bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From the trenches: views from decision-makers on health services priority setting
Authors: Patten San , Mitton Craig , Donaldson Cam 
Published: April 2005

Due to resource scarcity, health organizations worldwide must decide what services to fund and, conversely, what services not to fund. One approach to priority setting, which has been widely used in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, is programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA). To date, such activity has primarily been based at a micro level, within programmes of care. In order to institute and refine the PBMA framework at a macro level across major service areas within a single health authority, researchers and decision-makers in Alberta embarked on a participatory action research project together. This paper identifies key issues of importance to decision-makers in a real-world priority-setting context. Themes discussed include making comparisons across disparate patient groups, dealing with political factors, using relevant forms of evidence, recognizing innovations and involving the public. The in-depth insight gained through this qualitative analysis will enable future refinement of PBMA at a macro level in the health authority under study, and should also serve to inform priority-setting activity in regionalized contexts elsewhere. In identifying aspects of priority setting that are important to decision-makers, researchers can also be better informed with respect to realworld processes.
Effect of Site Wind Properties on Wind-Electric Conversion Costs
Authors: Pallabazzer Rodolfo 
Published: April 2005

The unit cost of energy production of windgenerators is examined by means of a model of the turbine power curve and the Weibull model of wind probability function, by applying the usual economic equations. The analysis is carried out in terms of dimensionless variables whose range of variability is defined by examining the data of 80 modern commercial wind turbines; likewise, the economic parameters are based on the present state of costs. The unit cost decreases asymptotically when α (ratio between mean wind speed and cut-in speed) – increases and shows a lower limit of 2 to 5 €cent/kWh. This cost depends both on the value of the machine parameter φ (ratio between nominal and cut-in speed) and on the basic prices. The effect of the Weibull shape parameter k is different according to the values of α and φ: with low α and high φ the unit cost increases along with k (that is with the regularity of the winds); the more α increases the less k affects the unit cost. The sensitivity analysis shows that the windgenerator cost is the strongest term, and that α and φ are also significant. The saving from choosing the optimised wind turbine can be 1 to 6 €cent/kWh. The analysis of increasing the hub height shows financial benefit is not assured, as it can be positive or negative depending on the values of α, φ and the ground roughness.
The detection of loose bodies in the elbow
Authors: Dubberley J. H. , Faber K. J. , Patterson S. D. , Garvin G. , Bennett J. , Romano W. , MacDermid J. C. , King G. J. W. 
Published: April 2005

Our aim was to determine the clinical value of MRI and CT arthrography in predicting the presence of loose bodies in the elbow. A series of 26 patients with mechanical symptoms in the elbow had plain radiography, MRI and CT arthrography, followed by routine arthroscopy of the elbow. The location and number of loose bodies determined by MRI and CT arthrography were recorded. Pre-operative plain radiography, MRI and CT arthrography were compared with arthroscopy. Both MRI and CT arthrography had excellent sensitivity (92% to 100%) but low to moderate specificity (15% to 77%) in identifying posteriorly-based loose bodies. Neither MRI nor CT arthrography was consistently sensitive (46% to 91%) or specific (13% to 73%) in predicting the presence or absence of loose bodies anteriorly. The overall sensitivity for the detection of loose bodies in either compartment was 88% to 100% and the specificity 20% to 70%. Pre-operative radiography had a similar sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 71%, respectively. Our results suggest that neither CT arthrography nor MRI is reliable or accurate enough to be any more effective than plain radiography alone in patients presenting with mechanical symptoms in the elbow.
Prognostic factors and a scoring system for patients with skeletal metastasis
Authors: Katagiri H. , Takahashi M. , Wakai K. , Sugiura H. , Kataoka T. , Nakanishi K. 
Published: April 2005

Between 1992 and 1999, we treated 350 patients with skeletal metastases. A multivariable analysis of the patients was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model. We identified five significant prognostic factors for survival, namely, the site of the primary lesion, the performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 3 or 4), the presence of visceral or cerebral metastases, any previous chemotherapy, and multiple skeletal metastases. The score for each significant factor was derived from the corresponding estimated regression coefficients (natural logarithm of the hazard ratio). The prognostic score was calculated by adding all the scores for individual factors. The rate of survival was 31% at six months and 11% at one year for the patients with a prognostic score of 6 or more. By contrast, patients with a prognostic score of 2 or less had a rate of survival of 98% at six months and 89% at one year. This scoring system can be used to determine the optimal treatment for patients with pathological fractures or epidural compression.
Reconstruction after intercalary resection of malignant bone tumours
Authors: Chen T. H. , Chen W. M. , Huang C. K. 
Published: April 2005

We reviewed 29 patients who had undergone intercalary resection for malignant tumours. Of these, 14 had received segmental allograft reconstruction and 15 extracorporeally-irradiated autograft. At a mean follow-up of 71 months (24 to 132), 20 were free from disease, five had died and four were alive with pulmonary metastases. Two patients, one with an allograft and one with an irradiated autograft, had a local recurrence. Reconstruction with extracorporeally-irradiated autograft has a significantly lower rate of nonunion (7% vs 43%, p = 0.031) but an insignificantly higher rate of fracture (20% vs 14%, p = 0.535) than that with segmental allograft. Using the Enneking functional evaluation system, the mean postoperative score for the patients without local recurrence was 87% (80% to 96%) and was similar in both groups. Extracorporeally-irradiated autograft could be an acceptable alternative for reconstruction after intercalary resection, especially in countries where it is difficult to obtain allografts.
Kinematics of posterior cruciate ligament-retaining and -substituting total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Victor J. , Banks S. , Bellemans J. 
Published: April 2005

We performed a prospective, randomised trial of 44 patients to compare the functional outcomes of a posterior-cruciate-ligament-retaining and posterior-cruciate-ligament-substituting total knee arthroplasty, and to gain a better understanding of the in vivo kinematic behaviour of both devices. At follow-up at five years, no statistically significant differences were found in the clinical outcome measurements for either design. The prevalence of radiolucent lines and the survivorship were the same. In a subgroup of 15 knees, additional image-intensifier analysis in the horizontal and sagittal planes was performed during step-up and lunge activity. Our analysis revealed striking differences. Lunge activity showed a mean posterior displacement of both medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact areas (roll-back) which was greater and more consistent in the cruciate-substituting than in the cruciate-retaining group (medial p < 0.0001, lateral p = 0.011). The amount of posterior displacement could predict the maximum flexion which could be achieved (p = 0.018). Forward displacement of the tibiofemoral contact area in flexion during stair activity was seen more in the cruciate-retaining than in the cruciate-substituting group. This was attributed mainly to insufficiency of the posterior cruciate ligament and partially to that of the anterior cruciate ligament. We concluded that, despite similar clinical outcomes, there are significant kinematic differences between cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting arthroplasties.
Criteria for arthroscopic treatment of anterior instability of the shoulder
Authors: Calvo E. , Granizo J. J. , Fernández-Yruegas D. 
Published: April 2005

We prospectively evaluated 61 patients treated arthroscopically for anterior instability of the shoulder at a mean follow-up of 44.5 months (24 to 100) using the Rowe scale. Those with post-operative dislocation or subluxation were considered to be failures. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify patients at increased risk of recurrence in order to develop a suitable selection system. The mean Rowe score improved from 45 pre-operatively to 86 at follow-up (p < 0.001). At least one episode of post-operative instability occurred in 11 patients (18%), although their stability improved (p = 0.018), and only three required revision. Subjectively, eight patients were dissatisfied. Age younger than 28 years, ligamentous laxity, the presence of a fracture of the glenoid rim involving more than 15% of the articular surface, and post-operative participation in contact or overhead sports were associated with a higher risk of recurrence, and scored 1, 1, 5 and 1 point, respectively. Those patients with a total score of two or more points had a relative risk of recurrence of 43% and should be treated by open surgery.
Evidence initiatives: aspects of recent experience in England
Authors: Morris Andrew 
Published: April 2005

English
This article examines aspects of the debate in British education about the role that research evidence can play in policy making and practice, stressing the wide spectrum of views held by different stakeholders including researchers, policy makers, institutional leaders and practitioners. Responses to the evidence agenda have come from central government, the research community and professional bodies, and include the establishment of the National Educational Research Forum (NERF) to oversee the development of a coherent strategy for educational research. NERF’s activities since its establishment in 1999 are reviewed, and continuing barriers to strategic reform are discussed. The article concludes with some personal reflections on the way forward.
If evidence-informed policy works in practice, does it matter if it doesn’t work in theory?
Authors: Chalmers Iain 
Published: April 2005

English
Professionals and policy makers sometimes do more harm than good when they intervene in the lives of other people. This should prompt humility and efforts to ensure that policies and practices are informed by rigorous, transparent, up-to-date evaluations of relevant empirical evidence. Systematic reviews of relevant evidence must be designed to minimise the likelihood of confusing the effects of interventions with the effects of biases and chance. Systematic reviews are essential, although insufficient, for informing policies and practice. Critiques of this approach based solely on theory are unhelpful in efforts to protect the public from harmful and useless interventions.
High-temperature mass spectrometry: Instrumental techniques, ionization cross-sections, pressure measurements, and thermodynamic data (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Drowart Jean , Chatillon Christian , Hastie John , Bonnell David 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
An assessment of high-temperature mass spectrometry and of sources of inaccuracy is made. Experimental, calculated, and estimated cross-sections for ionization of atoms and inorganic molecules typically present in high-temperature vapors are summarized. Experimental cross-sections determined for some 56 atoms are generally close to theoretically calculated values, especially when excitation–autoionization is taken into account. Absolute or relative cross-sections for formation of parent ions were measured for ca. 100 molecules. These include homonuclear diatomic and polyatomic molecules, oxides, chalcogenides, halides, and hydroxides. Additivity of atomic cross-sections supplemented by empirical corrections provides fair estimates of molecular cross-sections. Causes of uncertainty are differences in interatomic distances and in shapes of potential energy curves (surfaces) of neutral molecules and of molecular ions and tendency toward dissociative ionization in certain types of molecules. Various mass spectrometric procedures are described that render the accuracy of measured thermodynamic properties of materials largely independent of ionization cross-sections. This accuracy is comparable with that of other techniques applicable under the conditions of interest, but often only the mass spectrometric procedure is appropriate at high temperatures.
Neonatal treatment of rats with diethylstilboestrol (DES) induces stromal-epithelial abnormalities of the vas deferens and cauda epididymis in adulthood following delayed basal cell development
Authors: Atanassova Nina , McKinnell Chris , Fisher Jane , Sharpe Richard M 
Published: April 2005

This study investigated whether transient, neonatal (days 2–12) treatment of rats with the potent oestrogen, diethylstilboestrol (DES), altered the structure of the cauda epididymis/vas deferens in adulthood, and if the changes observed related to altered development of basal cells in early puberty. Neonatal treatment with 10 μg DES resulted in the following during adulthood: (a) coiling of the normally straight initial vas deferens, (b) gross epithelial abnormalities, (c) 4-fold widening of the periductal non-muscle layer, (d) infiltration of immune cells across the epithelium into the lumen, and (e) reduction/absence of sperm from the vas deferens lumen. Amongst affected animals >75% exhibited reduced epithelial immunoexpression of androgen receptor and aberrant oestrogen receptor-α immunoexpression and 63% exhibited multi-layering of basal cells coincident with increased epithelial cell proliferation. None of the aforementioned changes occurred in rats treated neonatally with 0.1 μg DES.As basal cells play a key role in the development of epithelia such as that in the epididymis and vas deferens, we went on to investigate if neonatal DES treatment affected basal cell development. In controls, basal cells were first evident at day 10 (vas deferens) or day 18 (cauda). Rats treated with 10 μg, but not those treated with 0.1 μg, DES, showed ~90% reduction (P< 0.001) in basal cell numbers at day 15 and day 18. This decrease coincided with gross suppression of testosterone levels; co-treatment of rats with 10 μg DES + testosterone maintained basal cell numbers at control levels at day 18. However, suppression of testosterone production (GnRH antagonist treatment) or action (flutamide treatment) did not alter basal cell numbers. It is concluded that neonatal exposure to high oestrogen levels coincident with reduced testosterone action results in abnormal changes in the adult cauda/vas deferens that are preceded by delayed differentiation of basal cells. These findings imply a role for androgens and oestrogens in basal cell development and suggest that this may be pivotal in determining normal epithelial (and stromal) development of the cauda/vas deferens.
Lifetime Prevalence of Pathological Gambling Among American Indian and Hispanic American Veterans
Authors: Westermeyer Joseph , Canive Jose , Garrard Judith , Thuras Paul , Thompson James 
Published: April 2005

Objectives. We examined the prevalence and clinical correlates of pathological gambling among 1228 American Indian and Hispanic American veterans in the southwest and north central regions of the United States. Methods. We surveyed a community sample of American Indian and Hispanic American veterans to obtain data on psychiatric disorder and treatment. Results. American Indian veterans had a 10% lifetime prevalence of pathological gambling. The Hispanic American lifetime prevalence was less than that of the American Indian veterans but higher than the prevalence found for Hispanic American veterans in other surveys. Comorbid conditions associated with pathological gambling included substance, mood, and antisocial personality disorders. Ready access to casino gambling may encourage, support, or contribute to high rates of pathological gambling in both men and women. Conclusions. A 70% lifetime comorbidity of psychiatric disorders suggests that early interventions for pathological gambling should consider common psychiatric conditions rather than focusing on pathological gambling alone.
Early Alcohol Initiation and Subsequent Sexual and Alcohol Risk Behaviors Among Urban Youths
Authors: Stueve Ann , O’Donnell Lydia N. 
Published: April 2005

Objectives. We examined relations between early alcohol use and subsequent alcohol and sexual risk behaviors among urban adolescents. Methods. A total of 1034 African American and Hispanic youths completed surveys assessing alcohol and sexual behaviors at 7th and 10th grade. After we controlled for early sexual initiation, we examined relations between early drinking and subsequent alcohol and sexual behaviors. Results. Early drinking was associated with alcohol and sexual risks through mid-adolescence. Early drinkers were more likely to report subsequent alcohol problems, unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple partners, being drunk or high during sexual intercourse, and pregnancy. Among females, early drinking was also related to sexual initiation and recent sexual intercourse. Conclusions. Prevention programs should address combined risks of early alcohol use and sexual intercourse, especially where levels of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are elevated.
Pathways to Recurrent Trauma Among Young Black Men: Traumatic Stress, Substance Use, and the “Code of the Street”
Authors: Rich John A. , Grey Courtney M. 
Published: April 2005

Recurrent interpersonal violence is a major cause of death and disability among young Black men. Quantitative studies have uncovered factors associated with reinjury, but little is known about how these factors work together. We interviewed young Black male victims to understand their experience of violence. Qualitative analysis of their narratives revealed how their struggle to reestablish safety shaped their response to injury. Aspects of the “code of the street” (including the need for respect) and lack of faith in the police combined with traumatic stress and substance use to accentuate their sense of vulnerability. Victims then reacted to protect themselves in ways that could increase their risk of reinjury. We describe a model with implications for reducing rates of recurrent violent injuries.
Building Healthy Tribal Nations in Montana and Wyoming Through Collaborative Research and Development
Authors: Andersen Steve R. , Belcourt Gordon M. , Langwell Kathryn M. 
Published: April 2005

We describe a collaborative approach to reducing health disparities affecting Montana and Wyoming tribal nations while promoting health-protective practices and interventions among these populations. Under the auspices of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council, a consortium has undertaken activities to (1) establish the research infrastructure necessary for conducting ongoing health disparities research, (2) develop a target research agenda that addresses tribally identified priority health issues and tests the feasibility of interventions, (3) develop increased research skills and cultural competency through mentoring activities, and (4) develop effective collaborative relationships. All research projects are user-defined and -authorized, and participation is voluntary.
Solid‐state modification of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) via grafting of styrene. II. Morphology and melt processing
Authors: Picchioni F. , Goossens J. G. P. , van Duin M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGrafting of vinyl monomers onto isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in the solid state represents a convenient route to chemically modify iPP and, consequently, its properties. Solid‐state modification can be carried out on iPP powder directly from the polymerization reactor. The modified powder is then processed in the melt, usually with the addition of fillers and/or additives, to obtain the final product. In this work we have studied the effect of melt processing on the morphology of solid‐state polymerized PP/polystyrene (PS) blends, i.e., of a iPP powder previously modified in the solid‐state with styrene (St) and optionally in the presence of divinylbenzene (DVB). A series of samples containing different amounts of PS and displaying different grafting efficiencies were investigated before and after processing in the melt. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and solid‐state NMR were used to investigate the morphology on different length scales. It was shown that PS coalescence during processing can be hindered, thereby stabilizing the initially polymerized iPP/PS blends morphology. Indeed, reducing the PS amount in the blend or increasing the grafting efficiency resulted in less coalescence of the PS domains. Crosslinking of the PS phase during the solid‐state polymerization resulted also in a very fine but heterogeneous morphology. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 575–583, 2005
Degree of crosslinking and physical properties of dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea/acrylic acid crosslinked cotton fabrics after treatment with various metallic salts
Authors: Yen Meng‐Shung , Chen Jui‐Chin , Chen Cheng‐Chi 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThree metallic salts were used to posttreat dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)/acrylic acid (AA) crosslinked cotton fabrics, and the results showed that at a given value of the tensile strength retention (TSR), the dry crease recovery angle (DCRA) and wet crease recovery angle (WCRA) of the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were higher than those of the DMDHEU–AA‐treated fabrics, and those of the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were in the order of Ag+ > Cu+2 > Al+3. The DCRA and TSR values for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were higher than those for the DMDHEU–AA‐crosslinked fabrics, and those for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were in the order of Ag+ > Cu+2 > Al+3; however, WCRA values for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were lower than those for the DMDHEU–AA‐crosslinked fabrics, and those for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were ranked as Ag+ > Cu+2 > Al+3 at a given number of crosslinks per anhydroglucose unit. IR spectra clearly revealed the different interactions and bonding states between the hydroxyl group of the cellulose and the various metallic ions and the strength of the interaction. All crosslinked and posttreated fabric samples showed good odor absorption and antibacterial and washing‐fastness properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 584–594, 2005
Reactive processing compatibilization of direct injection molded polyamide‐6/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends
Authors: Retolaza A. , Eguiazábal J. I. , Nazábal J. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractFinely dispersed blends of polyamide 6 (PA‐6) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were obtained by direct injection molding throughout the full composition range. The blends comprised a probably pure PA‐6 phase, and a PET phase that was apparently pure in PET‐rich blends and contained slight reacted PA‐6 amounts in PA‐6‐rich blends. This very complex morphology was characterized by the presence of dispersed particles at three levels and by a very large interface area/dispersed phase volume ratio. The linear ductility behavior was attributed to both the presence of reacted copolymers and the large interface area/dispersed volume ratio, and the synergism in both the Young's modulus and yield stress to the increased orientation of the blends related to that of the pure components. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 564–574, 2005