. And yet, in truth, it will be admitted by many who have had anything to do with the business of, especially, higher education that they have entertained doubts as to its real value. This paper, on the strength of a binomial logistic regression analysis of new graduates’ employment status, proposes that individual higher education enrolment choice can be explained by a mix of both human capital and screening theory interpretations of the perceived value of the commodity of higher education. This finding is supported in the literature. JEL classification: 120, 121
Comparison of Two Procedures for Meniscal Cysts: A Report of 35 Patients with a Mean Follow-up of 33 Months
Authors: Sarimo Janne , Rainio Petri , Rantanen Jussi , Orava Sakari 
Published: July 2017

Background: The cause, pathogenesis, and appropriate treatment of meniscal cysts remain controversial. Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the results of treatment of meniscal cysts with two different operative procedures. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Two different operative procedures were compared. Sixteen patients (group 1) had an open excision of the cyst performed in addition to arthroscopic examination of the knee. Nineteen patients (group 2) were treated entirely arthroscopically. The postoperative treatment course was the same for both groups. The mean length of follow-up was 33 months. Results: The results were excellent or good in 86% of the patients (30 of 35) and were equally good for both procedures. Patients with degenerative changes of the knee joint seemed to have a less favorable outcome. Conclusions: Good or excellent results can be expected from either open or arthroscopic treatment of meniscal cysts.
The Effect of Initial Graft Tension in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on the Mechanical Behaviors of the Femur-Graft-Tibia Complex during Cyclic Loading
Authors: Numazaki Hironori , Tohyama Harukazu , Nakano Hideaki , Kikuchi Shinichi , Yasuda Kazunori 
Published: July 2017

Background Initial graft tension influences clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hypothesis Under repetitive loading conditions, the effect of initial graft tension on the biomechanical behavior of the femur-graft-tibia complex may depend on the graft and the fixation. Study Design Ex vivo biomechanical laboratory study. Methods After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, initial graft tension of 20, 80, or 140 N was applied to the complex for 2 minutes. Then, a cyclic force-relaxation test was performed for 5000 cycles so that the graft was stretched by 2 mm. Results In a patellar tendon graft with interference screws, the average peak load values at the 5000th cycle were 105, 157, and 205 N for the complexes with initial tension of 20, 80, and 140 N, respectively. In a flexor tendon graft with interference screws, the values were 27, 41, and 39 N. In a flexor tendon graft with Endobutton fixation, the values were 17, 40, and 77 N. Conclusions Considering the tension of the normal anterior cruciate ligament (16 to 87 N), an initial tension of 20 N appears to be high enough for a patellar tendon graft. For a flexor tendon graft with interference screws, an increase in initial tension above 80 N has no biomechanical advantages.
The Fixation Strength of Six Hamstring Tendon Graft Fixation Devices in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Part I: Femoral Site
Authors: Kousa Petteri , Järvinen Teppo L. N. , Vihavainen Mika , Kannus Pekka , Järvinen Markku 
Published: July 2017

Background: Strength of graft fixation is the weakest link in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hypothesis: There is no difference in initial fixation strength between different hamstring tendon graft femoral fixation devices. Study Design: Randomized experimental study. Methods: Each of six devices was used in the fixation of 10 quadrupled human semitendinosus-gracilis tendon grafts in tunnels drilled in porcine femora and tested 10 times with a single-cycle load-to-failure test at a rate of 50 mm/min and 10 times with a 1500-cycle loading test between 50 and 200 N at one cycle every 2 seconds. The specimens that survived the cyclic loading were subjected to a single-cycle load-to-failure test. Results: The Bone Mulch Screw (1112 N) was strongest in the single-cycle load-to-failure test, followed by EndoButton CL (1086 N), RigidFix (868 N), SmartScrew ACL (794 N), BioScrew (589 N), and RCI screw (546 N). It also showed the lowest residual displacement (2.2 mm) and was strongest in the single-cycle load-to-failure test after cyclic loading. Conclusions: The Bone Mulch Screw was superior to all other devices. Clinical Relevance: Caution may be warranted in employing aggressive rehabilitation after reconstruction with these devices. Preconditioning of the graft-implant complex before fixation is important.
Anatomic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament after Multiligament Knee Injuries: A Combination of the Tibial-Inlay and Two-Femoral-Tunnel Techniques
Authors: Stannard James P. , Riley Reneé S. , Sheils Todd M. , McGwin Gerald , Volgas David A. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Neither operative nor nonoperative treatment of posterior cruciate ligament rupture after multiligament knee injuries have shown very favorable outcomes. Hypothesis: Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament by combining the tibial-inlay and two-femoral-tunnel techniques will result in improved stability and functional outcomes. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with 30 posterior cruciate ligament ruptures and multiligament knee injuries treated with the combined technique were evaluated with clinical, radiographic, and functional outcome measures. Results: All patients had a clinical examination result indicating joint stability (0 or 1+) at an average follow-up of 25 months (range, 15 to 39). Twenty-three knees had no laxity, and seven had 1+ laxity. The KT-2000 arthrometer data documented less than 0.5 mm of side-to-side mean difference for both posterior displacement and total anterior-posterior displacement at both 30° and 70° of knee flexion. Knee range of motion was a mean extension of 1° (range, 0° to 10°) and a mean flexion of 124° (range, 75° to 145°). Mean Lysholm knee score was 89.4. Conclusions: Reconstruction with a combination tibial-inlay and two-femoral-tunnel technique provides good results after multiligament knee injuries. All patients had a stable posterior cruciate ligament at most recent clinical follow-up, and 77% had no laxity at all.
Shock Wave Application for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in Running Athletes: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Rompe Jan D. , Decking Jens , Schoellner Carsten , Nafe Bernhard 
Published: July 2017

Background: Recent articles have reported success with repeated low-energy shock wave application for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis in runners. Hypothesis: Shock wave treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis is safe and effective. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Forty-five running athletes with intractable plantar heel pain for more than 12 months were enrolled; half were assigned to a treatment group that received three applications of 2100 impulses of low-energy shock waves, and half received sham treatment. Follow-up examinations were performed at 6 months and at 1 year by a blinded observer. Results: After 6 months, self-assessment of pain on first walking in the morning was significantly reduced from an average of 6.9 to 2.1 points on a visual analog scale in the treatment group and from an average of 7.0 to 4.7 points in the sham group. The mean difference between groups was 2.6 points. After 12 months, there was a further reduction of pain in both groups, to an average 1.5 points in the treatment group, and to 4.4 points in the sham group. Conclusion: Three treatments with 2100 impulses of low-energy shock waves were a safe and effective method for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis in long-distance runners.
Comparison of Three Techniques of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft: Differences in Anterior Tibial Translation and Tunnel Enlargement with Each Technique
Authors: Otsuka Hironori , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Tsuda Eiichi , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Toh Satoshi 
Published: July 2017

Background: Anatomic fixation of the graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has improved stability of the reconstructed knee joint in experimental studies. Hypothesis: Anatomic fixation of the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft will reduce tunnel enlargement and improve clinical results. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups: a nonanatomic fixation group (traditional single-incision reconstruction), an anatomic fixation group (reconstruction in which a bone plug was grafted into the tibial tunnel), and an anatomic fixation group with all-inside reconstruction. Stability of the knee joint was examined with a KT-1000 arthrometer at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. At 12 months, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were made to assess tunnel enlargement. Results: Although the magnitude of tibial displacement gradually increased after reconstruction in all three groups, the anatomic fixation group had significantly better stability than the groups undergoing nonanatomic fixation or all-inside anatomic fixation at 4 and 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, there was no significant difference between the three groups at 24 months. Regarding the tibial tunnel, residual rates and enlargement of tunnels were different between the reconstruction techniques. The nonanatomic reconstruction group had significantly greater tunnel enlargement. Conclusion: Anatomic fixation of the graft decreased the tunnel enlargement but had no effect on knee stability at 2-year follow-up.
The Effect of Ankle Braces on the Prevention of Dynamic Forced Ankle Inversion
Authors: Ubell Matthew L. , Boylan James P. , Ashton-Miller James A. , Wojtys Edward M. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Athletes often employ prophylactic braces to reduce the risk of ankle injuries. Hypothesis: Ankle braces do not significantly decrease the risk of forced inversion on a standardized one-footed jump landing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Fourteen healthy men with a mean age of 25.1 years were tested. Three braces, two semirigid (Aircast and Bledsoe) and one lace-up (Swede-O), were fitted to each subject. Forced dynamic ankle inversion of 24° was to be resisted as the subjects landed on one foot with a force of two body weights on a stimulus presented randomly in 5 of 15 jump trial blocks onto a hard, level force plate. Subjects first completed 1 no-brace block of 5 trials to establish baseline performance, then 3 randomly ordered 15-trial blocks testing performance with each of the braces, and then finally a no-brace 5-trial block. Results: The average no-brace success rate was 24%, which demonstrated the challenging nature of the task. All three braces increased the success rate (average, 44%); however, only the two semirigid braces proved to be significantly better than the unbraced state. Conclusion: This test holds promise for evaluating brace efficacy when landing with one foot unexpectedly on an object that acts to forcibly invert the ankle.
Preoperative Evaluation and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Technique for Skeletally Immature Patients in Tanner Stages 2 and 3
Authors: Guzzanti Vincenzo , Falciglia Francesco , Stanitski Carl L. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients carries the risk of adverse sequelae. Purpose: 1) To provide clinical and radiographic methods to identify skeletally immature patients with significant remaining lower limb growth. 2) To provide a method for calculating the percent area lesion created by a 6-mm distal femoral physeal tunnel. 3) To present a method of partial transphyseal intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bipolar graft fixation in these patients. 4) To report on clinical, functional, and radiographic results at skeletal maturity. Methods: Fourteen adolescents with symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament instability who were identified as being in Tanner stages 2 and 3 underwent partial transphyseal intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the use of hamstring tendon grafts (transphyseal only in the femur and through the epiphysis in the tibia). Results: At skeletal maturity, 10 patients were asymptomatic and fully active in sports. No patient had significant leg-length inequality or angular deformity after use of a 6-mm femoral physeal tunnel, which represented 1) less than 7% of the frontal plane and 2) less than 1% of the transverse plane cross-sectional femoral physeal areas. Conclusions: The choice of the exposed technique and the method used to select patients permitted us to avoid adverse sequelae.