bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation of the Talus Partially Restores Contact Mechanics of the Ankle Joint
Authors: Fansa Ashraf M. , Murawski Christopher D. , Imhauser Carl W. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Kennedy John G. 
Published: August 2011

Background: Autologous osteochondral transplantation procedures provide hyaline cartilage to the site of cartilage repair. It remains unknown whether these procedures restore native contact mechanics of the ankle joint. Purpose: This study was undertaken to characterize the regional and local contact mechanics after autologous osteochondral transplantation of the talus. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limb specimens were used for this study. Specimens were loaded using a 6 degrees of freedom robotic arm with 4.5 N·m of inversion and a 300-N axial compressive load in a neutral plantar/dorsiflexion. An osteochondral defect was created at the centromedial aspect of the talar dome and an autologous osteochondral graft from the ipsilateral knee was subsequently transplanted to the defect site. Regional contact mechanics were analyzed across the talar dome as a function of the defect and repair conditions and compared with those in the intact ankle. Local contact mechanics at the peripheral rim of the defect and at the graft site were also analyzed and compared with the intact condition. A 3-dimensional laser scanning system was used to determine the graft height differences relative to the native talus. Results: The creation of an osteochondral defect caused a significant decrease in force, mean pressure, and peak pressure on the medial region of the talus ( P = .037). Implanting an osteochondral graft restored the force, mean pressure, and peak pressure on the medial region of the talus to intact levels ( P = .05). The anterior portion of the graft carried less force, while mean and peak pressures were decreased relative to intact ( P = .05). The mean difference in graft height relative to the surrounding host cartilage for the overall population was −0.2 ± 0.3 mm (range, −1.00 to 0.40 mm). Under these conditions, there was no correlation between height and pressure when the graft was sunken, flush, or proud. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: Placement of the osteochondral graft in the most congruent position possible partially restored contact mechanics of the ankle joint. Persistent deficits in contact mechanics may be due to additional factors besides graft congruence, including structural differences in the donor cartilage when compared with the native tissue.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With a Divergent Patellar Transverse 2-Tunnel Technique
Authors: Panni Alfredo Schiavone , Alam Mahbub , Cerciello Simone , Vasso Michele , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: August 2011

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary passive restraint to lateral patellar dislocation and there is increasing awareness of its role in recurrent lateral patellar instability. Purpose: This study was conducted to prospectively analyze the functional results of a modified MPFL reconstruction technique in recurrent patellar dislocation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Forty-eight patients (51 knees) with at least 3 episodes of lateral patellar dislocation who had been treated with a 6-month rehabilitation protocol were included in this study. All patients practiced sports regularly. Reconstruction was with a semitendinosus tendon using a divergent 2-tunnel technique. Outcome was evaluated with the Kujala, Larsen, modified Lysholm, and Fulkerson outcome scores. Patient satisfaction with range of motion, pain, and sporting activities was also assessed. Results: Three patients were lost at the final follow-up, giving a follow-up rate of 94%. The mean follow-up was 33 months. There was no patella dislocation postoperatively. The mean Kujala score improved significantly ( P < .01) from 56.7 ± 17.7 (2 × standard deviation) preoperatively to 86.8 ± 14.4 postoperatively. The mean Larsen score improved significantly ( P < .01) from 12.4 ± 3.2 to 17.1 ± 2.7. The mean Fulkerson score improved significantly ( P < .01) from 59.2 ± 21.8 to 90.1 ± 14. The mean modified Lysholm score improved significantly ( P < .01) from 57.6 ± 19.6 to 88.1 ± 16.2. Sixty-four percent of patients returned to the same type of sport at the same level, 16% reduced the level or type of sport for reasons unrelated to the surgery, while 20% reduced the level of sport or changed it for reasons related to surgery. Eighty-seven percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with the pain relief achieved. The patellar tilt decreased significantly from a preoperative mean of 11.1° to 8.9° at the last follow-up ( P = .02). The mean preoperative Insall-Salvati ratio of 1.1 decreased to 1.06, although the change was not significant ( P = .1). Conclusion: The results of modified MPFL reconstructions are encouraging, with minimal risks of redislocation and an overall patient satisfaction rate of over 80%. These early and medium-term results are comparable with those of other MPFL reconstruction techniques reported in the literature.
Economics Against Democracy
Authors: Branco Manuel Couret 
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that mainstream liberal economics is intrinsically contradictory to the democratic ideal. The first stage of this demonstration concerns the deconstruction of the naturalization process of economics, in other words the process through which putative economic laws became equivalent to natural laws, which transformed economic decisions into technical issues supposedly free from democratic debate. The second stage concerns the ways in which the market has managed to legitimize its hegemony in society and the reasons why this contributes to the erosion of democracy. JEL classification: A13, B00, P10
Challenging the Presumption in Favor of Markets
Authors: Donnaruma Colin , Partyka Nicholas 
Published: August 2011

There is a pervasive presumption in the literature on political economy that substantial use of competitive markets is appropriate and necessary for organizing economic activity. Markets, however, are undemocratic, inefficient, and incentivize anti-social behavior. These short-comings are often minimized or accepted as necessary evils because of the belief that there is no alternative to market structures. This belief is mistaken. Sophisticated alternative models of economic organization, such as participatory economics, have been proposed which are substantially more consistent with important social values. We contend that in light of these alternatives, the presumption in favor of markets should be reversed and market proponents should carry the burden of proof of demonstrating why, given their numerous shortcomings, markets should continue to occupy a privileged position as the default mode of economic organization. JEL classification: A13, L10, P16
Participatory Economic Democracy in Action
Authors: Marquetti Adalmir , Schonerwald da Silva Carlos E. , Campbell Al 
Published: August 2011

This paper is a case study of a particularly important and well known experiment in participatory economic democracy, participatory budgeting (PB) in Porto Alegre under the Workers’ Party. Its intention is to draw both positive and negative lessons from this experience. There are three fundamental parts to the paper. The first part sets the frame for understanding this experiment by reviewing several relevant considerations of participatory democracy in general, and then describing the institutional structure of Porto Alegre’s PB. The second part is an empirical investigation for this case of three central issues in participatory economic democracy: participation, the nature of choices, and the resulting redistribution. A third part considers a number of limitations of the PB process as it occurred in Porto Alegre from the perspective of economic democracy. JEL classification: H72, R50
The Fonds de Solidarité
Authors: Morin Philippe 
Published: August 2011

This article illustrates the uniqueness of Canada’s first workers’ funds—the Fonds de solidarité—in terms of its historical background and the precedents that laid the ground for its creation. The differences and similarities with comparable initiatives in other countries will be highlighted. The article concludes by evaluating the controversial union strategy of acquiring and investing in firms within the capitalist system in order to achieve greater economic democracy. JEL classification: J54, J51
New discoveries in ultrasonic consolidation nano-structures using emerging analysis techniques
Authors: Johnson K , Edmonds H C , Higginson R L , Harris R A 
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the influence of ultrasonic consolidation (UC) on the bonding interface and challenges existing opinion regarding the mechanism of oxide dispersal during UC bond formation. The findings presented in this paper were achieved through the use of dual beam focused ion beam (DBFIB) etching and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enabling the close examination of the weld interface, sub-grain morphology, and dislocation structure in ultrasonically consolidated aluminium (Al) 3003-T0 samples. As a result of this investigation, it has been established that a persistent oxide layer between bonded foils often remains after UC with this material. The level of sub-grain refinement in ultrasonically consolidated components was seen to decrease as the distance from the weld interface increases. This trend was characterised by the nanoscale sub-grain and gradient sub-grain regions, between which a distinct stepped transition was apparent. Direct contact with the sonotrode surface during the deposition of each new layer was also seen to cause significantly more sub-grain refinement than interface dynamics alone. Nano-grain colonies were also discovered in areas surrounding material flaws, manganese particles, or non-planar interface regions, and persistent dislocation slip bands were seen near the UC weld interface. In light of these results, the context of previously proposed methods of bond formation in UC is discussed.
Analysis of the flow in a transonic centrifugal compressor stage from choke to surge
Authors: Trébinjac I , Bulot N , Buffaz N 
Published: August 2011

Numerical and experimental investigations were conducted in a transonic centrifugal compressor stage composed of a backswept splittered unshrouded impeller and a vaned diffuser. Unsteady three-dimensional simulations were performed with the code elsA that solves the turbulent-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, at three operating points: choked flow, peak efficiency, and near surge. Numerical results were validated with experimental data coming from laser Doppler anemometry and unsteady pressure measurements. This article focuses on the change in flow structures when the operating point moves from choke to surge. The main changes in the impeller consist in an enlargement of the wake (of the jet-wake flow structure) and an increase in the exit time-averaged flow angle. Consequently, in the diffuser passage, the main flow trajectory moves towards the vane pressure side, and the boundary layer separation transfers from pressure side to suction side. The interaction between the vane bow shock wave and the impeller blade leads to pressure waves α+, which propagate in the diffuser passage. These pressure waves generate alternately opposite and favourable pressure gradients, which drive the boundary layers to periodic separation. From choke to surge, the intensity of the pressure waves α+ increases. The interaction also leads to subsonic pockets Г, which are torn out from the vane-leading edge bow shock and swept along the vane suction side. The induced change in the shock shape and location combined with the severe hub/suction side corner separation are thought to be at the origin of the surge inception.
Prediction of long-term disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schlaeger R , D’Souza M , Schindler C , Grize L , Dellas S , Radue EW , Kappos L , Fuhr P 
Published: August 2011

Background: Little is known about the predictive value of neurophysiological measures for the long-term course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To prospectively investigate whether combined visual (VEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP) allow prediction of disability over 14 years. Methods: A total of 30 patients with relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive MS were prospectively investigated with VEPs, MEPs and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at entry (T0) and after 6, 12 and 24 months, and with cranial MRI scans at entry (T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images). EDSS was again assessed at year 14 (T4). The association between evoked potential (EP), magnetic resonance (MR) data and EDSS was measured using Spearman’s rank correlation. Multivariable linear regression was performed to predict EDSST4 as a function of z-transformed EP-latenciesT0. The model was validated using a jack-knife procedure and the potential for improving it by inclusion of additional baseline variables was examined. Results: EDSS valuesT4 correlated with the sum of z-transformed EP-latenciesT0 (rho = 0.68, p < 0.0001), but not with MR-parametersT0. EDSST4 as predicted by the formula EDSST4 = 4.194 + 0.088 * z-score P100T0 + 0.071 * z-score CMCTUE, T0 correlated with the observed values (rho = 0.69, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Combined EPs allow prediction of long-term disability in small groups of patients with MS. This may have implications for the choice of monitoring methods in clinical trials and for daily practice decisions.
The association of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and cortical lesions predicts disease activity in clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Calabrese Massimiliano , Federle Lisa , Bernardi Valentina , Rinaldi Francesca , Favaretto Alice , Varagnolo Maria Cristina , Perini Paola , Plebani Mario , Gallo Paolo 
Published: August 2011

Background: The intrathecal production of immunoglobulin (Ig) is a major biological feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and immunopathological studies have suggested a primary role of the humoral immune response in causing irreversible brain damage. Objective: To evaluate whether, in the early phases of MS, intrathecal Ig synthesis correlates with the presence of cortical lesions (CLs), and if their association could predict the clinical course of the disease. Methods: Eighty-six patients presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of MS underwent a diagnostic work-up that included magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid examination. The risk ratios (RR) for conversion to MS and for a new disease activity were calculated. Results: Patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) having CLs and intrathecal synthesis of Ig had the highest risk of conversion to MS (RR = 3.4; Wald 95% CI = 1.7–7.0, p < 0.001) whereas CIS patients without CLs and intrathecal synthesis of Ig had the lowest risk of conversion to MS (RR = 0.1, Wald 95% CI = 0.02–0.7, p < 0.001). The highest risk of having disease-related activity during the follow-up was observed in CIS and relapsing–remitting MS patients showing CLs and intrathecal Ig synthesis (RR = 2.1; Wald 95% CI = 1.5–3.1, p < 0.001) while the lowest in CIS and relapsing–remitting MS patients without CLs and intrathecal Ig synthesis (RR = 0.3; Wald 95% CI = 0.1–0.7, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We observed that the association of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and CLs was highly predictive of an earlier CIS conversion to MS as well as of a higher disease activity.
Finite element analysis applied to redesign of submerged entry nozzles for steelmaking
Authors: Ewing H C , Hendry A , Nash D H 
Published: August 2011

The production of steel by continuous casting is facilitated by the use of refractory hollow-ware components. A critical component in this process is the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). The normal operating conditions of the SEN are arduous, involving large temperature gradients and exposure to mechanical forces arising from the flow of molten steel; experimental development of the components is challenging in so hazardous an environment. The effects of the thermal stress conditions in relation to a well-tried design were therefore simulated using a finite element analysis approach. It was concluded from analyses that failures of the type being experienced are caused by the large temperature gradient within the nozzle. The analyses pointed towards a supported shoulder area of the nozzle being most vulnerable to failure and practical in-service experience confirmed this. As a direct consequence of the investigation, design modifications, incorporating changes to both the internal geometry and to the nature of the intermediate support material, were implemented, thereby substantially reducing the stresses within the Al2O3/graphite ceramic liner. Industrial trials of this modified design established that the component reliability would be significantly improved and the design has now been implemented in series production.
Epoxy/thermoplastic blends: the effects of two different aromatic modifiers
Authors: Cicala G , Mamo A , Latteri A , Recca G 
Published: August 2011

In this article, a study of the properties of selected epoxy/thermoplastic blends based on the addition of two different types of aromatic modifiers is presented. The epoxy monomer used was a diglycidyl ether of biphenol A cured by 4,4′methylene bis(2,6-diethylaniline) as an amine-curing agent. One modifier was a commercial poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether or oxide) (PPE or PPO), while the other was a random copolyethersulphone synthesized in our laboratory. Several different percentages of modifiers varying from 5 to 30 wt% were considered in order to evaluate a wide spectrum of morphologies. The blends have been thoroughly characterized by parallel plate rheometry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The isothermal rheology revealed some peculiar features for the blends modified by the addition of PPO as modifier. PPO bimodal mass distribution induced a two-phase separation transitions that were not observed with blends containing copolyethersulphone. All the blends presented phase-separated morphology that was clearly observed by SEM analysis. DMTA supported the results of SEM and rheology showing multi-peak behaviour in the loss tangent curves that are typical of phase-separated systems.
p53 activation of mesenchymal stromal cells partially abrogates microenvironment-mediated resistance to FLT3 inhibition in AML through HIF-1α–mediated down-regulation of CXCL12
Authors: Kojima Kensuke , McQueen Teresa , Chen Ye , Jacamo Rodrigo , Konopleva Marina , Shinojima Naoki , Shpall Elizabeth , Huang Xuelin , Andreeff Michael 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitors have been used to overcome the dismal prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 mutations. Clinical results with FLT3 inhibitor monotherapy have shown that bone marrow responses are commonly less pronounced than peripheral blood responses. We investigated the role of p53 in bone marrow stromal cells in stromal cell-mediated resistance to FLT3 inhibition in FLT3 mutant AML. While the FLT3 inhibitor FI-700 induced apoptosis in FLT3 mutant AML cells, apoptosis induction was diminished under stromal coculture conditions. Protection appeared to be mediated, in part, by CXCL12 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 signaling. The protective effect of stromal cells was significantly reduced by pre-exposure to the HDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a. p53 activation by Nutlin-3a was not cytotoxic to stromal cells, but reduced CXCL12 mRNA levels and secretion of CXCL12 partially through p53-mediated HIF-1α down-regulation. Results show that p53 activation in stroma cells blunts stroma cell-mediated resistance to FLT3 inhibition, in part through down-regulation of CXCL12. This is the first report of Nutlin effect on the bone marrow environment. We suggest that combinations of HDM2 antagonists and FLT3 inhibitors may be effective in clinical trials targeting mutant FLT3 leukemias.
Implications of discrepancy in morphologic diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome between referral and tertiary care centers
Authors: Naqvi Kiran , Jabbour Elias , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Pierce Sherry , Borthakur Gautam , Estrov Zeev , Ravandi Farhad , Faderl Stefan , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia-Manero Guillermo 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Patients referred to tertiary care centers occasionally may have their diagnostic procedures repeated and have a final diagnosis that differs from that of the referring center. The aim of this study was to evaluate discordance rates and their clinical implications in the diagnosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) referred to a tertiary center. We analyzed 915 patients with MDS who were referred to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between September 2005 and December 2009. Discordance in the diagnosis was documented in 109 (12%) patients, with a majority reclassified as having higher-risk disease by French-American-British (67%) or by International Prognostic Scoring System (77%) with implications for therapy selection and prognosis calculation. These results demonstrate the complexity of the diagnosis of MDS and highlight the need for confirmation of diagnosis when in doubt.
A novel inhibitor of focal adhesion signaling induces caspase-independent cell death in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Bosch Rosa , Dieguez-Gonzalez Rebeca , Céspedes Maria Virtudes , Parreño Matilde , Pavón Miguel Ángel , Grañena Albert , Sierra Jorge , Mangues Ramon , Casanova Isolda 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Focal adhesion (FA) proteins have been associated with transformation, migration, metastasis, and poor outcome in many neoplasias. We previously showed that these proteins were inhibited by E7123, a new celecoxib derivative with antitumor activity, in acute myeloid leukemia. However, little is known about FAs in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This paper aimed to determine whether E7123 was effective against DLBCL and whether FAs were involved in its action. We evaluated the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of E7123 and celecoxib in DLBCL cell lines. We also assessed the E7123 in vivo activity in a DLBCL xenograft model and studied FA signaling in primary DLBCL patient samples. We found that E7123 showed higher antitumor effect than celecoxib against DLBCL cells. Its mechanism of action involved deregulation of FA, AKT, and Mcl-1 proteins, a pathway that is activated in some patient samples, apoptosis-inducing factor release and induction of caspase-independent cell death. Moreover, E7123 showed suppression of in vivo tumor growth. These findings indicate that E7123 is effective against DLBCL in vitro and in vivo, with a mechanism of action that differs from that of most current therapies for this malignancy. Our results support further preclinical evaluation of E7123.