bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Association Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diabetes
Authors: Yang Kyeongra , Chasens Eileen R. , Sereika Susan M. , Burke Lora E.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of diabetes in a large population-level dataset.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based survey (n = 403,137) conducted in the United States.

Results

The majority of the respondents were middle-aged and overweight. Approximately half of the sample reported little or no physical activity. Estimates from a logistic regression model for a weighted sample of white, black, and Hispanic adults revealed that having hypertension or elevated cholesterol was a strong predictor of diabetes even when controlling for age, gender, race, education, income, body mass index, smoking status, and physical activity.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the importance of diabetes educators counseling patients with hypertension or hypercholesterolemia about their increased risk for developing diabetes.
Long-term Clinical Outcome of Open Meniscal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: van der Wal Robert Jan Peter , Thomassen Bregje Josephina Wilhelmina , van Arkel Ewoud Rijkert Adriaan
Published: June 2009

Background

Meniscal allograft transplantation is an accepted treatment for the symptomatic postmeniscectomized knee in younger patients; however, long-term data are scarce on clinical outcome.

Hypothesis

Cryopreserved meniscal allograft transplantations can, in the long term, be a good alternative for the symptomatic postmeniscectomized knee in younger patients.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Sixty-three meniscal allografts (40 lateral and 23 medial) were transplanted with an open procedure in 57 patients. Clinical outcome and failure rate were evaluated at 13.8 ± 2.8 years. Mean age at time of transplantation was 39.4 ± 6.9 years.

Results

Eight medial and 10 lateral allografts failed (overall failure rate, 29%). Overall Lysholm scores significantly improved from 36 ± 18 preoperatively to 61 ± 20 at long-term follow-up. Scores were not significantly different in the following subgroups: medial allografts, female patients, and left treated knees. All subgroups had poor scores at mean follow-up of 13.8 years, except the male patients group, which had a fair score. Short-term Lysholm scores were 79 ± 19 at 3.1 ± 1.5 years. All subgroups demonstrated a significant difference between short- and long-term Lysholm scores. There were no significant differences in Lysholm scores between posttransplanted survivors and posttransplanted nonsurvivors who received a total knee arthroplasty. For 2 other measures—the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system—significant decline was present between men and women only.

Conclusion

Long-term follow-up results show that meniscal allograft transplantation is a beneficial procedure. Good improvements in clinical function and pain relief have been shown at short-term follow-up in this population. Despite the deterioration in function scores over time, there is still improvement in level of function at long-term follow-up but not at a high level. As such, meniscal allograft transplantation is a good salvage option for the treatment of degenerative arthritis of the symptomatic post-meniscectomized knee. Meniscal allograft transplantation can be used to postpone total knee arthroplasty in younger patients.
No One Is Immune
Authors: Orel Nancy A. , Stelle Charlie , Watson Wendy K. , Bunner Betsy L.
Published: June 2009

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of new HIV diagnoses among people aged 50 to 64 in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in just 7 years (by 2015) 50% of those living with AIDS will be aged 50 or older. To address this public health concern, viable HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment options for individuals over the age of 50 are necessary. This article discusses the No One Is Immune initiative that planned, implemented, and coordinated evidence-based HIV/ AIDS prevention and education programs specifically tailored for middle-aged and older adults. Guided by the health belief model, an educational conference entitled “Sexuality, Medication, and HIV/AIDS in Middle and Later Adulthood” was conducted along with research activities that assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge gained using both qualitative and quantitative measures. This project can be replicated by other providers within the aging network.
Enhancement of concrete properties for pavement slabs using waste metal drillings and silica fume
Authors: Hassani Abolfazl , Arjmandi Mohsen
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a comparative study on the effects of steel fibres and waste metal drillings on the mechanical/physical behaviour of conventional and silica fume concrete. The amount of silica fume used was 10% of cement by mass and the amount of steel fibres and metal drillings used in both concrete mixtures was 0.5% by concrete volume for steel fibres and 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% for metal drillings, respectively. In total, 10 different mixtures were made and tested for compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and toughness. Our data reveal the significant impact of the effect of silica fume, steel fibres and industrial waste metal drillings on the mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete mixtures. The results also show that mixtures with steel fibres and waste metal drillings have comparable behaviour. Hence, there is a potential for use of waste metal drillings as an alternative to steel fibres for specific cases such as concrete pavement slabs.
Large-scale Experimental Study on Combustion Behavior of Thermoplastics with Different Thickness
Authors: Qiyuan Xie  , Heping Zhang  , Liang Xu
Published: June 2009

Mutual-enhancing loop mechanism generally occurs between vertical thermoplastic sheet combustion and the melt induced pool fire. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of thickness of thermoplastics on their combustion behavior. A corresponding experimental rig is designed based on the ISO 9705 fire test room. Commercially available typical thermoplastics, i.e., polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) with a thickness of 3 and 5 mm are used in the large-scale experiments. The experimental results show that the thickness of PP and PS sheets plays an important role in increasing the heat release rate and the peak values. The pool fires of a thinner sheet develop faster than those of a thicker one. Relatively smaller peak heat release rate is attained earlier during the experimental tests for a thinner thermoplastic sheet. The peak heat release rate of the 5 mm thick PP sheet is about 9 times that of the PP sheet with a thickness of 3 mm. The peak heat release rate of the 5 mm PS sheet is about 2.5 times that of the 3 mm one. In addition, for PP material, the burning flow induced pool fire area is not as large as that of the corresponding pool area. However, for PS sheets, the melt formed pool fire area is nearly equal to the pool area during the development of pool fires.
Numerical Analysis of Interlaminar Stresses of Angle-ply AS4/PEEK Laminate with a Central Hole
Authors: Zhao G.H. , Tong J.W. , Shen M. , Aymerich F. , Priolo P.
Published: June 2009

This article addresses the distributions of interlaminar stresses of centrally notched angle-ply AS4/PEEK laminates by finite element method (FEM). The calculation results indicate: interlaminar stress concentration always occurs in the vicinity of free edges (including two free sides and hole edge), which is the so-called free edge effect; when two adjacent plies have the same layup angles, the free edge interlaminar normal stress dominates; when two adjacent plies have the opposite layup angles, interlaminar shear stress dominates. For both conditions, the highest interlaminar stresses generally occur at the hole edge. The results of digital speckle correlation measurement test indicate that the result predicted by FEM is reliable.
Lamellar Structure of a Reactive Blend of 1,2-Polybutadiene and Nylon 11
Authors: Soeda Yoshihiro , Xiaomin Zhang  , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Tasaka Shigeru
Published: June 2009

Reactive blending of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadine (SPB) and nylon 11 was carried out with a twin-screw extruder to obtain a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) with good mechanical properties. A lamellar structure formed by continuous nylon 11 phase and long filamentous ligaments of SPB was observed for the TPV sample with a transmission electron microscope. Infrared spectra of nylon 11 films casted on SPB films show that chemical bonds between nylon 11 and SPB were formed after the curing of the films. Good mechanical properties of the TPV, which were owed to its morphology and strong adhesion at the interface, were investigated by peel tests and tensile tests.
The Study on Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride)/Silica Hybrid Composites Made by Sol—gel Process
Authors: Huang Shi-Ing , Chen Hui
Published: June 2009

In this study, the PVDF (Poly (vinylidene fluoride))/silica hybrid composites are prepared by mixing PVDF and silica, which was synthesized by sol—gel process. We changed R (the molar ratio of water/TEOS) during the sol—gel process, and made a film. The crystallinity of PVDF in the hybrid is measured by DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), and the morphologies are observed with SEM pictures. We found that the silica particles could be well dispersed in PVDF, and R-value influenced the particle size and the crystallinity of PVDF. The concentration of TEOS also influenced the particle size and shape of silica. Higher concentration of TEOS made the silica particles have round shape and also lowered the crystallinity of PVDF.
Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Composites Consisting of Oriented, Iron Flake Filler within a Thermoplastic Host: Part I. Material Fabrication and Electromagnetic Characterization
Authors: Golt M.C. , Yarlagadda S. , Gillespie J.W.
Published: June 2009

Materials that contain both electric permittivity and magnetic permeability greater than unity (magneto-dielectrics) are currently being investigated for microwave applications. An experimental procedure for fabricating magneto-dielectric composite materials based upon flake-like iron inclusions was developed. Samples consisting of iron flakes oriented within a low loss thermoplastic host were produced by extrusion film forming, to minimize loss and maximize permeability. The electrical and magnetic properties of the magneto-dielectric samples were measured as a function of the filler’s aspect ratio, surface characteristics and volume fraction. It was found that forming iron powder into flakes increases the permeability by reducing the demagnetization factor of the shape of the particle. The change to higher aspect ratio filler also increased the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss due to greater instances of inter-particle conduction. Insulating the flakes with a low dielectric greatly significantly mitigated this effect.
Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Materials Consisting of Oriented, Iron Flake Filler within a Thermoplastic Host: Part II Transport Model Review and Evaluation
Authors: Golt M.C. , Yarlagadda S. , Gillespie J.W.
Published: June 2009

Materials that contain both an electric permittivity and magnetic permeability greater than unity (magneto-dielectrics) are currently being investigated for microwave applications. Magneto-dielectric composite materials based upon flake-like iron inclusions were fabricated and the iron flakes oriented within a low loss thermoplastic host. The electrical and magnetic properties of the magneto-dielectric composites were predicted using mean field and effective medium approximations, as well as the Wu—McCullough generalized transport model. Predicted values were compared to measured properties as a function of the filler’s aspect ratio, surface characteristics and volume fraction. The Wu—McCullough model was found to be the most accurate in predicting the transport properties, but required an accurate description of the microstructure (flake aspect ratio and alignment).
Physico-mechanical Properties of Maleic Acid Post Treated Jute Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Rahman Rezaur , Hasan Mahbub , Huque Monimul , Islam Nazrul
Published: June 2009

During the past decade, increasing environmental awareness has renewed the interest in natural fiber reinforced thermoplastics. In current work, injection-molding method was utilized in manufacturing polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with 20, 25, 30, and 35 wt% jute fibers. In order to increase the adhesion between the jute fiber and PP matrix, manufactured composites were post treated with maleic acid. Microstructural analysis and mechanical testing were subsequently carried out. Post treated specimens yielded better mechanical properties compared to the raw ones, while 30% fiber reinforced composites had the optimum set of mechanical properties. According to the authors, chemical modification of the PP matrix may improve mechanical properties at higher fiber content by having better interfacial bonding between the PP matrix and maleic acid post treated jute fiber.
Flow and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Black Filled Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
Authors: Shenavar A. , Abbasi F. , Aghjeh M.K. Razavi , Zamani A.
Published: June 2009

Thermal stability of acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene (ABS) polymers is one of the most essential necessities for color and glossy durability of their surfaces. On the other hand, mechanical properties of ABS are significantly affected by its thermal degradation. One way to protect ABS against degradation is the addition of carbon black (CB) that can act as a stabilizer. In this work, CB was compounded with ABS via melt mixing and the effect of CB structures on the melt and final ABS/CB composites behavior were examined. Flow behavior of ABS/CB compounds was investigated by measurement of melt flow index (MFI). The variation of the MFI of the composites with CB content, particle size and the applied load was also investigated. The results showed that the effect of smaller particles in decreasing the MFI was pronounced than larger particles. The fracture surfaces of the impact tests were studied by scanning electron microscopy, and showed that a semi-brittle fracture surface appeared when CB was added to the ABS. The Young’s modulus of ABS increased and the yield stress decreased by increasing the CB loading.
Effect of Variables on the Mechanical Properties and Maximization of Polyethylene—Aspen Composites by Statistical Experimental Design
Authors: Gu Ruijun , Kokta Bohuslav V. , Chalupova Gabriela
Published: June 2009

Systemic studies of the effects of the concentrations of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) loading, the content and addition sequence of dicumyl peroxide, the content and type of nanoclay (NC), and aspen fiber loading on the mechanical properties of PE—aspen composites were undertaken with the objective to increase the impact strength as well as the tensile properties. In this article, the formation of an optimal compatibilizing system for the hybrid composite PE—aspen—NC by combining basic principles for compatibilization was investigated. Statistical approach experimentation using Statgraphics Centurion® with the objective to maximize both the tensile strength as well as the impact properties of natural fiber and nanoclay filled PE was applied to reach values well above that of virgin PE.
Improving Erosion Resistance of Polymer Reinforced Composites
Authors: Ahmed T.J. , Nino G.F. , Bersee H.E.N. , Beukers A.
Published: June 2009

This article reports on solid particle erosion tests performed on glass fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for use on an all-composite ice-protection system for aircraft structures. The idea was introduced to use a metal mesh as a convenient way of toughening the surface layer thereby increasing erosion resistance. The erosion rates of the composites were evaluated at different impingement angles and with different erodent particle size. An aircraft-grade aluminium sheet was also used to provide a comparison for the composites. It was found that the erosion rate of the composites drastically reduced upon the introduction of an impregnated mesh onto the surface of the baseline glass/PPS laminate, to values similar to that of the aluminium sheet. In addition, the erosion rate was found to be dependent not only on the volume fraction of the matrix on the surface, but also the properties of the metal used for the mesh. The solution to use a metal mesh was shown to have multifunctional uses for composite based ice-protection system.
Dielectric and AC Electrical Conductivity of Polycarbonate Kaolinite Composites
Authors: Al-Ramadin Y. , Zihlif A.M. , Elimat Z.M. , Ragosta G.
Published: June 2009

The dielectric and AC conductivity of polycarbonate/kaolinite composites were studied using the impedance measurements technique. The study was carried out as a function of frequency in the range from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, temperature in the range from 20°C to 100°C and kaolinite concentrations 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%. It was observed that the AC conductivity and dielectric constant are increased by increasing the kaolinite content in the composite. The calculated activation energy varied with the filler content, temperature, and applied frequency. The observed electrical results fit approximately the reported empirical equations concerning the AC conductivity and dielectric behavior of polymer composites. However, the results were explained on the basis of the interfacial (space charge) polarization, dipolar polarization, and decrease of the hindrance produced by the polymer matrix.
Synthesis and Assembly of Nano-copper/PMMA-b-PSt by ATRP
Authors: Guo Cai Xu  , Hong Long Xing  , Xiao Li Ji  , Jan Jun Shi  , Xiao Mei Zhang
Published: June 2009

The poly(methyl methacrylate) with single-caped halogen (PMMA-Br) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method under ultrasonic irradiation, with ethyl α-bromopropionate as the initiator and CuBr/2, 2-bipyridine (BPy) as the catalyst. Then the block copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene was synthesized in cyclohexanone solution containing styrene as comonomer and PMMA-Br as the macromolecular initiator as same as the above synthesis condition. Nano-copper/poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene composites was successfully prepared by NaBH4 as reductant in the polymerization system. The homopolymer, copolymers, and nanocomposites were characterized by means of FT-IR, 1H NMR, GPC, XRD, XPS, and TEM, and the results showed that the molecular weight of the block copolymer was controlled, and there existed interaction between copper particles and PMMA chain, and that ordered-assembly behaviors of block copolymer, induced by the nano-copper, were investigated by HTEM.
Labor Dispute Resolution in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone
Authors: Tsui Anna P.Y.
Published: June 2009

Based on case studies in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, this article analyzes the modern labor dispute resolution system in China. Although heralded as a bold step towards marketization with convergent characteristics of the Western market economies, the system suffers from institutional hangovers from the previous era and lacks certain Western benchmark features. Among the factors affecting the system's implementation, ownership is found to be the most important. State-owned enterprises show the highest probability of establishing a dispute resolution system, whereas a lower degree of compliance is found in the nonstate-owned enterprises where strong market forces prevail. The existence of a trade union seems to have no impact on workplace compliance.
Visual Representation of Internal Migration and Social Change in China
Authors: Kochan Dror
Published: June 2009

During the 1980s and 1990s, a “dominant discourse” of internal migration developed in China, portraying the migrants' contribution to China's economic development while highlighting the social problems associated with rural-to-urban migration. In recent years one can trace a shift, evident in academic research, popular and media rhetoric, and policy formulation, toward a more migrant-centered narrative. This article aims to show that this change was in part the result of an emerging alternative discourse—initially created by a cultural avant-garde—representing a growing interest in migration and an ambivalent and even sympathetic view toward migrants, their social quandaries, impact on urban society, and opportunities for integration. In the examination of this alternative discourse, the article reviews contemporary visual representations of migration and the surrounding discussions (at public events, in scholarly works, and on the internet), which reveal the creation of a sociocultural “public sphere.” By unearthing the alternative discourse, the dialectical connection between discourse and social change is brought to light, as these visual works not only reflected a complex reality but also contributed to remodeling it.
Migrants, Economic Mobility and Socio-Economic Change in Rural Areas
Authors: Labrianidis Lois , Sykas Theodosis
Published: June 2009

This article evaluates the contribution of Immigrants Working in Agriculture (IWA) and their socio-economic mobility over time. Up to the present, European and Greek literature has focused on immigrants' impact on metropolitan areas, in part due to the relatively insignificant role of agriculture in the European economies. Moreover, concerning the socio-economic mobility of IWA only snapshot views are available in the literature. Through field-work carried out in the northern Greek countryside, reinforced by analysis of the FADN database, we argue that the influx of immigrants in the early 1990s constituted a driving force in the development of the Greek countryside in a period during which long-term structural problems in the rural sector had condemned it to relative immobility. Immigrants' contribution is articulated at three levels. First, they enabled farmers who had abandoned agriculture to re-enter the sector and, at the same time, keep their non-agricultural jobs, thus increasing their sources of income. Additionally, IWA helped active farmers to expand their holdings, and to enrich and diversify their cultivations. Second, IWA have not displaced familial agricultural employment, as this was in decline prior to their arrival. Last, their employment allowed for a more flexible combination and specialization of capital and labour in the production process. Moreover, contrary to many developed countries, immigrants in the Greek countryside have displayed upward economic mobility over time.This is due mainly to occupational mobility in the agricultural sector and a movement to non-agricultural jobs, as well as spatial mobility between rural regions, which has increased the number of days of employment and income.
London's Migrant Division of Labour
Authors: Wills Jane , May Jon , Datta Kavita , Evans Yara , Herbert Joanna , McIlwaine Cathy
Published: June 2009

This article is located in the maelstrom of debate about immigration and employment in the contemporary economy. The article presents original analysis of data from the Labour Force Survey and a workplace case-study in the cleaning sector to highlight growing employer dependence on a very diverse pool of foreign-born labour. The article explains such dependency by drawing on interview material collected from employers, employers' associations, community organizations and policymakers. In sum, we argue that London's Migrant Division of Labour (MDL) is a product of the semi-autonomous actions taken by employers, workers and government in the particular context of London. Understanding the MDL thus needs to encompass employer demand, migrants' `dual frame of reference' and limited access to benefits, as well as employers' preference for foreign-born workers over `native' labour supply.The state is also argued to play a critical role in this employment, determining the nature and terms of immigration, the accessibility and levels of benefits, and employment regulation. London's MDL is shown to intersect with, and in some cases overturn, existing patterns of labour market segmentation on the basis of human capital (class), ethnicity and gender.
Corporate Ecologies of Business Travel in Professional Service Firms
Authors: Faulconbridge James R. , Beaverstock Jonathan V. , Derudder Ben , Witlox Frank
Published: June 2009

International business travel has always been an important labour process in the accumulation of capital for the firm. It is surprising, therefore, that relatively little time has been devoted to the study of business travel, both as a facet of contemporary mobility and as an economic practice. In this article we review how existing literatures provide insights that can be used to understand the role of business travel as international labour mobility in the contemporary professional service economy. In doing so, we reach the conclusion that there seem to be at least two significant voids preventing a more sophisticated understanding from emerging. First, we suggest that international business travel needs to be studied not in isolation but instead as one component in a wider ecology of mobility which `produces' the global firm. Second, we argue that it is important to know more about the time-space dynamics of international business travel in terms of how spatial relations are produced and reproduced by different forms and geographies of travel. We make these arguments and explore their implications using data collected through interviews in advertising, architecture and legal professional service firms.We conclude by identifying a research agenda designed to allow a better understanding of business travel to emerge in corporate and mobility discourses.
International Migration, Uneven Regional Development and Polarization
Authors: Williams Allan M.
Published: June 2009

This article explores four aspects of the underdeveloped conceptualization of the role of international migration in uneven regional development and polarization in cities. First, it emphasizes the way in which human mobility transfers not only human capital but also knowledge and material capital, and that these are interrelated. Second, it considers how changes in the nature of mobility have implications for uneven regional development. Third, it develops the concept of enfolded mobilities, as a way of understanding how individual migrations are directly enfolded with those of other individuals, either through associated or contingent movements, or through consequential migration at later stages in the life course. Finally, it discusses how governance impinges on and mediates the key relationships between mobility and uneven regional development.
Racial Differences in Retention in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment: The Impact on African American Men
Authors: Cooper R. Lyle , MacMaster Samuel , Rasch Randolph
Published: June 2009

Purpose: This study employed a static group comparison design with 106 men in residential treatment to examine the relationship of race to treatment retention. Methods: A retrospective analysis of retention, by race, including survival analysis, was undertaken. Results: Findings from the study indicated that (a) Caucasian men complete treatment more frequently than African American men, (b) Race was not predictive of time in treatment, and (c) that race was a factor in the receipt of both criminal justice coercion and case-management both of which were strong predictors of time in treatment. Conclusions: Race serves as a factor in the receipt of services related to retention. Future research should focus on further exploration how race impacts retention, and the interaction of race with coercion and the receipt of case-management.
Stories of Caregiving
Authors: Buzzanell Patrice M. , D'Enbeau Suzy
Published: June 2009

The article analyzes contemporary discourses and practices of caregiving and mothering. Using a case study of one employed mother as a starting point, the authors engage in writing-stories that combine the analyses of their e-mail and face-to-face conversations from the last couple of years with various journal entries and interdisciplinary research. The article concludes with a final section that articulates how caregiving discourses cut across public—private binaries in contradictory and productive ways. The analysis coalesces in a final writing-story.
Use of combined androgen blockade for advanced prostate cancer in British Columbia
Authors: Chau Adeline , de Lemos Mário L , Pickles Tom , Blood Paul , Kovacic Laurel , Abadi Shirin , Barnett Jeff
Published: June 2009

Objectives. Initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for metastatic prostate cancer with combined androgen blockade (luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone agonist [LHRH agonist] plus antiandrogen) is not recommended in British Columbia (BC). However, this is difficult to monitor since ADT includes concurrent antiandrogen for the first month of LHRH agonist to prevent disease flare. We describe the prevalence of CAB use in BC and its financial impact.

Methods. This was a population-based, retrospective analysis. Patients started on LHRH agonist in January 2005 to December 2006 were identified from the BC Cancer Agency database. CAB was defined as greater than 1 month of antiandrogen concurrently with LHRH agonist. Incremental cost of CAB was based on an average 18 months of therapy from the pivotal CAB study. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was based on life-year gained (LYG) from the Prostate Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group meta-analysis. Estimated financial impact for 2007—2008 was based on an annual increase by 5.5% in prevalence of prostate cancer in BC.

Results. A total of 2751 patients were identified. CAB was used in 607 patients (22%), associated with an incremental cost of CDN$1768 and ICER of CDN$11,220/LYG per patient. Total incremental cost was CDN$1,073,176 and estimated to be CDN$1,398,644 for January 2007 to December 2008.

Conclusion. Nearly one-quarter of patients were treated with CAB for metastatic prostate cancer even though it was not recommended in BC. Additional cost of CAB use was considerable, at CDN$1768 per patient. With increased prevalence of prostate cancer, this has important budget implication for funding agencies which do to recommend CAB. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2010) 16: 121—126.
Volumetric-Distortional Decomposition of Deformation and Elasticity Tensor
Authors: Federico Salvatore
Published: June 2009

The deformation gradient admits a multiplicative decomposition into a purely volumetric component and a purely distortional component. For a hyperelastic material, based on this decomposition, the elastic strain energy potential, the stress, and the elasticity tensor can be expressed in general as a function of both the volumetric deformation and the distortional deformation. However, the volumetric—distortional decomposition of deformation has often been employed in a fully decoupled form of the elastic strain energy potential, which is expressed as the sum of a term depending solely on the volumetric deformation and a term depending solely on the distortional deformation. This work has three main objectives. First, to derive the elasticity tensor in the general (non-decoupled) case, in its material, spatial, and linear forms; this is achieved by extensive use of fourth-order tensor algebra, and in particular of the properties of the so-called spherical operator, which is largely used, but very seldom given the dignity of being assigned a symbol and a name, in the literature. Second, to show that a fully decoupled potential gives rise to an elasticity tensor which may be inconsistent with its linearized counterpart, as some components of the linear elasticity tensor in general do not have a corresponding term in nonlinear decoupled elasticity tensor. Third, to obtain the conditions under which a purely hydrostatic stress causes a purely volumetric deformation, by means of the developed theory; the results show that this condition is satisfied if and only if the elastic potential is fully decoupled. While the whole approach is completely independent of the material symmetry, the cases of isotropy and transverse isotropy are shown as an example.
Parenting Stress and Closeness
Authors: Hoffman Charles D. , Sweeney Dwight P. , Hodge Danelle , Lopez-Wagner Muriel C. , Looney Lisa
Published: June 2009

Mothers of children diagnosed with autism ( N = 104) reported higher levels of stress than mothers of typically developing children ( N = 342) on 13 of 14 subscales of the Parenting Stress Index. The only scores that did not differ were from the Attachment subscale, which indicates lack of emotional closeness and rather cold patterns of parent-child interaction. Mean Child Domain subscale scores for mothers in the autism group were at the 99th percentile; mean scores on the Attachment subscale were at about the 50th percentile for both groups. Despite substantial stress, mothers of children with autism report close relationships with their children. Results substantiate the need to develop interventions to help these mothers reduce their stress.
Cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis patients with cerebellar symptoms
Authors: Valentino P , Cerasa A , Chiriaco C , Nisticò R , Pirritano D , Gioia MC , Lanza P , Canino M , Del Giudice F , Gallo O , Condino F , Torchia G , Quattrone A
Published: June 2009

Background

Cerebellar dysfunction is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, neuropsychological studies of this clinical feature are lacking.

Objective

We investigate the neuropsychological features in relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients with and without cerebellar dysfunction.

Methods

Twenty-one RR-MS patients with cerebellar dysfunction (RR-MSc), characterized by prevalent ataxic gait and nystagmus, and 21 RR-MS patients without any cerebellar manifestation (RR-MSnc) pair-matched for demographical and clinical variables were studied. All patients from each group underwent an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis included hyperintense fast fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery lesion load in the whole brain as well as in the four lobes separately.

Results

Any significant differences were detected in total and regional lesion load measurements between the two groups. RR-MSc group performed equally as well as the RR-MSnc group on many of the cognitive exploration measures. Nevertheless, the RR-MSc group performed more poorly than the RR-MSnc group on attention tests (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) and verbal fluency tests (Controlled Oral Word Association Test); neither of the test results proved to be affected by regional lesion loads.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of considering cognitive deficits associated with the presence of cerebellar symptoms in RR-MS.
Measures in the first year of therapy predict the response to interferon β in MS
Authors: Río J , Castilló J , Rovira A , Tintoré M , Sastre-Garriga J , Horga A , Nos C , Comabella M , Aymerich X , Montalbán X
Published: June 2009

Background and objective

Several criteria for treatment response to interferon beta (IFNβ) have been proposed, although there is no consensus among different investigators. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical predictors of response during the first 12 months of therapy.

Methods

This is a prospective and longitudinal study of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with IFNβ. Patients were classified based on the presence of new lesions on MRI, relapses, confirmed disability increase, or combinations of all these variables after 1 year of therapy. Regression analysis was performed in order to identify variables of response after a follow-up of 3 years.

Results

We included 222 RRMS patients. The logistic model demonstrated that only the combination of new active lesions on MRI with the presence of relapses (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.6–12.5) or disability progression (Odds Ratio (OR) 7.1; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6–33.9), or both (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.9–23.4) achieved significant values to identify those patients with a poor outcome.

Conclusions

In RRMS patients treated with IFNβ, the combination of measures of disease activity and the presence of new active lesions on MRI may have a prognostic value for identifying patients with disease activity in the second and third year of therapy.
Still Talking, But Is Anyone Listening?
Authors: Pattie Charles , Johnston Ron
Published: June 2009

Constituency electioneering has become established as an important element of postmodern political campaigning, allowing parties and candidates to focus effort on targeted seats. A substantial literature has developed, showing the efficacy of such targeting: other things being equal, the harder parties campaign locally, the more votes they win relative to their rivals. However, on the whole, such studies have taken a relatively static view of local campaigning, concentrating on particular elections. Yet there are a priori grounds to expect the efficacy of local campaigns to vary from party to party and from election to election. In this article, we therefore analyse dynamic trends in constituency campaigning using a pooled data set of British constituency electioneering between 1997 and 2005. The results illustrate important and substantial variations over time and across parties in the impact of local election campaigning.
Party Non-Systems
Authors: Sanchez Omar
Published: June 2009

This article makes a case for expansion of the conceptual framework for the classification of party universe types. In particular, it introduces the concept of ‘party non-systems’, defined as those party universes characterized by a fundamental absence of inter-temporal continuity in the identity of the main parties. At the heart of this concept is the explicit differentiation between intra- and extra-systemic volatility. Party non-systems are characterized by persistently high transfers of votes away from the main parties towards new and small parties (i.e. high extra-systemic volatility), an ever-changing constellation of parties without a stable ‘core’. It is argued that the difference between non-systems and all other party universe types is not only one of degree (in level of institutionalization), but also one of kind. This conceptual innovation is then applied to a number of Latin American cases (Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia) at the low end of the institutionalization continuum to highlight important cross-country and inter-temporal differences in the nature of (core) party competition.
Lead-free Piezoelectric KNN-based Pin Transducers for Structural Monitoring Applications
Authors: Lam K.H. , Lin D.M. , Ni Y.Q. , Chan H.L.W.
Published: June 2009

A 2.4 mm diameter piezoelectric ceramic disc was used to construct a spring-loaded pin-type transducer for intelligent monitoring of systems. Two types of lead-free KNN-based ceramics (0.95K0.5Na0.5 (Nb0.94Sb0.06)O 3 — 0.05LiTaO3 + 1.25 mol% BaO and K0.5Na 0.5NbO3 -0.75 mol% K5.4Cu1.3Ta 10O29) were selected as a sensing element of the pin. The piezoelectric spring-loaded pins were mounted on the corners of the aluminum plate for the performance evaluation using a laser ultrasonic technique. The signals detected by transducers with different sensing elements including lead-based ceramics have been compared. The capability of impact detection of the lead-free transducers was shown to be comparable to that of the lead-based one. It is envisaged that lead-free piezoelectrics will become the important transducer materials in the next generation nondestructive evaluation technology.
Effect of Moisture Management Finish on Comfort Characteristics of Microdenier Polyester Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Sampath M.B. , Senthilkumar M.
Published: June 2009

Moisture management can be defined as the controlled movement of water vapor and liquid water (perspiration) from the surface of the skin to the atmosphere through the fabric. Wetting, wicking, and moisture vapor transmission (MVT) properties are the critical aspects for evaluating the comfort performance of textiles. In this study, the effect of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finished knitted fabric that includes wicking, wetting, water absorbency, MVT, and air permeability have been analyzed.
Proclaiming Trade Policy
Authors: Rottinghaus Brandon , Lim Elvin
Published: June 2009

This article examines presidential proclamations on trade policy, a category of presidential unilateral power that we call delegated unilateral power that is used frequently in creating or modifying trade policy, between the period 1974 and 2006 and tests the boundaries of the explanations predicted by the unilateral powers literature. We also find that the use of proclamations on trade policy is independent of the partisan balance in Congress. The use of proclamations modifying policies was the only tactic that comported with predicted actions from the unilateral presidency. Therefore, contrary to the expectations of the unilateral presidency, presidents are not unrestrained political agents on trade policy, and although presidents have the capacity to do so, they rarely use political factors as a pretext to enact unilateral policy on trade. Ultimately, unilateral powers are not all created equal, as some allow for considerable presidential authority and some are more limited.
Are Diverse Political Networks Always Bad for Participatory Democracy?
Authors: Jang Seung-Jin
Published: June 2009

Political discussions within interpersonal networks not only help communicate political information that is otherwise too costly to obtain, but they also expose people to political views that are not necessarily congruent to their own predispositions. In exploring consequences of exposure to political disagreements, existing literature finds an interesting dilemma: Although political disagreements contribute to the deliberative democracy by encouraging greater awareness of rationales for opposing views as well as greater political tolerance, they undermine the prospect for participatory democracy by demobilizing people. In response, this article shows that experiences of political disagreements do not necessarily discourage political participation. More specifically, based on the American National Election Study 2000, we find that the demobilizing effect of political disagreements continues to decrease with increasing levels of indifference and alienation between the candidates. Furthermore, among highly alienated individuals, we find that experiences of political disagreements can actually promote their voting turnout.
Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognition and Motor Function Poststroke
Authors: Quaney Barbara M. , Boyd Lara A. , McDowd Joan M. , Zahner Laura H. , Jianghua He  , Mayo Matthew S. , Macko Richard F.
Published: June 2009

Background. Cognitive deficits impede stroke recovery. Aerobic exercise (AEX) improves cognitive executive function (EF) processes in healthy individuals, although the learning benefits after stroke are unknown. Objective. To understand AEX-induced improvements in EF, motor learning, and mobility poststroke. Methods. Following cardiorespiratory testing, 38 chronic stroke survivors were randomized to 2 different groups that exercised 3 times a week (45-minute sessions) for 8 weeks. The AEX group (n = 19; 9 women; 10 men; 64.10 ± 12.30 years) performed progressive resistive stationary bicycle training at 70% maximal heart rate, whereas the Stretching Exercise (SE) group (n = 19; 12 women; 7 men; 58.96 ± 14.68 years) performed stretches at home. Between-group comparisons were performed on the change in performance at “Post” and “Retention” (8 weeks later) for neuropsychological and motor function measures. Results. VO2max significantly improved at Post with AEX ( P = .04). AEX also improved motor learning in the less-affected hand, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d calculation). Specifically, AEX significantly improved information processing speed on the serial reaction time task (SRTT; ie, “procedural motor learning”) compared with the SE group at Post ( P = .024), but not at Retention. Also, at Post ( P = .038), AEX significantly improved predictive force accuracy for a precision grip task requiring attention and conditional motor learning of visual cues. Ambulation and sit-to-stand transfers were significantly faster in the AEX group at Post ( P = .038), with balance control significantly improved at Retention ( P = .041). EF measurements were not significantly different for the AEX group. Conclusion. AEX improved mobility and selected cognitive domains related to motor learning, which enhances sensorimotor control after stroke.
The Boundary-spanning Role of Democratic Learning Communities
Authors: Williams Leslie , Cate Jean , O'Hair Mary John
Published: June 2009

This multi-case study investigates characteristics and practices in schools that expand the traditional boundaries of school leadership and transform schools into democratic learning communities based on the level of implementation of the IDEALS framework. This investigation serves as a modus to illuminate democratic processes that change schools and address the needs of the students, not the needs of the adults in the system. A sample of five purposefully selected high schools, from the Midwest USA, was utilized. The schools serve Grade 9—12 students, but vary in size, residential area and socioeconomic status of the students. This study illuminates some of the challenges and strategies that facilitate or impede the process of creating more democratic schools that expand the boundaries of inquiry and discourse to include a broader range of community stakeholders and that respect and embrace issues of equity.
Public Space and Educational Leadership
Authors: Fielding Michael
Published: June 2009

Among the most important features of a democratic way of life is public space within which we collectively make meaning of our work and lives together and take shared responsibility for past action and future intentions. This article looks briefly at the argument for democratic public space within political and educational theory before focusing on its central importance for contemporary school leadership. In seeking to ground the enormous potential of democratic public space in schools it then looks to the radical traditions of state education for compelling exemplification in the pioneering work of Alex Bloom, headteacher at St George-in-the-East Secondary School, Stepney, London. The article concludes with a three-fold analytic nexus of interrelated practices and orientations that support the development of inclusive public spaces in 21st-century schools.