bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fallible Inquiry with Ethical Ends-in-View: A Pragmatist Philosophy of Science for Organizational Research
Authors: Martela Frank
Published: February 2015

The clash between positivist and constructivist research methodologies in organization studies has sent many researchers to look for a ‘third way’ in critical realism and more recently in pragmatism. Building on John Dewey’s work, this article develops a position where the fallible nature of all knowledge is acknowledged and the value of science is anchored to its ability to resolve genuine human problems. It is argued that this kind of ontological experientialism and epistemological fallibilistic instrumentalism offers the most original and defensible version of pragmatism as a philosophy of science. In it, science is seen as an outgrowth of ordinary inquiry, and thus it starts and ends in experiencing, is always constrained by fallibilism, proceeds utilizing abduction, and instead of ‘knowledge’ it produces warranted assertions. However, as pragmatist inquiry is always done with ends-in-view, pragmatism retains the possibility to evaluate the value of different theories and propositions, and thus sees scientific research as an inherently ethical activity. The position is contrasted to positivism, constructivism, critical realism and more realist interpretations of pragmatism to show its uniqueness, and its basic implications for research practice are explained.
The Program and Treatment Effect of Summer Jobs on Girls’ Post-Schooling Incomes
Authors: Alam Moudud , Carling Kenneth , Nääs Ola
Published: February 2015

Background:

Public programs offering summer jobs to smooth the transition from school to work is commonplace. However, the empirical support for summer jobs is limited. This article exploits the availability of registered individual information and random allocation to summer jobs to provide empirical evidence on this issue.

Objectives:

To identify the effect of summer job programs on the post-schooling incomes of the intended participants. Also to identify the effect of sophomore girls’ high school work experience on their post-schooling incomes.

Research Design:

In this article, 1,447 sophomore girls from 1997 to 2003 are followed 5–12 years after graduation. They all applied to Falun municipality’s (Sweden) summer job program, and about 25% of them were randomly allotted a job. The random allocation to a summer job is used to identify the causal effect of sophomore girls’ high school income on their post-schooling incomes.

Subjects:

All the 1,447 sophomore girls who applied to Falun municipality’s summer job program during 1997–2003.

Measures:

Annual post-schooling income is used as an outcome measure. The work experience of girls in high school is also measured in terms of total income while in high school.

Results:

The program led to a substantially larger accumulation of income during high school as well as 19% higher post-schooling incomes. The high school income led to a post-schooling income elasticity of 0.37 which is, however, potentially heterogeneous with regard to academic ability.

Conclusions:

Both the program effect and the causal effect of high school income on post-schooling incomes were substantial and statistically significant.
Catalog and Comparison of Societal Preferences (Utilities) for Lung Cancer Health States
Authors: Tramontano Angela C. , Schrag Deborah L. , Malin Jennifer K. , Miller Melecia C. , Weeks Jane C. , Swan J. Shannon , McMahon Pamela M.
Published: February 2015

Background. The EQ-5D and SF-6D are 2 health-related quality-of-life indexes that provide preference-weighted measures for use in cost-effectiveness analyses. Methods. The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance (CanCORS) Consortium included the EQ-5D and SF-12v2 in their survey of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Utilities were calculated from patient-provided scores for each domain of the EQ-5D or the SF-6D. Utilities were calculated for categories of cancer type, stage, and treatment. Results. There were 5015 enrolled lung cancer patients with a baseline survey in CanCORS; 2396 (47.8%) completed the EQ-5D, and 2344 (46.7%) also completed the SF-12v2. The mean (standard deviation) utility from the EQ-5D was 0.78 (0.18), and from the SF-6D (derived from SF-12v2) was 0.68 (0.14). The EQ-5D demonstrated a ceiling effect, with 20% of patients reporting perfect scores, translating to a utility of 1.0. No substantial SF-6D floor effects were noted. Utilities increased with age and decreased with stage and comorbidities. Patient-reported (EQ-5D) visual analog scale scores for health status had a moderate ( r = 0.48, p < 0.0001) positive correlation with utilities. A subset ( n = 1474) completed follow-up EQ-5D questionnaires 11–13 months after diagnosis. Among these patients, there was a nonsignificant decrease in mean utility for stage IV and an increase in mean utility for stages I, II, and III. Conclusion. This study generated a catalog of community-weighted utilities applicable to societal-perspective cost-effectiveness analyses of lung cancer interventions and compared utilities based on the EQ-5D and SF-6D. Potential users of these scores should be aware of the limitations and think carefully about their use in specific studies.
Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Polsa Pia , Zheng QinQin
Published: February 2015

This preview article introduces the special issue on “China and Chinese Communities” and presents a summary of the articles. Connections are made among the articles to point out the importance of Chinese economic and societal development to macromarketing research. Future research avenues are also discussed. The authors conclude with a special thank you to the authors, reviewers, and Editor-in-Chief for their roles in the preparation of the special issue.
Structural Change in Peripheral European Markets
Authors: Maixé-Altés J. Carles , Castro Balaguer Rafael
Published: February 2015

The processes of structural change and modernization in the food distribution industry have been submitted to different economic and institutional frameworks in European countries. Three essential factors have affected structural change in Spain: 1) the role of technical and organizational innovations, 2) institutional factors such as regulation and market structures, and 3) foreign direct investments. This article discusses with the framework of the “latecomers.” In these countries, the factor of innovation has been produced in terms of appropriation, whether this is technological or organizational, usually influenced by foreign models or through direct foreign investment. The impact of these innovations has been highly conditioned by inflexible institutional surroundings. Considering the Spanish food trade in the last sixty years is a good way understanding processes of structural change in Mediterranean Europe. This research helps one understand the role taken by countries, which introduced factors of innovation and growth in less favourable surroundings than those of developed Europe.
Eccentric Graft Positioning Within the Femoral Tunnel Aperture in Anatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Transportal and Outside-In Techniques
Authors: Lee Byung Hoon , Bansal Samarjit , Park Sin Hyung , Wang Joon Ho
Published: February 2015

Background:

Ellipticity of the femoral tunnel aperture, which is considered to better restore the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint after ACL reconstruction, is different according to the femoral tunneling technique used. How much of the femoral tunnel aperture is filled with graft in different tunneling techniques has yet to be evaluated.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the graft filling area and graft position within the femoral tunnel aperture in ACL reconstruction using the transportal (TP) and outside-in (OI) techniques.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 70 patients were randomized to undergo double-bundle ACL reconstruction using either the TP (n = 35) or OI (n = 35) technique. The aperture filling was evaluated by calculating the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the graft to that of the femoral tunnel, and the graft center position within the tunnel was assessed using immediate postoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

The cross-sectional area of the femoral anteromedial (AM) tunnel aperture in the TP group (605.5 ± 112.7 mm2) was larger than that in the OI group (537.9 ± 126.8 mm2). The cross-sectional area of the femoral posterolateral (PL) tunnel aperture in the TP group (369.9 ± 88.3 mm2) did not differ significantly from that of the OI group (387.9 ± 87.0 mm2). The grafts filled only 52.0% of the AM tunnel and 55.3% of the PL tunnel in the TP group, compared with 54.9% of the AM tunnel and 54.4% of the PL tunnel in the OI group, but there was no statistically significant difference ( P > .05). The AM graft center was positioned 1.7 ± 0.6 mm from the center of the tunnel aperture in the TP group and 1.6 ± 0.5 mm in the OI group, and the PL graft center was positioned 1.4 ± 0.4 mm from the center in the TP group and 1.3 ± 0.4 mm in the OI group, with no significant intergroup differences ( P = .406 and P = .629, respectively). In the OI group, the PL graft center was positioned more perpendicular to the Blumensaat line in relation to the tunnel aperture center (−10.8° ± 7.6°) compared with the TP group (−4.0° ± 11.8°) ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

The grafts did not fill the tunnel aperture area in either group, and the centers of the grafts differed slightly from the centers of the tunnel apertures. The finding of eccentric graft positioning in the tunnel with condensation in a particular direction in each technique might suggest the necessity of an underreamed femoral tunnel for graft. In addition, it may be useful to standardize the starting position of the femoral tunnel according to anatomic landmarks.
Prevalence of Family Violence and Associated Factors Among In-School Adolescents in São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Authors: Ralo Janaina Maria , Schor Neia , Tavares Carlos Mendes , Silva Valter
Published: February 2015

Family violence is a social and public health issue across the world for many populations and affects many different types of people, for example, children, women, and vulnerable adults. Adolescents are one of the main victims of this important phenomenon. This article estimates the prevalence of family violence in adolescents and associated factors. The study was carried out in 2012 with a probability and representative sample of 656 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years who were enrolled at public schools located in the extreme South of the city of São Paulo. The association was tested by the proportion test, Pearson’s chi-square or Fischer’s exact test, and Poisson regression adjusted by robust variance estimation, considering a level of significance of 5%. Among adolescents, 38.9% reported having been victims of family violence. Women were victimized with higher frequency (44.1%). The factors associated with prevalence of family violence were being of the female sex (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.20, 1.80]) and living only with the father (PR = 1.52; 95% CI = [1.11, 2.08]). The prevalence of adolescents who were victims of family violence is high; however, special attention must be paid to women and adolescents who live only with their father—they were established, in this study, as a risk group. Epidemiological studies of this nature are important to reveal the reality of family violence and to aid the construction of intersectoral public policies to promote health, prevent violence, and foster a peaceful culture.
Sex Offender Populations and Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Jensen Todd M. , Shafer Kevin , Roby C. Y. , Roby Jini L.
Published: February 2015

We provide a brief response to a commentary submitted by Rosky in which he questions the rationale and methodological merits of our original study about full-disclosure polygraph outcome differences between juvenile and adult sex offenders. At the heart of Rosky’s substantive concerns is the premise that only research tying polygraphy outcomes to actual recidivism is useful or worthwhile. He also questions the overall utility and validity of polygraphy. We acknowledge and challenge these two points. Furthermore, many of the methodological concerns expressed by Rosky represent either a misunderstanding of our research question, study design, and sample, or a disregard for the explicit declarations we made with respect to our study limitations. Overall, it appears Rosky has accused us of not answering well a question we were not trying to ask. Our response addresses the key substantive and methodological concerns extended by Rosky and clarifies the actual aims and scope of our original study. We also argue that a calm, rational, and scientific discussion is the best approach to understanding how to improve clinical methods used in sex offender treatment.
Educational Policy Implementation Revisited
Authors: Young Tamara , Lewis Wayne D.
Published: February 2015

This article outlines the rationale for this special issue on educational policy implementation and provides an overview of the articles in this issue. In addition to summarizing each article, we point out how the findings from the different contributions complement, challenge, and complicate not only the findings and conclusions from other works in this issue, but also insights articulated by Honig (2006) and Odden (1991). We conclude with a discussion of the implications from these articles for educational policy implementation research.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of poly(thioether imide)s from isomeric bis(chlorophthalimide)s and bisthiophenols
Authors: Liu Jiangtao , Chen Guofei , Fang Xingzhong
Published: February 2015

A series of isomeric poly(thioether imide)s (PTIs) containing thioether linkages were prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction of isomeric bis(chlorophthalimide)s (BCPIs) and bisthiophenols. The glass transition temperatures ( Tgs) of the isomeric PTIs were 190–264°C, the 5% weight loss temperature ( T5%) reached up to 441–508°C under nitrogen and 472–520°C in air atmospheres, respectively. It was found that the Tg values of the PTIs from three isomeric BCPIs with the same bisthiophenol increased in the order of 4,4′-BCPI < 3,4′-BCPI < 3,3′-BCPI, while the T5% values gradually decreased in the order of 4,4′-BCPI > 3,4′-BCPI > 3,3′-BCPI. Flexible films that could be cast from the polymer solutions exhibited good mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 91–121 MPa, elongations at break of 8–12%, and tensile moduli of 2.2–2.6 GPa. The minimum melt viscosity of isomeric PTIs decreased with increasing the content of asymmetric 3,4′-substituted phthalimide unit, and the PTI (2c) showed the lowest melt viscosity about 760 Pa·s at 264°C among these isomeric polymers.
Nonlinear interactions in deformable container cranes
Authors: Arena Andrea , Lacarbonara Walter , Cartmell Matthew P
Published: February 2015

Nonlinear dynamic interactions in harbour quayside cranes due to a two-to-one internal resonance between the lowest bending mode of the deformable boom and the in-plane pendular mode of the container are investigated. To this end, a three-dimensional model of container cranes accounting for the elastic interaction between the crane boom and the container dynamics is proposed. The container is modelled as a three-dimensional rigid body elastically suspended through hoisting cables from the trolley moving along the crane boom modelled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam. The reduced governing equations of motion are obtained through the Euler-Lagrange equations employing the boom kinetic and stored energies, derived via a Galerkin discretisation based on the mode shapes of the two-span crane boom used as trial functions, and the kinetic and stored energies of the rigid body container and the elastic hoisting cables. First, conditions for the onset of internal resonances between the boom and the container are found. A higher order perturbation treatment of the Taylor expanded equations of motion in the neighbourhood of a two-to-one internal resonance between the lowest boom bending mode and the lowest pendular mode of the container is carried out. Continuation of the fixed points of the modulation equations together with stability analysis yields a rich bifurcation behaviour, which features Hopf bifurcations. It is shown that consideration of higher order terms (cubic nonlinearities) beyond the quadratic geometric and inertia nonlinearities breaks the symmetry of the bifurcation equations, shifts the bifurcation points and the stability ranges, and leads to bifurcations not predicted by the low order analysis.
Land contestation in Karachi and the impact on housing and urban development
Authors: Hasan Arif
Published: February 2015

Karachi is one of the world’s fastest growing large cities. This paper describes the complex processes by which land is (formally and informally) made available for housing (and for commercial development), as well as who benefits – and how the low-income majority of Karachi citizens lose out. It also describes what underpins this – especially the political complications in a city that has grown so rapidly, has had fundamental changes in its ethnic composition (and thus also in its politics) and has attracted so many illegal immigrants. The paper describes the changes in formal and informal land markets over the last 50 years and the changing responses by government agencies to housing (and land for housing) issues. Also explored are the connections among land, housing and transport (which include different processes of densification) and the complex politics involved. The paper ends with recommendations for land titling, for changes in transport policies, for better use of land already owned by government agencies, for cross-political party agreement on how to address serious security issues (that are leading to loss of investment) and for increased political effectiveness of Karachi’s active civil society organizations.
Towards a competency assessment tool for nurses in ethics meetings
Authors: Cusveller Bart , Schep-Akkerman Annemiek
Published: February 2015

Background:

Nurses require specific knowledge, skills and attitudes to participate competently in various forms of ethics meetings. The literature does not state the contents of the knowledge, skills and attitudes nurses need for ethics meetings. Without such a competency profile, it cannot be assessed in how far nurses actually possess these qualities for ethics meetings.

Objective:

Corroborating an existing profile of the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes in the form of a questionnaire contributes to the development of a tool to determine the competence nurses need for ethics meetings.

Question:

In how far can this profile be confirmed by a quantitative follow-up in a random sample?

Design:

A questionnaire was developed to determine in how far nurses with prior involvement in ethics meetings recognise the earlier competency profile as important and comprehensive.

Participants:

It was made available to subscribers of the digital newsletter of three widely read nursing journals in the Netherlands. Data collection and analysis took place in the spring of 2013.

Ethical considerations:

Care was taken to state explicitly in the questionnaire that participation in the survey was completely voluntary and anonymous.

Findings:

To a high degree, nurses with involvement in ethics meetings recognise the knowledge, skills and attitudes from the earlier interviews when presented as a survey.

Discussion:

Although the sample was small, the respondents and the results reflect known characteristics of nurses serving on ethics meeting.

Conclusion:

This may be helpful to recruit and prepare nurses for professional ethics in nursing care, and to develop a tool to assess to what extent nurses actually possess competence for ethics meetings.
Survival Prediction in Ambulatory Patients With Stage III/IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using the Palliative Performance Scale, ECOG, and Lung Cancer Symptom Scale
Authors: O’Mahony Sean , Nathan Susan , Mohajer Roozbeh , Bonomi Philip , Batus Marta , Fidler Mary Jo , Wells Kalani , Kern Naomi , Sims Shannon , Amin Darpan
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a life expectancy of less than 1 year. Therefore, it is important to maximize their quality of life and find a tool that can more accurately predict survival.

Materials:

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is used to predict survival for patients with advanced disease based on functional dimensions. The value of the PPS in ambulatory patients with cancer has not been examined to date. The Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) measures six major symptoms and their effect on symptomatic distress and activity. We evaluated 62 patients with stage III or IV NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Scale Score ≥1 at baseline in a thoracic oncology clinic. In all, 62 patients had LCSS and PPS evaluated at baseline and 54 patients had 4-week follow-up using LCSS, PPS, and ECOG.

Results:

Fifty-four patients completed baseline and follow-up. Mean age was 63.7 years. Sixty-three percent were receiving chemotherapy at evaluation. Seventeen patients died. Mean baseline measures were LCSS 6.18 (1-14); PPS 66.6 (40-90); and ECOG 1.82 (1-4). Censored survival times were calculated from enrollment of the first patient for 380 days. A proportional hazardous model was computed for survival status. Hazard ratios for death were 1.25 ( P = .013) for LCSS, 2.12 ( P = .027) for ECOG, and 1.02 for PPS ( P = .49).

Conclusions:

The LCSS predicted prognosis best in this study. The PPS did not accurately predict prognosis in our patient population.
Documentary analysis as a qualitative methodology to explore disaster mental health: insights from analysing a documentary on communal riots
Authors: Viswambharan Aswathy P , Priya Kumar Ravi
Published: February 2015

A paradigm shift in disaster mental health research has renewed the emphasis on the survivors’ experiences of suffering and healing. This article highlights the importance of utilizing documentary analysis as one of the important qualitative methodologies to explore post-disaster distress of the survivors. Following Figueroa’s (2008) approach to the analysis of audio-visual texts, the methodological steps, outcomes and their salience have been illustrated through an analysis of a documentary produced by Rakesh Sharma titled Final Solution, based on post-Godhra riots in 2002 in India. The two-phased analysis involved constructionist grounded theory procedures with an initial focus on the documentary as a ‘whole’. The methodological steps, rigour and the resulting categories of survivors’ suffering (‘overwhelmed by losses’, ‘relational disruption’, ‘living a forced identity’ and ‘denial of justice and equity’) are discussed in the light of the damage a disaster causes to survivors’ experiences of self and social worlds.
Selection of the best maintenance approach in the maritime industry under fuzzy multiple attributive group decision-making environment
Authors: Lazakis Iraklis , Ölçer Aykut
Published: February 2015

Many maintenance approaches have been developed and applied successfully in a variety of sectors such as aviation and nuclear industries over the years. Some of those have also been employed in the maritime industry such as condition-based maintenance; however, choosing the best maintenance approach has always been a big challenge due to the involvement of many attributes and alternatives which can also be associated with multiple experts and vague information. In order to accommodate these aspects, and as part of an overall novel Reliability and Criticality Based Maintenance strategy, an existing fuzzy multiple attributive group decision-making technique is employed in this study, which is further enhanced with the use of Analytical Hierarchy Process to obtain a better weighting of the maintenance attributes used. The fuzzy multiple attributive group decision-making technique has three distinctive stages, namely rating, aggregation and selection in which multiple experts’ subjective judgments are processed and aggregated to be able to arrive at a ranking for a finite number of maintenance options. To demonstrate the applicability in a real-life industrial context, the technique is exemplified by selecting the best maintenance approach for shipboard equipment such as the diesel generator system of a vessel. The results denote that preventive maintenance is the best approach closely followed by predictive maintenance, thus steering away from the ship corrective maintenance framework and increasing overall ship system reliability and availability.
Superiority of zinc complex of acetylsalicylic acid to acetylsalicylic acid in preventing postischemic myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Korkmaz Sevil , Atmanli Ayhan , Li Shiliang , Radovits Tamás , Hegedűs Peter , Barnucz Enikő , Hirschberg Kristóf , Loganathan Sivakkanan , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Yasui Hiroyuki , Karck Matthias , Szabó Gábor
Published: February 2015

The pathophysiology of ischemic myocardial injury involves cellular events, reactive oxygen species, and an inflammatory reaction cascade. The zinc complex of acetylsalicylic acid (Zn(ASA)2) has been found to possess higher anti-inflammatory and lower ulcerogenic activities than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Herein, we studied the effects of both ASA and Zn(ASA)2 against acute myocardial ischemia. Rats were pretreated with ASA (75 mg/kg) or Zn(ASA)2 (100 mg/kg) orally for five consecutive days. Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously [s.c.]) was applied to produce myocardial infarction. After 17–22 h, animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and both electrical and mechanical parameters of cardiac function were evaluated in vivo. Myocardial histological and gene expression analyses were performed. In isoproterenol-treated rats, Zn(ASA)2 treatment normalized significantly impaired left-ventricular contractility index ( Emax 2.6 ± 0.7 mmHg/µL vs. 4.6 ± 0.5 mmHg/µL, P < 0.05), increased stroke volume (30 ± 3 µL vs. 50 ± 6 µL, P < 0.05), decreased systemic vascular resistance (7.2 ± 0.7 mmHg/min/mL vs. 4.2 ± 0.5 mmHg/min/mL, P < 0.05) and reduced inflammatory infiltrate into the myocardial tissues. ECG revealed a restoration of elevated ST-segment (0.21 ± 0.03 mV vs. 0.09 ± 0.02 mV, P < 0.05) and prolonged QT-interval (79.2 ± 3.2 ms vs. 69.5 ± 2.5 ms, P < 0.05) by Zn(ASA)2. ASA treatment did not result in an improvement of these parameters. Additionally, Zn(ASA)2 significantly increased the mRNA-expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (+73 ± 15%), glutathione peroxidase 4 (+44 ± 12%), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (+102 ± 22%). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that oral administration of zinc and ASA in the form of bis(aspirinato)zinc(II) complex is superior to ASA in preventing electrical, mechanical, and histological changes after acute myocardial ischemia. The induction of antioxidant enzymes and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 may play a pivotal role in the mechanism of action of Zn(ASA)2.
Negotiating parenthood
Authors: Fernqvist Stina
Published: February 2015

People with cognitive difficulties often have scarce economic resources, and parents with cognitive difficulties are no exception. In this article, parents’ experiences are put forth and discussed, for example, how does economic hardship affect family life? How do the parents experience support, what kind of strain does the scarce economy put on their situation and how are their children coping? The data consist of interviews with parents living in this often problematic situation. Experiences of poverty and how it can be related to – and understood in the light of – cognitive difficulties and notions of parenthood and children’s agency are scarcely addressed in the current research. The findings suggest that experiences of poverty are often associated with the limitations caused by cognitive difficulties. Poverty may thus be articulated as one aspect of the stigma they can experience due to their impairments, not least in relation to their children and naturalized discourses on parenthood.
A systematic review of the management of acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis
Authors: Giladi A. M. , Malay S. , Chung K. C.
Published: February 2015

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) is an aggressive closed-space infection that can result in severe morbidity. Although surgical treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis has been widely described, the role of antibiotic therapy is inadequately understood. We conducted a literature review of studies reporting on acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis management. A total of 28 case series articles were obtained, all of which used surgical intervention with varied use of antibiotics. Inconsistencies among the studies limited summative statistical analysis. Our results showed that use of antibiotics as a component of therapy resulted in improved range of motion outcomes (54% excellent vs. 14% excellent), as did using catheter irrigation rather than open washout (71% excellent vs. 26% excellent). These studies showed benefits of early treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis and of systemic antibiotic use. As broad-spectrum antibiotics have changed the management of other infectious conditions, we must more closely evaluate consistent antibiotic use in pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis management.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Knee Lesions after Failure of Cartilage Repair Surgery
Authors: Gracitelli Guilherme C. , Meric Gokhan , Pulido Pamela A. , McCauley Julie C. , Bugbee William D.
Published: February 2015

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation as a salvage procedure after various cartilage repair surgeries.

Design:

One hundred sixty-four knees in 163 patients (mean age = 32.6 years; range = 11-59 years; 55% males) were treated with OCA transplantation after subchondral marrow stimulation (SMS), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The majority of previous procedures were isolated SMS in 145 knees (88.4%). Mean allograft size was 8.5 ± 7.9 cm2. The most common location was in femoral condyle. The number and type of reoperations on the operative knee were assessed. Failure of the OCA transplantation was defined as any reoperation resulting in removal of the allograft. Functional outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

Sixty-eight knees had reoperations after OCA transplantation. Thirty-one knees (18.9%) were classified as allograft failures. The median time to failure was 2.6 ± 6.8 years (range = 0.7-23.4 years). Survivorship of the graft was 82% at 10 years and 74.9% at 15 years. Patients whose grafts were still in situ had a mean of 8.5 ± 5.6 years of follow-up. Scores on all functional outcomes scales improved significantly from preoperatively to latest follow-up. Eighty-nine percent of OCA transplantation patients reported being “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied.”

Conclusion:

Despite the high reoperation rate, OCA transplantation is a successful salvage surgical treatment after cartilage repair procedures. This cohort showed improved survivorship and functional outcomes of OCA transplantation after SMS, ACI, and OAT.
In Vivo Toxicity of Local Anesthetics and Corticosteroids on Chondrocyte and Synoviocyte Viability and Metabolism
Authors: Sherman Seth L. , James Christopher , Stoker Aaron M. , Cook Cristi R. , Khazai Ravand S. , Flood David L. , Cook James L.
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Intra-articular injection of local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid is an adjunct treatment for arthritic and inflammatory orthopedic conditions. Despite potential benefits, there is growing concern that these medications may cause significant morbidity, including potential toxicity to intra-articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.

Design:

Twenty dogs underwent intra-articular injection of the shoulder joint using ultrasound guidance, with the following injectates ( n = 5 each): negative control (saline), methylprednisolone/1.0% lidocaine, triamcinolone/1.0% lidocaine, and triamcinolone/0.0625% bupivacaine. The dogs were euthanized 24 hours postinjection for reasons unrelated to this study. Synovium/cartilage explants were harvested under sterile conditions and assessed immediately or cultured for 7 days. Synoviocyte and chondrocyte viability was determined on day 1 and day 7 using Calcien AM and Sytox Blue live/dead fluorescent stains, and cell metabolism determined on day 2 using the alamar blue additive test. Results were compared statistically.

Results:

On day 1 synovium exposed to 1%L/M demonstrated a significant decrease in cell metabolism ( P = 0.0107) and subjective synoviocyte viability scores ( P = 0.013) compared with the negative control. Cartilage exposed to 1%L/M demonstrated decreased chondrocyte viability and cell metabolism versus all other groups, although not significantly. After 7 days of culture, cartilage viable cell density in the 1%L/M group was significantly ( P ≤ 0.001) lower than the negative control. Subjective synoviocyte viability scores was significantly lower in the 1%L/M ( P = 0.013), 1%L/T ( P ≤ 0.001), and 0.0625%B/T groups ( P = 0.006) compared with the negative control.

Conclusions:

This study suggests potential negative effects of combination local anesthetic/corticosteroid on intra-articular cell viability and cell metabolism. Further study is needed before determining definitive clinical recommendations.
Good Results After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Top-Level Athletes
Authors: Sansone Mikael , Ahldén Mattias , Jonasson Pall , Thomeé Christoffer , Swärd Leif , Baranto Adad , Karlsson Jón , Thomeé Roland
Published: February 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain and dysfunction among athletes. Although arthroscopic surgery is an established treatment option for FAI, there are few studies reporting detailed outcomes using validated outcome measurements specifically designed for young and active athletes.

Purpose:

To report outcomes 1 year after arthroscopic treatment of FAI in top-level athletes using validated outcome measurements adapted for a young and active population.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 85 top-level athletes (68 males, 17 females) with a mean (±SD) age of 25 ± 5 years underwent arthroscopic surgery for FAI. All athletes who reported Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) levels 7 or 8 (range, 0-8) prior to symptom onset were included. The cohort was prospectively evaluated using online web-based validated health-related patient-reported outcomes measures (HR-PROMs), including the short version of the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS; 6 subscales), the EuroQOL 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D; 2 subscales), the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) for physical activity level, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for overall hip function. Furthermore, patients reported their overall satisfaction with treatment.

Results:

The mean follow-up time was 12.3 ± 0.6 months. Preoperative scores compared with those obtained at the 12-month follow-up revealed statistically and clinically significant improvements ( P < .0001) for all measured outcomes: iHOT-12 (42 vs 73), VAS for global hip function (52 vs 77), HSAS (4.3 vs 5.7), EQ-5D index (0.60 vs 0.83), EQ-VAS (68 vs 82), and HAGOS subscales (60 vs 83, 50 vs 73, 66 vs 86, 39 vs 75, 27 vs 70, and 34 vs 67). At the 12-month follow-up, 79 athletes (93%) reported that they were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. At follow-up, 62 athletes (73%) had returned to competitive sports (HSAS levels 5-8) and 44 (52%) to their previous HSAS level of activity (HSAS level 7 or 8). Twenty-three athletes (27%) did not return to competitive sports (HSAS level ≤4). Significantly lower levels of return to sports were seen with longer symptom duration ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Twelve months after surgery, arthroscopic treatment for FAI in top-level athletes resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements at the group level in all outcome parameters for pain, symptoms, function, physical activity level, quality of life, and general health. One year after surgery, approximately 3 of 4 top-level athletes had returned to sports.
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Related to Third-Trimester Basal Ganglia Ischemia
Authors: Venot Perrine , Vo Van Philippe , Mac Caby Gratiella , Loron Gauthier , Bory Jean Paul , Akhavi Ahmad , Bednarek Nathalie
Published: February 2015

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a syndromic condition defined by contracture of 2 or more joints. A large range of etiologies has been reported such as neuromuscular disorders (peripheral dysfunction), chromosomal abnormalities, or cerebral malformations (central dysfunction) leading to fetal immobility. Severity of arthrogryposis depends on the etiology and duration of fetal immobility. The authors report a 34 gestational weeks infant presenting with severe diffuse arthrogryposis symptoms and respiratory failure at birth. Her mother experienced cardiac arrest at 29 gestational weeks due to carbon monoxide intoxication. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive corticospinal tract lesions. Antenatal ischemia of the deep gray matter needs to be considered as a possible arthrogryposis cause.
The association of foot structure and footwear fit with disability in children and adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Lim Polly QX , Shields Nora , Nikolopoulos Nikolaos , Barrett Joanna T , Evans Angela M , Taylor Nicholas F , Munteanu Shannon E
Published: February 2015

Background

Foot deformity, flat feet, and the use of ill‐fitting footwear are common in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). The aim of this study was to determine whether these observations are associated with foot‐specific disability in this group.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design. Foot structure (foot posture determined using the Arch Index, presence of hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities) and footwear fit (determined by length and width percentage differences between the participant's foot and footwear) were assessed in 50 participants with DS (22 females, 28 males) aged five to 18 with a mean (SD) age of 10.6 (3.9) years. Foot‐specific disability was determined using the parent‐reported Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ‐C). Associations between foot structure and footwear fit with the four domains (Physical, School and play, Emotional and Footwear) of the OxAFQ‐C were determined using multivariate regression modelling.

Results

The mean (SD) Arch Index was 0.29 (0.08), and the prevalence of flat feet, hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities was 76%, 10% and 12% respectively. Few participants wore footwear that was too short (10%), but the use of footwear that was too narrow was common (58%). The presence of hallux valgus was significantly associated with increased disability for the OxAFQ‐C School and play domain scores. The use of narrow‐fitting footwear was significantly associated with increased levels of disability for the OxAFQ‐C Physical, School and play, and Emotional domains. However, these variables only explained between 10% to 14% of the variance in the OxAFQ‐C domain scores. There were no significant associations between foot structure and footwear fit with the OxAFQ‐C Footwear domain scores.

Conclusions

Flatter feet and lesser toe deformities are not associated with foot‐specific disability in children and adolescents with DS. Hallux valgus is associated with foot‐specific disability during school and play activities. Ill‐fitting footwear (too narrow) is common and is associated with foot‐specific disability. Further research is required to identify if the relationship between narrow‐fitting footwear and foot‐specific disability is causal, and to identify other factors associated with foot‐specific disability in children and adolescents with DS.
Erratum to: The draft genome of a socially polymorphic halictid bee, Lasioglossum albipes
Authors: Kocher Sarah D , Li Cai , Yang Wei , Tan Hao , Yi Soojin V , Yang Xingyu , Hoekstra Hopi E , Zhang Guojie , Pierce Naomi E , Yu Douglas W
Published: February 2015

During the type-setting of the final version of the article [1] some of the additional files were swapped, and several were completely replaced. The correct files are republished in this Erratum.
Effect of alendronate on post-traumatic osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament rupture in mice
Authors: Khorasani Mohammad S , Diko Sindi , Hsia Allison W , Anderson Matthew J , Genetos Damian C , Haudenschild Dominik R , Christiansen Blaine A
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Previous studies in animal models of osteoarthritis suggest that alendronate (ALN) has antiresorptive and chondroprotective effects, and can reduce osteophyte formation. However, these studies used non-physiologic injury methods, and did not investigate early time points during which bone is rapidly remodeled prior to cartilage degeneration. The current study utilized a non-invasive model of knee injury in mice to investigate the effect of ALN treatment on subchondral bone changes, articular cartilage degeneration, and osteophyte formation following injury.

Methods

Non-invasive knee injury via tibial compression overload or sham injury was performed on a total of 90 mice. Mice were treated with twice weekly subcutaneous injections of low-dose ALN (40 μg/kg/dose), high-dose ALN (1,000 μg/kg/dose), or vehicle, starting immediately after injury until sacrifice at 7, 14 or 56 days. Trabecular bone of the femoral epiphysis, subchondral cortical bone, and osteophyte volume were quantified using micro-computed tomography (μCT). Whole-joint histology was performed at all time points to analyze articular cartilage and joint degeneration. Blood was collected at sacrifice, and serum was analyzed for biomarkers of bone formation and resorption.

Results

μCT analysis revealed significant loss of trabecular bone from the femoral epiphysis 7 and 14 days post-injury, which was effectively prevented by high-dose ALN treatment. High-dose ALN treatment was also able to reduce subchondral bone thickening 56 days post-injury, and was able to partially preserve articular cartilage 14 days post-injury. However, ALN treatment was not able to reduce osteophyte formation at 56 days post-injury, nor was it able to prevent articular cartilage and joint degeneration at this time point. Analysis of serum biomarkers revealed an increase in bone resorption at 7 and 14 days post-injury, with no change in bone formation at any time points.

Conclusions

High-dose ALN treatment was able to prevent early trabecular bone loss and cartilage degeneration following non-invasive knee injury, but was not able to mitigate long-term joint degeneration. These data contribute to understanding the effect of bisphosphonates on the development of osteoarthritis, and may support the use of anti-resorptive drugs to prevent joint degeneration following injury, although further investigation is warranted.
A review on stochastic approach for dynamic power management in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Pughat Anuradha , Sharma Vidushi
Published: February 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) demand low power and energy efficient hardware and software. Dynamic Power Management (DPM) technique reduces the maximum possible active states of a wireless sensor node by controlling the switching of the low power manageable components in power down or off states. During DPM, it is also required that the deadline of task execution and performance are not compromised. It is seen that operational level change can improve the energy efficiency of a system drastically (up to 90%). Hence, DPM policies have drawn considerable attention. This review paper classifies different dynamic power management techniques and focuses on stochastic modeling scheme which dynamically manage wireless sensor node operations in order to minimize its power consumption. This survey paper is expected to trigger ideas for future research projects in power aware wireless sensor network arenas.
Determinants for the transition from work into retirement in Europe
Authors: Riedel Monika , Hofer Helmut , Wögerbauer Birgit
Published: February 2015

We use the labor force ad hoc module “transition from work into retirement” to analyze the link between individual as well as pension system characteristics and planned retirement age within the European Union. We find that timing of retirement is correlated between partners who are, already at the stage of retirement planning. In richer countries of the EU15, standard retirement age seems to have a larger effect on planned retirement age than in poorer EU15 states or in new EU member states. The effect of pension wealth is largest in the new EU member states and smallest in rich EU15 countries. Furthermore, industry and occupation effects differ by country type.
BIM based collaborative and interactive design process using computer game engine for general end-users
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Li Haijiang , Wang Bin
Published: February 2015

Background

The emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC)/Facility Management (FM) industry promotes life cycle process and collaborative way of working. Currently, many efforts have been contributed for professional integrated design/construction/maintenance process, there are very few practical methods that can enable a professional designer to effectively interact and collaborate with end-users/clients on a functional level.

Method

This paper tries to address the issue via the utilisation of computer game software combined with Building Information Modelling (BIM). Game-engine technology is used due to its intuitive controls, immersive 3D technology and network capabilities that allow for multiple simultaneous users. BIM has been specified due to the growing trend in industry for the adoption of the design method and the 3D nature of the models, which suit a game engine’s capabilities.

Results

The prototype system created in this paper is based around a designer creating a structure using BIM and this being transferred into the game engine automatically through a two-way data transferring channel. This model is then used in the game engine across a number of network connected client ends to allow end-users to change/add elements to the design, and those changes will be synchronized back to the original design conducted by the professional designer. The system has been tested for its robustness and functionality against the development requirements, and the results showed promising potential to support more collaborative and interactive design process.

Conclusion

It was concluded that this process of involving the end-user could be very useful in certain circumstances to better elaborate the end user’s requirement to design team in real time and in an efficient way.