bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of casting motion to mobilize stiffness to regain digital flexion following Dupuytren's fasciectomy
Authors: Midgley Robyn 
Published: May 2010

Background A priority in hand therapy following Dupuytren's fasciectomy is to regain and maintain extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). Historically this has been achieved through the application of mechanical stress to the affected digit with splinting and exercise. However, loss of a normal pattern of digital flexion in both the operated and non-operated digits is a common complication. Method Four patients who underwent a Dupuytren's fasciectomy presented with persistent digital stiffness and a poor pattern of motion of the operated hand following traditional therapy. The casting motion to mobilize stiffness (CMMS) technique was therefore applied. The type of cast applied, duration of casting, duration of sessions and cast exercises are described. Results All patients regained digital flexion and an improved pattern of motion through the use of the CMMS technique without compromising PIPJ extension. Conclusion This small case series demonstrates the use of the CMMS technique to regain digital flexion and a normal pattern of motion when traditional treatment fails to achieve the desired outcomes following Dupuytren's fasciectomy. The use of the CMMS technique was beneficial in these patients and provides a means to regain digital flexion without the loss of PIPJ extension and is successful even when traditional therapy has failed.
Validity, responsiveness, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the weighted tape measure when measuring digital circumference
Authors: Jansen Victoria , Radbourne Liz , Fakis Apostolos , Bradley Mary , Burke Frank , Ellis Jo 
Published: May 2010

Introduction Circumferential measurements (CMs) are used by hand therapists to monitor digital oedema. There are a range of tape measures available commercially to measure digital circumference, but none of them have any data to support their reliability or validity. Method Observational measurement studies using a repeated measures design were undertaken to assess if a weighted tape measure, used with a protocol, could provide accurate and reliable CMs of swollen digits. In study 1, validity and responsiveness were determined by two raters measuring 16 steel bars of known circumferences and comparing the known measurements to those taken with the weighted tape. In study 2, intra- and inter-rater reliability was assessed by three raters measuring 12 prosthetic digits. In study 3, 27 swollen digits were measured by three raters to assess intra- and inter-rater reliability of the raters using the weighted tape in a clinical setting. The analysis of validity was based on the Bland–Altman plots. Reliability was based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results There was near-perfect agreement between the measurements taken by two assessors at the start and end of the trial and the actual circumference of the steel bars (all mean differences <1 mm). A minimum change in circumference of 2 mm could be detected with the same rater and a change of 3 mm could be detected with a different rater. On swollen digits the ICC values were significantly greater than 0.9 for both inter- and intrarater reliability. The lowest values for inter-rater reliability were ICC 0.983 (0.965–0.992) and for intrarater reliability were ICC 0.978 (0.954–0.990). Discussion The weighted tape measure has been shown to be valid and reliable in this study when used with a protocol for measuring swollen digits. It was easy to use and may become a clinically useful tool.
Automatische Zusammmenführung zweier Fahrzeugströme — eine Rückblende
Authors: Schmidt Günther , Posch Bernd 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Mit diesem Artikel werden “historische” Simulations- und Animationsergebnisse zum automatischen Zusammenführen zweier Fahrzeugströme zugänglich gemacht und ergänzend dazu Grundideen eines von den Autoren vor geraumer Zeit vorgestellten hybriden Einfädelregelungskonzepts skizziert. Anlass zu dieser Rückblende war die Feststellung, dass das Thema nach wie vor hohe Aktualität genießt, einschlägige Vorarbeiten jedoch häufig nicht bekannt zu sein scheinen.
Entwurf von Ausgangsrückführungen für Strecken mit Stellsignalbegrenzung
Authors: Deutscher Joachim 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag wird die beobachterbasierte Zustandsregelung von Strecken mit Stellsignalbegrenzung auf allgemeinere dynamische Ausgangsrückführungen für Zwei-Freiheitsgrade-Regelungen erweitert, die sowohl statische als auch dynamische Rückführungen beliebiger Ordnung umfassen. Die Bestimmung der neuen Ausgangsregler erfolgt durch den unabhängigen Entwurf einer statischen Ausgangsrückführung und eines Beobachters zur Rekonstruktion von zusätzlichen Rückführgrößen. Damit lassen sich die bei beobachterbasierten Zustandsreglern bekannten Verfahren zur Windup-Vermeidung unmittelbar auf allgemeinere Ausgangsregler übertragen. Für die Beseitigung des Windups bei Ausgangsrückführungen, die zur robusten asymptotischen Störkompensation Störmodelle enthalten, wird ein einfache Methode vorgestellt. Ein Beispiel verdeutlicht die Ergebnisse des Beitrags.
Anwendung zeitdiskreter rekurrenter Fuzzy-Systeme zur Fehlerdiagnose
Authors: Schwung Andreas , Ortseifen Andreas , Adamy Jürgen 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Anwendung zeitdiskreter rekurrenter Fuzzy-Systeme (DRFS) zur Fehlerdetektion und Fehlerisolation. Zum einen wird gezeigt, wie auf Basis datengestützt entworfener DRFS geeignete Residuen gebildet werden können. Zum anderen wird ein Ansatz zur Mehrfehlerisolation mit DRFS präsentiert. Dieser Ansatz basiert auf der Erweiterung klassischer statischer Fuzzy-Systeme zu DRFS. Die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten des Ansatzes werden anhand des Dreitank-Benchmarksystems illustriert.
Ein Programmpaket zur Modellierung kapazitiver MEMS-Drehratensensoren
Authors: Mair Florian , Egretzberger Markus , Kugi Andreas 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschreibt ein Programmpaket zur automatisierten Herleitung des mathematischen Modells in symbolischer Darstellung von kapazitiven MEMS-Drehratensensoren. Im Anschluss an die Beschreibung des Funktionsprinzips eines speziellen einachsigen Drehratensensors mit kapazitivem Antrieb und kapazitiven Auslesestrukturen wird ein mathematisches Konzept zur systematischen Beschreibung einer bestimmten Klasse von Drehratensensoren vorgestellt. Das resultierende System von Differentialgleichungen kann im Computeralgebraprogramm MAPLE zum Reglerentwurf und zur weiteren Analyse verwendet werden und ein automatisierter C-Code-Generator ermöglicht eine nahtlose Einbindung in die Simulationsumgebung von MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Trunk Muscle Activity During Lumbar Stabilization Exercises on Both a Stable and Unstable Surface
Authors: Imai Atsushi , Kaneoka Koji , Okubo Yu , Shiina Itsuo , Tatsumura Masaki , Izumi Shigeki , Shiraki Hitoshi 
Published: May 2010

Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Objectives To clarify whether differences in surface stability influence trunk muscle activity. Background Lumbar stabilization exercises on unstable surfaces are performed widely. One perceived advantage in performing stabilization exercises on unstable surfaces is the potential for increased muscular demand. However, there is little evidence in the literature to help establish whether this assumption is correct. Methods Nine healthy male subjects performed lumbar stabilization exercises. Pairs of intramuscular fine-wire or surface electrodes were used to record the electromyographic signal amplitude of the rectus abdominis, the external obliques, the transversus abdominis, the erector spinae, and lumbar multifidus. Five exercises were performed on the floor and on an unstable surface: elbow-toe, hand-knee, curl-up, side bridge, and back bridge. The EMG data were normalized as the percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction, and data between doing each exercise on the stable versus unstable surface were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results With the elbow-toe exercise, the activity level for all muscles was enhanced when performed on the unstable surface. When performing the hand-knee and side bridge exercises, activity level of the more global muscles was enhanced when performed on an unstable surface. Performing the curl-up exercise on an unstable surface, increased the activity of the external obliques but reduced transversus abdominis activation. Conclusion This study indicates that lumbar stabilization exercises on an unstable surface enhanced the activities of trunk muscles, except for the back bridge exercise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010:40(6):369–375.doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3211
Changes in T-cell subsets in HIV–HCV-coinfected patients during pegylated interferon-α2a plus ribavirin treatment
Authors: Massanella Marta , Tural Cristina , Papagno Laura , Garcia Elisabet , Jou Antoni , Bofill Margarita , Autran Brigitte , Clotet Bonaventura , Blanco Julià 
Published: May 2010

Background We evaluated the effect of different doses of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α2a/ribavirin (RBV) on several T-cell activation markers in HIV–HCV-coinfected patients and their relationship with changes in plasma HCV RNA. Methods Frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 22 patients receiving two different PEG-IFN-α2a schedules were analysed by six-colour flow cytometry. Cell-surface expression of CD38 was quantified. HIV and HCV viral loads, as well as absolute CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts, were recorded during the follow up (72 weeks). Results PEG-IFN-α2a/RBV treatment decreased the absolute numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells. The decrease in CD8+ T-cells was more pronounced, resulting in increased percentages of CD4+ T-cells. Percentages of naive/memory CD4+ T-cell subsets remained unchanged, although the percentage of CD38+CD45RO+ cells significantly increased. By contrast, the CD8+ T-cell compartment significantly reduced the percentage of CD45RO+ cells and HLA-DR+ cells, whereas the percentage of CD38 expressing cells was increased because of a significant increase in cell-surface CD38 expression. Changes in CD8+ T-cells were similar for both PEG-IFN-α2a/RBV doses, but high doses induced more severe perturbations in CD4+ T-cells. All changes returned to baseline levels after treatment cessation and, except for the loss of naive CD4+ T-cells, were not associated with virological response. Conclusions Transient lymphopaenia induced by PEG-IFN-α2a/RBV differentially affects T-cell subsets. Activated HLA-DR+ and CD45RO+ cells were selectively reduced in peripheral blood, whereas CD38 expression was up-regulated mainly in memory cells. Increasing PEG-IFN-α2a/RBV doses mainly affect CD4+ T-cells but failed to modify clinical outcome.
HIV protease inhibitors activate the adipocyte renin angiotensin system
Authors: Boccara Franck , Auclair Martine , Cohen Ariel , Lefèvre Chloé , Prot Mathieu , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Capeau Jacqueline , Caron-Debarle Martine 
Published: May 2010

Background HIV-infected patients under antiretroviral therapy that includes HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) are prone to develop a complex metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance, lipodystrophy and hypertension. Whether hypertension and cardiovascular events could result from the adipocyte renin angiotensin system (RAS) overactivation has never been investigated. Methods Primary human adipocytes and 3T3-F442A murine adipocytes were incubated with lopinavir or atazanavir boosted with ritonavir, with or without the angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs), irbesartan or telmisartan, and the peroxysome proliferator- activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) regulators, rosiglitazone and GW9662. Adipose RAS activation and adipocyte functions were evaluated. Results The ritonavir-boosted PIs activated the adipose RAS in human and murine adipocytes as shown by the overexpression of AT1R protein, angiotensinogen messenger RNA and the amplified effect of angiotensin II on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activity. ARBs prevented the PI effect on RAS activation (AT1R overexpression and signalling) and adipocyte functions (dedifferentiation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation). Consistent with a role of PPAR-γ signalling in PI-induced RAS activation, the PPAR-γ agonist (rosiglitazone) normalized PI-induced AT1R overexpression and adipocyte dysfunction. Conversely, the PPAR-γ antagonist (GW9662) induced AT1R overexpression and reduced the beneficial effect of telmisartan on PI toxicity. Conclusions We report that two frequently prescribed PI combinations could activate the adipose RAS in cultured cells, in part through a PPAR-γ-dependant signalling pathway. Our data suggest a role for the adipose RAS in the development of hypertension in HIV-infected patients under PI treatment, and point out the potential use of ARBs to decrease PI adverse effects.
Prevalence of comedications and effect of potential drug–drug interactions in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors:   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Marzolini Catia , Elzi Luigia , Gibbons Sara , Weber Rainer , Fux Christoph , Furrer Hansjakob , Chave Jean-Philippe , Cavassini Matthias , Bernasconi Enos , Calmy Alexandra , Vernazza Pietro , Khoo Saye , Ledergerber Bruno , Back David , Battegay Manuel 
Published: May 2010

Background Potential drug–drug interactions (PDDIs) might expand with new combination antiretroviral therapies (ART) and polypharmacy related to increasing age and comorbidities. We investigated the prevalence of comedications and PDDIs within a large HIV cohort, and their effect on ART efficacy and tolerability. Methods All medications were prospectively recorded in 1,497 ART-treated patients and screened for PDDIs using a customized version of the Liverpool drug interactions database. Results Overall, 68% (1,013/1,497) of patients had a comedication and 40% (599/1,497) had ≥1 PDDI. Among patients with comedication, 2% (21/1,013) had red-fag interactions (contraindicated) and 59% (597/1,013) had orange-fag interactions (potential dose adjustment and/ or close monitoring required). The latter involved mainly central nervous system drugs (49%), cardiovascular drugs (34%) and methadone (19%). In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with having a comedication were advanced age, female gender, obesity and HCV infection. Independent risk factors for PDDIs were regimens combining protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (odds ratio [OR] 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–6.48), ≥2 comedications (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.32–2.70), current illicit drug use (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.29–3.10) and patients with HCV infection (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.19–2.56). Viral response was similar in patients with and without PDDIs (84.5% versus 86.4%; P=0.386). During follow-up, ART was modified in 134 patients with comedication regardless of the presence of PDDIs ( P=0.524). Conclusions PDDIs increase with complex ART and comorbidities. No adverse effect was noted on ART efficacy or tolerability; however, most PDDIs affected comedication but were manageable through dose adjustment or monitoring.
Steady-state nevirapine, lamivudine and stavudine levels in Malawian HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy using split Triomune 30® tablets
Authors: Poerksen Goenke , Pollock Louisa , Moons Peter , Chesshyre Emily , Burger David , Khoo Saye , Molyneux Elizabeth 
Published: May 2010

Background Children remain under-represented in national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes in settings with limited resources and high HIV prevalence. In Malawi, an increasing number of HIV-infected children have been started on ART with split tablets of an adult fixed-dose combination drug in the past few years. In 2006, the national paediatric ART regime was changed from Triomune 40® (T40) to Triomune 30® (T30). Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the paediatric ART clinic in Blantyre (Malawi) from September 2006 to July 2007. Children taking T30 for >6 weeks from each dosing weight band (<5, 5-<8, 8-<12, 12-<14, 14–<19, 19-<26, 26-<30 and ≥30 kg) were recruited. Plasma drug concentration, CD4+ T-cell count and HIV viral load were measured. Results A total of 74 children were analysed. The median nevirapine (NVP) concentration was 7.35 mg/l. A therapeutic NVP plasma level >3 mg/l was found in 62 (87.8%) children. A subtherapeutic NVP level (<3 mg/l) occurred significantly more often in children treated with T30 doses between one-quarter tablet once daily and one-half tablet twice daily ( P=0.035). Median prescribed NVP dose was 342 mg/m2/day, but 13 (17.6%) children received a dose below the recommended dose of 300 mg/m2/day. Compared with a historical control, the median prescribed NVP dose was increased (from 243 to 342 mg/m2/day). Conclusions Our findings indicate that with the Malawian T30-based ART regime, the majority (87.8%) of children in the study group achieved a therapeutic NVP level. However, treatment remains suboptimal especially for young children receiving T30 dosages less than or equal to one-half tablets twice daily and child appropriate formulations are warranted.
Screening of the Interactions Between Mg‐PSZ and TRIP‐Steel and Its Alloys During Sintering
Authors: Weigelt Christian , Giersberg Sarah , Wenzel Claudia , Aneziris Christos G. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCeramic–steel compound materials are used in a wide range of applications up to date. Major advantages are the mechanical properties due to the combination of brittle ceramic with tough steel. This study deals with effects of the sintering process on austenitic TRIP‐steel/Mg‐PSZ composite materials for mechanical load applications. Both, the FeCrNisteel and partially stabilized zirconia offer their special mechanical behavior only in a metastable state. The ability of phase transformation depends mainly on the chemical composition. Mutual interactions of the alloying metals (Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe) and the ceramic stabilizer (MgO) during sintering may prevent the martensitic phase transformation. This may cause disadvantageous mechanical behavior on mechanical load in use.
Strategies for Improving Tensile Ductility of Bulk Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Zhao Yonghao , Zhu Yuntian , Lavernia Enrique J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe low ductility that is consistently associated with bulk nanostructured (NS) materials has been identified as perhaps the single most critical issue that must be resolved before this novel class of materials can be used in a wide variety of applications. Not surprisingly, a number of published studies, published mostly after 2000, identify the issue of low ductility and describe strategies to improve ductility. Details of these strategies were discussed in review papers published by Koch and Ma in 2005 and 2006, respectively.15,16 In view of continued efforts and recent results, in this paper we describe progress in attempting to address the low ductility of NS materials, after 2006. We first analyze the fundamental reasons for the observed low ductility of bulk NS materials, and summarize early (prior to 2006) attempts to enhance the ductility of bulk NS materials, which often sacrificed the strength. Then, we review recent progress in developing strategies for improving the tensile ductility of bulk NS materials, which involve mainly microstructure modifications, after 2006. Different from early efforts, these new strategies strive to increase the tensile ductility while increasing/maintaining the strength simultaneously. In addition, the influence of tensile testing conditions, including temperature, strain rate, tensile specimen size and geometry, and strain measurement methods, on tensile ductility of NS materials will also be reviewed. Finally, we identify several issues that will require further, in depth analysis in the future.
Fractal Approach to Hierarchically Evolved Laser Processed CaP Coatings
Authors: Kurella Anil Kumar , Dahotre Narendra 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses a fractal approach to understand nature inspired laser surface engineered coatings. Via a laser surface engineering process a multi‐scale CaTiO3 coating was synthesized on Ti alloy surface. At faster laser processing speeds star like CaTiO3 features evolved inside rings rich in calcium phosphate and TiO2. The porosity developed through the distribution of these particles results in a multi‐scale distribution. Fractal analysis revealed that such laser processed surfaces had consistent fractal dimension over multiple length scales. This multi‐scale and multi‐phase surface microstructure contributed to enhanced biomimetic precipitation.
Phase Transformations During High‐Pressure Torsion of Pure Zr and of a Zr‐2.5%Nb Alloy
Authors: Zhilyaev Alexander P. , Sharafutdinov Alfred V. , Pérez‐Prado M. Teresa 
Published: May 2010

AbstractZirconium at normal conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure) has an HCP structure with lattice parameters a = 3.2313 Å and c = 5.1477 Å (α‐phase). During loading under hydrostatic conditions in diamond anvil cells, a transition from the α ‐phase to an ω‐phase occurs at a pressure between 2 and 6 GPa and from ω to β (bcc) at 30 GPa. It has been recently reported that the α to ω + β transformation might be induced by HPT processing. The resulting microstructures are stable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This paper explores the influence of previous processing steps and of composition in the feasibility of the HPT induced α to α + β transformation. It will be shown that neither previous quenching nor high temperature HPT processing prevents the transformation from occurring during subsequent room temperature HPT. The addition of elements such as Nb also seems to favor the transformation. Understanding well the potential of HPT to stabilize high‐pressure phases at normal conditions might be critical, as it will open a whole new range of applications for already existing materials.
Biphasic Resorbable Calcium Phosphate Ceramic for Bone Implants and Local Alendronate Delivery
Authors: Banerjee Shashwat S. , Bandyopadhyay Amit , Bose Susmita 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA novel biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic composed of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and calcium pyrophosphate (CP) is synthesized in order to tailor the biodegradation behavior of the ceramic. The results show that biphasic TCP/CP ceramic has a strength of 62.2 ± 2.1 MPa, which is superior to single‐phase TCP and CP ceramics, which show strengths of 44.3 ± 3.0 and 53.0 ± 4.8 MPa, respectively. In addition, biphasic TCP/CP ceramic displays a controlled strength degradation from 62.2 ± 2.1 to 40.5 ± 1.0 MPa in stimulated body fluid over a period of 28 d. An in vitro cell materials interaction study using human fetal osteoblast cells indicates that TCP/CP ceramic is cytocompatible. TCP/CP ceramic also show a good loading capacity for alendronate. Adsorption of alendronate (AD) on the TCP/CP surface is found to proceed via ligand exchange mechanism and the in vitro release profile of AD from TCP/CP surface is characterized by an initial fast release followed by a slow and sustained release. Strong electrostatic interactions between AD groups and surface Ca2+ ions enable the slow and sustained release of AD. These results demonstrate that the newly developed biphasic ceramic, with its controlled strength degradation and drug release, shows promise for use in orthopedic and tissue engineering applications.