bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ankle and Hindfoot Fusions: Comparison of Outcomes in Patients with and without Diabetes
Authors: Myers Thomas G. , Lowery Nicholas J. , Frykberg Robert G. , Wukich Dane K. 
Published: March 2012

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are believed to have higher complication rates when undergoing ankle and hindfoot fusions, but data is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes of major foot and ankle arthrodeses in patients with and without DM. Another goal was to evaluate what effect glycemic control had on the outcomes of patients with diabetes. Methods: A retrospective review of charts from operative years 2005 to 2010 was performed. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients requiring major hindfoot and/or ankle fusion. Exclusion criteria included any patient who did not have at least 6-month followup. Seventy four patients with DM were matched with 74 non-DM patients based on age, gender, and length of surgery. Significance was set at p < 0.05 with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: The overall complication rate was found to be significantly higher in patients with DM, a history of tobacco use, and peripheral neuropathy. The postoperative infection rate was found to be significantly higher in patients with DM, poor long-term glucose control (Hgb A1c levels greater than or equal to 7%), a history of tobacco use, peripheral artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy. Our rate of noninfectious complications was found to be significantly higher in patients with DM, poor short-term glucose control (a preoperative glucose greater than 200 mg/dL), a history of tobacco use, and previous solid organ transplantation. Patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age were significantly associated with fewer overall complications and postoperative infections. Conclusion: This study confirmed our hypothesis that patients with DM were at increased risk for postoperative complications after foot and/or ankle arthrodesis when compared to patients without DM. A secondary finding of this study demonstrated patients with poor short- and long-term glucose control experienced more complications. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study
Arthroscopic Four-Step Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Ventura Alberto , Terzaghi Clara , Legnani Claudio , Borgo Enrico 
Published: March 2012

Background: Chronic lateral ankle instability is a condition of perception of giving way and persistent pain usually following multiple ankle sprains. Open reconstructive procedures carry the disadvantages of subtalar joint stiffness and potential morbidity at the harvesting site. Recently, arthroscopic treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability has been proposed in order to minimize invasiveness, reduce operating time, and allow a faster rehabilitation period. The purpose of our paper was to assess the outcomes in terms of postoperative recovery and return to sport following arthroscopic reconstruction of lateral ankle instability. Methods: Ninety patients with chronic lateral ankle instability were treated at our Department from 2004 to 2009. Mean age was 32.4 (range, 17 to 56) years. All patients underwent a four-step operative procedure, including: synovectomy, debridement of ATFL lesion borders, capsular shrinkage, and 21-day immobilization and nonweightbearing. Results: Followup examination at an average of 4 years after surgery showed significant improvement of mean AOFAS scale (preoperative, 63.5; postoperative, 92.3; p < 0.001) and average Karlsson score (preoperative, 61.8; postoperative, 88.4; p < 0.001). Mean Tegner rating changed from 3.6 preoperatively to 4.9 at followup ( p < 0.001). Articular stability as assessed by Sefton scale significantly improved from a preoperative value of 4.0 to 1.8 ( p < 0.001). Most patients (96.6%) rated the success of their surgery as good to excellent. Conclusion: Based on our results, we propose arthroscopic treatment as a suitable option for moderate chronic ankle joint laxity in patients with a complete ATFL lesion. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Cohort Study
Health-care providers’ preparedness for H1N1/09 influenza prevention and treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kamuhabwa Appolinary , Chavda Reena 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: In Tanzania, the first case of H1N1/09 influenza was reported in September 2009. By March 2010, the reported number of cases was 770 with one death. Due to shortage of qualified human resources, essential medicines and laboratory supplies in health facilities, it was not known how well health-care providers in the country were prepared to deal with the pandemic. Methodology: The study was conducted from December 2009 to May 2010 in public hospitals and private community pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Fifty-three prescribers and 200 dispensers were interviewed to assess their knowledge on the prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza, and dissemination of correct information to the public regarding the pandemic. Results: Most participants had inadequate knowledge on the transmission, prevention and management of H1N1/09 influenza. The majority of prescribers knew neither the antiviral drugs recommended for the treatment of H1N1 influenza (64%) nor their adverse effects (92.5%). The drug dispensers' knowledge was also inadequate regarding the transmission, prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza. Forty-one (20.5%) salespersons without formal training in pharmaceutical or medical sciences were found dispensing and supervising the pharmacies. Most participants had misconceptions on how H1N1/09 virus was transmitted. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed gaps in the knowledge of the health-care providers on the prevention and treatment of H1N1/09 influenza infection. This indicates the need for strengthening of health-care systems and provision of continuing education and professional development for health-care providers on new and re-emerging diseases in the community.
Understanding science: when metaphors become terms
Authors: English Kathryn 
Published: March 2012

La terminologie est une industrie de base dans la communication spécialisée. L’auteur examine l’interaction entre métaphores et termes techniques lors de l’apprentissage des concepts scientifiques, ainsi que les processus linguistiques de désignation des concepts nouveaux. Une sélection d’outils qui relève de la théorie de la métaphore : le cadre de présupposés, l’agrégation conceptuelle, les champs sources et les champs cibles est présentée. Deux outils de la terminologie, la description de concepts et la définition des termes ont pour but, au moins dans la théorie, de fournir des termes monosémiques dans un champ restreint.
Cognitive Analysis of Decision Support for Antibiotic Ordering in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kaufman D. , Bakken S. , Currie L. M. , Sheehan B. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackground: Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are a method used to support prescribing accuracy when deployed within a computerized provider order entry system (CPOE). Divergence from using CDSS is exemplified by high alert override rates. Excessive cognitive load imposed by the CDSS may help to explain such high rates. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the cognitive impact of a CPOE-integrated CDSS by categorizing system use problems according to the type of mental processing required to resolve them.Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was used employing two methods; a cognitive walk-through and a think-aloud protocol. Data analysis was guided by Norman’s Theory of Action and a theory of cognitive distances which is an extension to Norman’s theory.Results: The most frequently occurring source of excess cognitive effort was poor information timing. Information presented by the CDSS was often presented after clinicians required the information for decision making. Additional sources of effort included use of language that was not clear to the user, vague icons, and lack of cues to guide users through tasks.Conclusions: Lack of coordination between clinician’s task-related thought processes and those presented by a CDSS results in excessive cognitive work required to use the system. This can lead to alert overrides and user errors. Close attention to user’s cognitive processes as they carry out clinical tasks prior to CDSS development may provide key information for system design that supports clinical tasks and reduces cognitive effort.
Damage Awards Using Intermediate Term Government Bond Funds vs. U.S. Treasuries Ladder: Tradeoffs in Theory and Practice
Authors: Rosenberg Joseph I. , Gaskins Rick R. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Valuing damage awards for personal injury or wrongful death requires the application of finance theory to achieve a practical result. Methods for discounting future earnings losses fall into two major categories: Current market rates, which offer greater objectivity, and historical rates, which theoretically offer greater stability of results by averaging away the effect of often volatile “current” market conditions.
The purpose of this paper is to provide a unique ex post comparison of damage awards using distinctive current and historical rates methods that highlight the inherent differences between the two major discounting alternatives. Current market rates methods are represented by a Treasury bond ladder with no instrument rollover, using initial market rates for both discounting and investing damage awards. Historical rates methods are represented by intermediate term government bonds; historical average five-year Treasury yields are used for discounting the damage award, with annual bond rollover required afterwards to maintain the award investment in comparable instruments, creating realized total returns from investing. These alternative methods are compared, ex ante in terms of the present value of the awards, and also ex post, in terms of how well each method's award, based on the same projected lost earnings, is able to support paydowns based on actual lost earnings.
Key findings include: (a) both methods result in widely varying lump sum awards; (b) the idea that historical rates offer greater stability of results over time is empirically unsupportable; (c) that a good measure of methodological accuracy is the relative variance in award present values observed by first discounting and then subsequently investing under each method using the same instruments; (d) that different economic conditions greatly affect the relative ex post accuracy of each method; and (e) that neither method is very accurate in projecting present value of earnings losses upon ex post analysis.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of Louisiana
Authors: Bartkus James Richard , Wolfson Shael N. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This article details the case law, statutes, codes and procedural rules that govern the assessment of economic damages in personal injury (PI) and wrongful death (WD) cases in the state courts of Louisiana. Despite the fact that Louisiana is the only state in the union whose law is founded upon the civil law tradition, practicing forensic economists will find little deviation from standard methodology.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of Michigan
Authors: King William D. , Mahoney Michael S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article discusses the methods by which damages are calculated in personal injury and wrongful death cases in the state of Michigan. It discusses issues relevant to the economic damages expert that are common to all matters of personal injury and wrongful death damages law in Michigan. The areas that are unique to Michigan in estimating damages are discussed in detail with sources cited from both Michigan's statutes and case law. There is a clear separation between estimating the particular components for normal tort claims for personal injury and wrongful death damages and claims arising from automobile accidents. An assessment of noneconomic damages available, as a matter of law to Michigan plaintiffs, is described within the context of personal injury, wrongful death and no-fault automobile injury litigation. The last section presents matters of admissibility of evidence by the damage expert in the course of trial.
An Assessment Study of Energy Efficiency Policy Measures for Japanese Commercial Sector
Authors: Takahashi Masahito , Asano Hiroshi 
Published: March 2012

Building sector is the highest growing sector in energy demand in Japan at present. There is a strong need to reduce this sectoral energy demand to achieve the national carbon emission target. This study focuses on Japanese commercial sector and shows model analysis results of energy efficiency policy impacts on the sectoral carbon emission trajectory, using CRIEPI’s bottom-up energy model. The policy cases we analyzed are consistent with those of other EMF25 model teams. The results indicate that, the introduction of low carbon tax has little impact on the sectoral final energy demand and carbon emission trajectory and, on the other hand, enhanced energy efficiency standard and reduced equipment cost of products are very effective on reducing the sectoral energy demand. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-13
The Policy Implications of Energy-Efficiency Cost Curves
Authors: Huntington Hillard G. 
Published: March 2012

Energy-efficiency cost curves show the required expenditures for achieving any specific reductions in energy use from the baseline level. When they are applied in a policy setting, the assumptions underlying these schedules need to be carefully evaluated if one is to derive useful conclusions. This paper begins by adopting the cost curve and underlying assumptions used in a previous and highly visible study of the economic potential for energy-efficiency improvements. Adjustments are made to the cost curve to incorporate demographic, economic and market effects that are often included in many energy-economy models. Energy efficiency tends to be more costly with the adjusted than with the original cost curves, due primarily to limits on adoption and to policy program costs. It is hoped that the exposition will allow policymakers more insight into why different results are obtained with alternative behavioral assumptions, even if the technology costs and performances are the same with both approaches. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-2
Energy and Emissions in the Building Sector: A Comparison of Three Policies and Their Combinations
Authors: Comstock Owen , Boedecker Erin 
Published: March 2012

Standards, subsidies, and carbon taxes are among the measures often considered to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the buildings sector. Using a modeling system developed by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential and commercial sector standards and subsidies were each modeled with and without a carbon tax to determine if a multipolicy approach would be redundant. A separate case examining a carbon tax was also completed for comparison. Between the two equipment-based policies, subsidies achieved more energy and CO2 emissions reductions at less cost to consumers, as incremental investment costs were shifted to the government. When either of the equipment-based policies was combined with a carbon tax, their energy- and carbon-reducing effects were more additive than redundant. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-3
Modeling Efficiency Standards and a Carbon Tax: Simulations for the U.S. using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Murphy Rose , Jaccard Mark 
Published: March 2012

Analysts using a bottom-up approach have argued that a large potential exists for improving energy efficiency profitably or at a low cost, while top-down modelers tend to find that it is more expensive to meet energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. Hybrid energy-economy models have been developed that combine characteristics of these divergent approaches in order to help resolve disputes about costs, and test a range of policy approaches. Ideally, such models are technologically explicit, take into account the behavior of businesses and consumers, and incorporate macroeconomic feedbacks. In this study, we use a hybrid model to simulate the impact of end-use energy efficiency standards and an economy-wide carbon tax on GHG emissions and energy consumption in the U.S. to the year 2050. Our results indicate that policies must target abatement opportunities beyond end-use energy efficiency in order to achieve deep GHG emissions reductions in a cost-effective manner. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-4
The Value of Advanced End-Use Energy Technologies in Meeting U.S. Climate Policy Goals
Authors: Kyle Page , Clarke Leon , Smith Steven J. , Kim Son , Nathan Mayda , Wise Marshall 
Published: March 2012

This study, a contribution to the EMF 25 scenarios on the role of energy efficiency in climate change mitigation, explores the value of technological improvement in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors in meeting 2050 CO2 emissions mitigation targets in the United States. Six scenarios of future end-use technology evolution are analyzed without any future emissions mitigation policy, and with two linear emissions constraints that begin in 2012 and achieve 50% and 80% reductions from 1990 CO2 emissions levels in 2050.The scenarios show that end-use technologies are important for reducing near-term energy demand and CO2 emissions, and advanced transportation technologies in particular are important for allowing the energy system as a whole to achieve deep emissions reductions in a cost-effective manner. Total discounted economic costs of meeting the emissions constraints are reduced by up to 53% by advanced end-use technologies, and similar cost reductions are observed when the policies allow intertemporal shifting in the emissions pathways (i.e., banking and borrowing). The scenarios highlight the importance of end-use technologies that facilitate electrification and decrease the direct use of hydrocarbon fuels through efficiency improvement, but we stress that end-use technology advancement should be complementary to technology advancement in energy supply. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-5
Incorporation of Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticles in PEMFC Electrodes
Authors: Wolz André , Zils Susanne , Ruch David , Kotov Nicholas , Roth Christina , Michel Marc 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCarbon materials suffer from corrosion at the cathode of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In the presence of water, carbon support materials are oxidized to carbon dioxide even at low potentials. Hence, nowadays it is very fashionable to look for alternative support materials, like oxides or conductive polymers. To gain the maximum performance for a new material one should also consider an appropriate electrode structure. This study shows the results for the incorporation of nanosized alternative support materials into advanced electrode architectures. Commercially available indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles (<50 nm) are used as support for Pt nanoparticles in combination with Nafion‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the cathode side of a PEMFC. The MWCNTs promote a high electronic conductivity and help to form a porous network, which could accommodate the Pt/ITO nanoparticles. The microscopic investigations show a homogeneous electrode structure composed of Pt/ITO and MWCNT/Nafion multilayer. Single cell measurements show a maximum power density of 73 mW cm−2 and a Pt utilization of 1468 mW mgPt−1 for the cathode. The performance data and the Pt utilization are comparable to a standard Pt/carbon black electrode possessing the same Pt loading in the electrode. Beside this, it is shown for the first time that ITO serves as support material under real fuel cell conditions.
Relationship between inflammatory mediator patterns and anemia in HIV‐1 positive and exposed children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Davenport Gregory C. , Hittner James B. , Were Tom , Ong'echa John M. , Perkins Douglas J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAnemia is the primary hematological manifestation of both Plasmodium falciparum malaria and HIV‐1 in pediatric populations in sub‐Saharan Africa. We have previously shown that HIV‐1 positive and exposed children have greater risk of developing severe anemia (hemoglobin, Hb <6.0 g dL−1) during acute malaria. However, enhanced severity of anemia was unrelated to either erythropoietic suppression or parasite‐driven red blood cell hemolysis. To further explore mechanisms of anemia, circulating inflammatory mediators (IMs) were determined using a 25‐plex bead array in P. falciparum‐infected (Pf[+]) children (3–36 month, n = 194) stratified into three groups: HIV‐1 negative (HIV‐1[−]/Pf[+]); HIV‐1 exposed (HIV‐1[exp]/Pf[+]); and HIV‐1 infected (HIV‐1[+]/Pf[+]). IL‐12, MIG/CXCL9, eotaxin/CCL11, and GM‐CSF differed significantly and progressively increased across the groups (HIV‐1[−]→HIV‐1[exp]→HIV‐1[+]). To further explore the relationship between the inflammatory milieu (i.e., cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) and HIV‐1 status, the large panel of IMs was reduced into discrete groups by principal component factor analysis. Of the six principal components that emerged, three components were significantly higher in the HIV‐1 [+]/pf[+] and HIV[exp]/Pf[+] groups, demonstrating that inflammatory profiles differ according to HIV‐1 status. Additional analyses exploring the relationship between the components and anemia revealed significant positive correlations between Hb and Component 3 (IL‐1Ra, IL‐7, IL‐17, IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, MIG/CXCL9) in the HIV‐1[−]/Pf[+] group, and Component 4 (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐12, Eotaxin/CCL11) in HIV‐1[+]/Pf[+] children. Further analyses of the HIV‐1[+]/Pf[+] group revealed that IL‐12 had the strongest association with anemia. Results presented here demonstrate that there are unique relationships between the inflammatory environment and anemia in HIV‐1 positive and exposed children with malaria. Am. J. Hematol. 87:652–658, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends and outcomes of modern staging of solitary plasmacytoma of bone
Authors: Warsame Rahma , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Kyle Robert A. , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Greipp Philip R. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kumar Shaji K. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Witzig Thomas E. , Mikhael Joseph , Leung Nelson , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOver the years, the definition of solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) has shifted in part due to more modern testing capabilities. We hypothesized that outcomes data based on antiquated testing would not reflect outcomes using modern staging. To address both how widely applied adequate diagnostic staging is and what the progression rates of SPB as defined with state‐of‐the‐art staging are, we performed a retrospective chart review of those patients with a diagnosis of SPB seen at our institution over the past decade. Two groups were studied: all patients with SPB (n = 127); and those patients referred to our institution for an indication other than progression (n = 91). The median PFS for those two groups were 26 months and 42 months, respectively. At baseline, only a minority of patients had state‐of‐the‐art staging. The 5 patients with both modern imaging and a negative bone marrow had a 21 month PFS of 100%. Patients with plasmacytoma plus, one plasmacytoma but bone marrow consistent with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, fare worse than true SPB. The use of modern testing is imperative to characterize a patient's risk for progression. PET/CT plays an important role in the diagnostic work‐up. Am. J. Hematol. 87:647–651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.