bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Societal preferences for standard health insurance coverage in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van der Wulp Ineke , van den Hout Wilbert B , de Vries Marieke , Stiggelbout Anne M , van den Akker-van Marle Elske M
Published: April 2012

Introduction

Cost-effectiveness is an important criterion in the decision to cover interventions in health insurance packages. One of the outcome measures, the quality-adjusted life year, has been criticised on its assumptions and implications concerning life expectancy and quality of life. Several studies have been conducted that measured societal preferences concerning healthcare rationing decisions. These studies mainly focused on one attribute. To adjust quality-adjusted life year maximisation in accordance with societal preferences, the relative importance of attributes should be studied. The present study aims to measure the relative importance of age, gender, socioeconomic status, pre-intervention health state, treatment effect, chance of treatment success and number of people in need of the intervention. A secondary objective is to compare the validity of the willingness to pay method with the validity of a relatively new preference elicitation method, best–worst scaling.

Methods and analysis

A representative sample of 2000 Dutch citizens, over 18 years of age, are recruited to complete a web-based survey containing treatment scenarios. The scenarios present different levels of attributes. Respondents are asked to select one of the four scenarios that they prefer to be covered by the Dutch standard health insurance package and one that they prefer not to be covered. They are also asked to indicate how much they are willing to pay for each treatment scenario. At the end of the survey, respondents are asked to rate every attribute on a 1–10 scale. Two versions of the questionnaire are developed which differ on the framing, that is, treatments can be added to or removed from the insurance package. The data will be analysed by means of sequential conditional logit analysis (best–worst scaling) and analysis of variance (willingness to pay).

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol is reviewed and approved by the medical ethical committee of the University Medical Center Leiden.
Multidrug Resistance–Linked Gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival of Patients with Primary Ovarian Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Gillet Jean-Pierre , Calcagno Anna Maria , Varma Sudhir , Davidson Ben , Bunkholt Elstrand Mari , Ganapathi Ram , Kamat Aparna A. , Sood Anil K. , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Seiden Michael V. , Rueda Bo R. , Gottesman Michael M.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: This study assesses the ability of multidrug resistance (MDR)–associated gene expression patterns to predict survival in patients with newly diagnosed carcinoma of the ovary. The scope of this research differs substantially from that of previous reports, as a very large set of genes was evaluated whose expression has been shown to affect response to chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: We applied a customized TaqMan low density array, a highly sensitive and specific assay, to study the expression profiles of 380 MDR-linked genes in 80 tumor specimens collected at initial surgery to debulk primary serous carcinoma. The RNA expression profiles of these drug resistance genes were correlated with clinical outcomes.

Results: Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to estimate the ability of MDR gene expression to predict survival. Although gene expression alone does not predict overall survival (OS; P = 0.06), four covariates (age, stage, CA125 level, and surgical debulking) do (P = 0.03). When gene expression was added to the covariates, we found an 11-gene signature that provides a major improvement in OS prediction (log-rank statistic P < 0.003). The predictive power of this 11-gene signature was confirmed by dividing high- and low-risk patient groups, as defined by their clinical covariates, into four specific risk groups on the basis of expression levels.

Conclusion: This study reveals an 11-gene signature that allows a more precise prognosis for patients with serous cancer of the ovary treated with carboplatin- and paclitaxel-based therapy. These 11 new targets offer opportunities for new therapies to improve clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(11); 3197–206. ©2012 AACR.
Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate Osteopontin Expression in a Murine Model of Postischemic Neovascularization
Authors: Lyle Alicia N. , Joseph Giji , Fan Aaron E. , Weiss Daiana , Landázuri Natalia , Taylor W. Robert
Published: April 2012

Objective—

Previous findings from our laboratory demonstrated that neovascularization was impaired in osteopontin (OPN) knockout animals. However, the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of OPN expression in the setting of ischemia remain undefined. Therefore, we sought to determine whether OPN is upregulated in response to ischemia and hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) is a critical component of the signaling mechanism by which OPN expression is upregulated in response to ischemia in vivo.

Methods and Results—

To determine whether ischemic injury upregulates OPN, we used a murine model of hindlimb ischemia. Femoral artery ligation in C57BL/6 mice significantly increased OPN expression and H
2
O
2
production. Infusion of C57BL/6 mice with polyethylene glycol-catalase (10 000 U/kg per day) or the use of transgenic mice with smooth muscle cell-specific catalase overexpression blunted ischemia-induced OPN, suggesting ischemia-induced OPN expression is H
2
O
2
-dependent. Decreased H
2
O
2
-mediated OPN blunted reperfusion and collateral formation in vivo. In contrast, the overexpression of OPN using lentivirus restored neovascularization.

Conclusion—

Scavenging H
2
O
2
blocks ischemia-induced OPN expression, providing evidence that ischemia-induced OPN expression is H
2
O
2
dependent. Decreased OPN expression impaired neovascularization, whereas overexpression of OPN increased angiogenesis, supporting our hypothesis that OPN is a critical mediator of postischemic neovascularization and a potential novel therapeutic target for inducing new vessel growth.
Regional Coronary Endothelial Function Is Closely Related to Local Early Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Mild Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hays Allison G. , Kelle Sebastian , Hirsch Glenn A. , Soleimanifard Sahar , Yu Jing , Agarwal Harsh K. , Gerstenblith Gary , Schär Michael , Stuber Matthias , Weiss Robert G.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Coronary endothelial function is abnormal in patients with established coronary artery disease and was recently shown by MRI to relate to the severity of luminal stenosis. Recent advances in MRI now allow the noninvasive assessment of both anatomic and functional (endothelial function) changes that previously required invasive studies. We tested the hypothesis that abnormal coronary endothelial function is related to measures of early atherosclerosis such as increased coronary wall thickness.

Methods and Results—

Seventeen arteries in 14 healthy adults and 17 arteries in 14 patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease were studied. To measure endothelial function, coronary MRI was performed before and during isometric handgrip exercise, an endothelial-dependent stressor, and changes in coronary cross-sectional area and flow were measured. Black blood imaging was performed to quantify coronary wall thickness and indices of arterial remodeling. The mean stress-induced change in cross-sectional area was significantly higher in healthy adults (13.5%±12.8%, mean±SD, n=17) than in those with mildly diseased arteries (−2.2%±6.8%,
P
<0.0001, n=17). Mean coronary wall thickness was lower in healthy subjects (0.9±0.2 mm) than in patients with coronary artery disease (1.4±0.3 mm,
P
<0.0001). In contrast to healthy subjects, stress-induced changes in cross-sectional area, a measure of coronary endothelial function, correlated inversely with coronary wall thickness in patients with coronary artery disease (
r
=−0.73,
P
=0.0008).

Conclusions—

There is an inverse relationship between coronary endothelial function and local coronary wall thickness in patients with coronary artery disease but not in healthy adults. These findings demonstrate that local endothelial-dependent functional changes are related to the extent of early anatomic atherosclerosis in mildly diseased arteries. This combined MRI approach enables the anatomic and functional investigation of early coronary disease.
Tuning Electrical Conduction Along Endothelial Tubes of Resistance Arteries Through Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channels
Authors: Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S.
Published: April 2012

Rationale:

Electrical conduction through gap junction channels between endothelial cells of resistance vessels is integral to blood flow control. Small and intermediate-conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channels (SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
) initiate electrical signals in endothelial cells, but it is unknown whether SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
activation alters signal transmission along the endothelium.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
activity regulates electrical conduction along the endothelium of resistance vessels.

Methods and Results:

Freshly isolated endothelial cell tubes (60 μm wide; 1–3 mm long; cell length, ≈35 μm) from mouse skeletal muscle feed (superior epigastric) arteries were studied using dual intracellular microelectrodes. Current was injected (±0.1–3 nA) at site 1 while recording membrane potential (V
m
) at site 2 (separation distance=50–2000 μm). SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
activation (NS309, 1 μmol/L) reduced the change in V
m
along endothelial cell tubes by ≥50% and shortened the electrical length constant (λ) from 1380 to 850 μm (
P
<0.05) while intercellular dye transfer (propidium iodide) was maintained. Activating SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
with acetylcholine or SKA-31 also reduced electrical conduction. These effects of SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
activation persisted when hyperpolarization (>30 mV) was prevented with 60 mmol/L [K
+
]
o
. Conversely, blocking SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
(apamin+charybdotoxin) depolarized cells by ≈10 mV and enhanced electrical conduction (ie, changes in V
m
) by ≈30% (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

These findings illustrate a novel role for SK
Ca
/IK
Ca
activity in tuning electrical conduction along the endothelium of resistance vessels by governing signal dissipation through changes in membrane resistance. Voltage-insensitive ion channels can thereby tune intercellular electrical signaling independent from gap junction channels.
Relationship Between Angiographic Vasospasm and Regional Hypoperfusion in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Dhar Rajat , Scalfani Michael T. , Blackburn Spiros , Zazulia Allyson R. , Videen Tom , Diringer Michael
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Angiographic vasospasm frequently complicates subarachnoid hemorrhage and has been implicated in the development of delayed cerebral ischemia. Whether large-vessel narrowing adequately accounts for the critical reductions in regional cerebral blood flow underlying ischemia is unclear. We sought to clarify the relationship between angiographic vasospasm and regional hypoperfusion.

Methods—

Twenty-five patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent cerebral catheter angiography and
15
O-positron emission tomographic imaging within 1 day of each other (median of 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage). Severity of vasospasm was assessed in each intracranial artery, whereas cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction fraction were measured in 28 brain regions distributed across these vascular territories. We analyzed the association between vasospasm and perfusion and compared frequency of hypoperfusion (cerebral blood flow <25 mL/100 g/min) and oligemia (low oxygen delivery with oxygen extraction fraction ≥0.5) in territories with versus without significant vasospasm.

Results—

Twenty-four percent of 652 brain regions were supplied by vessels with significant vasospasm. Cerebral blood flow was lower in such regions (38.6±12 versus 48.7±16 mL/100 g/min), whereas oxygen extraction fraction was higher (0.48±0.19 versus 0.37±0.14, both
P
<0.001). Hypoperfusion was seen in 46 regions (7%), but 66% of these were supplied by vessels with no significant vasospasm; 24% occurred in patients without angiographic vasospasm. Similarly, oligemia occurred more frequently outside territories with vasospasm.

Conclusions—

Angiographic vasospasm is associated with reductions in cerebral perfusion. However, regional hypoperfusion and oligemia frequently occurred in territories and patients without vasospasm. Other factors in addition to large-vessel narrowing must contribute to critical reductions in perfusion.
Modeling Prehension for Physical Collaboration in Virtual Environments
Authors: Grabowski Patrick J. , Rutherford Drew N. , Mason Andrea H.
Published: April 2012

The modeling of human movement is vital for a complete understanding of complex human–computer interaction. As three-dimensional collaborative tangible user interfaces (TUIs) evolve, research is needed to understand how people physically interact with each other within a virtual environment. Previous study of physical collaboration in virtual environments has utilized Fitts' law to model gross upper-extremity movement in a passing task. However, no study has modeled passing tasks that require precision grasp with the human hand, an important feature of human–computer interaction in TUIs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of Fitts' law in modeling movement time for a precision passing task in a 3D TUI, and to assess the coordination between passer and receiver using kinematic parameters. In this experiment, 12 participants (six male, mean age 22.6 years) performed a prehensile passing task within a desktop virtual environment. Results detail the kinematic events required to achieve the necessary temporal and spatial coordination specific to the passing task. Further, results indicate that Fitts' model does not adequately explain movement time for this task (R 2 = .51). This finding challenges the external validity of previous results. We argue that the task-specific complexity of human neuromotor control should be considered when using predictive models in 3D TUI design.
Multiscale modeling of metal-composite interfaces in titanium-graphite fiber metal laminates part II: Continuum scale
Authors: Hundley Jacob M , Hahn H Thomas , Yang Jenn-Ming , Facciano Andrew B
Published: April 2012

This study presents a multiscale numerical framework designed to predict the nonlinear constitutive behavior of metal-composite interfaces in titanium-graphite fiber metal laminates. Molecular-level property predictions derived in a separate analysis are used to parameterize a finite element model of the interface by means of a traction-separation constitutive law. Additional continuum-level energy dissipation and progressive failure phenomena are implemented into commercial finite element software through a user-defined material subroutine. Results obtained from this multiscale interface model are compared against experimental measurements of titanium-graphite fiber metal laminates in a short-beam shear loading configuration. The model predictive accuracy and its application to other bonded metal-composite systems are subsequently discussed.
Defending Territory, Demanding Participation
Authors: Haughney Diane
Published: April 2012

The center-left coalition known as the Concertación used a multifaceted strategy to establish the terms of democracy and participation. Its legal reforms created a set of channels for citizen input but reserved decision-making power for the top level of the executive branch. The Concertación government openly supported major development projects, characterizing them as necessary for national security and development, and along with corporate interests used neoliberalism as a political philosophy for defining modernity and as a legal framework for the expression of interests and rights. The current rightist administration continues to defend growth at the expense of indigenous rights. Mapuche communities find their collective interests shunted aside and recalibrated as sets of individual interests fewer and of less political significance than those of the nation as a whole. Legal reform has become an “authoritarianization” of law and policy making within a democratic framework.

La coalición centro-izquierda conocida como la Concertación usó una estrategia polifacética para establecer los términos de la democracia y participación. Su reforma jurídica elaboró una gama de canales para la participación ciudadana, pero reservó para la cúpula mas alta de la rama ejecutiva el poder de la toma de decisiones. El gobierno de la Concertación apoyoba abiertamente grandes proyectos de desarrollo, caracterizando a estos como necesarios para la seguridad nacional y el desarrollo, y, junto con los intereses de las grandes empresas, usó el neoliberalismo como filosofía política para definir la modernidad y como marco jurídico para expresar intereses y derechos. La actual administración derechista sigue defendiendo al crecimiento por encima de los derechos indígenas. Encuentran las comunidades Mapuche que sus intereses colectivos se ponen al lado en una nueva calca que hace de ellos conjuntos de intereses individuos, achicados y con menos significado político que los de la nación en su total. La reforma jurídica se ha vuelto una “autoritarización” de la ley y la adopción de normas dentro de un marco democrático.
New Social Conflicts under Bachelet
Authors: Ruiz Carlos
Published: April 2012

From a political and social point of view, the Chilean transition to democracy was one of the most conservative in Latin America. The rise of Michelle Bachelet, a socialist woman whose father had been executed by the Pinochet regime and herself a victim of imprisonment and torture, suggested a change. Instead, the legacy of the authoritarian regime, the government’s technocratic response to it, and the economy’s “mature” neoliberalism enabled the replacement of the original coalition (the Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia) by a right-wing government that reversed many of its main tenets.

Desde una perspectiva política y social la transición democrática chilena fue una de las mas conservadoras en la América Latina. El alcance de Michelle Bachelet, una mujer socialista cuyo padre fue ejecutado por el régimen de Pinochet y ella misma victima de encarcelamiento y tortura, sugirió un cambio. Al contrario, la herencia del régimen autoritario, la respuesta tecnocrática del gobierno, y la “madurez” neoliberal de la economía permitió que se remplazara la coalición original (la Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia) con un gobierno derechista que puso en reversa muchos de sus mayores principios.
Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on compatibilized polyurethane and silicone rubber blend
Authors: Lei Cai-Hong , Li Shan-Liang , Xu Rui-Jie , Xu Yun-Qi
Published: April 2012

The polyurethane (PU)/silicone rubber dynamic vulcanizated elastomer was prepared using Pt catalyst and organohydrido silicone compound as cross-linking agent. The effect of segmented PU modified by hydroxyalkyl functional polydimethylsiloxane (Si–PU) as a compatibilizer was investigated. It is found that simple blend shows co-continuous structure and worse mechanical properties. After dynamic vulcanization, the elongation at break improved to 745.8% when the contents of catalyst and cross-linking agent are 0.12 phr and 1.65 phr, respectively. The introduction of Si–PU in 4.5 phr further improves the value to 942.6% and the sizes of cross-linked rubber dispersed in the continuous PU matrix are less than 8 μm. Si–PU copolymer shows better compatibilization effect.
Quality assessment of recycled and modified LDPE/PP blends
Authors: Borovanska Irena , Dobreva Tatyana , Benavente Rosario , Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Kotzev George
Published: April 2012

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of recycled polyolefin blends with different prehistory modified with ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope and mechanical methods. The efficiency of the modification was investigated as a function of the modifier content in the range from 7 wt% to 15 wt%. DSC results show that the single polymers are not clean material and contain some quantity of another polyolefins. In the processing and exploitation conditions, there is an increase in imperfect crystals in the postconsumer waste polypropylene. FTIR provides clear evidence about the oxidative processes and mechanical destruction during exploitation and blending. The obtained results proved that the technological and postconsumer wastes could be successfully reused as blends by the addition of EPDM.
Geographies of money and finance III
Authors: Hall Sarah
Published: April 2012

This report focuses on the intersection between finance and the ‘real economy’. I begin by examining how political economy approaches to money and the wider financialization literature reveal the entangled relationship between finance and broader economic practices. I then review how recent work in economic geography has used these approaches to develop understandings of the role of financial circuits in everyday economic life and the implications of this for the international financial system. This research is important because it problematizes popular and policy calls to rebalance the economic activity in favour of the ‘real economy’. I argue that this highlights the need to examine how financial circuits might be produced differently in order to develop a more sustainable financial system and associated economy.
Headache attributed to airplane travel (‘airplane headache’): Clinical profile based on a large case series
Authors: Mainardi F , Lisotto C , Maggioni F , Zanchin G
Published: April 2012

Background: The ‘headache attributed to airplane travel’, also named ‘airplane headache’ (AH), is a recently described headache disorder that appears exclusively in relation to airplane flights, in particular during the landing phase. Based on the stereotypical nature of the attacks in all reported cases, we proposed provisional diagnostic criteria for AH in a previously published paper. Up to now 37 cases have been described in the literature.

Methods: After our paper was disseminated via the Internet, we received several email messages from subjects around the world who had experienced such a peculiar headache. Their cooperation, by completing a structured questionnaire and allowing the direct observation of three subjects, enabled us to carry out a study on a total of 75 patients suffering from AH.

Results: Our survey confirmed the stereotypical nature of the attacks, in particular with regard to the short duration of the pain (lasting less than 30 minutes in up to 95% of the cases), the clear relationship with the landing phase, the unilateral pain, the male preponderance, and the absence of accompanying signs and/or symptoms. It is conceivable to consider barotrauma as one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of AH. The observation that the pain appears inconstantly in the majority of cases, without any evident disorder affecting the paranasal sinuses, could be consistent with a multimodal pathogenesis underlying this condition, possibly resulting in the interaction between anatomic, environmental and temporary concurrent factors.

Conclusions: This is by far the largest AH case series ever reported in the literature. The diagnostic criteria that we previously proposed proved to be valid when applied to a large number of patients suffering from this condition. We support its recognition as a new form of headache, to be included in the forthcoming update of the International Headache Society Classification, within ‘10. Headache attributed to disorder of homoeostasis’. Its formal validation would favour further studies aimed at improving the understanding of its pathophysiology and implementing preventative measures.
Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Wu Chuan-Jie , Lian Ya-Jun , Zheng Ya-Ke , Zhang Hai-Feng , Chen Yuan , Xie Nan-Chang , Wang Li-Jun
Published: April 2012

Aim: To investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intradermal and/or submucosal administration of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 42 TN patients were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, intradermal and/or submucosal injection of BTX-A (75 U/1.5 mL; n = 22) or saline (1.5 mL; n = 20) in the skin and/or mucosa where pain was experienced. The primary endpoints were pain severity (assessed by the visual analogue scale) and pain attack frequency per day. The secondary endpoint was the patient’s overall response to treatment, assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Change scale. Patients with ≥ 50% reduction in mean pain score at week 12 were defined as responders.

Results: A total of 40 patients completed the study. BTX-A significantly reduced pain intensity at week 2 and pain attack frequency at week 1. The efficacy was maintained throughout the course of the study. More BTX-A treated patients reported that pain had improved by the end of the study. Significantly more responders were present in the BTX-A group (68.18%) than in the placebo group (15.00%). BTX-A was well tolerated, with few treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusions: BTX-A may be an efficient, safe and novel strategy for TN treatment.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Injuries to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in National Collegiate Athletic Association Football
Authors: Dragoo Jason L. , Braun Hillary J. , Durham Jennah L. , Chen Michael R. , Harris Alex H.S.
Published: April 2012

Background: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common in athletic populations, particularly in athletes participating in football, soccer, and skiing.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance System (ISS) men’s football ACL injury database from the playing seasons of 2004-2005 through 2008-2009 to determine the incidence and epidemiology of complete injury to the ACL in NCAA football athletes.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: The NCAA ISS men’s football database was reviewed from the 2004-2005 through 2008-2009 seasons using the specific injury code, “Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) complete tear.” The injury rate was computed for competition and practice exposures. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (CIs) for the incident rates were calculated using assumptions of a Poisson distribution. Pairwise, 2-sample tests of equality of proportions with a continuity correction were used to estimate the associations of risk factors such as event type, playing surface, season segment, and football subdivision. Descriptive data were also described.

Results: The ACL injury rate during games (8.06 per 10,000 athlete-exposures [AEs] 95% CI, 6.80-9.42) was significantly greater than the rate during practice (0.8 per 10,000 AEs 95% CI, 0.68-0.93). Players were 10.09 (95% CI, 8.08-12.59) times more likely to sustain an ACL injury in competition when compared with practices. When practice exposures were analyzed separately, the injury rate was significantly greater during scrimmages (3.99 per 10,000 AEs 95% CI, 2.29-5.94) compared with regular practices (0.83 per 10,000 AEs 95% CI, 0.69-0.97) and walk-throughs (0 per 10,000 AEs 95% CI, 0-0.14). There was an incidence rate of 1.73 ACL injuries per 10,000 AEs (95% CI, 1.47-2.0) on artificial playing surfaces compared with a rate of 1.24 per 10,000 AEs (95% CI, 1.05-1.45) on natural grass. The rate of ACL injury on artificial surfaces is 1.39 (95% CI, 1.11-1.73) times higher than the injury rate on grass surfaces.

Conclusion: Between 2004 and 2009, NCAA football players experienced a greater number of ACL injuries in games compared with practices, in scrimmages compared with regular practices, and when playing on artificial turf surfaces. This latter finding will need to be confirmed by additional studies.
Morphologic Changes in Fresh-Frozen Meniscus Allografts Over 1 Year
Authors: Lee Bum-Sik , Chung Jong-Won , Kim Jong-Min , Cho Won-Joon , Kim Kyung-Ah , Bin Seong-Il
Published: April 2012

Background: Little is known about morphologic changes in the remodeling period after human meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT).

Hypothesis: The gross structure of meniscal transplants may be altered significantly in width and thickness during early remodeling periods.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Thirty-one patients who underwent MAT (9 medial and 22 lateral menisci) between 2008 and 2009 were prospectively evaluated by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans 2 days, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. At each time point, the width and thickness of the menisci were measured. The relative degree of shrinkage after 1 year was categorized as minimal (<10%), mild (10%-25%), moderate (25%-50%), or severe (>50%). The Lysholm score and Tegner activity level were used for clinical outcome scales.

Results: More apparent changes were observed at mid-body rather than at the posterior horn. Meniscal width at the mid-body decreased to 89% ( P < .01), whereas thickness increased to 115% ( P < .01) at 12 months. Shrinkage was observed for 3 months after MAT, but there were no significant changes thereafter. The thickness of the meniscal peripheral rim did not change before 3 months but increased afterward, for up to 1 year. Of the 31 patients, 20 (64.5%) had minimal shrinkage, 6 (19.4%) had mild shrinkage, 5 (16.1%) had moderate shrinkage, and none had severe shrinkage over 1 year. In the 5 cases of moderate shrinkage, the reduction occurred progressively for 1 year. However, the relative morphologic changes did not correlate with clinical outcome scales at postoperative 1 and 2 years ( P > .05). The preoperative alignment deviation, cartilage status (Outerbridge grade), age, gender, amount of extrusion, and time from previous meniscectomy did not affect the degree of shrinkage.

Conclusion: Gross morphologic alterations, as determined by width and thickness, were observed during the first postoperative year. Substantial shrinkage at the mid-body occurred progressively for 1 year in 16.1% of the cases. No association was found between morphologic changes and short-term clinical outcomes.
A review of energy recovery from waste in China
Authors: Dorn Thomas , Flamme Sabine , Nelles Michael
Published: April 2012

Although municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in Europe and other developed countries has led to a widespread production of solid recovered fuel (SRF) and its incineration in various technical combustion processes, such developments have not yet occurred that widely in developing and transitional economies. This article puts mass-burn technologies and SRF into a China perspective, reviewing issues from technology application problems to emerging trends and future perspectives. Over the last two decades, growing waste volumes have prompted a move to waste incineration, especially in the large densely populated first-tier cities. However, with an organic fraction above 70% and a resulting water content of up to 65%, it is still argued that MSW in China is too moist for incineration. The introduction of mechanical biological treatment (MBT) or mechanical physical stabilization (MPS) technology for SRF production could provide the solution, either by offering further pre-drying options to mass-burn incinerators or by creating SRF to be burnt in co-incineration plants. First experiences of MBT and MPS technologies show promising results in terms of the capacity to deal with organic waste fractions, but the further disposal/utilization of the plants’ output stream has not yet been fully addressed.
Testing the Factorial Invariance of the English and Filipino Versions of the Inventory of School Motivation With Bilingual Students in the Philippines
Authors: Ganotice Fraide A. , Bernardo Allan B. I. , King Ronnel B.
Published: April 2012

The study explored the invariance of Filipino and English versions of the Inventory of School Motivation (ISM) for Filipino-English bilingual students. There was invariance in the factor structure and factor loadings across the two language versions. Between-network construct validation showed consistent associations between ISM-mastery goals and sense-of-self dimensions.
Preliminary Validation of the Motor Skills Rating Scale
Authors: Cameron Claire E. , Chen Wei-Bing , Blodgett Julia , Cottone Elizabeth A. , Mashburn Andrew J. , Brock Laura L. , Grissmer David
Published: April 2012

This study examined psychometric properties of the Motor Skills Rating Scale (MSRS), a questionnaire designed for classroom teachers of children in early elementary school. Items were developed with the guidance of two occupational therapists, and factor structure was examined with an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The resulting model showed good fit with 19 items that loaded on 3 subscales: Shapes and Letters, Classroom Fine Motor, and Body Awareness. In tests of concurrent criterion validity, each scale was correlated in the expected direction with direct assessments of children’s ( N = 242) visuospatial processing, sensorimotor functioning, and executive function (EF) obtained using a direct neuropsychological assessment. Children with higher ratings on the Classroom Fine Motor scale of the MSRS also had higher teacher-rated and directly assessed mathematics achievement. Study findings provided preliminary support for the utility and validity of a brief teacher report of elementary children’s motor skills.
The Wechsler ACS Social Perception Subtest
Authors: Kandalaft Michelle R. , Didehbani Nyaz , Cullum C. Munro , Krawczyk Daniel C. , Allen Tandra T. , Tamminga Carol A. , Chapman Sandra B.
Published: April 2012

Relative to other cognitive areas, there are few clinical measures currently available to assess social perception. A new standardized measure, the Wechsler Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) Social Perception subtest, addresses some limitations of existing measures; however, little is known about this new test. The first goal of this investigation was to preliminarily explore the relationship of the ACS Social Perception subtest to five other measures of social perception and cognition in a sample of control subjects and individuals with Asperger Syndrome and schizophrenia. A secondary goal was to preliminarily explore the differences between groups on six measures of social perception and cognition. Results revealed several significant correlations between the ACS Social Perception subtest and other measures of social cognition, and some evidence for the distinguishing abilities of the measure. The ACS Social Perception subtest appears to be a promising measure for the evaluation of social perceptive skills.
The Factor Structure of the BASC-2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Teacher Form, Child/Adolescent
Authors: Dever Bridget V. , Mays Kristen L. , Kamphaus Randy W. , Dowdy Erin
Published: April 2012

The BASC-2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Teacher, Child/Adolescent Form (BESS Teacher Form C/A; Kamphaus & Reynolds, 2007) is a brief teacher-report rating scale designed to identify students who are at-risk for behavioral and emotional problems. The aim of this study was to describe the latent dimensions that underlie the responses to the BESS Teacher Form C/A. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) across two random subsets of a nationally representative sample of 2,582 children aged 6 to 12 years suggested that the BESS Teacher Form C/A contains a four-factor latent structure consisting of Externalizing Problems, Internalizing Problems, School Problems, and Adaptive Skills.
A Mokken Scale to Assess Secondary Pupils’ Experience of Violence in Terms of Severity
Authors: Mooij Ton
Published: April 2012

Violence assessment can potentially be improved by Item Response Theory, that is, ordinal Mokken Scale Analysis. The research question is as follows: Does Mokken Scale Analysis of secondary pupils’ experience of violence result in a homogeneous, reliable, and valid unidimensional scale that fits all the requirements of Mokken scaling? The method used is secondary analysis of Dutch national data collected from secondary school pupils in 2008 by means of a digital school safety survey. The first random sample ( n1 = 14,388) was used to develop the scale; the second sample ( n2 = 14,350) is meant to cross-validate the first results. Pupils’ experience of violence is assessed by 29 items reflecting six types of antisocial or aggressive behavior. A Mokken scale of 25 items meets the requirements of monotone homogeneity and double monotonicity. Ordering is invariant between boys and girls; being born in the Netherlands or not; and feeling at home in the Netherlands or not. These results are cross-validated in Sample 2. The latent construct concerns pupils’ experience of violence in terms of severity, varying from verbal and mild physical violence (relatively most frequent), to combinations of social, material, and severe physical violence, to very severe and serious sexual violence (relatively least frequent). Some limitations and further developments are discussed.
A Factor-Analytic Study of the Structure of the Brigance Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills-II
Authors: Breidenbach Daniel H. , French Brian F.
Published: April 2012

The Brigance Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills-II (CIBS-II) is the newest version of a long-standing instrument that is useful for identifying student achievement, identifying and monitoring academic strengths and weaknesses, obtaining data to support referrals, and reporting progress for individual educational plans. Since the CIBS-II is intended to comply with requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), validity studies are required. This study provides evidence to support the use of CIBS-II scores. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the proposed factor model and rival models. A randomly split sample design allowed for cross-validation evidence. The best-fitting model was in accordance with the proposed structure.
Variance in Broad Reading Accounted for by Measures of Reading Speed Embedded Within Maze and Comprehension Rate Measures
Authors: Hale Andrea D. , Skinner Christopher H. , Wilhoit Brian , Ciancio Dennis , Morrow Jennifer A.
Published: April 2012

Maze and reading comprehension rate measures are calculated by using measures of reading speed and measures of accuracy (i.e., correctly selected words or answers). In sixth- and seventh-grade samples, we found that the measures of reading speed embedded within our Maze measures accounted for 50% and 39% of broad reading score (BRS) variance, respectively. Combining reading speed with Maze accuracy to form Maze rate increased explained BRS variance by <2%. For our comprehension measures, reading speed accounted for 22% and 36% of BRS variance, which increased significantly to 49% and 44% when our reading comprehension rate measures were added to our models. Discussion focuses on the relationships between the measure of aloud reading speed embedded within many brief reading rate measures and the validity and sensitivity of these measures.
Limited V-shaped cement augmentation of the proximal femur to prevent secondary hip fractures
Authors: Fliri Ladina , Sermon An , Wähnert Dirk , Schmoelz Werner , Blauth Michael , Windolf Markus
Published: April 2012

Patients with a femoral fracture due to osteoporosis are at high risk of sustaining a secondary fracture on the contralateral side. A prophylactic mechanical reinforcement of the contralateral side during operation of the initial fracture could be of interest for such patients. This biomechanical in vitro study investigates the potential of a limited V-shaped bone cement augmentation to prevent secondary hip fractures by targeting the areas of the proximal femur with the highest stresses during a fall. Five pairs of human cadaveric proximal femora were tested in a configuration simulating a fall on the greater trochanter. The femoral neck of one specimen of each pair was augmented with 8–14 ml polymethylmethacrylate from the lateral cortex towards inferior and superior, spanning a V-shaped cement pattern. Clinical relevant fractures were generated with a 45 kg mass in controlled free fall. Load-displacement data were recorded and energy to fracture, fracture load, yield load and stiffness were statistically evaluated. Augmented samples absorbed 124% more energy until fracture compared to their controls ( p = 0.043). No significant differences were found between the two groups for fracture load ( p = 0.5), yield load ( p = 0.35) and stiffness ( p = 0.5). Biomechanically, a limited V-shaped prophylactic cement augmentation carries potential to prevent secondary hip fractures indicated by increased energy absorption until fracture. Further investigations are necessary to minimize interference with the biology and to maximize the mechanical benefit of prophylactic augmentation.
CAD–CAM-generated hydroxyapatite scaffold to replace the mandibular condyle in sheep: Preliminary results
Authors: Ciocca Leonardo , Donati Davide , Fantini Massimiliano , Landi Elena , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna , Tampieri Anna , Spadari Alessandro , Romagnoli Noemi , Scotti Roberto
Published: April 2012

In this study, rapid CAD-CAM prototyping of pure hydroxyapatite to replace temporomandibular joint condyles was tested in sheep. Three adult animals were implanted with CAD-CAM-designed porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds as condyle substitutes. The desired scaffold shape was achieved by subtractive automated milling machining (block reduction). Custom-made surgical guides were created by direct metal laser sintering and were used to export the virtual planning of the bone cut lines into the surgical environment. Using the same technique, fixation plates were created and applied to the scaffold pre-operatively to firmly secure the condyles to the bone and to assure primary stability of the hydroxyapatite scaffolds during masticatory function. Four months post-surgery, the sheep were sacrificed. The hydroxyapatite scaffolds were explanted, and histological specimens were prepared. Different histological tissues penetrating the scaffold macropores, the sequence of bone remodeling, new apposition of bone and/or cartilage as a consequence of the different functional anatomic role, and osseointegration at the interface between the scaffold and bone were documented. This animal model was found to be appropriate for testing CAD-CAM customization and the biomechanical properties of porous, pure hydroxyapatite scaffolds used as joint prostheses.
From “Balcony Talk” and “Practical Prayers” to Illegal Collectives
Authors: Pande Amrita
Published: April 2012

In this study I highlight the spatial exclusions that migrant domestic workers (MDWs) experience in Lebanon. I argue that migrant domestic workers constantly challenge such spatial exclusions by using the exact spaces that they are excluded from as the bases for a meso-level of resistances—strategic acts that cannot be classified as either private and individual or as organized collective action. I highlight three kinds of such resistive activities: the strategic dyads forged across balconies by the most restricted live-in workers, the small collectives formed outside ethnic churches by other live-in workers, and much larger worker collectives (that often cross national borders) in rental apartments occupied by illegal freelancers and runaways. By analyzing these spaces as strategic instances of workers’ collectives, I question the portrayal of MDWs in the Arab world as ultimate and defeated victims of abuse. But the continuum of resistive activities undertaken by MDWs in Lebanon also challenges the dichotomies often constructed between public (overt and organized) and private (individual and symbolic) forms of organization and resistances. This meso-level of resistance becomes particularly significant in a country like Lebanon, where MDWs are forbidden from forming or joining formal unions, and becomes critical for workers from many countries in Africa and South Asia who, unlike the larger Filipina community, have little access to formal support systems like consulates and embassies.
Development of an efficient route to hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)s
Authors: Xu Da , Li Xiujie , Gao Cong , Jiang Zhenhua , Wang Guibin , Zhang Shuling
Published: April 2012

A two-step route to an AB2 monomer that underwent polymerization via nucleophilic aromatic substitution to afford fluoro-terminated hyperbranched poly (aryl ether ketone)s (F-HPAEKs) was developed. The synthesis of 2,6-difluoro-4′-hydroxybenzophenone (AB2 monomer) was accomplished by the reaction of 2,6-difuorbenzoyl chloride with anisole, followed by deprotection of the phenolgroup with hydrobromide (HBr) in acetic acid. The polymerization of AB2 monomer in the presence of 4,4′-bis(2, 6-difluoro-benzoyl)diphenyl ether (B4 monomer) as a core molecule afforded F-HPAEKs with number-average molecular weights ranging from 5081 to 9964 Da and polydispersity index values ranging from 2.89 to 3.76. The presence of cyclic oligomeric species, formed by an intramolecular cyclization process, was a contributing factor to the relatively low molecular weights. The degree of branching (DB) of the HPAEK samples was estimated by a comparison of the 19F-NMR spectra of the polymer samples with those of a series of model compounds, and DB values ranging from 0.54 to 0.58 were determined. The glass transition temperatures for HPAEK samples were in the range of 157–176°C, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.
Characterization and low temperature test of the flexibly crosslinked polyurethane copolymer by poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Chung Yong-Chan , Park Hyun Shik , Choi Jae Won , Chun Byoung Chul
Published: April 2012

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) flexibly crosslinked by a hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) spacer at its side through allophanate bonding was tested for shape recovery at −30 °C and compared to a linear SMPU. The SMPU was composed of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI), poly(tetramethyleneglycol) (PTMG), 1,4-butanediol (BD), and PDMS that was connected to SMPU chains by a second MDI. The mechanical and shape memory properties of two types of SMPU, differing in PTMG and PDMS content, were compared. In the best case, a 283% increase in maximum stress compared to the linear polymer was attained without any sacrifice of strain. Shape recovery at 45 °C increased to 91% and remained at more than 80% after four cyclic tests. Shape recovery at 0 °C could be improved by increasing PDMS content, and the critical shape recovery temperature decreased with increasing PDMS content. The PDMS-crosslinked SMPU demonstrated instant shape recovery at −30 °C in comparison with the linear SMPU that must be warmed to room temperature for complete shape recovery. The extraordinary shape memory results were analyzed and are discussed together with differential scanning calorimetry and infrared data.